#'not to be soppy on main' is soppy & sentimental on main

[noromantichero]

HI!!! I SAW UR MESSAGE ON ART FIGHT AND I JUST WANNA SAY

LITERALLY SOBBING it’s such an honor

<3!!! you're welcome!!!!! i did my research (because im a huge nerd) & yes -- i found your account around late january this year & started drawing again in february -- starting mostly with oc art & developed into a lot more hk+other fanart stuff ^_^!

i stopped drawing regularly around february 2023 because that's around when i had my first college exams & since then i just Stopped because i got busy with studying & i applied to like uhhh very Good universities with hard acceptance rates so i lost it... (even though i had been regularly hobby drawing since 2017).

i'm just very grateful you inspired me again to get back into it. & i admit i've lost a lot of my talent & my art i'm often not Super Happy with but it's a start & i'm enjoying myself anyway xP!!!

you're literally so awesome. thank you so much for inadvertently doing this to me. & i'm so glad we can be mutuals/(friends? i'm very scared of acting too close & messaging people)!!!!!!!

[softpadawan]

I don't necessarily eniteley hate Saberza. Hell, I feel bad that the line about them being siblings is about to get some people hella fucking dog piled. Because the level of vitriol they're about to catch is gonna be unnecessarily bad and for a fictional ship, at that. But, I'm not gonna lie and say I'm upset that some people are gonna stop shipping it. Cause that line was music to my fucking ears.

I hate how the ship appears 98% of the time. It's so fucking boring and such a fucking Het (Derogatory) Ship, even if they're both queer. It also appeals to the group that defangs female characters so they're the correct kind of soft for shipping.

Let, Sabine and Shin Hati be Feral Queers with each other. Want Ezra with a Wren? Tristan is right there. We can be so much more interesting and fun that the flour take of Sabezra.

I feel bad that the line about them being siblings is about to get some people hella fucking dog piled. Because the level of vitriol they're about to catch is gonna be unnecessarily bad and for a fictional ship, at that.

I truly, honestly sympathize with the Sabezra shippers and hope (a fool's hope; SW fans are the Worst™) that the fandom at least has the decency to practice the "block and ignore" and "your ship is not my ship and that's ok" policies because, like you said, it's all just make-believe crap and no reason to be an ass to people online.

But yeah, nonny, I also share your sentiment about the whole "thank fuck we dodged another boring-ass vanilla het ship"—and I don't say that out of hatred for M/F ships, but more so the absolute gut-wrenching failure on the part of professional writers to build a legitimately interesting, believable, complex (not conflicted, but complex in the sense of being fully fleshed-out, built upon something other than just raw sexual attraction) relationship between a male and female character without gutting their entire development arcs and reducing them to soppy banal cliches. (Like what you mentioned about writers "defanging" female characters to make them softer and more likeable. Yeah, that shit reeks. I'm not going to fault fanfic authors for not having unlearned this subtle-yet-deeply-ingrained flavor of misogyny yet—it's going to take a while to root out something so pervasive and insidious—but I am going to hold the professionals fully accountable for delivering egregious, sophomoric drivel and telling us it's Grade-A storytelling.)

Fantastic M/F ships can be done. Look at Pacific Rim. Literally any Hayao Miyazaki film featuring two main characters of the opposite sex.

Or maybe it's time to forget the "confirmed ship" stuff altogether and leave the entire relationship open to interpretation, like what people have been doing with Sabezra for the last nine years. (And what canon queer relationships/characters have been dealing with for decades, relegated to hints and easily-censored dialogue, keeping it "toned down" and "wholesome" to appeal to straight audiences who still hate them at the end of the day. But I digress.)

Bottom line, I think if writers spent more time focused on the story and individual characters instead of trying to set the boy up with the girl, it would do wonders for the quality of storytelling as well as preventing this caustic Pavlovian reaction we (I) are starting to have any time we're offered male/female romance onscreen. That's my opinion, anyway.

[cemchelarna]

Updates and housekeeping

Hello! It’s been a while since I last used this blog properly so I’m not sure how many people following me are still active, but I thought I’d do a quick update anyway.

I took a long break from tumblr for a while, which was definitely the right decision, but as I’ve discovered new hobbies and passions and interests, I found myself missing fandom interactions and that sense of community and just generally having a place to talk about things I like with fellow fans. Therefore, I’ve decided I want to make a proper return to using tumblr. My original plan was to just delete this blog and start anew, but as I was looking back through all my old stuff, I realised I couldn’t just delete it all. I’ve had this blog for well over ten years now and looking at old posts was like looking through a diary (albeit  a very cringe one at times), but I’m sentimental and don’t like the thought of getting rid of something that’s like a time capsule from my angsty teenage years. Not to get soppy on main, but I’ve changed so much as a person in that time and this blog has seen me through so much and so deleting it just felt wrong. 

So, the plan now is to keep this same blog and just rebrand a bit to fit more with my current interests. I’ve deleted some of my really old/cringe posts (god I really did post some absolute shit back then) but apart from that most other stuff will stay. I still love Hannibal and it will always have a place in my heart, but now feels like a good time for a url change to sort of mark the start of a new era or whatever. I love organising and tagging stuff so I’ll be keeping this blog as a place for whatever I’m currently interested in (which now includes stuff like hollow knight, the elder scrolls, and the goblin emperor series) and I’ll keep my sideblog as a place for everything else (memes, shitposts, reblogging cool art etc) and I’ll get round to organising that at some point too. 

Not sure where I’m really going with this but that’s about all I have to say, so if you’ve read this far, thanks! Feel free to drop by and say hi or whatever as I’m always up for new friends.

[jasonsutekh]

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

A widow moves to the seaside where she allows a spectre of a dead sea captain to control her finances and possibly her love life.

 As far as comedy and ghost stories go, this one isn’t as soppy as they traditionally come. Although there is sentimentality, particularly towards the end, it holds back just enough to focus on the character and what’s realistic for her life. The time device used was effective in relaying the movement through the years without stating it and the ageing scenes still felt in touch with the character we’ve followed.

