#while i have had many feelings for episodes 5&6 i just watched 7&8 today and i am reeling

[astearisms]

snowglobes 🌨️

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

01/26/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Renew As A Crew/Hoist The Ads; Cast & Crew Sightings; Queerties; Twitter Watch parties; Articles; Reasons to keep fighting; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Tonights Taika;

== Renew As A Crew / Hoist The Ads ==

Tumblr Post / Twitter Post /Instagram Post

Link to vote

==Cast & Crew Sightings==

While the sighting hasn't occurred yet... looks like Vico Ortiz, Nathan Foad, and Con O'Neill will all be attending Galaxy Con in San Jose on August 16-18, 2024 at the San Jose Mcenery Convention Center. Tickets available now. Src: _irene_adler on IG

One thing to note.. Chaos dad has been pretty consistent about reaching out every 3 days-ish lately.. I'm interested to see if tomorrow he shows up again. Just a theory.

== Queerties ==

If you're down, please vote for the Queerties each day! If you want to just vote for OFMD categories, feel free to visit: TV Comedy Best TV Performance Wanna help another Taika/Rhys verse Queertie? Vote for Kaimana for Best Film Performance in Next Goal Wins!

==Twitter Watch Parties==

Sadly, today #PirateOmens came to an end, but our friend @dandeebakes is already fast at work getting other cool Watch parties together! Please send them some love!

=HuntForThePirateHome=

HuntForThePirateHome Watch Party Starts Sunday Jan 28 at 3 PM EST, 12 PT, 8 PM GMT. Hashtags for that event are:

#HuntForThePirateHome

#AdoptOurCrew

#SaveOFMD

Thank you to @blueberreads for catching these trends on twitter during the Pirate Omens watch, definitely kept engagement up.

==LubeAsACrew==

#LubeAsACrew is back on 1/31/24 at 4PM PT, 1PM ET. Next up are S1 Episodes 5, 6, 7.

== How To Help ==

How To Help Save OFMD Task List - US How to Help Save OFMD Task List - Outside US

==Articles==

15 Things We’ll Miss About ‘Our Flag Means Death’

2024’s Canceled Shows, for Your Final Consideration

Relisting The Guardian's article from yesterday because they've opened comments, and it can help with engagement so feel free to comment on it now!

Also, @itsmfgames Has been kind enough to be keeping up a running list of Articles about the campaigns -- so if you have the time and want to go catch up on some articles, please checkout the guide below and visit this google doc for the list! It's been added to the Daily Renewal List for both US and Outside-US, so feel free to check it out there as needed.

== Reasons to Keep Fighting ==

Throwing in some great points from our tumblr folks regarding the cancellation that really helped me feel pumped today.

@celluloidbroomcloset's Our Flag Means Death was cancelled because it’s gay.

@queerly-autistic's break down on why Not All Fan Campaigns Are The Same.

@saltpepperbeard's reasoning for Clinging Onto Hope

@tulipseason's lovely reasons The Show Is Irreplaceable

== Love Notes ==

Alright lovelies. I have so many words to say about how great you all are, how much I love you (and I'm sure you're tired of hearing them), but I went back to work today after 7 days of being sick and now my brain is mush. So instead I'm going to put the text of one of my son's books in here because I think every one of us should feel loved like we were when we were 5.

On The Night You Were Born - By Nancy Tillman On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, “Life will never be the same.” Because there had never been anyone like you… ever in the world. So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain, that they whispered the sound of your wonderful name. It sailed through the farmland High on the breeze… Over the ocean… And through the trees… Until everyone heard it and everyone knew of the one and only ever you. Not once had there been such eyes, such a nose, such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes. When the polar bears heard, they danced until dawn. From faraway places, the geese flew home. The moon stayed up until morning next day. And none of the ladybugs flew away. So whenever you doubt just how special you are and you wonder who loves you, how much and how far,  Listen for geese honking high in the sky. (They’re singing a song to remember you by.) Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo. (It’s because they’ve been dancing all night for you!) Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind. (Listen closely… it’s whispering your name again!) If the moon stays up until morning one day, or a ladybug lands and decides to stay, or a little bird sits at your window awhile, it’s because they’re all hoping to see you smile… For never before in story or rhyme (not even once upon a time) has the world ever known a you, my friend, and it never will, not ever again… Heaven blew every trumpet And played every horn On the wonderful, marvelous Night you were born

== Daily Darby / Tonights Taika ==

The gifs today are courtesy of our lovely @ofmd-ann who blesses us every day with gifs that make me swoon. Darby / Taika

Warning to all you gif makers, I'm gonna be bugging the crap out of you soon for permission to share on these recaps :P -- feel free to say no!

[wanderlust-in-my-soul]

Currently Watching - February

Because I love a good little list - in alphabetical order! 😊

Regularly updated during the month, latest update 28.02.2023

This may contain spoilers!

1. Bed Friend (2/8 on iQiyi)

The trauma is strong in this one! As is the tension and longing looks of King. Do you have feelings for me? Should ask yourself, buddy. But it is interesting and the first episode was promising.

2. Bokura no Micro na Shuumatsu aka The End Of the World With You (5/8 on Gaga or Viki)

This feels depressing and heartbreaking and I love it! Done right this can become a little sad gem. This is way more explicit than I thought...and there are so many plot twists! Now we have the supernatural element and the boy can influence the weather? What else is there to come?

3. Boyband (1/6 on Youtube)

And so they decided it is no longer free with subs on youtube...why starting with the first epsiode, when you can't keep up with it?

4. Chains of Heart (2/10 on iQiyi)

Cinematography and scenery - stunning! Really pretty and dark and atmospheric. The plot - I don't get it yet? I really have no clue who some of those people are and what is going on. The acting? Everything between okay and cringy. And there are some scenes which are so damn fucking long! Unnecessary long!

5. History 5 (9/10 on Viki)

I hate it here.

5. Island Part 2 (2/6)

It starts where part one ended and I really appreciate we got to see something from their past! There was so much to explain and they finally did it. Great first two episodes.

6. Moonlight Chicken (6/8 on Youtube)

I love EarthMix so much and I missed them and now I am just so happy they are back and damn they are fine! I felt so shy watching the first episode. Let me just sit here with a huge grin on my face. I won't be normal for the next few weeks...and GeminiFourth are so lovely too and took over the whole show for me! Oh this series is so good.

7. Tin Tem Jai (1/10 on Gaga)

I don't know when I am going to drop it, but the first episode was...not that good. I have no idea what is happening and why this little girl is everywhere...I just...I don't know...And Park looks annoyed like everytime he is on screen...

8. Utsukushii Kare Season 2 (3/4 on Gaga and Viki)

Yeah, I like it. And today my heart broke together with Kiyoi's.

Finished in February

Series

1. The New Employee (7/7 on Viki)

I thought it would be 8 episodes, but apparently there are only 7. Fine by me. I liked this one a lot. It felt mature and they did great with the communication. It is Woo Seung Hyun's first relationship, so of course he is sometimes a little bit overwhelmed and shy, but he learns and trusts and Kim Jong Chan helps him and also learns so much in the progress and they both are just so perfect for each other. It is a 8,5 out of 10 for me.

2. Love at the End of the World (9/9 on Gaga)

What the actual fuck have I just watched...I left my best friend 20!!! voice messages while watching this. Some scenes left me speechless, some depressed and some I couldn't take serious. I don't know why it had to be this graphic, but okay. The end of the world is near and we accompany four different couples through their last days on earth. And those last days are fucked up, just as this movie and its plot twists are. It is a 6,5 out of 10 for me, because sometimes I just like a fucked up story.

3. It's okay not to be okay (16/16 on Netflix - no bl)

I am not okay and that is totally okay...the moment Kim Soo-hyun smiled it blew me away and the acting and the story hit me with all its force and I am in love with this series. I love it so fucking much! I don't know how to get on from it right now. This series has such powerful messages and I love all the characters and all the ups and downs and all my painful tears and happy tears I shed, I love every moment, every single emotion I felt while watching it. So fucking good. If I could, I would give this 100/10, and yes, this is my blog and I can do what I want, but let's keep it real, I'll stick to my rating: This is clearly a 10 out of 10 for me.

4. Work from heart (7/7 on Youtube)

Well, this one was...cringy and boring? And the pacing was something else. I liked the chemistry between the main, but everything felt a little bit rushed. The ending was unexpected heated. The ex was a big red flag and really annoying at some point. 5,5 out of 10 for me

5. Individual Circumstances (8/8 on Viki)

After years spending their lives apart from each other an almost worn out movie director and a famous writer meet again. The past has to be processed and the writer deals with their history and present in one of his stories. It started strong and overall I like it, but what was that kiss in the end? Korea you can do better, we know that! It is a 7 out of 10 for me.

6. Ameiro Paradox (8/8 on Gaga)

Well it had its moments, but sometimes there was just no progress. It started in a good way, but I just lost interest halfway through. But it is not a bad series, just a little bit boring from time to time. A 6 out of 10 for me.

7. I Will Knock You (12/12 on Gaga)

Not gonna lie, I had my problems with this one. I can understand where people come from when they say it is good, because I get the message and that is a really beautiful one. Don't judge people without knowing anything about them. To change is not always bad. Some people can bring out the best in you and love doesn't judge and I guess some more, I can't think of right now. I enjoyed the second half of the series. But till the end, I didn't like the characters that much. So for me this is a 7 out of 10.

8. Sh**ting Stars (16/16 on Viki - no bl)

This is one of those dramas that put a huge smile on my face. I really liked it! It is funny and cute and Gong Tae Sung is the biggest, softest puppy in love out there! He is just so awwww! It is a good 9,5 out of 10 for me.

9. Lonely Connections (6/6 on Gaga)

This series left a feeling of solitude in my soul. I have to let you go, so you can be with the one who loves you. This series shows different kinds of romantic and sexual relationships, the different types of love and desire. Does it mean I love you when I have sex with you? Can I love someone and still desire someone else? At some point it is very explicit, so not for everyone. I liked the tone of the series. It is very artsy. Overall 7,5 out of 10 for me.

10. The Love that Dare Not Speak Its Name (6/6 on Gaga)

Well this was a quick one with a runtime of round about 15 minutes in total! But it told a whole story. The acting was a bit stiff and the dialogues were not that good. It is the story of two roommates who become friends and best friends and one day, out of the blue, one of them confesses. Well yeah...I really like the titel! 5,5 out of 10 for me.

11. Move to Heaven (10/10 on Netflix - non bl)

This is such a little gem. I have cried for like 8 hours straight. Such a fucking good and touching story! I want a second season! Now! But it is really a beautiful drama about growth and family and love and grief. One of the easiest 10 out of 10 ever!

12. Physical: 100 (9/9 on Netflix, non bl)

Well this was fun. Most of the fun came from watching with my best friend, but still. My last favorite came in third, so I am not that dissappointed 😅 and damn all of the contestens were strong af! I won't rate it, because, I don't know how 😅

13. Red Balloon (8/8 on Gaga)

Gaga is going to kick out a bunch of movies and series, among others also this series, so I took time today to watch it. It was sweet and heartbreaking and brutal and sad. It deals with a bunch of homophobia and mobbing and that was difficult to watch, especially because non of the teachers would really help...that was so frustrating. 7,5 out of 10 for me.

