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hajimyans · 2 years

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Scout! Fairytales in a Dream Translation: Chapter 2

Translated by: @myamura

Fun disclaimers: Light English proofreading was done. Not a professional translation. There may be mistakes as this is my first time translating a full story. I haven't read many stories from Ensemble Stars, so I'm not familiar with the unique ways that some of the characters speak. Please read for fun! Please let me know if there are any major mistakes.

Season: Summer

Location: Inside the Theater

Leo: Uuuuu, where is it? Where is it? I’m sure I saw it earlier when I was on stage…!

Madara: Leo-san! If you're searching for Mama, I’m right heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere✰ (waves hand like crazy)

Leo: Phew, I pierced through the crowd and met with Mama! Bbi-bbo-bba-bbo-bbi-bbo-bbi! Uchuu~!

Madara: Hahaha Leo-san, you still aren’t able to get out of the alien character?

I get to see you once again! Wataru-san and Nagisa-san’s alien portrayals are interesting, but I think Leo’s acting is the most natural! It’s a perfect match!

Leo: Hehe, Les Misérables. The story about the friendship between an adult and a high school student is an inspiration that I gave to Keito, and I made the theme song too!

That’s why when Keito wrote the script, he wrote the alien with me as the motif, I think! It was really helpful that I was able to memorize my lines comfortably outside of the time I spent composing ♪

Arashi: I see, that seems really nice. I want to have my own character too.

Leo: —Uuuwaa, it’s Naru? Where did you suddenly appear from?

Ah, wait, I’ll try to guess! Did you ride the 「Les Misérables」 spaceship and crash land here?!

Arashi: Oh my, I’m sorry. I came here normally in a car after finishing my previous schedule like a normal human being to watch the 「Dramatica」 original musical.

Leo: Ah! If I knew Naru was coming, I would’ve had a good seat prepared for you like I did for Mama!

Arashi: Ufufu, it’s alright. I had already bought a ticket. Although if I'm being honest, I think my desire to go on stage and have fun acting together was bigger than my desire to sit in the audience and quietly watch the musical.

It can’t be helped though, since I had a schedule that overlapped with the rehearsals.

Madara: Is that why you don't look so high-spirited, Arashi-san? Come come, Mama will pat your head and comfort you! You’re so nice, very nice~ ♪

Arashi: Seriously, would you stop treating me like a child~?

And I’ve already been offered an acting job by NEWDI, so I’m going to seize this opportunity.

That’s why I came here today, as an acting newbie, to learn. But to my surprise, all the senpais exceeded my expectations with their acting.

I feel pressured when I think about if I can do the same, but there’s no use thinking about that now, is there?

Leo: Yep! I don’t think you have to worry about that too much. If it’s Naru, I believe you’ll do great!

Madara: Right right! When the time comes, Mama will also go and cheer Arashi-san on✰

Arashi: Ufufu, Thank you Leo-kun and Mama~ ♪

Do you have any plans after this? I’m thinking of going to Saison Avenue to relax and reset.

Leo: Mama and I have some work to do so we gotta to the office. Let’s say our goodbyes here! Goodbye~✰

Location: Saison Avenue

Arashi: (I went to a few stores I usually go to but there was nothing in particular that I wanted to buy.)

(No, wait. This isn’t the mood for shopping. This isn’t like me at all—)

Madara: Hey~~~! Arashi-saaaaaaaaaaan! Stay right thereeeeeeeeeeee!

Arashi: —Ara?! You scared me! Why are you here, Mama? Didn’t you say you were going to the office with Leo-kun?

Seriously, if you shout this loud on the street, you'll catch everyone’s attention!

Madara: Ahaha, sorry sorry! Actually, there’s an urgent matter and Anzu-san was looking for you. Check your phone!

Arashi: …Anzu-chan?

Madara: Leo-san just met Anzu-san at the ES Building and she looked nervous so he asked her if anything was wrong.

She was worried about you, Arashi-san, because you weren’t checking your phone or answering calls no matter how many times she texted or called.

Since I had just seen you and knew where you were heading, I decided to come find you, Arashi-san!

Arashi: ? That’s weird. I didn’t receive any messages today?

… Oh my, it was my fault! I had put my phone on silent for the musical, but I forgot to turn it back on when I left the theater to go shopping!

But Mama, you ran all the way here to Saison Avenue just to tell me this?

If I had already finished shopping and left, wouldn’t your effort have been in vain……?

Madara: That’s why being fast is the best! After all, I was the captain of the Track & Field Club. Racing against time is my specialty✰

… Whenever Anzu goes through a hard time, she has a habit of handling it all by herself so it’s rare for her to rely on others.

So that’s why I want to try my best and help, even if it’s just a bit, and make her wishes come true.

And before I left, I had promised Leo-san that I would deliver Anzu’s message to you as fast as I can.

Even if Arashi-san runs to the end of the sky, Mama will come find you no matter whaaaaaaat…♪

Arashi: I feel like I’ve been targeted by a Hound of Tindalos, for some reason I’m a bit scared…

Madara: Anyways, please hurry and call Anzu-san, Arashi-san! Then Mama’s mission will be complete. Bye✰

Arashi: Oh my, he disappeared in the blink of an eye, just as expected of Mama. I didn’t even get a chance to thank him.

Now then, I should hurry and do what I need to do… Ara, the phone connected in a second.

Hello~ Anzu-chan, it’s me~

I left my phone on silent because I had something to do and I wasn’t able to check your message on time. I’m sorry for making you worry.

So did you need me for something, Anzu-chan?

… Okay. So Ra*bits is scheduled to read Snow White on the radio in a few days, but the requesting side wants to dress Hajime-chan up as Snow White and do a pictorial to use as promotional material?

You already prepared Hajime-chan’s outfit but something came up and you can’t go buy accessories together so you wanted to ask if I could do it, Anzu-chan?

Of course. Just leave it to me! I’m a professional after all. I like to decorate things cutely too ♪

And no matter how demanding the Producer job gets, get some rest when you have to. Don’t overdo it. Alright, Anzu-chan?

When you have time, we’re gonna go shopping together, okay? It’s a promise ♪

…………

(Snow White…)

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hanascrisis · 3 years

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A REVIEW: Fake Slackers (Mu Gua Huang)

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW

LENGTH: 112 Chapters and 3 Extras

GENRE: (BL) Slice of Life, High School Romance

MAIN COUPLE: He Zhao and Xie Yu

BRIEF SUMMARY: Xie Yu, a repressed genius playing dumb in school (2nd last place) and kicking ass otherwise, becomes desk mates with another famed rebel He Yu, who has grades that are dead last in ranking. The two navigate high school in an elaborate game of imposter, fooling their peers, their teachers, and each other, only to develop a romantic relationship through their solidarity.

LINK: https://fake-slackers.carrd.co/

II. CATEGORICAL RANKING & BREAKDOWN

I read this novel fairly recently, after reading multiple with historical settings, including the famed Dumb Husky and his White Cat Shizun (2ha), so this was definitely a breath of fresh air. The novel itself reads like a slice of life story set in high school, with small snippets of life and no “proper plot with an end goal”. The only real development throughout the book is that of the relationship between He Zhao and Xie Yu, their ever evolving closeness with their classmates, and He Zhao/Xie Yu’s ongoing battle to keep their secret identity as geniuses from everyone around them. Because of this, the book is quite “nostalgic” and reminiscent of what its like living life in high school and falling in love over the accumulation of small gestures and connections. While I ended up laughing my ass off over some parts, overall, reading the book made me feel how listening to “Mystery of Love” Sufjan Stevens makes me feel, which is probably the best way to describe it.

1. CHARACTERIZATION ~ Rated 10/10

I greatly adore the characterization of every character in the book, from the teachers, the ridiculous classmates, Xie Yu’s “found family” in Black Water Street, to the two main characters themselves. The characters in the book all have their own distinct personalities and motivations that might otherwise clash, but all the relationships in the book demonstrate how they can fit together rather harmoniously due to circumstance. By the end, the friend group He Zhao and Xie Yu created included people who usually would have no relation to each other, but their bond was built over the years they had spent “suffering” through thick and thin together within the four walls that was their classroom. You could really label their friendships as “unlikely” ones, but the author really displays how meaningful each of these interactions between the characters are, especially during times of adversity where one or more are struggling. Its really sweet and heartwarming to read.

With the two main characters, both are characterized at the beginning to be “rebels” who behave badly, with low grades and picking fights every other day. They both garnered a reputation within the school as two rivals who rule their respected “half of the territory”, intimidating all students and frankly becoming inapproachable. But being in the same class together as deskmates, on the contrary to everyone’s preconceived notions, they get along extremely well. This leads the people around them to see both of them in a different light, and befriend them as two classmates who are subject to the exact same school related struggles. The dynamic between the two characters and the development in their relationship just feels so natural and smooth, with small gestures building up to a very straightforward, non-chalant confession, to then dating. Its quite nice and mellow, in comparison to a lot more grandiose and overdramatic confessions and love stories we see commonly in the romance genre. Its also quite refreshing to see two people who are both shameless in their affection, not easily flustered. Their relationship is sweet, in the way that warm water with lemon and honey is sweet; gentle and warm, but not tooth-rotting.

2. WORLD BUILDING ~ Rated 9/10

Because it is a slice of life, there is not really the necessity for there to be intricate world building like in the case of any xianxia genre novel. However, in terms of the ability for the author to create a world in which has a bidirectional relationship of influence with the main characters, the author does this very well. The author is able to create a clear juxtaposition between Xie Yu’s previous life in the poorer Black Water district, and his life as the second son of a wealthy business man, and how his environment ultimately plays into his relationships, characterization, and some of the major decisions he makes such as hiding his true abilities. Because of this type of juxtaposition, the book is also able to touch on more heavy, “angsty” themes, such as classism and the portrayal of people divided between classes, as can be seen from the relationship between Xie Yu’s mom and the people from Black Water Street who were with her when her and Xie Yu were hiding from debt. While the themes prevalent tend to be more serious, the author maintains a balance and still adheres to the bright and warm “slice of life” style, making the book really easy to follow, and frankly quite relaxing to read.

3. PLOT DEVELOPMENT ~ Rated 8/10

The direction the story takes is fairly obvious from the first few arcs of the book, which generally makes the plot development quite predictable, but this is NOT A BAD THING. While I knew what was going to happen anyway, the suspense and tension created prior to the “big reveal” was done so well I was basically screaming and laughing for those 6 or so chapters. It made me giggle, and also slam my fist into the table. I loved the interesting concept and how their two lives were able to intertwine by a shared secret common to both of them. The game of “cat and mouse” as they attempted to fool each other and everyone around them that they were indeed the two worst students personally gave me a death note-esque vibe, without the unnecessary drama and a more mundane goal. Hence, I found the plot EXTREMELY ENJOYABLE to say the least. The book was more comedic situationally, but it was definitely the type of book that makes your face hurt from smiling too much.

III. FINAL THOUGHTS

RECOMMENDATION: I DEFINITELY recommended this book, especially to people who are looking for an enjoyable, sweet slice of life book with a high school romance. One of the “selling points” of this book, if you will is how the arrogant and flamboyant + aloof and distant combination of high school boys falling in love feels so natural, as if they are really just two people who get along really well as best friends, with the added depth of intimacy. It feels “normal”, like a partnership that is just deepened over time, and I love it very much. Reading this book both filled my heart and also left a gaping hole in it (out of jealously because me, when?). I do really recommend this book if you are looking for one with limited angst, filled with nostalgia and subtle, slow burn, high school love.

#danmei #sliceoflife #bookreview #highschoolromance #highschool #fakeslackers #fake slackers #muguahuang #hanashonestreviews #BLbookreview #book review

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ellasadventuresinfandoms · 3 years

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Okay, back in May @isolatedphenomenon asked me if I had an les mis fic recs and I went "oh boy do I !" and then promptly fucked off and disappeared from tumblr for like 6 months...

Anyway on the off chance people are interested, here is my vastly too long list of my favourite les mis fanfic (that I'm almost 100% sure I'll have accidentally missed some of my favourites off of...)

The vast majority of these are main pairing Enjolras/Grantaire, so I've put those first, divided into multi-chaptered and then one-shots. Below that will be other pairings!

Multi-chaptered

• Witch Boy Series : magic AU, starting with Grantaire solving Enjolras' curse - this is just Incredible world building which gets better as it goes on - my favourite is the Babet interlude

• World Ain't Ready : you know how fandoms tend to have a fic that is just associated with it ? in my experience, for les mis this is it - and well deserved ! High school, fake dating AU with some of the most engaging writing

• BE : Enjolras is dragged back into theatre production, helping Eponine put on a production of Hamlet - really love the characterisation in this, and this is really one of those modern AUs that actually feels like real life - really good writing

• After the End : the definitive apocalypse AU in my eyes - les amis are an underground resistance to the dystopian government - really wonderful characterisation of Grantaire and the amis

• You never have to wonder; you never have to ask. : I tend to find fic by scrolling through bookmarks of a pairing, which means I often see repeats; this is a fic that if I see I just re-read cause I know I'll enjoy it - the amis sparked a failed rebellion, and now 18 months later Grantaire ends up staying at Enjolras' after returning to Paris for Marius and Cosette's wedding

• Your Heart on Your Skin : Soulmate AU with flower tattoos marking important emotions and events - wonderful concept and world building

• Impatient to Be Free : Daughters of Bilitis AU - if that doesn't make you excited I don't know what else to say to convince you (aside from saying the author is a simply wonderful writer)

• You Dance Dreams : Okay. Not to be over dramatic, but this fic did genuinely qualitatively change my life, in that it was the first thing that got me looking up contemporary ballet and now that's like one of my favourite things and big hobby So. Also its really great writing; music/creative arts school les amis with Grantaire choreohraphing the ballet for Combeferre's opera, with a heavy emphasis on Grantaire realising he really never actually got over Enjolras

• philia : this one is an absolute classic to me, but not given nearly enough recognition - one of the more realistic college AUs ever written, and the writing of Grantaire is so good because it hits the perfect balance of sympathy and annoyance about his behaviour (that's a genuine compliment)

• Coffee Hooligans : fucking tragedy this never got properly finished, Enjolras leads the amis as social justice vigilantes and tries to hide the criminal bits of his life from R

• Fighting the Hurricane : Pacific Rim AU that's less an AU and more just placing the les mis characters in the Pacific Rim universe. Really good and riveting read, also super interesting depiction of Grantaire

• Weaving Olden Dances : Fairy AU - Grantaire "claims" Enjolras to prevent his execution - really good writing, love Grantaires characterisation

• Paris Burning : canon era (sort of) where cities have a physical being - Grantaire is Paris and becomes entangled in Enjolras' revolution - oh the world building is truly *chefs kiss*

• Euphoria is You For Me : Enjolras and Grantaire keep meet cuting in a wonderfully written Brooklyn - feels like a love letter to Brooklyn at times, and I really like the characterisation of Grantaire

• so please just fall in love with me this christmas : Enjolras works for the environmental company Grantaire volunteers at, and keeps getting secret gifts at Christmas - I sound a little like a broken record but the Grantaire characterisation is very good

• You Are the Moon : Wild West esque Space AU - Grantaire has to call on the amis to help rescue Valjean and Cosette, despite Grantaire leaving the amis 6 months before. On re-reading the Enjolras characterisation feels a little rushed, but overall fantastic story telling and the Grantaire arc is a Delight

• Pandemos : Enjolras is aphrodite, and seeks peace from all his suitors in R/Hephestus' cave

• Pining for You : Hallmark christmas romance - Grantaire returns home to work on his father's tree farm, and Enjolras is the lawyer helping prevent the farm being sold - cute as shit imo

• Once We're Kings : Fantasy AU - a country hosts a ball to marry Prince Enjolras and the rival country sends Grantaire as a fuck you - one of the best ways of doing Enjolras as a prince in a fantasy and just really nicely written

• Never Bitter and All Delicious : Fairy Godmother AU - yes really, yes its genuinely a very good read

• On One Condition : Fantasy AU - Enjolras is a bored knight who finally goes to check out the local dragon, which turns out to be Grantaire - I really like how they capture Enjolras' stubborn nature and it's such a well written soft growth of love between them

• That's How Easy Love Can Be : Les Amis work at a primary school; and its secret santa time! very fun portrayal of Enjolras

• The Lark and Her Lieutenants : re write of canon where Cosette is the leader of the revolution - just *chefs kiss*

• If You Tickle Us, Do We Not Laugh : Grantaire is Enjolras' secret android - really good at writing a relationship that's incredibly loving but just keeps being antagonistic and coming off wrong

One Shots

• True Colours : AU where you leave colours on the people important to you - Enjolras and Grantaire falling for each other is so soft and gently written its lovely, this is genuinely one of my favourites

• Keep It Kind, Keep It Good, Keep It Right : this one is so good to me, because it builds off my pet hatred of everyone assuming Enjolras doesn't care about (or at least actively show he cares about) his friends

• blooming : very soft post-dystopian utopia that has just a really wonderful sense of hope and light to me

• and the wall leaned away (or: The Pros and Cons of Tilling) : perfectly realised characterizations of the amis, Grantaire needs a date to her final year art exhibition - deals with anxiety over protest in a way that actually hits for me

• not just one of the crowd : R helps run a leftist bakery and bike repair shop - very cute characterisation, and I think more les mis fanfic should link to anarchist essays

• Lovesickness : Enjolras is an idiot and thinks he's sick rather than having a crush - the writing of Joly and Combeferre in this is some of my favourite depictions of these two

• If there's a rocket, tie me to it : absolutely heartbreaking sci-fi AU about the amis as doomed mecha pilots

• Where I Fall is Where I Land : Enjolras is a Roman commander as Rome's power is leaving England, and then meets the pict Grantaire (+ fun soulmark stuff !)