 There’s a terribly sinister aura regarding all the men in the film that leaves them lecherous and taints any romantic implications. They never respect personal space and dress any suggestions or compliments in unsolicited insults. The subtext ultimately feels more harmful than good since the main message is about wasting one’s living life on a dream that can’t be fulfilled until it’s too late.

 Martha was an excellent inclusion as a character since she talks the most sense and has some amusing lines, not to mention being the only consistent and well-meaning companion. It’s interesting how the movie bypassed the censors to reference crudity like sailor language and sex without doing so outright.

 Although there were some engaging lines which held the right moral intentions superficially, the majority is thin feminism from the perspectives of men and the results largely consist of disguised excuses for misogyny. There are copious micro aggressions that go unchallenged and even when taking the initiative our protagonist breaks into tears whenever in a male environment, which even her home turns out to be.

 5/10 -Can’t find a better example of average-

 -The novel the film is based on was written by a woman writing under a male pseudonym.

-The word “muir” is Gaelic for “sea”.

[noxtms]

*   𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐘𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐃   :    I want to apply but I'm really nervous... how welcoming and accepting are you?

first of all, please excuse the different mascot  -  rachel is busy at the moment, so it’s cherry popping on to answer  !  i’m gonna do my best not to get sentimental  &  soppy on the main, lord knows i do that enough in the discord, but i can say very confidently that nox is one of the most welcoming, accepting environments that a lot of us have been in  !  if you’re willing to jump right in, make jokes with us, clown around  &  get involved with what we’ve got going on, then you’re going to fit in. no ifs, ands, or buts there  !  there’s absolutely nothing to be worried about, we’re all very welcoming  &  we always love having new members about. i’d pull up testimonials from members, but that would probably be laying it on a bit thick, but i can promise you that we’ve got many, many open arms  &  that we’d love to have you around  !  

[theshadeswillopen]

I love you. I adore you. I feel so safe and comfortable when you hug me. I want you to come stargazing and wrap your arms around me as we point out our favourite planets and constellations. I want to know what it's like to wake up next to you. I want to make you breakfast and taste your pancake fillings in a kiss. Thinking about you gives me butterflies, like the pretty blue ones I saw at the zoo. Maybe we could go to the zoo. Every time we share a gentle touch it feels like electricity.

I love you. We have so much in common. I feel like I can talk to you about anything, and I love it when you talk to me about the most unexpected things. We have each other's backs. You make me feel less weird about the things that make me different. I hope I do the same for you. It's nice to have someone at a similar stage in life to me.

I love you. I'm so proud of everything you accomplish. It's genuinely touching that you share your creations and achievements with me. I don't hesitate to share mine with you, I know you'll appreciate them and encourage me to keep going. I know eventually we may go our separate ways, but it's been a joy to know you and to know that even if we do I will hopefully still be able to watch you grow from afar.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

[aiyexayen]

for the ask meme "Offer me" Jedediah/Octavius YEAHHH

"It ain't much," Jed says in a rare fit of self-effacement.

He's not shy, exactly, and not embarrassed as such, but--well, maybe, okay, he's a bit embarrassed. Why'd he have to go and get all sentimental and soppy? It makes things weird. He can taste the weirdness on his tongue.

"I assure you, any gesture you find worthy of making is enough." Octavius has that thread of patience to his tone that makes it obvious he could grow impatient at a moment's notice. It always reminds Jed that Octy's an important leader used to obedience and command in such a more organised way than Jed and he'd be a liar if he claimed it didn't get to him a bit. "Come, Jedediah, let's see it."

The near-impatience could be due to the fact Jed's repeated himself twice already as he led the way out to the main hall. Or maybe because he made Octavius close his eyes.

He stops them in front of his gift. It's big. Well, it's probably small by everyone else's standards, eclipsed by the enormity of the cavernous hallways they live in. But to them, it's big enough.

"Now just a second," he says, gloved fingers still hooked into the shiny ornamented breastplate he's been leading Octavius around by. Absently, he strokes over the silver details with a thumb, barely feeling it through his leather. "D'you remember that car? The one we crashed when Gigantor--"

"Of course," Octavius says, fondness creeping in. "The night we renounced our rivalry."

"Yeah."

"How could I forget?"

"Whoo-ee! What an adventure." A bit of Jed's nervousness puffs away into laughter, some knot in him untangling. He grins, even if it goes unseen. "That got me thinkin' we should have more."

"Cars?" Octavius guesses.

"Naw," Jed drawls, "adventures!" He lets go of the breastplate to slap Octavius on the shoulder. "Open your eyes."

A little dazed from sightlessness, Octavius does. And as soon as the RC plane comes into focus his eyes go round and delighted, then squished up at the corners as he smiles. Jed knows because he can't stop looking at them.

"Whaddya think of that?" he boasts, swiping an index finger across the bridge of his nose, chest puffed and shoulders light. He can't remember anymore why he was embarrassed.

It comes back to him a second later when Octavius all but crashes into him, spinning him around and planting a kiss right on his cheek. He yelps and clutches his hat with one hand, red fabric with the other. It's warm, the lips against his skin, and suddenly Jed is warm all over to match it. He's released before it even registers, and well before he can do anything about it.

"I think it's a most excellent evening for a flight."

How Octy can still sound so composed when he's practically taking flight himself on excitement alone, Jed doesn't know. But it makes him laugh again, as much from affection as to deflect from his red face.

"Okay," he says, rubbing his hands together before nudging Octavius in the elbow, "but fair warning, I'm not letting you drive."

This, of course, turns out to be a lie.

[missnight0wl]

Aside from disliking Jae's extreme OOC-ness in this new TLSQ (it was like they wanted to make this quest MERULA'S but changed her to Jae but left the personality intact), I'm really annoyed that Badeea is not here to share some of the blame, because she was involved in this affair too, and left MC to clean up THEIR mess. MC might have suggested the painting but Badeea painted it. Plus, it was her that brought Jae's mood to MC's attention.

To be honest, I can’t really agree that Jae was extremely OOC. I mean, to be fair, it’s kind of the point of the story that he wasn’t quite himself.

