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#2020 was book paradise for me
starsstardust · 3 months
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It’s crazy how I found The Raven Cycle, All For The Game AND Captive Prince one fine April in 2020 while in quarantine and never got over them.
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sad-boys-book-club · 2 months
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"&" Ampersand - A Literary Companion
Selected stories with the themes of Bastille's upcoming project "&" Ampersand. And, of course, a love letter to my favourite band.
PART 1
Intros & Narrators: Wallace, David Foster. Oblivion: Stories. Little, Brown and Company, 2004./ Nancherla, Aparna. Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome. Penguin Publishing Group, 2023.// Eve & Paradise Lost: Bohannon, Cat. Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2023. / Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Alma Classics, 2019.// Emily & Her Penthouse In The Sky: Dickinson, Emily. Emily Dickinson’s Poems: As She Preserved Them. Harvard University Press, 2016. /Dickinson, Emily. Emily Dickinson: Letters. Edited by Emily Fragos, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2011.// Blue Sky & The Painter: Prideaux, Sue. Edvard Munch: Behind the Scream. Yale University Press, 2019. / Knausgaard, Karl Ove. So Much Longing in So Little Space: The Art of Edvard Munch. Random House, 2019.//
PART 2
Leonard & Marianne: Hesthamar, Kari. So Long, Marianne: A Love Story - Includes Rare Material by Leonard Cohen. Ecw Press, 2014./ Cohen, Leonard. Book of Longing. Penguin Books Limited, 2007.// Marie & Polonium: Curie, Eve. Madame Curie. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2013./Sobel, Dava. The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science. Atlantic Monthly Press, 2024.// Red Wine & Wilde: Wilde, Oscar, et al. De Profundis. Harry N. Abrams, 1998./ Sturgis, Matthew. Oscar: A Life. Head of Zeus, 2018.// Seasons & Narcissus: Ovid. Metamorphoses: A New Verse Translation. Penguin, 2004./ Morales, Helen. Antigone Rising: The Subversive Power of the Ancient Myths. PublicAffairs, 2020.//
PART 3
Drawbridge & The Baroness: Rothschild, Hannah. The Baroness: The Search for Nica, the Rebellious Rothschild. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2013./ Katz, Judy H. White Awareness: Handbook for Anti-racism Training. University of Oklahoma Press, 1978.// The Soprano & Her Midnight Wonderings: Ardoin, John, and Gerald Fitzgerald. Callas: The Art and the Life. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1974./ Abramovic, Marina. 7 Deaths of Maria Callas. Damiani, 2020.// Essie & Paul: Ransby, Barbara. Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson. Haymarket Books, 2022./ Robeson, Paul. Here I Stand. Beacon Press, 1998.//
PART 4
Mademoiselle & The Nunnery Blaze: Gautier, Theophile. Mademoiselle de Maupin. Penguin Classics, n.d./ Gardiner, Kelly. Goddess. HarperCollins, 2014.// Zheng Yi Sao & Questions For Her: Chang-Eppig, Rita. Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2023./ Borges, Jorge Luis. A Universal History of Infamy. Penguin Books, 1975. // Telegraph Road 1977 & 2024: Kaufman, Bob. Golden Sardine. City Lights Books, 1976./ Wolfe, Tom. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Pan Macmillan Australia Pty, Limited, 2008.
Original artwork created by Theo Hersey & Dan Smith. Printed letterpress at The Typography Workshop, South London.
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fullscoreshenanigans · 2 months
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Assorted bits/trivia/propaganda: • Favorite volume cover poll can be found here, and favorite inner volume cover poll can be found here. • Chapter 47's art is Kaiu Shirai's favorite color chapter cover art per the "Tracks to the Neverland" exhibition book interview (from December 2020): "Amazingly drawn upper arms (and legs!) Everyone is drawn differently for their different ages! I adore the happy smiles of a mother and her daughters. It's a color page published on One Piece's 20th anniversary, so let me applaud the use of the straw hats and One Piece theme. I love it. Only Emma's hat is fringed and that's the best!" • Chapter 75's art is Demizu's fifth favorite color chapter cover art per the exhibition interview: "The theme was graduation, and I had a lot of trouble deciding the color of the clothes, which left a lasting impression on me. The color scheme is a bit mismatched thanks to the combination of bright colors like foreign uniforms and cherry blossoms, but I think I turned out beautifully." • Chapter 119 was the inspiration for the "The Guiding Star" short story originally published in Shounen Jump GIGA 2019 Summer Volumes 1–3 and eventually reprinted in the fourth light novel, "Films of Memories." (First part can be found here, translated by @presumenothing.) • I included the original spread of chapter 153 in WSJ because the "he is always alone" line kills me. This is also Shirai's fifth favorite color chapter cover art per the exhibition interview: "God. Representing Norman’s mental landscape like this..? I want to take a peek inside Demizu-sensei’s brain! The expression on Norman’s face, a burnt land's grief, frailty; Emma and Ray appearing there. It hit me so hard that I used the metaphor for the main story as well. I love it!" • Chapter 181 propaganda by @tutubola and some tag ramblings:
"i really like this actually. ray carrying one of the younger kids? norman w rolled up pants? the vulnerability???? all of them w rolled up pants/skirts actually. gilda looks so cute. and look at sherry she's so obsessed w norman it's so cute. i would make this more elaborate but i cant think rn be back in 46-79 business days (#it's the more-than-earned casualness of it all combined with it being one of those pictures you can hear the sound of #the soft ebb and flow of the waves and cry of the seagulls #with the warmth emanating from this scene of this family that against all odds was able to overturn destiny #and come out together just as close as not more so than where we started with them in the very first chapter #enhanced by the gentle hues of the setting sun to parallel the end of their long and hard-fought journey #and the warm air that's carried by an equally gentle sea breeze~ #shoutout specifically to seeing Anna‚ Don‚ Norman‚ and Ray naturally falling into their elder sibling roles #showcasing one of the fundamental cores of this series #healingly wholesome)
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Ridin’ The Waves 🏄‍♀️ | Javy “Coyote” Machado Imagine
Takes place before, during and after the events of TGM
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TGM masterlist
Characters & Pairings: Javy “Coyote” Machado x pro surfer!reader (romantic), dagger squad (platonic)
Content Warnings: fluff, profanity, pop culture references, details of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics | female!reader (she/her) | wc: 9.1k
Requested 📨 yes/no (for @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby)
Premise: From the moment she could walk Y/n L/n belonged to the sea. Riding the waves that started as a hobby, only to lead her to the world’s greatest sporting stage. It would take time before her dream of Olympic Gold would happen as surfing had yet to be recognized by the IOC. But in her pursuit of becoming the greatest female surfer of all time, Y/n found who she believed was the closest person to paradise.
Note: I gotta say writing athlete/Olympian!reader imagines with the dagger squad are truly some of my favorite. Gosh I cannot wait for next year because that means…..2024 Olympics 👀 Guys I’m almost done with my semester! I have less than two weeks and all i have left to do is a paper and final project !! Almost to the finish thank goodness and then I move in with my friend before starting my summer job! Hope y’all enjoyed this work and let me know what you think!
Be sure to watch the video I linked during the Rock’s segment. I didn’t make it up it actually was a segment during the opening ceremonies on NBC’s coverage.
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“Is this heaven?” He laid on the surfboard beside her, feet in the water with the warmth of the sun hit his back. A cool breeze was starting to set in as the most beautiful sunset was before him, painting the sky an endless murrel of pink and orange. Only the subtle echo of the low tide filled his ears. Javy pressed his cheek onto the board, finding her smile which made his own appear at her words.
“More like paradise.”
Everyone had their own definition of paradise. Maybe it was the quiet plains of Montana or the mountains of Appalachia. Maybe it was strolling down the streets of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Rain pouring down on New York City with a steaming cup of tea in hand or driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with “California Love” blasting through the radio. Reading a book by the fire next to their soulmate, dancing with strangers at a concert. Ask anyone what they viewed as their own personal paradise and the responses will vary.
Y/n L/n felt she was in paradise almost everyday of her life. Waking up to the view of the ocean while birds flew overhead. Feet hitting the sand as she ran to the waters with her board, anxiously waiting to ride the waves. Salt water coating skin and hair, sun beaming down.
Paradise.
From the moment she could walk the beach became her second home. Having grown up on the island of O’ahu Y/n learned how to surf before riding a bike. Her parents surfed. As did her siblings. Getting an instructor wasn’t needed with a family who knew everything there was about the art of surfing. Y/n received her first board at age four, and from then on her life was devoted to the water. Owning more swimsuits than t-shirts and shorts by the time she reached fifth grade.
She was a natural at best. Always predicting when and where the best waves would be. Timing the push up so perfect others—even her family—were unable to keep up.
“C’mon, leave some for the rest of us,” her brother would groan, missing a wave due to her swooping in at the last second. Y/n only laughed in return.
“Gotta be faster than that.”
Her parents, surfers themselves, were basically her coaches. On weekends they were waking her up at the crack of dawn, breakfast on the counter and telling her to be on the beach when she was done. Then of course she had to apply sunscreen, the substance coating every inch of her skin. Once on the beach a thirty minute run and stretching was mandatory before she could get in the water.
Skipping such a step would have her sore all night.
“We’re gonna work on your 360, cutback, and tube ride before finishing the day with cleaning up your alley oop.”
“If I don’t make a lot of mistakes can we watch Lilo & Stitch after dinner?”
“Yes, that is a fair deal.”
Mistakes? What are those? Mistakes weren’t in Y/n’s nature and if they occurred it was a rare sighting. Only time Y/n ever did mess up on a maneuver was when she was first learning it. Once she had it down it was impossible to lose.
All the friends she made loved going to the beaches after school and on weekends—getting all their homework done during the school hours so their entire afternoon was free. They signed up for competitions together, Y/n entering her first at age 14 for the 2004 Juniors season after competitions in regionals since age 11. “You’re gonna win the comp, Y/n.”
“Oh stop playing,” she brushed her best friend off, only to hear the murmurs of agreement from the rest of the group.
“I’m serious! You catch the best waves and ride them perfectly. Those judges are gonna be amazed on Saturday—I bet you’ll even get a sponsor.”
Her best friend was right. Not only did Rip Curl—THE Rip Curl want Y/n to be the face of their new campaign, but the surfing world would know her name for generations to come.
“Welcome back to our coverage of the 2004 ISA World Junior Surf Championship here in beautiful O’ahu, Hawaii here on ESPN. We’re dwindling down on the final competition with the defending champion from last year's event, sixteen-year-old Carolina Kanoa, and newcomer, Y/n L/n. If you’ve been watching the competition then you know all eyes have been on the fourteen-year-old native of Kapolei here on O’ahu, who scored the highest in her heats and received all tens in the quarterfinals after a perfect run.”
“It was quite the sight, Tom. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so effortless in this competition. Y/n’s delivered a captivating performance each wave she’s catched—always getting the first one in her heats and pulling out a big score putting her high on the leaderboard. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see her on top of the podium today.”
“For anyone watching at home who are new to surfing or just want a little refresh on the scoring system, here is how it works: a panel of five judges determine a score one through ten, ten being the best, for each surfer on their wave based on degree of difficulty, innovative maneuvers, combination of major maneuvers, the variety of said maneuvers, and the speed, power, and flow. The highest and lowest score are thrown out leaving the remaining three, which are then averaged out. Now a surfer can catch as many waves as they please but only the two highest scoring waves will be added together to give the total score for that heat. From there competitors are eliminated until there are two finalists.”
Treading water, Y/n paid close attention to the scene in front of her. With only three minutes left on the clock, she was one wave away from crowning herself the Junior World Champion.
“Give me a sign,” she breathed in the salty air. Her thoughts were answered seconds later by a chill running down her neck, gaze snapping to the left where she saw the water draw back. Springing into action, Y/n paddled towards the forming wave, timing it at the perfect moment to end the competition on a bang. She heard the crowd cheer when she stood up, increasing each maneuver she did until finally riding out the end of the wave right as the bullhorn sounded.
Her heart pounded, “Did I just win?” Damn sure she did. Nothing could describe the feeling of holding the championship trophy at the top of the podium. And what made it ten times better, an ambassador of Rip Curl offered her a sponsorship. Before long Y/n’s name and face were plastered across all their campaigns. After winning the ISA Junior World Championships three years in a row—making her a household name in surfing—Y/n went on to senior international competitions. From there her glory only skyrocketed.
ISA World Surfing Games, World Surf League, Rip Curl Pro, Big Wave Tour, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Y/n’s little shelf of trophies turned into a full length china cabinet. Traveling back and forth from O’ahu to America. Sometimes even going to South America and Japan for international comps. By age 19 she had created her own maneuver earning her even more attention due to the level of difficulty.
“I don’t see what the fuss is about?” She chewed on a piece of spam, leaning her elbows on the kitchen counter. “All I did was add a couple of extra spins on my aerial.” Her mother gave her a bewildered look.
“That move in itself is difficult, Y/n. Not many perform it in competition and the fact you successfully landed one—with your little spoof nonetheless, people are gonna be amazed.”
“Well, I guess I just got lucky.”
Following high school Y/n turned professional and moved to Honolulu to attend the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa where she studied sports management with a minor in sports science. A family friend had an old Volkswagen Type 2 and Y/n was happy to take it off their hands, fixing it up to have the perfect beach van. Once classes were done for the day Y/n was packing it up with her board, cooler, boombox, and her closest friends.
“You sure this thing isn’t gonna break down on us?”
“Don’t insult Sandy. She’s as good as new,” okay that was a stretch, the van was literally 60 years old, “and I filled her up on gas this morning so we shouldn’t find ourselves on the side of the road.”