14. My School President (12/12 on Youtube)

It hurts so much to put it in my completed folder. This was such a wholesome series. There were no unnecessary cliffhangers, no unnecessary drama. The communication was superb! The characters were so well written and the character growth is just chef's kiss. I love every singel second of this series and I will come back to it, if I need something to comfort me. Because it is just wholesme and lovely and healing. And Tinn is the biggest, cutest green flag walking in bl-land. I adore him. I give it 20 out of 10, because that is what its deserve.

15. Never let me go (12/12 on Youtube)

I like this one. Yes, there were plotlines I don't understand. Palm, why did you have to leave, again? Just stay together, because alone both of you are unhappy! The best part of this one was definitive the chemistry between Pond and Phuwin. Those two did a really great job! 8 out of 10 for me

Short Film

1. Table Manner (on Gaga)

This one...I don't like it that much. It was a little bis boring. There was a sweet kiss, but the story was just not that interesting. 5,5 out of 10 for me

2. Plus Minus (on Gaga)

Not to be msitaken with the taiwanese Plus & Minus, this one is a Pinoy short film with a confusing plot. The time line is not linear and most of the times I didn't know when the scene took place. 5 out of 10 for me.

3. Firsts (on Gaga)

For everything there is a first time. Problems occure when you can't deny your desires anymore, when there is no going back for you. Then you have to be true to yourself. You can't pretend forever and you have to make a choice. A great short film that displays the intimacy and vulnerability really good through words and actions. 8 out of 10 for me

4. Pure Vanilla (on Youtube)

Such a sweet short film, just as the titel promised. Two coworkers who have feelings for each other, but don't know if the other person feels the same. Really cute. 9 out of 10 for me

5. One Afternoon (on Gaga)

It is a quiet short film with not much talking, but nevertheless is it quite intense. It is a different point of view than we usually get. We see most of the film through the eyes of the younger brother and how he deals with discovering that his brother loves another man. 7 out of 10 points.

Movie

1. Tinted with you (Viki)

A historical drama with time travelling and some really nice scenery. It is always difficult to tell a good time travel story. At some point I just had to stop thinking about all the problems which could come with the things they did, but okay. It is not a bad bl, but a little bit boring. For me it is a 6,5 out of 10.

Dropped/On Hold in February

1. Cutie Pie 2: You (2/4 on Youtube)

Oh this is so boring! I couldn't bring myself to watch any further, even though it only has four episodes and I watched with double speed...I was in love with the first season, before it lost me on the way with its sugary, lovey dovey washed story and this second one is just...no. I can do so much more with my time...

Looking forward to in February

Moonlight Chicken (Feb 8th)

Utsukushii Kare Season 2 (Feb 8th)

Marry My Dead Body (Feb 10th)

Egoist (Feb 10th)

Moments of Love (Feb 14th)

Boyband (Feb 16th)

Jack Frost (Feb 17th)

Bed Friend (Feb 18th)

Chains Of Heart (Feb 18th)

Island Season 2 (Feb 24th)

Tin Tem Jai (Feb 27th)

Café in Love

A Shoulder To Cry On (-Viki and Youtube page were created)

The Luminous Solution

Future

[thenightling]

Spookiest moments from the first season of The Sandman

Since we are only two days from Halloween I have decided to compile the spookiest and creepiest moments from the first season of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman from Netflix. I will be providing video clip links whenever possible for this list. 10. The fate of Rosemary in episode 4 and perhaps all of 24/7 (24 Diner in the comics and audio drama). This particular story isn't really scary to me but it is very gory and I know that is scary for a lot of people. The gore actually kind of bored me but that could be because I'm very desensitized to gore from watching too much of things like American Horror story. The part of this story that actually does catch me off guard is the changed fate for Rosemary. You get so worried for her and her dog. The way the story was changed was definitely an improvement (in my opinion) but you get so worried for her, that I have to count it as a spooky moment. By the way, Sandman fans so heavily approved of how Rosemary's fate was changed that just today I saw the phrase "I was hoping they Rosemaryed her." used by Sandman fan.

9. Poor Jessamy's death. Jessamy's Death is one of the most gut wrenching moments in The Sandman. What makes it all the worse is the hopeful music playing while her plan to rescue Morpheus is set into motion. And then, just when it looks like she's about to free him... she gets killed very suddenly right in front of him. It's startling and heartbreaking at the same time. It leaves you feeling chilled, disappointed, and also pitying Morpheus for his reaction. The emotion conveyed by Tom Sturridge as Morpheus in that scene, without uttering a word, is incredible.

8. The banishing of Hector Hall's ghost to the Afterlife. When Morpheus banishes Hector Hall's ghost, Hector looks like he is decomposing right before our eyes. No wonder Lyta Hall mistakenly thought of it as Morpheus killing him. 7. Funland and his death. Funland is a creepy predator attending a serial killer convention. HIs death is a creepy moment because you think Jed and Rose had just been rescued but really they are now at the mercy of the rogue nightmare, The Corinthian. 6. Johanna Constantine's Nightmare. Much like with DC"s John Constantine, we get a tragic flashback of what happened in New Castle, where a Dark Magick obsessed father (treated much like a drug addiction) opens a portal to Hell and accidentally invokes something. The demon claims an innocent little girl while Johanna Constantine is trying to banish the demon. 5. Johanna Constantine exorcises a demon. Here Johanna Constantine banishes a demon but the one who is possessed is not who she suspected. (Though many of us saw the twist coming.)

4. Death comes to collect a soul. This isn't really "scary." In fact it's sweet. But there is an underlying creepiness to knowing the end is near and the mystery of what comes next. Here we see Death (Morpheus's sister) come collect an old man and take him to the afterlife. Though this isn't necessarily scary it can still be disturbing.

3. The summoning of Morpheus. Roderick Burgess and his coven, The Order of Ancient Mysteries, attempt to invoke The Grim Reaper and get Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams by mistake. The invocation scene is pretty intense but I must admit I actually think the audio drama version is better. It just feels more intense, more foreboding, or maybe that's because my mind has to come up with the visuals. It's definitely longer in the audio drama version, mind you.

At the exact moment that Morpheus feels the pull of the summoning spell, he was confronting the rogue nightmare, The Corinthian, who Morpheus meant to uncreate for having been roaming The Waking World and killing mortals.

2. Invoking The Hecateae. After Morpheus escapes his captivity he has to track down his tools that had been taken from him by his captors. This includes his ruby amulet (a conduit for his powers), his battle helm (he never actually goes into battle but it's a symbol of his authority), and his pouch of dream sand (He is The Sandman after all). Having no clue where his tools have ended up Morpheus is left with no choice but to seek the aid of the Three-in-one. The Three-in-One represent the triple Goddess, Hecate (Goddess of Witchcraft and magick), The Fates, and the furies (divine vengeance against those that spill family blood). The Hecateae are fickle and dangerous and very powerful.

1. The Oldest Game. Morpheus vs. Lucifer. Many people would tell you that there's nothing creepier than a depiction of The Devil. In this scene Morpheus challenges Lucifer to a sort of duel to win back his helm, which had been stolen from him during his long captivity at the hands of mortal sorcerers. The challenge between Morpheus and Lucifer is known as "The Oldest Game" which some might recognize as the Wizard's duel from The Sword in the Stone or even the version from The Raven starring Vincent Price and Boris Karloff as rival sorcerers. If Morpheus wins he gets his helm. If Lucifer wins Morpheus (and by extension the dreams of mortals) become enslaved by Lucifer.

[peenybobini]

It's 12:52 am on October 13th, 2023.

I'm in bed preparing to go to sleep next to my mom. I broke my ankle a month ago, 3 weeks into starting my own business. I'm feeling good today. My boyfriend quit his job? Lost his job? I think more quit suddenly today, but I'm honestly feeling okay about it. Hoping that he's able to find what he needs to get out of life and praying this pushes some motivation into him!! Love him, he's been very supportive of everything going on lately and I'm appreciative of that. Learning the hard way not to rely on him for everything. My thoughts are jumbled but I'm sure I'll know what I mean. I've been feeling the urge to write again so I figured now is as good a time as any. My dad said an interesting thing today- "As long as you're a giver, the takers will find you." It wasn't in reference to me, and in fact was a reference to many other relationships in our family dynamic. Its hard being back home and seeing first hand how much everyone in their life takes advantage of them. I refuse to let that be me. Im going to find success and help them one day somehow, even though it will pale in comparison to the support they've provided for me through all of the hardships I've experienced.

Anyways, all of that's in the past now. Idk if I'll ever return, but if I do I'm going to try to keep track of the things that happen each day that bring me joy and make me happy, just like I used to do when I had the idea a while ago when I was paying someone to therapist myself lol.

1. Good day at work, easy, quiet, quick appointments. Have made okay money so far this month!

2. Dylan coming over to watch survivor. I love that the longer we're together the more ways I figure out how to make him laugh, the best feeling.

3. Star Guardian Syndra became available in the hextech shop and I snatched that shit up immediately.

4. Had fun going to 5 below and making some silly purchases (Kermit tee for me, herbilogy tee for Dyl, phone charm that is too small but also too bulky to use for work lol)

5. Upgrading to the 15 as soon as it arrives in the mail, ended up being only $5, told my parents I'd pay but they're not into that.

6. Rewatched jujutsu kaisen 0 with my dad, he got invested and was asking me questions and wanted to know what was going on, especially when I then watched the newly released episode he was totally lost. I like having good moments with just him.

7. Ate Indian food for the first time in weeks. Aloo curry. Fucking delicious.

8. Dylan putting my cardigan on me and smoking a bowl out of a pipe with me on the porch and having a good conversation even though he was stressed beyond belief. We're good for each other. I love him

[borderlinescorpio]

Criteria-fitting thoughts - Unstable Emotions (The Reality of Being a Borderline)

TW - Mental Illness , BPD, drug addiction

The reality is, that every single part of the criteria that relates to you as an individual, still won't manifest itself in the same way it does for others. This means that no one should doubt themselves when they're diagnosed, just because of issues such as they've seen other people saying they experience the opposite. The truth is, we are all valid! Please understand whether you fit 5, 6, 7, 8 or all 9, you are valid no matter how many or how they affect you as an individual.

The thing about me is, I'll always provide examples when talking about the affects of Borderline Personality Disorder. I do this for many reasons, but mostly to help people who may not be educated on BPD have an insight into the mind of a Borderline. This can help other borderlines by their FP being able to read, or their siblings, parents or friends. I can be quite an over-sharer, although I don't think I'll need a trigger warning for what I'm going to be writing about today. But I'll include one regardless just incase.