Of course, he had moments where he was indeed OOC. The thing that bothered me the most was probably how he didn’t want to be „soppy” or „soft”. Like, I’m sorry, but Jae Kim is one of the softest bois. He never really had problems talking about emotions. Sure, he’s not overly sentimental, and I’d say that he tends to discuss things with humour. But he talks freely about MC being a good friend, about missing MC in detention… We can talk with him about being worried, and he’s always supportive. Heck, he was the one who reminded us about our happy memory with Rowan after their death. Seriously, Jae was NEVER like: „Oh, I can’t be soft because I have a reputation to maintain!”.

On the other hand, the main reason why he was upset that day was because he couldn’t complete the tradition he had with his parents. We saw on a couple of occasions now that Jae cares about his family very much. So, it’s really understandable, in my opinion, that not being able to go to the Three Broomstick was quite devastating for him – and things only went worse from there.

Oh, and I definitely can’t agree that the quest was written for Merula. Merula would start yelling at everyone right away, blame MC constantly, and probably wouldn’t even accompany us. Jae was trying to cooperate most of the time, and he was actually trying to help – even though he rightfully thought it’s not his fault. Only by the very end, he lost his patience.

That being said, I do agree about Badeea. It’s just weird that she wasn’t called with us at the beginning. I mean, she was the one to paint the painting but also enchanted it. And interestingly, she even noticed herself that the whole thing might’ve been her fault:

So, I don’t get why she was basically abandoned by the quest. Not only it’d make more sense from the story point of view for her to be with us. But frankly, I think it’d be simply fun to have her around. Perhaps it’d be easier to deal with the fact that the whole problem was totally forced and artificial.

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Banner

One Shot- To The Stars And Back

Intro: Steve and Katie receive a message which Tony left before his death.

Warnings: “Language!” 

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: This was originally a full chapter, however I as I ended up publishing Stark Spangled Man I stripped out the flashback, and it left me with this little mini. It always sat in my head that Tony would leave personalised messages for Katie and Steve, along with the rest of his family, not just the generic one we saw at his funeral so here we are.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

“Happy?” Katie frowned momentarily as the man strode into her kitchen, followed by Steve. “Wasn’t expecting to see you today, not that you’re not welcome, of course you are.” She hastily added.

“It’s okay, Kiddo, I know what you meant.” He chuckled softly “The kids not here?” “Jamie’s gone to the park with Bucky and Sam, and Emmy’s taken Lucky for a walk.” She answered. “Why, do we need them?”

“No, I was just gonna say hi but I’ll see them tomorrow I suppose.” He smiled sadly at the thought of the funeral. “But, anyway, I came to deliver this. It turns out even, well, even when he’s gone your brother has me running errands.”

Katie smiled softly as he held up the box in front of her.

“He left three. One for you and Steve, one for Pepper and Morgan, and one for his Funeral….so…”

“His Funeral?” Steve frowned, as Katie opened a drawer and retrieved a knife before she walked over to the table. She had a feeling she knew what was in there, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she carefully slit the tape on the cardboard box and took a breath as she realised she was right.

Inside was an Iron Man helmet, one of his many spares from his suits over the years.

“He’s erm, ” she took a breath as she instantly recognised which suit this had come from. “He’ll have left a message or something, like he did all those years ago from Tennessee.”

Happy nodded. “He did. The boxes arrived at the house today. Along with instructions that if he had, you know, then they were to be distributed accordingly.”

“Thanks.” Katie set the helmet on the table and glancing into the box. There was another, smaller package inside, to which an envelope was attached. She smiled as she read her brother’s handwriting on the front. It simply said ‘Spangles’.

“We were just about to get lunch.” Steve tore his eyes away from Katie as he looked to Happy. “Do you want to join us?”

“Thanks but I should be getting back.” Happy declined the offer politely. “Stuff to do before tomorrow.”

Katie gave him a small smile, placing the smaller box on the table “Can’t say I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me neither.” Happy swallowed, dropping a hand to her shoulder “But we’ll get through it. We always do, huh?”

“I’ll see you out.” Steve said, as Happy gave Katie a hug before he nodded and the two men left the room.

Katie looked at the helmet which now sat on the table, and she took a deep breath before she picked it up and looked straight into the eye sockets. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, resting her forehead against the cool metal she held in her hands. She had no idea which suit this was from, but then again Tony had made so many of the damned things, it could be Mk500 for all she knew. The tears began to fall down her face as she screwed her eyes shut, head pressed against the helmet, before gently hands pried it from hers.

“Hey,” Steve spoke softly, dropping into the seat next to her, placing the helmet on the table. “Come here.”

She turned into him, pressing her face to his chest as she shook with silent sobs. His hand gently rubbed her back as he soothed her, waiting for her to calm down.

“Sorry,” She pulled back. “Stop apologising.” Steve shook his head, wiping her tears with his thumbs. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

Katie took a deep breath and glanced at the helmet, before she remembered something. “Oh, here.” She reached out for the smaller box, and nudged it towards him.  “This was in there for you.” Steve frowned and took the box, looking at the envelope. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes “That fucking nickname.”

“Open it.” Katie urged. “I wanna see what it is.”

Smiling at her ever impatient nature, Steve tore the envelope open. His eyes scanned the writing and his brow furrowed slightly, before his lips turned up in a soft smile and he handed the note to her.

Hey Old Man. My dad once told me that no amount of money can buy a second of time, yet he had a hell of a lot of expensive watches, so go figure. This particular one, however, I couldn’t auction for charity. I always intended to pass it to you, one way or another. And if you’re reading this note you’re getting it after my demise…so I best explain.

I did a bit of digging and it turns out that most of the guys involved in ‘Operation Rebirth’ and the Howling Comandos got one of these post the War. It’s a Wartime Rolex Oyster, probably worth a fair dime or two but the sentiment makes it priceless as you’ll see when you look at it. (Here’s a clue- check the back!) It only feels right that you have it. I had intended to pass it to you for your 40th,or your 107th, whatever you wanna call it, but again, as you’re reading this I won’t be there for that.  

I know Jamie’s surname is Rogers but there is half Stark in him so he’s not a complete lost cause, and maybe when he’s older you can pass this down to him. Or if you have any more kids that are boys, I dunno, maybe you can give them a strap each or something. Whatever.

