Meme + My thoughts on sn_exchange
Tagged by sirona_gs. The meme-whore in me just couldn’t resist DX
What song are you currently addicted to?
…this is hard. Ugh. Seriously. Why do we have to choose only one?
There’s… Only One by Yellow Card. XD
Perfect by Hedley. And Dig by Incubus. Make This Go On Forever by Snow Patrol. Overnight by Aya. Colorful by The Verve Pipe. Um. Seriously, choosing just one is impossible. Aside from Trading Yesterday, I’ve been listening to all of these lately. DX Mostly because I lurk on Youtube and hop from video to video like a kangaroo on steroids. You just can’t help it - you click a video link that looks worthwhile, and then your attention inevitably gets diverted to that ~shiny-looking~ video right there and- the end result is you end up taxing your AGP card big time. D:
What's your favorite season?
I hate summer. I hate it. But I do love winter. Back when I was little, it used to get a little foggy over here in the city, and in the more rural areas, the fog was so thick you couldn’t see anything through it, even if you squinted.
Nowadays, it’s just a mellow sort of chill that feels pleasant, but not invasive - you could probably go outside in nothing but a thin sweater, but this sort of weather is also perfect for curling up with blankets. With book in hand and coffee, of course. The weather at that time of year is perfect - very comfortable, as you can imagine. Sigh~ ♥
What’s the latest movie you watched?
New Moon.
…Kidding. Ahem.
Inception, three times. Am debating the merits of watching Prince of Persia: Sands of Time over Psychosis Psychosis is a horror film, though, so I’ll most probably watch it first. But-but-! Jake Gyllenhaal is in PoP - the muscles, man, are so delectable~/whistles And I want to see Memento as well. JGL plays a hooker, can you believe it? ♥_♥
What is the one skill you wish you had?
I really, really wish I was better with graphics. Lots of strange textures were the result of tinkering five minutes in Photoshop. Now I sort of wish I hadn’t bunked all my computing classes back in high school. :'( Seriously speaking, I wish I could just stick to one thing like I stick to my academics instead of... floundering all over the place in everything. That, I realize, is wishful thinking. Ha ha.
What’s your current fandom/obsession/addiction?.
Fandom/Obsession/Addiction? Urgh. Why is this meme so specific? : | There’s never a moment you’ll catch me obsessed with one thing only. >__>;;
I’ve been squeezing out over Totally Captivated by Hajin Yoo. Mookyul/Ewon is just so awesomely perfect - sort of reminds me of Sasuke/Naruto, only more loltastic. Employer/Employee, perfect seme/uke stereotypes, and Mafia-verse, man. Mafia. What’s not to like? *__* The chapters are relatively short and make for a quick, entertaining read. Go. Reaaaad it. 8DDD
Then there’s Reira/Shin from NANA - those two just look good together. And their interactions are just so… not-strained and natural. Never mind that Shin’s just fifteen and there’s a seven year age-gap between them. Kakashi and Sakura have a fourteen year age gap, and I still ship them, don’t I? 8D
Arthur/anything that has legsAriadne. 3rd Rock from Under the Sun is quickly becoming my favourite sitcom.
-and - and. Aw, fine, I admit it: Kris/Adam (American Idol) I swore I’d never become a fan of Idol, because it’d inevitably lead to me failing all my subjects. But- I have a weakness for bromance ;_; Gawd, the interviews. There was this one really awesome fic about it, and the rest is askjhfhgl. And Adam wears eyeliner and has black hair and I’ve always had a thing for Sasuke pretty-boys wearing eyeliner and-and--
And Pokémon, of course. Soulsilver is being annoying - the rom-image keeps crashing after the bug-catching contest, which I'm really only in for the Sun Stone, but it's still annoying. I can't wait to get to that Sudowoodo. :D
Favourite time of day?
Dawn. And dusk. Our roof’s right above the 20th floor, and the view from there is amazing. During those times, Dhaka doesn’t feel like Dhaka at all~ :’D There are all these soft blue-pink-orange-purple-green shades that you see over there, and it sorta looks like paint's been splashed across the sky. Very relaxing. ♥
What web sites do you always visit when you go online?
My MSN, first and foremost. Although… I’m very careful not to go online. I get insanely chatty./shot Then my LJ f-list, followed by Anymanga and Mangareader now that Onemanga has been taken down. May its soul rest in peace. My G-Mail for PC updates, Youtube regularly, Realitylapse for all my Naruto and Wolf’s Rain episodes, Beemp3 for my iMesh.
What was the last thing you bought?
…Groceries. Eggs, a packet of salt, eight packets of cream for my Grandma, some jorda, and more eggs. I just realized I need to enter some of these transactions into my spreadsheet. Crap.
If you won 10,000 bucks today, what would you do with it?
…Lol. You’re asking me? I have noooo idea~ :D I’d probably save it or something. I can’t go places because college starts tomorrow goodbye, freedom~ and I’d probably have loved to buy the bookstores out- except, there aren’t any books there I haven’t read already. :(
What is your fondest memory?
Fondest memory? Well, probably that one time my best friend and I rode a cart out into a forest path exactly at midnight. It was on my birthday, last year. We sang totally off-tune lokshangits, and checked out the gorgeous Hindu temples on the roadsides. Then we stopped to drink tea at a stall by the roadside. It was definitely my most memorable birthday ever.
What's the last thing that made you happy?
Five minutes ago, I got a call from my classmate squeeing about how awesome and organized and strict the writing and debate clubs at my college were. I- I sort of expected that (Maple Leaf did host the Pre-Worlds last year over here) but- I just never expected to study under the teachers who’ll be taking those classes. They’re just-/starstruck *____* And of course, what constantly makes me happy is that I have the house all to myself. Mom and Dad are preparing for the Holland flight today~ and won't be coming back for a while~
Do you want to learn another language?
Well, I do speak Hindi, English and Bengali fluently, and I am taking French courses (urgh, why do I keep having problems with homme/femme? Dx)… so I’d love to learn Japanese. wow, I’m full of surprises And Russian. And Spanish.
Five things you can’t live without.
My PC (with internet, of course), my iMesh, a notebook and a pen, my darling kitties books, and probably my French-English dictionary.
Tag eleven people. Don’t refuse to do that. Don’t tag who tagged you.
Urgh. Do I have to? I know some of you have been tagged already and I really don't feel like it, but if this will get me links to more songs... 8D
hungrytiger11, gonrie, lalagirl208, luleeta, istne_pieklo, i_ate_your_cake, sometimeshatter, vejibra, kodak_85, cruixe_chan, mm_megan
-|-
And finally, the one thing I've been meaning to fangasm about since forever: sn_exchange
I’m late. I know. But whatever. Being late is the cool thing to do. Kakashiiii
I just considered -you know, flipping through the exchange and reading the ones that were most hyped about, because I'm lazy like that. But that plan obviously didn’t work out as usual. Some of the works were truly amazing; others, not so much, but still so ~unique~ that you have to hand the artist/author a Sasuke plushie with Naruto on top. >8D
So because I’m trying and failing to be more ~organized~, I’ll go through the entries one by without naming names because that's the courteous lazy thing to do:
Girls Like Boys - seriously? Are you serious? Did I mention I love genderfuck? *__* The cute girly moments were so lolarious and Naruto and Sasuke are definitely natural girls. Especially Sasuke - I find it hilarious that he can’t seem to make his boobs grow smaller. Naruto as well because: “I'm more woman than you are!” and “Hey! Hey! I don't want to talk about your feelings either!" LMAO → ♥♥♥♥
Well, this is awkward - Sasuke. Naruto. Ballroom Dancing. Priestess is officially the luckiest person ever. I swear this picture would taste like vanilla if I licked it. The colours. The colours. O___O
Valley of Heart - I really didn't agree with the characterization in this one - I’d even go as far as to say it was a bit OOC, but oh well.
Interruption - Awww, I found this really cute. The entire picture is so domestic! And Sasuke's in glasses, which totally tops my list of kinks, yes.