One of the weirdest things I've noticed about mood swings, is having to avoid certain people, places, conversations, even smells, in order to not have panic attacks/flashbacks?? (which automatically lead into an episode of either extremity). My favourite perfume as a teenager, I feel like all the girls had it, Fantasy by Britney, it was amazing but now it just takes me back to the trauma I was experiencing at that time. The strong smell of petrol in a car garage, chicken flavoured supernoodles.. My dad was an addict growing up and he worked as a mechanic, which explains the petrol thing. regardless of my dads life choices, I just wanted so desperately for him to love me the way other girls' dads loved them, it feels pathetic to say it now. One time, he OD'd sitting next to me on the couch, watching TV and his head was at a backwards angle.. I heard liquid coming up his throat but he didn't move, so I yanked him forward and saved that mans life. I was 8 years old, eating chicken flavoured supernoodles.

Even things people might deem as stupid can ruin my whole day, such as hard style music or certain shows or movies with disturbing plots or may have been big in the world of cinema, back in a time where my life was a living hell and i only had myself to rely on fully. Trying to mask it in front of other people is f*cking hard too. I've tried the whole 'okay I will go to the concert, maybe the environment will distract me from the negative effects the music has on my body'.. don't do it, you'll only wish you never went to begin with.

The mood swings side of BPD really does make me terrified to be a parent, like what if I do or say one thing ever that causes them trauma.. I know and I am confident in the work I have done over these past few years to get help and work on changing behaviours, but how do I know I wouldn't end up more mentally ill while being pregnant or after giving birth? Would I have to come off of my medication, which alongside therapy has been the only thing to keep me on an even keel? I'm 25 and I feel like I should be A LOT further on in life than I am..

Another curse of unstable emotions for me personally has got to be the intense lonliness I feel 24/7, due to isolating myself in the hopes that if I'm not around other people, then maybe I won't ruin my relationship with them by splitting or heading into an episode and being too much to handle. If I'm in a manic state I'm too loud and overbearing, and I do really stupid things with a lot of disorganised thinking, it can get quite dangerous. However, if I'm in a depressive episode, my negativity is too much to handle, I'm too intolerant, too aggressive. So I just simply stay away, because what else can I do to protect them from.. me. Or is it me? I'm at a point where I've let the monster take over so much, I have no idea where it stops and I begin.. I have some really good moments where I feel like myself, not possessed by the demon of darkness, but that quickly fades into bouts of nothingness.

[moviesstoriesandbooks]

I am crying while typing this. Thots on bad buddy ep 10

.

1) going through the tags is a game of russian roulette. We're either gonna get tooth rotting inkpa fluff or we're gonna di£🤓

2) fuck you Pat's dad. You disgusting piece of excuse for a human being. Pat raised himself to be a man. You're not even one. How dare you inflict that weight on a child?

3) Pran's mum. You bitch. You did the same thing to pran that my mum did to me. And my feelings to you are the same. I empathize. But i will never forgive.Nor should Pran.

4) school. Both of them are such saps. I thought seeing liddol pat running with the guitar that's somehow seems bigger than him , with his cheeks bouncing ,and eyes lost, was gonna be the most heartbreaking scene in today's episode.

5) It was not. I had to sit through the scene in the supermarket where Pran pushes Pat away , then Pran being fuckin scared in his own house, of his own mother and then i had to see pran sobbing in pat's arms at the terrace. I am not okay. Not at all.

6) everything was fine in the beginning. Everything. They were messing around. Openly. Loudly. For the entire world to see. But that's not the entire world is it? It's... Just like how queer people have their own spaces where they can be loud and free and happy as much as they want , but in reality that's only a corner of the world that they have to make for themselves , while everywhere else it's like having a gun to your head.

7) they're still playing the game.

8) paof you ☀️ of a 🐩, you did it. Did tou ask gmmtv to look the other way when you shot inkpa scenes or did you tell them they were just friends? I can't believe.🤓For the life of me. 🤓 That we got a confession scene🤓 in the dark room🤓✌🏽

9) oh and another heartbreaking moment. 🤓Was when the employee who has no relationship at all to pran offered to go with him to his house because he could see how much in pain he was. He could see the weight on those shoulders and how it ceased to be when pran was with pat. Pran's mother is never seeing the gates of heaven.That nasty Bit*h

10) when pa and pat were getting dinner together , i knew that pat was going to let her talk first. How to flesh out your character to the audience clearly 101 , paof's masterclass

11) wai , hate you but boi you do catch on fast. Now redeem yourself and also *hem hem * relieve yourself in some engineering guy's arms yeah?

12) drake baby , you've never done anything wrong in your life, i know this, and i love you. Please act more and more.

13) ink * eyes on fire * whenever wai comes within 10 ft of pa.

14) pa you're a dumbass but you're ink's dumbass so it's okay. I love you .

15) there's many many things that were lovely to the point of me craving for a pair of hands( or several) to hold me while i watched. When pat said pran smelled good. When Pran watched him with that smile while he was yelling to everyone how much he loved him. The dimpled smile that plays around Pran's lips when he looks at his dumbass bf.

16) "are you friends?" "We aren't friends"

And ,

🍭I don't remember anything else , if i do I'll add them , though prolly not.

🍭There's a reason that though I'm sure this series has high rewatch value , i don't rewatch the episodes. I want to suffer all the pain and all the love altogether at once. I'll rewatch when it's finished and only when it's finished.

🍭 there's this scene in 'kabhi khushi kabhi gham' where jaya bachchan's character describes how amitabh brought a young shah rukh home and how he became her 'jaan'. Pran is like that to us paof. You brought him to me , he's our *praan* now. Please don't hurt him😭💔

[rachelbethhines]

Vintage Shows to Watch While You Wait for the Next Episode of WandaVision - The 60s

So the 60s is the era that Wandavision pulls most heavily from for it’s inspiration. So much so that one could make the argument that each of the first three episodes are all set in the 1960s. Episode one pulls from the early 60s with multiple Dick Van Dyke refences, episode two is very Bewitched inspired, and episode three is aesthetically very similar to The Brady Bunch which started in ‘69. As such it was hard to narrow down the list for this decade and I had to get creative in some ways. 

1. The Andy Griffith Show (1960 - 1968)

The Andy Griffith Show gets kind of a bad rap now a days for being, supposedly, a conservative’s wet dream. People claiming it as such have apparently never actually seen the series. Oh yes, it’s very much set in white rural 60s America and will occasionally present the obliviously outdated joke, but the story of a widowed sheriff being the only sane man in a small town full of lovable lunatics, who prefers to solve his and others problems with negotiation and hair brained schemes as opposed to violence has far more in common with modern day Steven Universe than whatever genocidal fantasy fake rednecks have in their heads.  

As the gif above shows Andy Griffith was very subtlety progressive for its time. Andy was a stanch pacifist, pro-gun control, treated drug addicts and prisoners with respect, and all the women he would date had careers, ect. and so on. It’s not a satire making any sort of grand political statements but the series had a moral center that was far more left than many realize. 

But if it’s not a satire, then what type of comedy is it? 

The Andy Griffith Show excels in what I like to call, ‘awkward comedy’. See everyone in Mayberry is far too nice to just come out and tell a character they’re making an ass of themselves, so therefore whoever is the idiot punching bag of the episode’s focus must slowly unravel as everyone looks on in helpless pity until said character realizes the folly of their ways and the townsfolk come together to make them feel happy and accepted once more. Wandavision takes this polite idyllic awkwardness and plays it up for horror instead of laughs.  

2. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961 - 1966)

The creators of Wandavision actually met with Dick Van Dyke himself to pick his brain and learn how sitcoms were made back then. Paul Bentley also took inspiration from Van Dyke in his performance of the sitcom version of Vision, while Olsen stated Mary Tylor Moore had a heavy influence on her character of Wanda. But more than just being a point of homage, The Dick Van Dyke Show was hugely influential in modernizing the family sitcom and breaking a lot of the unspoken traditions and ‘rules’ of the 50s television era. It’s also just really, really funny.  

3.The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962 - 1965) 

Bit of a cheat here. Alfred Hitchcock Presents actually started in 1955 as a half hour anthology show, but in ‘62 the show got a revamp and was extended into a full hour tv series. I knew I wanted The Twilight Zone to be covered in my episode one recap, but ‘The Master of Suspense’ couldn’t be forgotten. While The Twilight Zone reveled in the surreal and supernatural, Alfred Hitchcock pioneered the thriller genre and made real life seem dangerous, horrifying, and other worldly.   

4. Doctor Who (1963 - present day) vs Star Trek (1966 - present day) 

Just like how westerns dominated the air waves during the 50s, science fiction was the center of the cultural zeitgeist of the 60s. From Lost in Space to My Favorite Martian, space aliens and robots were everywhere. So naturally I had to name drop the two sci-fi juggernauts that still air to this today. If you thought that the rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek was bad then you’ve never seen a chat full of Whovians and Trekkies duking it out over who is the better monster, the Borg or the Cyberman. But which one has the more influence over Wandavision?

Well Star Trek owes it’s existence to sitcoms. As with The Twilight Zone before it, Star Trek was produced by Desilu Productions and it’s co-founder and CEO, Lucille Ball, was the series biggest supporter behind the scenes, lobbying for it when it faced early cancelation. As with all things sitcomy, everything ties back to I Love Lucy in the end. However despite that little backstory, it would seem that the series has very little to do with Wandavision itself beyond being quintessentially American. 

I would argue that Wandavision owes much to Doctor Who though. Arguably more so than any show mentioned in this retrospective. Time travel, alternate realities, trouble in quite suburbia, brainwashing, people coming back from the dead, ect... just about every trope you can find in Wandavision has also appeared in Doctor Who at some point. As a series that can go anywhere and do anything, Doctor Who was a pioneer of marrying genres in new and interesting ways. 

5. Bewitched (1964 - 1972) and I Dream of Jeannie (1965 - 1970)

It’s hard to pick one series over another because they’re essentially the same show. A mortal man falls in love with a magical girl who upends their lives with magic filled hijinks as they try their best not to have their secret discovered by the rest of the world. And both have their fingerprints all over the DNA of Wandavision. 

There’s only two core differences; Samantha and Jeannie have completely different personalities, with Sam being confident and knowledgeable and Jeannie being naïve and oblivious, along with their relationships with their respective men, Sam and Darrin being married and in love at the start of the series and Jeannie chasing after Tony in the beginning in a will they/won’t they affair, finally only getting together in the last season. 

6. The Munsters (1964 - 1966) vs The Adams Family (1964 - 1966)

Fans of these two shows are forever sadden that there never was a crossover between them. Because they’d fit perfectly together. Both shows are about a surreal and macabre family living in American suburbia and disrupting the lives of their neighbors with their otherworldly hijinks. Sound familiar?     

The main difference between the two shows is the way the characters viewed their placement in the world they inhabit. 

The Munsters were always oblivious to the fact that didn’t fit in. They just automatically assumed everyone had the same personal tastes as them. Whenever they encountered anyone who behaved strangely around them they would write that person off as being the odd one rather than questioning themselves. As such the main cast was structured like a stereotypical sitcom family who just happened to be classic movie monsters. 

The Addams were well aware that they were abnormal and they loved it! They lived life with in their own little world and didn’t care what anyone thought of them. As such the characters were far more colorful and quirky as individuals but there was little in the way of refences to other horror franchises beyond just a general love of the twisted and strange. 