I’m also assuming you’ll be reading this before watching the message I left as we both know Kiddo is an impatient brat so I’ll leave it there, I don’ t wanna spoil my heartfelt speech too much.

T 

Whilst Katie was reading, Steve opened the box and he gently took the watch in his hand. It was silver, with a black leather strap and a simple, classic face. He studied at it before he turned it over and he instantly felt a lump in his throat. Engraved on the back was the Howling Commando emblem- they had adopted the wings from his helmet which had adorned their uniforms in whichever place they chose- with the words ‘To The Captain’ arched over the top in copper slate writing.

He gently handed it to Katie and she glanced down at it, turning it over to read the inscription, her fingers running over the writing.

“Wow.” She whispered, wiping her eyes “I’ve never seen this before.”

“It’s erm, ” Steve cleared his throat, his voice thick, “it’s pretty…”

“Awesome.” Katie smiled up at him.

“Yeah.” Steve nodded as she handed it back to him, and he placed it back in the leather box, setting it to one side.  Seeing that had brought a wave of emotions crashing back over him. Nostalgia, slight sadness at the loss of not just Tony but his other friends, and pride.

Pride that even after he was gone they’d remembered him in such a touching and genuine way.

Shaking himself out of it, he looked at Katie and then nodded to the helmet. “Do you wanna do it now or…” She nodded and picked it up in a shaking hand, before she put it on.

“Retinal Scan authenticated” FRIDAY’s voice spoke “Greetings Mrs Rogers…accessing Stark Secure Server, hologram projection activated.”

Katie removed the helmet and placed it on the table, pointing it away from them as the footage beamed out from the eye sockets. She took a deep breath as the hologramatic form of her brother appeared and he smiled at them.

“Hey Kiddo.” He spoke, “Cap…”

Katie wanted to speak back, so badly, but she knew it was pointless, he wasn’t actually there. Steve gently reached for her hand and she linked her fingers into his.

“So, I thought I better record a message, you know just in case it all goes sideways tomorrow.” Tony sniffed, sitting down on a chair. “I’ve left one for Pepper and Morgan too and the gang, but I wanted to leave you your own. I hope that you’re watching this back and our plan worked, that everyone came back and we did it,” he took a deep breath, “but there’s a couple of things I wanna get out of the way before we get into the soppy shit. So, first off, I’m leaving half my shares of Stark Industries to you, the other half goes to Pepper who will more than likely keep it for Moo once she’s old enough. If you both come to the decision to sell then, that’s cool. It’s probably run its course anyway. If not then good luck taking it in whatever direction you choose, not that you need luck, you’ve proven yourself more than capable of running it pretty much singlehandedly over the last five years.”

Katie took a deep breath and wiped at her eyes with her spare hand, the one that was entwined with Steve’s tightened around his fingers.

“Second, most of the cash assets I have pass to Pepper, but I’ve left instructions that there’s some for you as well. I know you don’t need it but I want you to use it for the kids, however many you end up with. Tell them Uncle Nee wanted to leave them something. And thirdly, the house in Malibu. I knew we never got round to rebuilding it but I still own the land and I want you to have it, Kiddo. That was our home for years and I watched you grow up there into the strong, beautiful woman you became so it only feels right. Plus it’s where we buried that fucking turkey too so it’s probably haunted by the evil bastard anyway. There’s a fund set up as well which should let you rebuild it however you want.

I know you probably won’t want to move from Brooklyn, I mean Cap’s lived there pretty much all his life, well, maybe, if you don’t count the sixty-five years doing time as a Capsicle or the time in DC and then wherever the hell you were when, well, you know,” Tony waved his hand, “whatever, the point is you can rebuild it how you want and use it how you want, nice little holiday home maybe.” Katie took a shuddering breath as now her tears were falling thick and fast. She’d forgotten all about that house, their home that had been destroyed. The fact that Tony had never sold the land so she could have it back in some form was astounding and overwhelming at the same time.

“So now that’s dealt with, onto the good stuff. First off, Spangles.” Tony spoke and Steve shifted slightly “I know we’ve had our differences, but I just wanted you to know when it comes to Katie I trust you implicitly, I think I always have done in a way. I never really had any doubts in my mind since that day I spoke to you in DC. To be honest you’re such a straight guy I trust you with pretty much anything, well, maybe not quite, I’m still not sure about our driving but that’s a different story.” Tony winked and Steve spluttered a chuckle. The fact that Captain America was a bit of a speed demon behind the wheel and been a long running joke amongst the Avengers since the beginning. “You’re a good man with a good heart, everyone knows this, I mean that’s the reason you were chosen for the serum anyway isn’t it? Because it makes the good better. I know I’m leaving my girl in good hands, but just so you know,” he raised his fingers to his eyes in the familiar ‘I’m watching you’ sign and Steve smiled, “and that won’t stop now, because if you ever do let her down I’ll make it my mission to haunt you for the rest of your life.” Tony smiled “But I know you won’t. And because I know you probably still don’t believe me I wanted to tell you once and for all that I don’t blame you for any of the shit that went down. I Love you buddy, Take it easy.”  Steve took a deep breath and wiped his tears with his spare hand as Katie gently squeezed his other again as hologram Tony shifted in his seat and his attention turned to Katie.

“Kiddo,” he sighed, “I don’t even know where to start. I know I’ve said it and said it again, but my biggest achievement in life will always be how well and good and honest and…amazing you turned out, even with me as a role model. If Moo turns out to be anything like you when she’s older then…” he trailed off and shrugged, “well, I only wish I was gonna be there to see it, oh, and that reminds me, Spangles I’m counting on you to be there to vet all potential boyfriends for suitability.” Both Katie and Steve let out a watery chuckle at that.

“But yeah, where was I…oh, right…I watched how you took Emmy under your wing, then when you had Jamie and how they’re both growing into spectacular people, it’s awesome and I really couldn’t be any prouder of the woman you became. Never lose that will to do the right thing, never lose that Stark stubbornness, never lose that streak of ferocity that leaves everyone quaking in their boots. After everything you’ve been through, I’m just sorry that I’m bringing more shitty times to your door by meeting an untimely death, but I know you’ll get through the other side, you always do. Just remember, this was my choice to fight, my choice. So I don’t want anyone thinking they’re to blame. You know, I think, deep down, I’ve always known it would end this way ever since New York. And rather this than some crazy old bastard rattling round in a home not knowing what day it is.”