• You Started Foreign to Me : Enjolras moves to america and R is the overnight grocery clerk who helps her learn Spanish - cute fluffy lesbians with a wonderfully written driven Enjolras

• Love Is Touching Souls : very cute soulmate AU - and one I really love for really truly considering the implications of soul marks and creating historical lore around it

• Ten Years : R is a musician, and it non-linearly charts his relationship to Enj from high school to 10 years later

• put up with me then I'll make you see : Grantaire lives above Enjolras, and its christmas - I find it to have a very fun interpretation of pining Enjolras

• A Cat Called Trash Can : this was one of the first les mis fics I ever read (yes I know it says it was published in 2020, but I think it has to be a re-upload or something?) and it does still have a special place in my heart - Grantaire rescues a cat, but Enjolras is the only one with an apartment free to look after it

• Still I'm Begging to Be Free : inception AU where les amis have to rescue a sleeping R from his own brain

•I'm in it for You : cw: illness, cancer - R has cancer and is being a martyr about telling his friends so Enjolras drives him back from chemo

• walls come tumbling down : sky high au - a very good high school AU with the perfect level of campy superhero powers

• This brave new world's not like yesterday : Enjolras needs a job, so ends up working in a bowling alley with Grantaire and bonding

Enjolras/Grantaire/Combeferre

• In Defiance of All Geometry : les amis are a student co-op house, Enjolras and Combeferre are pining friends and Grantaire is the newbie

• Still the Same : this is very good writing and very compelling - if you can get over the (imo) plot hole of Enjolras working for the FBI. R was an art thief Enj put away and is briefly helping the FBI out, and Combeferre is Enjolras' husband

• To Kingdom Come : cw: war and PTSD from that, Enjolras and Combeferre are part of a group of refugees that have crossed into a more fantasy land, and Grantaire is a lone traveller from that land that attempts to help - that was a shit summary of this very emotional, wonderfully written fic about war and love in all forms

• Gonna need (a spark to ignite) : I always love a twist on a classic trope, and this is a very fun take on the soulmate AU - Enjolras loses feeling in his soul mark as a child, falls in love with Grantaire and then his soulmate, Combeferre, turns up

Eponine/Cosette

• Pretty Girls Don't Know the Things That I Know : simply stunning writing - perfect example of soft writing about a harsh world

• she knows her way around : Eponine and Cosette bond, ostensibly so Eponine can find out about her for Marius, and their interactions are so playful and realistic, its wonderful

• always find me floating on oceans : Cosette stows away on Eponine's pirate ship - I do always have a soft spot for eposette fics (not just cause I ship it) because they truly characterise Cosette in a really considered and interesting way

• There's No Making Love : I'm putting this under eposette even though there is some significant enjolras/grantaire content, because the Cosette characterisation is so fun and cute

• round and round again : this fic really beautifully translates Cosette's bad childhood and then isolated teenage years, and the impact that would have on her as an adult into a modern AU

• Underwater Thunderheards : this is based off the book The Scorpio Races, and is just a really nice short fic about longing

• How To Change The World Without Taking Power : Marius has a crush on Cosette and she's tried being polite and subtle in turning him down, so just ends up fake dating Eponine instead

• blood red fruit and poison's kiss : Snow White AU - Cosette as Snow White

• The Winters Cannot Fade Her : Snow White Au 2.0 - Eponine as Snow White - this was written as a pair to the one above which is just so cute to me

• marriage à la mode : Cosette and Eponine run a bridal shop together and it's very cute !

• Temporary Hold : I personally find this a really fun and very unique take on Cosette - with exams coming up she decides she needs to get laid on the reg and so hits up Eponine to act as if they're already long term girlfriends

Combeferre/Courfeyrac

• better than you had it : fake dating but kick it up an emotional notch - Courf and Ferre pretend to still be together after breaking up for a family event

• take flight, come near : nice and cute low fantasy, where Combeferre runs a dragon sanctuary and Courf finds an injured dragon

Rare Pairs

• The Future's Owned by You and Me : cute Enjolras/Feuilly with actual radical politics and real life organising difficulties and wins

• First Dates and Other Dangers : Combeferre and Grantaire agree to go on a blind date and it's awkward until it isn't - just cute !

• after midnight : Combeferre has insomnia and meets Grantaire in various all night fast food chains

• as you are : Bahorel and Jehan getting ready together

• Almost Romantic : Jehan works at a museum, and takes Combeferre on a little tour

• Understudy : Jehan/Combeferre, with Combeferre's insecurities regarding being seen as second best to Enjolras

• Here There Be Dragons : Courf/Enj/Ferre - Courf and Enj are superheroes and Ferre is the doctor that patches them up

• To Let it Occur (Laisser Faire la Nature) : Feuilly has a stupidly long stopover in Paris and meets Enjolras

• rule of three : Courf/Enj/Ferre as spies and loving boyfriends

• Good Rhetoric : snapshots of cute cuddly courf/enj/ferre

• subluxate, dislocate, replace : found family and chronic illness with Joly/Bossuet/Musichetta

• Strike stone, strike home (like lightning) : so this fic took one minor piece of lore about Tolkien's dwarves and made a beautiful j/b/m fic from it

• Almost Inevitable : Bahorel/Feuilly friends-with-benefits

• god only knows (what I'd be without you) : Bahorel/Feuilly with a closeted Feuilly and a beautiful Feuilly and Eponine friendship

#les miserables #fanfic rec #les mis #les miserables fanfic #les miserables fanfic rec

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chandelier-s-notebook · 3 years

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If anyone wants to be part of a taglist for Assassinate But Nah, feel free to message me/send an ask/or mention it in reblogs.

Taglist: @sleepysnails

Ao3 link

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“My name is Tubbo Jacobs. My father is Karl Jacobs. He works as an editor for the Houver Mailer. That’s also just true. My name is Tubbo Jacobs. I’ve just moved in with my father. I was living with my mother for my whole life, but I wanted to meet my dad after the divorce when I was three years old. So now that I’m sixteen, they arranged for me to move in.” Tubbo looks out the window of the Honda Civic Karl had driven him to school in. “My name is Tubbo Jacobs, and I am the new kid.”

Tubbo opens the shotgun door and steps out.

“What? Not gonna hug your old man?” Karl teases.

Tubbo glances back at him. “I will.” He slams the door behind him. Karl speeds away unfazed by the cold teen.

Geez. He’s gonna need to pretend that guy is his actual dad later. Tubbo shakes his head. Do normal teenagers hate their parents?

It’s been a while since Tubbo has been to school. Intellectually Tubbo knows that Hollywood movies are incorrect in their portrayal, but what does he have to base his expectations on. Ever since his grandpa died and his debts to the Jays were passed down to Tubbo’s father in the inheritance, his life was shit.

He was taken out of school in order to pay the debts off. Schlatt used him as an errand boy for the first year. Then on a supply run gone wrong he killed someone. Captain Maron was a homicide investigator and regularly brought home work. Tubbo had spent years reading up on serial killers and their signatures, and he had kept enough of his wits about him to frame one of those guys still on the streets.

After that, Schlatt gave him a new purpose: the Jays’ invisible assassin. Tubbo was a cop’s son, if anything the fact he was invisible helped his dad keep his job.

But, killers don’t have good social skills. And there’s nothing that’s transferable between assassin and high school student. He supposes that technically reading someone’s body language and copying it would be a transferable skill he had.

From emulating serial killers to high school students. He sincerely hopes he’s as good at the latter as he is the former.

In the atrium there are four masses of printed paper taped to the walls. There are larger decorative letters above these, and Tubbo makes his way to the one that says “JUNIORS.”

He runs his finger along the Js section, looking for his name. There he was. “Tubbo Jacobs, room 234, English, Ms. Chu.” Tubbo turns to find a stairwell. “Now where is 234?”

Tubbo’s a little on edge as he wanders the school walls, but who wouldn’t be? Tubbo decides he’s going to forget the whole “must assassinate Thomas Rough next semester” thing for the time being. Right now he’s going to focus on being the new kid; figuring out how to socialize, and befriending Ranboo Alastair.

He knows Ms. Chu’s door when he sees it. It’s the one with tissue paper flowers and bright colours on it. The first thing he sees upon walking in is a seating plan. Back corner, nice. And his deck partner is his mark.

Nope. Not calling him that. Thomas Rough is the mark. Ranboo Alastair is the collateral, the current target.

Tubbo sits down. Ranboo enters the classroom.

If all goes to plan, Ranboo Alastair will be Tubbo’s first friend in six years.

Ranboo throws his bag to the floor and pulls out his phone. The two of them sit silently in their corner of the room while people file it and start talking to their classmates. Tubbo notices that everybody in the class glanced at them at least twice, each.

Tubbo is pretty sure it’s because they all must have gone to school together for years and were checking out the new face, but it seems like Ranboo is getting just as many looks at Tubbo. And it’s not like he chose to sit next to the new kid.

The early bell rings.

“Sorry about the looks.” Ranboo says, still texting. “That happens.”

“It’s fine. I expected it. New blood ‘n’ all.”

“That happens too.”

Tubbo wonders what he was referring to the first time.

“Good morning class, welcome to junior English!” Ms. Chu says over the voices of the class ocne the late bell rings. “We’re going to do attendance, then I’m forcing you to do an ice breaker with your desk partner.”

Tubbo’s head falls forwards slightly while the class groans. How was he supposed to come up with something for ice breakers?

Ms. Chu puts her hands up placatingly, kinda smile on her face. “I know I know. No one likes ice breakers. But we can start reading MacBeth instead if you guys want?”

This got a much louder negative reaction.

“That’s what I thought.” Ms. Chu pulls up the attendance sheet. “Ranboo Alastair?”

“Here.”

Tubbo checks out as he tries to come up with experiences. The problem is that all good lies stem from the truth, and that he needs to remember these stories for later. Tubbo flits through his life from before he started working under Schlatt and a few normal moments from his life after.

“Tubbo Jacobs?”

“Present,” he says without really thinking or hearing her.

“Tubbo?”

“Yes. Don’t laugh.”

“I’m not laughing. I’m not laughing,” Ranboo says, definitely stifling a laugh.

“Stop.” Tubbo smiles, good naturally he hopes. “Your name is Ranboo. You can’t laugh.”

“Sure I can.”

“No you can’t!”

The teacher clears her throat.

Tubbo and Ranboo look at her; the latter with a confident smile, the former with an apologetic one.

“Good morning Ms. Chu,” Ranboo says, “Don’t let us interrupt you. Please go one with your lesson plan.”

“You got a mouth over the summer Mr. Alastair,” the teacher jokes.

“Nah Ma’am. I got confidence.”

Tubbo breaks. He purses his lips in order to not laugh.

Ms. Chu, completely unoffended and obviously ready to play, sits back in her chair. “Save it for tomorrow when there’ll be a lesson to disrupt. Everyone else, turn to your partners and introduce yourselves. Tell each other about your summers for the next ten minutes.”

Both Tubbo and Ranboo seem to have the same idea. Everyone else turns but they stay staring at Ms. Chu.

“Yes boys?”

“You said ‘everybody else’ what are we doing?” Tubbo asks, innocent as can be.

Someone from a nearby desk stops their sentence to laugh.

“Mr. Jacobs was it?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Tell Ranboo about your summer.”

“Of course Ma’am.”

Tubbo may be an assassin, but he’s still a teenager who’s been told what to do for years; cop’s kid, dealing with the fucking Mafia, the pinnacle of controlling adults. As far as he was concerned, any punishment he’d get from talkback here was nothing. Tubbo was going to be the smartass-talkback kid. Fuck.

“So what did you do this summer?”

Hack into the Roughs’ personal database to learn everything he could about Thomas Rough by going through Dan Rough’s archives on his son’s life. “Coding,” is what he says instead.

#Tubbo #Ranboo #Karl Jacobs #Nihachu #Assassinate But Nah

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infj-zen · 3 years

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#GetSorted challenge

#GetSorted from mbti-sorted

Okay, for interest’s sake I’m going to answer a few of these questions in writing. It’s almost midnight, we’ve been in COVID-19 lockdown for a while now and I don’t look camera ready.

Actually, that’s an excuse.

I would not go on camera even if there were no pandemic.

To everyone who does the video challenge, congratulations on your bravery.

So, here goes...

Tell us about a teacher or a coach who left a big impression on you. I had a longstanding EFSJ music teacher who would probably be considered charismatic, dominant, driven, hot-tempered, sometimes extremely funny. She emphasized repetition so that all her students had as close to perfect technique as possible. You were not allowed to have any input into her methods and students with a lot of opinions usually left or were asked to leave. She was very good at teaching the way she taught and for some students her methods worked particularly well. I learned that I did not like learning by repetition and did not retain as much that way. However, by subjugating my own preferences I was forced to address my weaknesses. Maybe it resulted in personal growth in terms of seeing the value of repetition in developing physical technique, muscle memory, and the memorization of music. I think it would have helped to also have combined the emphasis on repetition with explanations of the history and theory of the music in order to more fully understand and retain what I had learned. I also learned how to be self-effacing when I needed to be and not to insert ego or opinions where they were not wanted when I later had bosses with similar personality traits. I learned to be more selective and to actively try and put myself in long-term situations where I would be learning/working in the ways most conducive to me. Besides this learning experience, I had some really amazing science and English teachers in later years of high school and university. These were mostly ENTPs along with a few ENFPs and ENTJs. I found the ENTJs often had the most clear explanations for complex subjects. The best ENTP teachers were often very personally considerate and good at explaining things in ways that were easily understandable to me; I was good at synthesizing their ideas. The ENFPs were probably more smooth speakers and yet somewhat less easy to follow for me (they probably also addressed weakness in how I learned, for example, by not always explaining what they wanted super clearly beforehand; learning was a lot of trial and error; we did a lot of acting and oral presentations in class; Ne and Te make for a different way of thinking theoretically, of connecting ideas and facts).

What was your favourite subject in school and did you pursue it as a career? English and Chemistry. I pursued English in University and probably would have gone into Chemistry otherwise. However, I then realized I liked researching as an activity more than actually doing all that academic English involved and ended up studying and working in social sciences - somewhere I never considered when I was younger. A background in literature and writing is generally useful in the various jobs I’ve had though.

Do you have any athletic injuries and how did you get them? Yes, tendonitis from dancing (repetitive jumping and landing on the ball of the foot). This was as a child and it was not permanent.

Do you believe in any supernatural phenomena? No, but I can imagine a lot.

Tell us about a recurring conflict with a family member. Probably the most recent common recurring conflict revolves around being in a conversation with ‘a family member’ who is not listening and responding appropriately. For example, I am talking and ‘a family member’ to whom I am speaking responds by addressing something that takes on a totally different issue from that which I just referenced. Is the listening fine and the responding not? Is the listening poor and the responding good? Are both the listening and the responding off? Is my articulation poor? Is it mind manipulation?

What character do you identify with the most and why? The closest thing I’ve seen on screen is probably Caroline Turing in Person of Interest. Episode 23, Season 1 of POI features an INFJ actress playing something very close to an INFJ psychologist. Her mannerisms, speech patterns and interactions with her ISTP co-star (playing an ISTP former-military-guy-acting-as-a-patient-to-save-her-from-hitmen) are pretty realistic. Unfortunately, her real character, Samantha Groves aka Root, a serial killer for hire is only pretending to be Caroline Turing in order to gain access to the ISTP’s INTJ computer genius boss (played by an INTJ) and his AI surveillance system. So, the portrayal of this character only lasts for one episode.

How many languages do you speak? Is English your first language? If it isn’t, answer a question in your native language (please summarize it after in English!). Two. English (native speaker) and French.

What advice would you give to your younger self and what would they think of where you are now? Would you warn them about anything? Maybe just that what fields you enjoy studying in and working in may end up being different areas. In terms of having better job prospects, I might advise my younger self to study a subject like software engineering (which I didn’t have a lot of knowledge of or exposure to through our high school education system). That might be very useful in finding a fulfilling job now or in complementing the degree or field I went into. Also, I was extremely driven when I was younger and I would probably advise myself to take school more slowly, less courses at a time, more time to focus on course work, and generally to manage things in a way that resulted in less burnout.

Do you people-gather? (If you’re unsure, ask others in your group(s) if they’re there because of you.) How many groups do you belong to, and what do you think of this? Not so much for the people-gathering. I do not join a lot of groups. Usually, when I do, it is because I got dragged into it by someone charismatic and friendly. I often stay with the group for a relatively lengthy period. I end up feeling highly committed out of a sense of loyalty to the recruiter/group. At some point I end up leaving the group (often involves physically moving away to justify) and having a sense of extreme burnout when the mention of joining anything similar comes up.

