#Danger Street 2 Review

[daytaker]

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[biblical-chronicles]

The Masterplan pt. 3

__________________________________________

where Noel makes sure you end up as his.

pt.1 | pt.2 | pt.3 | pt.4

__________________________________________

Weeks into the arrangement, your manager was positively giddy with the results. “Front pages, glowing reviews, interviews lining up—it’s working better than I could’ve imagined.” he’d gushed after showing you yet another article labeling you and Noel the “it couple.” The photos of the two of you walking hand-in-hand or exchanging grins outside a gig looked so natural that even you started to believe them.

But the more convincing you tried to be, the blurrier the lines became.

It wasn’t like you hadn’t noticed Noel’s natural charm before; it was impossible not to. But now, with his arm slung around your shoulders in public or his fingers brushing against yours at the studio, your heart betrayed you with an unwelcome flutter.

Noel, of course, seemed to have settled into the role perfectly. “Gotta make it look real, eh?” he’d say with a smirk as he pressed a kiss to your temple in full view of some lurking photographer. His casual demeanor only made it worse. He was so bloody good at pretending that sometimes you forgot it wasn’t real.

Except there were moments when it didn’t feel like pretending at all.

Like when you’d catch him looking at you just a little too long during a quiet moment in the studio. Or when his laugh would come a beat later than usual after you made a joke, his eyes softening in a way that felt less PR and more... something else.

It was terrifying. You’d signed up for a game, not to have your heart on the line. But now, every time he kissed you for the cameras—or, increasingly, when there weren’t any—you found yourself craving the feel of his lips when he wasn’t around. It was ridiculous. Dangerous even.

And yet, you found ways to manufacture little moments.

“Does this look alright?” you’d ask him one evening, holding up a stack of promo photos from your latest shoot. He was perched on the arm of the couch in your studio, thumbing lazily through a magazine.

He glanced up, his brows lifting. “Looks fine to me. What’s the matter?”

You bit your lip, hesitating. “Dunno. I just... feel like I look stiff.”

Noel smirked, setting the magazine down. “Stiff, eh? Let’s see.”

He leaned in, his knee brushing yours as he took the photos from your hands. His scent hit you immediately, a mix of cologne and something uniquely him. You tried not to stare at the way his fingers moved over the glossy paper.

“Honestly,” he said, flipping through the shots, “these are fine. But if you want more of that ‘relaxed’ look—” His eyes flicked to yours, a hint of a grin playing on his lips. “—we could always stage another photo op. Maybe one with you snoggin’ me senseless in a pub. Dead casual.”

You laughed, swatting his arm. “Piss off, Gallagher.” But your cheeks were warm, and when his grin softened into something closer to genuine, you felt that pull again.

The lines blurred even more at the studio, where Noel’s sudden increase in public affection didn’t seem to fade behind closed doors. He’d sit closer than necessary during lunch breaks, his knee brushing yours under the table. Once, he’d walked into your studio room, wrapped his arms around your waist from behind, and mumbled, “Cameras or not, this feels too good to pass up.”

It wasn’t like you were innocent in all of this either. You started creating excuses to linger in his studio, whether it was to ask for feedback on a melody or to “accidentally” leave your coat behind so you’d have to come back.

One evening, after a particularly long day of recording, the two of you were heading out of the building when you spotted a reporter loitering across the street.

“Bloody vultures.” Noel muttered, slipping his hand into yours.

You glanced at him, your pulse quickening. “Should we do something?”

He arched a brow, his smirk returning. “Do what? Give ‘em a story?”

Before you could think, you were leaning in, pressing your lips to his in a move that felt half-spontaneous, half-strategic.

When you pulled back, breathless, Noel’s eyes lingered on you, a hint of mischief in his gaze. “You’re gettin’ far too good at this, you know.”

You tried to laugh it off, but the truth was written all over your face. The line between PR and real was no longer just blurred—it was nonexistent.

The park was quiet that afternoon, the kind of quiet you’d think would settle your nerves. But as you walked alongside Noel, your thoughts swirled faster than you could make sense of them. You clutched the takeaway coffee in your hands like it was a lifeline, but even the warmth couldn’t stop the pit in your stomach from growing.

Noel was talking about something, but you barely registered it. You were too busy rehearsing the words in your head, trying to figure out how to say what you needed to say without falling apart.

“You alright there, love?” he asked, glancing down at you. “You’ve been dead quiet since we left the studio.”

You looked up at him, his sharp blue eyes scanning your face with that mix of curiosity and concern he always had. It made it worse, knowing how kind he was being while you were sitting on a secret that felt like it was eating you alive.

“Can we sit down for a minute?” you asked softly, nodding toward a nearby bench.

Noel raised a brow but didn’t question it, following you over. As you both sat, he draped an arm around your shoulders like it was the most natural thing in the world. And for a moment, you let yourself sink into it before reality yanked you back.

You shifted slightly, nudging his arm away. “I—um. I just... I need to talk to you about something.”

“Alright,” he said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “What’s goin’ on?”

You took a deep breath, the words tumbling out before you could second-guess them. “I don’t know if I can keep doing this. The music, the industry—it’s all just... too much. I wanted to put out music because I loved it, you know? But now it’s all about headlines and publicity stunts, and I feel like I’m just... a commodity.”

Noel blinked, his usual cool composure faltering. “What are you on about? You’re smashing it, love. You’ve got the talent, the look—you’re the whole package.”

“But that’s just it,” you said, your voice cracking. “It’s not about the music anymore. It’s about selling some idea of me that I don’t even recognize. And me manager... God, he keeps pushing me harder, saying I need to do more, be more. I don’t even know what I want anymore. Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

Noel froze, the weight of your words settling on his shoulders like a ton of bricks. His mind raced, piecing everything together—the pressure from your manager, your exhaustion, the doubt in your voice. And then it hit him, clear as day: this is my fault.

He’d been the one to nudge your manager, the one to push for more headlines, more pressure. All because he’d wanted you to come to him, to need him. And now, here you were, broken under the weight of it all, questioning your entire career.

“Listen,” he started, his voice quieter than usual. “You can’t think like that, alright? You’re too bloody good at this to throw it all away. Trust me, it gets easier after this bit—the shitstorm at the start. You’ve already got your big break now.”

You shook your head, tears welling in your eyes. “I don’t know, Noel. I’m just... so confused. It’s too overwhelming. Maybe it’s not for me.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, Noel didn’t have a snarky retort or a clever remark. He sat there, stunned, as you buried your face in your hands. When the first sob escaped you, he reached for you instinctively, pulling you into his chest.

“Hey, hey,” he murmured, his voice softer than you’d ever heard it. “Don’t cry, love. Come on now. You’ve got this. You’ve just hit a rough patch, yeah? Happens to everyone.”

You clung to him like he was the only thing keeping you from falling apart completely. His hand moved to the back of your head, his fingers threading gently through your hair as he whispered soothing words.

But in his mind, he was panicking. What the fuck have I done?

If it hadn’t been for his meddling, you wouldn’t be in this position. You wouldn’t be doubting yourself, questioning your dreams. He’d meant to bring you closer, to tie you to him. Instead, he’d nearly shattered you.

He held you tighter, guilt gnawing at him with every shaky breath you took. “You’re not alone in this, alright? You’ve got me. And we’ll sort it out, yeah? Whatever it takes.”

You pulled back slightly, your tear-streaked face looking up at him. “You’ve done so much for me already. I feel like all I do is dump me problems on you.”

He shook his head, his voice firm. “Don’t be daft. You’re not dumpin’ anything. I’m here because I want to be, alright? And I’ll keep being here, no matter what.”

You nodded, sniffling as you leaned back into him. He rested his chin on top of your head, his mind racing as he held you.

The silence between you stretched unbearably after you pulled back from his embrace. Noel could feel your hesitation, the way you fiddled with the hem of your jacket like you were bracing yourself for something heavy. He stayed quiet, sensing you needed to speak first.

“Noel...” you started, your voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t think I can keep doing this. This... thing we’ve got going. It’s breaking me more than it’s helping.”

Noel’s stomach dropped. For a moment, he thought he’d misheard, but the tremble in your voice confirmed it. She’s pulling away. Fuckin’ brilliant. She’s about to pack it all in—her career, this whole thing. And it’s all because of me.

He straightened up, trying to keep the panic from showing on his face. “What thing, exactly?” he asked carefully, feigning a bit of confusion. If he could just keep you talking, maybe he could steer this ship away from disaster.

You exhaled shakily, your hands clenching into fists. “I let myself fall, Noel. Properly fall for you. And it’s not your fault—it’s mine. I shouldn’t have let it happen. But I can’t keep pretending this is just some fake scenario when me heart... when it wants more than that.”

Noel stared at you, utterly stunned. His brain scrambled for a response, but nothing coherent came to mind. You misread his silence as rejection, and your shoulders slumped as you continued.

“I’m sorry for being stupid like that,” you said, tears welling in your eyes again. “But I can’t do it anymore. I can’t keep playing this game when it’s ripping me apart inside.”

“Are you serious?” Noel finally blurted, his voice a little rougher than he intended. He shifted closer, his hands gripping the edge of the bench. “You think this is a game to me? You think I don’t...?” He stopped himself, exhaling hard and running a hand through his hair.

You looked up at him, startled by the intensity in his tone. “I don’t know what to think anymore.” you admitted.

He took your hands in his, leaning closer until his eyes locked with yours. “Listen to me, alright? I don’t want this to be some fake thing either. I’ve been trying to... I dunno, keep it together, keep it professional. But if you think for a second that I haven’t felt the same...” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Then you’re daft.”

You blinked at him, your lips parting in surprise. “You mean that?”

“Course I do,” he said, his voice softening. “I didn’t go through all this bollocks just to play pretend. You mean too much to me for that.”

A shaky smile broke through your tears, and before either of you could say another word, you leaned in and kissed him. It wasn’t for show this time, no cameras or reporters in sight. It was real—messy and desperate and everything you’d been holding back.

When you finally pulled away, your forehead rested against his, and you whispered, “I’d leave it all behind for you, you know. The career, the stress—everything. I’d just help you out in the studio or whatever. I don’t need anything else as long as I’ve got you.”

Noel’s heart clenched, guilt twisting in his chest like a knife. This was all because of him—your doubts, your stress, your breakdowns. But he couldn’t let you walk away from your dreams, not when you had so much ahead of you.

“No way love,” he said firmly, his hands cradling your face. “You’re not throwin’ all that away for me. You’ve worked too hard to get here. I’m not lettin’ you quit now.”

“But it’s too much,” you said, your voice cracking. “It’s overwhelming, Noel. I just want peace.”

“And you’ll get it,” he promised. “But not like this. You’ve got too much talent to let it go to waste. We’ll figure it out, yeah? Together. I’m not lettin’ you go through this on your own.”

Tears streamed down your face as you kissed him again, gratitude pouring out of you in waves. When you pulled back, you whispered, “Thank you, Noel. For everything.”

He pressed his lips to your forehead, holding you close as a mix of guilt and happiness swirled in his chest. “Always, love,” he murmured. “Always.”

__________________________________________

early delivery today x

the cheeky cunt suffers the consequences of being a cheeky cunt

(I'd still forgive him come on)

hope you lot liked it, kinda wanna scribble down a part 4, perhaps I will xx

pt. 4 does exists now !!