Your Smile - I found the beginning really hilarious, and there were some genuinely lulzy bits in this. The sex was - well, I skipped over it because Naruto and Sasuke didn't quite seem like themselves >_> but- the ending was funny! Disposable camera! Ha!
Untitled - I found this fic very cute. The expression on Sasuke's face as Naruto pecks him on the cheek is ♥.
Dwell - FUCKFUCKFUCK. This was definitely one of my favourites from the entire exchange. I've always wanted something like this ever since I started shipping SasuNaru. This sort of sexual awakening fics are just- ~wow~ I love the dream sequences and how they slowly change over the three years Naruto spends with Jiraiya. Jiraiya's presence could be felt throughout the fic, even though the focus wasn't quite on him. There were so many lines I want to quote from this. I liked how, uh, gentle the progression of the story was. Reading this was like floating through a dream, but that's was strange, because the writing style itself was so very solid. Much love for this. ♥♥♥♥
Here - Post=coital cigarette smoking. *____* I love the blacks and grays of this. It makes everything look so gritty and real and heavy. My first impression was that someone had molded it out of clay - a sculpture or something.
Running Backwards - I'm not a huge fan of memoryloss!fics (or timetravel!fics of highschool!fics or valley-girlsyndrome!fics or--), but this one had a nice twist towards the end. The author of this is a shameless tree lover and I think she wrote a memoryloss!fic for the last exchange too. But there's one part that really stood out from the rest -you always were a lightweight, Minato- and um, my focus just ~zeroes in~ on Tsunade every time she's there. I-I also told the author I'd love to see Tsunade/Sasuke fic someday. DX
Almost Home - Waaaah. Naruto carrying Sasuke home. That's so sweet~ :')
lack the luster - the prose, man. The prose. I hatehatehate highschool!stories but this one was just so-- dear god, DEAR GOD, WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALl MY LIFE? *___* I'd say something coherent about this, but I can't T___T Maybe this will express how much I love this:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Told you so - Kyaaah. Water colour! And the conversation:
"Sasuke, I told you."
"...What?"
"That the next time we fought, we'd die together."
"...why are you so fucking happy about this?"
See that up there?↑ I love it, and Sakura's cameo was WIN. We can only hope this happens in the manga./wishful thinking is wishful.
my heart is breaking, my body's breaking and I don't know where to go - This fic has been submitted by the most obvious poster ever. Ossia is still my favourite fic by this author, but this comes a close second. The moment I read the title, I knew this was going to be uber depressing and it was. I suspect this author has a... penchant for killing off characters (or at least, making them suffer), but she does it so well that it makes me want to curl up inside her characters' heads and poke around. And- the snow and Sasuke's final moments were so... sigh. Um... maybe winter isn't my favourite season after all. XD
Clarity - The author of this has written three fics for this round alone D: and while all of them were equally mellow and soft, and peaceful, this was definitely my favourite. Maybe because never once did I feel Sasuke and Naruto were just fictional characters. They felt real. The idea of a retired Sasuke, one more accustomed to the pen than the sword, is appealing in itself but Clarity just transforms it into something beautiful. And you can't help but think that this is how it should be. (LOL @ KISHI BEING ABLE TO DO THIS. LOL SOME MORE) Strangely, it reminded me of Fullmetal Alchemist - the train probably has something to do with it. There was this pleasant distinctive ambiance - a peaceful quality to the entire thing, tinged with some bittersweet nostalgia, something hopeful. Almost as if both Sasuke and Naruto were... accepting, of how things ended up being. There were certain exchanges that were especially heart-wrenching. This:
“When did you get so…” At a loss for the proper word Sasuke frowned.
“Wise?” Naruto flashed a drowsy grin. “Always have been. You just started listening.”
And, this: "Tell me about Konoha."
And then there were certain changes, so little but believable. This wasn't quite angsty. Neither very sweet. It had a perfect blend of both. ♥♥♥
sweet escape - This looks like something straight out of a expertly-drawn manga. It's just so gorgeous that it hurts to look at it - I love how sharp the contrast is between Sasuke's pale skin and the black-gray surroundings. And his expression, that elusive smile at his lips, his eyes, and that hair that melts into the pillow like ink was ♥_____♥ I love the anatomy, especially the hands. The art was just an amazing, fantabulous cross between for that of Totally captivated and Vampire Knight. It's just so pweeeetyyy. *______* And sexy. I'm-- uh, using this as my wallpaper now that my parents are gone. XD
Scores, Settled - Neuf mot: THE WORLD CUP. SEX IN THE FIELD. FUCK YESSSSS
♥♥♥♥♥♥
Vampire Has A Dream - Vampire!art. I found this... insanely cute. I have no idea how vampire!art can be cute, but-- oh well. <33
Brands - I... quite like this one, actually. It's a bit too dependent on dialogue, and more description could've been added, but despite that, I loved how Sasuke's inner conflict came through. Choosing between Naruto and his clan - tough decision. The ending barely touches on the Sasuke-as-Hokage concept but I still love it.
For a Dream - The writing style is very concise, without being dull. And I love the idea behind this. Seriously. Naruto and Sasuke were themselves through and through in this one, even in a setting so different! And chakra-eating Kyuubi = WIN.
Run - This was definitely another favorite from the exchange! OH DEAR GAWD, THE IMAGERY. It's just so vivid-- and the descriptions~ everyday words combined to form something unique. The moment I read the summary (Sasuke & Naruto run from Kumo to Ame.), I knew I was going to love this. Sasuke is not a good person and that comes off so well here. ♥♥♥♥
Perfect rest" - I found the clean lines for this very well, clean. Making out in the field is a plus, too. XD
Sasuke:1, Grapevie:0 - This was definitely a welcome change from the angst-fair that was this exchange. And dear god, this was so full of lulz and snark that I couldn't stop laughing. The weirdest part was this was a highschool!fic, and I still loved it. gigglegigglegiggle. The best part: "What was that, Sakura? The immense proportions of your massive forehead are distorting the space around your head. Sound can hardly escape the field of ugly."
...Ouch. ♥ The worst part is, I-- okay, I actually told the author that her exchange fic had porn when it had none./shot
Comfort in Arms - Love the soft textures used for this - and the somber colors. They blended in so well together, but weren't monotonous at all.
Zensekai Sharingan - There's not much I have to say about this, since the author already knows what I think of it. I beta'd this fic for her along with rosalui and I love how it came out. On MSN the other day, she told me she would've deleted the sex scene from this one if it wasn't, well, required and I wanted to hug her so bad! 8DDD
Deliverance - I found this original and really well-written. It was... very new to me, to be honest, and I'm surprised by how much I ended up liking it. And the ending it Sakura was <333
Attachments - This was a really solid read. I love how the author delves into Naruto's mind - it'd be so like Naruto to think nobody would want to have sex with a monster. And that theme ties in nicely with the ending. Sai and Sakura were especially awesome in this one. ♥
Their Finest Hour - World War II. OH GAWD. The heavy colouring for this one. Those dark red splashes. OMG AND THAT USA FLAG TATTOO ON NARUTO'S CHEEK. AND SASUKE IN UNIFORM. Dear god. THIS COULD BE A MOVIE POSTER. FIC NEEDS TO BE WRITTEN FOR THIS. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Nescit Cedere - Let's just say this takes creepy to a whole new level./shivers. I love Horror stories (why're they so rare T___T) and this might possibly be a favorite of mine among that genre.♥
Trading Yesterday - I found this... a bit trite, and forced at times, but it was an okay read overall. Although, my final reaction upon re-reading was: O_O What the hell is an OT3 fic doing in a sn fest? XD
Untitled -Dear god, feathers. So many feathers. *_______*
Kiss with a Fist - I... wouldn't really agree with Sakura's characterization, but that hardly matters, because fandom's take on Sakura varies. A lot. INSERT KISHI!FAIL RAMBLINGS HERE Sasuke and Naruto were okay, I suppose, but I really would've loved to see more character interaction.