Are you passionate about your career? Tell us about it. Sort of. I went into my career with the idea that I would have less chance of burnout if I went into something I was dispassionate about. For example, less interaction with people (using Fe) and more paperwork (using Ni and Ti). Some of my jobs have involved a lot of customer service and the use of Fe all day was overstimulating and emotionally draining. The best jobs so far involved working at a desk 9-5 and basically using a lot of Ni and Ti while organizing information in systems. This felt like meditating; I would achieve a zen-like state and feel energized afterwards. I would not say I was passionate about the nature of the work but the zen-like feeling was nice. In terms of being passionate, I think I might prefer a job that involved more of a research component. I think I would like to feel more challenged, to learn a lot of new things every day. However, I would not like to be in a career that feels too passionate for really long periods of time, or in a high-stress environment that would result in burnout. I would like more of a balance. You can always find hobbies you are passionate about on the side.

Which holiday brings you the least joy? Labour Day. The thought of going back to school or work ruins it.

Are you a heartbreaker or a heartbreak-ee? 50-50.

What is your dream car? Or if you aren’t into cars, what piece of technology do you dream of owning? I really like my laptop.

Would you rather make a lot of money at a job you hate or do a job you love that keeps you below the poverty line? I would rather have a job I love that keeps me below the poverty line because I don’t spend a lot. However, I would not like to have a job that keeps me way below the poverty line, because then I would feel used and would start to hate the job that kept me so much below the poverty line.

Do you collect anything? Other than information gathering, not really. The idea of accumulating large quantities of physical items and taking care of all of them sounds like a lot to think about or unnecessary stress.

Have you ever had any alternative career paths/life gameplans? Do you wish you had taken another path in retrospect? Sure. Chemistry or Software Engingeering looked interesting and probably would have helped in the job market, even in combination with the field I’m in. That way, my skills might have been more of a focus than personality, career-wise.

Do you have a good sense of direction? How do you navigate (when you can’t rely on GPS)? Do you navigate new places/buildings the same way you navigate your home town/familiar buildings? Is your sense of time better or worse than your sense of direction? No, I do not have a good sense of direction. Mbti-sorted is the only person I know whose sense of direction is worse than mine. And that only applies when walking somewhere. When driving somewhere, she has a better sense of direction. I am decent but not excellent with maps, professionally made and drawn by me. With a place I know well, I just walk around without thinking much. Usually it’s okay. Sometimes, I’m surprised to be lost in a place I thought familiar. With new places, I usually plan ahead. I study maps, bring them with me, compare the map with the physical reality around me for similarities and differences, get upset by perceived inaccuracies, visualize the layout of the land if the land and the map were flipped in different directions, try and detect logical patterns in street layouts and names, I try and remember locations of importance and what they look like, directions between key starting points and destinations, and I take down numbers for taxis in case of failure. Sometimes I walk new streets rather than drive in order to actively experience routes more slowly and have time to memorize them better. My sense of time is okay but not great. I feel the need to meet deadlines. I remember I used to rush to classes at the last minute for school, but I guess I did feel the need to get there on time. I have learned to avoid rushing, to be more responsible and set alarms and to carry a cell phone with a clock around with me to arrive on time and often early for important events. Probably my sense of time is better than my sense of direction.

Credit to Temple Grandin for this question: if I tell you to think of a church steeple, what’s happening inside your head? (You could also talk about a clock tower, or a water tower, or a minaret - something you are familiar with, but have less personal connection to works best.) I immediately thought of a white, aluminum sided cube topped by a black pyramid with light blue sky in the background. My mind was adverse to or somehow felt it unnecessary to think beyond that.

Would you be unable or unwilling to answer any of these questions? Which? No, in that I answered all the questions. I guess I did so in writing and was unwilling to answer them on video. I think you can almost always figure out how to phrase things in a way that is acceptable to you in writing. Yes, in as much as message is affected by medium.

C. ANSWER THESE THREE QUESTIONS (30 seconds):

How much preparation did you do before making this video? If you have an interviewer, did you pick the questions or did they? Who decided to do it that way? A bit / no interviewer / me

What type do you think you are? INFJ

In 1-3 adjectives, describe how you think others see you. Calm and conscientious (from collegues and acquaintances), scrappy (from family).

#mbti #infj #getsorted

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jaspers-levis · 4 years

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The New Boy

Happy Pride month! I completely forgot to post this back when I finished, but better late than never, right? Please be kind in regards to my portrayal of the trans experience. I identify as my birth gender, so it was a different experience for me to write as a trans boy. I hope that I got somewhat close to what that experience may be!

Also, no matter who you are, you are deserving of love, respect, safety and happiness. This blog, although twilight themed, is always a safe space. If any of you need someone to talk to, my inbox is always open. Just because I may not know the full experience of what you are going through does not mean I cannot sympathize and offer comfort. We are all human beings on this planet together <3

Reader request by @eatmoarveggies

A new trans boy joins Forks High

“Can’t believe mom’s stupid job landed us in this stupid tiny town,” you muttered to yourself at the stoplight (the only one) on Main Street. Rain lashed at your windshield in an unrelenting stream, perfectly reflecting your mood. Not two weeks ago you’d been laughing it up at a cafe table in the sun on the California coast with your friends, planning a weekend getaway trip the last weekend before school started. Now you were driving as slowly as a snail through the pools of water covering the roadway in your crappy silver toyota, for once glad your mom hadn’t let you get a convertible.

You glanced at the clock, realizing that if you continued at this pace you would be pushing the bell when you arrived at school for your first day, and inched the gas pedal down a notch. Stupid dumb rain. Sighing, you finally made the turn into the Fork’s High school parking lot and pulled into one of the last spots available. You reluctantly shut off the engine and checked your backpack for your school welcome packet. Unfortunately they’d written your birth name on each form, rather than the name you’d chosen for yourself two years ago when you realized you were a boy. Even after all this time, the deliberate refusal to call you by your correct name still rankled.

Annoyed, you ripped your school map out of the packet and slammed the folder shut before hopping out of your car and dashing for the main building. The offensive welcome packet served as a good shield against the downpour and you managed to get to the office with your carefully styled hair still in place. “Hi there, honey,” a generically pretty middle-aged receptionist greeted you. “How can I help you?”

“I’m supposed to register for classes? I’m Y/N, from California,” you told her, setting your stuff down on the counter.

“Hmm…” she clicked industriously at her computer for a few moments. “I’m sorry hon, I recognize the last name but not the first.”

Sighing internally you muttered that it might be under your birth name, not your actual name and she instantly brightened. “Oh! Of course, here we are. Such an interesting name for a young girl. Is it a nickname?”

“No, I actually identify as a male,” you stiffened, resigned to an entire day of misgendering if the rest of the staff and students here at Forks High were as thick as this lady. “Thank you for your help.” You grabbed your schedule out of her hands and made a beeline for the door before she could say anything that was clearly already on the tip of her tongue.

On your way out, you opened the door right into a slim, dark haired girl who immediately dropped all her books and tripped over her own untied shoelace on her way to pick them up. “I’m so sorry!” you apologized, kneeling to help gather her books.

“Hey don’t worry about it!” she said cheerfully with a wry smile, shoving up the sleeves of her plaid shirt. “My mom always says I’m a walking disaster. Edward, my boyfriend, says if there is even the slightest change in elevation I’d fall.”

“I had a friend like that back home,” you return her good natured smile and help her stand. “My name’s Y/N.”

“Cool, I’m Bella,” she shook your hand, not missing a beat. She did eye you curiously but didn’t say another word on it, besides wishing you luck on her way to her first class. Hm. Maybe Forks wouldn’t be as bad as you’d thought…

And you were deeply wrong. Every single teacher called you by your birth name and when you corrected them whispers circulated amongst the class for the better part of the period. At least one person made a pointed remark about your physical appearance within hearing range each class, and one girl openly asked you what you had “down there” in between classes. Things only got worse when you asked if there was a private changing room you could use before gym. The instructor laughed before realizing you were serious and begrudgingly offered you a cluttered storage room next to his office. “I don’t like offering special treatment,” he groused as he unlocked the door. “Don’t mess anything up in here.”

You sighed and changed quickly, emerging to find a group of teenage boys, seniors and juniors mostly, waiting for you. Gritting your teeth at the sharp jump in your pulse, you tried to push through them. One of them caught you and shoved you, hard. “So what are you, really?” their leader asked, scowling. “You can’t seriously be calling yourself a boy, you look like a fucking girl. Or are you one of those gays too?”

“That’s none of your business,” you mutter, trying to get past them again. This time you were thrust against the wall so hard your head knocked against the cinderblocks painfully.

“Like hell it isn’t!” the leader growled in your face, pinning you against the wall. “You just want to get in the boy’s locker room for a sneak peek, is that it? We’ll give you a sneak peek right here!”

You spat in his face in retaliation and he threw you to the floor in anger, where the rest of the boys surrounded you in an instant, ready to beat the shit out of you. Curling into a ball, you sent up a prayer to whatever god was listening that it would be over soon.

After a moment, you uncurled yourself when not a single kick landed. You looked up to see the largest senior boy you’d ever seen standing before you looking scarier than hell as he stood off against your tormentors. A statuesque blonde girl stood next to him, shaking with fury and shooting daggers at the boys. “Don’t ever fucking come near him again,” she spat, taking a step forward.

“What are you gonna do?” the leader sneered, crossing his arms.

“You don’t even want to know, bro,” the enormous boy said, laying a restraining hand on the girl. “Get the fuck out of here before she loses her temper.”

The boys turned and ran at the look on the girl’s face.

“Hey man, you okay?” the large boy turned and reached out a hand to help you up. His skin was shockingly cold for such a large dude… “My name’s Emmett, and this is Rosalie. We heard the commotion and came to see what was going on.”

“I’m Y/N,” you stammer as Rosalie turns her fearsome gaze at you.

“If those boys, or anyone else even so much as LOOK at you funny, you come find me or one of our family. We’ll take care of it,” she said fiercely, her golden eyes frighteningly intense.

Emmet gave Rose a look and sighed. “Y/N… you’re new, right? You met our brother’s girlfriend Bella earlier this morning. Nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you too…” you said haltingly, uncertain.

“Ignore Rose; she won’t bite...well, you at least,” Emmett joked, patting you on the shoulder and leading the two of you back to the gymnasium. “But seriously, if anyone is nasty to you again, we’ll help you out. No one should be treated like that!”

“Why are you helping me?” you asked, apprehensive of these beautiful strangers and their generous offer of aid.

“Those guys are all assholes,” Rosalie growled, sending a terrifying glare in their direction across the gym floor that sent them scattering like cockroaches under a light. “I hate them.”

“Well, that, and we don’t like bullies,” Emmett shrugged. “What you have in your pants, who you are or what you look like are your business, not anyone else’s. Who the fuck cares anyways?”

“Way too many people at this school,” you mutter as the gym teacher approached, explaining the activity for the class. You didn’t get a chance to talk more with Rosalie and Emmett during class, but afterwards they invited you to sit at lunch with you and their family. Maybe things really wouldn’t be that bad if you had a couple of supportive friends like the Cullens...

#twilight fan fiction #twilight fanfiction #twilight #Bella Twilight #Emmett McCarty #Emmett Cullen #rosalie lillian hale #rosalie hale

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darkdevasofdestruction · 4 years

Text

OC asks - YuGiOh & Assassins Creed

OH YES, THIS IS GONNA BE FUN~!

--- YU-GI-OH

1. What is your OC’s favorite color?

She loves green! It’s a calming colour that highlight her eyes and gives her a more alluring look.

2. Does your OC collect anything? What do they collect?

Not sure if it counts, as she doesn’t collect physical things, but she loves to take pictures of everything that makes her happy and look at them from time to time.

3. What kind of things is your OC allergic to?

Idiocy.

4. What kind of clothing does your OC wear?

Black jeans, with a regular green top, a black vest-like trench coat and knee length black boots, so pretty basic.

5. What is your OC’s first memory?

Uhhhh......Like, as a child? I suppose it’d be when her mother smiled at her and gave her the family heirloom, the Millennium Medallion.

6. What’s your OC’s favorite animal? Least favorite?

She loves all animals, but at first, she loved Wolves the most, since she thought it would suit her loner personality. Her least favourite animal were, ironically, foxes, because her father blamed every mistake on her and her ironic name. That is, until she meets Seto and Mokie, and becomes friends with Yugi’s group, who taught her that instead of listening to the bad stuff, she should make her own name meaning, and since then, she wore her name and spirit animal proudly.

7. What element would your OC be?

BYFIREBEPURGED

Well, if we go by elements meaning, I think either Earth, because she is a nurturing and healing person who helps others without realising. Either that, or water, because she is calm and relaxes people, but she can also become an outright tsunami.

8. What is your OC’s theme song?

I think “Too Late” by Dead by Sunrise, since it shows how desperate she was to find an escape from the darkness she succumbed to once her mother and younger sister were killed in a car accident and she was left under the strict hand of her father who had inhumane expectations of her and wanted only perfection and for her to follow the path he dictates.

9. Do you have a faceclaim / voiceclaim for your OC?

I never thought of that, to be fair? For voiceclaims no, but I imagine her to have a pretty versatile voice, feminine and casual most of the time, but can go low enough to either sound alluring or have a hint of poison darkness.

As for face claims, while creating my Game of Thrones OC, I stumbled upon this picture and she’s been my “faceclaim” if I can’t do a drawing of her, or if the fandom doesn’t have anime/cartoon characters, but real people.

10. What deadly sin would best represent your OC?

For a long time, I’m pretty sure it would be Envy, because she’s see happy people with no family issues, and envies them so much, having dark thoughts about them.

11. What are your OC’s hobbies?

Games of all kinds, travelling, staying in the nature, relaxing outside.

12. How patient is your OC? How hot-headed are they?

She’s incredibly patient with everyone and everything, in most situation, but can’t handle bad behaviour and dumb questions, especially if repeated, and especially if she’s tired, concentrating or the repetition of the conditions is a much too high number.

13. What is your OC’s gender / sexuality / race / species / etc.?

Kitsune is a human girl, but I haven’t thought of her sexuality or romantic orientation before, since she’s only ever attracted to Seto.

14. What foods does your OC like to eat? What are their least favorite foods?

She loves any kind of home-made food, but can’t stand some sea-food dishes.

15. If your OC could have any pet, what would they choose? Why?

Do foxes count? If not, dogs and snakes would be her first options.

16. What does your OC smell like?

Okay, so, there’s this perfume and shower gel that I love so much and they smell SO good, like chocolate...So yes, that exactly.

17. How do they make a living? What kind of job do they want / not want? What is their dream job? What do they think of their current job?

She’s a student, so she has no actual job, but her dream job revolves around technology - Either a programmer or a game developer, both options, later, allowing her to work together with Seto.

18. What are your OC’s greatest fears? Weaknesses? Strengths?

She’s afraid of being manipulated and controlled again, insects and loneliness. Her biggest weakness is her kindness and the fact that she has a hard time denying anyone’s requests, so she can very often be walked all over, if someone doesn’t interfere. Her strengths are her perseverance and ambition that keep her going on and not giving up.

19. What kind of music do they listen to? Do they have a favorite song?

She loves rock, trap and indie songs mostly, and has a hard time choosing only one song, but one of them would be Scorpions - “Still Loving You”.

20. If they came from their world to ours (if not already in our’s) how would they react? What would they do?

Honestly, the Yu-Gi-Oh world is pretty similar to ours, so I don’t think it would be a huge problem to adapt, and would try to make friends and pursue her dreams.

21. What personal problems/issues do they have? Pet peeves?

Apart from her family issues with her mother and younger sister dying and her father being a controlling jerk? She gets pretty restless when she feels something is wrong, and would go in an overly-protective mode and often get herself in trouble.

Her pet peeves are when people chew too loud, being too loud in general, people looking at her phone and people who aren’t punctual or go back on their promises.

22. What kind of student were they/would they be in high school?

“The Nerd” trope. Straight As, loner, shy, but that’s mostly because of her father and how he’d punish her if she didn’t do perfect, and would move her to other schools/cities each year, depending on where his business would lead him.

23. What is a random fact about your OC?

Her hair has more personality than she has. No matter how much she tries, she can’t get it nice and neat, so she stopped caring and leaves it as untameable as it wants it to be.

24. What is their outlook on life? What is their philosophy / what do they think in general about living?

She’s a realist that can often slide down to pessimism or fatalism, as she doesn’t actually have any experience in the real world and is afraid of failing and ruining everything around her.

25. What inspired you to create them / how did you create them? Were they originally a fan-character? What was their personality / design like when you first made them?

Honestly? She’s based on me and how I really am or I’d want to be, in a way. I love how I look with red hair, and I love foxes and their various portrayals and meanings, so I used them to create Kitsune, but instead of giving her black eyes, like I have, I gave her green eyes, like emeralds, to give her that touch of mysterious seductive aura around her.

26. Who is the most important person in their life? Why? Who is the least important to them (that still has an impact and why?

