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cypressure · 1 month

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Have you got any recommendations for dinosaur nonfiction books?

Your art makes me so happy 🥺

hey thank you, i appreciate your saying so (and also giving me the opportunity to talk about dinosaur books)! under the cut for length--

starting off with an overview before getting down to specific topics, my first recommendation is Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved by Darren Naish & Paul Barrett. this was first published in 2017, but the third edition was just released with plenty of updates to reflect new discoveries and hypotheses. it's very thorough and accessible, and takes you through all the major clades of dinosaurs and everything we know about their evolution and ecology. this is definitely the best starting point for getting up-to-date with dinosaur science.

the end-Cretaceous extinction has been getting lots of popular attention lately (thanks to DePalma and the Tanis site I suspect), so if you'd like to learn more on this subject, I love The Last Day of the Dinosaurs by Riley Black, also from 2022. this is the scariest dinosaur book i've ever read--she paints an incredibly vivid and horrifying picture of the aftermath of the meteor impact, and of how the animals which survived the event managed to live on.

if you want to read about how exactly we know all these things about dinosaurs, I just recently picked up Dave Hone's How Fast Did T. rex Run? (titled The Future of Dinosaurs in the UK i think), published in 2022. he delves into what we know from the fossil record and how paleontologists work to figure these things out, as well as what we don't know yet and what we probably will never know, and the difference between those two. i suggest it for learning about paleontology as a scientific process, and it's a very interesting read.

so far, all of these books have been about dinosaurs as a whole; if you are looking for popular publications about specific groups, there are not as many options unfortunately (for some reason there isn't a huge audience for 200-page books about obscure thyreophorans. sighs disappointedly). most of what we get is about the large, more familiar clades; you will see books on tyrannosaurs, and there's a few field guide-style books about Mesozoic birds (which tend to be very beautifully illustrated but kind of technical; see below for titles). my pick for clade-specific books is The Sauropod Dinosaurs: Life in the Age of Giants, by Mark Hallett and Matthew Wedel, from 2016. this one goes into serious detail about every conceivable aspect of sauropod paleobiology, which as you can imagine is a huge and fascinating topic, and all the artwork is gorgeous. caveat: it being 8 years old means there's some science in there which will be outdated by now, but as far as i can remember it's still worth checking out.

and finally, as a paleoartist, i have to mention paleoart books! if you're interested in the science behind the choices paleoartists make when reconstructing extinct animals, especially for your own practice, i cannot recommend enough Mark Witton's The Paleoartist's Handbook, from 2018. he thoroughly explains how to interpret fossil evidence and paleontological research from an artist's perspective, and covers about everything from soft tissues to composing a scene. this is one of less than a handful of books on this particular topic, and it's definitely the most in-depth.

with any scientific subject you have to be careful with older books; this is especially true with paleontology since the discipline has accelerated so much over the past few decades and shows no signs of slowing down. i would even hesitate to recommend anything published more than 10 years ago, since new discoveries and technology have made so many questions and hypotheses moot (and in turn created new and more interesting ones)! the only exception to this is a recommendation for historical significance: Robert Bakker's 1986 The Dinosaur Heresies is essential to understanding what modern paleontologists call the Dinosaur Renaissance, or how our perception of dinosaurs changed from lizardlike evolutionary dead-ends into the active, successful bird ancestors we see in reconstructions now. this book kickstarted that change, and it's easy to see how: it's a very engaging read, Bakker argues his points very effectively, plus there are cute dinosaur cartoons. (i also love a lot of older works for their personal significance, but gushing about formative dinosaur books is something for another post.)

finally, thanks to the wonders of the internet, books are not the only way to learn about current dinosaur science! the best way is always by reading paleontology papers, where scientists directly describe and illustrate new discoveries or hypotheses. however, i know jumping straight into the technical literature may be overwhelming: fortunately a lot of paleontologists have social media, blogs, and/or podcasts where they write about their work and new developments in the field. the heyday of science blogs is kind of past, but there are still a few very good ones out there: this list on Feedly has a good selection to browse. being just self-published material, all of these don't have the benefits of peer review that papers and books do, so always be willing to take things with a grain of salt and do your own research.

of course this is a non-exhaustive list, especially limiting myself to both works recently published and which i have actually read. i've certainly forgotten or missed out on many new paleontology books (Dean Lomax's Locked in Time is one of these which i still haven't gotten ahold of yet, but which im very excited to get to); i welcome any additional recommendations or thoughts from the rest of paleoblr!

i hope this was helpful and i wish you luck in your reading :)

#paleoblr #paleontology #book recs #process #cypress #< - the fursona you see at the top of this post. say hi #sorry this took me so long to post! both putting it together and then actually remembering to post it took more time than i expected #but i wanted to be thorough

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lurkingshan · 8 months

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Wedding Plan and the Evolution of MAME

I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with MAME, one of the most notorious writers in the bl genre. Her shows have traditionally been a mixed bag of incredible chemistry, high heat, dubious consent, and pushy semes transgressing every boundary laid out for them, all of it built atop a foundation of heteronormativity and homophobic tropes. In the early years of bl, her shows were one of the only places you could go to see mature depictions of intimacy in relationships, but they also necessitated dodging through a landmine of problematic content. So my long standing policy has been to never watch her shows live and instead binge them when they’re done so that I can go in with some idea of what to expect. As someone who liked Love By Chance and TharnType for what they did well despite their problematic aspects, and actually kinda loved Love in the Air, I figured I would watch Wedding Plan at some point, but it wasn’t that high on my priority list.

So imagine my surprise when people I trusted started telling me: hey wait, this is actually really good? Like, not good for MAME, but genuinely, legitimately a quality show. @bengiyo wrote a great post on the queer read of the story that was very intriguing indeed. @ginnymoonbeam wrote about seeing an authentic representation of her own experiences in the show. When I asked for others to weigh in, @negrowhat, @slayerkitty, @thegalwhorants, @nieves-de-sugui, @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle, and @magpie24601 all said they were enjoying it to various degrees and that it felt different from MAME’s previous works. So this weekend, I sat down to watch it, and as soon as I finished, I pinged @waitmyturtles, who had previously said she did not intend to watch any additional MAME shows, to tell her she had to add it to her project tracking the evolution of Thai bl.

Because y’all, this show! This show is stunning, in more ways than one. The people and settings are gorgeous (shoutout to that McDonald’s money), the characters are compelling and sympathetic even when they behave in frustrating ways, the romance is properly swoony, the friendships are deep and touching, the family relationships are complex, and the ending is triumphant. I enjoyed it immensely, and I was taken aback by how genuinely rooted in queer experience and celebratory of queer love it felt. It was kind of a revelation, and I felt compelled to get down some thoughts about it. I’m going to break this down by narrative themes and characters so that I can dig into some of the tropes at play and what makes their deployment feel different here than it has in MAME’s previous shows.

The Core Premise

When I say this story feels authentically queer, this premise is the foundation of that. A lavender marriage is something that can only occur between queer characters. Right away, we are kicking MAME’s typical use of heteronormative tropes right out the door, because Lom already has a wife. Yiwa is his stand-in for the female partner his parents and society expect him to have, so Nuea cannot and will not fulfill that role. Instead, Lom’s pursuit of Nuea is explicitly about his desire to break away from those constraints and pursue the authentic queer life he has never been allowed to live, even if he has to do it undercover of this facade. Lom is gay, and he is pursuing a relationship with a gay man, and there is no coding here to make a heterosexual audience feel like what he wants with Nuea is the same as what he’d have with a woman. The difference, and the way one fulfills Lom while the other doesn’t, is the point.

Nuea

At first glance, our POV character, Nuea, feels like a stock MAME uke character. He is cute, he is a romantic, he is emotionally reactive, and he has a massive crush on Lom pretty much from jump. But pretty quickly, we start to notice some important differences between Nuea and those who came before him, starting with his competence and confidence. Nuea is the ace at his company and excellent at his work, and he’s financially comfortable. He is an out and confident gay man with a strong community of coworkers, friends, and family who will support him through anything and close ranks to protect him when needed. He does not share the standard characteristic of typical MAME ukes: uncertainty about who he is and/or low self-esteem. There’s simply not a whiff of that anywhere on Nuea. He knows who he is, and he knows what he wants. And as the story unfolds and Nuea gets deeper entangled with Lom, we recognize another crucial aspect of him: he is experienced, both emotionally and sexually. Nuea has been in relationships before, he knows how to say no, he knows how to draw a boundary, and he knows when he is deciding to cross one. In short, Nuea has something crucial that a lot of MAME ukes are lacking: power and agency.

We see this throughout his relationship with Lom, as Nuea begins their flirtation eyes wide open about his own feelings and the fire he’s playing with, and alternately pulls back and pushes forward as his conscience wars with his desires. Nuea wants Lom. Their attraction is extremely mutual. No one is wearing anyone down or inspiring a sexuality crisis in this dynamic. Instead, Nuea’s struggle is rooted in his own morality and desire to be a good person, because he thinks Lom is taken, and he wants him anyway. Which is why we see him waffling so much and sending Lom all kinds of mixed signals, pushing him away with one hand while grabbing him back with the other, drawing boundaries only to step right back over them at the next opportunity. And when he finally crosses a boundary that he can’t rationalize (sex with Lom), he retreats back home to try to get his head together. It’s not an accident that despite Lom being in the active pursuer role, we see Nuea make a conscious decision to move forward and even be the one to initiate a relationship progression at several crucial points in the story. Nuea is making his own decisions here, and he has his own power over Lom that he exercises consistently. He’s warring with himself, not with Lom.