Untiltles - I found this hilarious - Naruto really can't keep his hands off Sasuke, even while he's on the phone! ♥
Afterwards - Very lighthearted and just fun. I love how comfortable Sasuke and Naruto were with each other, and that kiss was so casual~ I think their personalities here would be more suited to AU, though, but that's expected, since the author does tend to focus more on AU!verse. It was a lovely read, overall.
Home Again - GAWD, SIRONA YOU'RE SO LUCKY. The domestic setting is just lakhfdla. And that plant in the corner - yes, I definitely know someone who'd love that. :p I fucking love the expressions on Naruto and Sasuke's faces here! They look like they're having each other for dinner. O_________________O
All Things of Dearest Value Hang on Slender Strings - Again, not much to say about this, since I'm sure the authors already knows. But this fic was PURE FUN from the start. And Gaara making a beach with his sand! And Gaara shaking hands with the kids. And Gaara-- well, Gaara was just cool in this fic. Seriously. And there were kids - lots of them. And for once, that didn't irk me, which is surprising since I'm quite sure most of you know how I feel about kids. :/ The ending was definitely a "Awww..." moment. 8D
Collide - The colours for this. The blinding colours. This was something I'd love to see in written format. AU!HS-student!Sasuke meeting Naruto from the Naruto!verse. And oh dear god, the title is just PERFECT. SERIOUSLY. This is how much I loved this: ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Helping Matters - Kitty!Sasuke. I want to munch on those ears. NOMNOMNOM.
Distractions - Sasuke and Naruto as police officers. Bondage. Sex with handcuffs. And masturbation. Um, I felt like a voyeur the entire time I was reading this and I'm sure a lot of other people did too. ^///^ This was... the hottest thing I've read in a while. Explicit, but not raunchy. Tastefully done. And phew. Hot. Did I mention that? HAWT LIKE BURNING.
Aviation - Sasuke as a ballet dancer. DEAR GOD, DID YOU SEE THE LEG MUSCLES?/stares
Untitled - MA FOX HAS EARS. FUZZY FOXY EARS. Seriously, I want to scratch them. Or bite them. 8D
Wait for you - This was so sad> ;-; I love the clean sketch lines for this. Naruto's cigarette, his expression, and that muffler - yes, that muffler. It made him look so tried and worn and old. Seriously, we need something depressing like this in our lives from time to time. DEAR GOD THIS IS HOW WAR STORIES SHOULD BE. T____T
Pyretos - I loved this. A lot. Especially the part where Sasuke fixes Naruto's bandages in the dark. And the sex scene was just super amazing. I was floating by the time it ended - it's relaxing to read something calm about Naruto and Sasuke. Very nicely done. ♥♥
Vox Populi - I really liked this one ♥ The world created was so interesting - yes, I have a thing for world-building - and the last sentence ("I’m going to change the world for you, Naruto.") was very sexy.
Gravity in Red - Fic and art combined to make something of a Lost in Translation story. What strikes me most is that this fic is just all dialogue and yet managed to convey what Naruto and Sasuke were feeling so well! I really did love this. The ending was good - no, the best. Hopeful endings are the best, after all.
extracting Kyuubi - At first glance, all I could make out was red - so much red - and Madara sinisterly hovering in the background. The colours look like they were carelessly splashed but the more you stare, the more everything becomes clear. I love how complex the style and the risks the artists took with this - you can tell a lot of effort has gone into it. So yes, definitely an unique style.
After the World Fell Down - I liked this. There was kissing. Lots of it. 8D
at sea - Definitely one of the best art entries in the exchange. I always knew blue was my favorite colour and I thought I'd memorized all the shades for it, but this just proved me wrong. God, the emotions radiating from this is almost palpable. I love Naruto and Sasuke's positions. I love the water droplets - they just positively glow and I love Naruto's nose against Sasuke's neck. You can only imagine what they're feeling right at that moment. Beautiful.
♥♥♥♥♥
Senses Lacking - I love how this story links Naruto and Sasuke's meetings with the senses. There's something very intimate about the way they touch each other. Sigh~ This fic makes me happy.
last one out gets the lights - So I hate high school stories. The same doesn't hold true for fanart though. OH GOD, the way Sasuke's just looking at Naruto! With those eyes. Reminds me of Watanuki from Holic. Seriously, the slant of those eyes. Smexy like woah. :D
A Place called Here - Ooooohhh. This is just all kinds of sexy. I love the sated expression on Naruto and Sasuke's faces, and gawd, I want to be that cigarette between Naruto's lips and-- oh my, Naruto's hand curled like that Sasuke's back. So manly *____* The best parts though were those teasing glimpses of lower anatomy beneath the blankets. I can't stop staring O___O
Happy Endings - I love the solid shades of grey in this. This had Sasuke sucking cock, with that expression on his face and OMG UNF. 8DDDD Violence, fluff, porn and CRACK. This piece of art had it all! But more importantly, this has Sasuke sucking cock. XD
Assymetry - I'm... really undecided regarding how I feel about Hinata's role in this, but this fic handled it better than most other fics do. The politics in this was brilliant and Sasuke was-- to be honest, I wanted to club his head in with a giant bat, which is perfect. 8D And, this may just be the Neji/Hina fangirl in me imagining things, but this was perfect: The guilt was compounded by the fact that Neji had been seen around his cousin more and more often in the last few years. Naruto wouldn’t be surprised if Hinata’s next child was born with the Byakugan and Neji's unfathomable stare.
Asymmetry is just one of those fics that you can't stop reading once you start - this was really a complete journey, and I loved it.♥♥
The End - Probably one of the most realistic fic in the entire exchange. I loved all the segments, and it was, well, painful to see a relationship breaking like this, inch by inch. The complete reverse of what my prompt asked for. Sigh~ This was done in an AU world, and you could tell that the author was in her element. Every moment between Naruto and Sasuke felt, well, precious, which makes the break-up all the more heartbreaking.
Boundless and bare - The artist definitely has the 'bare' part of the title right. The 'boundless' part? Not so much. Because Sasuke was definitely bound. *___*
Bloodletting - The moment I finished reading this, I knew who the author was. I love how the concept here. And Sasuke and Naruto's mutual addiction. the descriptions were dreamy at parts, so when you read about classrooms and libraries, you feel like you've just been jolted back to reality. There are so many questions about this I want answered, but I think actually knowing the answers would take away from the fic. I found this... not refreshing, but very original. Both fics from this author for this round of the exchange were, like I said, original. ♥
Atonement and Rediscovery - I quite liked the lineart for this! 8D Sasuke and Naruto look so manly in their flashy outfits!
What do I see - Woah. This looks like something straight out of a comic. I love how the artist takes risks with the bold lines!
LEGEND - I'm just-- really happy that the author used my idea for this. I really regret not being able to beta this, but without my tinkering this looks perfect. I loved how the story opened with Naruto and Sasuke being typically Naruto and Sasuke, and how it ended with Sasuke comforting Naruto. There were some parts in between I really shuddered at. Like: Her stomach had been cut open, pieces of her insides spilling out, fingers gone. Her mouth was pooling with blood and she had no teeth left.
..Most of you probably didn't need that, I realize, but oh god, I can't imagine how savage someone has to be to be able to mutilate a little girl's body like that. T__T
Wrong Turn - This was brilliant. Possibly has the most IC Sasuke ever, and I have no idea how the author manages to make their interactions seem so, uh, fresh. This fic reads like the manga, with Kishimoto providing the dialogue. It's perfect!♥
Home - I would've preferred it if there was more background, but even without it, the entire pic was perfect~ Now that I think about it, the lack of background only serves to strengthen the impression that the house does feel cold and dark, and empty to Sasuke - and I love the ending.♥
Repose - Aww, Sasuke and Naruto cuddling in their sleep! Sweet~
Advantage: Us - Possibly another favourite of mine from the exchange! Seriously, Sasuke and Naruto in tennis outfit - that should alert you to how amazing this fic is! I could tell the author was thoroughly enjoying herself while writing; the recipient even made a public announcement declaring she knew who it was all along but, obviously, she was lying ;) I love Naruto's leapfrog. It is very appropriate. What makes this fic as squee-worthy as it is is not the boys - though that is part of it. It's how the author follows the Chuunin exam sequence in the manga for the match-ups and makes them work. She takes the concept of "how it should have gone" and really, really makes it work. My personal favorite parts were Naruto's thoughts during his matches, and um, I probably shouldn't say anything more about this - the author already knows, I m sure. XD
Dragons are not exhibitionists - /whistles Wow. Well now. This definitely has the manliest Sasuke I've seen in a while, which is enough to make me sag in relief. I thought fandom had just about given up on seeing Sasuke as a man. But more than that, this had dragons. Yes, dragons.