The most important person ALIVE in her life is Seto, because he was the one to take her away from her father and show her they are more than their bad parenting and tragic backstory. (Basically, after some exam results were showed, and she didn’t get the marks he expected, her father went to the principal’s office and realising the girl was using her mother’s old Duel Monsters, proceeding on lighting it on fire, making the girl freak out and put the slightly aflame deck in the principal’s aquarium, before having an outright breakdown, only for Seto to get mad and sass out the father, who was supposed to be a future business partner. When she left the school, she saw Seto and went to thank him, but he only asked if she wanted to babysit Mokuba for a short period of time when he’ll be in another country with business, and from then on, they bond.) On the other hand, the least important person, who still impacts her life, is her father, for the reasons stated before.

27. What kind of childhood did your character have?

Does it count as your usual sob story? Because until she was 13, her childhood was the dream childhood, but when her mother died, it all went down the drain.

28. What kind of nervous habits do they have? Do they stim? Do they have any kinds of addictions?

She tends to wet and bite her bottom lip a lot, she always walks out with earphones and music at max volume to avoid anxiety, walks fast when alone, focuses on her phone to combat the same anxiety and awkwardness, and when impatient or focused, she plays with a strand of her hair, drums her fingers on the table (she likes it when she hears the tapping of her nails), or bounces her leg.

29. If they could choose their epitaph for their grave, what would they choose?

Game over. Respawn time : 3...2...1...

30. Do they want to get married? Why or why not? Would they ever want kids? Do they have kids? Why?

She can’t stand children, they annoy her very much and especially doesn’t want to go through the whole childbirth mess, or have her child hate her. As for marriage...She is afraid of marriages, of rather said, of the possible heartbreak of a divorce, but she wouldn’t actually mind having a dream/fairy tale like small wedding, to make everything beautiful and ethereal.

31. What is their most traumatic memory/experience? What is their favorite memory?

Her most traumatic experience is hearing that her mother and sister got in a car accident, and while her mother was killed on the spot, her sister died in the hospital, in front of her, not long after giving her her favourite Duel Monsters card : Madolche Cruffsant , just because it was hella cute.

Her favourite memory is either her mother teaching her Duel Monsters, or her reading her Disney Princess stories.

32. If they could have one thing in the world, what would it be?

Her mother and sister back to life.

33. Would they ever kill someone? What would someone have to do to push them to kill someone? If they would kill someone, why?

She’d only kill in self-defense or to save someone else, otherwise, the farthest she’d go, is a hell of a beating.

34. What social groups and activities does your character attend? What role do they like to play? What role do they actually play, usually?

In a group of friends, she’s the moral and emotional support of the group, as well as the one to attempt to stop others from doing impulsive and reckless decisions.

In a game, she’d be the healer, priest, shaman or white mage.

35. How is your character’s imagination? Daydreaming a lot? Worried most of the time? Living in memories?

Her imagination goes through the roof, as she always day-dreams about literally everything and anything and reads a lot. Yeah, she does worry a lot and lives in the past, but she’s trying to work on it.

36. What does your character want most? What do they need really badly, compulsively? What are they willing to do, to sacrifice, to obtain?

She needs affections, validation and comfort. (Give her a hug pls) She’s used without it, so she wouldn’t do anything physically/aggressively to obtain it, but it’s eating her alive when she’s overthinking and doubting herself. Other than that, she knows she can obtain everything she wants by herself and just a bit of work.

37. What’s something that your character does, that other people don’t normally do?

I don’t think she does anything special that she does and others don’t... But she likes to carry Mokuba on her shoulders.

38. What would your character do with a million dollars?

Would make sure she doesn’t have to depend on anyone’s money, since she can’t stand being a burden to anyone, and would use the rest to make even more money, so one day, when she’ has a proper and constant living, she could help create animal shelters and donate to different charities.

39. What is in your characters refrigerator right now? On their bedroom floor? Nightstand? Garbage can?

Bubbly soda, water, chocolate and food in the fridge. A fluffy carpet on the floor and nothing else. Her laptop, a bottle of water and a bag of snacks. Fruit remains, empty snacks bags and other random useless things.

40. Your character is getting ready for a night out. Where are they going? What do they wear? Who will they be with?

She’s going on a calm walk on the shore, barefeet, with Seto, feet in water and letting the breeze mess up her hair even more. Kitsune’s wearing a soft coloured flowery patterned dress that’s above the knee, it’s flowy and somehow transparent with an underskirt, and the sleeves are long and loose, all the paired with a pair of sneakers that she can easily take off, knowing she’s going to the beach.

41. What does your character do when they’re angry? Why?

It takes a LOT to make her to visibly show her anger, but she’s going to become extremely verbally aggressive, insulting, sarcastic, barely able to keep herself from getting physical.

42. Does your character have any scars? Where did they get them from?

Nope, she’s clean.

43. What was the most offensive thing your character had ever said?

“If I wanted to kill myself, I’d climb your ego and jump down to your IQ, that’s lower than your shoe size. In fact, it’s non-existent, much like my respect for you. Get the hell out of my sight, can’t you see nobody wants you here? You’re going to be missed like the leprosy.”

44. How does your character react/ accept criticism?

If it’s not actually an insult or a rude remark, she’ll listen and see what she can do with the advice, more more often than not, she still does whatever she thinks it’s right.

45. If your character was given a slice of pineapple pizza and they HAD to eat it (or something bad would happen), how would they react? Do they even LIKE pineapple pizza?

She never tried pineapple pizza, so she’s not sure how she’d react, but it’s just 1 slice, so it won’t kill her. She’s not a huge pineapple fan though.

46. Your character is given a voodoo doll of themselves. What do they do with it? Do they see if it actually works? She takes a needle and gently pokes her hand, and if it’s actually true, she’s gonna keep that doll a secret for safe-keeping, so nobody will ever be able to use it.

47. Can your character draw? What do they like to draw? Do they doodle?

She’s not THE best artist in the world, but she draws cute things like flowers from time to time to relax. As well as that, she draws flowery borders on her notebook pages.

48. What were their parents like? How has that affected how they are as an adult?

I already talked too much about her father, but her mother was a sweet and kind soul, and incredibly ambitious and playful and competitive, which is why she won countless gaming competitions. Her mother’s angelic soul and kindness was the way she wanted to grow to be, and whenever she gets angry, she gets reminded of her father and hates herself for doing something he does that she hates so much.

49. Does your character like candy? Do they get sugar rushes? What are they like when they get a rush?

She loves sweets, but she doesn’t feel the need to eat too many, especially at the same time, so she doesn’t get sugar rushes, nor does she get hyper.

50. If your character was presented with imminent and unavoidable death/fatality, how would they react? Would they try to avoid death anyways? Would they try to make their last days count?

She would cry a lot and would try anything in her power to alter her fate, but if it isn’t possible, she’ll try to spend as much quality time with Seto, Mokie and Yugi’s gang as possible.

---

ASSASSINS CREED

I haven’t gotten around to actually drawing anything for AC unfortunately, and I’m not sure I’ll ever get around to do it ^^”

---

1. What is your OC’s favorite color?

She loves Green and Blue, but the longer she stays in Masyaf, the more she misses the beautiful shade range of purple and lavender.

2. Does your OC collect anything? What do they collect?

In her time, she didn’t collect anything, but when she traveled back in time to Masyaf’s 1191 timeline, she started picking different flowers, pressing them in an empty tome that Malik gifted to her, and together with him, she would draw the flower on the other page, and write information about the plant in cause, with the help of her beloved Malik, both in her language and in his.

3. What kind of things is your OC allergic to?

As to quote a line from the Secret Crusade novel...

“Stupid Altair. Arrogant Altair. He was in trouble.”

4. What kind of clothing does your OC wear?

During her time, in the Japanese Brotherhood, as she is the Master Assassin of the Stealth branch, she wears mostly black, light clothes that allow her to sneak around, spy, snipe and blend in.

In Masyaf time, she had to wear the usual male Assassin outfit that literally engulfs her, which is really annoying as she can’t play to her strengths, so she has to fight quite a lot to get some practical adjustments to the outfit, and ones that won’t attract civilian nor templar unwanted attention.

5. What is your OC’s first memory?

Her elder brother singing this song to her : LULLABY

6. What’s your OC’s favorite animal? Least favorite?

She loves foxes so much. She knows she looks like one, and she uses everything to her advantage, and since she doesn’t actually remember her real name, she chose “Kitsune” as her assassin name.

Also, keep spiders away from her, or she’ll feel her soul leave her body in a split second.

7. What element would your OC be?

Fire. Without a speck of doubt. She’s a little, smug firecracker.

8. What is your OC’s theme song?

I think “Demons” by Starset works pretty well, as whilst she’s a strong person, she still has moments of weakness and needs someone by her side, before she loses control of herself and become someone she’d hate.

9. Do you have a faceclaim / voiceclaim for your OC?

Same person as before. I don’t know who she is, but she’s my muse.

10. What deadly sin would best represent your OC?

I believe Pride is going to give her a looot of trouble.

11. What are your OC’s hobbies?

She loves ice skating, singing, dancing in the moonlight and chilling on the grassy ground, watching the clouds pass by.

12. How patient is your OC? How hot-headed are they?

This little firecracker is somewhere in the middle ground, because yes, she is definitely patient in a lot of circumstances, but Gods, when she gets angry or impatient, you can literally see fire around her.

13. What is your OC’s gender / sexuality / race / species / etc.?

Kitsune is a human girl who never thought of love, as she was married to her work as an assassin, but when she arrives in Masyaf, she falls in love with Malik Al’Sayf.

14. What foods does your OC like to eat? What are their least favorite foods?

Cherries! She loves fruits in general, but she LOVES to seductively eats strawberries or tie cherry steam knots! On the other hand, she won’t eat anything that looks weird or not aesthetic.

15. If your OC could have any pet, what would they choose? Why?

Give this girl a horse, she loves feeling the feeling of wind in her face as she feels the horse speeding up! It’s like she’s on a motorbike again, but a bit different!

16. What does your OC smell like?

Vanilla and Roses <3

17. How do they make a living? What kind of job do they want / not want? What is their dream job? What do they think of their current job?

Kitsune is the Master Assassin of the Japanese Brotherhood’s Stealth Branch, so it’s needless to say that she gets her pay from this.

18. What are your OC’s greatest fears? Weaknesses? Strengths?

She fears getting close to anyone, only to have them dying on her again, just like her parents and older brother. Her weaknesses are her physical strength, her fear of the unknown and the fear of failure. She is small, fast and agile, has an amazing sight and always does her job at perfection, thanks to her ruthlessness, and can easily seduce and manipulate people with words and a simple bat of her long lashes.

19. What kind of music do they listen to? Do they have a favorite song?

Give her the loudest rock music and the best trap and dubstep remixes, she loves the energy she gets from those kids of songs.

20. If they came from their world to ours (if not already in our’s) how would they react? What would they do?

She is from our world...Sort of, so she won’t have too much of a problem living her life at leisure.

21. What personal problems/issues do they have? Pet peeves?

She has a hard time straying from the rules or showing mercy because she’s been brought up by the Brotherhood since she was 7. Her parents died at such a young age (as they too were assassins) that she doesn’t remember them, and the man who took care of her, as per her parents’ death wish, died when she had to assist him on her first mission, at 12 years old, which was a chaos and he died saving her so she could make sure the mission was a success.

Her pet peeves are people getting too close to her when talking, breathing too loudly, children misbehaving and slow internet.

22. What kind of student were they/would they be in high school?

She didn’t actually go to a regular school, but was trained and taught by the brotherhood, where she was an incredibly perfectionist and diligent student.

23. What is a random fact about your OC?

She absolutely L O V E S to playfully flirt with people she likes, which makes Malik the one to endure all her flirting.

24. What is their outlook on life? What is their philosophy / what do they think in general about living?

She doesn’t care if she dies or not, as long as she’s happy. She’s an assassin, she’s been fearless for as long as she can remember.

25. What inspired you to create them / how did you create them? Were they originally a fan-character? What was their personality / design like when you first made them?

I love Malik, I want someone to flirt a lot with him, I flirt a lot with my friends, and hell, Kitsune, as I said, she basically myself with green eyes and maybe better make up skills.

26. Who is the most important person in their life? Why? Who is the least important to them that still has an impact and why?

The most important person in her life that is alive is Malik now, as her “Elder brother” died, and she never got personally close to anyone in the brotherhood, only professionally.

There’s nobody who really influences her negatively, apart from her own self and her perfectionism/over-thinking or the brotherhood creed.

You could say that, half-jokingly, her least favourite person is Altair because he’s a jerk who caused Malik to lose his arm and Kadar to die, but she forgives him when she sees true redemption in him.

27. What kind of childhood did your character have?

It was a pretty basic childhood, her elder brother taking care of her while studying and training for the brotherhood, and for her, that was normality so nothing was weird.

28. What kind of nervous habits do they have? Do they stim? Do they have any kinds of addictions?

She bites her lip very hard, until the point she draws blood, she cracks her knuckles a lot and she has a sort of internet addiction that went down the drain when she went back in time and realised her Brotherhood wouldn’t/couldn’t bring her back in her times.

29. If they could choose their epitaph for their grave, what would they choose?

I went down in the flames of success, so better throw my ashes in the Haunted Mansion from Disneyland Paris, or I’m gonna haunt everyone.

30. Do they want to get married? Why or why not? Would they ever want kids? Do they have kids? Why?

She’s an assassin, so she sees no reason to marry, or worse, have children, which she can’t stand. However, that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t want to to wear a pretty dress, have a nice hairstyle and make up and dance in the moonlight, alone, with Malik. It’s the closest she would get to a normal, domestic family.

31. What is their most traumatic memory/experience? What is their favorite memory?

Her brother dying in front of her, and him yelling for her to finish the mission and return to the Brotherhood, otherwise they’d kill her is a scene that still haunts her every nightmare.

On the other hand, her favourite memory is her brother singing to her that Lullaby, something which she took up and would sometimes sing to Malik, or would sneak out at night and sing while dancing by herself, trying to find a bit of freedom and sense of self.

32. If they could have one thing in the world, what would it be?

Her brother back...And maybe some fucking WiFi and electricity...And a bathtub...With bath bombs...And scented candles...

33. Would they ever kill someone? What would someone have to do to push them to kill someone? If they would kill someone, why?

She’s an assassin who struggles with showing mercy, need I say more?

34. What social groups and activities does your character attend? What role do they like to play? What role do they actually play, usually?

She’s the one who flirts and jokes a lot, I guess you could say she’s the popular girl stereotype?

In an RPG, she’d be the assassin, rogue or even warlock or necromancer, without a doubt.

35. How is your character’s imagination? Daydreaming a lot? Worried most of the time? Living in memories?

She doesn’t have too much time to day-dream, but now that she’s stuck in the past, she has more free time to do nothing but imagine random scenarios that would never happen.

Kitsune doesn’t live in the past or future, she lives in the moment...In a way that is borderline robotic and as if she tries to forget the fact that she’s human at all.

36. What does your character want most? What do they need really badly, compulsively? What are they willing to do, to sacrifice, to obtain?

She wants to find a life that won’t bind her to the Brotherhood in a way that she’d have to sacrifice everything for it. She wants a normal life that still has some of the assassin thrill, but not the risks...Keep the adrenaline though, she hates getting bored.

She doesn’t know yet what or how to achieve this utopia, but perhaps the fact that she’s in the past, with a Brotherhood that she’s not officially part of, might prove enough for her.

37. What’s something that your character does, that other people don’t normally do?

Does anyone flirt in Assassins Creed 1? Because if they don’t, Kitsune does A LOT.

38. What would your character do with a million dollars?

She’d take Malik with her and travel the world, exploring every inch of it, away from everybody she knows, and going to all theme and amusement parks.

39. What is in your characters refrigerator right now? On their bedroom floor? Nightstand? Garbage can?

Her laptop, phone and tablet on the nightstand, along with a water bottle and food. She has notebooks and ink and feathers on the ground next to her bed, since she’s usually too lazy to go to the table. There’s...No fridge in Masyaf, unfortunatelly...No more chocolate or ice cream... Lots of sketches and messed up scrolls in the trash.

40. Your character is getting ready for a night out. Where are they going? What do they wear? Who will they be with?

She’s so used to wearing either assassin or sexy clothes, that she chooses to wear something so simple and casual, like a pair of sneakers and a simple sundress, taking Malik on a walk at night, as during the day she wouldn’t really be able to dress as revealing, in public.

41. What does your character do when they’re angry? Why?

She tries to calm herself, but when she can’t help herself, she’d either go physically or verbally violent and harsh, depending on the gravity of the situation.

It doesn’t take long to piss her off, but it takes a LOT to actually get her to lose her temper.

42. Does your character have any scars? Where did they get them from?

She has a scar on the left side of her face, going from the forehead, to her eye and down to the middle of her cheek, because of the accident in Solomon’s Temple when she sneaked to get the artifact.

43. What was the most offensive thing your character had ever said?

“Tell me… Is being stupid a profession or are you just gifted? Why Don’t You Slip Into Something More Comfortable. Like A Coma? Wait, don’t worry, I can help with that. Whatever permission you thought you had to speak to me, I hereby remove. Honestly, did I ask you anything? No? Good, because nobody asked for your opinion, you filthy little mudblood.”