“Thanks for the confidence, Y/n. Much appreciated.”
It wasn’t uncommon for people to recognize her on campus. Having generated a public image in surfing—which many of her peers were also involved in—meant she was bound to hear, “Hey, you’re Y/n L/n?” “Oh my gosh I’ve been watching you compete since you were a junior competitor.” “Congrats on winning the Pro this year.”
There were times professors kindly asked, “Can you sign this for my kid? They’ve been into surfing lately and you’re their favorite athlete.” Taking photos with supporters happened occasionally as did giving advice to those wanting to get into surfing. It was a nice feeling for the woman to be able to inspire people and share the sport she loved.
Expanding the art of surfing to the world.
Four years of college seemed to fly by fast. Y/n was surprised she managed to pull through with a 3.6 GPA and graduate Cum Laude with everything in her life. A lot of the competitions were during the school year so Y/n had lots of work on her plate—thankfully some instructors were reasonable and allowed her to get an advance on the material. But she completed her degree with immense relief, aiming to get a career in sports going either by becoming a trainer or manager following her retirement from surfing.
“Y/n, It’s so great to see you again this year at the World Surf League World Championship. You recently graduated from the University of Hawai’i, you’re set to compete in today’s finals to defend your title—how many would this be for you? Number seven?”
Y/n chuckled with the reporter, brushing away a stray piece of hair. “Lucky number seven, yes. I’m so happy and grateful to be competing today—excited to hit the water and try to catch the best waves possible. Regardless of the outcome today I’m just really happy to be here again. I always look forward to this time of year—being able to compete and after working so hard in school this last semester, it’s definitely a relief to not have to worry about finishing a paper last minute once this comp ends.”
“There’s been recent talk of surfing possibly becoming an Olympic sport after much demand following the London Games this year. What are your thoughts? Do you think it’ll be featured in Rio and if so are you going to try and make the team?”
Since becoming a professional sport in 1959 following the first West Coast Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach, California, surfing had yet to reach the greatest sporting stage. The Olympic Games. Held every four years where thousands of athletes from around the globe come together to compete for the chance at gold. Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and three-time Olympic freestyle swimming champion having won gold at the 1912 and 1920 Games respectively, first advocated the sport to be in the Olympics back in 1920. Had it not been for him, surfing may not have become as popular in the world as it was.
When it came to the Olympics, Y/n loved sitting by the tv to watch Team USA. Witnessing historic moments and record breaking finishes she was in awe of every athlete who came across the screen. Swimming, diving, track, gymnastics, soccer. So many sports events in a single fortnight. She hoped surfing would become an official sport in the Games. For she too had dreams of an Olympic gold around her neck.
Pausing for a moment, Y/n smiled at the thought of her becoming an Olympic Champion, “I think a lot of us can agree that we’d like to see surfing become part of the Olympic family. It’s one of the oldest sports and has its own professional circuit for decades now—I mean we’ve got people here today from Japan, Italy, El Salvador and Australia. Why not include it? And you can definitely expect me to be training the moment it is.”
It would be four years before Y/n could make do with that promise. On August 3, 2016, two days prior to the opening ceremonies of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, the IOC announced surfing would finally be an Olympic sport.
“Exciting news for the surfing world,” the headline appeared on the screen of ESPN’s afternoon coverage, “the International Olympic Committee has just confirmed the sport will be introduced for the first time in its history at the Tokyo Olympics taking place in 2020–marking 100 years since surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku first started advocating for it to be featured. Professional surfing isn’t new to international competition having debuted at Huntington Beach, California in 1959. Since then there’s been several meets featuring surfers from all over the world—the most recent being the 2016 Rip Curl Pro where ten-time World Surf League champion Y/n L/n claimed the title once again for the fifth time since her senior international debut in 2007. L/n is just one of many professional surfers who’ve advocated for surfing to be in the Olympics over the years and expressed interest in competing for a chance at gold. With the confirmation by the IOC this morning, I’d say we’ll be seeing her at the trials in four years.”
The morning after the announcement Y/n headed to the beach to find her father propping her board into the sound. “So four years, huh?” Y/n crossed her arms over her chest, feeling the wind breeze past them.
“Seems like a long way, but it’ll be around the corner before we know it.”
“We better get started then.”
Morning, afternoon, evening. Every day Y/n was on the water catching waves left and right. Perfecting maneuvers, getting air in her aerials. When taking breaks she’d go on runs and to the gym. She still participated in yearly competitions and surfed with her friends, but her training habits became more intense as she prepped for Tokyo. When she wasn’t sleeping, eating, or competing she was on the water.
By 2019 Y/n had accumulated the most titles won by a female surfer with ten ISA World Surfing Games—formerly the World Surfing Championships, ten Rip Curl Pro trophies, five QuickSilver pro Gold Coast, five-time triple crown winner, and the 2016 champion of The Eddie Aikua Big Wave International. Winning The Eddie and becoming the first woman in history to do so after the event returned from a seven-year hiatus had Y/n on the front page of several sports magazines around the world. It was a huge accomplishment. Pushing Y/n as the favorite to win gold in Tokyo.
Towards the later end of the year, October in fact, Y/n found herself on the sunny beaches of San Diego, California. August to November were the best months to surf in the area, being it was late summer going into fall where the heat wasn’t excruciating. Still one had to wear a wetsuit to even touch the water.
Y/n was in town to visit an old friend from college and to help the Pacific Beach Surf Club with their beach cleanups and participate in a charity competition. Having traveled in San Diego a few times she was no stranger to the club and welcomed with open arms. Volunteering in their cleanups was the least she could do to prepare the beach for the charity event.
When they finished they all changed out of their clothes into wetsuits, wasting no time to hit the waves. “Hey!” Her friend yelled from where she was treading water, tone teasing, “be sure to leave some for the rest of us, yeah?” Y/n threw her head back in laughter.
“I make no promises!”
Anytime Y/n surfed out of training or competition she felt so free. No pressure to be perfect. No shouting from her father. No commentary from the sportscasters or questions from reporters. Only her, her board, and the beautiful sea.
She cheered on her friend and the people in their cleanup group when they caught waves. Complimenting them whenever they did a cool trick. In return they whistled and hollered for her. They soon developed an audience from the shore. Children and adults alike stop to watch them in awe. Instantly drawn to Y/n who glided effortlessly, guiding her board into a tube ride.
Unbeknownst to the surfer, a group of navy pilots had stopped their game of dogfight football to observe the show.
Jake whistled, “Damn she’s good.” Mickey agreed.
“I don’t think I’ve seen someone surf like that. She’s a natural.”
“Probably has been doing it for years,” Bradley commented, fixing his aviators. Natasha and Bob hummed in agreement.
“I think I’m in love,” Javy breathed out, simply in awe of what he was witnessing. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen showcasing talent on a board he could only dream of possessing.
He wondered what her laugh sounded like, seeing her head tilt back at something her friend said. Even from the distance her smile was breathtaking. Hair pulled back into a tight bun, body adored in a wetsuit to combat the cool water. A cheeky smirk thrown at her peers when she started paddling toward a forming wave. Standing on the board like a pro and making all kinds of turns and tricks Javy knew he’d wipe out the second he attempted them. Speaking of wiping out, she hadn’t done it once.
Jake nudging him from the side snapped him out of his daydream, “Go talk to her.” At the nod of his head, Javy realized she was running across the sand, stopping when she got to an area of coolers, towels, and backpacks.
“No!” He hissed, eyes reading, ‘are you crazy?’
“Why not? Just go up and start complimenting her. Ask her how long she’s been surfing. That’ll start a conversation.”
Javy scoffed, “Easy for you to say, Mr. Ken Barbie Doll who doesn’t need a confidence boost when talking to women.” Jake went to rebuttals but the sound of Reuben coughing stopped him.
“Uh guys….” He lifted a finger, their gazes following to find a family of four approaching the young woman. They couldn’t hear what was being said, but seeing her take a notepad from the little girl before scribbling in what appeared to be an autograph followed by the father snapping a photo with his phone, it was enough to conclude she was someone.
“Are…is she signing autographs?” Javy wondered aloud. He watched her sign the little boy's boogie board, posing for a photo with him before kneeling down to be on both the children’s level and smile for the camera. Hell even the parents wanted a photo, one of her friends coming over to hold the phone while they positioned themselves on either side. Then finally the whole family had a group one, saying their goodbyes and thank you’s to the woman who waved as they left.
“So she’s kinda famous,” Bradley said the obvious, everyone in a daze. Probably trying to figure out who the woman was, as none had recognized her as an actress or singer.
While they were busy investigating, Y/n unzipped her wetsuit leaving her bikini underneath and pulled on shorts with a graphic t-shirt overtop. “What are you guys doing after this?”
“We’re gonna grab some drinks at The Hard Deck. You down?”
“The Hard Deck?” She repeated with a tilt of the head. Never had she heard of the place.
“It’s that bar over there,” Y/n turned to the direction her friend was nodding at, eyes landing on a building not far from where they stood. “Great vibes, but I must warn ya it’s always filled with Navy fellas.” Y/n perked up slightly. Having lived on O’ahu all her life she was familiar with Navy personnel. After all, Pearl Harbor was located just on the coast of the island.
“Really?”
“Yeah, Miramar is not too far from here. It’s where the pilots train so expect to see some in flight suits.”
At around 6 the group packed it up and headed for the bar. Upon entry Y/n saw exactly what her friend had warned. The place was buzzing. Servicemen and women on every corner, music blasting from the jukebox. They approached the bar top to order a round of beers before settling over by the high top tables, splitting the group up since there were about eight of them.
“Check it out, Machado,” Payback clapped his friend’s back, making him turn to where his attention was. Javy’s eyes widened upon seeing the surfer.
“Did they just get here?”
“Looked like it. You should talk to her—especially since this is the second sighting in mere hours.” The pilot rolled his eyes.
“I don’t wanna come off as a creep, Fitch. What am I supposed to say ‘Hey, sorry if this is weird but I saw you surfing earlier—can I buy you a drink?’ She might throw me to the sharks.”
Natasha shook her head, “men.” A moment later Penny arrived with a tray of beers, placing them down on the seat beside Bob where the guys were shooting pool, “delivery for my favorite dagger squad.”
Thanks were sent her way followed by Jake asking, “Say Pen, you know those guys?” The bartender glanced over her shoulder to see who he was referring to, nodding with a smile.
“Oh that’s some members of the Pacific Beach Surf Club. They were cleaning up the beach earlier for tomorrow's charity competition. Expect the place to be packed if you drop by, it’s always a madhouse. This year they’ve got some of the best surfers participating.”
“Do you know if she’s one of them,” Javy tried to act cool when pointing out the woman.
Upon Penny’s smirk, the answer was clear, “Unless my eyes are deceiving me, I believe that’s ten-time world surfing champion Y/n L/n.”
“Ten?!” Mickey repeated, “Holy shit.” Around him the others were matching his expression. Javy immediately grabbed his phone to type in the name. Sure enough the image of the woman seated at the table appeared on his screen. Clicking on the Wikipedia page he started to read aloud for the group the opening paragraph.
“Y/n M/n L/n, born y/b/m yb/d, 1990 is an American professional surfer from Kapolei, O’ahu, Hawaii and a ten-time World Surf League Women’s World champion, the most titles won by any female surfer to date. L/n made her debut at the World Surf League Junior Championships at age 14 in 2004 in her native O’ahu, winning three consecutive times before turning to senior international competition where she’s won a total of forty world titles—including becoming a five-time triple crown winner. As of 2016, L/n is the defending champion and first women to win the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. She is set to compete at the first ever U.S Olympic Trials in hopes of making the Tokyo Olympic Team where surfing will make its debut at the Olympics.”
“Well I’ll be damned,” Jake peered over Javy’s shoulder, watching him scroll down to view Y/n’s career statistics. Mickey appeared on the opposite side, whistling under his breath. Natasha took out her own phone to search herself, Bradley, Bob, and Payback all glancing over to see.
“She’s literally called the greatest surfer of this generation,” Bradley pointed out. “Talk about intimidating.”
“Now you gotta buy her a drink, Machado,” Payback concluded, igniting another glare from his friend. “Say you pulled an Olympian.”
“I’ll take it to her,” Penny offered, and before Javy could stop her the woman was back behind the bar. They watched her take a Corona from the cooler, add a lime and proceed to the table the athlete was at. “From the gentlemen by the pool tables,” Penny smiled at Y/n, nodding to the group, “the one the blonde is pointing at.” Turning her head, Y/n saw the guy in question pushing his friend’s hand down, a reddish hue on his cheeks when they made eye contact followed by a wave.
‘Well hello there,’ she thought, smiling at the handsome man. He was in a pair of basketball shorts and t-shirt reading NAVY in bold letters. The group he was with all scattered to make it look like they weren’t eavesdropping when Y/n approached, Corona in hand, “Hi.”
“Hello,” even his voice was attractive. Everything about him was. From his clear smooth skin to his dazzling smile. Toned arms and legs.
“Thanks for the beer.”
“Anytime,” he tipped the one in his hand, Y/n clicking hers against it. “Sorry if this is weird at all. I saw you surfing earlier and was trying to muster up the courage to come talk to you….but couldn’t find the words to say.”
Y/n smirked, gesturing to an empty pool table, “how about a game? Maybe it’ll help loosen your nerves.” Moving to a cue Y/n sees his grin widen, “I’m Y/n by the way.”
“I’m Javy, but you can call me Coyote.”
“Coyote?” She repeats with a chuckle, “That’s an interesting nickname.”