I just fell in love with dragons despite the two fine pieces of human anatomy right there. Seriously. God, I envy those dragons SO MUCH. And oh. Did I mention Naruto? Because Naruto definitely needs to be mentioned. The expression on his face *___* UNF
In short, I was afraid. Dear me, this piece probably had the most gorgeous background. I love the smoky, mature colours and Naruto and Sasuke's rumpled clothing were so well done~ OH my god, the crease in them. And Naruto lips. So kissable~ *___*
Sky Turn Red - Another piece from the exchange that makes this round so amazing. The prompt was "Sasuke and Naruto in a world where Danzo Shimura fails to convince Itachi that murdering the Uchiha clan will prevent another war." I... never expected this to be so brilliant from reading the prompt, because most what-if fics aren't. But this one was and I can't stop reading it. Now I'll never be able to read another fic which plays with the same concept without comparing it to this first. I doubt any of them will be able to top this.
What I liked most was... the lack of romance, strangely. There's not even a hint of it. That's what sets this aside from the rest of the entries. There's just Naruto and Sasuke and the bond between them, and in the end, that's what most important - that there is a bond between them - romantic or not - no matter how much denies it. I loved how this progressed - told alternately from Naruto and Sasuke's perspectives, this fic is definitely among the best the exchange has to offer.
♥♥♥♥♥
And Time Runs Out - Again, one of my favourites from the exchange! It's just one of those fics that you have to keep reading once you start. I'm a bit :O at how well the concept of ninja without chakra played off. There were... a lot of things I liked about this fic, but mostly I just loved the characterizations. Naruto was such a solid character throughout and I truly believe that this is the type of Hokage he'd be. From a shipper's perspective, I'd say my favourite moment was Sasuke and Naruto making out in the ran, but-- Naruto just ~waltzing~ in and breaking Sasuke out of prison right after his inauguration ceremony was a big ":D" as well. Aside from that, I loved Gai and the Mizukage. I lol'd hard when Gai bursts into the palace and positively booms, "YOU FORGET. WE NINJA ARE VERY SUBTLE." Mei was just so kickass in this one - seriously goes to show that she is the Kage of a country with such a bloody history. I didn't feel like I was reading this at all - there were no heavy descriptions but throughout, I mostly felt like I was watching a movie. A movie I'd finance any day. ♥
the calm's returned but the dust will never settle - I really liked the reflective nature of this. Scratch that, I loved it. There were so many great lines throughout that I feel like quoting them all. This fic brought together what SasuNaru shippers find so appealing about the pairing - brought together Sasuke and Naruto and yet tore them apart at the end. I love this - my favourite was most definitely the segment about Sasuke's realization which ends with "It's love", plain and simple, and the parting sentence of the previous segment: Denial feels more like home than Konoha ever did.
I've missed you... - Very pretty. I love the coloring for Naruto and Sasuk's hair.
Untitles - Oh this one~ I found the style very Japanese. Sasuke and Naruto are so skinny! They look boneless, actually. Like bubblegums. ♥
Funny way to Fall - Oh, I loved the premise of this. Sasuke has wings. Yeah. Really big ones. And Sakura had a TAIL. And oh dear god, I definitely have to read it again to grasp how fantastic this was but WOZZAH. This was amazing - I loved the wings-touching scene. It was just very touching :P And I love the way the author takes her time with it. In fact, I felt she took her time with everything - the pace was unhurried yet not dull. Amazing work. ♥♥
In My Pants - dear god, this was a riot. I giggled at Naruto's mischievous expression throughout and I'm not totally convinced that the ugly purple ass-bow is, in fact, the key to totally disrobing Sasuke. XDDD
Untitled - This was the gift I got, and I really loved it. I think the artist definitely knows how much I appreciate the grainy texture and the pencil-work since I'm always sketching myself. I have no idea how she managed to make the rays of light so clear - it's an effect I've tried and failed to achieve numerous times. T__T I was secretly just hoping I'd get blind!Sasuke when I was typing up my kinks, and I did. This piece just makes me want to write fic so badly> :') I-I've already stated ~something~ but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do justice to the feeling I get from this
Closing Time - I quite liked this True Blood/Naruto crossover *___* Seriously, the muted tones for the colours makes it seem like the front page of a really awesome comic.
Lush - One of the few drunken!sex fics that I genuinely liked. Not just for the sex, but for how the entire situation was depicted. I really love how light-hearted it was. It's just very uplifting to read something about these boys that isn't angsty. ♥
The Company You Keep - Two teenage boys. A single prison cell. And lots of hilarity and sexytimez. Nice. Really, really nice. >8D
When it Rains - I just can't stop staring at this picture. The clothes are off, it's raining outside and they're kissing but it's anything but suggestive. The moment seems so intimate and them and I feel like an intruder, looking in from outside the window. I'd probably start babbling incoherently, but I'll just draw this:
♥♥♥♥♥
Expressive - I didn't like it nearly as much much as I liked Clarity, but this was definitely one of the best reads from the exchange. I love that it's Sasuke who initiates things this time - I... usually see him as more hesitant about initiating contact, but oh god, the way this was done. But most of all, I loved Naruto and how he was wary yet totaly IC. ♥♥♥
Whatchadoin? - I felt the bright colours were very suited to the cute moment. And oh, I love how there are blushes across both their noses! Very cute indeed.
And I'm Still Waiting - The author, I felt, did a good job with Sasuke, especially given how the recent manga chapters makes it hard to decide how to write Sasuke in the first place
Untitled: Deux mot: Desk!sex. YES.
forest - I'm glad to say this was hawt like burning. The artist took the prompt - Naruto and Sasuke as hot girls - ...very seriously. And. Oh alright, I admit it: this seriously left me questioning my sexuality. It was that hot./burnsburnsburns 8D
Cocoon - Sasuke as a Jounin sensei. Naruto as Hokage. Sakura as ANBU. Gawd, will the manga end like this? So calm and peaceful with everything resolved and every resentment well on is way to being forgotten? I doubt it. Yet, we can still hope. I love the quiet, gentle feeling I got from this.
Phew~ I... probably missed a few entries and there are some I'd have to re-read to get the full hang of, but overall, I loved whatever I've read so far. There are a few entires I... didn't quite read. I wasn't kissing when I said nothing - absolutely nothing - makes me click the back button faster than a story told from 1st person POV.
It's just... sad, that this was the first and last exchange I'll ever be participating in. So, I'm just glad that I decided to participate at the last minute, even with my writings skills so horribly rusty with seven months of no practice. I've followed this obsessively for the last one and a half year that academics are kicking my ass, so I guess I consider myself really lucky that I even got to participate.
I learnt a lot about my writing and I met some very awesome people through this. And even as I cursed the, uh... prompt, I grit my teeth and kept writing - and I love how it's helped to push me to challenge some aspects of writing that I was really unsure about. I know there are some amazing writers here on my f-list and some artists, too, and even though I haven't named anyone, you probably know how much I adore all your entires♥.So how was this last round for all of you? 8D
Starved for some fried shrimps,
I~
P.S. I... just realized that this was probably my most heartfelt entry ever. :/
ETA: The typos in this post are glaring at me - will edit later. After I finish reading this delicious fic I've gotten my hands on. *_______*
ETA2: Guys, college starts in four hours. Wait, make that three. I'm debating whether or not to go in my pajamas. It's 7:30 am now, Statistics starts at around 10... and I really must be suicidal because I've decided to join four clubs instead of the initial two. Wish me luck. I hope to come out of this alive, but if not... you've all been wonderful. :'( *nervousnervousnervous*
What song are you currently addicted to?