Lom

Lom is also, on the surface, a fairly standard MAME seme character. He wants Nuea, and he’s comfortable being pushy about it. He pursues Nuea fairly relentlessly, showing up in front of him even when he’s told not to, and leverages his role as Nuea’s client to see him as often as possible. He obsessively pines for Nuea in a way that also feels familiar. But for me, there is something that makes Lom stand out and feel markedly different from his predecessors in his romantic pursuit: sincerity and frank honesty.

From the start, Lom is genuine in his interest in Nuea and sincere about how much he likes and admires him. He tells him in a very straightforward manner that he likes him and wants to spend time with him. He tells him he knows he doesn’t have the right, but he wants to kiss him and be near him anyway. He tells him exactly what he intends to do to stay close to him, and then he does it. He tells him honestly that he loves Yiwa, but not in the way Nuea thinks, and that he is not marrying her because he’s being forced. “But Shan,” I hear you yelling, “he did not tell him the most important truth!” And you’re right, he didn’t, at least not until he was forced to do so. Which brings me to the other thing that makes Lom so compelling: the constraints of the closet and his loyalty to Yiwa.

Lom, unlike Nuea, does not have a supportive family or the freedom to live as an out gay man. What he does have is a best friend whom he loves deeply and completely, to the extent that he would sacrifice his own life and chance at happiness to protect hers. He has no choice but to hold some things back, because to lay it all bare would expose not only him, but her. The decision to tell a boy he likes the truth about the nature of their relationship is not just about him; anyone knowing is also a risk to Yiwa and the life she is building with Marine. And he takes his duty to protect that very seriously. On top of that, Lom has been in the closet since he was a teenager. We know that Lom and Yiwa connected over their queerness and their mothers’ bigotry when they were only 15 and 13, respectively. They grew up Knowing. That self-protective mindset is not something you can easily shake off, and not something you risk for any given person you develop a crush on. He is trying to walk a line in his pursuit of Nuea to snatch whatever happiness he can without blowing up his entire life.

And to Lom’s credit, the moment he realizes how serious he is about Nuea, he goes after him (with Yiwa and Marine’s support), dutifully pays his penance and earns the respect of Nuea’s family, and finally unburdens himself, looking at Nuea with complete and total honesty and saying to him “This is who I am, this is my situation, can you deal with it? Do you still want me?” And by the way he sobs when Nuea says “YES” and asks to be part of his arrangement with Yiwa and Marine, he never expected for someone like Nuea to accept him and all the complications of his life. He was absolutely overcome by gratitude and relief, and you could see the burdens he’s been living under start to lighten.

Yiwa and Marine

I don’t have anyone to compare Yiwa and Marine to, because to my recollection, they are the first significant female characters in any MAME story. And significant is an understatement. Yiwa is the engine that drives this entire story. The lavender marriage is her idea, because it’s the only way she can think to give herself the freedom to be with Marine under her mother’s watchful eye. She is the one who goes to her best friend and begs him to do this for her, because she trusts him absolutely and the devotion between them is complete enough that she knows he will sacrifice in such a monumental way for her. She is the one who encourages Lom to pursue his own happiness with Nuea within the constraints of their arrangement, hoping that he will find his own Marine that can hang in for this half life they’ve constructed to meet the tenets of filial piety. She is the one who ultimately decides to come clean when she sees how the lie is hurting Nuea. And she is the one who makes the final decision to prioritize her love over her obligations to her parents, and in doing so frees them all.

The fact that a character like Yiwa exists in the bl genre at all, let alone in a MAME show, is mind-blowing to me. A female character with this much depth and narrative importance, who is not just here to play a cheerleader to men but instead to be a fully realized character with her own narrative? A female character who matters? In my Thai bl??

And Marine gets to matter, too. Marine, whose experience of coming into this relationship and accepting the limitations of the life Yiwa can offer her is treated with the utmost seriousness. Marine, who we see in joy and in struggle, who is kind and compassionate with Lom, who offers solace and guidance to Nuea, and who ultimately crumbles under the weight of Yiwa’s mother’s cruelty and reaches her breaking point. As minor as her role is, she feels like a real person, not a generic side character. The relationship between her and Yiwa is developed enough to make us feel invested in their happiness, to understand the choices they make, and to ultimately feel joy at them breaking free and living a more authentic life, even if it comes at the expense of Yiwa’s family bonds.

The Ending

Which brings me to the way this show ended its story, and how glorious it was. Yiwa and Marine run away to live on their own, freeing Lom from their agreement in the process. Yiwa takes full blame for the broken engagement, a parting gift to Lom that saves face for his parents and gives him cover to publicly dodge any further expectations for marriage to a woman. Lom’s mother, who is just as bigoted but not quite as stubborn and short-sighted as Yiwa’s mother, understands exactly what has happened, and reaches out to her son to assure him that she will no longer try to force the issue, and to ask him plainly not to run away from his family like Yiwa did. It’s not the support and love of Nuea’s family, but a kind of resigned acceptance that she offers. She knows who Nuea is to her son and she knows if she tries to intervene any further she will lose him for good. It was reminiscent for me of the dynamics between Shiro and his parents in Kinou nani tabeta—it still hurts, but it's a detente everyone can live with.

And Lom and Nuea? Have the freedom to love each other more openly. To flirt in a restaurant and hold hands in public. To live together and call themselves partners to the people who matter. We end on a message from Nuea about the beauty and joy of queer love, the simple nature of two people deciding to marry regardless of their gender, and a promise that someday soon he and Lom will be the ones to make that commitment. Just, perfection, and an earned resolution so rooted in a genuine queer experience. It’s not something I could have imagined seeing in a Thai bl even a few short years ago, and I am stunned that MAME is the one who delivered it. Her storytelling is clearly evolving with the culture around her, and I will be going into her future works with an open mind.

#wedding plan #wedding plan the series #thai bl #thai gl #shan shouts into the void

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deusexmachinawitch · 22 days

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Day #8, #9 & #10 Slade Subliminal Self Challenge

Subs Listened: Problem Solving Potion, Evolution, I Am, Obelisk, Pillar, Nomad.

Time Listened: Short loops of around 15-20 minutes each sub. I did end up listening to "Pillar" overnight by accident one of the days.

Other methods: Robotic affirmations, visualization. Didn't listen to any other subs, just some meditation tapes. I did some self-care and decided to indulge in LoAss content videos for two days tho.

Today’s results:

(Day #8)

-Got a haircut for free, I look gorgeous.

-People buying me a lot of things for me out of the blue so I would look nice, including press-on nails.

-Got free dinner.

-Actually the day was really nice and peaceful at home and work, which is pretty rare especially at work so I am really happy and calm.

(Day #9)

-Got free clothes.

-Got free lunch.

-Someone that I really care actually told me they got me a surprise gift and that I'll see it next week, so I should look forward to it.

-That same person caring for my opinion and being grateful for my help and care towards them.

-Suddenly having custom-made catering in a networking event that we didn't expect to have actual catering in.

-My team getting prioritized in an work event that we didn't expect to get advantages with. This really increased my team's morale and everyone seems really happy and working better.

-Someone who's known to be a really hard person to deal with but with a lot of influence saying that they really respect me and that I have their support. Apparently, they were magically related to someone I've been caring so deeply and helping them with their dreams (I taught them about LoAss) and because they feel much better than ever before since LoAss, this person is really grateful and wants to help me in everything they can. LoAss does really work in magical ways, even creating links in people I would NEVER imagine they would actually be related in some way.

(Day #10)

-People highly loving me and respecting me after taking a step forward myself and taking a hard decision without hesitation. Everyone started following me and praising me.

-Actually having half of the day off and being able to relax. Another calm day at work, I really needed to manifest this good vibe at work.

-Someone hinting a gift for me. Lately I'm getting a lot of random gifts from people I wasn't expecting.

-Getting hired by someone I wanted to be hired with.

-SP being nice after a stressful rough patch he had.

-A highly respected person actually going after me for advice and comfort after a bad experience with a person in our field.

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

Lately my life is finally calming down even though it is one of the most stressful moments at my work since something big is happening for us.

I am loving the gifts and the tranquility, I guess I do love being spoiled. I want to still be spoiled and live an effortless life forever.

#law of assumption #loa tumblr #loablr #manifestation #loa blog #affirm and persist #loassumption #loassblog #loa success #neville goddard #satella's manifestation experiments #manifestation challenge #manifestation experiment

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a-dinosaur-a-day · 11 months

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Can you recommend any dinosaur themed video games? Or maybe games that just have evolution somehow play a part?

for one, you can always play Evolution! evolution is a video game based on a card game that is actually a pretty great game-ification of the process of evolution (I have a couple of big critiques - predators don't hunt their prey into extinction as a general rule, but that's a key game component) and fun to play

if you're cool with going retro, the game Spore is essentially an evolution simulation game, even if its a bit oversimplified

The game Ecosystem mimics evolution too, you essentially are creating an underwater ecosystem from scratch, but my immersion is broken by the modern-type plants juxtaposed with cambrian-era fish

ironically, games with prehistoric life and games about evolution? not the same two things. none of those games really feature actual prehistoric life.

But, there are games that do!

I actually really like Saurian. It's still in alpha, and has a lot of development to do, but it's essentially a complete recreation of Hell Creek, and you can grow up as a raptor or as a triceratops!

Then there's Prehistoric Kingdom, which is a park builder sim with prehistoric life. The online community for it sucks (major transphobia incident), but the game itself is a fun time, and the dinosaurs are gorgeous.

I also enjoy Jurassic World Evolution 2. Sure, JW is inaccurate af, and every time I see manual unguals on digits 4 and 5 on the hands/front feet I scream internally, but a) there are lots of accuracy mods and b) the graphics are gorgeous

Let's Build a Zoo has prehistoric life, too! And things you wouldn't expect! It's kind of a basic game, but it's fun. And has more birds than fucking planet zoo does.