“Callsign actually,” he politely corrects before explaining he was a naval aviator. Grabbing his own cue while she sets up the rack, he added, “Wasn’t my doing.”
“Then how’d you get it?”
“Um…” he made a face, as though he was embarrassed to say. “I’ll tell you if you win this match.” A sound between a scoff and a laugh escaped her.
“So that’s how it’s gonna be.” Javy raises his hands in defense, laughing with her. “And if you win?”
His own smirk appears, “You give me your phone number…maybe even let me take you out.” Biting back a grin and fighting the warm feeling in her chest, Y/n removes the rack leaving the pool balls neatly centered.
“Challenge accepted, Coyote.”
It was safe to say both came out as winners that night. Though Y/n won the game and got the scoop on Javy’s callsign origin, he walked away with her number and plans to have dinner the following night after her charity event. Javy made the promise to come out and watch her surf, excited to see her in action. Hearing Y/n talk about the sport and her accomplishments was even cooler in person than reading it off the internet. From her amateur days to becoming a full blown professional. Winning countless championship titles, being the first woman to win The Eddie and her dream to win gold at the Olympics.
Javy was smitten.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then?” She smiled when they reached her van at the end of the night. They talked for hours to the point they lost track of time. It was 11 o’clock and she had to be up at five.
“You said it starts at noon?” At her nod Javy continued, “I’ll be there. And I look forward to our dinner plans after.” Y/n felt the heat rise, hoping it wasn’t displaying on her face.
“Me too. Thank you for a fun night, Javy,” feeling bold, Y/n leans to place a kiss on his cheek. The action leaves him stunned, smile growing bigger as she pulls away. “See you on the beach.”
Now Javy had loved the beach before meeting Y/n. But his love for it and the ocean only grew the moment he watched her ride the waves. Cheering from the sand as she dropped down and glided the tide with ease. It made him want to stay there forever.
He understood quickly why she was regarded as the greatest female surfer of all time. Yeah it was a charity competition and not a world championship, but Y/n treated the waves no differently. She was a beast. Total control of her board, little to no mistakes.
Their dinner date was filled with laughter, flirty sarcasm, stories so outrageous one would think they were bluffing. Javy spoke of his time at Top Gun and his friendship with Jake. Y/n told him about her college days. Both engaged in conversations about dreams and aspirations. Yeah they had their dream careers, but one can always dream bigger. Dream about friendship, dream about love.
Dream about the future.
When the night came to an end, Y/n laid her head on the pillow with a smile on her face, “I think this might be paradise.”
23 July 2021–The Hard Deck, San Diego California.
“It’s almost time for USA!” Javy hushes everyone, grabbing the remote to increase the volume. The place was packed mostly with the squad's friends, colleagues, the Pacific Beach Surf Club, and college students from UC San Diego. Togethery they were gathered to watch the opening ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Tokyo Olympics.
Finally after a whole year of waiting the Games were finally being held. A global pandemic sure would be the only thing to stop the most iconic two-week sporting event in the world.
And Javy’s girlfriend, 12x World champion Y/n L/n, was there to be part of surfing's Olympic debut. Gold on her mind.
The two had been long distance the majority of their relationship, but FaceTimed nearly every day with promises to visit as soon as restrictions were lifted. Y/n traveled to San Diego in the winter of 2020 to mark the couple’s one year anniversary. Then Javy flew to Hawaii in the spring, spending two weeks in Kapolei where most time was spent surfing and late night drive on the beach.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” he sang at the top of his lungs, windows rolled down .
“Than on my surfboard out at sea,” Y/n followed, smile wide on her face with her hair blowing in the wind.
“Lingering in the ocean blue.”
“And if I had one wish come true.”
Together they sang, “I’d surf ‘til the sun sets beyond the horizon!”
Y/n tilted her head back, “‘Āwikiwiki, mai lohilohi. Lawe mai i ko papa he’e nalu.”
Belting out together once again, their voices echoed in the night, “Flying by on the Hawaiian roller coaster ride!!”
“‘Āwikiwiki, mai lohilohi. Lawe mai i ko papa he’e nalu.”
“Pi’i nā nalu lā lahalaha. ‘O ka Moana hānupanupa.”
“Lalala i ka lā hanahana. Me ke kai hoene i ka pu’e one.”
“Heel, hele mai kākou ē.”
“Hawaiian roller coaster ride!”
During the Olympic surf qualifying event in Huntington Beach the whole squad was in attendance to cheer Y/n on. Javy embraced her in tears, lifting her onto his shoulders to the hollars and whistles of their friends and family.
Y/n was officially an Olympian.
Now usually during the parade of nations of the opening ceremonies Greece is the first to enter the arena followed by the countries in alphabetical order with the hosting nation entering last. Having waited a whole year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the world was excited to get the Games started. But to everyone’s surprise the order of the parade of nations would proceed differently than prior Olympics.
Greece still entered first, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team and then the nations paraded in based on where they fell on the Gojūon system. Japan would be the last country to march in, but for the first time ever the hosting countries of the next two Olympics entered before the hosting country. And what were those two countries?
France and The United States of America.
Paris was set to host the upcoming 2024 Games just three years away, and then in 2028 Los Angeles gets the honor once again of bringing the world together. The last time LA hosted was in 1984, and the last time America itself hosted the Summer Games was Atlanta 1996.
“Okay everyone shut up!!” The tv was turned to the loudest volume possible, all in attendance falling to hush whispers.
“Everything changes,” Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s voice echoes through the speakers, his silhouette figure walking into an empty arena. “The longest wait of their lives is over.” The beat of the music gets louder, building in pressure. “And the combination of their blood, sweat, and tears,” his face is revealed under the light, “finally arrives.”
The beat drops in time with the image of fireworks rocketing from the Rio arena, an announcer’s voice stating, “this is the moment that you all have been waiting for.”
“It’s not easy to bring the entire whole planet together,” the Rock states, “and it certainly wasn’t tonight. But, here we are.”
“Finally!”
“It’s finally here.”
“The Olympics are finally here,” Gold Medalist Simone Biles grins.
“Yeah, I’m hyped up.”
“Can’t wait to show the world what I got.”
The image shows Dwayne once again, “Tonight we are all so lucky to witness the hardest workers in the room.” Then it changes to athletes training, from gymnast Sam Mikulak to sprinter Noah Lyles. “The athletes who are a brilliant tapestry of talent, commitment, and drive.”
“Drive, drive, drive!”
“Now what was once considered unthinkable just one year ago has become a glorious reality. We come together united to celebrate the Olympians who exemplify the very best in all of us.”
🎼 legs are shaking, hands aching, 🎼
Simone Biles appears, determination in her gaze as she races down the vault runway. “It’s Simone’s party and everyone else is just a guest,” Tim Daggett’s voice cuts in during the clip of Simone at the World Championships, followed by the Rock.
“She is absolutely the greatest gymnast the world has ever seen. But even if there’s nothing left to prove, there’s a chance to launch herself even higher into the rarest air of immortality.”
As Simone lands her vault, it transitions into Katie Ledecky entering the pool. “The most dominant swimmer in the world.” “It’s just ridiculous!”
“She swims like a machine created to wreak havoc and decimate with impunity.”
“Katie Ledecky smashes her own world record!”
“But in reality she’s about the nicest person you’ll ever meet,” the rock’s face returns, bearing his own smile like Katie. “And kindness matters. Always.” Track star Noah Lyles running takes over. “He makes running as fast as you can look the way it’s supposed to look.”
“NOAH LYLES, WORLD CHAMPION!”
Dwayne grins, “Damn fun.” The next athlete featured was the one they were all waiting for.
“On dry land she’s impressive, in the water she’s simply lethal,” the Hard Deck erupted in cheers, Y/n flashing onto the screens showcasing her drop in during the WSL World Tour.
“That’s my baby!!!” Her name appeared in big bold letters like the others, ‘Y/n L/n. Kapolei, O’ahu, HI.’
“Monstruos wave for Y/n L/n, but she handles it like a pro.” The clip shows her pointing to the sky in victory following her win. “She’s here to prove why surfing should’ve been in the Olympics ages ago,” the Rock looks proud, “and look cool as hell while doing so.”
The tone of the video shifts, bringing forth the raw and emotional reality of athletes who’ve given every inch of their soul to be on the world’s greatest sporting stage. “They’re kids from Minneapolis—.”
“Kenny Harrison!” A girl crosses the finish line in joy, soon embraced by her father. “Raleigh.”
Fellow surfer and native Hawaiian Carissa Moore is shown, “And Honolulu.” A baby in a stroller being pushed by her mother. “They’re working moms with unfinished business.” Allison Felix with her daughter.
“This is what makes all the sacrifice worth it.”
Simone Manuel becoming the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games. “The barrier breakers who’ve proven the power of the platform.”
“I can’t begin to tell you what this means for the sport of swimming in the United States.”
“There’s Jordan—!” A montage of Gold medal winning teams flashed. The Fab Five. The women’s soccer and basketball teams. The women’s rowing team. The Fierce and Final Five of U.S Gymnastics. “And the teams that have dominated for generations with no intention of changing the script for this one.”
“Get the gold medals ready. Again!”
“These awe-inspiring multi-talented athletes are taking on the world.”
🎼 ‘You bring me back to life.’ 🎼
Between the music and feel good montage, some of the viewers in the hard deck were having trouble holding back tears. Chills racking up their body. It made them want to get out and start training to be a world class athlete.
“They really are the best of us. They’re bringing us together.”
“That’s a new world record!”
“And they’re about to give you, at long last, the greatest two-week spectacle the world has ever seen.” Close ups of Team USA’s Olympians rolled, Javy wiping his eyes when Y/n appeared. “It is their Games. It is our Games.”
Absolute chills.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am so grateful to have the honor of presenting to you….Team USA.” At the last word the Rock disappears, cutting to Team USA entering the Tokyo dome—the American flag flying high, “USA! USA! USA!” Though they couldn’t hear the cheers from the Hard Deck across the ocean, that didn’t stop the building from erupting in whistles. It was only the opening ceremonies so one could imagine what it would be like come the 26th and 27th.
When Y/n hits the waves for a chance at Olympic gold.
Tsurigasaki Beach, located 40 miles from Tokyo, was the place where it would all happen. The damp sand beneath Y/n’s toes felt comforting. Although the overcast skies made her worried. Tropical Storm Nepartak caused the waves to be more aggressive and unpredictable. It was going to be an interesting day of competition.
After qualifying with a big score in her heat the previous day, Y/n was set to compete in the quarterfinals that morning. From there the semi-final contestants would be decided, going straight into the event before finals that afternoon. Three events in one day if she made it all the way to the end.
“I’m going to be so sore tonight.”
Shortboard in hand, Y/n raced to the water the second the horn sounded. Instant shivers along her arms from the cold feeling. Cloudy skies prevented the sun from heating the water, “goodness gracious.”
Quarterfinals breezed by. Y/n started off strong with a score of 7 for her first wave, going on to claim two more, another 7 and an 8 bringing her total score to a 15. Putting her, American Carissa Moore, South African Bianca Buitendag and Japan’s Amuro Tsuzuki into the semifinals.
“Stellar performance by Y/n L/n of the United States. She had a bit of trouble on her second wave—which we can’t blame her for; many competitors have been having difficulty today due to the impact of tropical storm Nepartak on the tide. L/n’s score of 15 puts her at the top for the quarterfinals, but that can all change when we return for the semifinals in the next hour. It looks like she’ll be up against Japan’s Amuro Tsuzuki for one of two spots in the gold medal match.”
“That’s how you do it,” Javy clapped at the tv, the footage replaying Y/n’s competition highlights. “Semi-finals here we go.”
During the semis the pressure was on. Y/n could feel it all over, anxiety coursing when the horn sounded. Thirty minutes on the clock, ticking down to eliminate either her or Amuro. Usually her luck turns out for the better whenever she gets the first wave, however, Amuro beats her to it. Catching the next one Y/n focuses on pulling speed and managing her flow into the maneuvers, receiving a score of 6.2 on her first wave, 8.3 on her second and 7 on her third. Unfortunately a wipe out early on her fourth and final wave results in a score of 3.
“Is that gonna be enough?” Jake cringes, noticing the look of unease on his friend's visage. Y/n appeared shaken from the wipe out. Very rare has she ever messed up greatly in competition. But there’s always a first for everything.
Javy had a paper in front of him, writing down Y/n’s scores and the ones of her competitors to predict what she needed and if she was qualified to the final round.
“Her six and seven will be dropped, putting her at 11.30,” he taps the pen on the bar surface, “if Amuro doesn’t get another wave in the next,” Javy checks the time, “two minutes then it should put Y/n through to the finals.”
Amuro did in fact catch another wave before the horn sounded, ending their round in the semis, but it wasn’t enough. Her total score accumulated a 7.43, eliminating her from the final competition.
“One more,” her father/coach took a hold of her shoulders. “You’re almost there, Y/n.” Almost to the gold. “Rest up, you got one hour.”
He didn’t have to tell her twice. Picking up a water bottle and plotting on the sand Y/n downed the liquid and munched on an apple. To pass time she scrolled through Tik Tok, sent a selfie to Javy—who sent one of him and the squad back—and called her family in O’ahu to calm her nerves. She had already talked with Javy that morning before quarterfinals, promising to FaceTime him after the finals.
It was nerve racking. Regardless of how the event went, Y/n was guaranteed the silver medal. USA would take home both Gold and Silver in surfing’s debut being fellow American Carissa Moore beat out South Africa’s Bianca Buitendag in their round.
One competition left.