7. Green Acres (1965 - 1971) and the Rual-verse (1962 - 1971)

So the MCU is not the first franchise to bring viewers an interconnected universe to the small screen. Far from it, as sitcoms had been doing this for decades, starting with the ‘rualverse’. Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction, and Green Acres were all produced by the same company and were treated as spinoffs of each other, complete with crossovers and shared characters and sets. 

Of the three, the last show, Green Acres, has the most in common with Wandavision. A well to do businessman and his lovely socialite wife settle down in small town America on a farm in order to get away from the stresses of city life, only to find new stresses in the country. Eva Gabor, herself a natural Hungarian, plays the character of Lisa as Hungarian making her one of the few non-native born Americans on tv screens during the cold war. Despite her posh nature and original protests to the move, Lisa assimilates to the rural life far easier than her husband, Oliver. Who, as the main comedic thread, can’t comprehend his new quirky neighbors’ odd and often illogical behavior.  

8. Hogan’s Heroes (1965 - 1971) and Get Smart (1965 - 1969)

So as comic fans have been quick to point out, it’s looking like both A.I.M. (Hydra) and Sword (Shield) will be players in the story of Wandavision. To commemorate that here’s two shows to represent those opposing sides. Although in truth, neither series has anything else in common with each other but I need to condense things down someway. 

In Hydra’s corner we got Hogan’s Heroes. A show all about taking down Nazis from within. 

I love, love, love, ‘robin hood’ comedies where a group of con artists try week after to week to pull one over the establishment. The Phil Silvers Show, Mchale's Navy, and Top Cat, just to name a few examples are all childhood favorites of mine. However while those shows had a lot of morally ambiguous characters, Hogan’s Heroes has very clear cut good guys and bad guys, cause the bad guys are Nazis and the show relentless makes fun of the third reich as should we all. In fact I was watching Hogan’s Heroes while waiting for the GA run off election results. Fortunately my home state decided to kick out our own brand of Nazis this year. 

For Shield, we got the ultimate spy spoof, Get Smart. Starring, Inspector Gadget himself, Don Adams, as the bumbling Maxwell Smart. Get Smart, is a hilarious send up of Cold War espionage but the real selling point of the show, imho, is Max and his co-worker 99′s relationship. You can cut the sexual tension in the air with a knife all while laughing your ass off. 

9. Batman (1966 - 1968)

First was Superman and then came Batman. Yet while Superman was a serious action show, Batman was a straight up comedy. Showcasing that superheroes could indeed be funny. 

Also shout out for Batman being the only show on this list to have an actual crossover with it’s competitor, The Green Hornet. 

10. Julia (1968 - 1971)

Since episode two features the first appearances of Herb and Monica, let’s highlight the first black led sitcom since the cancelation of Amos ‘n Andy over a decade earlier. The show focuses on single mother and military nurse, Julia, as she tries to live her life without her recently decease husband, who was killed in Vietnam, as she tries to raise their six year old son on her own.  

The series is cute. It’s more of a throw back to earlier family sitcoms where there’s no fantasy and life lessons are the name of the game. It’s the fact that the main character is a single black woman is what made the show so subversive and important at the time. 

Runner Ups

There’s much good stuff in the 60s, so here’s some others that didn’t make the cut but I would recommend anyways. 

Car 54, Where Are You? (1961 - 1963)

I call this the Brooklynn 99 of the 1960s. Bumbling but well meaning Officer Toody longs to do good in the world and help anyone in need, but often screws things up with his ill thought out schemes. He often drags his best friend and partner, the competent but anxiety riddled, Muldoon into his escapades. 

Mr. Ed (1961 - 1966)

The grandfather of the sarcastic talking pet trope. 

The Jetsons (1962 - 1963 and 1985 - 1987)

Hanna-Barbera often took popular sitcoms and just repackaged them as cartoons with a fantasy theme to them. The Jetsons has no singular show that it rips-off but is rather more a grab bag of sitcom tropes that feature, robots, computers, and flying cars. 

The Outer Limits (1963 - 1965) 

The Outer Limits was The Twilight Zone’s biggest competitor in terms of being a sic-fi/horror anthology series. 

Gillian’s Island (1964 - 1967) 

The only comparison to WandaVision I could think of was that this is a sitcom about people being trapped in one place. But by that point I was running out of room on the list. Still it’s one of the funniest shows on here. 

So yeah, this took longer than expected cause there’s a lot, here. Hopefully the 70s will be easier. Which I’ll post on Friday. 

[picturejasper20]

Things i noticed while rewatching Generator Rex

1) Rex is such a great protagonist. He’s is this mix between reckless teenager and very caring person. One thing that i have been noticing while doing my rewatch is how he would try solving conflics without resorting to violence and is able to connect easily with other people. He’s kinda a bit of the desconstruction of the impulsive hero ¨punch first ask questions later¨. In fact is empathy is key for solving conflicts in some episodes. You would expect him to be very selfish, arrogant and insufferable but he has this moments in which you can clearly see he isn’t just an stereotype.

2) I really like how the female characters are written. Each one has their own personality and are able to defend themselves when they are attacked. What’s more is that they never are just ¨strong woman¨. They all have their own arcs and personal issues.  For example: Doctor Holiday can take care of herself when a EVO tries to hunt her, but she’s also a extremely smart woman that wants to find a cure for the nanites. She is a very caring mother figure for Rex, sometimes she is the first that notices when he’s not doing well and she’s super protective of him.

The series subverts expectations quite often, which its quite surprising for a series which most of its main cast are male and it’s aimed at boys.

3) Is it me or this series looks way better animated than some Western modern animations? Seriously, there are many scenes that look great for today standards. The EVO monsters designs are pretty creative. They actually look like mutated monsters. There are moments that are worth of taking screenshots because the look beautiful.

The action scenes are good too. They are actually entertaining to watch and catch your attention. 

It’s not perfect, of course, but it looks pretty good.

4) The soundtrack! I forgot how good the soundtrack was. Most of the time i don’t care about the soundtrack of animated shows. However, in this case it was so good at times that it made search it on youtube.

It really gives off this adolescent vibe that when you were a teenager and you thought knew everything. That you would get into trouble for not listening to your parents. That’s what the soundtrack feels like.

5) I really like how the series shows that not all EVO are evil. That some want just to left alone. There are many episodes that focus on the relatioship between EVO and humans. There are humans who hate any EVO no matter if they are good or bad and those who want to help EVO.

The fact that Rex is an EVO/human hybrid himself makes the show a lot more interesting as he usually disobeys his superior’s orders and he is able relate to other EVO/humans as he knows what’s like being treated different.

The are tons of characters that sometimes make Rex questions what he is really fighting for.. which is quite rare to find in series from this medium.

I know the series doesn’t take itself too seriously but to be honest i’m starting to like more how the series handles its themes than Kipo and the age of the wonderbeasts. .. And i really like Kipo.

6) The more ¨filler¨ episodes are the funniest thing ever. I couldn’t stop laughing when i watched episodes like the one when Rex goes to a prom with his friend Noah or the one that Bobo goes missing. I think i haven’t laughed that much watching a series since i watched Wander Over Yonder.

When the series wants to get ridiculous, it gets really ridiculous.

7) Van Kleiss is a great antagonist. He’s intimidating, manipulative, clever, loves playing mind games with the characters,he is connected to Rex’s past.. when he appears the series gets way better and a lot more interesting.

I regret he doesn’t appear in more episodes because he is a cool character.

8) I really like the episodes when Rex goes to South America. It’s heartwarming to see him trying to reconnect with his family roots (Rex’s parents are from Mexico and Argentina). The characters rarely feel like stereotypes, in my opinion.

I like some details of his character like him speaking in spanish many times in the series (though not very good) or watching telenovelas (TV soaps). His older brother,Caesar, speaks in Spanish as well and refers to their parents as ¨Papi¨ and ¨Mami¨ which is really cool.

I could go on over this aspect but to sum it up: They are well fleshed out characters.

9) I like the adopted family dynamic the main characters have: Agent six is like a father figure to Rex and Doc Holiday acts like a protective mom. Bobo is the uncle/ older brother and Rex is the yound child of the family.

I got to love how Agent Six found Rex with zero memory of who he was and he was like: ¨Yeah, this is my son now¨. He absolutely knows nothing about Rex yet he decided to take care of him. The episodes that focus on Rex and Six’s relationship are some of the best of the series.

10) I think some episodes could have worked better had they been double length episodes instead of one. Some subplots felt like they were solved too quickly for my taste. I think this is because the series used to be more episodic back then, i can’t blame the creators of the show too much for that.

Don’t get me wrong, those arcs and subplots are good. The issues is that too many things can happen in a episode which confuse me a bit at times.

-------------

While there are other things in noticed from Generator Rex i didn’t want to make the list very long and summarize it in ten points or less. 

Although i think the series is far from perfect and it has some pacing and writing issues, it is overall a good show. I wonder if it aired today it would be a popular show.

[evakuality]

Mia, episode three

1.  I really enjoyed this little scene with just the girls and them just sort of hanging out.  This is something I missed from some of the other episodes and it’s really nice to see.  I always liked this episode in the original as well, because it gave us such a nice time with just the girls and having them kind of mesh together a lot more than they have in the past and I’m glad that it looks like the same thing with this crew too.  

2.  But ooof I didn’t expect to be given these feelings about this cabin again today.  Because I’ve never seen this season before and I have seen Hanna’s multiple times, it feels weird to see it in this ‘wrong’ context.  Unlike the school, I feel like this ‘belongs’ to Hanna in a silly way.  Even so, I always loved this moment with Noora and Vilde in the original and it’s still lovely here.  There’s a lot about Kiki which is irritating and quite intensely racist and islamophobic (”unlike Sam and Amira I have to...” really?  Kiki, that was shitty and so casually shitty too), and yet she’s also this sweet, insecure young girl who’s trying to make her way in the world and feeling like she can’t do it.  The intensity of her feelings is so nice.

3.  Another of these little scenes with the girls chatting and bonding.  It’s really nice to see it.  I do find it interesting that the colours are still warm like they were in the Christmas scenes, but they’re also darker, dimmed a lot and things aren’t always in such beautiful focus as they have been.  I’m not entirely sure what it all means but I think Mia is really starting to feel what she’s doing to Kiki.  Technically she cheated with Alex (in a way????) and she hasn’t been the greatest friend to her (the gift thing from way back) and she’s so sure of her own rightness that I’m sure the way Kiki is feeling is making her feel a bit guilty.  She did the ‘date’ with Alex and he hasn’t held up his side of the bargain, so Kiki is here feeling terrible and still totally wrapped up in him.

4.  I am delighted how many of these clips have been on Monday btw.  What a fun and cool day that would have been while watching!  Multiple clip days are the funnest days!  Mia, you’re not allowed to make me emo like this, though!  That whole thing about how they met this year and next year they’ll do Abi and then maybe drift apart?  Got me in my feels.  Because they may not have drifted apart from each other, but they did from us and I miss them :(((((  Particularly when they then did the whole group hug thing they did at Abiball and It’s all emotional in my house rn.