Zoo Tycoon 2 is still probably the best zoo game around, somehow, and there are tons of mods to add virtually as many prehistoric animals as you want. Hell, my friends and I made a Kulindadromeus mod for it! Literally! Any dinos you want.

Roots of Pacha is a game similar to Stardew that takes place in the Pleistocene! It's all about the power of human cooperation and community building, complete with Mammoths and Smilodon and Glyptodonts. Its a fun game, and I love it a lot. Can't wait for it to update more!

Dawn of Man is a pretty good caveman sim, as well, but it's very realism-focused, and killing mammoths is part of the game, so it's a bummer. But it's fun to go through the history of stone age human technology.

Dinosaur Fossil Hunter is... meh. the protagonist is a muscular white guy. the adventure side of paleontology is overemphasized. the controls are kind of crappy. I can't recommend it.

Tyto Ecology is a fun, if basic, ecology simulator, but it is no longer being developed or supported. Still, I enjoyed it.

aaaand... those are my recommendations. The pickings are kind of slim. Hence my desperate desire to make more prehistoric life and evolution themed games!

that said, keep an eye out - Paleopines and Super Zoo Story are both coming out soon, and they both have dinosaurs!

#video games #game recs #paleontology #prehistoric life #palaeoblr

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tleeaves · 4 months

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The Fictional Crush Line-Up For 2023 and Beyond

Was going to do this sooner (as in a review on the year based on the new or resurfaced interests I picked up, with aforementioned fictional crushes along the way), but I wanted to collect art for them all too and then I also had to try and remember them all. But here we are. If I'm missing any, I'll either have to edit and or reblog to include them.

See if you can spot any common threads (it may get trickier as the list goes on, just be warned). This goes almost in chronological order. But order does not in any way reflect my level of brainrot and obsession with each.

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE FRAGILE THREADS OF POWER, BALDUR'S GATE III, AND ARCANE: LEAGUE OF LEGENDS (SPECIFICALLY REGARDING VIKTOR).

Consider yourself warned.

Victor Vale (Vicious by V.E. Schwab)

Victor and his revenge story are kind of responsible for kick-starting my journey of self-rediscovery these past twelve months, in a strange and roundabout way. He made me want to stick up for myself and what I wanted out of life. Sure, he's extremely morally grey in a concerning way, and yeah, we don't normally encourage revenge, but I found him a comfort at a difficult time. But also, I could totally fix him (no one can and it's no one's responsibility, yet the sentiment is still there). I'm not usually one for blonds (I am a liar) but his cold aesthetic is oddly pleasing. There's nothing I understand more than an awe that rots into resentment and envy while maintaining the same thread of fascination with someone. "Victor Vale was not a fucking sidekick" is just a, mwah, chef's kiss line. Honestly, I have less of a crush on this guy, more of an understanding that I appreciate. Also, I haven't even mentioned the chronic pain implications and canon uses of his powers. But that might be for another time.

Viktor (Arcane: League of Legends)

Another Viktor with chronic illness themes and whose (in LoL lore) regard for a partner in science goes sour over time as they pursue different objectives (not seen in the Netflix series yet, of course, it's too early for glorious evolution). This guy always comes back to rot in my brain, and I cannot wait for season 2 later this year to see what comes of his arc. I'm planning a fanfic involving him, Jayce, and maybe/sort of Jinx, based on a dream I had months ago but still have swirling in the soup that is my consciousness. There is something so pretty about this guy. If I was more confident in my sketching abilities, he'd end up being my muse way too often. Viktor's character to me is kind of a tragedy personified, and I love a good tragedy. Oh, and his voice actor?? Amazing. There's some debate over how authentic he sounds to Eastern Europeans, but the accent aside still, he sounds sooo good. I want to sit in on a lecture where he speaks about literally anything for two hours.

Kell Maresh (A Darker Shade of Magic; The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab)

Usually, I don't talk about Kell because of how silly I feel like my crush on him is. I identify with Delilah "Lila" Bard throughout ADSOM and even Threads, so I hate further mentioning how much I actually think about Kell because I'd have to fist fight anyone who said I only relate to her because of Kell when that's not the truth. And yet, there's still enough differences between Lila and I for me to be like "if I had to pick a woman in the Schwabverse..." But also, MAYBE I JUST THINK KELL IS GORGEOUS, OKAY? 🫣 Maybe I like that he starts as a somewhat naive prince who's had things both easy and rough in life (wanting to be loved by the only family you know and not feel like you're only there to protect your adoptive brother whom your parents tried to tell you both was not actually your brother and you should stop treating each other as such is VALID, argue with the wall, also he's the bodyguard and eternal worrier (yes, worrying) for Rhy and he's taken lives way too young). Maybe I like that he fell first and fell hard for Lila (okay, but if we're getting into the nitty-gritty, she did flirt with him first multiple times, but she would never admit to actual feelings), that he's the male love interest without reservations for once, leaving it up to Lila and whether she's open to love for once in a story. And yeah, okay, maybe I like that he's actually some kind of a prince charming, the sort you always secretly dream about, you know? Shut up. I like his stupid magic coat too. He's clever, but occasionally actually unbelievably dumb, he's funny and witty yet he knows when to keep his mouth shut (and is usually the one hauling others out of a scrap because of their own smart mouths), he cares too much about his family, AND DID I MENTION HE ALSO HAS CHRONIC ILLNESS THEMES THAT BROKE MY DAMN CHRONICALLY ILL AND IN PAIN HEART? I've said too much already, but there. He's a guy.

Miguel O'Hara (Spider-Man: Across The SpiderVerse)

This is the one my sister teases me most about because she doesn't get it. To be honest with you all, even I don't know how to explain it. But this guy. Miguel. There is something about him that I just abdkjdjsdv, you know? Is it the tragedy? The moral greyness? The fangs? His insane height? Just his fanon self? The fucking muscles?? I don't know. But I will defend how interesting he is as an antagonist until the cows come home.

Elliott (Stardew Valley)

Oh... boy. Sometimes, I realise I have a type. It's pretty guys who are hopeless romantics that write novels and poetry. Maybe it's just this one guy. But wow, it works on me. I'm writing a fanfic about him because I need to. There's only 400-odd words to it so far. It was not long after I met him in the game that I decided I had to wife him up. I planted that pomegranate tree early, because it's his favourite fruit for those who don't know, and he loves receiving them as a gift. I got ducks so I could give him their stray feathers. I learned how and when to find lobsters and catch crabs because he loves those too. If I'm out of gifts, I go get a coffee for him because every writer needs their sustenance. Literally, by Spring of Year 2, we were married, and I wondered if perhaps I might have been a little too single-mindedly pursuing every one of those cut scenes when I should have been taking it a bit slower and making it less of a mission. Don't know what to tell you, I went crazy. I fully believe in the headcanon that he gets up early just to go through his haircare routine. Is he pretentious? Maybe. Does he lay it on a little too thick that he's scared of dying alone? Well, okay, yes. Does it bother me that as a househusband he doesn't help out more on the farm? Occasionally. But there's also no one else I'd rather be with (and I developed a sprinkler system specifically so there was less work for me anyway and so now I don't mind at all when he isn't helping). And I can't believe my sister ever introduced me to Stardew Valley because I am now mentally ill about a videogame character made of pixels. Yes, I make wine just for him too. Hush. I spoil him daily now that we're married. Our first child is a son named Ernest. I was debating between Ernest and Edgar, and honestly, I think I should have gone with the latter, but I chose the former. All the dialogue from Elliott is so frickin' cute.

Astarion Ancunín (Baldur's Gate III)

And do you know what the worst part about this one is? I still haven't actually played Baldur's Gate III. I know, I KNOW. A crime. I'm working on it. But you best believe I've watched every cutscene I can, every scrap of gameplay dialogue, all the choices, the different endings you can get with him (Ascended breaks my heart every time -- I don't care how hot he is, it's not what he would have wanted, he doesn't love you like he used to anymore, and he's not as happy as he could be), and I've listened to all the interviews with Neil Newbon and the writer for Astarion about him. This fruity traumatised vampire haunts me. I want to hold him gently and caress his face and tell him he's beautiful and what he looks like to me since he hasn't seen his reflection in centuries and I want to make sure he knows he's loved. I want him to bite me and drink my blood too, but that's not as important. Does it weird me out how much he reminds me of Prince Charming from the Shrek franchise and Preminger from Barbie: The Princess and the Pauper and then aesthetically Asra from The Arcana: A Mystic Romance? Yes. But Astarion's also his own character and I'm in love with his smile and goofy lines.

Settrigh "Sett" (Heartsteel; League of Legends)

This... might be the lowest point, actually 💀 My sister would agree. Because it's not enough to crush on book characters, show characters, and videogame characters -- while technically this guy is a videogame character and was part of League of Legends waaay before the music video, it was the PARANOIA music video that got me. So, even fictional characters made/involved in music videos are not safe from my heart. Because, as I understand it, OG Sett is a bit different from Heartsteel Sett, and I've found I usually prefer reading about the interpretation of the latter in fanfic more than the former. I mean, I still really, really enjoy fanfics where he's The Big Boss of the pits, and or his other background/lore is included, but I've read some where his old personality is a bit Yikes. The golden retriever energy is my favourite era of his if we can call it that (I still headcanon him as a part fox Vastayan, you can't convince me otherwise so go argue with someone else about it, not me). And honestly, I think I might have read more fics involving Sett in 2023 than I did any of the other characters on this list. Which is saying something since he's not as popular as a few of them. He's a pretty guy and I wish to bite him. Lovingly.