Bidding good luck to Carissa, Y/n took her position and waited for the horn. Thirty minutes on the clock. Thirty minutes to a gold medal.
“Here we go,” Payback announced in time with Y/n paddling out to sea. Javy rubbed his hands together, eyes glued to the screen.
“And the two Americans are off in the first ever gold medal match for surfing. Carissa Moore, the 2019 WSL World Champion, and twelve-time title holder Y/n L/n head-to-head to declare who will become the woman to win surfing’s first gold medal. Both have exemplified great performances today—it’s not easy doing a quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals all in one day, but these pros make it look easy.”
“There she goes!” Nat shouted, earning cheers at the bar when Y/n caught the first wave of the competition.
“Kicking off with the first wave, in just two minutes of the clock starting is Y/n L/n. Dropping in beautifully, easing into the wave…..Straight into an roundhouse cutback, which she does flawlessly. Bottom turn, I think she’s gonna try and do a off-the-lip right here….and she nails it! I think she’s hoping to elongate this wave as far out as she can. Carving now and finishing with a 360 into an Ariel. Wow! That was a great start by Y/n.”
“Yeah that’s what I’m talking about!” Javy shouted over the cheers, grin plastered wide only to brighten more when the score came back a 8.7. “HELL YEAH! LETS GO!”
Carissa’s wave was impressive. She managed to hold it down with complicated moves to earn a 8.5. Both women scored huge on the first waves followed by 7s across the board. Nearing the final five minutes Carissa managed to get a 6.43.
“She can’t get anything lower than a 6.23,” Javy felt sweat pool on his forehead, suddenly feeling hot in the bar despite it being the ass crack of dawn.
“She’s got this,” Nat patted his back.
The clock was ticking down. Two minutes to go and Y/n had yet to find a wave. Placing her palm onto the surface, she took a deep breath, “please, give me a sign.” Not a moment later she felt something in her say to look right.
There, brimming about fifteen feet away, was the perfect wave.
Wasting no time Y/n’s chest planted to her board, paddling as fast as possible. Her heart was pounding, salt water splashing. Positioning herself in front of the forming body, Y/n silently called out to whoever was listening for strength.
“Wow she’s going for that huge current out on the west side. Moore is too far back—it’s gonna be L/n on the final wave of the women’s competition. With one minute to go she’s dropping in—.”
Y/n allowed the adrenaline to consume her, giving it total control as she dropped in. The highest wave of the competition yet, Y/n knew she’d be having a tube ride with how it formed. Picking up speed, she knelt slightly, paralleling her chest with the wall of the wave, the water curving around her. Blocking the world from her view.
It was just her and the sea. No one else.
Closing her eyes briefly, she pictured she was back on O’ahu in the water she grew up in. Sun beating down and gentle hum of seagulls.
Like she was in paradise.
The image left as quick as it came. Y/n snapping out of her daydream to exit the tube ride to the cheers of her father on the beach, curing back into the wave to finish on a high note by performing her signature Ariel. Smiling the whole way down just as the horn signified the end of the competition.
“And there you have it folks. The women’s surfing finals has officially come to a close—Y/n L/n ending her Olympic Games with a remarkable last wave. Absolute perfection with speed, precision, and control. That’s gonna be the highest score for her I feel.”
“C’mon, c’mon,” Javy bit his nail, knee bouncing from the anxiety of not knowing. Carissa’s total score was displayed first, 14.93. Y/n’s lowest was a seven, highest 8.7. Her final wave was amazing, but judging was unpredictable. Anything could happen.
Then in the blink of an eye the hard deck exploded.
“I don’t believe it! Tens across the board for Y/n L/n bringing her total to 17.00!! Y/n L/n has won the gold for the United States—Carissa Moore with the silver. USA goes one and two in women’s surfing at its Olympic debut!!! Take it all in, we are witnessing history,” the screen shows Y/n and Carissa embracing, leaning over their boards to congratulate the other, “Team USA has much to celebrate, the world of surfing has their champion. Y/n L/n adds gold to her name—surfing’s first Olympic Champion here in Tokyo!!”
Y/n laughed the entire time she paddled to shore, raising to her feet to race towards her father. She was soaking wet but he didn’t care. “You did it!” He yelled, kissing her head with tears in his eyes. “You’re an Olympic champion! I’m so so proud of you!” Soon they were greeted by Carissa and the rest of Team USA’s surfing members. The two women were lifted onto shoulders, American flags draped over their backs with photographers surrounding them.
It was a moving image. Two women from Honolulu and Kapolei, Hawaii won surfing’s first Olympic silver and gold medal. If only Duke Kahanamoku could be there to witness.
Back at the hard deck celebratory drinks were served and toasts raised to Y/n. Javy barely contained his emotion, eyes watering the moment her name came back the winner. Natasha and Jake embraced him in a hug, the guys whistling and hollering. Penny rang the bell.
“She won! Oh my God my baby is a gold medalist!! This is the best day ever!!”
The entire podium ceremony Y/n was on cloud nine. Placing the gold medal around her neck, she took a moment to stare at it. Disbelief and awe in her eyes. ‘Wow, I actually did it.’
When the national anthem came to an end Y/n did the traditional bite of the medal for the cameras. Posing with Carissa and Bianca afterwards, Y/n was ushered to interviews.
“Hello, Y/n,” the reporter beamed, “congratulations are in store—what an amazing moment for you. You’re the first gold medalist in women’s surfing at the Olympics. How does it feel?”
“It’s absolutely a dream come true. For years the surfing community has wished for this—to be in the Olympics and for me to be part of its debut, winning the gold medal…I-I can’t put into words how much this means to me. I’m so grateful and honored.”
“You’ve been around for a while now,” the reporter mentioned, “2004 was the first time we saw you and you’ve gone on to have a stellar surfing career. Winning the WSL World Surfing Games twelve times now—competing when it was still called the WSL World Championships and became the first woman to win The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in 2016. This is your first Olympic Games, surfing will be at the Paris Games in three years. Can we expect to hopefully see you there?”
“I wouldn't rule it out,” Y/n winked with a giggle. “Paris is in three years and I would love to return to the Olympics again. After dreaming for so long I don’t want to let it go so easily. Of course anything can happen between now and 2024 but with my family, friends, and boyfriend cheering me on with their endless support…” she gave a cheeky shrug, “I’m gonna work hard and get back in the water once I’m home.”
“We’ll be rooting for you, Y/n. I don’t think the surfing world is ready to say goodbye to you. Anything else you’d like to say before you have to go. Anyone you’d like to say thanks to?”
Instantly the Olympian brightened, eyes locking on the camera. “I wanna give a shoutout to my hometown of Kapolei on O’ahu—the place where this journey started on the beautiful beaches and waters of my home. To my family and friends, thank you for your love, support, guidance and always cheering me on even when the going gets tough. My dad, who’s been my coach since I was seven is with me here to share this win, I couldn’t have done this without him. To my San Diego family watching, you better save me a beer at the Hard Deck when I come visit next week,” she winks, knowing the squad would get a kick out of it. Then Y/n softens, “and finally to my boyfriend, Javy, who’s with our friends in Fightertown. I love you so much, thank you for being my rock during quarantine and pushing me to do my best. I can’t wait to see you and this is for you.” Holding up the medal, Y/n blows a kiss to the screen before saying goodbye to the reporter.
Upon landing in San Diego two nights later, Y/n was greeted by a celebration from her friends. Members of the Pacific Beach Surf Club were there, as were the dagger squad. Javy met her in the middle the second she exited the terminal, lifting her in his arms. “Finally your back!! I’m so fucking proud of you!” Setting her down, he kept his arms around her and the two jumped up and down like school children in a heap of laughter.
Finally they calmed, sharing a sweet kiss. “How was your flight,” he walked when they pulled away, moving to grab her carryon back.
“Long,” she moaned, leaning into his side. “But worth it.” Soon she was surrounded by their friends. Congratulations all around, Mickey asking to see the medal, Jake saying all her drinks are on him, Nat telling her how much she missed having another girl around. “I missed you guys,” Y/n pouted, “man I wish you all could’ve been there.”
“Don’t worry, Y/n/n,” Bradley patted her shoulder, “We’ll be there in Paris.”
“That’s quite a bit away, Roo.”
“Yeah,” he shrugged, “but there’s no harm in planning now.”
“Let’s let the woman rest before kicking her training mode into gear,” Javy teased, earning a playful nudge from his girlfriend. Together they got her bags and headed straight for The Hard Deck. They drinked, they danced. Javy and Y/n had a rematch of their pool game.
“This feels a bit like deja vu,” she smirked, chalking up her cue. Javy winked, puckering his lips in an air kiss causing her to laugh.
For a week Y/n stayed in San Diego before flying home to Hawaii with Javy. Again she was greeted at the airport by her family and friends she’d grown up with. The local news station was present, students from schools wanting to join in on the celebration. It felt amazing to be home after two weeks away.
They settled in at her Honolulu home, finding the perfect place to display her medal and ordered take out since neither was in the mood to cook after a 6 ½ hour flight. Once finished with dinner Y/n gave her boyfriend a knowing look, “Wanna watch the sunset?”
She didn’t mean sitting on her porch or even the sand. No, she meant taking the boards and laying out on the sea as the calm surface of the water kept them afloat.
Javy agreed, rushing to get his swim trunks on while she put on a swimsuit. Grabbing their boards they locked up the house and jogged the quarter of a mile to the beach, paddling out to get a front row seat of the descending sun. Colors of bright orange and pink painted the sky. A beautiful contrast to the deep blues of the ocean.
“Is this heaven?” He whispered, finding her eyes staring back at him from where her cheek pressed to the board. All the love conveying in the simple look. And with her gentle words, Javy felt all the worry and unease he ever experienced lift from his soul.
“More like paradise.”
……………….
TGM Tag list: @avaleineandafryingpan , @caitsymichelle13 , @poppyalice2001 , @cutelittlepotatofry , @luckyladycreator2, @americaarse , @elenavampire21 , @back-tooo-black , @wildellaa , @artemissunn , @pinkpantheris
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cdaae · 1 year
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Why Am I Like This- Phantom Collector Edition
I’m a completionist and an obsessive so I need all the different versions of a thing so here’s a list of where I’m at right now. I wish I could say that I was anywhere near done but there’s always more phantom stuff to collect
Books
Gaston Leroux x51(This includes all 6 English translations, 8 different languages, and three levels of French)
Gaston Leroux signed by Broadway Cast
The Underground’s of the Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Bathtub
Night of the Phantom
Embrace the Night
Lessons from the Phantom of the Opera
Song of a Maiden
Madrigal
Phantom
Unmasqued
Phantom of Manhattan
Ruinsong
Roseblood
Beyond the Masque
Chanson de L’Ange
Sing Me Forgotten
The Angel of the Opera
The Phoenix of the Opera
The Phantom’s Opera
The Phantom of Paris
The Phantom’s Apprentice
Where Dreams Descend
The Phantom Cat of the Opera
Phantom Pop Up Book
George Perry’s Complete Phantom of the Opera
Phantoms of the Opera
The Trap Door Maker
Phantom Graphic Novel x2
The Phantom Cooks
2004 Companion
Geronimo Stilton
Thea Stilton
My Phantom
Phantoms in the Night
Phantom of Pemberly
Phantom of the Auditorium
Behind the Phantom’s Mask
The Phantom Returns
Phantom erotica
Book cassette
Souvenir edition OLC
Emoji of the opera
Phantom 2020
Phantom Phantasia
Songbird
The Phantom’s Lullaby
Phantom of the Little Russian Theatre
Masked Love
Treasures of Egypt
Victory
Venetian Romance
Susannah’s Secret
The Man in the Shadows
Love in the Spotlight
Let the Dream Begin
A Phantom’s Promise
Destiny’s Curse
Phantom by David Bischoff
Mini Leroux
L’Opera de Paris
Paris National Opera
Palais Garnier
Peeping Duck Gang
Out of the Darness
L’Opera De Paris Coulisses etc secrets du Garnier
Claude Rains Book
Movies/CDs/Media
Lon Chaney
Claude Rains x2
Herbert Lom x2
Phantom of Hollywood
Schell
Robert Englund
Charles Dance
David Staller
Julian Sands
2004 x17 (English x2, French x3 Germanx2, Greek, Spanish, Italian, limited(English and German), deluxe, and Ultimate, Special, Collectors(English and French)
Angel of Music
25th Anniversary
Love Never Dies
A Monster in Paris
Phantom of the Grindhouse
Anthony Mann
Phantom of the Theatre
Unmasking the Masterpiece
Love on Safari
Faust
1987 Cartoon(dvd & VHS)
Mystery Legends Phantom Game x2
2004 digital press kit(English and French)
OLC (cassette & CD)
CDs x59
Phantom of the Paradise Record
OLC small record(wywsha&motn)
Long box cd
Long box 2004
2004 VHS
Movie/book set
Long box OLC cassettes
Karaoke cassettes
Highlight cassettes
Robert Englund VHS
For Your Consideration 2004
Book casettes
Stage Fright
Props/Signed/Similar
Love Never Dies audience gift notebook
1992 tour Auction book prop
Jerry Mitchell signed LND after party invite
Phantoms Note from BWay x2
Don Juan Music from BWay x1 1/2
Ticket to 25th Anniversary Party
Majestic Theatre Phantom Barricade Cover
Photo cards, signed x16
Signed LOBs x2
Robert Englund autograph
Laird Mackintosh autograph
BWay 29th anniversary cast gift beanie
KAV’s dressing gown shoes
Manager’s BWay newspaper prop x4
Cast board name placards x3(2 BWay one Vegas)
Reopening cookies x2
London 35th anniversary rose petals and card
Il Muto page boy stockings
OBC cast member costume gloves
Printed cast member email
Cast made calendars 2006 and 2007
Full cast signed poster with Hugh
Signed trading card
Signed Michael Crawford Face mask
Signed Crawford Article
Signed 35 Poster
Signed Mask
Scrap of Christine’s wedding dress
Scrap of phantoms suit
10th anniversary invite
Opera glasses cast gift
Magazines
24/7 Magazine featuring Crivello
NYC City Guide 2014 & 2016
TODAY featuring Vegas
What’s On Vegas
Time Out New York
German LND
Theater Week 1988
In Theater 1998
Casino Player Magazine
Fate Magazine
Broadway Spotlight
Other
Megstine notebook
Mugs x7
Cups x5
Water Bottle
Ornaments x5
Phantom harmonica
Red death figure
Lon Chaney figure
Phantom Nutcracker
Phantom and Christine Barbies
Tote bag x4
Phantom creamer tops, complete set
Postcards x6
LOBs x2
Magnet x5
Stickers x12
Phantom Cat sticker set
Chibi phantom sticker set
Angel patch
Greeting cards x2
Posters x5
Art print
Calendar
Ramin based doll
Phantom doll + Ayesha
Snerik
Pen
Mardi Gras coin
Felt Raoul and Erik
Francœur bean
Small hand painted canvas
25th Anniversary limited edition boxed set
Canada gift bag
Mexico phone card
Japanese train card x2
Trading card
Lon Chaney money
Lon Chaney stamp
Pencil
Phone case
Gift bag
Japanese posters x6
Herbert Lom ad stamp
Complete LND London draft script
Blanket
Operetta
34th Anniversary blank playbill sticker sheets
Goosebumps pen
Goosebumps magnet
Goosebumps stickers x9
Bendyfigs phantom
German postcard
Angel of Music coffee
Where Dreams Descend popcorn holder
Raoul and Christine art print
Large paper bag
1994 calendar
Ireland phone card
Movie screening invite
German something?