5.  All this stuff with Kiki is just building to a showdown though.  Even if you hadn’t seen the og, you could feel it.  That whole ‘I can count on all you girls’ thing Kiki is doing?  That’s going to bite Mia.  Oh yep and here it comes now: ‘He has a new girlfriend apparently’ and how upset Kiki is.  Mia’s starting to have to face up to how she may not always know what’s right for everyone else.  That she may, in fact, not be helping when she meddles.

6.  I really like the colouring in this Tuesday morning clip.  After the warmth of the previous clips we have this cold, dingy, grey image.  Mia is facing the fallout of her well-meaning interference and it’s a cold, harsh reality.  Incidentally, I love this thing they do with hoodies to allow Amira to be on screen but not in a hijab.  It works so well.  

7.  Kiki having a special invite to Carlos’s party?  I love that.  It’s kind of nice to see the development of that relationship from these early days when Kiki was all wound up in her own head over everything and not at all ready to be open to him, to the supportive and fulfilling thing they up with.  I never thought I’d say this about something that’s based on Vilde, but I genuinely love that relationship.  It’s fascinating to see the origins of it, and how messy it all was.

8.  One thing I am finding fascinating in this version is how much Hanna is conflicted over ending the thing with Jonas.  Eva was shown to be really happy, enjoying her single life and having a great friendship with Jonas (even if a lot of that was illusion and she wasn’t really as sanguine as she appeared).  But Hanna hasn’t really been happy at all, and she’s so obsessed over Jonas and this new girl.  It’s an interesting change and I think I like it.  This all fits with the slightly melancholy Hanna we see in s3 and how she still has her insecurities.  Like the way she said she’d be unemployed while the others all had exciting and cool careers laid out for them.  This storyline is really rich and I like how much we’re getting to see of Hanna in this season to follow some of this stuff through with her.

9.  Yikes, Mia.  I know you feel vindicated now that you see Kiki kissing Carlos, but she’s not ready for a new relationship and this isn’t a good thing rn!  What I do like about this whole thing is that while we as an audience can see how catastrophically wrong Mia’s ideas and actions are, she’s just a young kid who’s trying to help and she’s not villified for that.  I mean, we can see the crash coming, but it’s hard not to sympathise with Mia.  She’s trying to help out, she wants the best for Kiki.  She just can’t see how badly this is going.  I’m not as familiar with Noora’s season, so I’m not truly sure how much of this is from there, but poor Carlos is getting his heart broken, while Kiki tries to take some control.  This is all really messy and I can feel it coming to get Mia as this goes on.  

Overall, I really enjoyed this episode (as with the original, it’s so nice not to have to deal with the love interest I dislike heh).  I loved the pacing, the way the girls grew more together, the little ebbs and flows of the plotlines even at this gentle pace.  It was nice.  Definitely my favourite of the season so far.

[rudebir]

I'm currently watching an anime called Mashiro no Oto or Those Snow White Notes. Today the 8th episode was released. I've only watched the 1st episode of Kono Oto Tomare, another anime featuring shamisen as their main theme so I wouldn't know if the comparison was apt.

(Correction: Kono Oto Tomare feature koto, not shamisen. My bad.)

From the first episode, I've been completely enraptured by the crispness and the pulling of the sound. Even the OP was fire! I was looking forward to see the anime weekly, to be honest. Each episode had really amazing pieces and was brilliantly shown with vivid imagery, fluid animation, and passionate performance.

I was in love.

Things I love about Mashiro no Oto:

1) The Japanese accent/tone. Our main character, Sawamura, was from Aomori. I could listen to him, his brother and his mother forever.

2) The fluidity of the animation, especially the main feature - snow.

3) The shamisen fingering, tone, and pitch. The technicality of the sound quality. Just superb.

4) How Sawamura was lost and tried finding his way. I could relate to his struggle and emotion.

5) Everything about Umeko. Her make-up, her voice, her confidence. She's a goddess.

6) Rai-senpai effeminate tone and voice. Loved his 'atashi'.

Then somehow it stopped. My love fell short. It's a hassle to watch it now. It has been so annoying since a few episodes back.

Things I'm struggling to accept in Mashiro no Oto:

1) The unnecessary drama. There was no need to punch or yell at Sawamura that much. He literally did and said nothing.

2) The constant crying about nothing important in each episode. The heavy gasps and breathing. Control yourself, woman!

3) Poorly written, unrefined female characters who knew how to be pushy, a pushover, and overall lame (but cute) decoration.

4) All females have something they want from Sawamura and it gets old. Some got way pushy, some cried to get something precious in return, some made bento and insert care/jealousy, god. Just be normal. Why are you treating him like he was incapable of doing anything on his own or not having any will at all?

5) Sawamura is oblivious to almost everyone but his own self and his own sound. His only interest is shamisen.

6) Too many recurring flashbacks on ep. 8. Still didn't feel anything towards anyone in the group, just more annoyed. I didn't want to know or felt any sympathy towards them.

Daddy issues? Whatever.

Nervous while having an identity crisis? Pick your moment later, will you?

Competitive / childhood fangirl? Just get in the line.

7) Unfunny, forced, lame, embarrassing chibi scenes.

The annoying bits were not 'awful' to say the least. Many would still watch the anime but my heart was so heavy that I had to watch those stupid teary faces, pouty, trembling lips, eyes glistening with moisture, loud gasps at every single thing that Sawamura retorted even if it was a single syllable.

Just stop it. Girls are not some kind of fragile, living ornament that requires nutrients from their own salty tears. If crying is required in every episode the significant meaning of its importance is already lost due to being overused.

This trope was already used for so many useless characters that requires constant protection and affirmation from her peers that it was sickening.

Teenage girls are not weak. They maybe insecure, impulsive, or even anxious but they are not damsels-in-distress.

They are not your token princess.

[thisbluespirit]

Fic Writer Tag Game

I was tagged to do this by @allegoriesinmediasres but it had already gone round Dreamwidth this last week, so I did it there.  I’ll try and c+p it over here, too!

1) How many works do you have on AO3? 620 (but I've been writing a lot of short things since around 2006-7, and there might even still be a couple of the 1994-98 fic from the newsgroups up). 2) What’s your total AO3 word count? 1,476,147 (but this does include about 300,000 words of origfic for RaTs and rainbowfic that are collected into three works, so it doesn't affect the works no too much, but it does affect the wordcount.) 3) How many fandoms have you written for and what are they? Too many to list here!  A lot.  *nods* 4) What are your top 5 fics by kudos? People, it's still Miss Marple.  Maybe one day it won't be Miss Marple, but today is not that day. (ETA: whenever i do my top AO3 fic on these memes, it’s disproportionately Miss Marple.  I am bemused.) Miss Marple: The Spirit of St Mary Mead So We Meet at Last Not Miss Marple: it's the rain that will strengthen your soul (SW Prequels) Five Times the Doctor Got in the Way of Captain Janeway (and One Time They Got Along Just Fine) (DW/ST) By the Book (Origfic) (Oh, wow, By the Book keeps moving up.  It must get recced sometimes, somewhere, mustn't it?  0_o ♥) 5) Do you respond to comments, why or why not? Yes.  Fanfic is a lot my way of being social, which is why I don't get along with the new push-button web much.  Like, kudos is fine, ok, but I just wanted to talk to people, and via fic always seems to be one of the nicest ways to do it. 6) What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending? Oh, I don't know. I like being bleak sometimes when I feel like it.  It might be the EatD one with the two Generals, but honestly there were a few in my mid-illness old bleak telly watching years, and the Level 7 one or the one from Children of the Damned might be even more so?  Or some S&S stuff, too?  I mean, I wrote S&S plane crash fic and weird drabbles.  (I blame my fandoms!  It's not my fault!  *innocent*) Also I keep doing Clara splinter fic, so I keep killing Clara and it's always sadder than I expect when I get there.  You'd think I'd learn by now, or just not kill this splinter, but, nooo, hey, how about MORE Clara splinter death, self?  /o\ Oh, no, wait: it's probably Spooks!  Spooks is also bleak and how about my tiny ficlet of death, Litany of the Fallen? Oh, actually, if I listen to people who aren't me, it's that B7 Avon/Servalan one, which I was always a bit: BUT I WROTE ONE WHERE THEY WON about it and everyone else was all THIS IS THE WORST in the comments.  Sorry? The Quality of Mercy (Is Most Definitely Strained)  (I still think the ending of Compendium is more angsty!  It has double death!) (Ok, it's me.  I like being bleak and angsty when I'm doing it.  I'm less sure when someone else is doing it at me, of course. ;-p) 7) What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending? I honestly don't know.  I'm usually kind of gen and happy and sometimes even humorous, and keep canon's tone, and DW is fairly light most of the time. I tried searching on Happy, but I have never tagged anything as happy.  But probably it is an AAL! thing, because AAL! is happiness in b&w TV form basically.  Maybe of Of Human Bondage (or Five Times Adam and His Friends Found Themselves All Tied Up)?  But I like all the AAL! ones I wrote for Yuletide, because they were the ones where I tried to be closest to an episode, and that makes them the most fun to re-read. 8) Do you write crossovers? If so what is the craziest one you’ve written? I have a crossover in my top 5, so yes.  I'm a DW fan; crossovers are just far too obvious a temptation when you've got a TARDIS.  What DW fic writer hasn't managed at least one once somewhere?  And I might have, um, written a lot of them.  (AO3 says 126). I did once, way back in newsnet times, when we were having a debate over what you could and couldn't cross DW over with (and I was on Team You Can Cross It With Anything You Cowards), write a DW/Rainbow drabble.  But I don't think I put that on AO3.  I think it might be on Teaspoon.   In AO3 works, I think by far the silliest is the Baldrick/Steed one, which AstroGirl said I couldn't write.  (It was an Unconventional Courtship summary, not that they randomly dared me to write Baldrick/Steed.  I mean, some of my flist totally would have done if they'd thought of it, but not in this case.) 9) Have you ever received hate on a fic? Not really.  I've had some weird comments, but the nearest I've come to hate was one of the comments that time I tried to write Swan Queen fic and it wasn't happy enough for people.  (I wrote a happy one after, but the ifrst one was set quite early, Regina was still kind of evil!) 10) Do you write smut? If so what kind? Alas, no.  Although, ish, if we count my experimental elemental shipping phase, which included The Cornfield (Silver/Steel/(Sapphire)), which is the only time anyone called any of my fic sexy.  I would totally have that comment made into a medal or something.   11) Have you ever had a fic stolen? Other than the random scraping things that have gone round over the years, no. 12) Have you ever had a fic translated? Yes!  Several people have been kind enough to do this, usually into Russian, and usually (but not always!) Miss Marple. 13) Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes, and no - in adwc days we all co-authored round robins, which were a blast and highly frustrating.  I think it'd be fun, but barring the odd bit of drabble tennis with various flisters back in the day, it's not really something that's worked out.  (I'm thinking, I could have all the ideas, they could do all the writing, I could criticise?? XD) 14) What’s your all time favorite ship? My Relationships count is very misleading here, because I think it actually is (including in terms of things written for it), Sapphire/Silver/Steel, but it's a weird thing, so sometimes I tag it platonically, and sometimes I don't necessarily tag it at all for that reason, and also I think it puts people off unnecessarily.  (But it's a Lie when I don't tag it.  All my Sapphire & Silver & Steel is inherently OT3 even if no one else can see it.) 15) What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will? None.  I have unposted WIPs, but I do hope to finish those, and the only posted WIP is a very old one only on Teaspoon that was begun before I was ill and I can't even really say at this point that I would want to finish it. 16) What are your writing strengths? Character/dialogue, I think?  I am actually not that bad at plot, but currently I lack the stamina for long things. I like to think I can be quite funny when I'm in the mood. 17) What are your writing weaknesses? Description, action.  Argh.  Yes, let's just talk some more, okay? 18) What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? I was going to say I would never, but actually I did!  I wrote Y Gwyll | Hinterland fic, and it wouldn't be right not to have some Welsh in that.  However, while I may be a 1/4 Welsh and know some Welsh words, I don't actually speak it, so I had to turn to Llywela who was very kind and translated the sentences I needed.  (I added the English translation in the footnote.)  This was the fic, but basically language is important in canon (ironically maybe even more so in the Eng-lang version I watched than the original Welsh), and so it was also important in the fic. So, probably if it was a canon where it was required, then I would do what I could to get help to get it right?  The good thing about the internet is that you can usually find someone, although usefully for me, I already knew someone. 19) What was the first fandom you wrote for? Doctor Who! 20) What’s your favorite fic you’ve written? I'm going to wimp out on this along with everyone else.  Although... if any of you have a fave fic of mine, that would be very cool to hear!  (But I don't expect anyone to.) Sometimes I'm pleased enough with the latest to feel it's that, but that's not always the case, and it isn't currently.  (No, offence, Latest Works!  I like you, it just only happens once in a while, usually when I've managed something I've wanted to do for years.)