[jeonjungkookenthusiast1997]

Bodyguard For Hire (1) - It's Going To Be a Bumpy Ride

Summary: Bang Chan, a famous body guard, has been hired to protect the daughter of a rice banker. She's a spoiled brat who likes to tease her new body guard endlessly and who's to say he can't flirt back?

This is my own work not a reblog! Please do not repost or translate.

Content Warnings- mafia/ gang au, mentions of violence, flirting, pet names, Y/N is a little brat, bang Chan is also a brat

Word Count - 1,698

Navigation

Chapter 2

The streets of Seoul had gotten more dangerous lately, the local gangs making their presence well known. Y/N's father, a rich investment banker, had growing concerns that his daughter would be targeted leading them to hire a well known bodyguard for her known as Bang Chan.

Y/N had been nervous when she got called into her father's study and frowned when she saw the man standing beside her father as he explained the situation "No refusal or your allowance for the month will be stopped" her father barked at her firmly as he tips his head back swallowing a suspicious looking brown liquid.

Anger started to burn into her heart as her face turns red "what?! This is ridiculous daddy! I don't need a fucking bodyguard" her delicate face scrunches up in distaste as she looks at the stranger, he had short and dyed platinum hair and a small cut across his cheek which looked oddly fresh. His clothes looked crisp and clean at least a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a black waist coat sucking in this waist deliciously. Y/N could admit in her head that he was drop dead gorgeous but that didn't stop her anger at the situation.

"Y/N! Language" her father bites out with a serious expression on his face. Bang Chan stays silent next to him as his dark eyes watch his new client, he takes this time to examine her frame. Her e/c eyes glimmer in the dark light of the room, her mid length hair flowing loosely at her back and a sleek looking black dress adorns her curves, he thinks to himself he might be kind of... Cute if she didn't look at him like he'd just shot her. Shaking his head of such futile thoughts he focuses back on the conversation happening in front of him, "I-" she goes to respond but bitterly realises silence in this instance may work out more in her favor so she simply looks away from her father with a scowl across her face.

"You will not question me again." Her father huffs and he pours himself another drink. "Now go upstairs. I have to speak to Mr. Bang Chan privately" she can't help but roll her eyes at this, "Fine" she grits out as she turns and slams the study door making her way up to her bedroom.

As soon as Y/N is upstairs Bang Chan relaxes, rolling his shoulder slightly as he moves to sit across from the older man.

Bang Chan clears his throat slightly before speaking "She seems... Difficult" the man before him chuckles slightly "Yes, she has a mean stubborn streak it's hard to get through to her once she's made her mind up" the patriarch stops his thought there with a frown before he continues "Do you think you'll be able to handle her?". Bang Chan hums to himself as he thinks "Of course. I have a lot of experience in dealing with people. Especially women like your daughter." he smiles "How much is the pay for this job and how long will I be here?" The older man pulls out a brief case full of cash and pushes it Infront of Bang Chan "This to start, more to follow which can be discussed at a later date, as for your duration..." A deep sigh leaves his mouth as he looks at some documents on his desk "Lets say a 30 days for now, I'll pay you the rest at the end of this month and we can review the contract then" the blonde haired man nods as he thinks the arrangement over "For now I'd like you to properly introduce yourself to my daughter, she may not be happy now but I can only imagine the longer it's left... The worse her temper will become" he ushers the bodyguard out of his study and towards the main staircase, Bang Chan takes a deep breath before climbing the stairs.

He rounds the top of the staircase and stops at Y/N's room, he can hear her inside mumbling angry to herself before he knocks "Y/N let me in, your father wants us to meet" he waits for a moment getting ready to knock again when he hears something soft hit her door and an angry "Go away!" Is shouted from behind the door.

A deep sigh leaves his chest at her antics before he announces he's coming in, turning the handle he opens the door walking in to see his client, Y/N, sat at a vanity table with her arms crossed much like a child he laments to himself "You realise this is part of why I'm here, yes? To keep you safe" she looks at him like he's got 2 heads for a moment before responding sarcastically "Why yes because I need protection from my fucking pillows" she stands up and shoves a pillow into his arms before she throws herself onto her bed.

He sets the pillow back back on her bed and sits down on a chair across from her "You're very stubborn aren't you?" A smirk flashes across her face at his words "one of my best traits" she flicks her hair over her shoulder while watching him carefully "Yeah that attitude is also why your parents hired me" he crosses his legs and looks at her, a frown creases her brow and she bows her head "I know and I know how bad Seoul has gotten recently but I don't need a babysitter" she huffs out "if you're aware of all that then why act like a spoiled princess?" he crosses his arms as his sharp eyes watch her reactions to his words "Because I can! Because it keeps freeloading dicks out of my life" she bites out before finally sitting up slightly resting her weight on her elbows "well news flash kid but I'm not a freeloader. I was hired by your father. I get paid good money dealing with princesses like you 24/7." Her eyes roll back into her skull at his cockiness "Good for you Mr... Whatever your name is" she sneers at him, "It's Bang Chan. Try to remember that." he says with an oddly cold expression "No I don't think I will actually, you see that would mean you'll be staying here which isn't happening" she rolls her eyes again before grabbing her phone from a unit near her bed.

He quickly jumps up and grabs the phone away from her placing it in his pocket "You won't need that." Her mouth opens and closes a few times as she stares at him with wide eyes "You can't do that!" She squeaks out at his actions "Give it back!" She shouts as she lifts her hands trying to grab her device back. He simply shrugs his rugged shoulder at her "If you are going to behave like a child, I'm going to treat you like one" He says in a stern tone "Understand?" His words make her blood boil underneath her skin "I am NOT a child we've been over this, you can't treat me like one I'm fucking 23 you dick" a laugh escapes his chest at her words "23 and still acting like a spoiled brat? Your parents need to teach you some manners... Oh wait..." he snaps his fingers together "that's right. I'm doing that now" he says as he stands up "You can try" she scoffs at him "what was your name again? Bam... Something" she folds her arms underneath her bust "Bang Chan. What was yours again, Princess?" He asks in a sarcastic tone, standing over her "You know fine well what my name is and don't call me princess!" She shouts with her cheeks dusted a faint pink "Alright, Princess" he chuckles. She can see that he's enjoying this, enjoys getting a reaction out of her.

He pushes her gently back onto her bed, but she just lays there in shock not sure how to actually respond to him completely man handling her, he leans over her as she lays down. He's inches away from her face, smirking as he looks her up and down "I'm sure my father didn't hire you to mock me now go away" she pushes him back and stomps to her wardrobe to get her night clothes out "No he did not. But he did hire me to protect you and make sure you're behaving. Even if that means getting up close and personal, you clearly need to learn to respect your elders" He chuckles making her throwing her head back slightly as she laughs "my elders? You can't be more than what... 24? Hardly my elder" he smirks and puts his hand on wardrobe door caging her in "I'm 25. Still your elder" He says while looking into her eyes.

Getting flustered at his close proximity she throws her bed clothes at him effectively pushing him back "You pervert! You just going to stand here while I change for bed now too?!" Bang Chan thinks at this and hums to himself "well... Your father did hire me to look out for you. And to make sure you're not getting into anything... naughty" He smirks as he watches her get all flustered, her face is bright red now "Get Out!" She starts pushing him out of her bedroom "You can come back and stalk me tomorrow, freak!" He lets her push him out of the room but before he leaves he turns to her and says "You're a very interesting person, you know that Princess?" He gives her one last wink and closes the door.

She hears his footsteps thud down the stairs but she remains stood at the door dumbfounded for a few moments before she slams her door shut and dresses for bed. She climbs into her plush bed but she can't sleep, her mind reels of thoughts on her new frustrating and admittedly sexy bodyguard "tomorrow's going to be a nightmare" she groans into her pillow as she rolls over in bed, letting sleep take her after an hour or two.

[mermaidsirennikita]

ARC REVIEW: Enemy of My Dreams by Jenny Williamson

4.25/5. Releases 2/4/24.

The Vibes:

—actual factual enemies to lovers (as in, enemy of the state)

—KIDNAPPING!!!

—Ancient Rome, naturally

—high as hell stakes

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

When an attempt to escape a horrible forced marriage goes wrong, Julia, sister to Rome's emperor, is taken captive by Alaric, King of the Goths. He wants freedom for his people; she wants freedom for herself. As much as they hate each other—an alliance could be in order.

The Review:

Is that... a historical romance set sometime and some place other than the nineteenth century in England? Um, shockingly enough, yes! And boy does it wring every bit of tension and world it can possibly get out of that world? Also yes.

The thing about Enemy of My Dreams is that it actually is a legitimate enemies to lovers novel, which is harder to find than you'd think (these days). Alaric spent fifteen years prior to the story killing Romans, essentially. Julia's brother wants him dead. Julia is very much taken against her will! Alaric very much doesn't see her as anything more than a hostage... at first.

It's all quite delicious, and you really feel the push-pull between the two of them throughout the novel. Because, even when they develop feeling for each other, the conflict and distrust doesn't automatically go away. You still have this tension between two people with fundamental differences, as well as different motivations.

And they're fun people, by the way. Alaric is, frankly, quite hot—he's a big alpha warrior type, but also a strategist. Williamson avoids the barbarian stereotype, emphasizing his cunning and knack for manipulation. The trouble is that he's coming up against a fellow manipulator, though Julia... rather adorably, isn't the most experienced at it. There's an age gap, and you feel it when she hurtles herself into plot after plot, only for it to not quite land because she's a bit of a young hedonist.

It's incredibly endearing. I love Julia; in a lot of ways, this book is her journey as much as it's her romance with Alaric.

Make no mistake, though. I can make a couple of critiques regarding pacing, but generally speaking, this one harkens back to old schools in the best ways. Peoples' lives are at stake. We have a classically hulking and dangerous hero and a defiant, beautiful heroine way in over her head (but she's gonna fight anyway). We have a broad cast of fun characters. It's an old school vibe updated for modern sensibilities... But not TOO updated.

The Sex:

Alaric and Julia's loathing and lust lead to several different hate sex encounters, as well as looooovemaking sex. It's explicit, though Williamson does often use euphemisms and avoids super anatomical descriptions. Regardless, the chemistry between the leads makes each scene FAB.

I'm excited to read more from Jenny Williamson. This is a novel both unique and a throwback. It's plenty exciting—check it out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[whileiamdying]

Review: Fernanda Torres pulls off a miracle of maternal courage in ‘I’m Still Here’

Fernanda Torres in the movie “I’m Still Here.” (Alile Onawale / Sony Pictures Classics)

By Carlos Aguilar Jan. 17, 2025 @ 2:46 PM PT

Soufflé is almost ready at the Paiva household just across the street from the beach in sultry Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From the unmistakably festive atmosphere within the home’s airy rooms, one wouldn’t guess the country is under a ferocious military dictatorship.

That Walter Salles, the acclaimed director of “Central Station” and “The Motorcycle Diaries,” first depicts the tight-knit family of “I’m Still Here” at their most ebullient, before tragedy strikes, pays off dramatic dividends in this remarkably life-affirming drama largely set in 1971 and based on the 2015 memoir by Marcelo Paiva (the Paivas’ only son). A contender for the upcoming international feature Oscar, “I’m Still Here” brilliantly distills an agonizing chapter of a nation’s recent past into a sophisticated portrait of communal endurance.