Mizu (Blue Eye Samurai)

Oh woman. Mizu is... is... she's basically my wife. I know she's all our wife, but like just let me dream a little here. As soon as I finished the series, I was opening up Tumblr, Pinterest, and AO3, my holy trinity of fandom. My platonic wife was sending me TikToks of our shared fictional wife. Mizu can wind up non-binary, male, female, I honestly do not mind because I am in love with any version she is/becomes (for now, I interpret her as a woman in disguise, but if that changes, I'll absolutely change how I refer to Mizu). She is a tragedy wrapped up in revenge because of a rotten love and unfortunate parentage and time period. I want her as much as I want to be her. Also? I go insane over her little smiles and smirks. I LOVE when we got to hear her laugh, even if it was mostly the flashbacks (do not mention Mikio near me; if he wasn't already dead, I would kill him). Also, who doesn't hate their British/white half, ahaha, oh my god, I know mixed ethnicity is a hot topic for people who do not want POC whitewashed in media, and I fully understand that, but I do appreciate seeing parts of myself in mixed characters like the conflict between trying to be more like one side than another. I'll also admit it: she does indeed look hot covered in blood and carrying a sword. I'll see myself out the door. I've been wanting to write a fanfic about her but I'm still stewing over ideas. Mizu is also probably my first truly major crush on a fictional woman (other than my childhood crush on Helga Sinclair from Atlantis: The Lost Empire). Vi from Arcane comes pretty close, but I see too much of myself in her that it gets weird.

We'll do some honourable mentions for characters from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim since I've gotten into that again.

Brynjolf, Hadvar, and Nazir, I wish I could mod my gameplay so I could marry you. The developers hated their men-loving gamers (I know the women-lovers complain about Serana, but she will never be as heartbreaking as Brynjolf, I don't care if she recognises proposals only to decline them). I mean, Brynjolf is the Tamriel equivalent of Scottish, he calls you "lass/lad", has got a smoothass voice, supports you through so much of the Thieves Guild questline, has a wicked sense of humour, and then when you finish the questline, it's all "sorry, lass. Got important things to do. We'll speak another time" 😭 You can't even recruit him as a follower. He says nothing when you wear an amulet of Mara. I play on a fucking PS4, I can't do mods to marry him or get more dialogue.

(By the way, on my most recent playthrough, Lydia died when I fought the troll on the seven thousand steps, and I am still mad about it. It used to be difficult for Lydia to die, that was why I brought her everywhere, and now I have to become Batman "I work alone". ESPECIALLY after Benor then died on the way up to Paarthurnax. I still can't believe that happened, I should have told him to stay behind and wait for my return.)

Also, every time I play, Derkeethus is so bugged, I can't even rescue him let alone marry the guy, which was disappointing because he seemed nice.

Argis the Bulwark, Vilkas, Farkas, Rayya, Aela the Huntress, and Marcurio, you are all marriageable and live in my heart always. Marcurio was the first I ever married, I think. Three guesses why I chose him (it's the sarcasm, wisecracks, and general sense of humour) (maybe the long hair too). Has anyone noticed how there doesn't seem to be marriageable options among the Khajiit characters?? Why do you think that is? I just checked the Skyrim marriage wiki and this is what it has to say in the trivia: 'There are no Khajiit spouses, however; since the majority of Khajiit in Skyrim are traders or travelers from Elsweyr, they probably have families back home. Additionally, Khajiit characters talk about home a lot, stating how much they miss it and how cold Skyrim is; thus, they probably do not want to marry and settle down in Skyrim.'

Heart-breaking. Oh well.

And that's the end of the line-up. If you read through this, Divines bless your goddamn soul. Psycho-analyse me based on them, I dare you. Or just judge me. I'd like to see either. And if you can find something in common about them all (you don't need to consider the honourable Skyrim mentions), please let me know, because I am personally at a loss.

#victor vale #viktor arcane #kell maresh #miguel o'hara #elliott stardew valley #astarion ancunin #sett heartsteel #mizu blue eye samurai #skyrim characters #these are all just from the past twelve months #the real common thread here might just be mental illness

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yellowocaballero · 7 months

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hello! i really liked your fics, especially the dc-xmen ones, and they made me interested in reading the comics. do you have any recs for starters? thank you :D

So a long-running gag between my sibling and I is that they aren't allowed to send me any panels or information about the X-Men, because I don't like the X-Men comics. Have I legitimately read a bunch? Sure. Would I recommend any of them? No.

I'd say X-Force (starring private eye Jamie) wasn't bad, except the 10yo girl got aged up into an 18yo and started making out with the lead. Cable & Deadpool probably barely counts as X-Men but it's definitely the best Cable and the best Deadpool comic simultaneously. My X-Men fics are based almost entirely off the children's cartoon X-Men Evolution, which is the only X-Men media I can say with my whole chest that I really enjoy. I heard that X-Men Blue was good.

As for where to start with DC comics...I'm struggling with a personal opinion on that too. I can't give a single comic that's the best Batman comic to start with, because the popularity of the Batman arc has an inverse relationship to its quality. The best Batman comic is some random one-off by Denny O'Neil in the 70s that was never mentioned again. I'm not sure how often this rec is given but Batman: Black and White is one of the few one-off Batman things that is sincerely gorgeous and moving (unlike The Dark Knight Returns or Arkham Asylum A Serious House on Serious Earth or The Killing Joke or Batman: Year One or The Long Halloween or Under The Red Hood or). If you've rolled up here for the Batfam exclusively then Cassandra's 90s Batgirl run is unironically pretty good.

If you enjoy reading teenagers being awful the late 90s-early 00s Young Justice comic by Peter David is delightful - if you enjoyed Impulse in it, then check out my favorite comic run of all time Impulse (not best, just favorite). The 90s Mark Waid Flash run was lovely. Outside of the heroes I've actually written, if you're pretentious as fuck the the 80s Denny O'Neil Question is fantastic. If you're not pretentious and want something much lighter then the early 00s Blue Bettle and 70s Shazam comics are unbelievably fun.

That probably doesn't help much! I love Batman so much but I couldn't believe that I couldn't actually list of any famous Batman arcs or stories that I genuinely love. Life of a Batman fan. I'm so sorry I can't actually recommend an X-Men comic. I'm sure there are good ones I just haven't read any.

#granted most of the modern x-men ive read has been joss whedon so #and he's a fine enough comics writer he just rarely goes in any particularly interesting directions #disclaimer that i haven't read any modern batman comics in a VERY long time so if the list is looking a bit antique thats why #weirdly enough im much more of a DC girl #but I can recommend more of Marvel. huh.#my asks #also im not joking about cable&deadpool it was really definitive for the actual deadpool we know of today #he was a very different character before that. also it did a miracle and made cable sufferable #legit dont read any dp comics other than that one theyre trying too hard #the 90s run is fascinating but mostly because he locks blind al in a torture chamber whenever she annoys him #not even in a funny way. its fucked up he kind of sucks.

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allwaswell16 · 2 years

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These are all the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in August 2022. You can listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 in August including the fics on this month’s fic roundup which you can find here! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #41 | ko-fi | fic recs

-Larry -

🍃 Mind of Stone by amomentoflove / @daggerandrose

(M, 41k, mythology au, so much to love about this one!) He needs to find a way back home, and then figure out what the fuck happened at the bar tonight.

🍃 All My Roads Lead to You by @dandelionfairies

(M, 41k, undercover au, great plot!) Harry’s stuck in a life he didn’t choose after leaving home at eighteen. Bartending and running drugs were never on his list.

🍃 As You Wish by @kingsofeverything

(E, 25k, genie au, this was such an adventure!) Harry wished Louis free, and life hasn’t been the same since.

🍃 Close Enough to Touch by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(M, 11k, tour au, loved the evolution of their relationship) Louis definitely did not need a masseuse on tour. Not even if that masseuse turned out to be gorgeous, kind, and lovely.

🍃 I Want All Your Saturday Nights by @homosociallyyours

(T, 10k, girl direction, omg so cute with great wish fulfillment) When Louis Tomlinson is announced as the host and musical guest for an upcoming episode of SNL, cast member and writer Harry Styles is prepared to have to hide her longtime crush from her favorite artist.

🍃 Wild As You by bluegreenish / @greenbluish

(M, 9k, country au, this was so beautifully written wow) a story about how Harry figures out whether the ideal of a house with a white picket fence in the suburbs of a medium-sized city is what he wants, or whether Louis' sheep ranch is the home his heart really desires.

🍃Will Death Be Our Last Kiss, My Love? by @fallinglikethis

(M, 6k, Potter Direction, love this story line!) As a half-veela, Louis has always had a past full of romantic turmoil. But his past comes back to bite him fully on the ass when a case falls into the lap of fellow aurors, Niall and Liam.

🍃 Where I'm Meant To Be by Halos_Boat / @halohamilton

(E, 6k, alpha/alpha, oof the angst hurt just right) When Louis helps Harry out with his rut so he can get it done in time for his exam, they're forced to face feelings they were habouring for a while.

🍃 Close Our Eyes (Pretend We're Miles Away) by @haztobegood

(E, 5k, girl direction, check tags but damn this was good) Louis and Harry have been on the run for a day and a half now. It’s a hard situation to be in, and they’ve been trying to cope the best they can since their relaxing girls’ weekend at a rented cabin turned into a living nightmare.

🍃 accept it, my love (you're mine) by skipper / @skipperxao3

(T, 4k, historical au, loved this soulmate concept!) the 1920's fic in which Louis Tomlinson, a successful architect, gives up drawing buildings to fall in love with the homeless boy who’s captured his heart.

🍃 Cannibalism Love Story by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(G, 2k, kid fic, amazing...just amazing. I have no other words I am in shock) It’s a hot summer day and Louis wants nothing more than to lay on the floor and do nothing. Instead he’s with the twins at the science museum.