…this is hard. Ugh. Seriously. Why do we have to choose only one?
There’s… Only One by Yellow Card. XD
Perfect by Hedley. And Dig by Incubus. Make This Go On Forever by Snow Patrol. Overnight by Aya. Colorful by The Verve Pipe. Um. Seriously, choosing just one is impossible. Aside from Trading Yesterday, I’ve been listening to all of these lately. DX Mostly because I lurk on Youtube and hop from video to video like a kangaroo on steroids. You just can’t help it - you click a video link that looks worthwhile, and then your attention inevitably gets diverted to that ~shiny-looking~ video right there and- the end result is you end up taxing your AGP card big time. D:
What's your favorite season?
I hate summer. I hate it. But I do love winter. Back when I was little, it used to get a little foggy over here in the city, and in the more rural areas, the fog was so thick you couldn’t see anything through it, even if you squinted.
Nowadays, it’s just a mellow sort of chill that feels pleasant, but not invasive - you could probably go outside in nothing but a thin sweater, but this sort of weather is also perfect for curling up with blankets. With book in hand and coffee, of course. The weather at that time of year is perfect - very comfortable, as you can imagine. Sigh~ ♥
What’s the latest movie you watched?
New Moon.
…Kidding. Ahem.
Inception, three times. Am debating the merits of watching Prince of Persia: Sands of Time over Psychosis Psychosis is a horror film, though, so I’ll most probably watch it first. But-but-! Jake Gyllenhaal is in PoP - the muscles, man, are so delectable~/whistles And I want to see Memento as well. JGL plays a hooker, can you believe it? ♥_♥
What is the one skill you wish you had?
I really, really wish I was better with graphics. Lots of strange textures were the result of tinkering five minutes in Photoshop. Now I sort of wish I hadn’t bunked all my computing classes back in high school. :'( Seriously speaking, I wish I could just stick to one thing like I stick to my academics instead of... floundering all over the place in everything. That, I realize, is wishful thinking. Ha ha.
What’s your current fandom/obsession/addiction?.
Fandom/Obsession/Addiction? Urgh. Why is this meme so specific? : | There’s never a moment you’ll catch me obsessed with one thing only. >__>;;
I’ve been squeezing out over Totally Captivated by Hajin Yoo. Mookyul/Ewon is just so awesomely perfect - sort of reminds me of Sasuke/Naruto, only more loltastic. Employer/Employee, perfect seme/uke stereotypes, and Mafia-verse, man. Mafia. What’s not to like? *__* The chapters are relatively short and make for a quick, entertaining read. Go. Reaaaad it. 8DDD
Then there’s Reira/Shin from NANA - those two just look good together. And their interactions are just so… not-strained and natural. Never mind that Shin’s just fifteen and there’s a seven year age-gap between them. Kakashi and Sakura have a fourteen year age gap, and I still ship them, don’t I? 8D
Arthur/anything that has legsAriadne. 3rd Rock from Under the Sun is quickly becoming my favourite sitcom.
-and - and. Aw, fine, I admit it: Kris/Adam (American Idol) I swore I’d never become a fan of Idol, because it’d inevitably lead to me failing all my subjects. But- I have a weakness for bromance ;_; Gawd, the interviews. There was this one really awesome fic about it, and the rest is askjhfhgl. And Adam wears eyeliner and has black hair and I’ve always had a thing for Sasuke pretty-boys wearing eyeliner and-and--
And Pokémon, of course. Soulsilver is being annoying - the rom-image keeps crashing after the bug-catching contest, which I'm really only in for the Sun Stone, but it's still annoying. I can't wait to get to that Sudowoodo. :D
Favourite time of day?
Dawn. And dusk. Our roof’s right above the 20th floor, and the view from there is amazing. During those times, Dhaka doesn’t feel like Dhaka at all~ :’D There are all these soft blue-pink-orange-purple-green shades that you see over there, and it sorta looks like paint's been splashed across the sky. Very relaxing. ♥
What web sites do you always visit when you go online?
My MSN, first and foremost. Although… I’m very careful not to go online. I get insanely chatty./shot Then my LJ f-list, followed by Anymanga and Mangareader now that Onemanga has been taken down. May its soul rest in peace. My G-Mail for PC updates, Youtube regularly, Realitylapse for all my Naruto and Wolf’s Rain episodes, Beemp3 for my iMesh.
What was the last thing you bought?
…Groceries. Eggs, a packet of salt, eight packets of cream for my Grandma, some jorda, and more eggs. I just realized I need to enter some of these transactions into my spreadsheet. Crap.
If you won 10,000 bucks today, what would you do with it?
…Lol. You’re asking me? I have noooo idea~ :D I’d probably save it or something. I can’t go places because college starts tomorrow goodbye, freedom~ and I’d probably have loved to buy the bookstores out- except, there aren’t any books there I haven’t read already. :(
What is your fondest memory?
Fondest memory? Well, probably that one time my best friend and I rode a cart out into a forest path exactly at midnight. It was on my birthday, last year. We sang totally off-tune lokshangits, and checked out the gorgeous Hindu temples on the roadsides. Then we stopped to drink tea at a stall by the roadside. It was definitely my most memorable birthday ever.
What's the last thing that made you happy?
Five minutes ago, I got a call from my classmate squeeing about how awesome and organized and strict the writing and debate clubs at my college were. I- I sort of expected that (Maple Leaf did host the Pre-Worlds last year over here) but- I just never expected to study under the teachers who’ll be taking those classes. They’re just-/starstruck *____* And of course, what constantly makes me happy is that I have the house all to myself. Mom and Dad are preparing for the Holland flight today~ and won't be coming back for a while~
Do you want to learn another language?
Well, I do speak Hindi, English and Bengali fluently, and I am taking French courses (urgh, why do I keep having problems with homme/femme? Dx)… so I’d love to learn Japanese. wow, I’m full of surprises And Russian. And Spanish.
Five things you can’t live without.
My PC (with internet, of course), my iMesh, a notebook and a pen, my darling kitties books, and probably my French-English dictionary.
Tag eleven people. Don’t refuse to do that. Don’t tag who tagged you.
Urgh. Do I have to? I know some of you have been tagged already and I really don't feel like it, but if this will get me links to more songs... 8D
hungrytiger11, gonrie, lalagirl208, luleeta, istne_pieklo, i_ate_your_cake, sometimeshatter, vejibra, kodak_85, cruixe_chan, mm_megan
-|-
And finally, the one thing I've been meaning to fangasm about since forever: sn_exchange
I’m late. I know. But whatever. Being late is the cool thing to do. Kakashiiii
I just considered -you know, flipping through the exchange and reading the ones that were most hyped about, because I'm lazy like that. But that plan obviously didn’t work out as usual. Some of the works were truly amazing; others, not so much, but still so ~unique~ that you have to hand the artist/author a Sasuke plushie with Naruto on top. >8D
So because I’m trying and failing to be more ~organized~, I’ll go through the entries one by without naming names because that's the courteous lazy thing to do:
Girls Like Boys - seriously? Are you serious? Did I mention I love genderfuck? *__* The cute girly moments were so lolarious and Naruto and Sasuke are definitely natural girls. Especially Sasuke - I find it hilarious that he can’t seem to make his boobs grow smaller. Naruto as well because: “I'm more woman than you are!” and “Hey! Hey! I don't want to talk about your feelings either!" LMAO → ♥♥♥♥
Well, this is awkward - Sasuke. Naruto. Ballroom Dancing. Priestess is officially the luckiest person ever. I swear this picture would taste like vanilla if I licked it. The colours. The colours. O___O
Valley of Heart - I really didn't agree with the characterization in this one - I’d even go as far as to say it was a bit OOC, but oh well.
Interruption - Awww, I found this really cute. The entire picture is so domestic! And Sasuke's in glasses, which totally tops my list of kinks, yes.
Your Smile - I found the beginning really hilarious, and there were some genuinely lulzy bits in this. The sex was - well, I skipped over it because Naruto and Sasuke didn't quite seem like themselves >_> but- the ending was funny! Disposable camera! Ha!