Frame
Vegas key card
Angel of music bear
Tea towels x2
Mask sticker
Blockbuster card
Phantom press invite
Mini 2004 scrapbook
Playing cards
Assorted Japanese 2004 film memorabilia(10 pieces)
2004 film poster and booklet
1999 ticket info
2023 newspaper clippings
Gingerbread ornament
Aussie keychain
Phantom/Christine blanket
2011 wall calendar
2012 wall calendar
2013 wall calendar
Angel ornament
Universal Erik doll
Sarah/Steve Ad
1993 calendar
2004 Mylar
1995 calendar
Italy confetti
Crawford ornament
Halloween figure
Matchbox
Soap?
Heart frame
Jewelry
Pins x11
Charm bracelet
Necklace x2
Key chains x14
Replica Ring
Hair bow x2
Think of Me hair clips
Jewelry pouch
Music Boxes
Square black jewelry music box
Il Muto
Limited Edition boat scene
Boat Scene
Phantom and Christine wedding
Porcelain signs x2
Limited edition mirror scene
Mirror scene
Mirror
Limited edition MotN
Red Death
Throne water globe
Music water globe
Phantom w/ stick water globe
Rooftop water globe
Russian egg(?)
Mirror scene water globe
Phantom w/ stick
Phantom in throne
Monkey music box
Limited edition Jack in the box
Boat scene water globe(broken globe)
Russian egg (?? Missing top)
Small music box(no music)
Universal Phantom and Christine
Phantom and Christine with Marni
Opera House
Phantom Automata
Madame Alexander Christine Doll
Broken Mirror
Erik and Christine porcelain figure
Music pedestal
Clothing
Socks
Glow in the dark boxers
Night shirt
Phantom BWay x2
Sydney Harbour shirt
Christine dressing gown VTC
Peacock dress
US tour grey shirt
Christmas Sweatshirt
Toronto shirt
Candy of the Opera
1988 mask shirt
Phantom of the Opry shirt
New York shirt
Mask sweatshirt
Ghost Red Death Shirt
35th anniversary shirt
Italy shirt
Programs/Playbills/ETC
Loose understudy slips x14
Ticket stubs x11
Newspaper clippings
Mini flyers x6
Flyers x40
Ken Hill souvenir program
2004 film souvenir program
ALW souvenir programs x49
BWAY playbills x63
Signed playbills x12
Tour playbills x20
London programs x18
YK phantom playbill
World tour playbill
Melbourne playbill
Robert Englund film souvenir program
Italy program
Sweden program
Music Books
ALW piano x3(easy, intermediate, expert)
2004 film
YK phantom
LND London
I can honestly say this may not even be everything because sometimes I forget to add new acquisitions to the list. If there’s anything on the list you wanna see pics of, I’m happy to share!
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netherworldpost · 2 years
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From 2016 through 2018, Evil Supply Co. (hi, it me, we are rebranding) published 21 monster newspapers detailing the lives and tomfooleries of ghosts, witches, mermaids, monsters, dragons, gorgons, wizards, rock creatures, goblins, orcs... etc.
The Complete Evil Supply Co. collection is available for free via PDF by clicking this link here.
Please feel free to share. Please feel free to link to it on your own blog or media or whatevers.
The link will take you to a Google Drive page, so when I say "there is no obligation or sign ups" I mean it. I won't even know that you downloaded it.
You can of course tell me. But you don't have to.
The entire point of making this public is to give you something without asking for something in return.
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Every issue. Every in-universe ad. A few extra rambles at the beginning and end discussing the future. It's just over 100 pages and something like 40- 50,000 words. I counted once and it took forever.
I've been making it free for years and have given away several copies because the community of folks who love monsters and Halloween and mermaids has provided me an audience to build an unimaginably fun life.
A company can exist for many reasons. Making the world a better place via a utopian paradise is one of mine.
When I say this project is my life's work, I mean it.
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I'm getting far too sappy.
Let's talk about the future a moment.
I have been exploring various printed versions of the book for months. I'm hoping to narrow down a company to work with sometime before the store launches (Autumn 2023). Did you know that books are absurdly heavy?
The printed version will not be free. The link above (and here, we love utility in this crypt) is formatted to print fine on 8.5" x 11" paper. It is again though 100+ pages, so do be aware. The PDF will always be free, even after said printed version launches.
Onwards to next, non-secret things
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Remember this? I've signed a contract today to build a microsite on the blog that will house the Dispatch in web format. This is third in priority --
blog (April 2023)
shop (Autumn 2023)
Dispatch microsite (...?)
-- for obvious reasons. The PDF will be available for free for as long as I run this company, this is not a limited time offer. I mentioned that above but I like mentioning things, including "I like mentioning things."
The existence of non-secret things implies... secret... things?
Kinda.
One of the features of the blog that I'm really excited to offer is advice columns and in-character pen pal exchanges. "Hey Strawberry, how does magic work underwater?" and then you'll get a reply if your ask is chosen.
And by reply I mean a published thing online + an actual physical letter in the mail as this company is a non-governmental postal facility after all. A post office, if you will. A Netherworld Post Office, even!
The stories from Evil Supply Co.'s dispatch are serving as a near-final draft of new stories.
Or maybe a solid starter. Anyway, the point being:
All of the plot points and characters (etc) are sticking around (with the exception of Atticus, as a fictional character in the newspaper, I've decided to just be a semi-fictional character in actual real life).
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The direction of new stories is "more of everything" and "cleaning up minor plot point holes" and/or "using plot point holes for comedic purposes and strategic hilarity."
There will be a brand new character replacing the Atticus character.
I really liked running the Dispatch. It was one of the things I'm most proud of -- a monster newspaper?! all original content!! I drew it all, I wrote it all!
I want to explore bringing it back in some form.
And.
I recognize I have a lot on my plate at the moment. So the best path forward is, as above, giving away the base + building the microsite.
One of the beautiful things, I have come to realize after surviving my 2020 traffic accident + ensuing as well as not related legal battles to get people to pay me what they owe:
I have a lot of time.
I don't need to rush things.
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Whoops!
Wrong link.
Try this one instead.
(That terrible joke was as immensely satisfying to write as you think it was. Doubly so if you get that the link is from Ocarina of Time and I was just talking about time okay I'll see myself to the door this post has gone on way too long.)
Let's wrap this up!
NetherworldPost.com has the email signup.
If you've signed up before, the auto- duplication- resolution- witchcraft- tech- things will take care of it. You won't get a ton of emails.
First email will go out saying "blog is launched" when said blog launches and then rambles thereafter.
(Bugs Bunny and others gifs used in this post do not appear but are included as helping legibility of said this post.)
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samanthahirr · 1 year
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samanthahirr's 007 Fest 2023 Masterpost
COMMENTS
510 comments! With comment-multiplier bonus points, that's 700 points for comments!
FICS 
(>750 words)
(No) More Than This (Chapter 1-2)
We Eat First With Our Eyes (2022 Prompt #6 "nsfw")
The Chase (Chapters 1-4) (2022 Prompt #6 "nsfw")
(750-2,500 words)
Relating in Kindness
With Heart Hardened
FIC SUMMARIES (i.e. "stories sam isn't writing")
The Vampire from the Deep * (2020 Prompt #31 "Vesper is a vampire")
Office Hours
The Quartermaster's Mission Holiday (2018 Prompt #22 "And then they were roommates" & 2023 Prompt #222 "Enjoying a nice view")
COCKTAIL RECIPES
The Skeleton's Bite *
The Jamaica Contact with a Side of Danger *
Jinx's Bikini *
The Blow Me Away *
Mr. Hinx Fizzy *
Paradise Bird ^
INCORRECT QUOTE MEMES
00Q - I want to wake up with you
Bond/Swann - You often use humor to deflect trauma ^
NomiPenny - How's the sexiest person here? ^
Bond/Moneypenny - Better off as friends ^
Bond/Tanner - I'm getting in the shower ^
Bond/Boothroyd - I want to kiss you ^
Q/Bond/Moneypenny - Sorry I'm late *^
Tanner/Mallory - Are you trying to seduce me? *^
Bond/Tracy - I don't do relationships ^
Bond/Mansfield - I really like your top ^
Bond/Felix - We both look very handsome tonight ^ (2023 Prompt #223 "Insecure about how they look")
HEADCANONS
10 Hosiery Habit Headcanons *
Bill Tanner's Bedding Set (2023 Prompt #22 "Flowers")
Original Character - Gina Castillo's Case File *
5 Biggest Swimwear-Embarrassments Headcanons * ^ ^ ^
7 HR Complaints Against MI6 Staff Headcanons ^
SCAVENGER HUNT TASKS
#1 leave someone an anonymous comment of positivity *
#6 create a crossword puzzle: "007 Animals"
#9 (x5) create an incorrect quote meme, images optional
#12 write an acrostic poem: "Moon Moth" *
#17 create a film poster with a local landmark "The Dying Reflection"
#25 show a character's bedding set "Bill Tanner's Bedding Set"
#26 show your pet working for MI6 "009-Lives"
#29 (x2) solve a Find the Difference post (@bluebellofbakerstreet & @kitten-kin)
#30 create a cocktail recipe "The Skeleton's Bite"
#33 (x3) solve a crossword puzzle (castillon02 & bluebellofbakerstreet & kitten-kin)
#35 spot a Bond reference in the wild "50 Bond Gadgets You Can Own"
#36 create a fancast film poster "First with a Bullet" (Aldis Hodge)
#43 gift a fanwork to a member of another team: "Drabble: Alec/Bond" for @emiliasilverova
#46 create an incorrect quote meme, images required: "I want to wake up with you"
#48 collaborate with a teammate: "The Chase" with @aprettyspy
MOODBOARDS/COVER ART
The Vampire from the Deep moodboard
The Quartermaster's Mission Holiday moodboard
Office Hours moodboard
Original Character - Gina Castillo's Case File moodboard
(No) More Than This cover art
We Eat First with Our Eyes cover art
6 Cocktail Recipe title cards (see above)
MISCELLANEOUS
Off the Books playlist (2023 Prompt #198 "create a playlist for a fic")
Fancast Film Poster "First with a Bullet" (Charlize Theron)
Drabble - MoneyTanner ^ (2017 Prompt #4)
Drabble - Tanner/Mansfield * ^
Drabble - Alec/Bond *
BETA'D WORKS
1 fic for @emiliasilverova (Achillean Delights)
2 chapters for @hammerbacks (Taking in Water chapter 2 & Warm Water chapter 9)
2 chapters of "The Chase" for @aprettyspy
EVENTS
1 film (Flash Gordon) hosted
1 Productivity Hours hosted
1 Bond Bingo Hour attended
4 Productivity Hours attended
5 Longfic Readalongs attended
* indicates Theme Day bonus ^ indicates Unique Rare Pair Ship bonus
510 comments, 15 theme days, 17 unique rare pair ships, 9 fics/chapters posted, 3 fic summaries, 11 incorrect quote memes, 3 drabbles, 6 cocktail recipes, 24 headcanons…and a dozen more miscellaneous creations! I had no idea I could be so productive/creative in a single month! 
Endless thanks to my @teamqbranch captain and cheerleaders and teammates for their support and encouragement! I'm grateful I got to spend so much time with all of you this month. And a huge thank you to the @mi6-cafe mods for organizing such an awesome event! And now I need a nice long nap.
TOTAL POINTS FOR 2023 FEST = 1,670
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majycka · 1 year
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Sharing this lovely article about Kaku-sensei where he basically talks about his influences(lots of horror and mangakas such as Kentaro Miura, Junji Ito, and even CSM's Fujimoto-sensei! he seems friends with him too). He also talks about how he made the characters of Sagirin and Gabimaru where he intentionally wanted them to be unique(me: yes sensei! I whole heatedly agree that you delivered in this one :')). There's also more on the creative process of the series!