🍃 SEX 20mg by @jaerie

(E, 2k, sex pollen au, omg this was so hot) Louis swipes some edibles from Niall and smuggles them with him on a trip to Vegas. After a wild night with his ex-roommate, he realizes they weren't the kind of edibles he was expecting.

🍃 Zoey by @wabadabadaba

(G, 2k, cat fic, oh my god this is a dream fic I'm in love with it) Harry has a huge crush on his cat's veterinarian and finally decides to do something about it.

🍃 Fractured Moonlight by amomentoflove / @daggerandrose

(M, 1k, dark au, oh my goddd what a great stand alone fic but also love that you can read the sequel) Louis huffs because he doesn’t want to deal with this. “Listen, I appreciate your concern.” He doesn’t. “But it’s not your duty to look after the sad man at the bar. Okay?”

🍃 heart meet break by safetyfilm / @larrieblr

(NR, 1k, character study, heartbreaking but hopeful) a skinny twenty-something on the middle of the rug, a hot phone pressed to a cheek so tear-stained it might cause an electrical shock.

🍃 Tears on Paper by Lhhome / @lh-home

(G, 228 words, poem, so many feelings help)

Harry

Who wasn’t

supposed to see

-Rare Pairs-

🍃 Make It Up As We Go Along by @lululawrence

(NR, 52k, OT5, omegaverse, loved every moment of chaos!) When a baby is left on their doorstep, their lives become the definition of chaos...but maybe that is exactly what they need to see what has been right in front of them all along.

🍃 Doin' Somethin' Right by @laynefaire

(E, 5k, Zayn/Liam, future canon, so lovely) While Liam craved the bright lights and excitement of being on the road, Zayn has eschewed his prior fame, instead choosing a life of relative obscurity as the owner of a vineyard and bed and breakfast in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

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plushhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh · 8 months

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so I’ve been sleeping with this 36 year old history professor and it’s been really fun because he’s like this huge muscular teddy bear and he has a cat with no eyes who’s the sweetest cat ever. I had to explain to him what fucking with the vision was and then he explained the displacement of chechnyans during world war 2 Joseph Stalin was a piece of shit.

We also talk about dinosaurs and evolution. It’s funny because he met me at my job and he said he’s always wanted to take home a hot barista and I said I’ve always wanted to fuck a professor and tbh like he teaches at the university in my city and he’s fucking brilliant. He also introduced me to Brazilian rum that had Jambú in it. It’s been endearing to meet someone since my last intimate moment with someone because before the professor I had a 3 day dream like moment with this really sweet and gorgeous photographer who had a residency in my city. And the crazy thing was they met each other at a party.

This isn’t the first professor I’ve put the mack on though tbh.

It’s just the fact that I’m this magical bimbo that can pull all kinds of people but can’t find stable housing lol.

This sounds very wattpad’esque but I swear this is my real life.

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citrus-cactus · 10 months

Text

Haru's Birthday Weekend (Prompt: 👾)

What is your favorite episode of Appmon, and why?

OK, I wrote this prompt, so you'd THINK I'd have an easy answer to this, but I'm gonna break my own rules, because as it turns out I can't pick just one episode, lolol. And then I was going to do a Top 5, but I can't do that either! So here are my Top 7. I could probably have turned this into a Top 10, especially since all of the final episodes are SO strong, but I did try to limit myself to one episode per Appmon "arc" (which I'm not sure I could even delineate, but this sounds about right, so good enough!).

Also, periodic reminder to PLEASE WATCH APPMON. IT'S SO GOOD.

Under the cut because of end-of-series spoilers, and to spare your dash!

Also, excuse the bias to these screenshots. I run blogs dedicated to Haru and Knight, and I'm too lazy to take more right now kjdfahkfh

Episode 4 ("Take Your Dressing! Cameramon's Halloween Scandal!")

This episode is a GREAT early episode for its focus on Haru and Gatchmon's characters and their Driver-Buddy relationship, particularly showcasing how Haru is able to think on his feet and use his wits to win the day. Plus it's Halloween-themed. And Haru USES HIS GOGGLES. Literally, what's not to love?? XD

Episode 18 ("Haru and Yujin's Bond - Stop! Rampaging Resshamon!")

I LOVE this episode for paying homage to the Pokemon Go craze. Amazing and incredibly relevant, considering the show originally aired in 2016, rotfl. A very fun premise that also places a lot of emphasis on Haru and Yuujin's relationship, including Haru's worries about revealing his secret life as an AppDriver to Yuujin and insight into Yuujin's character, all important groundwork before Yuujin becomes an AppDriver in his own right.

Episode 25 ("Infiltrating to the Deep Web at last! The Mysterious Cyber Kowloon!")

OK, THIS actually might be my favorite episode. It has it all: gorgeous animation, an AMAZING setting, surreal comedy, a lot of drama, and ultimately our main trio of heroes biting off more than they can chew, ending on a positive note nonetheless. It's SUCH a well-done episode, and is an exciting and satisfying way to wrap up the first half of the series.

Episode 31 ("The Traveling Companion!? Tripmon's Terrible Trip")

While you might THINK I put this episode on my list for the Haru/Yuujin moments, it really made it on here because of its focus on Offmon, his fears, and ultimately... his secret. I love that little guy and the themes of the episode, plus Tripmon has a GREAT design and is a fun Monster of the Day!

Episode 36 ("The Conclusion of General Election! The Hand of Devil Approaching to Eri!")

AKA The One on the Yacht. My favorite Knight episode, if only because the storyboarding/direction is ON POINT and Eri is such a badass. The whole episode is such a wonderful showcase of her character and her plot thread (plus, Knight reveals his true colors to our heroine, in a truly stunning scene) <3

Episode 42 ("Rei's Determination! The Great "Search for Hajime" Operation!")

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the first half of this episode are the best 15 minutes of filler in the entire series. And it's not even really filler, since it's all about Rei getting an AMAZING focus episode that's simultaneously hilarious, satisfying, and completely heart-wrenching in the end. Plus more of Elena and Alice! WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE???

Episode 49 ("The Miraculous Final Evolution! The God Appmon Advent!")

(I don't have a screenshot for this one yet, sorry!)

THE LAST FEW EPISODES ARE SO IMPORTANT, but I wanted to talk about this one specifically. Our heroes (minus Haru) rally and unlock their God Grade Appmon in truly touching and wonderful scenes with their Buddies, with Minerva's question coming into play one last time. And then the visuals of the fight to follow (where the kids hover on platforms at their Appmon's sides in a way that's incredibly evocative of how their Buddies float around around when they're Unrealized) are so epic, in a way that you KNOW this is what the whole series has been building toward. It’s about the SCALE. It’s about the PARALLELS. 👍👍👍 And then we have Haru: despondent, betrayed, bereaving, and being egged on by YJ-14, before... well. Some truly amazing scenes, I'll leave it at that. This episode has me screaming, crying, frothing at the mouth, etc, and that feeling doesn't stop until the series is over. It's SO GOOD.

Thanks for reading!

#harubirthdayweekend #appmon #appli monsters #the cactus speaks

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lollytea · 29 days

Note

thoughts on the main bridgerton couples we’ve seen so far?

Ooooooh you've given me an opportunity to yap. Thank you kindly!!

Oh when I started season 1, I was sooooo excited for Daphne and Simon's fake dating plot. I wasn't expecting anything deeply profound. Just gimmicky trashy fun. And I really did enjoy them!! I liked watching them interact with each other. They were very sweet and charming.

Except uuuuggghhh!!! Their sexual dynamic made me so uncomfortable. Like I had so much fun watching the numerous scenes where they fucked like happy happy little rabbits and wished that was as far as the show took it. BUT the power imbalance was awful.

I understand historical accuracy of regency era women being less sexually educated the men and are sometimes completely clueless but GODDDD that doesnt mean I have to enjoy watching it. Bridgerton is supposed to be some stupid swoony sexy romance. But personally I don't find the virgin and slut trope to be all that sexy or swoony or romantic at all.

I don't like Daphne having to be taught how to masturbate by her love interest like she's a child

I don't like how her naivete is exploited by her husband

And I do NOT like how Daphne sexually assaults her husband out of SPITE. Its absolutely depraved. Its disgusting. Sick to my stomach.

Devastated by how fun Daphne and Simon initially were and then it all veered into creepy squirmy terrible territory. I wanted to enjoy them so bad.

The next is Kate and Anthony and. Hm.

I think Kate has the most compelling character set up out of everyone in the cast. I like that she's so much older than the typical female protag in these kinds of stories. She's still very young (26) but according to the era she lives in, she's ANCIENT for a woman. I quite like stories like that. About older women who think they've lost their chance of finding love years ago but receive a happy surprise. She's brainy and loud and stubborn and opinionated and gets on people's nerves but she's also so pleasant and funny and so full of love for her family and she's fucking GORGEOUS.

I don't have any strong opinions about Anthony except he's a bit of a cunt but the actor plays him so melodramatically that I do find him entertaining.

I was excited for the enemies to lovers thing. They both have such strong flammable personalities. I wanted mess. I wanted fire. I wanted her to tear his throat out.

But the romance itself was kinda....underwhelming. I dunno, I felt like they didn't have enough interactions to really loathe each other to the extent that they did. And then, again, they didn't have enough interaction for that loathing to morph into love. Like the fact that it states that they're "in love" when they've only had a few scenes together feels very unsatisfying. It didn't seem earned. At least with Simon and Daphne, they were hanging out with each other every day for weeks. Kate and Anthony were only having sporadic meetings every once and again.

ALSO the two of them crumbled into hopeless love way too fast for my liking. It felt like a jumble of fanfic scenes but with none of the substance of the Canon material to make the fanfic meaningful. I dunno man, Kate has been completely unreceptive to romance for her whole life and Anthony is stubborn and arrogant and completely against the idea of love. The evolution of their relationship seemed quite rushed. I think the burn should have been much slower, yknow? Taking down each others barriers one brick at a time.