Already lauded for her quietly shattering performance with a surprise Golden Globes win (the first Brazilian actress to ever receive the prize), Fernanda Torres portrays Eunice Paiva, a mother of five who is married to former Congressman Rubens Paiva(Selton Mello). We see the pent-up worry on her face signaling incipient danger: Helicopters roam the city while news of kidnapped ambassadors pours from the radio.

Within the walls of the Paiva residence (the film was shot in the actual house that belonged to the family), Salles and his cast of both seasoned and fresh-faced actors create a vibrant, lived-in dynamic radiating with affection and carefree liberty. And because we’ve been so wonderfully immersed in the exuberance they are all about to lose, when the darkness reaches their doorstep, in the form of henchmen who take Rubens in for questioning, the contrast between who they were and who they become feels stark.

By that point, Mello has potently established the fatherly warmth his family will sorely miss. In that absence, memory becomes central to “I’m Still Here.” The narrative is interspersed with home movies shot on a 8 mm camera, immortalizing candid instances of leisure and love, the ones that truly matter. Not only are they indelible in the minds of the Paivas, but they are forever preserved in still photos, in Marcelo Paiva’s writing and now onscreen through Salles’ filmic rendition.

The director and cinematographer Adrian Teijido also make the home a shifting co-star and a physical metaphor for Brazil as a whole. Once a place where friends and family entered through perpetually open doors, the space becomes hermetic and airless when curtains are drawn to hide the men who have come to disrupt this idyllic refuge. Through them, the dictatorship instills fear and distrust to maintain power. Salles communicates the state-sanctioned distress by focusing on the family’s upended quotidian rituals.

Eunice responds by offering these goons lunch — maybe in the hope that their ordeal will end sooner, but also as a statement of the type of person she is even to those who might hurt her. (Eventually, she and one of her daughters are detained and interrogated, then released.) Those seemingly muted details about her rich personality come from Marcelo Paiva’s intimate reminiscences about his mother and the Paivas’ collective experience in the aftermath of Rubens’ disappearance, expertly adapted by screenwriters Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega.

Torres exudes the unflashy fortitude of a woman unable and unwilling to surrender to despair as the days and weeks go by. How can she when she must raise her children and seek justice for her husband, who may still be alive? Imparting masterful restraint, Torres makes Eunice’s few outbursts feel believably contained. As distanced from melodrama as possible, her performance is one of internalized grief.

And yet, in the midst of her hidden mourning, Eunice treats those around her with loving understanding, empathetic to their respective fears and the limitations of what they can do for her. She moves through the world with a humble resolve, unafraid of doing what needs to be done, never dwelling on what could or should have been done. At every turn, we recognize her desire to spare her kids from the sorrow she carries. A guardian of their tender hearts, she can only hide so much in an authoritarian reality.

Even mere moments after receiving crushing news, Eunice musters up a smile for her youngest daughter and the energy to take the whole gang out for ice cream, seeking to regain a semblance of what they used to have. That amalgamation of a graceful pride during a crisis and superhuman determination is crucial to Torres’ embodiment of Eunice’s inner force. And because she’s perceived as nearly unbreakable, when sorrow does slip through her eyes in a lost stare or a weighted silence, Torres’ expression is beautifully gutting.

Acting of this subtle caliber is rarely celebrated, but Torres unassuming turn has proved undeniable to anyone who watches it. For a film like “I’m Still Here” to emerge on the other side of the repressive Jair Bolsonaro presidency and be embraced at home and abroad so earnestly (it’s Brazil’s highest grosser since the pandemic) is testament to Salles’ assured directorial hand that treats the delicate subject matter with the seriousness it merits while highlighting humanity rather than brutality. There’s a striking elegance to his images in how they bring us closer to the people, not the horrors.

When a photographer suggests that the family pose with a somber demeanor for a shot that will be featured in an article about Rubens’ disappearance, Eunice refuses, instructing her children to smile broadly. Joy proves defiant to the shadowy oppressors who wish to see their “enemies” suffer. Eunice’s victory, as witnessed by Marcelo Paiva and resurrected by Torres (and, briefly, by Brazilian legend Fernanda Montenegro, Torres’ Oscar-nominated mother), is not just about survival but fostering a family united in adversity.

Resistance takes the form of lives well lived. In every laugh shared, in every new memory made and family photo taken, this clan honors those no longer physically present.

'I'm Still Here' In Portuguese with English subtitles Rated: PG-13, for thematic content, some strong language, drug use, smoking and brief nudity

[cillians-sweetheart]

𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓾𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 ☣︎ Chapter 30

Description: Johnathan Crane x Patient Reader. An 18 year old girl suffers from a mental disorder that Dr Crane takes an interest in, but It isn't just the disorder that catches his eye. Their love becomes so strong it drives her dangerously mad... more mad then she or him could ever imagine. 

ROMANCE + HORROR + SMUT STORY

No Batman and not everything about crane that's mentioned is correct to the actual character in DC.

TW: Violence, Sexual Content, Alcohol/Drug Use, Gore, Mental Illness, Parental Issues, Smut, Murder, Extreme Kinks (dom/crane, blood, choking, hair pulling, spanking, age gap, toys, dub-con and daddy kink) and Mention of Abuse, Assault and SA.

Not all warnings shown will be used in this exact chapter! Bold warnings are some to be expected throughout the chapter below!

Johnathan ripped his mask from his face as we were now back in privacy. I handed him the mall I had gotten and he began to quickly rip them open. His eyes scanned quickly over every word. A look in his eyes showed he still wasn't satisfied by what he saw.

"what's wrong hunny?" I held onto his bicep, lightly running my fingertips over his blazer sleeve.

"I have a trial tomorrow and I still have not gotten anything from the judge with any further information."

"Trial? You didn't tell me you had a trial?"

"Yeah because you don't need to worry about my work life."

"Who's it for?"

"Some thug who works for me. I make it my deal to get him out of jail time." Johnathan slammed the useless letters onto the kitchen island and rubbed his forehead.

I pulled myself into his arm and cuddled to it. "Do you want me to come with you?" I asked softly.

"No No. It's not safe."

"Not safe how?"

"I don't need you being anywheres near the public unless it is my work."

"But there will be police there, no one will hurt me."

"That's the problem. The police."

"Oh..."

"Sorry sweetheart." Johnathan tussled my hair around while grinning at me reassuringly.

Tomorrow

"Mr Gray. You have been brought here to my court today with charges of drug trafficking, drug possession, aggravated assault, 2 counts of murder and possession of multiple illegal weapons. My Finch, please come to the whiteness stand." The Judge spoke as the opposing lawyer, Mr Finch stood.

"Thank you your honour" He bowed stepping into the stand. "In my belief, My Gray is a sociopathic threat to our society. Our streets of Gotham were in deep harm because of this mans thoughtless crimes. Many innocent lives were taken and/or harmed. I say My Gray is a perfect candidate for life in prison. With no parole."

"Objection!" Mr Thatcher, Mr Grays lawyer, spat out while standing. "My client has been recently admitted to experiencing psychotic type symptoms, making his actions completely unpredictable. Yes he is dangerous but, your honour, he is unable to read the rights and wrongs of our world, due to his possible condition. Mr Gray here is sick and does not deserve a punishment for his illness. As human rights go, he should be evaluated into his mental health before a prison sentence is made."

The Judge sighed and laid his hands flat onto the platform in front of him. "Very well. Mr Finch, is there anything you wish to add?"

He thought for a moment. "No your honour."

"You may be dismissed."

"Thank you your honour." He bowed again before returning to the opposing side of Mr Thatcher.

"Any more words? Mr Thatcher." The Judge raised his head.

"No your honour."

"Thank you. Dr Crane, please step forward."

Johnathan came from the gallery where people of the public and the families of Mr Gray sat. He straightened his tie then proceeded to sit at the whiteness stand.

"In my opinion, Mr Gray is as much a danger to himself as to others. And prison is probably not the best environment for his rehabilitation."

"Objection your honour!" Mr Finch stood. "This man is just as guilty as the accused. I've done some review on Dr Crane here's cases and it seems that there's been many of his thugs put into his asylum with no real signs of psychosis."

"I can assure you Mr Finch, my patients are very well ill." He pushed his glasses up from the bridge of his nose. "I'd love if you came and took a look for yourself."

"Okay Okay." The Judge interrupted. "Dr Crane. Please, continue"

"Thank you." Johnathan continued. "I will have Mr Gray admitted into my ward until he is throughly investigated for psychosis. And I'm sure I will not disappoint you Mr Finch with my diagnosis. As I am the best doctor Mr Gray will find in Gotham."

"Your honour I apologize but this man is acting like an imbecile. It is clear there are no signs of psychosis in Mr Gray."

"And I apologize to say you Mr Finch, are not the one with a medical degree. Yes?"

"Alright." The Judge slammed him hands down. "Mr Gray will be sentenced under investigation to Arkham Asylum until further notice on his mental stability." His mallet came down confirming the sentence. "Dr Crane, you may be dismissed."

"Thank you your honour." He smirked giving a devious look to Mr Finch.

During Johnathan's trial I stayed home watching the television and looking at Johnathan's weird books. I missed him terribly, so much it made me feel physically ill. My head hurt and I felt empty inside. All the channels on his television were medical documentaries, the news and some weird science show where they dissected animals. Nothing was pleasing to me so I just turned it off and went to the bedroom to lay down. Hopefully I was able to let my headache fade on its own. In the bedroom I snuggled myself into his side of the bed; As I always did when he was gone. His pillow smelt of his hair and the blankets smelt of his cologne. I closed my eyes pulling the blanket over my shoulders.

The time passed very quickly. Within of what felt like 10 minutes was really several hours. By the time the front door opened, it was already 8pm. I was half asleep in bed as the sun just began to set. Johnathan kneeled down beside the bed watching me as I slept. He entered the house so quietly I didn't even know he was home.

While I was asleep I began to dream of my mother again. Her tormenting me and screaming at me for killing her. Maybe the drama with the police dialled down but she didn't. She still haunted me every time I closed my eyes.

Suddenly my dream paused and all I saw in my mind was black. I began to feel something that slowly woke me. I squirmed and groaned before I jumped awake. Johnathan was in front of me kissing my face while I slept. My eyes opened and he backed away quickly, pretending he wasn't just kissing my cheeks and forehead. When I saw his face I was suddenly very awake as I jumped at him wrapping my arms around his neck and pushing my face against his. "Johnathan!" I cuddled my face close to his, giving him millions of kisses on his cheek.

"Yes Hi" He pulled his face away and sat onto the bed next to me.

"I missed you so much" I whined grabbing his arm and pulled him to me.

"I missed you too hunny."

"Come here!" I pulled him harder onto the bed so he was laying down next to me. I instantly crawled on top of him and snuggled myself as close as I could to him. I laid on his chest while I looked onto his face, touching it gently with my fingers. "How did it go? Did you win?"

"I'm not a lawyer sweetheart. I can't win."

I took his glasses off him and threw them on the nightstand. "I know but did you get the results you wanted?" I laid my cheek on his, his other cheek being rubbed by my hand. He seemed to feel a bit overstimulated by all the touching but I couldn't help myself. He looked so sweet and felt so soft like a baby.