44. How does your character react/ accept criticism?

Can’t take it, especially if it’s not sugar coated or said in a gentle way, so she could understand it’s not an insult or an attack, but a suggestion.

She’d do whatever she wants regardless.

45. If your character was given a slice of pineapple pizza and they HAD to eat it (or something bad would happen), how would they react? Do they even LIKE pineapple pizza?

Pick up the pineapple slices, throw them at Altair’s face, then eat the pizza slice with no problem.

46. Your character is given a voodoo doll of themselves. What do they do with it? Do they see if it actually works?

Would keep it safer than her own heart and would try to track down whoever did the doll, in order to kill them. She doesn’t need potential killers on her case.

47. Can your character draw? What do they like to draw? Do they doodle?

She’s not too bad, but she likes drawings plants, animals and landscapes, which is why she likes to draw every plant she collects. On the other hand, she can’t doodle when absent-minded, she only taps the front of the pen on the table or paper.

48. What were their parents like? How has that affected how they are as an adult?

She didn’t really know them, as they died when she was too young, so they didn’t exactly affect her in any way. They weren’t bad people, despite being assassins, but as far as she heard around the Brotherhood, they were diligent, intelligent and reliable, so she was proud to be their daughter.

49. Does your character like candy? Do they get sugar rushes? What are they like when they get a rush?

She doesn’t get sugar rushes, nor does she eat too many sweets at once, but if she’s in a playful mood, she can get a bit more energetic than usual.

50. If your character was presented with imminent and unavoidable death/fatality, how would they react? Would they try to avoid death anyways? Would they try to make their last days count?

She’d try to see if it can be avoided, but if not, not a big deal for her. She’d just do the weirdest things possible and spend quality time with Malik and Altair, maybe even trying to make the Masyaf Brotherhood a better place, teaching them new healing methods and whatever...If she was in a good mood, at least.

#assassins creed #assassing creed oc #malik al sayf #Altair Ibn La'Ahad #yugioh oc #yugioh #Kaiba Seto #Mokuba Kaiba #yugi mutou #kitsune shimada #oc #my oc #oc asks

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surveys-at-your-service · 4 years

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Survey #263

laptop is still broken, nvm. :’)

Do you have a favorite song by The Cure? "Sweet Soul Sister." (': Are there things you've never told for fear that others would judge you? Yep. Can sex ever be casual? I personally don't support it, but ultimately, so long it's consensual, protected, and both parties understand what's going on, you do you. Would you like to go on television to receive a make-over? Not on TV, no. It'd be awesome to see myself after a professional makeup, but I ain't going on TV to show my ugly face. What will no one ever see you do? Smoking. Are you quick to anger? Rarely. Are you slow to forgive? Not really. Usually. What do you need help with? Being an adult, lmao. Do you take the easy way out of things? More often than I'd like... What is your favorite fabric to wear? *shrugs* I don't pay attention to the fabric I wear, really. Do you still make a wish when you blow out your birthday candles? C'mon dude, you've got to! I don't believe in wishes increasing your odds of anything, but it's a must anyway! Do you look for four leaf clovers? Just casually when I'm walking or sitting outside. What are you the guardian of? My pets! Are you for or against censoring child pornography? I've seen many stupid questions in surveys. But this is the absolute dumbest. What the fuck is wrong with you. Are naked child images in paintings more acceptable than photographs of naked children? GENERALLY, yes, but it really depends on the artistic portrayal. None should be sexualized. Now that we can create such lifelike digital images, do you think it should be allowed for digital child pornography to exist (as in there were no children involved in the porn, it is all digitally made, the kids aren't real, they just look real)? Absofuckinglutely not. The concept is absolutely repulsive. Enough with these fucking questions. Do you like Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy better? Wheel of Fortune, ig. Jeopardy is pretty boring to me. What is your favorite tarot deck? I don’t know enough about tarots to comment. How do you feel about Wicca and Paganism? IT'S SUPER SUPER INTERESTING AND COOL AND I LOVE LEARNING ABOUT IT!!!! I relate most to Neo-Paganism anyway, so I obviously don't mind them. Wicca especially is a very, very misconstrued religion that has just been horribly abused by the media. Do you believe that people who practise the above religions are able to accomplish magic? No, I don't. If you were given the opportunity to lead a creative writing program for a small group of students in a high school with a low budget in generally poor neighborhood, would you do it? No, but only because I could never been a teacher. Sounds fun otherwise. Should high school cafeterias stop serving twinkies and other fatty foods? BIIIIITCH whose HS sells Twinkies????? I need to know?????? Anyway, no, but I believe there must be mostly actually nutritional options. Let kids have the chance to have a little snack during a boring 'ole school day. What band is so romantic that anyone who listens to them must be romantic at heart? BOY Josh Groban. Have your gods and idols let you down? The Christian god did. What do you waste? Whew... time... time. When was the last time that you were neither going to school or working for a month or more? Currently. Ugh. What is your light at the end of the tunnel? The potential of a beautiful future. Speaking of the light, is the light that people see when they die the random firing of electrons or is it something more? Good question. I lean towards it being a natural phenomenon as everything shuts down, BUT I find the reincarnation/birth canal theory to be quite interesting. I don't really believe it, but hey, who the hell am I to decide if it is or not. If you were going to have a mural painted in your bed room what would you want it to be of? A scene of meerkats probably. Is sex more about fulfilling a need or giving yourself? Giving yourself. Do you like your belly? FUCK NO. Do you think more or act more? Think, sadly. Should there be a mandatory retirement age? Of course not. You work all you want boo. What's the craziest thing you've ever done on impulse that worked out well? This is gonna sound... very bad, but my suicide attempt. It made things abundantly clear I needed serious help. It led to my partial hospitalization program. Do you have any exercise tapes or DVDs? No but OH MY GOD this made me remember my lil sister used to a Barbie one that we followed lmaoooo. Does the sound of crickets bother you? No, I quite enjoy it actually. Is the sound of a fan on at night soothing? Yessss. How do you feel you will likely die? I really don't know, but probably cancer-related. Recent events have made it abundantly clear it does in fact run in our family, and genetic testing because of Mom's cancer revealed that at least through her, my sisters and I are susceptible to pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancer. Once this virus passes over, we're all getting tested for free to get an understanding of what hell Dad gave us lmao. Have you ever been slapped in the face? No. How about punched? Yeesh, no. That was something unique about you as a child? I was CRAZY about dinos for the average little girl. Have you ever come up with a memorable quote? Not really. What is something interesting about where you live? The town is like, really, really old. Downtown looks right out of an old movie. Were you breastfed as a baby? Yeah. If you’ve lost your virginity, what was your first time like? I don't remember it because it didn't really register what we were doing was sex. I still don't know today if you could call it sex since it was really dry humping through thin clothes, but it sounds close enough. What do you think about masturbation? You do you boo. Is it sometimes better than the real thing? I don't think so, though I only had a brief episode where I did it when I was put on a new birth control that made my hormones like so, so far beyond control. I stopped that shit sooo fast. I got almost nothing out of it, honestly. Intimacy is a two-person job for me. Who do you think about most? Jason, whether I want to or not. Favorite way to pamper yourself? Go to bed early lol. What's your most expensive piece of clothing? I don't have a clue. I don't really have expensive stuff. What was your last big achievement? Ugh... I'm not the person to ask. I haven't made any big ones even semi-recently. Have you ever had a "false alarm" moment, what was it about? Oh sure. The first time that comes to mind was when I thought Venus was dying once when she had a series of horrible coughing/gagging fits a long time ago. We took her to the vet with the risk of a respiratory infection, but she was clear, thankfully. I think she had early signs, though. Do you know how to ride a bike? Ye. If you were in the hospital who are the two people you'd want by your side? Mom of course, and it'd be nice if Sara was there if she was at all capable of that, but I'm fine w/ just Mom. If you could ever take a street sign, what sign do you want? Well, I wouldn't, but probably "stop" bc that applies to a lot in my life, lmao. Have you ever not returned something you borrowed and if so what was it? I don't think so? When you pack your lunch, what's your favorite packed lunch? Usually just a good 'ole pb&j. :') What was the one most important thing you learned from your parents? Take care of your goddamn relationship. Talk shit out instead of yelling. Work together. Never neglect the reason you're with each other. Have you done something you worry could come back to haunt you, what? No, because I don't believe in karma. If you had to build a small ark, what 7 animals would you save? Those with the biggest ecological impact, like bees and spiders, for example. I wouldn't be very happy with all my choices while all other animals perished, but you've gotta think of what comes next. Out of just selfishness I'd obviously have to spare a spot for meerkats, aha. They'd help with the bug control, though! I don't know about the other four, though; I'd have to think real hard on 'em. What is something your parents love that you actually love too? Classic rock and metal. Has anyone ever said "I love you" and you couldn't say it back? I firmly remember this is how I ended that childish shit with Joel. He said it and I couldn't. Have you ever ridden a camel? No. What's been the hardest loss you've had to take? Jason. What emotion is your least favorite and the one you are not in touch with? Fear, of course. No one likes being afraid. I'm not all that in touch with greed at all. Do you think facial moles or freckles are cute? I don’t mind 'em. Sometimes they're super-duper cute. Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I don't trust strangers for shit. If you're searching for a relationship, where is your go-to place to look? I don't really "look" anywhere. What book have you read multiple times? I lost count of how many times I've read Meerkat Manor: Flower of the Kalahari. Granted, in subsequent reads, I would skip over the HUGE tangent chunks that were entirely unrelated to meerkats. I seriously remember one long-ass section was like a goddamn essay on why smaller animals tend to have unnaturally large testicles like I don't fucking care talk about Flower again. I think I only decided to read it in full two times, but maybe not even that. Do you keep a budget? I don't have the income to do so. Have you ever test driven a car you knew you weren't going to buy? No, never test-drove anything. What do you have a hard time visualizing? There's a number of things, but this one thing is weird shit: I can't picture my old therapist. Even when I saw her every month, I could almost NEVER visualize her in my head. She's a fucking cryptid or something, paranormal shenanigans is going on here. She's the only person I know where I have that problem. What makes you feel uncomfortable in group settings? I worry I'll make myself look stupid in front of everyone. What was your worst date ever? I don't feel like I've really had a bad one. I've had one that did nooooot go according to plan and I know the average girl would've been annoyed, but I'm actually an understanding human being who found the adventure fun in the end. Basically a flat tire, a sketchy tire place, and a lot of walking happened lmao. Tyler felt fucking awful, felt bad for him. Have you ever gotten in a bidding war on Ebay, if so for what item? HAHA yeah, though it was technically Mom, but she had me keep an eye on it. I remember Parasite Eve took some battling to get. I think maybe a Legend of Spyro game, too? Are you supportive of your friends even if you don't agree with them? So long it's not literally insane or stupid, usually. It really does depend. What did you think was stupid until you tried it? Hm. I'm not sure. What subject do you and your parents never see eye to eye on? Religion. I keep most of my beliefs to myself now. Where do you see yourself in 1 year's time? Honestly, I don't want to ponder and picture this. What is your favorite type of seafood? I only like shrimp. What triggers your inner shopaholic? HA, do tattoos count? See cool ones, and then I'm planning (more than only always...) tons of new ones I want and will just be DYING (ALSO more than always lakdjfwe) to go to the parlor. What public figure do you disagree with the most? I really can't say considering I'm just not educated enough here. What is your opinion on rats as pets? They are absolutely wonderful! Smart, sweet, and very clean despite their stigma. I've had quite a few. What is something you're afraid to try? Sky diving, the Tower of Terror ride. ;___; That kinda stuff. What song makes you dance uncontrollably? None. Do you like nachos, if so what topping is a MUST have? Cheese is all I really need for nachos. Do you have any subscriptions? Yes, to Adobe Creative Cloud. Which is better, Mario or Sonic? Mario games are cute, Sonic's make me cringe - I've watched enough Game Grumps to know lmao. I hate hate hate cringe culture, like let people enjoy whatever, but I absolutely cannot stop my cringe reaction to some shit. I don't judge the people that enjoy whatever it is, though. THAT pisses me off. Who is the most creative person you know? I've known Sara and Connie much too long to not say them. They have such vast imaginations. Besides a pickle, what is your favorite thing pickled? I've actually never tried anything pickled, I think... no wait. Aren't jalapenos? Well there, jalapenos. What did you do for your 21st birthday? If not, 21 what are your plans? I had my normal therapy sessions in the mental hospital lmfao. It's unfortunate, but I do have fond memories of the day. Everyone was so damn sweet, and the friend I made there even got in touch with one of the lunch ladies, who literally went to go buy me a slice of cake. She and the other employees in the kitchen brought it out at dinner, and everyone sang happy birthday. I think I remember tearing up just because it was so goddamn sweet, but also bittersweet in that I was in a fucking mental institution for my BIGGEST birthday. When I got out, Colleen bought me a red velvet cake to "make up for it," ha ha. I miss her every now and then alsdkjf;wae. Are you a role model for anyone in your life? Oh, I doubt it. Do you think you need to slow down and enjoy life more? I don't need to go any fucking slower in my life. Can you impersonate anyone famous? I don't believe so. Never really tried anyone. What is your favorite salty snack? Spicy Cheetos mmmmmmmmmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM What is your favorite restaurant? Olive Garden for sit-down, Sonic for fast food. Have you ever been in a play for school? In elementary school. I never had a big roll, though. Do you wish you had more friends? Very much. What is the main character’s name in the book you’re reading? Aunt Lydia. Which famous author would you like to meet? I'm not particularly interested in any. Which artist would you like to meet? Hey hey hey. Mark's brother is a comic artist. Meet him, one step closer to meeting God Himself. (ง ͡ʘ ͜ʖ ͡ʘ)ง Which singer would you like to meet? OZZY sobs What celebrity do you have a crush on? Anyone who's even heard about a hint of my Markiplier obsession knows I would fuck him into oblivion. When you were in middle school, were you in love with someone you never talked to? No, I didn't romantically love anyone. Do you believe that there is an unseen spirit realm? I do. Martini, margarita, or sangria? YO STOP I'm weak with these things. I can't pick. Do you feel you are extremely gifted but no one appreciates you? No. I honestly feel like people have more faith in what I'm capable of than deserved. What Lisa Frank character is your favourite? The angel cat, probably. Or tiger. Do you know how to use Braille? No. When you use stairs, do you usually hold the rail? Currently, I have to because of my muscle atrophy. I need help to stay steady. Have you ever worn a veil? No. Have you ever planted a tree? We actually did plant an apple tree in our front yard at my childhood home. Never grew much. Have you ever made anything with clay? A number of things from art classes. Has today been a good day? No, honestly. Have you ever fed a horse hay? Yes. Are you more likely to text "Okay", "OK" or just "K"? "'Okay.' The other two are restricted for when I am in a mood and want someone to know I am in a mood." <<<< HA HA SAME. Do you like the taste of lime? Sure. Have you ever seen a mime (in real life)? Not to my recollection. Have you ever seen a deer (in real life)? Plenty of times; whitetails are common here. Right now, what can you hear? "Game Over" by Falling In Reverse. Have you ever seen a bear (in real life)? In the zoo, yes. I think there's a possibility I have in the wild, but only from a distance? Have you ever eaten glue? No. Do you tend to buy clothes used or new? New. If you have Netflix, how many items are in your queue? N/A

#survey #quiz #questions

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joie-university-rp · 5 years

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Dear, OLLIE MENDOZA,

It is with great pleasure we invite you admission to Joie University! Welcome to the Thunderclap family!

–

Congratulations, CHARLEY! Please be sure to check the New Members’ Checklistand send in your character’s account within 24 hours from now. We cannot wait to see all that you will bring to this roleplay! We love you already!

OOC INFORMATION:

Name/Alias; preferred pronouns: Charley / she&her

Age, Timezone: 25 / EST

Activity, short explanation: 7/10 / I’m usually able to get on at least once a day!

Ships: Ollie/Chemistry

Anti-Ships: Ollie/No chemistry

Triggers: RFP

Preferred photo for Character’s ID (please give a link): https://66.media.tumblr.com/eb1028b3739dca4e0f6949d1389d5c3a/tumblr_pqhonxQUn51wz3biw_1280.jpg

Anything else: N/A

IC INFORMATION:

Full Name (First, Middle, Last): Oliver “Ollie” James Mendoza

FC: George Salazar

Age/Year at University (Freshman [1st Year], Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student): 24 / Senior

Birth date: October 7, 1994

Hometown (please be sure to check the hometowns listed for characters your muse is related to!): Columbus, Ohio

Gender/Pronouns: Male / he&him

Sexuality: Asexual & Queer

Major(s): Musical Theatre

Minor(s) [optional]: N/A

Housing request (remember, only the president of a Greek Organization is required to live at a Greek House to be in it!): Single apartment

Extracurriculars (Click here for the list. Be sure to specify any executive board positions [i.e. president, secretary, etc.] If something isn’t listed, please put it here and we will add it to the masterlist!): Filipino Student Association (President), Drama Club (Vice President), Glee Club (Vice President), & LGBT+ Association.