This whole interview is definitely a treat to fans/stans of Hell's Paradise. Please give it a read! u.u
(for self-indulgent reasons, under the cut is my fave quotes from the interview!)
Kaku: (About the art mediums he used) I used a combination of Copic markers and acrylic paint for volumes one through five of Hell's Paradise. Before that, I used only Copics. When working analog, you get to enjoy periodically changing what materials you use. Since Jigokuraku Kaitai Shinsho (fan book published in 2021), I've used a combination of Copics and acrylic. I'll use different paper when working with watercolors and even change up my materials if it's fun. Fun is more important to me than efficiency when it comes to materials.
Kaku: (about his OG draft on the series) I don't often start with the setting. For this work, I started with "several pairs of people whose interests aren't aligned are thrown into an enclosed space and forced to work together." That's the framework. In the very beginning, the story was about children sent to a youth detention center and the lawyers fighting for them. From there, through discussions with my editor, we dropped that setting but kept the framework and applied different characters to it. We kept the framework because I've always liked the way human relationships change and wanted to write a story about it.
Kaku: (About our duo Sagirin and Gabimaru!) This is something I imagined from the start of publication. Both Gabimaru and Sagiri have the same values as someone living in the 2020s. This is also the reason the story is set in the distant past during the late Edo period. The people of that time had totally different ideas about ethics and human rights. Despite condemned criminals and executioners being difficult characters to empathize with, if they share our perspective, then we feel close to them, and they stand out as unique characters in an Edo Period setting. From the very start, I felt that made Gabimaru and Sagiri unique.
Kaku: Yes! "The characters take on a life of their own." When I was a newbie, whenever that phrase came up in interviews with manga artists, I thought, "That can't be possible! After all, you made those characters!" (Laughs) But now I think that really is what happens. In fact, it's more interesting when it does.
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bendrowninf · 20 days
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INTRO
Hiiiieieiei. So i don't really know what to write LOL buttt here
ABOUT ME
My name is Ben (+any nicknames) !!!
𖹭⠀I use any pronouns!! (AFAB)
𖹭⠀CDT timezone (Missouri)
𖹭⠀BPD, DID, autism - if you don't like that, please don't interact
(aditionally, 'fictive' of benjamin lawman ..... No idrk that word doesnt feel like it fits but WHATEVER)
INTERESTS
Games: Majora's Mask, Crypt of the Necrodancer, Strikeforce Kitty (Last Stand mostly), Pokémon Ultra Moon, Taiko, Yume Nikki, ULTRAKILL, Doki Doki Literature Club, Rabbit Hole, Undertale/Deltarune
+ Roblox (Robeats, Robeats CS, Rosu!, Friday Night Bloxxin, Running From The Internet, Guts and Blackpowder, Gunfight Arena, myth games, Doomspire Brickbattle, Epic Minigames, Gacha Online, The Mimic, Life in Paradise)
Music: Alice Schach and the Magic Orchestra, MARERU, cosMo@bousou-P, Koyori, Mindless Self Indulgence, Mushi-P, Dethklok, NASTYONA, HyuN, INABAKUMORI, Osamu Sato, Mili, Leathermouth, Slipknot, Taiko, Utsu-P, Abu-Se-Ken, Hamilton, Heathers, Houshou Marine, IOSYS, Pepoyo, WeevilDoing, friendxp, Jack Conte
Other stuff i just like: Jadusable ARG (SHOCKING..!!), Roblox Myths (mostly the districts/alonetraveler), Red Queen (book series by Victoria Aveyard), Doll Eye, Habromania, Zemyata, choir, butterscotch brownies, tortilla chips with queso, crushed ice cubes, talking, pink, red, drawing
SOCIALS
I rlly like jadusable arg friends so feel free to talk to me lol =3
selozartdf — roblox
selozar.tdf — discord
https://pronouns.cc/@ZETOZAR
(Im tryyyiing to change my social names back to bendrowninf btw so this is all subject to change...!!!! Bendrowninf was my go-to name for lik. 2020-2023 aaaah)
Have a good daaaaayyyy!!!
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quixoticanarchy · 1 year
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Re: your last tag. Would you like to recommend some books?! I've liked some of your takes I've seen since I started following you.
Oh I would love to, though fair warning I'm not sure what my taste in books is even doing lately. I used to read almost exclusively sci fi and foreign policy stuff but then 2020 happened and now I mostly read Tolkien, John le Carré, and Dostoyevsky (all of whom I do recommend but. still not sure how this happened to me)
This isn't very organized but here's a mix of things I've liked for ages and good things I've read recently:
General: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Nonfiction/politics: the Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein; Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano
Nonfiction/science: Underland by Robert MacFarlane
Sci fi: Ancillary Justice (trilogy) by Ann Leckie; An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
Recently I've read Frankenstein and Paradise Lost; Dracula is good but tumblr knows that
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melodymunson · 2 years
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Get to know me
My name is Melody. I'm 33. I've been a Stranger Things since early 2017 and an Eddie Munson stan since May 2022. Writing requests for Steddie x reader, Steve x reader, Eddie x reader, Steve x Robin x reader are open! (Platonic Robin and Steve only.)
My former tumblr username was MelodyLangdon
About me: I’m a passionate concert-goer, a horror convention junkie, and a Halloween lover.
My favorite series are SAW, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, American Horror Story, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Paradise City, South Of Nowhere, Rob Zombie’s Firefly family trilogy, and Hemlock Grove. I love thrillers and horror books and my favorite authors are Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum, Megan Hart, Anne Rice, JRR Tolkien. My top favorite bands of all time are Type O’ Negative, Bullet For My Valentine, Otep, Manson, Rammstein, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills, Arch Enemy, Kittie, David Bowie, Motley Crue, Poison, Butcher Babies, Children Of Bodom, Apocalyptica, Raven Black, Straight Line Stitch, Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Ghost. Metal, punk rock, nu metal, thrash metal are my favorite music genres. The Soska Twins, Eli Roth, and Mary Harron are my favorite directors. My top favorite movies are American Mary, American Psycho, American Satan, 10 Things I Hate About You, Girl Next Door, Strangeland, Mistress Of The Dark. The coolest celebs I’ve met are Twiggy Ramirez, Tobin Bell, Manson, Otep, MIW, Butcher Babies, Elvira, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, and Felissa Rose. My favorite actors are Keanu Reeves, Joseph Quinn, Joe Keery, Heath Ledger, Cody Fern, Bill Skarsgard, River Phoenix, Blake Lively, Megan Fox, Susan Sarandon, Amber Tamblyn, and Margot Robbie. 
I follow back any active Stranger Things blog/fan who interacts with me and is 18+. Ask box/inbox open to questions/asks. Minors, creeps, bots, and anyone who’s intolerant towards women, any racists, any anti- POC/WOC and anyone exclusive of any part of the LGBTQIA+ will be blocked no exceptions. Intolerant of intolerance and my blog is a safe space.
My favorite Stranger Things characters are Eddie Munson (obviously). Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, 001/Henry Creel/Vecna, Joyce Meyers, Dustin Henderson, and Argyle.
Favorite ships and couples of ST: Steddie, Chrissy/Eddie, and  Nancy/Eddie/Steve/Robin (the fruity four).
I write and take requests for Chrissy/Eddie/reader, Chrissy/Eddie, Eddie/reader, Steddie/reader, Steve/reader, Robin/reader/Steve (platonic Steve+Robin ONLY), Chrissy/reader, and Eddie/reader/Corroded Coffin groupie.
Works in progress/completed: My first Eddie/reader fic was rockstar Eddie x reader headcanons. I have also published 2 Steddie/reader holiday fics on ao3, an Eddie/Chrissy/reader oneshot, Stobin/fem!reader, and a cheerleader reader/Eddie 3 part series. My ao3 username is MelodyLangdon. My next fics to be published will be an Eddie/reader/Corroded Coffin groupie. Rockstar Eddie/fem reader fic series in progress.
18+ only and preferably 21+ following me/interacting + reading my fics. No exceptions.
My newest fics: 
Steve/fem!reader/Robin https://archiveofourown.org/works/47570095
Older rockstar Eddie x younger fem!reader https://archiveofourown.org/works/47570314/chapters/119891428
My profiles/socials: https://bento.me/melodymunsonharrington
Masterlist: https://melodylangdonmasterlist.blogspot.com/2020/03/fanfics-masterlist.html
Moodboards: https://melodylangdonmasterlist.blogspot.com/2023/03/moodboards-for-stranger-things-fics.html
More moodboards: https://melodylangdonmasterlist.blogspot.com/2023/03/cody-fern-character-moodboards-for-fics.html
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cecebookworm07 · 9 months
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Me as my taste in things!
Movies:
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Howls Moving Castle (2004)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Barbie (2023)
Thor: Ragnkarok (2017)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───
Shows:
Ms. Marvel (2022 - ?)
Fairytail (2009 - 2019)
Gravity Falls (2012 - 2016)
Avatar The Last Airbender (2005 - 2008)
Psych (2007 - 2014)
Derry Girls (2018 - 2022)
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───
Books:
Keeper Of The Lost Cities Series, Shannon Messenger (2012 - ?)
Letters Of Enchantment Duology, Rebecca Ross (2023)
Girl, Goddess, Queen, Béa Fitzgerald (2023)
The House In The Cerulean Sea, T. J. Klune (2020 - ?)
On Writing, Stephen King (2000)
Cute Mutants Series, S. J. Whitby (2020 - ?)
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───
Songs:
People Watching, Conan Gray (2021)
Dear Reader, Taylor Swift (2022)
Mess It Up, Gracie Abraham (2021)
Paradise, Cold Play (2011)
Birthday Cake, Dylan Conrique (2022)
Cry Baby, The Neighborhood (2015)
NOTE: What’s different about this category is that they’re songs that I relate to, not musicians that are my favorite. The only musician I listen to consistently on this list is The Neighborhood, otherwise they’re one off songs that I relate to. (If we’re going off musicians rather than songs it would be The Neighborhood; Artic Monkeys, The Cult, P!nk, Hozier, and girl in red.)
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───
If I can be perfectly honest, I don’t know what this says about me. That I’m a sucker for found family? That I love fantasy? That without humor I would be no one?
Honestly, no clue. :)
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grandmaster-anne · 2 years
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Margaret, Mustique & me
By Sara Tapia | Published 26 November 2020
She and her late husband turned the island of Mustique into a paradise for the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger, David Bowie and many a royal family member – so it’s safe to say that Lady Anne Glenconner has more than her share of stories to tell. The 88-year-old delighted royal enthusiasts with her bestsellling 2019 memoir and she admits writing the tome opened up some thrilling opportunities.
“My life is so full of surprises and adventures since writing Lady in Waiting,” Glenconner tells WHO.
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One of those is writing her first work of fiction, Murder on Mustique, a gripping murder mystery that she says was “inspired by” Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series. “I’ve always loved reading murder mysteries, so after the success of my memoir Lady in Waiting, this seemed like the obvious next step,” she explains of the book. “It made sense to set the novel in a place I know well, so Mustique was the perfect choice. I wanted to whisk readers away somewhere exotic they might not have had a chance to visit in real life.”
The private island in the Caribbean is a place that holds many dear memories for Glenconner. The author, who was a maid of honour at the Queen’s Coronation and later became lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, would spend many a holiday enjoying the crystal clear waters with her close friend. “I have memories from every corner of the island,” she explains of the hotspot – often dubbed a “playground for millionaires”. “Princess Margaret and I used to swim up and down the bay. She would swim breaststroke and I would do an inelegant front crawl. We had the most wonderful long chats on those swims – once we started, we could talk about anything. You lose your inhibitions in the water and nobody can overhear you!”
Her close connection to the British royal family has also seen Glenconner feature in Season 3 of The Crown, where she’s played by actress Nancy Carroll. “I met Nancy Carroll, who played me in the last [season], as she came to meet me for tea before she started the role,” the author tells. “She was absolutely charming – and I was delighted they had chosen her to play me as she was so pretty!”
While you can easily get lost in her dazzling life story, the same can be said for Glenconner’s fictional storytelling. So much so, you’d be correct in thinking the plot of her new novel had some elements of truth to it.
“I have vivid memories of Mustique, and I know the island inside out, so I wanted to do justice to the atmosphere and setting, and include details that only I know,” she says of taking a trip down memory lane for inspiration.
Captivating, suspenseful and endlessly entertaining, Murder on Mustique follows the mystery disappearance of American heiress Amanda Fortini on the island, and Detective Sergeant Wilton and the island’s owner Lady Veronica’s search for a killer. And while it’s only just been released, Glenconner is already itching to tell the next story. “I’m planning another novel featuring the same lead characters, as I’ve loved spending time with them and hope readers will, too,” she tells WHO. “The setting may be different next time – watch this space …”
At the ripe age of 88, it seems the Norfolk-based socialite has found her calling in telling tales. “In many ways I’m happier now … than I’ve ever been,” she adds.
ISLAND MEMORIES
While her husband, the late Lord Glenconner, passed on his entire fortune to an employee upon his death in 2010, Lady Glenconner still visits Mustique regularly. “I’m very lucky that I have a great friend who lives there,” she tells.
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airanddust · 1 year
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Eight days in Tokyo
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After three years we finally made it to Japan. Back in 2020, Robert and I originally planned to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and then you-know-what came along. Fast-forward to this year, when, while checking my airline miles, I found I had enough to book us (awful, but virtually free) roundtrip economy tickets for an eight-day trip to Tokyo—so we went for it in mid-September.