I won’t tag anyone, because I know lots of people also did this on Dreamwidth, but it’s always VERY cool to see people’s answers to these things and memes are for stealing.

[twinklecheeks]

Friends With Benefits (Jeff Wittek Imagine) Part 11

Summary: Jeff and Y/N have been hooking up for a while. The whole vlog squad assumes they’re dating and Y/N does too but Jeff doesn’t like labels. He eventually starts to express interest in Natalie.

Note: Planning on making this a multiple part series, depending on how good it does.  You’re 21 & Latina in this (maybe) series. Also, I’d like to apologize for the typos, if there is any. I’m just illiterate lmao.  

Side note: Sorry it took me over a week to post this! I just started my last semester of college and I also have a part time job, so I’ve been super tired. I’ll try to be more consistent.

Warnings! Pregnancy, Smut 

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 , Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10,

Word Count: 2k

Christmas Eve 12/24/2019

Y/n: *Wakes up and stares at Jeff peacefully sleeping*

Jeff: *moans*

Y/n: *looks down and notices Jeff has a boner* Hmmm *gently rubs the swollen tip of Jeff’s cock*

Jeff: *thrusts into y/n’s hand*

Y/n: *Smirks and quietly gets out of bed to lock the door* *Pulls Jeff’s boxer’s down and sees his cock slap against his abs* *Softly licks the base of his Jeff’s cock all the way to the tip and sucks the head*

Jeff: *moans* mmm fuck.

Y/n: *You use the entirety of your palms and fingers with just how big and long he is. You hum greedily as you do this*

Jeff: *wakes up and smirks* I guess it’s a very Merry Christmas to me.

Y/n: I can suck on your cock all day daddy *winks*

Jeff: *groaning at how fast you’re going* F-fuck baby the way you’re moaning. You’re gonna kill me *bucks his hips*

Y/n: Shhh, I don't want them to know I’m sucking your cock ;) *continues to deepthroat feeling him twitch*

Jeff: Oh my fucking god baby yesss. Fuck me, fuck me, over and over. I swear I’d be fucking you every nigh- JESUS FUCK *cums inside her mouth*

Y/n: *swallows and sucks his cock clean* That was a great way to start Christmas.

Jeff: *laughs* Me cumming in you?

Y/n: *smirks* Mhmmm, I love it when you’re in me ;)

Jeff: What time is it?

Y/n: It’s 7:42am. I think your mom is already up cooking.

Jeff: Well if you want to see the Christmas parade at 11 w/ Jonah’s family, round 2 in the shower has to be a quickie.

Y/n: *looks down at his cock* You’re still hard? You just came a bunch in my mouth.

Jeff: I’m always hard for you babe *winks*

*After the Christmas Parade*

Suzie: I loved the parade! New York is so pretty during Christmas.

Vardon: Christmas is also more fun w/ snow.

Jonah: Guys it was fucking freezing outside.

Y/n: It was only 38 degrees.

Jeff’s mom: Oh good you guys are back. Marie (Jonah’s mom) and I are almost done with the food.

Jeff: Ma you’ve been cooking since like 6am. Have you had a break?

Jeff’s mom: We also did some last minute shopping/ gift wrapping. Everybody gets to open one present today and the rest tomorrow.

Y/n: You guys open presents tomorrow?

Jeff’s dad: Yeah, doesn’t everybody?

Y/n: Well in the Hispanic/ Latinx community, we call today Hispanic Christmas. So we open our presents today and then we spend the 25th stuffing our faces in left overs. We open on the 24th cause we’re too impatient and yes, we know Jesus was born on the 25th.

Jeff: Maybe we can do that w/ the girls next year.

Jeff’s mom: *tears up* Oh god you’re going to have daughter’s next year.

Jeff: Maaaa don’t cry again.

Y/n: Oh we are definitely doing hispanic christmas. If my sister comes over, she’d want to open the presents like a week before. She’s the most impatient. One year, she opened presents at like 3-4pm.

Jeff’s mom: I’m such a cry baby. Now help me set up the table!

*everybody helps set the plates and food*

Jeff’s dad: does anybody want to start the prayer?

Jeff: I’ll do it.

Karyn: Really? The last time you did it was Easter 2005 and you couldn’t stop laughing.

Jeff’s mom: Karyn.

*everybody holds hands*

Jeff: oh Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you’ve brought us. I know that Christmas is about you but I’d like to say thanks. Thank you for keeping everybody here in good health because I don’t know where I’d be w/ out them. I’m grateful for the supportive family and friends you have given me and most importantly, y/n. I know we were very rocky until recently but you brought her into my life for a reason. She was changing me into a better person and I was too stubborn to accept it. Now she’s going to be the mother of my 2 amazing daughters. Those babies already have me wrapped around their fingers and they’re not even here yet. I can’t wait for the day y/n and I get married and have however many babies you give us but don’t make it twins each time cause that’s gonna make my hair gray fast

Jeff’s mom: Jeffrey-

Jeff: okay I’m just kidding… kind of but you know what I mean. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the rest of my family. Amen.

Everybody: Amen

Jeff’s dad: Hun are you crying?

Y/n: *sniffles her nose* NO. Maybe…. I wouldn't have thought Jeff was religious.

Karyn: Only during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Jeff’s Dad: Karyn stop teasing your brother. Now that the prayer is over with, let’s eat!

Jeff’s mom: Marie and I spent all morning cooking. Also, since this is y/n’s first Christmas w/ us, I wanted to bring some of the food she eats during the holidays.

Y/n: What food?

Jeff’s mom: *shows the Pernil* (pernil is pork shoulder)

Y/n: NO YOU DIDN’T *tastes the food* AND IT TASTES JUST LIKE OUT MY DAD MAKES IT. How did you make it?!

Jeff: She asked me a couple of days ago what you eat during the holidays and I found your sister on instagram. I got the recipe from her.

Jeff’s mom: I saw that it was a Puerto Rican dish so I asked one of my friends who knows how to make it to show me the steps.

Y/n: Oooo imma try not to cry again but THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Jonah: Can we eat now

After Dinner

Y/n: I ate so much, I think I’m having triplets. But thank you once again. I was pretty nervous to come here because I didn’t know how y’all would react to me.

Karyn: Just know that when we get mad, it’s at Jeff cause he’s always the one that somehow messes up.

Jeff: What time is it?

Suzie: It’s 7pm. Should we watch Christmas movies and then open presents before bed?

Vardon: Let’s watch the Grinch

Jonah: *ignores Vardon* Any other suggestions? Please. ANY OTHER.

Karyn: Y/n what do you watch for Christmas.

Y/n: Well, my personal favorite is Jingle all the Way but the Christmas Line up in my family is usually Home Alone 2, A Diva’s Christmas Carol, A Very Brady Christmas, the I Love Lucy Christmas episode and other’s I can’t remember.

Jeff: I mean, we are in New York. Home Alone 2?

Everybody: Sure.

*After watching Christmas movies*

Jeff’s mom: It’s 9:45pm. I think we should be opening our one present before we go to bed.

Jeff: Youngest to oldest! So my niece goes first, then Vardon, Y/n, Suzie, Jonah, etc.

*Jeff’s nieces and Vardon opens their gifts*

Vardon: No way. Jeff got me airpods! Thank you *Hugs Jeff*

Jeff: You’re welcome. Now time for y/n to open her gift from me.

Y/n: Oooo okay. *opens gift and sees two little gold bracelets* what are these for?

Jeff: I always see babies w/ the small little charm bracelet. You mentioned your sister and you never got that from your parents but your older brother did. I wanted to do that for our girls even though they're not here yet. So once we pick out the names, we’ll get the charms.

Y/n: *sniffles* Dammit why do you keep making me cry.

Jeff: Cause I don’t want you to ever forget how much I love you.

Jonah: Can we move on from this sappy shit so I can open my gift.

Everybody: JONAH.

*After everybody opens their presents*

Y/n: Thank you so much for accepting me on such short notice.

Jeff’s mom: Hun we’re family now. You’ll always be a part of us. Same for the Antonyans. We know how much Jeff misses having us around since he’s been living in LA and y’all have been a family to him.

Jonah’s mom: I love Jeff like he my own son. He help us so much.

Jeff’s Dad: Y’all just have to make sure to visit us often. Get’s kind of lonely here w/ Karyn living in Kentucky, Jeff living in LA. I mean Steven lives in the city w/ his kids but we miss having all of you together here.

Jeff: I’m starting to think that having girls runs in the family. Karyn has a daughter, Steven has twin girls and now I’m gonna have twin girls.

Jeff’s mom: I mean you never know if the nurse made a mistake. They thought your brother was a girl for half my pregnancy. Then they did the last ultrasound a week before I gave birth to him and they said he was a boy.

Y/n: Oh god I don’t even want to think about that. I’m already stressed out about the babies possibly being deaf now I gotta be worried if the nurse misgendered them….

Karyn: The babies are gonna be deaf?

Y/n: Hmm?

Jeff’s dad: You just said there’s a possibility the twins will be born deaf.

Y/n: Fuck. I did say that, didn't I… Jeff, you wanna help me out here?

Jeff: Ummm. Damn we weren’t planning on telling anybody this for a couple of weeks. We got a call a couple of days ago after we did some genetic testing and the doctor said the babies have a high chance of being born hard of hearing/ deaf.

Karyn: My doctors told me the same thing. Luckily my daughter turned out fine

Steven: I wasn’t a carrier for the gene…

Jeff’s mom: We’ll love those babies no matter what. If we have to learn sign language for them, then we’d do it. I’ll fly out to LA once it gets close to the due date to help out.