Katie took another deep breath as Tony wiped his hand down his face.

“Anyway, please make sure they don’t play any soppy shit at my funeral. AC/DC, Queen or Led Zep will suffice, maybe some Train, I dunno.” He winked and Katie smiled through her tears “And if Ross is there, give him this from me.” He raised his middle finger of his right hand before he chuckled. “But I don’t know why I’m recording all of this anyway as I’m sure it’s gonna work out. I’ll probably be sat here watching it back and grimacing at how ridiculously stupid I sound and look, but just in case…I want you to remember that I love you to the stars and back my girl, I always will, and I’m beyond proud of you.”

And with that the message cut off, leaving the kitchen quiet bar Katie’s shaking, soft sobs. Steve gently turned towards her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a hug. She pressed her face into his chest, her hands sliding around his back where she gripped at his shirt her brother’s final goodbye to her echoing in her head.

**** Chapter 60

 **Original Posting**

[andypartridges]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIANE @anniewaits <333

hbd to my partner in squeezebossing !!! here's a vaguely difford and tilbrook themed fancam to celebrate <3 i genuinely considered making a bearded glenn fancam but the psychic damage would've been too much to handle. there is an incredibly soppy message under the cut bc i love to talk <3

*cracks knuckles* *winces bc i cant crack my knuckles* alright it's sentimental hours. fr this year has been one of the hardest in my whole life but i genuinely mean it when i say that your messages and chatting and squeeze watchpartying with you has made it so much better. reading through our tumblr convos is one of the highlights of my day and a main source of serotonin. you are honest to god so funny that sometimes ppl have actually asked me what i'm laughing at on my phone and idk how to explain that my bestie from 4000 km away has just sent me an idiotic meme about a fruit we're in love with. on top of your god tier meme abilities you are just so so SO incredibly talented at journaling and drawing i love seeing your glenn and chris doodles they're so cute !! when you posted the squeeze zine i looked at it like. 657473 times and then shoved it in my dad's face and i was like 'look what my friend made!!!!!'

every day i'm so glad i decided to take a chance and message you when i saw your screencaps of glenn on my dash for the first time. i had no idea it would lead to one of the best online friendships i've ever made and dear god it sounds stupidly cheesy but i feel like we've known each other for ages even though it's only been a handful of months. putting squeeze aside for a sec just being your friend in itself has made me a lot happier this year and i really hope one day we can meet, even if i have to swim to the philippines and/or somehow ship you to australia and/or singlehandedly stop a global pandemic. honestly it's not even just squeeze that makes me think of you like. i see back to the future stuff or michael j fox stuff or aztec camera or weezer or ben folds five and my brain just goes. hey there's a thing that williane likes :-) AND on top of that i always think of sweets for a stranger as Williane's Album tm. guess you just live in my mind rent free <3

anyways i hope you have a really nice birthday and get some epic squeeze drip because you absolutely deserve it. thanks for carrying this fandom on your back and talking with me and even just checking in to see how i'm doing like. it means the absolute fucking world !!!!! ilysm squeezie <333

[tractorbeamofwoe]

69, 60, 22

22- Do you want to have kids? How many?

I absolutely do. maybe like 2 or 3 but I’d be happy with even 1. Depends on what my husband thinks I guess lmao.

69- Do you believe in soulmates?

I mean I love the whole concept of soulmates because I’m so very soppy and sentimental but I just wish it wasn’t so hard to tell who is ‘the one’!

60- Do you wanna get married?

100%. That’s a main life goal of mine and I daydream about it all. the. time. 🥺

[princesssarisa]

 I’m not very familiar with Mark Adamo’s 1998 opera of Little Women, but I have heard excerpts from it and read the composer/librettist’s notes on it.

The main theme he chose for the opera is “Jo vs. the passage of time.” Its emphasis is apparently on Jo having to accept the “loss” of all thee of her sisters, Meg and Amy to their marriages and Beth to death, with the implication that her own marriage to Friedrich will fill the void. Adamo explicitly wrote that Jo learns that “growing up means growing apart” and that “everyone eventually abandons you.” It has a bittersweet ending that shows Jo singing with memory visions of her sisters' younger selves, bidding them a loving, grateful farewell, but accepting that the four of them will never be “four sisters, one soul” again – then Friedrich appears and asks her if now is a good time, to which she replies “Now is all there is.”

But is that what Alcott meant to convey?

Of course a major theme is Jo’s fear of change and learning to accept it. Of course she feels as if she’s losing Meg when the latter becomes engaged to John and later struggles with loneliness and feeling abandoned after Beth dies and Amy marries Laurie. In the end there’s definite bittersweetness about the loss of childhood, summed up in Jo’s poem “In the Garret” – which is indeed followed by a symbolic “letting go of the past’ as Jo rips up the poem and lets the pieces fly away in the wind.

But it seems to me that in the book, despite the changes, we’re reassured that the family bonds are not diminished. The chapter describing Meg’s wedding seems designed in part to put Jo’s fears of losing Meg to rest – the sisters feel assured that “the new love had not changed the old” and Meg assures her whole family that they’ll still see her every day, which they do. The same sentiment comes through in the later chapter of Amy and Laurie’s homecoming. Even Beth, we’re repeatedly assured, isn’t really lost, because her memory is still so alive and because her pious family has faith that she’s watching over them from heaven. I quote: “...death could not break the household league that love made disoluble.” The book’s final chapter has the whole family together to celebrate Marmee’s birthday and there’s a sense that the marriages have only expanded the family, not broken it up as Jo feared.

I would never think to claim that one of the book’s messages is “Growing up means growing apart”!

This reminds me of the quotes from Joe Wright about the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film’s portrayal of Elizabeth and Jane’s relationship. How he set out to portray them as growing apart over the course of the film, no longer able to confide freely in each other as they fall in love, with Darcy and Bingley taking each sister’s place as the most important person in the other sister’s life. How he argued that Austen’s portrayal of Elizabeth and Jane confiding closely in each other to the end was “soppy” and “unrealistic,” more an idealized tribute from Austen to her sister Cassandra than a believable portrait of two sisters coming of age. I know that some Austen fans are very annoyed by all of this, especially since Wright is a man presuming to know what sisters’ relationships look like better than a woman author who had a sister did.