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Note to self: wait until REAL autumn to go to Japan. I’m pretty sure I got heat exhaustion during our trip. The humidity was suffocating and made the real temp feel like 99º F and was severely tiring. 
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Where we stayed
We stayed at the Dormy Inn Korakuen in Bunkyo City, right by the Tokyo Dome. It was reasonably priced in a quiet part of town. They sold me on the amenities, which included an onsite onsen—accompanied by a yogurt drink in the morning or ice cream bar at night—along with free ramen in the evenings, a massage chair (which we discovered far too late), and an extensive manga library.
We got a double room, and while I was preparing for it to be incredibly tiny based on what I’d heard about Japan hotel rooms, it wasn’t quite as small as I expected and held all our things with room for us to still move around. 
What we planned
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Months ago we started compiling a Google map of all the places we wanted to go, made a reservation at a mini pig cafe, and bought a three-attraction pass using Klook primarily to visit Tokyo DisneySea. (There is apparently no other way for foreign tourists to get Disney tickets unless you have a Japan mailing address.) We later added the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and TeamLab Planets, which meant we had four scheduled events and were free to explore the rest of the time. 
What we did
Day 1: travel day
From Narita airport we took the Skyliner to connect to another train to our hotel, which took over an hour and a half, but actually longer than that overall because the ticketing was confusing and we were jet lagged.
Finally we figured out we needed both a Suica card (which you can use on almost every train) and a dedicated Skyliner ticket to get to Tokyo proper. From there we used Google Maps, our most trusted ally, to navigate to Bunkyo City.
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The trains in Japan are clean and efficient and most stations play cheery recordings of bird songs. People line up in orderly fashion to board. The thing that most stood out to me, being from Seattle, is that there was not a hint of urine in any of the station elevators or hallways. Every place we went felt safe even at night. The trains seemingly go everywhere in the city and they’re easy to use with Google Maps, which even tells you which car to board for the best transfer. 10/10.
Day 2: Bunkyo City, Toshima City, and Harajuku
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We got breakfast at 7-Eleven, which carries all manner of food and drink and even blenders to make your smoothie and a microwave to heat up whatever food you bought. We accidentally ate in without telling the cashier. (Turns out you pay 10 percent tax to dine in vs 8 percent to take out, which we didn’t realize because the sign was in Japanese in the back of the seating area.) In addition to food, konbini stores like 7-Eleven also have fax machines, ATMs, and the ability to replenish your Suica card, which is something we did a lot. 
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After our 7-Eleven experience we explored the manic overwhelm that is the 24-hour mega-mart Don Quixote, grabbed some pastries at BOU’LANGE, and walked around Koishikawa Korakuen garden to take pictures. 
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We rode the train north to the Sunshine City Mall where we hit the Pokémon Center and Gashapon Ikebukuro, the world’s largest capsule toy store.
We noticed a bunch of teenagers crowding around the mall’s central atrium and found out it was because a K-pop band called CIX was about to perform. We were going to stick around to see how it went until we found out there was an aquarium on the roof (?!?) and went there instead. We saw rare Baikal seals, which are the only mammals that live in Russia’s Lake Baikal, the deepest body of water in the world, along with river otters, penguins, pelicans, sharks, and a bunch of other fish. 
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That night we had a reservation at MiPig Cafe Harajuku where we got to hang out with baby pigs for about 40 minutes. (We booked an hour, but their system is such that you spend about half an hour sitting on the floor, then the rest of the time getting up to leave and checking out.)
One little pig fell asleep on me before another one came over to bully him off my lap. The staff explained many of the pigs are siblings, and there are lots of rivalries. Sure enough, we saw the same pigs start fights multiple times while we were there. It was adorable but also left me wondering what happens to the pigs after they grow up…? Maybe I shouldn’t think about that.
Day 3: Yokohama
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We took the world’s longest train ride (only slightly exaggerating) to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which is kind of like a distributed theme park on an island about an hour and a half outside the city. 
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We saw a SeaWorld-style show with beluga whales and dolphins and wandered labyrinthine hallways of aquariums. I rode a dinky little roller coaster called Surf Leviathan while Robert went to the Umi Farm, where he caught a sea bream they then cooked and served him. 
A dolphin at the up-close-and-personal FUREAI Lagoon chucked a basketball to me—I was so surprised—and after I threw it back, he chose Robert next and then continued down the line of people standing along the wall. 
We had yakiniku at Satsuki in Bunkyo City that night, up three flights of tiny stairs in a cramped building that was very cozy. 
Day 4: Shibuya + Ginza
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We headed over to Shibuya and popped out of the subway right into a festival at Shibuya Crossing, then traversed the famous crossing for ourselves. 
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We made our way to Flipper’s for soufflé pancakes (well worth the hourlong wait) before nearly sweating to death walking through Yoyogi Park to Meiji Jingu, a shrine where we accidentally crashed not one but two weddings. At this point it was so hot I didn’t think I could make it to the next train station. The humidity was demoralizing. 
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We hit up Ginza next and walked around what felt like a never-ending indoor mall, then got custom-printed drinks at Nissan Crossing. I got the chocolate latte and Robert ordered the lemonade and both were delicious. 
The flagship Muji store had been on our list for a while and we were excited to check out all seven floors (plus hotel and food?!?) but it turned out three floors were closed for renovation, so we didn’t get to witness all of the store’s glory. Probably for the best because we ended up bringing home an extra suitcase of souvenirs anyway. Instead we got in line at Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie for dinner, which took over an hour. The udon was decent but I probably wouldn’t return. 
Day 5: Tokyo DisneySea
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We went to Tokyo DisneySea, which we thought would be less crowded on a Monday than a weekend, but it was so busy I can’t imagine how bad it would have been on a weekend. It was also so hot there were announcements about taking breaks and drinking water, which I’ve never heard at a theme park before, even having grown up in Florida. At one point I couldn’t even muster up the energy to move across a sunny walkway—I had to stop and sit for a few minutes before my body would let me go on. 
Many hours were spent in line for Indiana Jones, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and 20,000 Leagues of the Sea, and our feet paid the price. I’m not a huge fan of Disney rides—I appreciate the theming, but the thrill level isn’t there for me—so I don’t think they were worth waits of that length, but I’m still glad I rode them since these rides are Tokyo-specific. I heard someone compare Tokyo DisneySea to Universal and it did feel more like that than a typical Disney park. The seaside theming and landscaping is really on point. 
Day 6: Akihabara + Ueno
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On Tuesday we explored Akihabara and Ueno, where I’m pretty sure I got heat exhaustion because I was tired and confused and barely able to finish sentences. After taking a break I was ready to give it another shot. Ueno is stuffed with signs, shops, souvenirs, and shrines, and was probably the biggest sensory overload of the trip for me. 
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We stopped at Pastel Caffe for honey toast and a caramelized banana parfait that revitalized me for our self-guided tour of Ueno Park and the Shinobazunoike Benten-do temple, where a lady randomly approached us and proceeded to, uh, bless us?
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After being…blessed?…we went to Monster Hunter Cafe, which Robert had been wanting to check out after a renewed interest in their mobile game. The city’s many vending machines already had me hooked on strawberry milk but Monster Hunter’s version took it to another level (or maybe it was the heat exhaustion 😅). 
Ueno boasts a great many souvenir stalls and brightly lit claw game shops, where Robert won an Oshi No Ko stuffed character. He also ran into a guy from the States who asked for a picture together since they were both wearing LA Rams gear. 
Day 7: Ginza + Bunkyo City + TeamLab Planets
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On our last full day, we got reservations at the six-seat Michelin-starred ramen shop Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou (h/t Koes!). You line up at nine a.m. to get tickets for a timed entry, then return at the time they assign you. While we waited for our slot we ventured over to Roar Coffeehouse; Ginza’s Pokemon Center; a shopping mall; and Ginza Petit Custa. When we returned to Chukasoba, we were served the chef-recommended "ravioli" ramen we'd ordered earlier. I'm no food expert but the ramen was pretty dang good. 
With souvenirs piling up (cough Pokemon Center cough) we needed a suitcase to take back home, so we went by Ginza Karen (which, to my disappointment, was not staffed entirely by Karens), apparently a well-known luggage store. We settled on a Japanese-made bright yellow roller bag. 
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That night I wanted to ride the Thunder Dolphin coaster that was basically across the street from our hotel, but, true to its name, it was closed due to thunderstorms so instead we went up to the neighboring Bunkyo Civic Center observatory (for free!) to take in nearly-360-degree views of the city. 
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We shopped for some more souvenirs and Japan-specific skincare products at good ol’ Don Quixote before grabbing the abalone course at Grow in Bunkyo City, which was delicious. I wish we’d had time to finish the entire course but, alas, we had to miss the garlic rice and dessert because otherwise we’d have been late for our TeamLab Planets reservation. 
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Speaking of TeamLab Planets, I wasn’t sure what to expect because reviews were mixed, but it was a fun experience. It bills itself as an interactive art museum, and most of the exhibits offer completely unique experiences that will never be recreated. In the koi room you wade through knee-deep water while virtual fish swim around you in real-time projections that are based on your movement and the amount of people in the room. Our favorite was the flowers in space projection, another unique exhibit where it feels like you’re floating through a universe of flowers and butterflies.
Our last stop was Lawson’s for plane snacks and a final serving of strawberry milk, because I’m addicted and convenience stores back home are trash compared to Japan’s.
Day 8: back to the States
Our flight home from Haneda was delayed because…drumroll, please…the captain forgot his ID in his hotel room back in Tokyo. Our completely full plane waited on the tarmac for over an hour as some hapless soul fought traffic to retrieve the captain’s passport before we were allowed to leave. I guess on the bright side, the timing meant we got to see a Pokémon-themed plane as we taxied off, so there’s that.
Tokyo was a feast for the senses and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Japan (although first I need to learn more than two Japanese words). I already miss the convenience stores, vending machines, trains, and bathrooms—seriously, they’re next level.
Random observations
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Generally, walk on the left side of the sidewalk/escalator/etc
DOWNLOAD GOOGLE TRANSLATE! I mean, unless you are fluent in Japanese…
Don’t go in the summer unless you want to get heat stroke
Despite the heat, people mostly wear pants, dresses, and skirts, and everyone dresses much more formally than they do in the States (particularly in Seattle)
Almost no one wears sunglasses—I saw maybe three other people wearing them the whole time, and one of them was a tourist
There’s no tipping in Japan, but there is a two percent tax difference between dining in and taking away
You can apparently only pay cash to reload your Suica card…? Or at least, that was our only option
No one locks up their bikes—it was a shock to see dozens of bikes just sitting around freely, because bike theft apparently isn’t a thing there
There are actual telephone booths around the city
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hime-memes · 2 years
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                                      • Hime’s Mini - Playlist Starters • ( Part 2 ) 
                                                         - Villain Edition - I’ll be linking the lyric videos in the Bolded song title so you can go give these a listen if you’re so inclined ! If by chance you do find a new favorite song from this playlist - let me know in the tags & I’ll consider doing future installments of my personal RP writing playlists !
                                           ( Most of these have an villain vibe ! )
As always: These have been modified for cohesive and sensical use for the general RPC. Feel free to change anything within these that you see fit to make it work for your muse & the receiver’s muse !
Recommended For: Evil muses / plots / timelines.  Trigger Warnings For: Swearing, death mentions, abusive relationships/domestic violence, general violence, drug and alcohol mentions. 