Untitled - I found this fic very cute. The expression on Sasuke's face as Naruto pecks him on the cheek is ♥.
Dwell - FUCKFUCKFUCK. This was definitely one of my favourites from the entire exchange. I've always wanted something like this ever since I started shipping SasuNaru. This sort of sexual awakening fics are just- ~wow~ I love the dream sequences and how they slowly change over the three years Naruto spends with Jiraiya. Jiraiya's presence could be felt throughout the fic, even though the focus wasn't quite on him. There were so many lines I want to quote from this. I liked how, uh, gentle the progression of the story was. Reading this was like floating through a dream, but that's was strange, because the writing style itself was so very solid. Much love for this. ♥♥♥♥
Here - Post=coital cigarette smoking. *____* I love the blacks and grays of this. It makes everything look so gritty and real and heavy. My first impression was that someone had molded it out of clay - a sculpture or something.
Running Backwards - I'm not a huge fan of memoryloss!fics (or timetravel!fics of highschool!fics or valley-girlsyndrome!fics or--), but this one had a nice twist towards the end. The author of this is a shameless tree lover and I think she wrote a memoryloss!fic for the last exchange too. But there's one part that really stood out from the rest -you always were a lightweight, Minato- and um, my focus just ~zeroes in~ on Tsunade every time she's there. I-I also told the author I'd love to see Tsunade/Sasuke fic someday. DX
Almost Home - Waaaah. Naruto carrying Sasuke home. That's so sweet~ :')
lack the luster - the prose, man. The prose. I hatehatehate highschool!stories but this one was just so-- dear god, DEAR GOD, WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALl MY LIFE? *___* I'd say something coherent about this, but I can't T___T Maybe this will express how much I love this:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Told you so - Kyaaah. Water colour! And the conversation:
"Sasuke, I told you."
"...What?"
"That the next time we fought, we'd die together."
"...why are you so fucking happy about this?"
See that up there?↑ I love it, and Sakura's cameo was WIN. We can only hope this happens in the manga./wishful thinking is wishful.
my heart is breaking, my body's breaking and I don't know where to go - This fic has been submitted by the most obvious poster ever. Ossia is still my favourite fic by this author, but this comes a close second. The moment I read the title, I knew this was going to be uber depressing and it was. I suspect this author has a... penchant for killing off characters (or at least, making them suffer), but she does it so well that it makes me want to curl up inside her characters' heads and poke around. And- the snow and Sasuke's final moments were so... sigh. Um... maybe winter isn't my favourite season after all. XD
Clarity - The author of this has written three fics for this round alone D: and while all of them were equally mellow and soft, and peaceful, this was definitely my favourite. Maybe because never once did I feel Sasuke and Naruto were just fictional characters. They felt real. The idea of a retired Sasuke, one more accustomed to the pen than the sword, is appealing in itself but Clarity just transforms it into something beautiful. And you can't help but think that this is how it should be. (LOL @ KISHI BEING ABLE TO DO THIS. LOL SOME MORE) Strangely, it reminded me of Fullmetal Alchemist - the train probably has something to do with it. There was this pleasant distinctive ambiance - a peaceful quality to the entire thing, tinged with some bittersweet nostalgia, something hopeful. Almost as if both Sasuke and Naruto were... accepting, of how things ended up being. There were certain exchanges that were especially heart-wrenching. This:
“When did you get so…” At a loss for the proper word Sasuke frowned.
“Wise?” Naruto flashed a drowsy grin. “Always have been. You just started listening.”
And, this: "Tell me about Konoha."
And then there were certain changes, so little but believable. This wasn't quite angsty. Neither very sweet. It had a perfect blend of both. ♥♥♥
sweet escape - This looks like something straight out of a expertly-drawn manga. It's just so gorgeous that it hurts to look at it - I love how sharp the contrast is between Sasuke's pale skin and the black-gray surroundings. And his expression, that elusive smile at his lips, his eyes, and that hair that melts into the pillow like ink was ♥_____♥ I love the anatomy, especially the hands. The art was just an amazing, fantabulous cross between for that of Totally captivated and Vampire Knight. It's just so pweeeetyyy. *______* And sexy. I'm-- uh, using this as my wallpaper now that my parents are gone. XD
Scores, Settled - Neuf mot: THE WORLD CUP. SEX IN THE FIELD. FUCK YESSSSS
♥♥♥♥♥♥
Vampire Has A Dream - Vampire!art. I found this... insanely cute. I have no idea how vampire!art can be cute, but-- oh well. <33
Brands - I... quite like this one, actually. It's a bit too dependent on dialogue, and more description could've been added, but despite that, I loved how Sasuke's inner conflict came through. Choosing between Naruto and his clan - tough decision. The ending barely touches on the Sasuke-as-Hokage concept but I still love it.
For a Dream - The writing style is very concise, without being dull. And I love the idea behind this. Seriously. Naruto and Sasuke were themselves through and through in this one, even in a setting so different! And chakra-eating Kyuubi = WIN.
Run - This was definitely another favorite from the exchange! OH DEAR GAWD, THE IMAGERY. It's just so vivid-- and the descriptions~ everyday words combined to form something unique. The moment I read the summary (Sasuke & Naruto run from Kumo to Ame.), I knew I was going to love this. Sasuke is not a good person and that comes off so well here. ♥♥♥♥
Perfect rest" - I found the clean lines for this very well, clean. Making out in the field is a plus, too. XD
Sasuke:1, Grapevie:0 - This was definitely a welcome change from the angst-fair that was this exchange. And dear god, this was so full of lulz and snark that I couldn't stop laughing. The weirdest part was this was a highschool!fic, and I still loved it. gigglegigglegiggle. The best part: "What was that, Sakura? The immense proportions of your massive forehead are distorting the space around your head. Sound can hardly escape the field of ugly."
...Ouch. ♥ The worst part is, I-- okay, I actually told the author that her exchange fic had porn when it had none./shot
Comfort in Arms - Love the soft textures used for this - and the somber colors. They blended in so well together, but weren't monotonous at all.
Zensekai Sharingan - There's not much I have to say about this, since the author already knows what I think of it. I beta'd this fic for her along with rosalui and I love how it came out. On MSN the other day, she told me she would've deleted the sex scene from this one if it wasn't, well, required and I wanted to hug her so bad! 8DDD
Deliverance - I found this original and really well-written. It was... very new to me, to be honest, and I'm surprised by how much I ended up liking it. And the ending it Sakura was <333
Attachments - This was a really solid read. I love how the author delves into Naruto's mind - it'd be so like Naruto to think nobody would want to have sex with a monster. And that theme ties in nicely with the ending. Sai and Sakura were especially awesome in this one. ♥
Their Finest Hour - World War II. OH GAWD. The heavy colouring for this one. Those dark red splashes. OMG AND THAT USA FLAG TATTOO ON NARUTO'S CHEEK. AND SASUKE IN UNIFORM. Dear god. THIS COULD BE A MOVIE POSTER. FIC NEEDS TO BE WRITTEN FOR THIS. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Nescit Cedere - Let's just say this takes creepy to a whole new level./shivers. I love Horror stories (why're they so rare T___T) and this might possibly be a favorite of mine among that genre.♥
Trading Yesterday - I found this... a bit trite, and forced at times, but it was an okay read overall. Although, my final reaction upon re-reading was: O_O What the hell is an OT3 fic doing in a sn fest? XD
Untitled -Dear god, feathers. So many feathers. *_______*
Kiss with a Fist - I... wouldn't really agree with Sakura's characterization, but that hardly matters, because fandom's take on Sakura varies. A lot. INSERT KISHI!FAIL RAMBLINGS HERE Sasuke and Naruto were okay, I suppose, but I really would've loved to see more character interaction.
Untiltles - I found this hilarious - Naruto really can't keep his hands off Sasuke, even while he's on the phone! ♥
Afterwards - Very lighthearted and just fun. I love how comfortable Sasuke and Naruto were with each other, and that kiss was so casual~ I think their personalities here would be more suited to AU, though, but that's expected, since the author does tend to focus more on AU!verse. It was a lovely read, overall.