I wonder... Is this similar change that Adamo made to Little Women and Wright made to Pride and Prejudice related to the fact that they’re both men?

I don’t mean to stereotype, but statistics have shown that men tend to isolate themselves more than women do as they get older. They grow apart from their old platonic male friends, make fewer new ones, and rely increasingly on their wives for emotional support, while women maintain bigger, closer circles of platonic female friends. I assume this tendency applies to family relationships too. I know that my own mother always keeps in close touch with her brothers, talked every day on the phone to her mother when she was alive, and saw/sees them all as often as possible, whereas my father was content to only visit his parents once a year and only occasionally talk on the phone with them, only speaks to one of his brothers every few weeks and barely speaks to the other one at all. (Although my dad’s family was much more dysfunctional than my mom’s when he was growing up – that’s a factor besides gender.)

Also, one of the major recurring themes in Shakespeare’s plays (at least as argued by Professor Emma Smith in her Approaching Shakespeare lectures) is that as young men mature, their bonds with each other need to diminish and be replaced in importance by their marriages to women.

I wonder if by having the March sisters and the elder Bennet sisters grow apart more than they arguably do in the books, Adamo and Wright were projecting a common truth about platonic male bonds onto platonic female bonds?

[dan-the-mans-blog]

The Royal Tenenbaums

Hey look! Another Wes Anderson film! Man I just love his movies, if you look up the definition of whimsy you will just see a list of his filmography. This time we get to watch the strange reunion of a dysfunctional and estranged family. We briefly see the childhood of three children, the three Tenenbaum children. We are also introduced to their father: Royal. Despite the title, this is not a movie about him, it is a movie about all of them, but mostly about Royal. Due to depression, love and a missing sprinkler system, all the children end up living in the same house again, despite the fact that they are now all adults. Then when the news that Royal has cancer and wants to spend his remaining days with his family reaches them, the real drama kicks off. Royal is a lovable screw up, he is not a good person, and has driven off every member of his family, but he is trying his hardest to win them all back. This sounds like the setup for a super soppy sentimental story about family ties, it is not however. This is a story about drugs, suicide, there is a fistfight, and some dogfighting too. Wes could have gone down that soppy route, but instead he presents a more realistic view of what would happen if an estranged family got back together, they remember that there were reasons they grew apart.

    This does not mean it is not a fun movie to watch, while it is about some often quite serious subject matter it maintains a wonderfully funny tone. It manages to perfectly stride the line between being funny and being a joke. The movie is still taken totally seriously, and it has some moments that genuinely give me chills (if you have seen it you know the specific scene set to Needle in the Hay by Elliott Smith). You slowly get to see the development of eight different characters, who all get their own arc and have a great conclusion to each of their own stories. Despite containing so many threads to the plot, the movie manages to be very easy to watch, swapping organically between each of the characters as they are tied together through the giant house they all are living in. Like Hunt for the Wilderpeople, this movie doesn’t have some huge overarching message to convey,  it just wants to take you on a journey and make you laugh and cry and everything in-between.

    One of the main things that helps this emotional rollercoaster is the soundtrack. This is one of the best movie soundtracks ever! It mixes more widely known songs covered by interesting bands as well as more unknown but still amazing and totally fitting songs. It does what a good soundtrack should, because the songs were not meant to be a movie soundtrack they do bring attention to themselves, but they are also totally fitting for the scenes which they are put to. In classic Wes fashion, it is also striking to look at. While the visual style is much more subdued than The Grand Budapest or The Darjeeling Limited it is still very Wes Anderson. You get his traditional Pastel color palette, you get the very geometric camera movements, and the fun costume designs. All of the characters have a distinct style, From Richie Tenenbaum’s ever present tennis shirt and sunglasses, to the Cowboy outfits worn by Elie Cash. Like the soundtrack, they are weird but somehow fit perfectly. I think it is the consistency and commitment to the style that is what sells the movie, it has lots of weird elements, but they are all consistent, and so you believe that this all is just the story of a weird family and not a collection of people pretending to be a family. Somehow, the fact that all the weird stuff is consistent makes you stop seeing it as weird and just go along for the ride, and what a fun ride it is.

[robronsecretsanta]

Scarlet and Emerald

A Robron Hogwarts!AU for @nvrtickleadragon

Aaron wriggles his feet, trying to get some feeling back into his cold toes. His breath is rising in soft clouds over the top of his thick red scarf as he huffs out little sighs. His position on the stone steps of the Astronomy tower gives him shelter from the swirling snowstorm outside, but the room does little to stop the icy wind whistling through, the air bitter against his exposed cheeks and fingers.

That’s not where Aaron’s mind is though, because he can still feel the flickers of irritation flaring inside. Ross bloody Barton had been shooting his mouth off over dinner in the Great Hall, rubbing salt into his and Adam’s wounds after the defeat the Slytherin quidditch team had inflicted on Gryffindor the previous weekend. Adam had been knocked out by a nasty bludger ten minutes into the game, leaving them reliant on their reserve seeker who couldn’t even catch a cold. It didn’t matter how many goals Aaron and his fellow chasers scored, they had no chance of catching the elusive snitch.

Ross and the other Slytherins had started the moment Aaron, Adam, and the rest of the team had traipsed into the hall after a late running practice – freezing cold, wet, and starving hungry. Ross had thrown himself off the bench in a poor imitation of Adam falling from his broom, amid howls of laughter from his housemates, causing Aaron to have to drag his best mate away toward their table to avoid a fight.

“Leave it! They int worth it.” Aaron had told Adam, pushing him down onto the bench and shoving a goblet of pumpkin juice into his hand.

Aaron had hoped that would be the end of it when the Slytherins left the hall, but no such luck. As Aaron and Adam tried to head back to the dormitory, they found their rivals gathered on the main staircase.

“Oi Dingle! You want a hand carrying your buddy up to the hospital wing? He looks a bit peaky.” Ross yelled as soon as he saw them approaching.