 ‘ Villains Aren’t Born ( They’re Made ) ‘ “ Watch the torch set aflame: Watch it burn, watch it fade ... “ “ Watch the armies gather suit ! “ “ Someone's got to win & lose. “ “ They say my heart is almost black ... well, baby, who's to blame for that ? “ “ Count your blessings, count your minutes ! “  “ Played my game ? ( Hell, now you're in it ... )  “ Bittersweet, my renegade ... and I'm anything but tame. “ “ Grab your sword, you might just need it; 'Cause I'm not afraid of cheating. “  “ Oh, I hate to tell you this way ... villains aren't born -- darling, we're made. “ “ Scream my name when they run; ( Honestly, it's kinda fun ). “ “ Scream it louder when they fall ... seems I'm never satisfied at all. “ “ They take ! They take until you give ! “ “ You taught me well, now watch me win ... ! “ “ I aim before I kill -- If only for the thrill. “ “ Yes, it's bad, I know ... but still ? ( There's nothing left to lose ). “ “ Don't tell me ‘ It's not fair ! ‘, Believe me; I've been there. “ “ ... I'd much rather be alone if I'm sitting on a throne ... “
' Don’t Make Me ‘  ” Benefit of the doubt is my weakness. “ “ I’m turning the other cheek to see less. “ “ Let's say it right; not my fault you got regrets ! “ “ Bloodied lips, nursing right out the glasses. “  “ Diamond, pearl and ruby; you'll swoon. “ “ Can I offer you a little salt for that wound ? “ ” I've tried to take you lying down. “ “ I clarified & tip-toed around it. “ " You cross them every time ... “ “ Don't make me be the bad guy ! “ “ Despite all of my foresight - I keep hoping I'll be right about you. “ “ You’re my first psycho ... “ “ So hell, what do I know ?! “ “ Tell me you're the bad guy. “ ” Paradise lost; you've fallen from grace. “ “ You're cracking my ribs with just one embrace -- ! “  “ Your offering's empty, godless, and cold. “ “ I can read you like a book, ( and it's getting old ) ! “  “ Never was built to be this way: except turns out the villain is fun to play. “ “ Your Hollywood romance, extra and sappy; ( but - spoiler alert ! -- The ending ain't happy ). “ “ The ugly truth is bittersweet; so dress it up in fancy clothes ! “  “ ... But we both know just how this goes ... “ ” No longer a pretty view ahead. “ “ Our lies did not become us; we became them instead. “ ‘ Yes Mom ‘ “ Bet you've been a fan of me ! “  “ Do you see me in your fantasies ? “ “ Everything I got, I got working for me -- “  “ Eat that, peep that, I'm the one to beat, yeah. “ “ When I take my picture; wanna kiss her -- I'm like ‘ damn ‘ ! “ “ I see my reflection, got affection 'cause I can. “ “ I can't help that I feel myself; Yes, I guess I'm a fan ! “  “ Everything you're looking for is right here where I stand. “ “ What you see is what you get. “ “ Everything - I'm owning it ! “ “ Did it independent 'cause I got what I need. “ “ 2020 vision with ambition's how I'm made. “ “ I can't keep from winning when it's in my DNA ! “  “ Push me down & I bounce right back; trampoline and it's in my past ! “ “ I’m rising like a phoenix making fire from the ash. “ “ God, it's such a treat -- just getting to be me ! “  “ ... Spending all my time on what I want. “ “ Looking in the mirror; I'm so glad I'm here ! “ 
‘ Uh Oh ‘ “ ... Uh oh, you made a mistake ... “ “ Tell me things that can't be true. “ “ Your slacks are on fire; ( I'm fanning the flames ) ! “  “ Like a vampire stood out in broad day. “ “ Shoulda been wiser while pickin' out what you were gonna say ... “ “ Fool me once, that's one too many ! ( Better luck next time you've met me ) ... “ “ Where's the dunce who caught you meddling ? ... Turn around ... “ “ You're sweating this time. “  “ I'm reading your eyes. “ “ You're being called out, 'Cause you slipped your mouth ! “  “ Your face has turned pale: Gone faint; you're not well ? ” “ While you were distracted I cast a spell. “ “ Uh oh, you better run away now ! “  " Got nothing else to say to you. “ “ Forgive this wed intermission. “ “ Tragically, I'm not the victim here ... “ “ If only I fell for your fiction; Now, tell me things that can't be true. “
‘ High Enough ‘ “ I don't like anyone better than you, it's true. “ “ I'd crawl a mile in a desolate place; with the snakes ... just for you. “ “ I'm an animal; hand me a tramadol, and gimme the juice. “ “ You are my citadel; you are my wishing well -- my baby blue ! “ “ I used to like liquor to get me inspired ... But, you look so beautiful -- my new supplier. “ “ I used to like smoking to stop all the thinking -- But, I found a different buzz. “ “ The world is a curse - it'll kill if you let it. “ “ I know they got pills that can help you forget it ... They bottle it, call it ‘ medicine ‘; But, I don't need drugs. “ “ Is it 'cause I'm already high enough. “ “ You got me; and you got me good ... “ “ I only got eyes for you. “ “ Do you see anyone other than me ? “ “ Baby, please: I'll take a hit of whatever you got. ( Maybe two, maybe three ) ? “  “ Oh, you're phenomenal -- I feel like a domino, make me fall to my knees. “ “ I am a malady -- you are my galaxy ... my sweet relief. “ “ Don't try to give me cold water; I don't wanna sober up ! “  “ All I see are tomorrows. “ " The stars were made for us ! “
‘ Rebels ‘ “ Raise some hell before we ghost ! “ “ Break the rules, ( a broken nose ) -- “ “ You know us. We're soldiers. “ “ Rips and holes in baggy clothes, drippy hard from head to toes. “ “ We won't budge -- For no one. “ “ Walkin'. Don't know where we goin' but, we mobbin'. “ “ You looking for the juice ? Well we got it. “ “ Get out our way or join in the riot. “ “ Hear the sirens ? Quiet ! Shh ! “ “ Everything is burning and I love it ! “  “ Sit and watch the world until it's nothing ... ! “ “ Scared of going out into the public; Yeah, we the kings now. “ “ Take it if you can't afford to cop it. ( Talk about a baller on a budget ) ! “  “ Gloomy 'till they put me in a coffin ... “ “ Ridin' -- straight to the top ! “  “ There's no getting by it. “ “ Ashes like fireworks in the sky ... “ “ Don't be afraid of heights; 'Cause we flyin'. “
' Angry Too ‘ “ I buried the unseemly urges; Deep down in the ground with the roots ... “ “ It's all coming up to the surface ... maybe it's getting ready to bloom ? “ “ I don't wanna be a monster in the making ! “ “ I don't wanna be more bitter than sweet ... “ “ I don't know how to be just standing by blankly ... not getting angry. “ “ ‘Cause another & another coming up out of the gutter; 'Til I'm drowning in an ocean of entitled motherfuckers and they're pushing all my buttons ! “ “ They never seem to wonder why another & another, ask each other: ‘ Does it get your blood boiling ? Does it make you see red ‘ ? ”  “ Do you wanna destroy it ? Does it get in your head ? “  “ 'Cause it gets my blood boiling, & I'm coming unglued ! “  “ It would hit you like poison ... ( if you knew what I knew ) ... you would be angry too. “ “ I'm seeing through crimson sunglasses. “ “ I'm breathing and counting to ten. “ “ I guess I'm fresh out of free passes, they'll pay if it happens again ! “ “ I don't wanna drink the venom they made me ! “ “ I don't wanna be controlled by the past ! “ “ Boy if you were me, could you really blame me ? “ “ Wouldn’t it make you crazy ? “ “ Calm down girl, why you so mad ? “ “ Why's your heart gone rotten ? “ “ It's all good girl; why are you upset ? “ “ Guess they have forgotten what they did ?! “ “ You would be angry too. “
‘ Horror Movies ‘ “ Don't go down to the basement ! “  “ We all know what's coming next; Murder with a little side of mayhem. “ “ ... Here I go again ... “ “ Is that blood on the wall ? “ “ A Scream down the hall ? My knees are shaking so bad that I gotta crawl ! “ “ All my ghosts are chasing, but why can't I escape them ? “ “ Careful where you step ! -- 'Cause if I keep going, I'm losing my head. “ “ I need a vacation; Or something to sedate them ! “ “ I hate horror movies ... Please don't ask me why. “ “ I hate horror movies so damn much that I could die ! “ “ This movie's looking too much like my life ... ! “ “ Shhh, I don't wanna wake 'em ! “ “ I'm hiding under the bed. “ “ ... And if you think that you'd be scared of Jason ? ... You should meet the monsters in my head ! “
‘ This Is Love ‘  “ You're no good -- you're no good ! “  “ You could kill me & you should. “ “ I'm an idiot for thinking this was anything but blood ... “ “ You must like being the victim. “ “ You've done nothing to get out of this pattern of pain. “ “ It got washed away by the rain. “ “ You'll forgive me if I promise, then do nothing but the same. “ “ This is life until death, could be my last dying breath ! “  “ This is love, love, shut up ! This is love ... “ “ Forget everything you used to know ! “ “ I think you better tell your friends to go. “ “ Stick around cause I'm about to show you, the beginning is the end. “ “ Yeah; I know wrong, and I know right ... but, I just love to pick a fight. “ “ I can sleep with one eye open; ( If there's any sleep at night ). “ “ I got my knife, got my gun -- “ “ Let's see how fast you can run. “ “ You might think that you can hurt me but, the damage has already been done. “ “ It's pathetic, I know ... A jealous fool who won't let go. “ “ If I was sorry for my actions would I ever stoop so low ? “ “ I've got nothing left to give you. “ “ ... Fuck it, this is love. “ “ I was good but then I quit. “ “ Everyone that tried to fix me knows that I can't change a bit. “ “ I've got no shame, got no pride ... only skeletons to hide. “ “ If you try to talk to someone; well then someone has to die ... “ “ Once you chase me down the hole & once you think you're in control, you'll believe that we are partners & your feelin’ comfortable ... Then the darkness rolls in & you'll forget who I have been. “ “ The simple love that your grandparents had ... ? “ “ This kind of love will only make you mad. “ “ It hurts at first but it ain't that bad -- “ “ You gotta wonder what it meant. “
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abigail-nicole · 2 years
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tgcf livetweet
“when the people said you were a god, you were a god. If the people said you were shit, then you were shit.” This is delightful
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I read TGCF in spring of 2020, sitting on my porch roof amongst blooming dogwood trees, and it was the most pleasant experience reading a book I may have ever had. I livetweeted and since twitter seems to be barrelling towards self destruction I am archiving the live-tweet here. 
this book is hilarious and I am 2 seconds in 
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“Body in the abyss, heart in paradise” is a cool phrase in translation but I bet the chengyu is better 
what say a good crown price you have there—would be a shame if SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO HIM
Crown Prince Is A Total Himbo 
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“when the people said you were a god, you were a god. If the people said you were shit, then you were shit.” This is delightful
“Blood Rain Reaching Towards A Flower” is a metal af name
I fell asleep during my reading time last night but: team XIE LIAN IS A HIMBO & I’m waiting to be proven wrong about this
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this book is funny & xie lian is peak Dumb Baby
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xie lian + wei wuxian = forgetting everyone’s names
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Xie Lian gets sassy 
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I love Ruoye. almost as much as the butterfly baby
I too want to be with the woman holding a knife to my throat
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PUTTING UP AN UMBRELLA TO PROTECT XIE LIAN FROM THE RAIN OF BLOOD IN THE CORPSE FOREST IS SO ROMANTIC
Wait this is way too early in this very long book for me to have feels about Xuan Ji & Pei Ling
 magine if your favorite scarf was also a pet and friend & that’s Ruoye, my new favorite magical accessory
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I’m pretty immune to body horror & the Human Face Plague is Not Cool Not Cool Not Cool
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Oh Xie Lian was about due for a Himbo moment huh
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ten thousand withered bones
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OUR LOVE INTEREST IS FIRST NAMED! WE LOVE HIM ALREADY
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Among the Four Calamities and Four Famous Tales...there are NATURAL pairings here
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But we love every one of His facets, our Demon Lord, Hua Cheng
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OF COURSE Hua Cheng lives in a volcano city. I have met him once for three pages & I already know he Respects Aesthetics
Xie Lian sighs, contended, proud of his Demon Crush
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THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT XIE LIAN WOULD HAVE DONE IF HE COULD NO WONDER HIS CRUSH IS SO STRONG
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Xie Lian, after hearing eight pages of description of how everyone is scared of Hua Cheng: mmmm sexy
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Ok i got really into this part and fffff i have to be at work in 6 hours. Ch 13 later with more Himbo Xie Lian & Lonely Yet Too Smart For The Room Hua Cheng
Xie Lian....the Himbo who got kicked out in 15 minutes for calling out eerybody.....Hua Cheng who is so fed up he was like “fuck it im out ANd im better than all of u”........energy
Xie Lian replying to all in the email chain & everyone like SHUT UP BOOMER
Xie Lian just wants to be debt free. Millennials would worship at his shrine
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Xie Lian eating trash. Man mxtx really loves to drag this guy
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I love their dappled sunlit ride in a haywagon together #romance wait what’s their hashtag what’s the wangxian of #TGCF (it’s #hualian) 
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oh no Hua Cheng is Soft crying emojis 
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I would apologize but I’m loving my Exquisitely Slow Stop-Every-Page Livetweet read of #TGCF lets appreciate these soft gays
LOVE! SOFT GAYS! 
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God their dynamic is so sweet and Soft
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Scaring away the ghosts for your crush and then telling him “no you did it” #justHuaChengthings
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Xie Lian renowned himbo tries to flirt & be smooth
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AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED
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san lang i love u  
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Omg these gay babies
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gay BABIES who go STARGAZING TOGETHER
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(3/26/20) reading tgcf at work is the most enjoyable day I’ve had at work all week and NO ONE GOT STABBED TWENTY TIMES, UNLIKE YESTERDAY
Xie Lian giving up his hat......so soft..... Hualian standing shoulder to shoulder staring at the stars.......soft
Omg Hua Cheng breaking the sword in the sheath....the inexpert power dynamics of Nan Feng & Fuyao trying to trick him & failing....Xie Lian couldnt dissemble if his life depended on it....it’s Good Fucking Food
“WHO THE FUCK DECIDED THAT MY BOYFRIEND SHOULD GET SNAKE BIT IM REAL OVER Y’ALL” -Hua Cheng, probably
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Xie “I’d rather die than risk the possibility of my boyfriend getting snake bite” Lian
they’re moving real fast huh
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This person buried in the mud who became a demon is also v creepy there’s a lot of creepy stuff in this book!!!
from one demon to another, bro—
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XL: I’ve known San Lang for two days and if anything happened to him I would kill everyone in this room and then myself
Even the Pet-Weapon-Fashion Accessory Ruoye ships them
OH MY GOD HE KILLED EVERY DEMON IN THE PIT I
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THATS GODDAMN ROMANCE
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Murder pit?? But i wanna see my boyfriends new body
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Murder pit? 4/10. My hot “friend” 8/10
Okay i did NOT see this twist coming
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Lolololol #hualian
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Substantial Boyfriend Himbo move by Xie Lian here
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incoherent screaming FLOWER UNDER THE UMBRELLA IN THE BLOOD RAIN
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Nan Feng: STOP HAVING A ROMANCE ITS MAKING ME FEEL ICKY
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incohereNT SCREAMING HUALIAN
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Archive note: for interest, this is where season one of the Heaven Official Blessing donghua stopped! 
continued in part 2. 
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