Home Again - GAWD, SIRONA YOU'RE SO LUCKY. The domestic setting is just lakhfdla. And that plant in the corner - yes, I definitely know someone who'd love that. :p I fucking love the expressions on Naruto and Sasuke's faces here! They look like they're having each other for dinner. O_________________O
All Things of Dearest Value Hang on Slender Strings - Again, not much to say about this, since I'm sure the authors already knows. But this fic was PURE FUN from the start. And Gaara making a beach with his sand! And Gaara shaking hands with the kids. And Gaara-- well, Gaara was just cool in this fic. Seriously. And there were kids - lots of them. And for once, that didn't irk me, which is surprising since I'm quite sure most of you know how I feel about kids. :/ The ending was definitely a "Awww..." moment. 8D
Collide - The colours for this. The blinding colours. This was something I'd love to see in written format. AU!HS-student!Sasuke meeting Naruto from the Naruto!verse. And oh dear god, the title is just PERFECT. SERIOUSLY. This is how much I loved this: ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Helping Matters - Kitty!Sasuke. I want to munch on those ears. NOMNOMNOM.
Distractions - Sasuke and Naruto as police officers. Bondage. Sex with handcuffs. And masturbation. Um, I felt like a voyeur the entire time I was reading this and I'm sure a lot of other people did too. ^///^ This was... the hottest thing I've read in a while. Explicit, but not raunchy. Tastefully done. And phew. Hot. Did I mention that? HAWT LIKE BURNING.
Aviation - Sasuke as a ballet dancer. DEAR GOD, DID YOU SEE THE LEG MUSCLES?/stares
Untitled - MA FOX HAS EARS. FUZZY FOXY EARS. Seriously, I want to scratch them. Or bite them. 8D
Wait for you - This was so sad> ;-; I love the clean sketch lines for this. Naruto's cigarette, his expression, and that muffler - yes, that muffler. It made him look so tried and worn and old. Seriously, we need something depressing like this in our lives from time to time. DEAR GOD THIS IS HOW WAR STORIES SHOULD BE. T____T
Pyretos - I loved this. A lot. Especially the part where Sasuke fixes Naruto's bandages in the dark. And the sex scene was just super amazing. I was floating by the time it ended - it's relaxing to read something calm about Naruto and Sasuke. Very nicely done. ♥♥
Vox Populi - I really liked this one ♥ The world created was so interesting - yes, I have a thing for world-building - and the last sentence ("I’m going to change the world for you, Naruto.") was very sexy.
Gravity in Red - Fic and art combined to make something of a Lost in Translation story. What strikes me most is that this fic is just all dialogue and yet managed to convey what Naruto and Sasuke were feeling so well! I really did love this. The ending was good - no, the best. Hopeful endings are the best, after all.
extracting Kyuubi - At first glance, all I could make out was red - so much red - and Madara sinisterly hovering in the background. The colours look like they were carelessly splashed but the more you stare, the more everything becomes clear. I love how complex the style and the risks the artists took with this - you can tell a lot of effort has gone into it. So yes, definitely an unique style.
After the World Fell Down - I liked this. There was kissing. Lots of it. 8D
at sea - Definitely one of the best art entries in the exchange. I always knew blue was my favorite colour and I thought I'd memorized all the shades for it, but this just proved me wrong. God, the emotions radiating from this is almost palpable. I love Naruto and Sasuke's positions. I love the water droplets - they just positively glow and I love Naruto's nose against Sasuke's neck. You can only imagine what they're feeling right at that moment. Beautiful.
♥♥♥♥♥
Senses Lacking - I love how this story links Naruto and Sasuke's meetings with the senses. There's something very intimate about the way they touch each other. Sigh~ This fic makes me happy.
last one out gets the lights - So I hate high school stories. The same doesn't hold true for fanart though. OH GOD, the way Sasuke's just looking at Naruto! With those eyes. Reminds me of Watanuki from Holic. Seriously, the slant of those eyes. Smexy like woah. :D
A Place called Here - Ooooohhh. This is just all kinds of sexy. I love the sated expression on Naruto and Sasuke's faces, and gawd, I want to be that cigarette between Naruto's lips and-- oh my, Naruto's hand curled like that Sasuke's back. So manly *____* The best parts though were those teasing glimpses of lower anatomy beneath the blankets. I can't stop staring O___O
Happy Endings - I love the solid shades of grey in this. This had Sasuke sucking cock, with that expression on his face and OMG UNF. 8DDDD Violence, fluff, porn and CRACK. This piece of art had it all! But more importantly, this has Sasuke sucking cock. XD
Assymetry - I'm... really undecided regarding how I feel about Hinata's role in this, but this fic handled it better than most other fics do. The politics in this was brilliant and Sasuke was-- to be honest, I wanted to club his head in with a giant bat, which is perfect. 8D And, this may just be the Neji/Hina fangirl in me imagining things, but this was perfect: The guilt was compounded by the fact that Neji had been seen around his cousin more and more often in the last few years. Naruto wouldn’t be surprised if Hinata’s next child was born with the Byakugan and Neji's unfathomable stare.
Asymmetry is just one of those fics that you can't stop reading once you start - this was really a complete journey, and I loved it.♥♥
The End - Probably one of the most realistic fic in the entire exchange. I loved all the segments, and it was, well, painful to see a relationship breaking like this, inch by inch. The complete reverse of what my prompt asked for. Sigh~ This was done in an AU world, and you could tell that the author was in her element. Every moment between Naruto and Sasuke felt, well, precious, which makes the break-up all the more heartbreaking.
Boundless and bare - The artist definitely has the 'bare' part of the title right. The 'boundless' part? Not so much. Because Sasuke was definitely bound. *___*
Bloodletting - The moment I finished reading this, I knew who the author was. I love how the concept here. And Sasuke and Naruto's mutual addiction. the descriptions were dreamy at parts, so when you read about classrooms and libraries, you feel like you've just been jolted back to reality. There are so many questions about this I want answered, but I think actually knowing the answers would take away from the fic. I found this... not refreshing, but very original. Both fics from this author for this round of the exchange were, like I said, original. ♥
Atonement and Rediscovery - I quite liked the lineart for this! 8D Sasuke and Naruto look so manly in their flashy outfits!
What do I see - Woah. This looks like something straight out of a comic. I love how the artist takes risks with the bold lines!
LEGEND - I'm just-- really happy that the author used my idea for this. I really regret not being able to beta this, but without my tinkering this looks perfect. I loved how the story opened with Naruto and Sasuke being typically Naruto and Sasuke, and how it ended with Sasuke comforting Naruto. There were some parts in between I really shuddered at. Like: Her stomach had been cut open, pieces of her insides spilling out, fingers gone. Her mouth was pooling with blood and she had no teeth left.
..Most of you probably didn't need that, I realize, but oh god, I can't imagine how savage someone has to be to be able to mutilate a little girl's body like that. T__T
Wrong Turn - This was brilliant. Possibly has the most IC Sasuke ever, and I have no idea how the author manages to make their interactions seem so, uh, fresh. This fic reads like the manga, with Kishimoto providing the dialogue. It's perfect!♥
Home - I would've preferred it if there was more background, but even without it, the entire pic was perfect~ Now that I think about it, the lack of background only serves to strengthen the impression that the house does feel cold and dark, and empty to Sasuke - and I love the ending.♥
Repose - Aww, Sasuke and Naruto cuddling in their sleep! Sweet~
Advantage: Us - Possibly another favourite of mine from the exchange! Seriously, Sasuke and Naruto in tennis outfit - that should alert you to how amazing this fic is! I could tell the author was thoroughly enjoying herself while writing; the recipient even made a public announcement declaring she knew who it was all along but, obviously, she was lying ;) I love Naruto's leapfrog. It is very appropriate. What makes this fic as squee-worthy as it is is not the boys - though that is part of it. It's how the author follows the Chuunin exam sequence in the manga for the match-ups and makes them work. She takes the concept of "how it should have gone" and really, really makes it work. My personal favorite parts were Naruto's thoughts during his matches, and um, I probably shouldn't say anything more about this - the author already knows, I m sure. XD
Dragons are not exhibitionists - /whistles Wow. Well now. This definitely has the manliest Sasuke I've seen in a while, which is enough to make me sag in relief. I thought fandom had just about given up on seeing Sasuke as a man. But more than that, this had dragons. Yes, dragons.