“I’d retire him for the whole season. He obviously doesn’t have the stomach for it.” Chrissie White said snidely from behind Ross, flicking her glossy dark hair back as she laughed with her sister.

“Move.” Aaron said to the group blocking their path.

“Or what?” Ross goaded, standing right in front of Aaron, chest puffed out aggressively.

“McGonagall.” Said a voice from the back of the Slytherin pack that hadn’t spoken until then, quiet and even, almost bored sounding. Aaron would know that voice anywhere – Robert Sugden. Up until he’d spoke he’d been perched on the step behind his friends, his face impassive and apparently unconcerned about the confrontation.

As Aaron turned to look over his shoulder, he spotted Professor McGonagall exiting the Great Hall with Professor Sprout, which was the Slytherin’s cue to disperse away towards the dungeons, not stupid enough to pick a fight in front of the two teachers.

“C’mon” Adam muttered, his face red and angry.

But Aaron couldn’t help watching the Slytherins’ retreat, his eyes following a head of carefully styled blond hair. Just for a second, Robert’s head seemed to twitch back in their direction, but then he turned a corner and disappeared.

“Aaron, get a move on!” Adam huffed from half-way up the stairs, and Aaron was forced to jog to catch him up.

–

Adam had gone straight up to the boys’ dormitory in a foul mood, and Aaron knew it was best to let him sleep off his annoyance. But with nothing to do except Potions homework, Aaron decided instead to throw on his cloak and head up to the Astronomy tower.

It was somewhere that Aaron had discovered in First Year was a great place to relax and think. It might be freezing cold, but at least it was quiet. This time though, he couldn’t stop his thoughts straying to a certain blond Slytherin.

Everyone knew the name Robert Sugden. He came from a long line of respected Aurors, all of whom had a reputation for being outspoken against the Dark Arts, strong and brave and passionate – Gryffindors to their core – all except for Robert.

Aaron still remembers the day their year was sorted under the sky of floating candles, he can recall the rest of the raucous Dingles hammering on the Gryffindor table as they welcomed him in with them. But he also remembers the ripples of shock and gossip that had erupted when the Sorting Hat declared a member of the famous Sugden family a Slytherin.

Aaron is so lost in the memory and the howl of the wind, that he doesn’t hear the footsteps behind him, so he jumps a mile when he feels two arms snake around his neck.

“Shit! You idiot, you scared the hell out of me.” Aaron yells, his heart-rate still thundering at the shock.

“Sorry. Couldn’t resist.” Comes the amused drawl from behind him, a warm breath behind his ear sending tingles down his back. “I hoped you’d be here.”

That voice is no longer cold and dismissive, but warm and full of humour and affection, and Aaron can’t resist turning in his spot on the step to pull Robert in to sit next to him, tugging on his boyfriend’s scarf as his cold, chapped lips search for a kiss.

Robert’s hand snakes up to cup Aaron’s red raw cheek as they kiss, and lets it linger there when he pulls back, their misty breaths mingling.

“Sorry about earlier.” Robert mutters eventually. “I told Ross he was being a prat, but you know…”

“Mhmm.” Aaron hums, pecking Robert on the lips again to show that he understands, because he does.  Aaron knows that Robert can’t be too openly sympathetic to Aaron, because of their houses, their status, and the secrecy with which their relationship is shrouded. The supposedly straight pureblood Slytherin and the out, mixed-blood Gryffindor. They both knew they made an odd couple.

“I wish you didn’t have to go home for Christmas.” Robert says quietly, resting his head on Aaron’s shoulder.

“So do I. But you know what my lot are like… they’d want to know why.” Aaron repeats back automatically. It’s not the first time they’ve had this conversation, but he still feels a pang of guilt every time. Robert, unlike Aaron, is staying at Hogwarts while most of the other students are reunited with their families.

Aaron knows that it’s a sore point for Robert, that he doesn’t feel comfortable going home to his family. He knows about his grief over the loss of his mother, and the animosity with his brother – Gryffindor’s popular head-boy Andy. The truth of what Jack Sugden did to his son when he caught him kissing the young muggle-born lad next door was a secret that Aaron guarded as vociferously as Robert did. Their long hours spent cuddled away in small corners of the castle and its grounds meant that Aaron knew Robert better than anyone – maybe even Robert himself.

“I’ll try and get back a few days early.” Aaron says, determined to try and lift Robert’s mood. “I’ll tell my family that we’ve got extra Quidditch practice or summat.”

The soft affection in Robert’s eyes, as he lifts his head and reaches for Aaron’s hand more than makes up for any missed family time.

“I’d love that.” Robert says, before grimacing. “Your hands are like ice!”

Robert reaches into his cloak pocket, pulling out a pair of thick, green and silver knitted gloves. He slides them carefully onto Aaron’s almost-blue fingers, his own warmer digits brushing gently over the delicate, scarred skin of Aaron’s wrist as he tucks them under his sleeve, kind and reverent.

“Thanks.” Aaron says.

“I can’t stay much longer, I promised Vic I’d meet her in the library to give her a hand with her Charms essay.” Robert says apologetically, but Aaron just waves the comment off.

Most people would never know it, but Aaron knew that Robert was incredibly loving and protective with his little sister, the little second year Gryffindor with a sweet disposition. Vic also happened to be the only person who knew about his and Robert’s relationship, after she arrived early for one of their study sessions and caught them snogging in the Restricted Section. Unlike the rest of her family, she was always supportive of Robert and would regularly carry messages from Robert to Aaron in the Gryffindor Common Room when they were arranging to meet, so Aaron wouldn’t begrudge his boyfriend spending time with her before she returned home for Christmas without him.

“You’re gonna love the present I’ve got you though.” Robert teases, breaking through Aaron’s musings.

“Tell me!”

“Nope.” Robert grins, popping his P. “If you want to know, you’ll have to hurry back to me.”

“I don’t need any encouragement for that, believe me.” Aaron says, realising too late that his voice had missed the blasé tone he was going for, and had landed somewhere between sentimental and downright soppy.

The green of Robert’s scarf makes the flecks of colour in his eyes seem brighter as Aaron pulls him in for one last kiss.