"Yeah. It went well."

"Aw I'm glad" I kissed his plump lips. "And I just missed you so much.." I pouted.

"Yeah?"

"Mhm"

"Aw you missed daddy?" He smirked, I nodded. "How sweet. Were you good while I was gone?"

"Yes" I moved my head down to rest in the crook of his neck. I deeply inhaled his musky cologne. My tiredness returned as I felt myself melting into him, finally feeling fulfilled by his presence.

"The lobby's filled with police.." Johnathan whispered catching me off guard. I lifted my head up and looked into his eyes.

"What?"

"Yeah but you'll be okay"

"Will you?"

"Yeah most likely. I've been in court all day remember?" He smirked touching my cheek.

"You need to be more careful. If you get taken away who will help proceed with this mission of yours."

"I won't get taken away. The scarecrow is never caught my sweet." He pushed my head down to his lips, kissing my forehead. "And if you'd stop putting yourself in situations like this I wouldn't need to blow people's brains"

"I know... but you look cute while doing it" I blushed.

"I'm not cute."

"Yes you are"

"No, I am well proportioned."

"Same thing." I kissed his cheek. "I'm tired I wanna go to bed now." I rolled off of him and pulled the black duvet over my shoulders.

"Alright." Johnathan sat up from the bed and pushed himself up. I watched him, peaking over the covers, as he began to pull his tie off. He threw it into the closet and began undoing his blazer, then pulling off his knitted sweater underneath. The process of him undressing was always better than just seeing him undressed. The way his abdomen looked as he stretched his arms above his head; Giving the perfect view of his V line coming up from his low waisted pants. He never liked it when I watched so I pretending not too and peaked through one eye.

Johnathan was my sexual awakening. I never felt lust for a man or even myself before him. But the day his hands slid down and between my thighs I've never felt the same. Suddenly after that the male anatomy was all I thought about, and all I wanted. Johnathan portrayed the look of a man better than any I've met before. He looked and acted more masculine than any boy I've seen. But that's probably because he wasn't a boy, he was a man.

[not-so-secret-nerd]

Where are my sapphic/lesfic readers jonesing for a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in 2003 NYC?

More details below the cut!

Drowned by men. Saved by a monster.

The last place Alexandra Bailey expects her routine life of domestic journalism to lead is being sucked into icy floodwaters below New York City with a knife in her ribs. Headlines like this happen to other people, but it's real, and she knows she's dead. Which makes the circumstances of her survival as impossible as the woman who drags her from the water. 

Saved but hardly safe, Alex wakes in the Underground, a world of misfits and monsters thriving below the streets. It's a journalism goldmine. One Alex can't resist digging into after learning her beastly savior is Leanna Farrow, adopted daughter of an infamous and "presumed dead" scientist. But Alex's curiosity, coupled with her rapidly developing feelings for Leanna, put both women in danger when Alex’s inquiries pique the interest of a powerful family with bloody secrets connected to the Underground. 

If Alex wants to unravel the secrets of the world below she'll have to walk the razor's edge, but some mysteries are better left buried.

🕮 Over 1700 copies sold  🔖 750k pages read on KU ⭐ 200+ Amazon reviews 🏆 2 Awards 🎖️ 4-time Indie Ink Award Finalist 🔥 One hell of a #sapphic read

 So what are you waiting for?

Link below:

Undergrounder by J.E. Glass

[cazzyf1]

Some of my favourite quotes from Mike Hawthorn's car reviews in the Sunday Times

Did you know Britain's first world champion, Mike Hawthorn wrote car reviews? Every so often when a new car came out Mike was given it to drive around and give his expert review on the car. Though often times speeding them down Fleet Street as he went to test them out at the Silverstone track, Mike did have a good sense of what was needed in a car. In the reviews, his wit and typical British humour come through, and there were some parts I just had to write down, so here's my collection.

'Stop fiddling with things on the dashboard. Forget the burnt toast or the row with your neighbour. Don't look at the aircraft's or the pretty girls. The way ahead is the only view that matters to the expert driver.'

'I WAS DEPRESSED BY the dangerous way the large and heavy doors opened forward.'

'It may seem unfair on the hawk that I should test it in such weather when other cars go through their paces in sunshine and on dry roads. I don't agree.'

'What a car it is...and oh! what a price it is, just under £7,000. I ignored the price and concentrated on the fun'

'And when I reluctantly left the Bentley I just had to take one more walk round and admire the perfect lines of its body.'

'Engine: 9, Comment: This Minx purrs'

'Cornering: 9, Comment: Does just as its told'

'It is frustrating to find a car that won't be bullied. As a tester it is my job to make a car sequel for mercy'

'The new Standard Ten just purred at my treatment'

'Get in your car, relax. No more wheel hugging, no more clutching at it with hands like ham. Caress it, for only gentle fingers can feel what the car wants to do on corners.'

'Shame on you if you have to look out of the window to find out what three feet of clearance is.'

'Trimming and finish: 10, Comment: Those fussy French men liked it'

'A phrase for the place: The French motorists say snails are for eating not emulating'

'I sat in the T.R.2 full of suspicion and as cold as charity'

'I have never been so flattering about a car before and it embarrasses me'

'In a phrase: Hawthorn in wonderland'

'The absence of a fourth gear is a thing I deplore, but mine is a voice in the wilderness.'

'I have been accused of bad manners in desiring to head the car queue. I don't agree.'

'Dislikes: The cheap ash tray'

'"Typical American," I grumbled'

'Oh the anxiety as the time grew near and the car was still to be delivered'

'A skid is as easy to correct as a 5 year old's homework'

'Those critics of road-test reports make one accusation. They say I am too kind.'

'But if mother expects to get her handbag, a face cloth and towel for whipping sticky juvenile hands and all her bits and pieces on it she will be disappointed'

'A phrase for the car: A fastish hussy is the minx'

'There's no stocking big enough for the present I would have liked for, only a garage would hold it. A large garage with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A garage with old masters on the wall. I'm dreaming of a large Bentley'

'I am not going to the trouble of filling in a score card this week. Just assume that the Bentley gets a ten plus for everything'

'Compromise... that's the world right out of a politician's dictionary'

'I am a back seat driver. Every time I test a car I climb into the back and view life from there. And what a task it can be sometimes'

'Off on a holiday...with the kitchen sink'

'I shook my head to clear the thunder from my ears'

'My wind-scourged face thawed into a glow as I settled myself in'

'Trimming: 6, Comment: Oh dear!'

'Mike Hawthorn interrupts a road test to air a pet hate...those lumbering diesel buses which travel along in a reeking miasma of black fumes'

'Comfort: 9, Comment: My passengers slept'

[kolbisneat]

MONTHLY MEDIA: March 2024

……….FILM……….

Dune: Part Two (2024) Every piece of technology felt and looked so tangible. The baby worm too! Love the tactile nature of this whole production and I hope studios take note that CG can't be the only tool in your belt. So much bigger than I imagined and just enjoyed the whole thing.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) Ages surprisingly well and a script that lets the main quartet be both funny and layered.

……….TELEVISION……….

Columbo (1.01 to 1.03) Hey I'm starting Columbo! Love that each episode is feature-length and Columbo appears fully formed right out of the gate. The sets and costumes are all so glamorous and L.A. Very excited to keep going.

Succession (2.05 to 3.04) The Kendall play at the end of season 2 felt very much like the Kendall play at the end of season 1 and while I'm still a huge fan of this series, I just hope it's not the same going into season 3 and 4.

Delicious in Dungeon (Episode 1.09 to 1.13) Great adaptation that isn't just a straight recreation of the artwork in the manga. The more kinetic/frantic moments in the animation are a nice departure and while they don't pop up in each episode, now that I'm 13 eps deep I can appreciate how they're sprinkled throughout.

Love is Blind (Episode 6.02 to 6.13) It still amazes me that anyone goes on reality tv.

……….YOUTUBE……….

Twilight | ContraPoints by ContraPoints Yes I did watch a nearly 3-hour essay on Twilight, sexual expression, and all that comes with that. And you should too. VIDEO

Instagram fatigue and the rise of 'Resentment Reels' by Taylor Lorenz While I haven't noticed this specific phenomenon, I have noticed Instagram declining as an app (both as a user trying to see anything other than ads, and a creator trying to get my work seen in between those ads). It's a bummer. VIDEO

Saltburn: The Tumblr-ification of Cinema by Broey Deschanel Every since I saw Saltburn, I've been thinking about what wasn't quite sitting right with me. This unlocked a lot of what I couldn't describe and most of it stems from the writer/director's upper class upbringing. Saltburn isn't a "take down the rich" movie, it's a horror story from the perspective of a wealthy family. VIDEO

Why Is It So Hard To Cross The Street? (& What You Can Do To Help) by Strong Towns Accidents where drivers hit a pedestrian are going up in my area so this really hit home. And for those feeling like there's nothing you can do at ground level, consider taking their course (not a paid sponsorship I'm just in real support of community-lead initiatives). VIDEO

……….READING……….

Elric of Melniboné by Michael Moorcock (Complete) After picking up the last book in this series (which I've yet to read) I figured I'd start at the beginning. Love the fast pace pulpy action and I can see how this influenced the creation of D&D.

The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie (Complete) This one would lose me for stretches but the final quarter of the book is stronger. A lot less cozy and a lot more action than I was expecting but skimming other reviews it sounds like this was written during her more...adventure-focused era. Three books deep and I have to give Christie credit that each has been a completely different experience.

Adventures of a Japanese Business Man by Jose Domingo (Complete) Always love going back to this nearly wordless epic that follows the titular Japanese business man. I love the complexity of the earliest panels and wish that could carry throughout more of the book, but it's always such a treat to discover just where each new panel will go.

Delicious in Dungeon Volume 5 by Ryoko Kui (Complete) Enjoying rereading this with shorter breaks between volumes as I certainly missed/forgot details on my first read. It's here that the story and tone shifts from light romp to a more dramatic and dangerous affair but it never loses its spot-on humour. Love those dryad pumpkins.

Ultimate Spider-Man HC Volume 11 by Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen, David Lafuente, and more (Complete) Going from some of my other comics back to this, I'm struck by just how wordy it can get. Now knowing where the story goes, it was a great idea to prime readers to the idea of Peter Parker dying even if it's not from this event.

……….AUDIO……….

Blank Check with Griffin & David (Podcast) Late to the game on this but really enjoying burning through their back catalog. Obviously started with their episode on Speed Racer as it's a near perfect film that you should watch right now.

……….GAMING……….

Oz: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel Publishing) The Tuesday group just killed a mayor! So the aftermath of that is going to play out over the next couple of sessions. And the Mof1 crew is investigating the aftermath of their own district-wide catastrophe and it's all looking rather suspicious!

Spot It (Blue Orange Games) I can't recommend this game enough. It's so easy to learn, rounds last maybe 5 minutes, it plays well with small or large groups of any age, and all it requires is pattern recognition and quick reflexes. Every time I've played this someone says they're going to buy a copy for themselves.

And that's it. See you in April!

[batmannotes]

Looney Tunes Volumes 1-4 Blu-Ray Set Review

Here they are in one mega set! All four of the recently released Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Blu-rays together at last. Across the four discs inside this release covers the golden era of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies with 97 remastered cartoons, all looking better than ever on Blu-ray in HD. All the great WB cartoon stars share the spotlight here, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, Tweety & Sylvester, and many more. There are over 642 minutes of fun here.