Jeff: Thanks ma. Means a lot.

Y/n: Thank you so much. I don’t know if my own parents would forgive me by then to be there for the birth.

Jeff’s mom: Anytime sweetheart. My god look at the time, It’s 10:15, we have to go to bed before Santa comes.

Jonah: Haha, but santa isn-

Jeff: Jonah you better better not finish that sentence cause my nieces are here and I don’t wanna see the magic ruined for them.

Jonah: What I was saying was, isn't Santa a little late?… He should’ve been here by now…

Going to bed

Y/n: I am so stuffed. Christmas turned out a lot better than I thought.

Jeff: See, you had nothing to be afraid about. Also, good job on keeping the deaf thing a secret haha.

Y/n: Hey! It’s been on my mind since we found out. WAIT. Jonah and Suzie.

Jeff: What about them?

Y/n: they were there…. What if they tell everybody else.

Jeff: Suzie would never… Jonah on the other hand… I have little faith in him.

Y/n: I’m afraid to check my phone.

Jeff: Same. I haven't looked at it all day. On the count of 3…

Y/n: One….

Jeff: Two.

Y/n & Jeff: Three. *looks at phones*

Y/n’s phone: 82 text messages & 24 missed calls

Jeff’s phone: 77 text messages & 21 missed calls

Vlog Squad GC

David: Was what Jonah said true?

Natalie: Is it serious?

Jason: Y’all I’m so sorry

Zane: There has to be a way to fix it. My babies will be okay right?

Erin: I’ll postpone my wedding until the babies are okay

Carly: Oh no Carly and Erin jr :(

Corinna: The babies are gonna be deaf?

Mariah: Is it confirmed?

Heath: Have y’all seen other doctors?

Matt: Guys they’re busy. I don’t think we should be spamming them on Christmas.

Toddy: We’ll stop one they answer us!

David: I’ll put in whatever money you need for surgeries or anything.

Jason: Guys stop. They’ll tell us everything once they’re ready.

(end of conversation)

Jeff: I’m gonna kill Jonah.

Y/n: Oh hun, so will I…

The next chapter might take a bit because I’m still thinking what will be in it. You guys can give be suggestions and I can give you credit for it!

Comment if you want to be on the taglist!

Taglist: @elvlogsquad​ @siemprestan​ @zavidzobrik​ @galxydefender​ @iminlovewithenchilidadas​ @ilsolee​ @ranprivate @one-sweet-gubler  @sunwardsss @shamalamashams @michellemxndes

[excelsi-or]

just a little sweeter (pt. 11)

Double post today! Enjoy parts 10 & 11 :) 

BIPOC rec: I’ve recently read The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. I don’t want to spoil anything. It’s excellent. The writing is detailed and amazing. It’s set in Paris in like the 1800s with magic and fun and a heist. It’s the first of a trilogy and the second one came out this year. I can’t wait to read it.

w.c. 2.1k (fluff, brief angst but it’s over pretty quick)

pt.1; pt.2; pt.3; pt.4; pt.5; pt.6; pt.7; pt.8; pt. 9; pt. 10

“You need to tell her.”

“Tell her what?” Jihoon demands. His eyes are going over the brief of the meeting. He cannot believe that it was brought up in front of everyone, making it everyone’s problem.

“That there’s evidence to out you guys,” Jeonghan says. “She deserves to know. Even though you already made your decision on the matter extremely clear.”

“The company’s buying the photos,” Jihoon points out.

“But there’s a possibility that they’ll make the decision to put the photos out anyway,” Jeonghan reminds him. “Seriously. Just to be a good boyfriend, mention it to her.”

Jihoon frowns, but tries to rearrange his expression into something else when he sees Eunha running down the hallway. She grabs his hand and pulls him back to the studio where she’d been colouring during the meeting. He ends the phone call of the phone on the table and sits down on the floor next to her things. Eunha begins walking him through a bear story, something akin to the Blue’s Clues episode they had watched. He had stumbled upon the show on YouTube and Eunha had taken a liking to it. While most of it is in English and he really only understands 60% of it, Eunha sings along to the songs and seems to know what’s going on.

Enough to give him a similar story anyway with a bear and ant as the lead characters.

The phone in his pocket starts singing the FaceTime ring tone. Eunha’s eyes widen and she climbs into his lap, immediately assuming it will be someone she knows. When he pulls the phone out, he helps Eunha sound out the name.

“Hey,” Jihoon says.

His second favourite smile in the world smiles back at him. “Hey.” She waves at Eunha. “Hi kiddo.”

Eunha holds the phone with both hands so she can put her face as close to the camera as she can. “Hello!”

“What’s up?” Jihoon asks, chuckling at his baby’s antics.

“Jeonghan oppa sent me a text telling me to call you when I had a chance.”

Jihoon restrains himself from rolling his eyes. Jeonghan isn’t usually one to meddle too much; that’s usually Seungkwan. Yet here he is. Meddling. “Yeah…”

“Is something wrong?”

“No.” He pauses. “Well, not really.” He glances at Eunha in the screen. “Can you hold on for one second?”

She glances up at something past the phone, probably an employee. “Sure.”

Jihoon puts the phone down and scoops Eunha up. “You’re going to play with Uncle Soonyoung for a little while, okay? Say goodbye.”

Eunha calls her goodbye and waves.

“Bye kiddo!”

Jihoon starts to walk out the door.

“Can I bring my colours?”

“Of course you can.” Jihoon goes back and picks up her things. “Hold this for me, okay?” He hands her the notebook, so he can hold the crayon box and juice box. Then he takes her to the practice room. Some of the members have a television shooting, which is likely why Jeonghan sent the message to her at all. Jihoon won’t be able to chew him out until later.

Luckily, Minghao and Jun are in the practice room. They’re going over choreography for the upcoming concerts. He doesn’t even bother to ask where Soonyoung is.

Jihoon sets Eunha down at the front of the room and looks between the two men. “Can you just watch her for a couple minutes? I have to take a phone call.”

Minghao smiles. “Yeah, sure, hyung.”

Jun is already squatting down next to her and asking about her art.

Jihoon hurries back to the phone. She’s humming as she types on her computer. He recognizes the tapping of the keys. “Hey.”

The sound slows before she turns back to him. “Give me one more second.”

“Sure.”

Jihoon sits in his chair and then hears the audible whoosh of her email being sent. She leans into the camera, smiling. “Alright, I’m all yours. What’s up?”

“Jeonghanie hyung wanted me to talk to you about the meeting we had this morning.”

Her brow furrows slightly. “That seems kind of random, but okay. I’m listening.”

“It had something to do with you?”

“Me?” Her furrowed brow turns into a frown. “What about me?”

He clears his throat. “Apparently, there was a reporter following me and they happened to get a picture of us on our date last week.” He watches her eyes begin to widen in panic, so he attempts to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible. “But the meeting was about whether I wanted them posted. Sometimes they come through the company before photos get posted like that. Obviously, I said that it wasn’t me and that even if it were, I didn’t want the world to know. Jeonghan hyung just thought that you should know they exist and that it isn’t in my control if they get posted.”

Her expression is the epitome of shock. She stares blankly at the screen, as if she’s still processing all his words.

“Please say something.”

Her eyes close and she begins to speak, her voice coming out strangled. That’s not good. “So, you’re saying that photos that you don’t own of us are floating around in the ether and that you can’t control whether they get posted or not?”

“The company is trying to buy some of the photos off them, but who knows how many they have? Or if there are any that look exactly like me.”

“How much control do we get over them?”

“Well, honestly, not much control. If we get seen together more often and whatnot.”

She takes a deep breath. “So, I can’t go out with my boyfriend anymore, because I have to worry about people with cameras following him around?”

Jihoon’s hand fiddles with his ear. “Maybe.”

“I already have to worry about hiding my face when we have Eunha with us. Now I have to worry about just being with you in public?”

Jihoon can feel his heart sinking. “Yeah.”

“I—” Jihoon hears someone call her name. “I’ll be right there,” she responds. The door closes and she looks back at the screen, completely bewildered. “I… I need to think about this. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay.”

“Bye.” She hangs up before he can say anything. He stares at his lock screen. It’s a photo of her and Eunha drawing in the apartment. She was teaching Eunha how to draw a bear.

He quickly sends off angry messages to Jeonghan before going back to the practice room to pick up Eunha. He peers into the room and can see her contentedly drawing while Jun and Minghao practice. He decides that maybe he can stew in his confusion and anger a little while longer alone in the studio.

“Has she called you back?” Jeonghan asks that night.

The members caught him just as he was about to take Eunha home and they offered dinner at the dorms. She’s busy playing with Seungkwan and Soonyoung in the living room, so Jihoon doesn’t mind sounding pissed off.

“No. She hasn’t. And if you hadn’t told her that there was something I needed to say, she probably wouldn’t be mad right now.”

Jeonghan rolls his eyes. “She deserves to know the consequences of dating you.”

“I think the ‘biggest consequence’ of dating me is sitting in the living room right now.”

A soft voice and a tug on his sweatpants pull his attention away. Jihoon looks down and sees the hurt expression on Eunha’s face, though she doesn’t acknowledge it. “Uncle Seungkwan and Uncle Soonyoung want to know when dinner is ready.”

Jihoon takes a deep breath and squats down in front of her. “It’ll be done soon, okay?”

She spins on her heel and scampers out of the kitchen. Jihoon glares back at Jeonghan.

“You have a tiny daughter! I didn’t see her come in!” Jeonghan exclaims.

Mingyu, the one actually doing all the cooking, glances over his shoulder. “I think you need to apologize and explain to both the girls in your life what’s going on, hyung.”

“Since when did you get so enlightened?” Jihoon grumbles.

When he puts Eunha to bed that evening, he sits cross-legged on the floor next to the bed. “Hi, little one.”

She pouts and stares at him. Her little arms are wrapped tightly around a bunny plushie Chan had gotten her for her birthday.

Jihoon runs a hand through her hair. “Did you hear me when I was talking to Uncle Hannie?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Ah. Okay.”

“But…” Her pout deepens. “It was mean.”

Jihoon holds his breath. “I didn’t mean what I said. Even if you didn’t understand, I shouldn’t have said those things.” He leans forward to kiss her forehead. “I’m sorry.”

Her voice softens. “Do you not like me anymore?”

God, he hates that Soonyoung taught her that phrase. The man says it so much around Jihoon, he should have known his intelligent child would learn how to use it.

“That’s not it.” He doesn’t know how to explain his feelings to her in a way she’ll understand. She’s using her entire vocabulary already by having this conversation. Jihoon rests his chin on the bed. “Life’s just hard.”

“‘Cause of me?”

“No. Not because of you.” He pecks her forehead again, and runs a hand over her head. “Never because of you.”

Eunha asks if it’s because of his girlfriend.

“Not because of her either. It’s all because of daddy. This is my fault.”

“Why?”

“It’s complicated. Is that okay?”

Eunha doesn’t know what complicated means, but she seems to accept his answer, because she snuggles beneath the covers.

He gets to his feet and gives her one more kiss. “I’m sorry again. I love you.”