It takes another five minutes before Robert is eventually able to tear himself away to head to the library, but not before calling back over his shoulder.

“Get back to the Common Room. Hypothermia isn’t a good look on you.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow before I leave.” Aaron tosses back, ignoring the jibe entirely.

“Merry Christmas Aaron. I love you.”

“You too.”

–

It’s only as Aaron approaches the portrait of the Fat Lady that he remembers he’s still wearing Robert’s green and silver gloves. He pulls them off, and shoves them deep into his cloak pockets so nobody can see them.

Aaron already knows that he has no intention of giving them back.

[superrichlads]

Shepherds Bush Empire is typically a venue for up-and-coming stars; artists who’ve had a couple of hits and are steadily making their way into the big time, but aren’t quite there yet. In many ways, Niall Horan fits the bill; he’s had two highly successful singles in the past year, and this is only his second solo live show.

Despite the fact that the 23-year-old Irishman is yet to release his debut album, he can hardly be considered merely up-and-coming – he’s a millionaire with huge numbers of fans all over the world, who has performed to huge crowds hundreds of times, and could have easily filled venues more than three times the size of this cosy, 2000-capacity room in West London. Despite this, the setting is somehow just right for the second night of the Flicker Sessions.

Supporting band Picture This are unfamiliar to much of the crowd, but they are nonetheless received with warmth and respect. The fans listen attentively to their enjoyable – if unexciting – indie pop, and happily clap along when the songs call for it. When frontman Ryan Hennessy explains before playing “Smell Like Him” that it is a sad song, everyone in the room immediately puts their lit-up phones in the air. Although the song is not especially moving in itself, the atmosphere in the moment is. The band are very humble – they too will be headlining this very same room in November – and they frequently thank both the fans and Horan for the opportunity to play.

It is, of course, when the band mention the name of the main act tonight that the volume quadruples. This volume is quadrupled again when the man himself walks casually onto the stage. It’s a well-deserved welcome as he and his band launch into “The Tide”, which feels like a fitting opener. As Horan sings “don’t let the tide come and wash us away / don’t let the tide come and take me”, it feels like he is making a request of the fans. Firstly, to not forget One Direction - the roots of which he is proud of and intends to return to in the future - and secondly, not to let his solo music drown in the endless current of one-hit-wonders. Judging by the music that follows in the next hour, and the delighted reactions of the crowd, Horan’s is a career strong enough to stay afloat.

Whilst Horan has made it abundantly clear that he loved his time in One Direction and will be more than ready to return when his other bandmates are ready, the direction of his new music is decidedly different. It’s certainly no surprise to fans that these songs are driven primarily by acoustic - and occasionally electric - guitars and have an alternative, almost folky vibe, but it may surprise the general public. Summer smash hit “Slow Hands” is sonically an anomaly, with Horan favouring the more pared down sounds of debut single “This Town”. Whilst the latter is a somewhat soppy acoustic ballad, tracks like “Since We’re Alone” and “Mirrors” are more lively, with classic rock guitars and edgy yet clean vocals. This is not to dismiss the singles – both of which are highlights of the night – because everyone enjoys a good sing-along, but undeniably, it is when Niall begins an acoustic rendition of One Direction song “Fool’s Gold” that the energy in the room shifts to another plane. People cry, and the whole room sings along as if their lives depend on it. And no doubt, to many of these dedicated fans it feels that way – that it’s exactly the reminder they need that this is not the end of their favourite band.

That was the magic of One Direction – and still is; the ability to make fans feel safe, feel held. Of all the boys’ music, Horan’s is what will continue this tradition – if the gentle and emotional mid-set track “Fire Away” is anything to go by. Listening to it feels like receiving a warm hug from Horan himself, something elevated by the cosy lighting and intimate setting. Lyrically, it’s very touching – a more sophisticated, less pop version of One Direction fan favourite “Little Things”.

It’s a warm and emotionally charged night, but not one that leaves people too sad that it’s over. Debuting an album that the world is yet to hear is a risky move – something Horan acknowledges early in the set. As “On My Own” rounds off the night, it feels very fittingly not like an ending, but a beginning. It is a song filled with excitement about life and the sentiment echoes the uncontainable grin on Niall’s face. It mirrors the readiness of the fans for more, but also their contentment with what they’ve been given tonight. As the Empire empties out, one thing is evident – there’s far more than a flicker of hope for the success of Niall Horan’s solo career.

the line of best fit

[folklifestyle]

My very favorite quote. It's from the movie Elizabethtown. Whenever changes come it is the sentiment I hold on to. This past week brought a lot of changes for me and for @folkmagazine. I flew to NYC last week to finish up a deal that would change the direction of this entire business. It was the final step in a decision I made at the beginning of the year. I either decided I was going to regain my drive or I was going to give up. I realize I shouldn't complain. I have a life a million girls would kill for...but I felt lost, alone, and generally depressed. I'd go on these trips and dinners to all these places yet it all felt fake. Influencer dinners with Instagram "influencers" making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year...all because you like their photos....yet were fake AF in person. I left these trips totally defeated and spent the winter in bed. After I spent the winter in be I gathered my team, my friends, and my advisers around and asked...what the hell do I need to do. The first and most obvious step was to kill all forms of commerce..the online shop, shows, markets, and any idea I had of having a store here in Beaver Dam. Commerce never made enough to hire the staff it needed, nor made little enough that I could handle it myself...so it became a soggy, soppy, embarrassing mess...key word embarrassing...so as of yesterday it is D E A D. Next was working with an agency to built out our website and all our partnerships...cause yuck, I am an influencer... Basically that means some of the content on here is going to be sponsored...no, I'm not selling out. It makes sense for us to work with corporations that have big budgets so we can afford to grow our team...and so we can invest in creating real, quality content that is dedicated to makers and doers. We launched @theamericanreview as a home base for all things maker. The third step...which will be the death of me...I have to start shooting my own photography and blogging, and being in my photos. So I shot this photo in Maine...of Paige....but I'll be in some photos...I promise. Some day. I'm really excited for this journey. I'm really excited for this next adventure. More in the next post! #liveauthentic (at Folklifestyle.com)