ALSO. They should have just as many unapologetic sex scenes as Simon and Daphne. It anything, they should have had more. At least Anthony and Kate felt like they were on equal ground. I would much rather see a 26 year old woman getting railed than a 19 year old girl.

Are there any other main bridgerton couples? Hm...there's Eloise and that guy I've forgotten the name of. Hate it. Hate it a lot. I find Eloise to be quite an insufferable character and I do not even remember the guy's face. I'm mad that Eloise has a love interest in the first place. I'm mad that a love interest had to be tied in to a subplot about Eloise becoming involved in women's rights in order to make it interesting. I'm mad I'm mad I'm mad.

Uhhhh Colin and Penelope. Hm.

They're both going to be very sexy in the new season. I know they will be sexy. They are both sexy.

I love to see a fat girl get a kind decent man who's obsessed with her.

But MAN. Man....I so badly wish they didn't have Penelope wrong Marina in season 1. It was so vile. So cruel. So despicable. At least in my opinion. Penelops and Colin's relationship is probably never gonna sit right with me after that. There is NO WAY a decent man is going to forgive a woman for doing that to his previous girlfriend?? Right??

Well we know that he WILL forgive her. And he will fall in love with her. So Colin kinda sucks too.

Anyway those are my thoughts. I love bridgerton because I love mess and drama but there is nothing good going on here

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dreaminginpastels · 2 years

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Hello again, as I said in the comments to your amazing imagine if you wanted to do a part 2 to your Stark!reader and Druig then I’d be ecstatic! I would love to see more of their dynamic whether it’s them meeting and we get protective older brother Tony or even after this and we get protective Pepper and Morgan! Either way, thank you! ❤️

eternity with you (king of concern, part 2)

pairing: druig x fem!stark!reader

summary: as druig plans to ask for your hand in marriage, he finds himself reminiscing all the moments that tied his heart to yours for eternity

warnings: mentions of grief and loss, a smidge of insecurity, a couple of tense moments, but mainly soft Druig fluff

reader pronouns: she/her (by request)

word count: 3.4k (the stories just take me somewhere, okay?)

*✧ part one | eternals masterlist | main masterlist | ask | taglist ✧*

Druig had known unbelievable joy. Thanks to you, every day felt like a blessing. It had been two years since the day that he first asked you out, heart splayed out across your brother’s laboratory, and he was convinced that it was the fastest that human years had passed in the centuries that he had been alive.

Leaning against the doorframe at the Stark’s cabin, he looked out at you now, fondly. You were playing with Morgan outside, going out of your way to make a fool of yourself to utter giggle after glorious giggle from your six-year-old companion. He couldn’t help but break into a smile of pure adoration, he was so beyond enamoured with you.

He knew that you were made for each other - you had clearly inherited the same brilliant wit as your brother, which not only benefited billions worldwide, but kept him on his toes, and you possessed a stubbornness that rivalled his own. You were his soulmate, your very existence convincing him of the notion he’d previously deemed preposterous. It figured then, that that very same stubbornness would be his downfall. For, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise, he could not bring himself to ask for your hand in marriage without your brother’s blessing.

Now, as he watched your gentle and unwavering devotion to Morgan, he wondered for the first time in his existence whether, some day, he would make as good a father as you would make a mother, and let himself briefly imagine what that would look like. When his thoughts wandered to whether you would even want that with him in return, he found himself reminiscing the moments that led up to his now surety that he was put on this Earth to be with you.

…

Druig would remember the day that you met for the rest of his life, however long that may be.

Deviants had run loose on New York, and their evolution had been so rapid that Tony Stark had called jurisdiction and firmly advised the Eternals to collaborate with the Avengers. Initially, the Eternals had been against this plan, not appreciating being told what to do by a mortal that clearly had an ego problem, but Ajak admired the Avengers and their noble sacrifices for the sake of humanity, and dragged their sorry arses to the Avengers Compound for their first official “team meeting”.

He was embarrassed to admit that he hadn’t noticed you for a good portion of that first meeting, too consumed in his disappointment with Tony’s sub-par catering. There was not a snack in the meeting room, and he had found himself consumed with that very thought until he heard a mellifluous new voice fill the room.

“Actually, Tony, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about a new prototype I created that would be a great help against the Deviants, it’s a-”

“Not now, dear, the adults are talking.”

You’d scoffed, evidently preparing a retort when Druig himself had decided to pipe up.

“Well, who might you be, gorgeous?” He’d regarded you then, gleeful eyes devouring your figure. He recalled mentally cursing himself for having been so lost in his thoughts to have not seen your beauty previously.

He noticed the way Captain America’s eyebrows had shot up as he immediately glanced at Tony Stark with wide eyes, incredulous at Druig’s audacity. However, before even Tony could retort with a witty quip or a sarcastic word of warning, your sweet voice filled the room once more, aimed at none other than Druig himself.

An eyebrow raised, you’d folded your arms in challenge. “What’s it to you, emo Eternal?”

The Captain and Hawkeye sniggered to themselves, while a few other Avengers glared, eyes wide, between you, Tony, and himself. Druig had ignored them, narrowing his eyes and smirking at you as he raised his head in approval. He felt his heart hammer as you mirrored his stance in reply.

“Okaaay, well we’re just going to go ahead and ignore whatever the hell this is-”, Tony started, gesturing in disgust between the two of you, before lifting his head to acknowledge the rest of the team in the crowded room, “-and get back to discussing our mission, ya know, saving humankind from these freaks of nature? No offence, Banner.”

“Wha-”

“Moving on…”

After the meeting, he’d watched as you packed up your notebook and quickly snuck out of the meeting room behind you. He knew he risked looking desperate but was so intrigued by you - you’d caught his attention far quicker than any other mortal had in the centuries that he had lived. He wondered if your repartee had been a fluke, and was determined to find out.

He watched as you moved into what appeared to be a private kitchen area, and sighed to yourself in defeat. “Just one prototype Tony, just give me the time of day to look at one measly prototype - is it really that hard?”

Druig’s heart had melted at the sight of your clear desire to be acknowledged, he had only just met you, but he could tell from your eloquence and your determined attempts to provide suggestions to the team in support of the mission, despite countless dismissals, that you were an undeniable asset, and were seriously underappreciated. He just had no idea how to prove it to you.

Before he had time to generate a pep talk worthy of you, he’d stumbled forward, losing his balance for the briefest moment, but enough that you would notice him in the next heartbeat. Instead, Druig made the split-second decision to pace towards you, returning to his default charm before you could notice the sincerity behind his suave facade.

“Well hello again, gorgeous,” He’d begun, taking in his realisation that, at your shorter stature, the two of you would fit together in an embrace like perfectly matched jigsaw pieces. Oh, how he longed to hold you. “Tell me, where are the snacks around here? Besides you, of course.”

Nudging his shoulder playfully against yours, he watched you roll your eyes in mock annoyance. “Oh, you’re going to take a lot of patience, aren’t you?”

He’d give it to you, you’d have someone less perceptive fooled, but you couldn’t hide your clear amusement at his words from him. No, he knew you were just as smitten as he was.

Looking down at you with a smirk, Druig leaned against the counter, bringing his face closer to yours. “I’m worth it.”

A wry laugh had followed, as you regarded the cocky Eternal before you. “I bet you are.”

He watched in awe and fascination as you spun on your heels, escaping his proximity. Walking over to the pantry, you had considered the options before throwing a familiar box towards him. Catching the box with ease, and immediately studying it, Druig had chuckled to himself. Looking back up at you with a raised eyebrow, he’d smirked, “How’d you know Twinkies were my favourite?”

“Oh, didn’t you know? Mind reading is fairly common these days, you’re nothing special.”

Scoffing at your audacity, he’d found the courage to pull you towards him, relishing in your receptiveness to his touch. He bit a lip as he marvelled at you, a gleam in his eye. “Is that so? I guess I’ll have to show you how special I am.”

“-Hey Miss Stark, sorry for bothering you but I just wanted to say that I’d love to have a look at your prototype if you were okay with that but- oh! You’re busy! I’ll…just find you again later, bye!”

You’d chuckled at Spider-Man’s rambling, and Druig had watched in admiration as you sighed contentedly, evidently affirmed by the kid’s offer. Suddenly, you had a shimmer of mischief in your eyes as you looked back up at Druig. “You know, you have about half an hour before he accidentally tells my brother what he saw, right?”

Druig leaned forward, wondering how it was possible for you to be even more breathtaking the closer he got to closing the distance between you. He raised an eyebrow as he scanned your eyes, “And what exactly did he see, m’darlin?”

You rolled your eyes, silently conceding that he had a point. “Well, as lovely as this has been, I should really go do damage control before that endearing boy lands me another delightful Tony lecture. Enjoy your snacks, o ancient one.”

Druig had chuckled, suddenly grateful for Ajak’s big, pathetic heart.

…

Weeks had passed, and Druig had loved every second he had spent annoying you in desperate bids for your attention. He’d been touched when, the morning of their next team meeting, a box of Twinkies had suddenly appeared in his room in the Compound. When he’d arrived at the meeting and locked eyes with you, he’d winked, silently thanking you for your thoughtfulness.

From that day on, every time Druig’s presence was required at a meeting, a random snack appeared just beforehand. At first, only Twinkies, but as the time progressed you got more adventurous with your recommendations, and Druig was more than grateful.

He’d always intended to pay you back somehow, to show you that you were more than eye-candy to him, but he’d never had an idea worthy of you. He resolved instead to gaze adoringly at you every moment that he could during meetings, drowning out your brother’s voice in favour of memorising the constellation of freckles on your face. He longed to know what you truly thought of him, whether you’d ever give him a chance, but the moment he’d witnessed your walls falling before him that very first day, he silently vowed that he’d never read your mind, and he had no intentions of breaking that promise.