“Love you,” she mumbles, already falling asleep.

Jihoon leaves the door open a crack. The actual baby monitor is on next to her. He makes sure that he can hear her breathing then he plops himself on the couch and stares at his phone. He debates calling, wondering if she’d call when she’s ready. It’s been at least twelve hours. She should be going to bed soon and they did agree to video chat tonight.

He doesn’t have to wonder too long, because she calls him instead.

Jihoon answers in a second.

“That was fast,” she mutters. “Thought I’d have a few more rings to pull myself together.”

She’s sat in bed. The only light coming from her phone screen.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

There’s a long bout of silence he doesn’t know how to fill.

“How mad are you?” he finally asks.

“Not mad,” she clarifies. She must see the skepticism on his face. “Seriously, Jihoon, I’m not.”

“So why haven’t you talked to me all day?”

She tips her head back with a groan of frustration. “Because it’s hard to process what you told me this morning.” She meets his gaze. “There are so many rules. I don’t…” She shakes her head. “You’re high maintenance.”

He gets the jab. “Am I so high maintenance that this is over?”

“I don’t know.” She sighs. “I only get to see you in person a few times a month, and only once a month with just the two of us. Now we’re limited to staying in, because people are actually stalking you.”

Jihoon doesn’t mention that there was always the risk of people following them. “So, what do you want to do?”

“I don’t know. You can’t do anything about it. It’s not your fault you’re in a famous idol group and have a daughter. I knew that you came with those things when we started dating. I just… I didn’t realize how much of my life would have to change because of it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well…” She runs a hand through her hair and flips it. Jihoon loves when she does that, though he’s never told her. “I thought that I could keep it separate. My own life and then whatever our life together is. And I can, but when people in my life ask me about who I’m dating, what I’m up to, I’m so limited as to what I can say. Only my mom and Soobin know that we’re dating and that you even have a child. Everyone else thinks that I have an elusive boyfriend who doesn’t want to meet them.

“I just didn’t realize that when we got together that there would be a huge part of my life that I’d have to hide.”

Listening to her talk about it this way makes him wonder if it’s worth it for her. She sounds so discouraged with him and their situation. But she’s right; he can’t do anything about it. This is his life. But it doesn’t have to be hers.

Before he can even think about how to broach the topic of breaking up, she says, “But I adore you and I adore Eunha. I want this to work.”

Jihoon lifts an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yeah, really. As of right now, I want to work through this with you.”

“Do you… want to come over?”

She glances down at her pajamas. “I’m in bed right now.”

“Come over and cuddle?”

Her eyebrows rise. “Tempting.”

“Come over, cuddle and watch Avengers?”

She laughs. “Give me 10.”

[amandajoyce118]

Julie And The Phantoms - “Stand Tall” rewatch

Okay, so, since the Fantoms around the world are doing a rewatch of the series today, I’ve got the episodes playing while I’m doing some of my freelance work, so I thought I’d jot down random thoughts while watching the episodes and contribute, even if I’m not liveblogging the whole thing. (Episode 1 is here. And Episode 2. And Episode 3. Episode 4. And Episode 5. Episode 6. And Episode 7. Episode 8.)

Oh, no. I’ve reached the end. Am I prepared? Never.

Willie is great for stealing the bus and driving it to Vegas, but... what did those people think was happening on that bus? And if he can just drive to Vegas, could the guys go anywhere they wanted to in the world?

Willie and Alex saying goodbye is just. Ugh. So devastating. It’s the first time we see them hug, and even though the frame cuts it off, you can tell that Willie holds onto Alex’s hands after as their arms move at the same time. Alex saying he’s okay? He’s a lying liar who lies. But the audience is right there with him.

Tasha just taking the signs from the universe to get the Phantoms to play? She has regular tarot readings and guesses people’s zodiac signs when she meets them. We would be friends.

The boys looking so proud of themselves and Julie’s phone not ringing right away will never not be funny. And then the lift while Julie is jumping on the table? Such a great way to capture their excitement.

I like that Carlos figures out the boys are ghosts, but I wish the show had time to do more with the idea of him knowing who they were. Carlos immediately stopping his recording when he realizes Julie wants Luke to talk to her mom gets me every time.

The band had a whole set list going to the Orpheum. Did Julie keep playing on her own after Stand Tall? How many songs did she end up doing?

I love that Flynn always looks up when she asks if the guys are there. Does she think they float on the ceiling when they aren’t playing with Julie?

Caleb does have good taste in clothes. The boys do look good.

It’s interesting that Caleb never tries to sell Reggie on the Orpheum. It’s like he knows that if he gets Alex and Luke on board, there would be no fight in Reggie.

Also, what happened to Caleb’s other drummer? Did she permanently lose her spot in the band? Is she just getting a surprise night off?

Julie in the alley is so hard for me to watch. She’s finally started processing her grief for her mom, and now, she thinks she’s lost the boys too, and she feels like she didn’t do enough to help them. It’s just as heartbreaking, though in a shorter amount of time, as “Unsaid Emily.”

Trevor being surprised by Carrie’s caustic little, “been here before,” has to make you wonder just how disconnected he is from his daughter’s life.

How can you not feel the energy of “Stand Tall?” They’re having so much fun on that stage with that crowd. Even Carrie gives them a standing ovation. Also, more solos for Reggie and Alex would have been nice as everyone going crazy over their lines here show.

Everyone give Reggie a round of applause for responding to Julie when she thinks they’ve already crossed over. If he hadn’t, they would have been jolted right out of existence.

And Julie gets to break all of hearts all over again when she begs them to go to Caleb.

I love that Julie wants to hug Luke so badly and just goes for it, and yet, no one ever realizes she’s touching him until he starts to glow. The audience is just as caught up in the scene as the boys are, so it’s always a surprise even if you’ve seen it a hundred times.

And the power of love prevails. But what does it mean, Julie? The audience would like to know too. Are you magic? Are the boys magic? Are they still ghosts? Just corporeal ghosts? Can other people touch them? See them? We may never know. And that sucks.

And then that cliffhanger of an ending. First of all, I still don’t understand why, after being rejected and told she’s busy, Nick stops by her house to bring Julie flowers. He could have congratulated her at school or texted her. And now, he’s possessed by Caleb. It’s weird too that Caleb would even want to possess Nick. Why not Ray? Or Julie herself? Why Nick specifically? It’s a strange choice. It gets him into Julie’s classes, but not closer to the boys. So, his aim has to be going after Julie, of course. Does he suspect that she’s the key to the boys’ power instead of the ghosts themselves? Because that’s what I think.

And that is it. My rewatch is complete. The commentary on this last one got a little long, but that’s okay. It just makes me want a season two all over again.

[snootchie-bootchies]

Top ten shows I binged in Quarantine

WARNING MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS IF YOU WANNA WATCH ANY OF THESE SHOWS 

10. Sex and the City 

This show came out I was born so I didn’t get to watch it while it was airing but quarantine was the perfect time to watch it! It’s the first thing I wanted to watch since I would hear a lot about it on the internet. I have to say it did not disappoint. The chemistry between the four main girls was amazing, and I really enjoyed their friendship. It was fun watching them grow from the very first episode to the last (I ignore the movies they are not canon to me sorry about it). I got watch Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha fall in love, out of love, accept themselves, and take on the city and have sex of course! 

9. The Office

The first time I heard about The Office was from my older brother as it is his favorite show. All of my friends watched it and would tell me to but I had no way to so. When we got netflix during quarantine it was one of the first things I wanted to watch. I binged this summer and it made me feel closer to my brother as I understood his humor more. The show is hilarious and the cast had great charisma together. It was cool to see where actors like Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Craig Robinson and many others got their start. I loved watching Jim and Pam’s love story, and Dwight is definitely my favorite character. Overall I understand all the hype around this show. 

8. I am not okay with this

I watched this show during summer as well, and holy crap what a show! I was already fan of Sohpia Lilis, and Wyatt Oleff from IT but omg I was so impressed with them after this show! The plot is an interesting one and that ending was insane, so sad there won’t be a season two but what can you do? 

7. Hollywood

Definitely one of my fave shows of all time! I’ve seen it about 5 or 6 times. It is a story about old Hollywood but it’s not how you think it is as it a rewrite of it. It was written and created by Ryan Murphy who also created one of my other fave shows of all time Glee. The show has solid cast such as Darren Criss, Jim Parsons, Dylan Mcdermott, and Holland Taylor. The show will make you laugh, cry and wish you lived in old Hollywood! It will also give you a better understanding of how Hollywood works. 

6. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

This show came out in January but I did not start watching it until the first week of quarantine so Idk if I counts as a binge but oh well. This show is so amazing. It is about a girl who can hear people’s thoughts through song, and she has to figure out a way to help them. It also helps that the show stars Pitch Perfect’s Skylar Astin, and Glee’s Alex Newell. The story is solid, and the song selection is definitely unique with songs from all sorts of genre’s, era’s, and artists. 

5. Outer Banks

Oh my god what a great show! It came out in April or May I think but I didn’t watch it until September. The show is about a boy named John B who lost his father at sea and now he and his friends are looking for the treasure his dad was chasing. It has friendship, romance, adventure, and betrayal. This show really made me miss hanging out with my friends. I can’t wait for season 2!

4. Cobra Kai

This show is apart of The Karate Kid series which I have been a fan of since I was a kid. It came out two years ago on Youtube Red and I wanted to watch it then but had no way to. When it got added to netflix this summer I immediately stopped what I was watching to watch it. It follows the bully from the Karate Kid series Johnny Lawrence. He opens up his childhood dojo to help a kid named Miguel with bullies. Eventually more kids start to join, and Danny Larusso the protagonist of The Karate Kid movies opens up his childhood dojo. The show follows new kids including the kids of Danny and Johnny.

3. Dead To Me

I watched this show after season two came out. I was really impressed with this show! The plot really shocked me and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Linda Cardellini, and Christina Applegate are the leads of this show. Christina Applegate’s husband died in a tragic accident, she meets Linda Cardellini and forms a friendship with her. That is all I will say about this show.

2. Julie and The Phantoms

This show I just finished today, and OH MY FUCKING GOD! This show is a masterpiece and deserves all the hype. It is directed by Kenny Ortega who directed the iconic HSM Series and many more. It’s about a girl whose mother died, and she lost her passion for music. She meets these three ghost who died before they got their big break. They help her find her passion for music and form a band with her. The show will make you laugh, sing, and surprisingly cry. The music is amazing, and the main characters have such amazing chemistry musically, and friendship wise. This show will make you feel good, and look up all the songs on youtube when it’s over! 100/100 recommend. 

1. Euphoria

I LITERALLY HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS SHOW OH MY GOD! I binged it at the end of summer, and it is literally one of the best show’s I’ve ever seen. It follows Rue a teenage girl who’s had drug abuse problems since she was thirteen. She just got back from rehab and meets this girl named Jules. They become best friends, and eventually more. I’m not gonna give to much of this show away but oh my god If you have not watched it you should. However it may trigging to some viewers as there is nudity, drug use, physical abuse, and violence. The show follows more characters than just Rue but she is the main. Zendaya definitely deserved the Emmy for this show!