If you have read some of our recent reviews you know a lot about what you are going to get here. In short, this is the best you ever seen these animated shorts look and sound. While I appreciate the expansive selection of cartoons here, I really wish they would have been more concentrated to certain years instead of the hodgepodge represented here. I also wish there were more extras included in these bare-bones releases. Regardless, this set will provide viewers with hours of gut-busting humor.

EPISODE LIST DISC 1

"Beanstalk Bunny" (1954)

"Catch as Cats Can" (1947)

"The Unruly Hare" (1945)

"His Bitter Half" (1950)

"Daffy Doodles" (1946)

"Cracked Quack" (1952)

"Little Orphan Airedale" (1947)

"Hip Hip-Hurry!" (1958)

"Hot Rod and Reel" (1959)

"Greedy for Tweety" (1957)

"Stooge for a Mouse" (1950)

"A Mouse Divided" (1953)

"A Fractured Leghorn" (1950)

"Plop Goes the Weasel" (1953)

"Tale of Two Mice" (1945)

"The Foxy Duckling" – (1947)

"Two Gophers from Texas" (1947)

"Doggone Cats" (1947)

"What's Brewin', Bruin?" (1947)

"The Bee-Deviled Bruin" (1949)

EPISODE LIST DISC 2

"Behind the Meat-Ball" (1945)

"Brother Brat" (1944)

"Catty Cornered" (1953)

"Cross Country Detours" (1940)

"Daffy's Southern Exposure" (1942)

"Ding Dog Daddy" (1942)

"The Eager Beaver" (1946)

"Fair and Worm-er" (1946)

"Fin 'n Catty" (1943)

"From Hand to Mouse" (1944)

"Ghost Wanted" (1940)

"Greetings Bait" (1943)

"Hamateur Night" (1939)

"Hare-Breadth Hurry" (1963)

"A Hick a Slick and a Chick" (1948)

"Hiss and Make Up" – (1943)

"A Hound for Trouble" (1951)

"I Wanna Be a Sailor" (1937)

"The Leghorn Blows at Midnight" (1950)

"Lickety-Splat" (1961)

"One Meat Brawl" (1947)

"The Penguin Parade" (1938)

"Rabbit Rampage" (1955)

"The Rebel Without Claws" (1961)

"The Wacky Worm" (1941)

EPISODE LIST DISC 3

"A Feud There Was" (1938)

"China Jones" (1959)

"Cinderella Meets Fella" (1938)

"Dumb Patrol" (1964)

Egghead Rides Again" (1937)

"Elmer's Pet Rabbit" (1941)

"Hobo Bobo" (1947)

"Honeymoon Hotel" (1934)

"Hop, Skip and a Chump" (1942)

"I Only Have Eyes for You " (1937)

"Mexican Joyride" (1947)

"The Mouse on 57th Street" (1961)

"Mr. and Mrs. is the Name" (1935)

"Of Rice and Hen" (1953)

"Pre-Hysterical Hare" (1958)

"Punch Trunk" (1953)

"Quentin Quail" (1946)

"Riff Raffy Daffy" (1948)

"Saddle Silly" (1941)

"Sheep Ahoy" (1954)

"The Sheepish Wolf" (1942)

"There Auto Be a Law" (1953)

"Tugboat Granny" (1956)

"War And Pieces" (1964)

"Wet Hare" (1962)

EPISODE LIST DISC 4

“Along Came Daffy" (1947)

"A Bone for a Bone" (1951)

"The Cagey Canary" (1941)

"D’ Fightin’ Ones" (1961)

"Dangerous Dan McFoo" (1939)

"Devil’s Feud Cake" (1963)

"Double Chaser" (1942)

"Double or Mutton" (1955)

"Fox Pop" (1942)

"Henhouse Henery" (1949)

"Holiday for Drumsticks" (1949)

"Hopalong Casualty" (1960)

"Hyde and Go Tweet" (1960)

"The Impatient Patient" (1942)

"Leghorn Swoggled" (1951)

"Meatless Flyday" (1944)

"Mouse-Warming" (1952)

"The Mouse-Merized Cat" (1946)

"Muscle Tussle" (1953)

"Muzzle Tough" (1954)

"Peck Up Your Troubles" (1945)

"Quack Shot" (1954)

"Road to Andalay" (1964)

"The Sneezing Weasel" (1938)

"Streamlined Greta Green" (1937)

VIDEO QUALITY 📽️ :  B 

With the 1080p resolution and 1.37:1 aspect ratio, this is definitely the best I’ve ever seen these animated shorts. It’s always a fine line Warner Bros. has to toe while restoring these older animated classics. Although scrubbing the video is somewhat necessary to present these cartoons in high definition, WB still has to make sure not to wash away the original film grain. A lot of people complain when too much film grain is washed away, but for me, it’s never a big deal. I always look for clarity and popping colors. Overall Warner Bros. has done another fine job with these volumes

AUDIO QUALITY 🔈 : B+ 

The DTS-HD Master Audio is solid for a simple 2.0 mono presentation. Both music, sound effects and dialogue are clear and compliment the picture nicely. 

EXTRAS 📀 :  D-

The only real drawback to this collection is the lack of extras. No digital download, no booklets and the only disc extras are a very small dash of shorts.

OVERALL GRADE: B+   

The replay value of all these discs are extremely high for me. I still love throwing these classic cartoons in my Blu-Ray player on Saturday mornings and reliving my childhood again and again. Yeah, I’d love to have more extras, but I’ll eat up every release Warner Archive is willing to deliver. All four of these discs included in one set should make it a no-brainer for fans of the Warner Bros. cartoon library. I highly recommend this set as a fan myself!

You can purchase this release at Amazon.

[simpingcorner]

Daughter of the Shadows

Word Count: ~1.3k Warnings: mild violence (stabbing, mentions of gunshots, physical fighting), blood, alcohol, gambling,mention of human tr*****, Pekka Rollins,not proofread, let me know if I forgot something. 

Author's Note: First chapter to my Grishaverse fanfic. A reminder this is insipred by my SoC DR so it’ll follow both the books and the show plotlines, there will be changes to the canon characters and their storylines, it’s also a Kaz Brekker x OC. | English isn’t my first language so please bear with me and tell me if there’s something wrong. I hope you like it.

all rights to leigh bardugo, i only owny liith and her backstory (other ocs will be introduced later)

Read part 2 here - Ch.3 - Ch. 4 - Ch. 5 - Ch. 6

CHAPTER 1

LILITH

The starless night sky, the waves breaking on the rocks, the muffled sounds coming from the city, the briny autumn air surrounded her, it happened before she could even think of enjoying the moment a voice broke the night silence, the girl jumped to her feet, knives drawn, eyes locked on the darkness in front of her as her legs moved independently, silent movements, invisible to the inexperienced eyes allowed her to move closer to the noise source, as she’d expected a crowd had formed on the pier of the fourth harbour. Their guns reflected the dim street lamps’ light, red rubies shone under the moonlight, “This wasn’t the deal.” said a merchant’s voice, “The deal was you’d bring me fresh meat and I’d set you free.” Pekka Rollins’ hoarse voice echoed in her ears, she watched and studied the scene in front of her, hidden by the shadows, disgusted at the ideas of even more lives ruined by Pekka Rollins.

The smell of blood came before she could even realize what was going on, the pier’s shadows hid her making her even more dangerous than in the daylight, her knives handles now an extension to her hands, her leather gloves blood stained, her legs silents and fast followed a now too familiar pattern, the men surrounded her, guns at her head ready to fire, the girl’s eyes studied the scene as in a book, reviewing every possible outcome, she was surrounded, the men much bigger than her, she gripped the handles of her knives, the material seemed to heat up under the pressure, the lights of the street lamps trembled ready to go out at any given moment, the salty air now corrupted by the smell of blood and gunpowder. “I don’t want to kill you Mrak.” Said the merchant stopping in front of the brunette, a grin forming on his face studying her. “I wish I could say the same.” The girl replied wiping blood from her cheek with the back of her hand, her eyes full of anger, hatred, revenge, but her face was impassive, the scar on her righ cheek illuminated by the lamp post, her lips and jaw tight, her feet and hands ready to attack or defend, the faded tattoo of Emerald Palace was still too visible on her left forearm. “I thought you’d be happy to hear another slaver dead.” The man continued staring at her, “Wasn’t it one of them who brought you here? Who ruined your life?” the brunette knew if she’d attacked the rest of the Dime Lions would open fire to save their leader, “My life was over before I even got to Ketterdam.” she said closing her fists and inhaling before attacking, their moves were draw in her brain like the project of a house on paper, predictable and obvious, during each fight the Dime Lions’d forgot they had guns in their hands, finding themselves fighting hand to hand with their rivals.

The girl’s eyes became watery, a sudden burning sensation invaded her right forearm, the gray sleeve darkened, soaked in blood, but before she could assimilate what happened, the dagger disappeared from her hand finding a new home in the skull of one of the men surrounding her, some had fled, others were on the ground gasping for air or passed out. Her eyes found Pekka Rollins’, her face covered in blood, her left hand gripping her right arm, “Next time I won’t let you free.” said the man turning on his heels and disappearing into the shadows of the pier, the girl inhaled trying not to think about the pain in her arm, the burning had given way to cold and numbness, the brunette put her knives back in their places before walking back towards the Barrel.

Ketterdam was the place to go if you wanted to disappear, a city run by criminals, thieves, crooks, murderers; a city where authorities were nearly as corrupted, if not more, than the citizens; tourists from all over the world came to live without rules, to enjoy the freedom of a city without laws, to distract themselves from the problems of their daily lives, with their money, clean clothes, hot food on the table, a roof over their heads, a warm comfortable bed to sleep in after a tiring day, hot water always at the ready for a relaxing bath; the more fortunate citizens, the merchants, the Council members, the owners of the most famous clubs in the city lived in safe, warm, private houses; all the others, on the contrary, lived from day to day, hoping and praying to the Saints that they’d have enough to be able to afford a common room, a hot meal, or to be able to repay their debts.

The smell of the Barrel invaded her nostrils as she went from roof to roof trying not to be seen, the window to his office was open, a sign that he was waiting for Inej, the girl knew she shoulnd’t have gone in but with her arm injured she wouldn’t be able to open her bedroom window, and entering the front door was out the question. She climbed over to the window and nimbly entered the room, the inexperienced ear would never notice the air shift caused by the girl, but Kaz Brekker wasn’t inexperienced, not when it came to his investments. “I will not do business with a criminal.” The unknown voice filled the room, forcing her to hide in the shadows, her steps were silent, her breath inaudible, “You will find no honest man in Ketterdam.” Kaz replied before dismissing the man and closing the door behind him, “You can come out.” he simply said going back to studying the papers on the desk, the girl headed to the door, her arm hidden behind her back, her face covered in blood, her steps trembling but still too silent and proud, she barely got to reach the doorknob that his cane stopped her, the girl’s eyes fixed on the door, her hand firm on the doorknob, “What do you have for me?” the boy said as he sat down at his desk, the cane resting on his knee in of him staring at her, the crow’s eyes on the handle seemed to study her. “Pekka Rollins has bought other kids.” The boy’s face was stern, unreadable, fixed on the brunette in front of him, “He killed the slaver at Fourth Harbour.” the girl explained. “Okay.” His voice was hollow, the voice of someone who had decided to turn off their emotions, the same voice used by the girl.