…

A month after you’d first met, however, proved to be Druig’s first real challenge. The thought that Tony had an issue with his seemingly endless supply of personal snack foods had crossed Druig’s mind, but since Tony had remained silent, he figured it wasn’t harming anyone, and the risk was worth it if it gave him a chance to see that dazzling dimpled smile of yours.

The Deviants had been evolving rapidly, in size, ability, and number, and the team was starting to feel the pressure - Tony most of all. If Druig had been able to pay attention to anything other than the way that you furiously scribbled your notes, tongue determinedly poking through your lips, and eyebrows furrowed adorably in concentration, he would’ve known not to do anything to draw attention to himself - Tony was not in the mood.

“If we could find some way of capturing a Deviant, I might be able to perform some tests and study them?” Banner offered, “I can’t promise it’ll be much help, but it feels more logical to focus on understanding them, especially the way that they evolve, than just clobbering them all the time. It’s our best chance.”

“Oh, right, of course!” Kingo responded, sarcastically, “Why didn’t we think of that? Let’s just capture one, hey guys?”

Sprite chuckled, nudging Kingo in response as she smirked approvingly.

“I’m afraid it’s a bit more complicated than that, Doctor,” Ajak confessed, glaring at the misbehaving Eternals. “And even if we did capture one, we don’t know how the rest of them would respond. We could be putting humankind in more danger than they’re already facing.”

“Gee whiz, if only we had some mechanism to stun a pack of Deviants that would buy us enough time to isolate them before they could communicate with the rest.” You announced sarcastically.

“y/n, we don’t have the time to waste on-”

At the sight of you faltering at your brother’s commanding tone, Druig couldn’t help but speak up. “I’m with y/n-” His heart leapt as you sat upright, thankful for the support. “-I’ve had to watch these monsters tear civilisations apart for centuries, and if she’s thought up a way to isolate a pack from the others and stop them communicating that even the almighty Tony Stark hasn’t, I say we give it a go.”

As you beamed up at him from across the table, the rest of the room seemed to melt away, all that existed was the two of you and the silent connection you shared. That was, until the Spider Boy piped up and ruined everything.

Leaning on his fist, he turned to Ant-Man and whispered, “Don’t they make the most beautiful couple?”

Having just sipped from his coffee, Tony loudly spluttered, “COUPLE?”

Glaring between you and Druig, Tony clenched his teeth. “My office. Both of you. NOW.”

As he firmly closed the door behind the two of you, Tony moved to sit at his desk and Druig couldn’t help himself. “You know, for someone who Phastos regards as ‘one of the greatest technological minds’, you’re a real idiot. You must be real stressed to pull us out of a time-sensitive meeting to-”

“Look kid, we need all the help I can get on this mission and the last thing I need to be worrying about right now is my sister and some punk who thinks he’s good enough for her.”

His heart had taken shrapnel at that comment, he saw the pity in your eyes as you turned to Tony, probably in some attempt to defend him. That was the kind of selfless person you were, after all.

Druig took a different approach, sick of Tony’s ego. “Who are you calling kid? I’m centuries older than you.”

Tony scoffed. “I don’t know what you think you are, kid, but you’re not a God-.”

“Neither are you.”

Locked in a staring contest standing chest to chest with Tony, Druig only relented when he felt your arm gently pulling him back.

“…Well, I think that we’re quite done here. I’ll walk you home Druig.”

Tony rolled his eyes, “He’s an Eternal, he doesn’t have a home, y/n.”

”Well I’m about to find him one,” You’d replied, face crinkled into the most adorable attempt at intimidation he’d ever seen. Druig’s heart practically exploded with fondness as you turned back to your brother, arm still firmly holding him by your side as you reached for the door handle. “Goodbye, Tony.”

He'd followed suit, mockingly mouthing “Bye, Tony”, hot on your heels.

…

Tony had died just a few weeks later in one of the most noble sacrifices Druig had ever witnessed. Sure that you would never forgive him for ruining one of your last memories of your brother, he’d kept his distance, watching you from afar and swearing to Tony that he’d keep you safe. Even if that meant he’d never know the warmth of your embrace. He figured it was a miniscule sacrifice compared to Tony’s heroic deed, but it was more painful than Druig could have ever imagined.

Then, miraculously, you’d forgiven him. He’d opened his heart to you, and you’d accepted him. Just as he was, and had given him the chance to repay all your kindness with one glorious opportunity to go out together.

He smiled sadly now, as he remembered Tony’s words: the last thing I need to be worrying about right now is my sister and some punk who thinks he’s good enough for her.

Druig had been called many things, had suffered unbearable pain, but those words had haunted him in every waking second from that day. It was a wound that even he had been unable to heal, and an insecurity that had dug at him every opportunity he had to ask you to be his forever.

“They’re gorgeous together, aren’t they?” Pepper’s voice pulled him out of his lament. “Morgan’s so lucky to have her.”

He smiled politely at Pepper as he turned towards her, “I think they’re lucky to have each other.”

Pepper matched his smile and sighed contentedly. “Druig, I know how much you care for y/n, and I think it’s the right time to give you Tony’s final gift.”

Startled by her words, Druig pulled himself off the door frame he’d been leaning against and followed Pepper into the lounge room. As he lowered himself onto the couch, he saw a hologram of Tony appear across the room. In his shock, he didn’t notice Pepper leave the room to give him his privacy.

“Hey kid. Yeah, I know you hate when I call you that, but just deal with it, alright? If you’re seeing this, it means that I’ve passed on. Which also means that I’ve put everyone I love, including y/n, through considerable pain. And for that I’m truly sorry. You may be wondering, rightfully so, why on Earth I’ve made a video for Pepper to pass on to you in the event of my death. We butted heads a lot during my time on Earth, but, it’s also come to my attention that you really are madly in love with my sister. Yes, I noticed the longing in your countless, and I mean countless, stares directed at her during meetings that you really needed to be focusing on. And I saw the way she looked at you. The day she marched you out of my office was the day I knew she was really, truly, smitten. I’m sure the next question that you naturally have is, how do I feel about the two of you inevitably ending up together someday and the answer is: I’m all for it. Shock! Horror! It’s true, you annoy the living daylights out of me, but I’ve seen the way that you fiercely protect the ones you love. And I respect that. So, if y/n is someone you truly love, I have no doubt that you’re going to do everything that is in your, ugh, impressive power, to keep her safe. And that you’ll love her with everything you have. So, I guess what I’m saying is, you have my blessing. Treat her well, Druig. Protect her for me.”

As the room filled with silence once more, Druig sat in disbelief. He finally had the permission he had so desperately been seeking, and for the first time in his existence, felt truly complete.

Returning to his spot in the doorway, he looked out at you and watched you wave bashfully before smirking and leaning down to Morgan. A millisecond later and she was sprinting over at him excitedly, but he ran out and met her halfway, sweeping her up into his arms and walking over to where you stood near the lake. As he approached you, Druig took in the sight before him - the way that you positively glowed as the sun hit you, a true image of perfection.

He placed Morgan on the ground and whispered something to her, prompting her to run inside to her mother waiting in the kitchen. He turned back to you, pulling you closer and placing a gentle kiss on your lips. “Hi”

“Hi, my love.” You replied, smiling up at him.

“I’ve been thinking,” Druig begin, gently brushing hair off your forehead.

“Mm?” You hummed, contentedly.

“What good is being an Eternal if I can’t spend an eternity with you?”

You paused, touched at the sentiment but clearly concerned about where this was going. “Druig, what are you-”

He pulled away then, lowering himself until he was on one knee, watching as your beauteous face morphed from confused to emotional. “y/n, you truly are more than just the love of my life. You’re my saviour, my inspiration. I’m convinced that I was put on this Earth to be with you, to tend to your every need, and to worship you like the divine being that you are. I truly believe that I will be miserable for the rest of my life if I don’t get to wake up to that beautiful face of yours every day, and to hold you so close that our hearts beat as one. So, y/n, would you please marry this emo Eternal, so that he can spend an eternity trying to convince you that he’s worthy of your love?”

Even with tears flooding your face, the sight of your enthusiastic nod, and the mellifluous sound of your reply would remain Druig’s most treasured memory. You’d kissed him then, dropping to your knees in the grass to meet him in excitement. As you embraced, he glanced back to the house, where he could swear he saw the glimmering figure of Tony beaming right next to a crying Pepper and a confused Morgan.

a/n: hello lovely humans! I know that a bunch of you have been long awaiting this part 2 to my original druig x fem!stark!reader request (king of concern) and I am so sorry that it took so long for me to get around to it. I hope that it lives up to your expectations, and that it provides you as much fluffy escapism as it gave me 🥰

I would like to say a special thank you to @wordsaresimple-imnot for inspiring me to get off my lazy butt and write this, and for giving me the cutest ideas which I hopefully did justice! I hope that you in particular enjoy this story, lovely, thank you for your faith in me!

as always, please let me know if you liked this (I was so nervous writing my first ever part 2 to a story!), and especially let me know if you have any favourite lines or moments - when people quote my stories back to me it literally melts my heart (and I re-read them on bad days) ☺️ please also feel free to request more moody boy stories, I absolutely adore writing for Druig!

tags: @carpediem1219, @wordsaresimple-imnot, @gloryofroses19 💗

#druig x reader #druig x fem!reader #druig x fem!stark!reader #druig x stark!reader #eternals #druig eternals #eternals imagine #eternals oneshot #eternals x reader #barry keoghan #druig imagines #druig oneshot #marvel imagine #marvel oneshot #marvel x reader #marvel eternals #requests open #I still cannot believe someone requested a part 2 to one of my stories #daniella writes 💫

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ihearasound · 29 days

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Just some thoughts on the purely technical side of Canto VI, no spoilers

Honestly this chapter was really fucking good in how it stepped up what they could do once more. I'm really impressed on so many levels. Every chapter they're pushing what they can do with animation and breaking down walls between its technical components. The amount of really fucking cool animation was WILD. Canto IV had some of it, Canto V had some really fucking cool animation, and this Canto had lots of really fucking cool animation. The way they're pushing to seamlessly blend the VN parts with the battle/animation parts is SO MUCH FUN to observe. It makes me SO excited to see what comes next. The last fight was especially impressive, just utterly stunning. But my favourite minor moment was the scene with that one sinner right before the rooftop. I yelled out in excitement because I did NOT fucking see that coming. I loved it on a technical standpoint, and I loved loved loved what it did for the sinner writing wise. I'm in love. I'm so in love with this game.