Greek Life Affiliation [optional] (Please be sure to specify any executive board positions [i.e. president, pledge educator, etc.] or if your character is not yet a member, but plans to rush): N/A

CHARACTER PROFILE:

[At least] 3 Headcanons for your character:

Ollie was born to his doting Mothers, Evelyn and Margaret, on the 7th of October as their first and only child. Family always comes first for Ollie, as well as his culture. He is proud to be half Filipino as well as half Ecuadorian. He embraces both parts of his DNA; he is even fluent in both Tagalog and Spanish. He grew up speaking his mother’s language, and once he started his high school career he began to delve into learning Spanish.

Ollie was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6, after he had repeated kindergarten per his teacher’s request for remaining too immature to continue on as well as rambunctious. He was put on a medication to treat his disorder, however as Ollie got older he began to detest them due to the numbing nature of them. He didn’t feel like his naturally bubbly and energetic self. After convincing his moms to come off of it, as well as proving to them he would put in the work to learn to adjust without them, Ollie was weened off toward the end of his high school career. He has his difficult days still, sensory overloads and meltdowns never easier to cope with when they hit hard, but at the end of the day Ollie’s positivity always comes out stronger.

Being the energetic and charismatic person he is, it’s no surprise that the stage called to Ollie at a very young age. As a toddler, Ollie was exposed to his mothers’ favorite musicals, including Donny Osmond’s portrayal in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A defining moment that inspired him that he wanted to captivate audiences the way he had been from watching the VHS tape daily. He performed in his first show at 5 years old, playing Sebastian in a stage production of The Little Mermaid. From there, he continued to act whenever he had the opportunity. He was a theatre kid throughout his entire school career, even becoming the president of his Thespian Troupe in high school.

Once the curtains on high school closed, though, Ollie needed a break from the structured schedule that school had him on. It was difficult to buckle down his last couple of years of high school and learn to adjust to controlling his energy and attention deficit issues. He decided to take a gap year, not because he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study but because he needed time to mentally relax before going back to school. He traveled around with his Mothers for a while, then decided to apply to Joie University to pursue his performing dreams. He is a Senior now, and will be 25 in the Fall. He is one of the oldest among his peers, given the fact he was held back early in his school career and the extra year he took as a break. Regardless, he feels accepted by his peers.

Ollie has an easy time making friends, because of his fearlessness in approaching strangers to brighten their day. He makes friends wherever he goes, and he surrounds himself with different groups of people at school by staying involved. He is the President of the Filipino Student Association, loving the fact that he has a platform to share his culture with fellow students, the Vice President of the Drama and Glee Club for his good friend Mercedes who sits as President, and he is also part of the LGBT+ Association. He will be sad when he eventually does graduate, but he plans on his Senior year being the best yet. He also knows it will prepare him for his future, in which he hopes he will make that move to New York to make his dream of being on Broadway come true.

STUDENT CENSUS SURVEY:

(Please answer the following questions IN CHARACTER. Responses can be as long or short as you see fit!)

What made you want to attend Joie University? It’s close to my home so I know a lot of my pals go there! I’ve heard amazing things about the theatre department too and it will help me gain more experience as I prepare to make my move to New York to pursue Broadway. Plus I like that Joie sounds like Joy cause it makes it sound like a really happy place and I’m really happy so!

What are at least 3 positive or neutral and at least 3 negative traits that you believe you possess? I am kindhearted, excitable and goofy. I don’t like sayin’ ‘negative’, but I think some not-so-nice things about me that I can work on are that I tend to be distracted, naive, and oblivious.

Which of your traits do you value most? I love being excitable and a jokester and all that, but I think the most important thing anybody can be is kind.

How can that trait benefit the University (or its student body) as a whole? It usually doesn’t take a lot to brighten someone’s day, just complimenting their hair or outfit or just letting them know that you appreciate them can totally shift their mood. I love to help bring out the best in people and ultimately it helps to bring out the best in me! Being kind is free so you should give that away like it’s going out of style! Kindness will never go out of style though, they ain’t jelly shoes. I shouldn’t say that, jelly shoes are actually making a comeback. POINT IS- it’s cool to be kind! Always.

What do you hope to gain from your experience at JU? I hope to make friends, memories, and wonderful art on stage. And if it’s build your own taco day in the cafeteria I will most likely make a mess too. Not on purpose, though. I promise to clean up any contents spilled out of my taco.

What is a quote or song lyric that describes you? “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” - Michael Jackson

#accepted

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goldenscript · 6 years

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Uhm would you write a drabble with the title "a slight smell of strawberry shortcake" about nct's jaehyun working in a bakery? I noticed you haven't written anything about him yet and I am interested in how you portray him 😶💞 thank you for your effort!!!!! I'm always amazed how you come up with such high quality content and I'm always waiting eagerly for updates from you 💕💓💘

pairing: jung jaehyun | readergenre: slice of life au / fluffword count: 2,948author’s note: i’m so elated that you sent such a lovely request in! i’ve been meaning to write about him, so i’m super happy you’ve given me this opportunity. i definitely have a few portrayals in mind for him, but i decided the soft, adorable route would be great for this one! i’m just… thank you. it really makes me happy to know that you think my work is high quality and you wait for my updates ;w; you’re a high quality reader, and you gave me so much motivation for this!

You wondered if he remembered you.

If somewhere deep down, he has you etched into his memory like you have him etched in yours, forged by the seldom chance meetings in the hallways and occasionally met glances on this very same street. If somewhere deep down, he actually remembered that day. It was a silly thought, of course. But when you peered out the large expanse of glass with the fleeting view of vagabonds and the beckoning shop across the street where he manned the frontline with a smile as warm and inviting as the bakery itself, you found it hard to forget him even after all of these years.

“You could actually try talking to him, you know,” Ten pointed out. He snickered when you jumped at his close proximity and sudden appearance, only letting loose a single sharp peal of laughter upon your display of nearly dropping a rather hefty volume on self-help about mindfulness onto the carpeted floor.

You scowled slightly in response. The only sound emitting from you was the book getting placed carefully in its slot, punctuating your meager embarrassment with an unintentional thwack.

“How long has it been since you’ve giving him the love eyes, Y/N?”

“I have not—!” you paused. Your frown deepened at his amused stare. “What?”

“You’re absolutely bullshitting! Why don’t you actually try talking to him? This isn’t high school anymore, y’know. You can actually go up to a man and ask him out.”

You guffawed at the sheer prospect of doing that. Of course, you could. But would you do that? Hell no. You liked to think that Jung Jaehyun was part of a time where nothing really mattered besides letter grades and grade-point averages.

High school in itself was a fleeting moment in time that you both cherished and kept at a distance, though he made himself an exception just by existing; you just didn’t know what to expect if you decided to open up that can of worms. He was perfect, really. A basketball point guard, top student in English, music, and most obviously, home economics, and kind, invigorating, and enigmatic all the same. You didn’t know him like you wanted to, nor did you really know him very much at all (unless you counted that one meaningful conversation you shared with him). To talk him again would be nice, to catch up over these past couple of years, to finally have a moment that lasted more than just a couple minutes in between classes. God, that would be a dream.

But that was all it was, wasn’t it? He probably doesn’t remember me like I remember him… You shook your head, hoping that was enough to will away the thoughts and the very faint memories prickling the back of your mind.

Ten deadpanned and met your gaze, “So, you’re going to spend your entire time back in town just staring at the love of your life through windows instead of actually pursuing him like you’ve been dreaming of for God-only-knows how long?”

“I don’t love him,” you retorted, rolling your eyes as you went back to stocking up the bookshelves. This time shifting the large cart between the two of you for easier access, and to create a barrier for whatever he was trying to insinuate. “I’m back to help out the shop, not stroll down memory lane with some guy I talked to like once in grade school.”

Naturally, it was a failed effort.

Just as he grabbed a book, gaze flickering over the title to put it into place, he said, “Perhaps letting you know that he stopped by the store a few times to ask about you wouldn’t mean very much then, huh?”

You paused. Your eyes narrowing from the silver font of the title to the silver-haired man beside you.

“Hm?”

“What?” he blinked his stupid, cat-like eyes in innocence. “Did you need me to repeat myself?”

“When did he—?” you paused for a second time, already knowing you fell right into Ten’s trap. “Stop messing with me! There’s no point in getting my hopes up when I know he has never thought of me like that.”

“So, you do care then?”

“I don’t,” you responded stiffly.

“Are you sure?”

You shook your head. Of course, you fucking did. You just didn’t want to give that little shit the satisfaction of being right, again.

“When have I ever led you astray when it comes to Baker Boy over there, Y/N? You were so sure he had no clue who you were back then, but can you remember what I told you and what happened after that?”

Your lips formed a small thin line, almost a pout but without the playful pretenses as you’ve always flashed at him.

Of fucking course you remembered. It was one thing to know Jaehyun knew your name, but it was another thing to actually talk to him about your writing and hear him read his favorite poem to you aloud. You didn’t know why or what possessed him to do this, but it was senior year. And it was all you could think about even now, returning for summer break, back to where you got to see him without the crowd and watchful eyes of peers.

“C’mon, Y/N. Was he really just some guy from high school?”

“Shut up,” you sighed, sideying him as you put a few more books up onto the shelves. “It was ages ago.”

“And somehow you’re still thinking about a what-if with him.” Another thwack punctuated the statement.

You didn’t like where this was headed. And you stated so with a grumble, “Or you’re pulling some wizarding bullshit on me just so I’ll do what you have planned in that evil, little brain of yours, demon.”

“Actually, I prefer being called Cupid.”

He laughed as soon as he turned back on his heel and met your perturbed expression. A part of him leaned on the entryway toward the reading room, where a few passerby congregated. Some of which appeared to be couples of different tiers—the old-timers, the honeymooners, and the just-beginners.

The feigned discomfort on your visage faded while one of longing took its place. You didn’t particularly care for relationships now, but you remembered wanting one so badly when you were younger. You remembered a time where you only dreamt of interacting with Jaehyun, somehow only seeing him at the far distance most people saw any idol of a sort, before that day in Miss Calinao’s classroom. You remembered talking to him and watching the crush fade into something else, a possibility that perhaps you weren’t a stupid kid secretly chasing (read: ogling) a guy after all. You knew now that you didn’t need a relationship, really, that if you were to engage in Jung Jaehyun, then it was simply to catch up and reminisce, nothing more.

But what if there is more? The voice asked, sounding more like Ten than what you would’ve preferred. He was off finishing the rounds for strays on the coffee table, returning some of the teacups to the kitchens for later washing. You had drifted from that area to break room after double checking your checklist and found nothing else needed to be done to your relief, though it left more room for your mind to drift than you preferred.

A small wave of a hand blocked your focus, while the bemused titter of your coworker snickered at you once more. Instead of saying what you heard in your head like part of you expected, Ten asked, “Did you hear me?”

You shook your head before letting a loud sigh loose. “What do you want now, demon?”

“You’re on your fifteen, right?”

You glanced at your watch and then nodded slowly. It hadn’t occurred to you until then. Perhaps you could wander around the street… maybe glance at the bakery on your way to ShareTea. You had no actual reason to walk inside anyway.

“Do me and Nana a favor—!”

You blinked, “Wha—” What’s he up to…?

“—and grab us something from across the street.”

Goddamn demon.

Your own heart trembled as you walked toward the cream- and sky blue-colored building.

The very path was familiar.

Each step taking you back to a simpler time, where daydreams were less about your future job and more about ways in which you could bridge the acquaintance gap with Jung Jaehyun and become something. It was purely innocent back then. Always a hope and a scenario that brought you two closer; after all, you were both workers to neighboring establishments. How cute would it have been if you two had gotten closer back then and gone to work together? Left for home together? Maybe he could’ve walked you home. He seems like the type—

You cracked a small smile at the thought and felt your cheeks burn as soon as you got to the sidewalk. There were hardly any people around, a result of the summer heat, that made the prospect of entering both frightening and actually quite relieving. There wouldn’t be any possible familiar faces trying to engage either of you in conversation, or, well, engage Jaehyun in conversation. You could see him at the cash register and a few others scurrying in and out of the kitchen, but the sight wasn’t what beckoned you forward. It was the smell.

Even from the entrance of the book shop, you could smell the vanilla extract wafting off the assortment of sponge cakes. Some of them came in small and stout, tall and long, and somewhere in-between, each in a vast variety of colors and designs that made your stomach ache for a taste of the familiar softness and warmth only they could elicit above all other desserts. The most popular and your favorite, hands down, was the strawberry shortcake.

It reminded you of him the most.

You knew he decorated that one the best. Each one a work of his, right down to the way the dollop of cream perfectly stood beside the carefully sliced strawberries to the carnation circle wrapped around the middle. The scent was like a blast from the past, taking you right back to the days when you stopped inside for a few treats for your coworkers at the bookstore and when Ten decided to push you inside in hopes of giving you the necessary push that you always needed when it came to your highschool crush. But what gets you was the scent, because that was very much Jaehyun as well.

His smile was exactly like the dessert he was best at—soft, sweet, with just the right amount of warmth. And the moment you met eyes with him after the chime of the doorside bell, you were greeted with that very smile.

Truthfully, he looked very much like his high school self. Still handsome as ever, with his features much more filled out and prominent. His head of chestnut locks fell atop his forehead in haphard array, cropped at the bottom so the top was the fullest; dark brown eyes still alight with interest and invitation; and, small dust of flour brushed across his nose and near his cheekbones.

He said your name with a greeting. You realized it was with a hint of surprise and an undeniable twinge of happiness that you have only ever been privy to once a few times before, but you couldn’t deny your own swell of happiness as you walked up to the counter with a smile of your own.

“Hey, Jaehyun.”

For once in a very long time, you were saying his name to him directly, and it felt like a flutter off your lips. Almost so casual it was unreal.

His smile matched his eyes as he asked, “How’ve you been? I take it you’re back for summer break as well?”

You nodded, “I’m helping back at the shop across the street. Like old times.”

“Old times,” he repeated, giving an appreciative nod. “Well, I’m glad. It’s nice to see such a familiar face these days.”

Glancing around, you could definitely see the lack of people. A part of you hoped that his statement meant more than just seeing anyone from high school, but the realistic part of you knew that that was a silly, high school-like desire.

“I see that. Seems like baked goods aren’t very popular in this heat huh?” You tilted your head at him, “you really haven’t seen anyone from high school?”

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many people from high school. The ones I don’t talk to as much, I mean.” An interesting look passed over his face, something akin to fondness you would say. But you didn’t think that meant anything. Even if he did say that not many people he talked to stopped by… all things considered, you should be in that category, really.

“Well, I hope I’m not part of that unfortunate high school bunch,” you laughed a little. Part of you already expected some change in his expression. Maybe something that would give away his true feelings, but he merely looked alarmed and shook his head quite fiercely.

“No, no. I promise you, you’re part of the best bunch. In fact, I was hoping to see you around.”

You blinked hard, wondering if you heard him correctly. He gulped immediately upon your lack of response.

“I—I—I mean, well, yeah. I stopped by the bookstore a few times—for books, of course—and to see if you were around. And I did see you a few times not too long ago, I’m sorry for not stopping by myself. I, truthfully, have been working some courage to do just that.”

“What? Really?” You couldn’t even stop to mask the astonishment, and your cheeks paid the price for it.

“Y-yeah,” he laughed nervously. “It’s just… I feel like we didn’t talk as much as I hoped we would in high school. I know we got to before graduation, but I wished it had been sooner. I’m not sure if you remember, but what you said about my recitation really meant a lot back then. Gave me quite a bit of courage to go off of these past few semesters.”

“I—um—I’m really glad to hear that. It’s a pretty big surprise for me, honestly. A wonderful one at that. I’d like to thank you for what you said about my work, too. It’s helped me with all these writing workshops I’ve had to do for class. I think back to that day and it keeps me going forward with everything, even when it feels like writing is the bane of my existence.”

“I’d like to hear about how those are going, maybe see what new things you’ve cooked up since you last shared your work with me… if you don’t mind, of course.” It was like him to be considerate. And, the soft velvet tone of his voice only accentuated this.

Even when your heart was trembling with nerves that it may actually fall out of your chest and onto the tan wooden floors, you told him you didn’t mind at all.

“Really?” His eyes lit up when he asked, and you nodded with a smile.

“Yeah, I’d love to catch up over lost time with you sometime. I’m free in a few hours actually… if that’s alright with you.”

He nodded, “It’s perfect. I’m done at four. Have you tried that one poke place on Anderson yet?”

You shook your head, “I’ve been meaning to, though!”

“Would you like to go there with me then?”

“Sure, I’d love to.” You paused, letting out a sheepish laugh before asking. “Today at four, right? I just need to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

He laughed as well, allowing some of the dust on his nose to fall just a little.

“At four,” he said to reassure you. “So, I totally side-tracked you from whatever made you come in here but anyway—what can I help you with?”

“The usual, if you can remember.” You added, “It’s alright if you don’t—”

“—Two strawberry shortcakes, a three cookies, and a mocha log, right?”

“O-oh, yeah. Wow,” you said, a little dumbfounded. “You remembered.”

“Of course, I remember all the orders of my favorite customers,” he said this so casually, yet you could see the hint of flush becoming prominent beneath the flour.