I just fell in love with dragons despite the two fine pieces of human anatomy right there. Seriously. God, I envy those dragons SO MUCH. And oh. Did I mention Naruto? Because Naruto definitely needs to be mentioned. The expression on his face *___* UNF
In short, I was afraid. Dear me, this piece probably had the most gorgeous background. I love the smoky, mature colours and Naruto and Sasuke's rumpled clothing were so well done~ OH my god, the crease in them. And Naruto lips. So kissable~ *___*
Sky Turn Red - Another piece from the exchange that makes this round so amazing. The prompt was "Sasuke and Naruto in a world where Danzo Shimura fails to convince Itachi that murdering the Uchiha clan will prevent another war." I... never expected this to be so brilliant from reading the prompt, because most what-if fics aren't. But this one was and I can't stop reading it. Now I'll never be able to read another fic which plays with the same concept without comparing it to this first. I doubt any of them will be able to top this.
What I liked most was... the lack of romance, strangely. There's not even a hint of it. That's what sets this aside from the rest of the entries. There's just Naruto and Sasuke and the bond between them, and in the end, that's what most important - that there is a bond between them - romantic or not - no matter how much denies it. I loved how this progressed - told alternately from Naruto and Sasuke's perspectives, this fic is definitely among the best the exchange has to offer.
♥♥♥♥♥
And Time Runs Out - Again, one of my favourites from the exchange! It's just one of those fics that you have to keep reading once you start. I'm a bit :O at how well the concept of ninja without chakra played off. There were... a lot of things I liked about this fic, but mostly I just loved the characterizations. Naruto was such a solid character throughout and I truly believe that this is the type of Hokage he'd be. From a shipper's perspective, I'd say my favourite moment was Sasuke and Naruto making out in the ran, but-- Naruto just ~waltzing~ in and breaking Sasuke out of prison right after his inauguration ceremony was a big ":D" as well. Aside from that, I loved Gai and the Mizukage. I lol'd hard when Gai bursts into the palace and positively booms, "YOU FORGET. WE NINJA ARE VERY SUBTLE." Mei was just so kickass in this one - seriously goes to show that she is the Kage of a country with such a bloody history. I didn't feel like I was reading this at all - there were no heavy descriptions but throughout, I mostly felt like I was watching a movie. A movie I'd finance any day. ♥
the calm's returned but the dust will never settle - I really liked the reflective nature of this. Scratch that, I loved it. There were so many great lines throughout that I feel like quoting them all. This fic brought together what SasuNaru shippers find so appealing about the pairing - brought together Sasuke and Naruto and yet tore them apart at the end. I love this - my favourite was most definitely the segment about Sasuke's realization which ends with "It's love", plain and simple, and the parting sentence of the previous segment: Denial feels more like home than Konoha ever did.
I've missed you... - Very pretty. I love the coloring for Naruto and Sasuk's hair.
Untitles - Oh this one~ I found the style very Japanese. Sasuke and Naruto are so skinny! They look boneless, actually. Like bubblegums. ♥
Funny way to Fall - Oh, I loved the premise of this. Sasuke has wings. Yeah. Really big ones. And Sakura had a TAIL. And oh dear god, I definitely have to read it again to grasp how fantastic this was but WOZZAH. This was amazing - I loved the wings-touching scene. It was just very touching :P And I love the way the author takes her time with it. In fact, I felt she took her time with everything - the pace was unhurried yet not dull. Amazing work. ♥♥
In My Pants - dear god, this was a riot. I giggled at Naruto's mischievous expression throughout and I'm not totally convinced that the ugly purple ass-bow is, in fact, the key to totally disrobing Sasuke. XDDD
Untitled - This was the gift I got, and I really loved it. I think the artist definitely knows how much I appreciate the grainy texture and the pencil-work since I'm always sketching myself. I have no idea how she managed to make the rays of light so clear - it's an effect I've tried and failed to achieve numerous times. T__T I was secretly just hoping I'd get blind!Sasuke when I was typing up my kinks, and I did. This piece just makes me want to write fic so badly> :') I-I've already stated ~something~ but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do justice to the feeling I get from this
Closing Time - I quite liked this True Blood/Naruto crossover *___* Seriously, the muted tones for the colours makes it seem like the front page of a really awesome comic.
Lush - One of the few drunken!sex fics that I genuinely liked. Not just for the sex, but for how the entire situation was depicted. I really love how light-hearted it was. It's just very uplifting to read something about these boys that isn't angsty. ♥
The Company You Keep - Two teenage boys. A single prison cell. And lots of hilarity and sexytimez. Nice. Really, really nice. >8D
When it Rains - I just can't stop staring at this picture. The clothes are off, it's raining outside and they're kissing but it's anything but suggestive. The moment seems so intimate and them and I feel like an intruder, looking in from outside the window. I'd probably start babbling incoherently, but I'll just draw this:
♥♥♥♥♥
Expressive - I didn't like it nearly as much much as I liked Clarity, but this was definitely one of the best reads from the exchange. I love that it's Sasuke who initiates things this time - I... usually see him as more hesitant about initiating contact, but oh god, the way this was done. But most of all, I loved Naruto and how he was wary yet totaly IC. ♥♥♥
Whatchadoin? - I felt the bright colours were very suited to the cute moment. And oh, I love how there are blushes across both their noses! Very cute indeed.
And I'm Still Waiting - The author, I felt, did a good job with Sasuke, especially given how the recent manga chapters makes it hard to decide how to write Sasuke in the first place
Untitled: Deux mot: Desk!sex. YES.
forest - I'm glad to say this was hawt like burning. The artist took the prompt - Naruto and Sasuke as hot girls - ...very seriously. And. Oh alright, I admit it: this seriously left me questioning my sexuality. It was that hot./burnsburnsburns 8D
Cocoon - Sasuke as a Jounin sensei. Naruto as Hokage. Sakura as ANBU. Gawd, will the manga end like this? So calm and peaceful with everything resolved and every resentment well on is way to being forgotten? I doubt it. Yet, we can still hope. I love the quiet, gentle feeling I got from this.
Phew~ I... probably missed a few entries and there are some I'd have to re-read to get the full hang of, but overall, I loved whatever I've read so far. There are a few entires I... didn't quite read. I wasn't kissing when I said nothing - absolutely nothing - makes me click the back button faster than a story told from 1st person POV.
It's just... sad, that this was the first and last exchange I'll ever be participating in. So, I'm just glad that I decided to participate at the last minute, even with my writings skills so horribly rusty with seven months of no practice. I've followed this obsessively for the last one and a half year that academics are kicking my ass, so I guess I consider myself really lucky that I even got to participate.
I learnt a lot about my writing and I met some very awesome people through this. And even as I cursed the, uh... prompt, I grit my teeth and kept writing - and I love how it's helped to push me to challenge some aspects of writing that I was really unsure about. I know there are some amazing writers here on my f-list and some artists, too, and even though I haven't named anyone, you probably know how much I adore all your entires♥.So how was this last round for all of you? 8D
Starved for some fried shrimps,
I~
P.S. I... just realized that this was probably my most heartfelt entry ever. :/
ETA: The typos in this post are glaring at me - will edit later. After I finish reading this delicious fic I've gotten my hands on. *_______*
ETA2: Guys, college starts in four hours. Wait, make that three. I'm debating whether or not to go in my pajamas. It's 7:30 am now, Statistics starts at around 10... and I really must be suicidal because I've decided to join four clubs instead of the initial two. Wish me luck. I hope to come out of this alive, but if not... you've all been wonderful. :'( *nervousnervousnervous*