The cut on her forearm was less serious than she had imagined, the help of a healer would have fastened the recovery but she didn’t have the money nor the time to find one, she tightened the bandage on the wound and left her room heading towards the bar counter, “Lilith, came to bring me luck?” Jesper’s cheery voice woke her up from the trance she was in, the Zemeni boy motioned for her to sit next to him at the poker table.

The Crow Club was full of tourists and non, whoever was in the Barrel and wanted to tempt fate was there, the girl noticed Rotty and Specht busy gambling away the last few coins they had left, Big Bolliger greeted her from the door before kicking out yet another cheater, Anika stared at her from the counter, while Jesper looked at her with a smile, letting her slip in next to him. “SO how much did you lose?” The girl asked as she sat down and studied the table, “Your lack of confidence hurts me Lilith.” said Jesper betting the rest of his Kruge on the upcoming hand, “Just saying if you don’t pay your debts, Per Haskell won’t kick out only you, and I really like my room.” explained the girl pulling out her daggers and cleaning them, she could feel his gaze on her, he was studying her, the bandage on her harm, a bandage that wasn’t there just a few minutes before, but as soon as she looked up he was gone, the office door closed at the top of the stairs.

[bunnidid-reviews]

Tumult: a DID Graphic Novel review

Title: Tumult

Author: John Harris Dunning(writing) and Michael Kennedy(art)

Date of publication: 2018

Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction

Was there a diagnosis of DID? The character with DID is diagnosed with DID, but the actual process isn't shown

Was the person with DID presented as evil for having DID? Until the very end, yes it's implied that the person with DID is capable of murder

Major trigger warning list:

Cheating

Alcoholism

smoking

Implied drug use

Nonexplicit sexual intercourse (Nothing nonconsenting)

Government-funded organized abuse (MK Ultra and the like? A UK versionnn of it? Sorry I don't know much about this)

Being locked in a dark room as a form of abuse/mind control

Gun violence(nonexplicit)

Stabbing

blood

A dog(alter) attacking (but with angry dog imagery thats pretty creepy)

Evil alter trope

Subjective Review(this is how I felt about it)

Personal triggering scale from 1 to 10 (1 being not triggering at all, 10 being a badly overwhelming experience that might cause personal harm): 3ish?

Personal relatability scale from 1 to 10 (1 being unrelatable, 10 being OMG THAT’S ME!): 2

Personal avoidance scale from 1 to 10(1 being eager to get on with it, 10 being impossible to finish): 6

My interpretation of the media(Includes spoilers):

Hmmmm What do I saw about this

To begin with, the book starts with the main character (Adam, not the one with DID) going into a dissociative episode it seems when he jumps off a cliff into the ocean and injured his leg. It's not entirely clear whether this is something he's gone into before, but he entirely upends his perfectly-normal life with his partner by cheating on her with a woman who stuck around him while he was healing.

Later, he's moved out, he's become an alcoholic and feels so much nothing that he essentially gives up on his job. He's ruined his own life, basically. His best friend points this out that he needs to make a change. (There's plenty of exposition that honestly just bulked up the story and didn't add much, it feels like filling in for context in a memoir, except the context leads to nooothing)

In attempt to socialize, he goes to a friend's party and sleeps with a woman there who's name is Morgan.

Adam considered it an unforgettable night, so when he sees a woman on the street who looks exactly like her, he ends up following her and insisting that she is Morgan, despite multiple denials to his claim. Finally she takes the bait because he's a slightly better option than being harassed in the street by another man trying to convince her she's in danger.

This womans name is Leila. Adam convinces her that he's certain that she's the woman he slept with, and leaves her with his card for contact.

Adam later gets a call from seemingly a little girl, with enough of an inflection in her voice that she sounds very familiar. They meet up in the park, and she introduces herself as Pretty Princess, who's concerned about what's happening around Leila. She tells him that she needs him to look out for her. Adam is perfectly fine with this offer, with a nice little..

"This craziness didn't put me off. If anything, it drew me closer."

Exposition, exposition, Adam quits his job because he's decided to become a thriller movie hero like in Die Hard, putting his energy into Figuring Leila Out.

Adam and Leila meet up again and hit it off better this time. They fuck. We get this lovely description...

"then we were in Leila's bed, and she was shape-shifting. She was girlish, manly, bestial. It was like fucking a barnyard"

Adam hangs around and snoops around her apartment because he woke up without her. He Just has no sense of boundaries almost, bent towards unravelling her mysteries.

Leila meets up with him and starts to explain her DID, only for Adam to intersect and say that he's already met Pretty Princess. He says he doesn't understand but he wants to. Leila, distressed, tells him she's been experiencing blackouts, and it brings out Pretty Princess once again. She tells him that they can no longer be near him now that he knows.

Adam and his friend talk, and they get talking about girls and equating how they see relationships to more thriller moviesssss and thennnnn

A guy shows up, his name is Dave. He was the first one to harass Leila in the street, telling her she's in danger. It turns out she really IS in danger, she was victim to a government-funded mind control program, in which they trained her to be the perfect killer. There just happens to be murders happening left and right, and at the center of it all is Leila's system and a sense of unease. Is she the killer? Is she next on the list? We the readers are left unsure.

As Leila goes to seek help from an old friend who was part of the organization, she finds out that he had suddenly died.

She has no one to turn to, so she turns back to Adam for support.

In a flashback we find out that her mother would lock her in a dark closet for hours at a time as a form of punishment.

In the present, as Adam and Leila are walking, they get mugged. It brings out her biting dog alter in self defense.

In the next scene, we see that the head of the organization apparently had some weirddddd views on religion? that might've influenced how heee wenttt abouttt things, but again, it's never really brought up, only implied. Pretty Princess shows up and tells him she is probably intending to kill him, and he doesn't deny any of her claims about the organization, that they were indeed trying to make the perfect killer.

Except something mysterious.. Happened?

Anyway, they got the confirmation that the conspiracy theories were confirmed and all the 'random' killings are linked.

Insert a scene where we find out that Leila is some sort of escort, and it triggers out another one of her alters, a sultan who threatens to castrate the clientele. At least her coworker seems understanding. (I've heard from my dancer sibling that most fellow sex workers understand dissociation to some degree tbf)

Leila meets up with the program director, who seems genuinely remorseful for what he's done to her. He reveals that he doesn't believe Morgan is capable of the killing that everyone's thinking she is, that he only got into the program because he wanted to study DID

Some stuff, Leila gets kidnapped and it brings out the Grave Digger alter. the person asks a lot about their DID, more than any stranger would know, and they answer honestly. We never really know who kidnapped the system, but we know someone else who was involved in the program is killed directly after.

Leila wakes up, gets a call, and switches with Morgan, who we haven't seen since the night she slept with Adam.

We learn that Morgan was specifically trained to kill, in turn for learning how to control her DID(?). It's revealed that Morgan's never killed anyone while in their training, and implied that she never has since. They have sex and the system disappears from Adam's life.

But hes in too deep and can't take a hint, so Adam stalks theeee doctor from before I think, the one who begged for forgiveness? waiting for his inevitable demise.

It turns out he's been doing the killings so he can sell her as a weapon, and using Morgan as a scapegoat for his crimes by triggering her out every time there's a murder taking place so Leila's system has no choice but to suspect themselves.

Ssssomething happened, since the system was getting locked in the dark as a means of triggering and controlling them, everyone ended up seeeinggg aaaa masss vision? Of some goddess that came to comfort her or something? It's really weird and unclear what exactly happened here, but the governement stopped funding the project because they couldn't believe what was being reported.

Then Morgan kills the doctor, and Adam just happens to be there to sweep her into his arms. In the end, we see that Morgan is an accepted part of the system.

~

I wasn't planning on marrating the entirity of the book, I'm trying to cut down on explaining everything but it's very hard to, sorry. I have a lot of thoughts on this, not a lot positive.

I mean yes, the DID was portrayed fairly well. I don't think the system members were entirely nonsense, they were a mixture of specific and odd enough to be made by a little girl going through trauma. That is to say, Leila and her system aren't really the problem here. I'd actually prefer if the book was more about them

It's just.. Adam. He's.. I don't want to root for him at all, and his interest in the system may have grown into genuine concern, but I have genuine concern for how he's gone about this the entire time. He is blatantly putting his partner on a weird abelist pedestal and doesn't see her as a person in her own right, not really. Just an interesting mystery to unravel, a possible threat, and something to fetishize. I don't often look to other reviews for insight on my own, but I did say that someone else said it was fine, just really weirdly sexist. Because, yeah, it really is.

The story is kind of a slog to get through when it's less than 200 pages also. There's a lot of detail that doesn't fucking matter at all, like a lot of movie references, or caterwauling for 4 pages on how he knows this one guy... We don't actually meet Morgan until halfway through the book, if you can believe it. It's just dense with a lot of stuff I (sorry about this) Don't fucking care about!

I don't know, I came away from this book feeling weirdly objectified for having a disorder.

I also don't understand theeee suddenly Magic thing that apparently happened in the end. It was way out of left field when the rest of the book seemed to be grounded in some sort of reality.

I can't speak on the experience of government-based mind control either, I don't know anything about programming either so I can't really speak on that. It did seem pretty scary that she ended up in this institution by seeking help for her DID, though. I don't feel great about that, I don't know if that happens but it feels like a deterrent to get help.

I don't know. I think I don't like the book. The art style isn't my cup of tea either, so I'm not super fond of it anyway.

If you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I don't remember how I end these reviews, but those are my scattered thoughts.

What they got Right in my opinion:

That DID comes from extended, inescapable childhood trauma

All the origins of the alters shown made sense for alters. (the dog coming from feeling cornered, the sultan being an introject from some artwork, etc)

Seeing communication between alters was very nice

Leila feeling as though she was doing fine until looking at her life a little closer was very relatable. As she put it, 'A bug under a rock that's been upturned'

What they got Wrong in my opinion:

Not about DID, but I don't feel like stalking and not taking no as an answer should be rewarded with sex and affection just because the other party is 'concerned' :')

What. was the magic that happened. I do not think that happens when being put through reliving your childhood trauma.

The constant theming about alters being violent and implying one is a killer. even if it was disrobed pretty well in the end, it's not a great feeling throughout and very trope-y

People with DID are just as equal partners to people without and shouldn't be seen as something to fetishize or treat like a puzzle for you to solve, unless explicitly given the okay to.

Would I reccomend this to someone with DID to read? No. I don't feel like this was for someone with DID to read. The intention does not feel like it's made for someone with DID as much as it is a well-researched gimmick for neurotypical people to fetishize.

[coochiequeens]

Policy 8040 was what allowed a TIM to access a girls restroom and sexually assault a classmate. But sure start with a quote from a male student uncomfortable with girls walking in while showering

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (7News) — On Wednesday, students at Woodgrove High School walked out of school in protest of the Loudoun County School Board’s policy that allows nonbinary, gender fluid and transgender students to use the school bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice.