You snorted, hoping to mask your own bout of embarrassment. “Now I find that a little hard to believe. But that’s cute.”

“It’s true! I promise, it was a pleasurable pastime to have you come in for my strawberry shortcakes. Even before I was actually any good at them.”

You remembered that, though this “rough” period hardly lasted a few weeks before he got the hang of the inner-workings inside the bakery. You still loved them to this day. Probably would’ve loved them even if they were terrible anyway.

“They were… decent.”

“Well, I appreciate you for enjoying my decent shortcakes, and I hope they’ve gotten better with time.”

You handed him the cash as soon as he handed you the bag of goods, and received the necessary change before walking toward the door.

“Well, I’ll let you know at four.”

“I can’t wait.”

Both you and your inner high school self smiled to yourselves, Me neither.

(When you returned, you found Ten’s attention fully on you, with eyebrows raised and an awaiting smile. You knew what he was waiting for, but you simply shoved his mocha log his way before grumbling and short and sweet—

“Shut up, Cupid.”

“Don’t you mean dem—you know what, I accept this. You’re welcome, by the way. Thank me at your wedding, okay?”

“Demon.”)

#kfluffnet #jaehyun scenarios #jaehyun fanfic #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun au #jaehyun x reader #nct scenarios #nct 127 scenarios #nct u scenarios #nct fanfic #nct 127 fanfic #nct 127 au #nct u fluff #nct u au #nct fluff #nct 127 fluff #nct u fanfic #d:milestone #emswriting

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simrankhurana · 6 years

Text

Perks of Being a Wallflower

How this compares to Rebel Without A Cause

These two movies are on opposite ends of the spectrum. On one hand we have Jim, a head strong teen struggling with masculinity and acting out by getting into knife fights and going on chickie runs. On the other hand we have sweet Charlie, a socially awkward boy with a troubled past who just doesn’t know how to deal with conventional teen problems and finds solace in an older group of friends who push him out of his comfort zone. Although these two main characters are different in so many ways, I would argue that they are both rebelling in a similar way, acting out because of the underlying issues that haunt them. I think this is true for almost any teenager, we all have our own personal issues piled on top of every day teen problems, and how we deal with them often depends on the people and nature of the environment which surrounds us. Both these movies also have a gay best friend who contributes to the main characters’ journeys. To be honest i’m not really sure of the purpose in this other than to attract a larger homosexual audience maybe.

How accurate is its portrayal of teenagers and their problems?

This movie zeroes in on a teenager (Charlie) with a problem that isn’t exactly common. He suffers from PTSD because a traumatic event that happened in his childhood and he spends his teenage years trying to navigate through normal teenage pressures AND this weight from his childhood he doesn’t even know the cause of. Although this is not an issue that many teens face, it portrays Charlie’s journey and all of the other characters extremely well. Some of the more conventional teenage problems he faces are well depicted such as trying to make friends and fitting in with groups, frustrations in dating and crushes, and learning to live out of his comfort zone. Charlie is the more socially awkward character who bonds with a teacher and learns life lessons, and as cliche as this is it is often the reality for many high school students. He learns lessons along the way, as we all do, in regards to social dynamics, drugs, dating and more. Sam and Patrick showcase the wilder side and rebellious teenagers who are given labels and must work to disprove these. Over all I would say Perks of Being a Wallflower does a great job of portraying many of the stereotypical problems teens face as well as drawing attention to some of the less talked about issues.

Do you find the characters believable?

I do find all the characters believable but especially Charlie. Logan Lerman’s portrayal of an awkward teen whose high school experience ends up being much different than expected is great. You can hear his innocence in his voice in the voice overs and it is easy to tell if his reaction to anything is because of his PTSD or not. I think his character had alot of depth which made it unique but still understandable. Sam’s character was believable as well, but slightly more confusing because there was no famous stereotype it was playing into, she was just a “nice” girl with a troubled past and big dreams. Now you are probably thinking that that IS a stereotype, but the reason I say it’s not is because she actually wasn’t a nice girl. She manipulated Charlie the entire time, especially when she cheated on her boyfriend and kissed him, but when he did the same she isolated and demonized him. Because of all these layers her character was more believable and I appreciated that even though she was supposed to be the angelic protagonist they gave her a sort of twisted side.

Consider the rhetorical triangle.

The audience for this movie is teenagers and young adults who are faced with many of the same problems as the characters. I think this movie is specifically geared towards those with some kind of special illness or disability which makes life even harder as it did for Charlie. The purpose of POBAW is to reveal not only many of the basic struggles teens face, but how a problematic past or family life piled on top of that can create a divide among those affected and their peers. Charlie’s journey may seem dramatic, but serves to inform all audience members that we really don’t know what everyone has been through or who they are just by looking at them. Finally, the speaker of this movie would be Stephen Chbosky, the author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (the movie was based on the book btw). In the story itself, however, the speaker would be Charlie because he is the narrator and the movie is concentrated on his life.

Conversation with Adult

When I spoke with my mom about the plot of this movie, the first thing that sprung to her mind was how hard it must’ve been for the parents to find out that his aunt assaulted him. Of course she acknowledges Charlie’s point of view as well, but it was interesting to me to see how used to thinking like a parent she is. Her mindset is programmed to be protective, and many things parents do out of love can be misinterpreted and cause a divide. Also out of talking to her I realized that our parents aren’t as clueless as we often make them out to be. Many times, they know the hardships we go through and the things that go on in our lives but choose not to intervene because sometimes it’s important for us to learn these lessons on our own.

#aplang18movienight

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brothermarc7theatre · 6 years

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"The Laramie Project" show #695

As a 16-year old boy in high school, I lost my father in a car accident. As a 17-year old senior in high school, I cried, for the first time since my father’s death, at a school play. San Mateo High School’s drama department staged The Laramie Project and I wept like a little child missing his father. I was so affected by the material and performances that I went back the following weekend to see it again, only to weep even more. Why did that manifestation of empathy for parents losing a child encroach on my otherwise steadfast emotional wall of “no feelings?” I have no idea. But The Laramie Project was the first piece of theatre which tapped into my empathy. The legacy Matthew Shepard left behind, the emotional road his parents had to endure, and the town’s response to this tragic hate crime have touched me in a way that will always resonate in my mind and heart. Palo Alto Players’ currently running production of The Laramie Project reminded me just how vital and timeless this story is. The 17-year old boy in me was nostalgically present when I saw it, but the 29-year old current version of me was so deeply moved by this production that tears weren’t possible; utter silence and a tugging at my heart was the only response I could muster before applauding the great work of this company. A good number of Laramie residents opened their hearts and spoke about this tragedy, and the cast portraying these people in Palo Alto are not just capable but exemplary under the sensitively perfect direction by Lee Ann Payne.

Often when plays like The Laramie Project’s are done, the script attempts to balance the tracks of those who are telling the story along with the characters of the story the actors are portraying. This can lead to an imbalance of emotional awareness and assigning of commitment by the audience and the performers. However, Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project created a precisely theatrical twist to this device: make the play about the people, not the actors. If given a pie chart, one might say The Laramie Project is 10% about actors portraying Laramie residents and 90% about the Laramie residents. The play is about the town; it’s about the people who were interviewed, not those doing the interviewing. This decision by Kaufman and company is exactly what makes The Laramie Project poignant, effective, relatable, and widely performed. All one needs is a smart director and a cast who can honestly portray a town of varying convictions and opinions. Palo Alto Players has all the goods with their impeccable ensemble, and a director who has staged the play in such a way that tells the story, not puts on a show.

(Cast of The Laramie Project; Photo credit: Joyce Goldschmid)

Miss Payne helms this Laramie Project in a fluid, almost breathtaking way. Cadences are kept true; dialects are never a distraction, rather serving as context for character diversity, and scene changes push the visual stimulation of this extremely intriguing piece. The cast executes Miss Payne’s staging and changes with efficiency, natural motivation, and stalwart commitment. Individually, every performer takes the stage as a monologist as well as supporting characters in the scene. Know that with a cast of eight, these actors are portraying many different people (both of the Tectonic Theater Project and Laramie residents), and a simple costume piece change is all they use to shift gears. The shift adds to the beauty of the play, and adds nuance and impressive depth to the performances. Miss Payne ensures that the story is told, flawlessly.

(Jeff Clarke and Kelly Hudson, with Cast members behind; Photo credit: Joyce Goldschmid)

Jeff Clarke stands out as Mr. Shepard, Matthew’s father, in the Act Two monologue that never leaves the audience without tears. His delivery of Mr. Shepard’s excerpt of a court speech is inflected and emotionally nuanced in such a way that you forget an actor is reciting the excerpt, but rather is a father mourning and healing from his son’s death. Todd Wright brings an emotional intensity earlier as the CEO Doctor who has to deliver the news of Matthew’s health, and eventual death, with a call out to all parents, “Go home, hug your kids, and don’t let a day go by where you don’t tell them you love them.” It’s in this moment where Mr. Wright wraps the audience into the reality of Matthew’s death and doesn’t dare let anyone escape before feeling every ounce of sadness from Matthew’s untimely death. Dana Morgan shines well as the local officer who responded to Matthew when he was tied up at the buck fence. Miss Morgan has a delightful disposition as the proud, exuberant cop, making her few moments of AIDS-based fright all the more compelling. Kelly Hudson delivers a wonderful performance as a lesbian professor at the University of Wyoming, exuding maternal warmth with spitfire wit and attitude, showing a nice array of personality for this particular Laramie resident.

(Josiah Frampton, Jeff Clarke, and Roneet Aliza Rahamin; Photo credit: Joyce Goldschmid)

Brad Satterwhite delivers a delightfully energetic, passionate performance as a student of the University of Wyoming student, one of the few ongoing characters the audience sees grow from first interview to last. Josiah Frampton delivers an outstanding performance as the bartender who served Matthew the night of his beating. Mr. Frampton has the college boy demeanor and timbre down pat, making it a delightful character to reencounter. Judith Miller gives an exceptional performance as one of the fire-and-brimstone preachers in Laramie, nailing the pastoral cadence and physicality with positively imposing presence. Roneet Aliza Rahamin delivers an enthusiastic portrayal of one of the protesting angels at Matthew’s funeral, leading in the silencing of one of the anti-Gay and Lesbian preachers with an excellent monologue and emotionally approachable demeanor.

(Set picture from the House; Photo credit: Lee Ann Payne)

True to tradition, the production values are minimalist, stripped down, and absolutely nuanced. Nikolaj Sorensen’s scenic and projection design are exactly what the script calls for: as little as possible but just enough set pieces to set the tone. The three-paneled projections are all the background needs, and the use of chairs in conjunction with the famous fence is eerily effective. Patrick Mahoney’s lighting design is palette-perfect, always shining and dimming in harmony with Miss Payne’s staging and scene shifts. Lastly, Melissa Sanchez’s costume design is the right balance of subdued and theatrical, functional in that every actor’s new role has an authentic look which rightfully differs from the other characters.

The Laramie Project at Palo Alto Players is a must-see production. Often times when a great script is produced, either the show, as a whole, is great, or individual performances stand out. In the case of this production, the sum is as great as the parts, both on and off-stage. Don’t you dare miss this show.

Details:

The Laramie Project at the Lucie Stern Theater

Runs through February 4th

www.paplayers.org

#thelaramieproject #paloaltoplayers #theatre #bayarea #bayareatheatre #paloalto #tectonictheaterproject #theatrereview

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mikunology · 7 years

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Mikunology File #5: Hatsune Miku

So here I am again, finally. Time for some more info dumping, but this time for a single character instead of an aspect of the verse or story.

Since Miku’s birthday recently passed, and I haven’t really done much to expand on some characters, I thought I’d make a Mikunology file based solely on a character and decided to start with our wonderful blue-green-haired protagonist.

This is a VERY LONG ONE, so if you’re interested enough to read to the end let me just say that I am virtually sending you a hug. Info under the cut.

So, as mentioned, Hatsune Miku (codename CV01) is the humble protagonist of the story of Vocal Android, as well as the instigator of the entire plot from her coming into existence. First in the line of Crypton Laboratories’ Character Vocal Series and supposedly the first fully functional completely humanlike android in existence (spoiler alert: she isn’t, but that’s a story for another day), within the world she lives in she’s a pretty hecking big deal. Naturally, this ends up causing her equal parts harm and good, giving her friends, fame, and recognition all over the planet but also bringing her into the sight of some messed-up, incredibly corrupt people who are quite interested in either her destruction or her exploitation.

Personality/Portrayal

I’ve discussed how I see Miku’s personality before, but I feel now if the perfect time to go further into depth on it.

Here, Hatsune Miku is a cheerful, friendly and perpetually nice girl with a heart for music and a strong sense of justice. Miku is as sweet as she appears, and is often concerned with the wellbeing of everyone, whether it be friends, family, or fans. Miku loves nothing more than to make people happy with her singing, and considers it an act that fulfills her purpose best as a Vocaloid. She can get along with virtually anyone, and can spare a spot of sympathy for just about everyone (at least, most of the time). That said, Miku is also known for being a bit on the silly side--as nice as she is, she can be very clueless and slow on the uptake compared to everyone else. She always tries her best to understand, though.

Even with her friendliness however, Miku is sometimes rather stressed by the world around her. Having to juggle a career as a pop idol, a big sister to her fellow Vocaloids, a life as a high school student, and a responsibility as a superheroine, she tends to be overwhelmed by circumstances when things get rough (enough that you could call her neurotic sometimes). This stress can occasionally make her afraid to make mistakes, and thus cause her to run away or avoid problems to support her own mentality. She also can have a rather explosive temper because of her constantly bottling her feelings up. But, she still has a large drive to do well and be efficient to serve her purpose (making others happy) and will stop at nothing to achieve what needs to be done when she puts her mind to it. She just needs a little incentive, that's all.

And lastly, Miku is known for her loyalty to her friends and her world. Even with her own anxieties, she makes her best effort to put others before herself and dreads the idea of anyone coming to harm because of her. She loves to give encouragement to her fans and fellow Vocaloids, and strives to use her own abilities to keep the world at peace. In all reality, all Miku desires is to bring an even brighter future.

Abilities

Gotta talk about this, right? Now truthfully, this list may change in the future, because this plotline is constantly developing and new ideas are always coming to me. But as of current, this are her current list of basic abilities.

Her singing voice. Obviously, Miku’s greatest ability is the power of her own voice. Being created to sing, Miku was granted the ability to do more with her voice beyond what an average human can do. This includes amplifying or quieting it, manipulating her tone of voice, throwing her voice, or pitching it up or down. After acquiring her Append, V3, V4, English, and eventually Chinese voicebanks, she can also switch between voices or languages at any time. Her ability to sing loudly has been perfect for concerts, but can also constitute as a weapon. Later on, she can power herself up with the strength of her music.

Flight. Miku is also able to fly, and can do so at decently fast speeds. I like to think that she probably started out with your standard “rocket boots”, if you will, but upon her upgrades from V3 and V4 she switched to anti-gravity. Despite being rather clumsy with it at the start, Miku is pretty swift and acrobatic when it comes to flying--it probably helps that her twintails can provide wind resistance.

Durability. Miku is incredibly durable, much more so than your normal person. Since she is a robot, and isn’t made out of bones or flesh, she is more than capable of taking a hit and usually requires quite a lot to so much as truly render her out of commission. She is NOT bulletproof or completely invulnerable, however, but as long as she’s capable of moving around it’s quite hard to do her in. Also, if she DOES get considerably injured, it’s perfectly possible to fix her up again. (Note: Just to say, though, while Vocal Android can get cartoony at times, these characters do NOT follow “easily detachable robot parts”.)

Learning capability and musical knowledge. Her brain is computerized, so it doesn’t take long at all for Miku to learn something; this especially applies to her knowledge in music and dance. If someone shows her how to do something, it usually takes very minimal tries for her to get it down. This often comes in handy for learning songs, playing instruments, or dance routines, and has also helped her in copying abilities. However, while she is a fast learner, whether she actually UNDERSTANDS the material she’s learning is a different story.

Download. Miku is also capable of downloading her consciousness or data within her into a computer. While downloaded, she can also take form as a program or virtual entity on the computer and can act within cyberspace as she pleases. Additionally, as a precaution, she actually regularly backs her memories and personality into a separate computer in case her physical self were to come to harm.

Module usage. Thanks to a strange incident, Miku is also one of the few capable of using Modules, special “power-ups” of sorts that can change her appearance and give her special powers. Module powers vary greatly and can often be wild cards, and each one has a specific time limit based on how powerful they are, but they always help her in a cinch.

Equipment

Of course, Miku also has various equipment to help her on her various escapades. Once again, this list is open to change.

Her arm sleeves. Miku’s most common equipment. Not only are they a vital part of her trademark outfit, but Miku’s sleeves are embedded with computers that organize her data and allow her to access songs, information, video-call, and switch voices. Her system menu can also be accessed via her sleeves and she can be shut down or switched on with them.

Headphones. Then there’s Miku’s headphones. While of course they can function as regular headphones and often do, they also function as a another “off/on” button, and also can allow Miku to call or receive calls from her teammates or from the facility.