Artwork wise also HUGE improvement. Canto V had definite growing pains, but now they've finally found their stride. And it shows. Once again, I am heartbroken about Vellmori being forced out like that. I think the game lost a lot for it. With every artwork I thought, "this is really damn good. But how had Vellmori done this one?". I miss her art. Nothing can compare to it. The expressiveness, the life, the joy... her art is unmatched.

But I'm still happy to see what the current artist team could achieve. I think they did incredible work. This chapter was SO full of artworks, it honestly really surprised me. They did not spare any expense. Everything is so full of atmosphere, the colors are gorgeous and the sepia is so beautifully worked into every piece. The backgrounds? On another level. So far completely unmatched.

Last but not least. The fights were so much fucking fun. I loved the decision for the structure for this Canto. No dungeon meant that every fight could be fine-tuned with the utmost care. And it showed! Instead of a bunch of trash fights, they focused so hard on crafting some really demanding but fun fights. I had my trouble with a couple of them, and for 6-35 I genuinely struggled for over an hour as I tried to figure out what team would work. But once I got the right one I saw results quickly, and it was super satisfying. Every fight in this Canto was super satisfying. Though the sinking team was unmatched in this, I still had to think a lot about my team composition. Shoutout to Dieci Rodion who HEAVILY carried this chapter for me. Her beast-tanking + Pursuance healing was a life saver. She deserves a backrub for this one.

The combat in this chapter really made me realize.... Limbus Company is fun. It's really fucking fun to play. It's compratively easy to pick up, and mastering it may not be as easy, but getting to a satisfying point with your skills isn't hard either. And then the game starts challenging you. Working and reworking your priorities during a fight, seeing how much a sinner can take, when it's best to just go for the throat... I love it all. The game is really, really fun to play, and I really hope they continue with the Canto VI design philosophy.

Also, of course the music was really good. Every track was really atmospheric, many bone chilling and all of them let you immediately forget you're playing a game. Especially during 6-35 and 6-45 I stopped a lot to just listen to the music. It was hard concentrating because I was just taken by the music. Of course, shoutout to Mili, too. The moment I heard their song I fell in love again. As I do with all Mili tracks. But it's not just Milis music, it's the music at every corner. I think here too, the team once again evolved by leaps and bounds. Music up until now was INCREDIBLE, it always has been and always was. But this Canto is another awesome evolution of their craft.

It all accumulated to this really stunning and impressive finale in 6-48. I was just floored man. Everything came together so beautifully, every part and every piece created this stunning whole. Once the credits rolled, I was just paralyzed for a bit. Idk even now what to do. I still have to mull on this chapter a lot. Both story-wise and on a technical level. I'm very excited to see where the game goes from here and what it still has in store. Every Canto VI takes it further and further with so much seemingly ease. I want to see what comes next.

#jay plays limbus #i woke up an hour ago but i wanna lay down again and think about canto vi

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lovejustforaday · 4 months

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2023 Year End List - #6

Red Moon In Venus - Kali Uchis

Main genres: Neo-Soul, Contemporary R&B, Psychedelic Soul

A decent sampling of: Synth Funk, Smooth Soul

Coming out as a Kali Uchis stan.

But for real, the Colombian American singer/songwriter seems to be the one artist that music hipsters, the English mainstream(ish), and the Hispanic mainstream can all collectively agree upon. Part of this is most definitely owed to Kali's versatility as an artist, with a primary basis of sound rooted in R&B (particularly neo-soul) but regularly dipping her toes into the waters of reggaetón, hip hop, bolero, and afrobeats.

Kali is also a definite lover of retro chic, given her clear appreciation for mid 20th century easy-listening pop and old Hollywood glamour. She cites artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Celia Cruz, and Curtis Mayfield as some of her biggest influences. At the same time, she modernizes these influences and aesthetics with a post-sexual revolution ethos of overpowering feminine-centred eroticism and fiercely wielded confidence and self-love.

Her voice is pleasant, mature, and strikingly womanly, in that same kind of way when you first discover as a child the sensation of being struck by the awe-inspiring beauty of a grown woman. Even as a gay man, I can confidently say that I think this is a sort of universal childhood experience, right?

Actually, I think a lot of Kali Uchis' success as an artist can be attributed to just how likable her musical persona is. I think that deep down, many of us want to be a Kali - completely liberated, in touch with our sensuality, and going through life as a warm and confident optimist. She makes music that isn't just well-written; it makes you feel good about life.

After making a big splash with her stellar 2018 LP Isolation and following it up with the success of 2020's Sin Miedo which was more invested in her Latin American roots and corresponding following, I was very curious to see where she would take things next with her career.

In the end, as it would turn out, Kali Uchis' 2023 record didn't really amount to anything that surprising. Instead, we were treated to a progression and evolution in her sound that feels very natural to her, culminating in an album that makes good on the typical promises of a Kali Uchis project.

That is to say, Red Moon In Venus exists in a rose-tinted world bedecked with lush palm trees and populated by curvaceous mermaids. The record is a creamy cocktail of smooth and funky soul jams with the sweet taste of cinnamon kisses and strawberry wine. A true musical oasis of the richest fruits.

Kali really is at the top of her game here. Everything is a subtle improvement on what already mostly worked for her on past projects, with a little more psychedelic flavour added into the mix, resulting in a final product that just sounds and feels really gorgeous and summery to listen to. Not all great music has to be challenging; this just does incredibly well at what it is already comfortable doing.

The record's first song proper is the lead single "I Wish You Roses", a beautiful parting gift to an ex-lover she holds no grudge towards. Petals flutter past the mind's eye as the world of this neo-soul paean springs to life with all the shades of a summer's rainbow. This song is a soft sigh of relief, heard quite vividly in the actual noticeable sighing melodies of those psychedelic keyboards in the chorus. A very classy song, expressing a sentiment not nearly heard often enough in most music about breakups.

"All Mine" is a lights off "wah-wah" slow jam describing a greedy lover's fantasy of having someone completely to themselves. The sound of the passionate id taking over the superego's domain.

Fans of the big city pop explosion that happened on the internet with the surge of Mariya Takeuchi's "Plastic Love" a few years ago may get a lot of mileage out of "Endlessly", a synth funk track that captures a similar kind of metropolitan utopianism. Kali really knows how to bring the kind of riding-passenger-in-a-red-convertible energy that a track like this one needs to really all come together.

"Moral Conscience", in mild contrast to "I Wish You Roses", is a cautionary tale of karma hunting down an ex-lover who hurt her. Even still, there's more of an air that she's simply warning the wrongful party here - it's not a threat, she's just stating a fact about how the world works (as she sees it anyway). Still keeping it classy. Musically, this is thick and fleecy, lounging languidly in a boudoir sofette with low humming synths.

"Deserve Me" is an elegant and drip-droppy hip hop soul duet with Summer Walker, who is now officially my new favourite random feature after previously popping up on last year's Kendrick Lamar record. Very killer refrain on this cut, almost as addictive as the track that follows it. Speaking of which...

"Moonlight" was quite possibly my SOTY for 2023. A lot can be said for how erotic round shapes are for basically all genders and sexual preferences, and I don't know how to explain this but the song simply sounds ROUND in every possible way. The funk bass is so bubbly and horny and sopping wet that it's probably illegal in many parts of the world. Kali is giving it her ALL on those verses. Absolutely luxurious production. The chorus has that subtle air of mystery that really ensnares the erotic imagination. I can't even remember the last time I heard a song that positively oozed sex like this, while also describing such a clearly healthy relationship. Is it possible to be getting drunk off of flowery bubble bath fumes? Because this is precisely what it would feel like. Interstellar spa getaway for two in the neon pink galaxy of Aphrodite. Perfect fucking song. A++ goddamn.

I could say a few words as to how this is a back-loaded record, but I think y'all have heard me call something front or back loaded at least a dozen times and I'm struggling to find original ways to express this sentiment. Either way, this is a milder case - more just that the second half is so consistently brilliant that it kinda blows the first half out of the water, particularly that early-mid section. The weakest moments here are the least imaginative ones.

But a very good chunk of this record is just pure gold. Red Moon In Venus is a vibrant and aesthetically immaculate R&B record, possibly the best of the new decade thus far.

As I publish this review, Kali has already dropped another album in the first few weeks of 2024 and it sounds almost as good as this one. I don't know how exactly she's doing it but she makes exploring a variety of genres and killing it at every one of them look so easy. Kali Uchis is the queen of her medium right now.

9/10

Highlights: "Moonlight", "I Wish You Roses", "Deserve Me (with Summer Walker)", "Moral Conscience", "All Mine", "Endlessly", "Not Too Late (Interlude)", "Love Between", "Happy Now"

#album review #music review #list #aoty #year end list #2023 #aoty2023 #neo-soul #soul #psychedelic soul #R&B #contemporary R&B #Kali Uchis #red moon in venus

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