“In the locker rooms in the morning it's an invasion of privacy, as I said because when men and natural-born males are in our locker rooms and they are showering in the morning, natural-born females can walk in there as they please,” one male high school student told 7News. “And that is not OK. And it goes against what we believe in.”

In 2021, the Loudoun County School Board voted 7 to 2 to adopt the district-wide policy known as Policy 8040.

But some students have had enough and want the policy reversed.

“I would like to be able when I get off football practice and go put my pads away and change not feel uncomfortable with other genders in there watching me,” another male student told 7News. “I feel that girls feel the same way about the situation. How would you feel if you were a female changing with a male?”

7News spoke to a female student who said she stopped using the bathroom at school because of Policy 8040.

“It's a massive safety risk, and they [LCPS] don't do anything about it,” the female student told 7News. “And we express these concerns and they ignore us and write us off as right-wing crazies. We're not crazy. We just don't want to be in danger on a daily basis in this building. I think it's people finally stepping up and just being sick of it. We're sick of being here and just being completely ignored. I stopped using them [the bathrooms] because I don't know what's going to happen to me in there. And people can be like, 'Oh, well, that's paranoid'. I'm telling you right now half the women in this building feel the same way. We don't use the bathrooms. We hold our pee until we can't. I mean, there are girls in PE [Physical Education class] who still get changed in the bathroom stalls in there because they're afraid of who might waltz in.”

Students at Woodgrove High School walked out of school in protest of the Loudoun County School Board’s bathroom policy. (7News)

Across the street during the students' rally, a smaller group of counter-protestors waived pride flags.

“I’m here to support all of the children,” one of the counter-protestors told 7News. “No matter who they are. Yours, mine, all of them.”

Students at Woodgrove High School walked out of school in protest of the Loudoun County School Board’s bathroom policy. (7News)

About 50-100 students walked out of Woodgrove High School asking the school board to restore girls-only and boys-only locker rooms, showers and bathrooms in schools.

“It should be the entire school [walking out],” one student said.

“But there are a lot of people who are scared to speak out against it so they stayed inside because they don't want to see the backlash,” another student continued.

7News asked LCPS if the superintendent is going to reverse Policy 8040.

“The Loudoun County School Board is continuing to follow its established process in its review of the latest Model Policies issued by the Virginia Department of Education. Policy 8040 is in review along with the new Model Policies, by the Student Services Committee,” LCPS said in a statement.

7News has heard from students at Woodgrove High School who wanted to participate in the student walkout Wednesday morning to restore girls-only and boys-only bathrooms and locker rooms, but the students were discouraged by their teachers.

[hiphopncountrychick]

🎤🎶 Exploring the Golden Era of Hip-Hop: Classic Albums That Still Draw Us In 🎶🎤

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some iconic hip-hop albums from the golden era that continue to captivate us to this day.

1. "Illmatic" by Nas (1994):

Nas' lyrical prowess and storytelling on this album are nothing short of legendary. Every track feels like a timeless masterpiece. Hands down one of the greatest albums ever made in the history of hip hop and still inspiring new rappers to this date.

2. "The Chronic" by Dr. Dre (1992):

This album laid the foundation for West Coast hip-hop. Dre's production and Snoop Dogg's smooth flow make it a must-listen.

3. "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G. (1994):

Biggie's debut is a raw and introspective journey through his life, showcasing his storytelling genius. This album also hailed Biggie as the "King Of New York"

4. "36 Chambers" by Wu-Tang Clan (1993):

The Wu-Tang Clan's unique style and gritty lyricism still resonate with fans worldwide. A true hip-hop classic.

5. "A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory" (1991):

Known for its jazzy beats and socially conscious lyrics, this album remains a blueprint for conscious hip-hop.

6. "Me Against the World" by 2Pac (1995):

2Pac's introspection and vulnerability shine on this record, making it one of his most powerful works.

7. "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A (1988):

This album was a game-changer, revolutionary introducing the world to the raw power of West Coast gangsta rap. Hailed themselves as "The most dangerous Group"

8. "The Infamous" by Mobb Deep (1995):

This gritty and dark masterpiece delves into street life and hardship, making it an essential listen.

9. "Paid in Full" by Eric B. & Rakim (1987):

Often hailed as one of the most influential hip-hop albums ever, Rakim's lyrical mastery shines brightly here.

10. "93 'til Infinity" by Souls of Mischief (1993):

A true gem and timeless masterpiece of the West Coast underground, this album is celebrated for its laid-back vibes and intelligent lyricism. Can you believe these guys made an album when they were in highschool and it went straight up in classic. I guess they didn't know at that time that they were not just recording an album but making a history. The title song of this Album "93 till infinity" is still crowned as one of the greatest beats ever produced.

These albums not only defined an era but continue to inspire new generations of hip-hop artists. So, whether you're a seasoned hip-hop head or just discovering these classics, dive in and let the beats and rhymes transport you to a time when hip-hop was pure magic. 🎤🌟

So go ahead and give it a listen to these hip hop gems. Drop your favourite album or favourite songs from these albums. You can also drop your favourite classic hip hop albums in comments.

You can also tell me in comments if you want full album reviews and breakdown for particular each and every album, I can do that for you too.

I'll see you in the next post folks until then, keep jamming guys

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

"I WANT TO SEE MORE, NOT ONLY YOUR MASK"

This is a fic I wrote a few weeks ago with Jonathan Crane

I hope you like it!

Note: the fic is written like you were writting it in your diary, so when It says "I" you could replace it by "you" if you want

Jonathan Crane is crazy and I should stay away from him

But for some reason our paths keep crossing. Everyone knew he was dangerous because of his failed experiments on humans. But for some reason that just made me want to know more about him.

I'm probably crazy too. Although who's sane these days, right?

I walked into the huge Wayne Industries building on my way to my office. You're probably wondering what my job is. I make sure Mr. Wayne doesn't waste his money, although that's a bit tricky when you're a billionaire. Despite that, I've received several compliments from the other employees and my boss for how efficiently I do my job.

I can't complain. I turned on the laptop in front of me, I have to review the investment tables and the agreements Mr. Wayne has made. Then I have to calculate how much money the company will pocket from all of this. I snorted, lazily looking at the tables on the screen.

It was going to be a tough day.

I took off my glasses and, after cleaning them with the sleeve of my jersey, I got down to work. After 2 hours I stopped to eat at a restaurant next to the company, then returned to my desk. When I looked at the clock again it was 9 pm. My leaving time, finally. I turned off the computer and gathered my things.

I went out into the street. I looked both ways. The sidewalk was mostly in darkness, since the streetlights there were not working. I looked at the sidewalk opposite, which was illuminated by 4 streetlights. I sighed and crossed, enjoying the yellowish light they emitted.

Suddenly I heard a van start up behind me. I walked calmly. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but it wasn't. The vehicle followed me for a long time. I tried to go down alternate streets to throw it off, but it was useless. As I was about to cross the street again, the van suddenly sped up and stopped in front of me. Several hooded men got out.

I tried to run away, but they were faster. They grabbed me by the legs and arms and put me in the vehicle together. They put a black hood on me with no eye holes, so I couldn't see anything.

It was just me and my thoughts.

I felt a sharp pain in my arm and my eyes began to feel heavy. I struggled to keep them open, but whatever they had put in me was very strong. Then darkness enveloped me.

When I woke up, I was still wearing the hood. I tried to move my arms and legs without success. The roughness of the rope they had tied me with hurt my wrists and ankles, so I decided not to move anymore. I felt movement in front of me and looked in that direction, scared of what was going to happen next.

At that moment, they removed the hood. I shook my head in a daze to see again, the light, though weak, made me squint painfully. I looked at the floor, blinking, trying to clear my vision. As soon as I did, I slowly raised my head. I was a little dizzy.

In front of me was a man dressed in a suit. He was wearing a brown suit with a white shirt and a red tie. His black shoes were spotlessly clean. I looked up at his hands resting on either side of the table he was leaning on. He was gently tapping the wood, as if he was impatient.

Only then did I look him straight in the eyes. A pair of blue eyes stared back at me from behind thin silver glasses. His black hair fell in soft waves on either side of his face, giving him a very masculine look. I stifled a sigh as a smile appeared on his beautiful lips.

"Dove Saint Clair," he began, saying my full name. "We finally have time to talk."

I couldn't help it. I laughed. He looked at me curiously.

-If you wanted to talk to me, you just had to ask me out or come see me at my office, you know? Like any normal person - I paused - oh, sorry, I forgot, you're not normal

-You're not normal either - he countered - that's why I brought you here

-Is that what you call kidnapping me? Which, in case you don't know, is taking another person against their will to a place

-You're important to me Dove - he said softly - very important

-Why? What do I have that you could want?

-Many things - he said - for example Bruce Wayne's account number

I shuddered as I held his gaze

-I can't give it to you, they'll fire me

He pulled up a chair and sat in front of me. He sighed and wet his lips with his tongue. I unintentionally followed the movement, he noticed. He took off his glasses and looked at me again. It was probably the sexiest thing I had ever seen.

"Do you want to see my mask?"

I didn't answer and that seemed to be his answer. He reached into the drawer of the desk and pulled out a mask he knew very well. He put it on and looked at me. His eyes looked at me from behind the scarecrow mask.

"I knew it," I said, "I knew you were hiding something."

But I didn't expect it to be like this." I paused. "Are you going to hurt me?" I asked and he shook his head.

His voice came out distorted.

"I wouldn't dream of it. I would never do anything bad to you."

"Does that mean you would do good things to me?" I said, the suggestion permeating my voice.

He took off his mask, leaving it aside on the table.

"That depends on what you consider good, Dove," he replied in the same tone.

"If you're not going to do anything bad to me and I'm not going to do anything bad to you, can you let me go? I can't feel my hands or my feet," I said, shaking myself like I was a fish out of water.

He thought about it and took a knife from the inside pocket of his suit jacket.

"Okay," he agreed, "but only because you've been a good girl," he said as he bent down to release the ropes from my ankles.

A shiver ran through me as I felt his soft fingers on my bare skin. When he untied me, I moved my ankles so that the blood would flow back to that area. He stood behind me, cutting the ropes on my wrists this time. I felt his breath in my ear, and I tilted my head towards him.

"I have more rope saved," he said, and I could feel him smiling, "in case you misbehave again."

"I won't, I promise," I whispered as the ropes disappeared.

"Fine," he replied, satisfied, moving away from me.

When I was free, I watched as he threw the pieces onto the table. He turned back to me.

-You still haven't told me why I'm important to you -I rolled my eyes- other than Bruce's account number that I can't give you

-Well -he started- I guess you'll agree with me that our encounters are becoming more frequent -he approached me- I don't know if it's because of our level of madness or why -he traced the edge of my face with his index finger- what I'm sure of is that I haven't been able to forget you since I saw you for the first time

I parted my lips to say something, but no sound came out of them. He ran his thumb over them making me let out a sigh of anticipation.

-You don't have to say anything - he whispered, fixing his blue eyes on my lips - I know you want this just like I do

My voice came out shaky when I spoke again

-You're right - I answered - I want you - I squeezed my legs together in an attempt to make the throbbing pain between them disappear without success -

Without being aware of what I was doing, he placed his hands on either side of the chair where I remained sitting, trapping me between her and her increasingly closer body. His lips were just a few centimeters from mine, I would only have to move a millimeter and I could finally taste them.