Leek and Leek Gun. Unsurprisingly, Miku always has a leek on her, either for snacking or for a good comical smacking (although she can do some real smacking, too). Also, courtesy of Gumi, she was given the Leek Gun, a dual-fire mini-launcher that looks like a leek. She doesn’t always use it but to say she’s fond of it is an understatement.

Megaphone. Insert “Love is War” reference here. Miku also commonly uses megaphones, as a way to amplify herself further and sometimes as way to direct her voice more properly. Before anyone asks, however, she has used a gun similar to Megaphone Gun from Ultra Despair Girls once.

Microphone. And of course, a singer like Miku always needs a microphone. Aesthetically, she prefers the ones that come with stands, never mind that they tend to make good staves.

Bonus Headcanons

Random extra stuff since I don’t know what else to put here!

Miku likes to cook, but tends not to be very good at it due to her innate ability to be easily distracted.

While she can play a multitude of instruments, she has a particular affinity for the guitar, synthesizer, and bass.

She loves video games, particularly the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

She doesn’t have a favorite song necessarily, but Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru has a place in her heart for being one of her earliest hits.

She likes sports, but is an utter klutz when she tries to play them. She's good at cheerleading, though!

Contrary to what some may think, she actually is pretty comfortable with her robotic existence. To say she doesn’t ever wonder what it would be like to be human would be a lie, but she doesn’t at all mind what she is. As long as she’s treated with respect, she’s cool.

She’s secretly the biggest freaking nerd ever

Inspiration Songs

Songs I used as a basis for my portrayal of Miku are: “39 Music!”, “Anger”, “Innocence”, “Miku”, “Mikunologie”, “SING&SMILE”, “Unfragment”, “Yellow”, “Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru”, “News 39″, “Koisuru Vocaloid”, “My Time”, and “The Bounce from Zero to Infinity”. For those curious, of course.

#mikunology files #my headcanons #hatsune miku #i probably left stuff out but yknow what i can always edit this #so screw it #i apologize for the length of this i put too much energy into this i swear

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jmsebastian · 7 years

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The Mundane Fantasy: Persona 5's Appeal To Adults

I have a hard time figuring out who Persona 5 was made for exactly. The game, like all Persona games, is focused around misfit high school students who uncover dark secrets about the world and people (especially adults) around them. In this particular case, you are tasked with changing the hearts of adults who would do harm to others by invading their subconscious and kicking the crap out of their evil selves. You manage to put a stop to a teacher who subjects students to abuse and sexual harassment, reform a gangster, among others. The outright criminal nature of the game’s biggest problems are interestingly folded in with the smaller associated problems that go along with them. Teammates on the track team turn on each other, for instance, in order to spare themselves the wrath of their coach. Gossip is spread about some of the female characters out of jealousy and insecurity. At twice the age of an average high school student, it feels quite wrong that I can get sucked into the drama of youths the way I do. It isn’t even the overarching sinister plot points that have me so enthralled. The more power fantasy elements, such as donning a mask, having superb fighting skills and superpowers at the behest of supernatural beings, and being among a chosen few who can put a stop to evil doers isn’t exactly compelling to me the way it was when I was actually in high school. Those elements are fun, but the more I’ve played of the game, the more I’ve come to realize that it’s the more mundane activities that have captured my imagination.

Much of the game is comprised of doing everyday activities: going to school, answering questions in class, going to a part time job. You can wander around the streets of town and stop into a batting cage or arcade. You can chow down on a monster hamburger or go shopping for plant food. Sounds sort of amusing, but ultimately unfulfilling for a game, one might think. Of course, the game knows that having complete freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want would get pretty old after a while. To make everyday life more interesting, they brilliantly put limits on how long you have before each major event. Every story arc in the game has an end date. You know about it, everybody involved in the plot reminds you that it’s looming, a calendar appears each day and a dagger is stabbed into the current day. It’s a considerable threat. Suddenly, making some coffee or going down to the book shop feels much more important because it takes up what precious time you have left. Each action has weight and significance, no matter how small, because you choose to do it with the understanding that it all might end in the near future.

I love the way this manifests itself in the relationships you have with the other characters. Over the course of play, you meet and befriend various people in the community, mostly fellow classmates. Several of them join your cause to turn people from evil to good, either becoming playable characters in your party, or aiding you in other capacities, such as boosting your group’s public perception. To strengthen yourself and those who fight with you, you have to spend time with these people and grow your relationships. This has always been the most interesting part of Persona games to me, and 5 feels like a real pinnacle of this idea.

The types of relationships you have vary quite a bit when compared to previous entries in the series. There are your close knit group of friends, of course, but there are also numerous adult figures who play prominent roles. There is Sojiro Sakura, or Boss, a grumpy coffee shop owner who takes you in when no one else would. There is also Sadayo Kawakami, your home room teacher whom you accidentally discover moonlighting as a “maid” for a service of uncertain intentions. These “adult” relationships, for lack of a better term, come about due to unusual circumstances, and aren’t intended to be portrayed as typical for someone of high school age, nor for a high school aged player or even young adult. Their circumstances feel specifically targeted to garner sympathy from the player, rather than empathy.

Your relationship to Sojiro is particularly interesting, to the point where I saw myself more in him than in the main character.

So why, then, are the playable characters all high school students? Despite horrible things that happen and the overall bleak underpinning of the game, Persona 5 is a portrayal of an idealized high school world. When you start the game, you’re an outcast. No one wants you around, they spread rumors about your criminal record, they treat you like a burden and source of shame. The good news is that things only get better for you. Armed with quiet confidence, you have the agency to change people's’ minds by getting to know them, spending time with them, learning about them. Engagement helps everyone get beyond stereotypes and see each other for who they are. This is, unfortunately, not the way high school works for many.

The social pressures that we face as teens and young adults are difficult to solve over conversations and bowls of ramen. We hold fears about what others will think and we don’t yet have the maturity and self-awareness to deal with those fears appropriately. The power trip for Persona 5 isn’t that you can wield a cool sword and gun and fight a bunch of Shadows, it’s that you can talk to people, form bonds with them, understand them. You have the superpower of level-headedness and retrospect. Mechanically, the game rewards these behaviors by leveling up your relationships with the people you spend time with. Leveling up relationships gives you new abilities that make the dungeon exploration and combat easier. This is important, of course, because games have rules and a game’s mechanics should work together. The mechanics in Persona 5 are well balanced, but thanks to the strength of the writing, the convincing performances by the actors, and the social constructs built up within the game, the rewards for strengthening character relationships start to feel less and less vital. You eventually want to spend time with your friends not so much because you’ll get a power up or new ability, but because you have compassion for the characters and want to help them however you can.

The relationships you have with female characters can extend beyond friendship. The positive implications of this are a lot less clear than they are for your friendships in general. How this plays out largely depends on who the player is. It’s very easy to spin the friendships you have with the women in the game as extremely positive. You spend time with them as you would every character. Your bonds grow as you learn about them and help them navigate through complicated emotional situations. The fact that you can also attempt to date them can also be seen as very positive. A solid friendship is a wonderful base from which a romantic relationship can be built, but a few key aspects undermine this a bit.

You can date multiple women in the game. That, alone, is not so much the problem. The issue arises in that there is no way to gain the consent of said partners for the multiplicity of your coupling. It’s essentially all done on the down low, and it can become a bit tricky if you’re out on a date with one partner and happen to run into another. On the one hand, it’s nice that there are repercussions for behaving in this way, limited though they may be. Choosing to cheat means you’ll eventually be caught and your romances will be terminated. For the sake of the game’s story, this is fine, though it would have also been really interesting to be able to explore the interconnectedness of your relationships more fully. Each relationship is treated individually, which works from a mechanical perspective, but feels a bit disingenuous when human relationships are a lot more nuanced and complex than simple one on one interactions. There are implied trade-offs in the game, such as choosing to hang out with one person over another, but there are no real punishments for this other than losing time. Getting caught by one of your girlfriends is about as far as this is explored, and that’s a real shame. With how much the game emphasizes relationship growth, the series seems to be begging for expanded views on what kind of relationships are possible between and among the various characters. And this is completely ignoring the fact that women are the only possible romantic partners to begin with.

While the depth of the relationships can be a bit unfulfilling in some respects, it is important to remember that the player has choices. You can choose which friendships you want to strengthen, and more importantly, when. You can choose to pursue a romance with someone or not. Dating is not a requirement at all. That choice is what ultimately feeds into the power fantasy. High school students often don’t have the luxury of choice, or at least feel as if they do not have choices they can make. You, as the player, have choices all the time. You get to decide where to go, what to do, when to explore the distorted palaces of the game’s antagonists, and when to kick back with a friend and watch a movie. That is significant. It also helps when you get to voice your opinion with a little bit of sarcastic wit or humor. The ability to be comfortable in your own skin is all over this game, and that’s a really great thing.

You are always asked beforehand if you are sure you want to spend time with your friends, just in case you would like to spend time elsewhere.

Persona 5 is definitely a game made for adults, or at least, for certain types of adults: adults who might still struggle with navigating our social world with curiosity and confidence. It’s also for adults who did not feel they had much control over their lives at a younger time and are in search of a way to come to terms with that. It’s important to note that the characters around you are often in crisis. They get to act the way teenagers would act. They feel pride, insecurity, afraid, helpless. You are there to back them up, help them realize confidence within themselves, be a non-judgmental figure so they can have positive mental health. You get to be largely immune from all the chaos because this isn’t your life and and in your life you have probably already faced the emotional turmoil that goes along with teen age, even if you didn’t have to suffer problems as serious as an abusive coach or being framed for assaulting a woman on the street. Getting to play as the mediator of these terrible fictionalized problems can help put perspective on the real problems that we do face where we feel like the characters in crisis instead. I’m not sure younger players would necessarily be able to understand that. I hope they could, but as a 30 year old, it’s kind of incredible that a video game can remind me that there are ways to navigate our difficulties and they don’t require becoming a superhero so much as they require being emotionally available to ourselves and others.

#persona 5 #atlus games #shin megami tensei

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bforbookslut · 7 years

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Review: I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

I have given this book ☆☆☆. 325 pages. It belongs to the Young Adult Contemporary genre. Farrar, Straus & Giroux published it. It was published 30th May 2017. I would recommend it to anyone who loves quirky heroines and light, fluffy contemporary young adult romances.

The blurb reads: “Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster at romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love”, Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.”

I apologise that I don’t have any quotes for this review (and therefore, little to no evidence) because I went on vacation with this book and forgot to bring my post it notes.

"But I never lost the belief that you could will something just by sticking to it, by being unwavering. By keeping your eyes on the prize. And by doing that, there was nothing you couldn’t control about your own life.”

Verdict:

I wanted to really love I Believe in a Thing Called Love (IBiaTCL). After all, the MC is a girl of Asian descent (that’s me) who is naturally an overachiever (not exactly me but I can relate), has trouble dating (23 and terribly single with no prospects whatsoever) and loves Korean dramas (also me).

But I’m terribly on the fence with it.

Mostly because Desi Lee is written as such a caricature of K-dramas, ignoring the fact that Korean dramas are incredibly diverse. They have the typical high school romances (that IBiaTCL are most likely based on), crime dramas, soap opera-like dramas, family dramas and the list goes on. Even though Maurene Goo is of Asian descent, IBiaTCL seems to have been written from a very white lens and is as clichéd and predictable as they come.

But, when it comes to the K-dramas of the cheesy, romance variety, clichedness and predictability are at its core. And that’s why IBiaTCL got three stars despite how much I disliked it.

Also, it’s well-written, fast-paced and Desi Lee’s antics are incredibly funny in a what-the-fuck-are-you-doing sort of way. It’s refreshing to see her antics /mostly/ backfire and she has to try and save herself.

In the end, I hoped IBiaTCL had ended differently but ah, well.

[contains spoilers]

The Bad:

This gets a little rant-y.

There’s so much incredulity with Desi Lee that she seems like an almost unrealistic MC. Aside from the ridiculous name (which is attributed to her parents’ love for Desi Arnaz of I Love Lucy fame).

Desi is an overachiever who knows all there is to about cars, is a sports star, class president and all around know it all.

To top it off, she’s got super dooper good-looking best friends

and boo-hoo, she’s the least good-looking one

and she gets picked on because she’s an annoying know-it-all.

Yet, Desi thinks she’s super friendly and nice and that everyone likes her.

And she’s super obsessive, she stalks her crush and manufactures moments to bump into him and make him fall in love with her.

Let’s also not forget that there’s the oh-so-cliched female rival who hates Desi’s guts because of something Desi didn’t even know she was doing.

Oh, and the cherry on top of the cake, is that the guy falls immediately for her.

On the other hand, I can’t ignore the fact that since IBiaTCL is heavily influenced by K-dramas, these sort of things are pretty much standard in a K-drama plot. The heroine is unrealistically beautiful and everything seems to fall in her lap, yet, she’s branded as the outcast and the weird one, and in Desi’s case, a world-class nerd.

In K-dramas, no matter how ridiculous it sounds, the heroine goes out of her way to manipulate her love interest to fall in love with her. Even in a most recent drama, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, a university student pretty much sacrifices a lot of her life’s hopes and dreams to make her love interest fall in love with her, lying about who she is and such. Although, I will say that it’s mostly in high school drama romances that this sort of thing happens because romances with adults are less, for lack of a better word, ridiculous.

But it’s just such a cringe-y rendition of how K-dramas can be used to fall in love that makes reading IBiaTCL such a troublesome read.

My big overarching issue with IBiaTCL is how much YA and society has progressed today but instead, this book sort of regresses.

For one, Desi Lee is the smartest, most accomplished girl in school. Instead of using her wits and her smarts, she throws all her intelligence out the window to chase this useless boy who couldn’t even see how much she’s worth. She’s not in the Art Club and immediately, he casts her out. Like, wtv, if you can’t see how smart I am and what a great female president I would be in ten years, bye felicia. But no, Desi Lee sees the hottest thing to cross her path and give her a little attention and she latches on.

Secondly, there’s just so much female rivalry in the book that I’m like, aren’t we already past this? YA can do better, babes. Violet who is in the Art Club, insanely pretty, also Korean and also vying for Luca’s affection is portrayed as an incredibly catty, petty and vindictive woman. And oh, it’s revealed later Violet and Desi used to know each other but Desi moved on and left the church and play school and shit and forgot about Violet which is so fucking normal. She was a kid when it happened, did Violet expect her to remember for the rest of her lives? I avoid people I know in primary school. It’s fucking normal unless you go up to her and introduce yourself????

Not to mention, Desi is contrasted directly against Lucas ex-girlfriend, Emily, who’s like insanely beautiful and model like and ruined Luca’s life by letting him get arrested for her graffiti and then completely discarding him and putting him aside. But Luca gets angry when Emily wants to commemorate their relationship by putting in on social media and says:

“You just reminded me how it’s never been about me, or how you feel about me. How it’s about manipulating your image, what it looks like to everyone else. How I can never tell what’s real.”

Yeah, damn straight. Manipulating. Even Desi realises it.

But oh, yay, congrats because Luca forgives her in the end for being fucking manipulative and almost risking his life. Because she even manufactured a car accident a la Descendants of the Sun but without the precarious cliff-dangling.

But I think the worst part about IBiaTCL is that Desi was ready to give up a life of Stanford and gloriousness for fucking love. She was a definite shoo-in for the off-Ivy League institution, hell, I would give my arm and my leg to study at Stanford but she throws it all away to drive halfway across the country for Luca????? That’s a stupid ass decision right there.

And it’s the most unrealistic thing. Girls, please never ever throw away your hopes and your dreams for some stupid boy who couldn’t even appreciate you for all your smarts and wits in the first place. He’s not worth it. He’s only in it for the sex.

And speaking of useless boys, why couldn’t we have an Asian love interest??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? WHY WAS DESI SO OBSESSED WITH THIS BOY WHOSE HERITAGE IS NOT ASIAN AND I’M NOT GOING TO ASSUME THAT HE’S LATINX??????????????????????????? She can clearly call him Won Bin (who, by the way, is not at all the standard of male handsomeness or even at the top of the desired K-actor list). Why couldn’t Maurene Goo have given us an Asian love interest? This brings to mind the whole why are brown men so obsessed with white women on screen thing and makes me wonder if it’s the same thing here.

The Good:

One of the good things about IBiaTCL is definitely the portrayal of Korean American home life. I am neither and I can’t speak about how authentic or realistic it is but it’s nice to have these sort of experiences in YA. It’s nicer to have them explained and discussed as opposed to Jenny Han’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before where Korean American home life is touched on very briefly.

Although, it’s interesting that in both these books with Korean American protagonists, the mother is not present and instead, the father has to raise a daughter. But then again, even in K-dramas, this seems to be a theme.

Another thing I thought was a nice touch is that in writing IBiaTCL, Maurene Goo consulted the moderators of dramabeans.com which I would go as far to say, is the leading source of drama recaps. My sister uses it. My friends use it. I don’t lol mostly because I prefer watching my dramas as opposed to reading them. So, on the topic of K-dramas, this book is in good hands.

In conclusion, K-dramas thrive on being extremely unrealistic, as do romantic comedies. Why should I expect this book to be any different?

#book review #young adult #i believe in a thing called love #maurene goo #booklr #young adult contemporary

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