-Tell me what you really want and I will give it to you, Dove. Anything you want - he whispers -

His lips go to my neck slowly kissing that area making me shudder with each touch, I tilt my head giving him better access. I don't move a fucking muscle while he continues his assault on my neck. He rests his lips momentarily where my pulse beats uncontrollably. I sigh heavily. He just discovered my weak spot.

I feel his smile against my skin as he pulls away to look at me again. His gaze locks with mine before moving down to my lips once more. I run my tongue over them and he follows the movement, just as I did with him before.

“I don't just want the mask,” I pause, “I want to see something else,” I said, moving closer to him, “now I want you to kiss me.”

Without giving me time to think about anything else, Jonathan's lips were on mine. I find myself submerged in his deep, ocean-blue eyes. I feel like I can't breathe, but I don't care, not as long as he keeps kissing me like that, like he wants to devour every inch of me. I moan into his mouth as I feel the tip of his tongue running over my bottom lip and then my top.

He pulls away, and my body practically cries from the sudden lack of contact. I look at him, his pink lips swollen from the kisses we've given each other. His breathing is labored, but that doesn't stop him from speaking with apparent normality.

"We can't do this here," he said, shaking his head negatively.

He took his hands off the arms of the chair, allowing me to breathe. He looked at the entrance of the abandoned warehouse we were in.

"Argyle!" he called, a man with a thug-like appearance entered the scene. "Is the car ready?"

"Yes sir, just as you ordered," he answered without getting upset in the least.

He gently took my hand, leading me with him.

"Take us where you already know."

He nodded and we went out to a dimly lit alley where there was a black sedan with tinted front and rear windows. We got in the back while the man took us to the place Crane had asked him to.

I watched him out of the corner of my eye. I was very excited, and we had just kissed. It had been the best kiss of my life. He noticed me looking at him and smiled lopsidedly at my scrutiny. He leaned forward to press a button next to the window. To my amazement I saw a glass separating the driver's area from the rear of the vehicle.

His gaze turned to me again, he patted his lap and without thinking twice I sat on him. I could tell he was just as turned on as I was when I noticed how hard he was against my jeans. I grabbed his tie with my fingers and pulled him together, bringing our lips together. He growled deeply as he kissed me possessively, a kiss full of sensuality and passion. I felt his hands on my hips pushing me towards him. I moaned as I felt him against my center, and he took advantage to devour my neck once again making me sigh.

"We're here sir," the driver's voice brought us out of our reverie.

"Thank you Argyle," he said.

I got off his lap, nervously fixing my pants, although there was nothing to fix. His hand wrapped around mine and pulled me out. I looked at the street and how the car disappeared down it before I noticed the house in front of me.

The house in question was black with several windows, so you could see the inside of some of the rooms. He had brought me to a full-fledged gothic mansion.

-It looks like the house of a serial killer - I said as I felt his gaze on me as I looked at the house smiling - I love it

-I knew you would like it - he said pointing at it with his head - let's go in

We went in and he quickly closed the door, placing his hands on either side of my face. He cupped my face gently, his thumbs moving over my skin sending small shocks all over my body.

-You're beautiful - he whispered kissing me again -

My hands went to the back of his neck bringing him closer to me. Never before had this happened to me with someone. Never had something so small provoked such a raw and visceral sensation in me.

-Jonathan - I murmur, because I have no idea what else to say-

A low noise escapes from his throat, making parts of my anatomy clench in pleasure at what I provoke in him. Suddenly he lifts me up and makes me wrap my legs around his hips, which elicits another moan, this time from both of us.

He climbs the stairs to the upper floor with me in his arms with surprising ease and pushes a white painted door with his shoulder. My back hits the soft surface of a bed, he momentarily separates himself from me and I then allow myself to observe the room where I am for a few seconds.

The walls are painted dark gray decorated with various paintings of dark landscapes and candles. Next to each painting there are two lit candles decorating the sides. The sheets are black and red. I smile, I love this type of decoration.

He looks at me with curiosity, as if I were part of one of his experiments. His blue eyes shine with the reflection of the candles. He reaches out his hand to me. I could say I don't know where he's going, what he's up to, but desire devours his features and his eyes darken as he reaches for the belt loops of my jeans. He tugs at them, making me straighten my back.

We stare at each other for a few seconds, he doesn't say anything and neither do I. I'm unable to say anything. His fingers quickly undo the button on my garment and pull down the zipper. His eyes scan the exposed area. I feel my skin burning and my muscles tense under his gaze. I need him to touch me, I want to abandon myself to his caresses once and for all. I'll let him do whatever he wants with me.

His finger finds the waistband of my panties. He lifts them and sinks a finger into me a little, which slides easily inside me. I'm soaked, more than I've ever been. That gesture triggers millions of discharges throughout my body. With his other hand he holds my hips and leans down to kiss my lower belly. I sigh, throwing my head back.

“Oh God,” I stammer, lost in the haze of lividity.

“You're so wet. And excited,” he points out, and I'm unable to say otherwise.

My heart is pounding in my ribs as if it were going to jump out of my chest at any moment, and my skin is prickling. My nipples are hardening under my shirt. I can barely think. He sees it and doesn't hesitate to run his thumb over it. His finger sinks a little deeper and my sex opens for him. I gasp and close my eyes against that overwhelming sensation.

“Look at me, Dove,” his way of saying my name causes me to experience another pleasurable release.

I struggle to lift my eyelids. I want to obey, no matter how stupid what he asks of me is. The wave of pleasure that runs through me at that moment makes me have to grab onto his strong shoulders to keep from falling backwards.

-That's it -he murmurs to himself, his gaze still fixed on my face, waiting for my reactions-

-More -I whisper and he smiles without stopping his movements-

-Are you always so bossy? -he laughs against my mouth-

A second finger joins the first making me arch my back. This is too much, I feel like I'm going to break in two. I feel his hands everywhere, he caresses every corner of my body and I allow it. His lips cover mine silencing the moans of orgasm that come out of them

I watch as he pulls his fingers out of me and into his mouth.

I slide my hands down to the waistband of his suit pants and with one pull I unbutton the button and unzip the zipper. The black boxers he's wearing barely contain his erection.

"I want to please you too," I whisper as my fingers slip under the elastic and brush the tip with my thumb.

"Shit…" he mumbles after stifling a moan that makes my whole body tremble.

He's as turned on as I am, and the knowledge of that gives me a welcome feeling of power and satisfaction. I want him to lose it just like he does with me. He leaves my mouth and I'm about to protest, but then he says,

"Condom, now," he demands, and his tone only makes me wetter.

He reaches back and opens the drawer next to the bed. The rogue smile he gives me while holding the condom between his fingers takes my breath away. Before he makes his next move I rip the condom from his hands leaving it at his side. He watches me intently. My fingers go to the buttons of his shirt unbuttoning them little by little. His slightly muscled torso is in front of me. He completely gets rid of my pants and my shirt leaving me in my underwear in front of him, which doesn't last long on.

I pick up the condom again and hand it to him.

"Put it on," I ordered.

To my surprise he did it without taking his eyes off me. His lips trace a serpentine path down my neck to my breasts, which he gives special attention to by twisting and squeezing them between his fingers making me gasp. His hands on my hips are the trigger for my desire.

He presses his erection against my stomach.

Hard.

Too hard.

So much so that it must hurt him.

And I moan at the contact, because it's hard not to do anything other than wish he was already inside me. But despite my haste, he takes a few seconds to observe me closely.

"You have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy fucking you," he whispers in my ear.

His fingers dig into my hips, pulling me closer to him. He separates to slip his hand between us, and before I know it, he's already sliding inside me.

"Fuck, yes," I moan as I feel him slowly penetrating me, inch by inch.

Jonathan seems to be holding his breath.

"You're so fucking tight," he says, "I knew it would be like this."

And when I'm about to tell him not to take it so easy, he sinks all the way in with one thrust. A gasp breaks from between my lips and fades down the slope to the sea, mixed with the sharp curse that falls from his lips.

He holds onto my hips as he moves, filling me completely. I roll my hips in response and we both moan at the feel of the other.

Dying with pleasure seems like an excellent idea right now. He pulls out and thrusts in again, I dig my nails into his back as a gasp escapes my lips. Then he thrusts into me again.

And another

And another

Within seconds the room is filled with our gasps, moans and screams. His lips cover me with kisses all over me and I do the same.

"Shit Dove, this is better than I expected," he moans in my ear.

He's smiling and his smile makes me show him mine.

"I don't want to stop." I can't stop…

"Don't do it," I demand, arching to receive him even deeper, deeper inside.

I feel my sex tighten around him and his cock swell. This is too good, too intense. I feel like I'm going to explode at any moment.

"Cum with me please. Let me feel you."

I give in to his demands and without warning I cum hard with a muffled gasp. I explode into hundreds of pieces with his name on my lips. Seconds later he does it with my name on his.

A while later we both rest next to each other. His fingers move through my hair and mine make circles on his chest.

-It's been intense - I started and he laughed against my hair-

-It's been the best thing that's ever happened to me in my life - he whispered looking at me - I don't want you to go - he said melting my heart-

-I'm not going anywhere - I said looking at him - you're also very important to me Dr. Crane

He smiled leaving a kiss on my forehead.

Afterwards I fell asleep in his arms feeling like the happiest person on the planet.

[llycaons]

❄️🔔End of the year media review: Books

So I'm not linking my goodreads for privacy reasons (though mutuals are welcome to request it), but here's my top books of the year. Not necessarily the best, but the ones I enjoyed the most. A mix of western classics, urban fantasy, historical action, and YA-esque adventure/romance. Besides the first, NOT in order. I'll give a brief summary of each under the cut.

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville: Nautical fiction/cosmic horror/tragedy/adventure fiction/encyclopedic novel/BL. My book of the year. Sometime in the early 1800s, Ishmael, an American sailor, decides to try whaling and meets a Polynesian harpooner (Queequeg) in the process, forcing him to question his biases. They're hired on board a Nantucket whaler and are drawn into a dangerous quest for vengeance of a deeply unwell man - Ahab, whose leg was taken by the infamously deadly white whale. Not as much action as you'd expect, honestly. Long LONG meditations on the ocean, color symbolism (all kinds of symbolism, the man is OBSESSED), whale biology, the process of whaling, rendering oil from blubber, and anything else that the curious, intelligent, and unreasonably confident Ishmael cares to ponder. Moby Dick is funny, homoerotic (and really tender? honestly?), rich, dense, and represents earnest attempts to be anti-racist from a white man in 1850, so...efforts are made but Queequeg is still presented as a savage and racial slurs are still used to refer to the black harpooner. Highly recommended, but proceed with caution

2. Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi: YA action-adventure. Robin Hood is reimagined as a Muslim teenage girl fighting in the Third Crusade, with POVS from antagonists and other characters here and there. Rahma al-Hud is clever, funny, just, and kind-hearted, and the lighhearted tone the narrative mostly maintains as she banters with her sister, picks up a members of a motley crew, runs heists, returns lost children to their parents, and cons a group of French crusaders doesn't even clash with the gravity of the other points of view or the setting of war and occupation. I never felt like the seriousness of the situation was being under undermined, rather that Rahma understood what was going on and was and reacting to it in the most positive and proactive ways she could. There are also unexpectedly devastating reveals later on relating to their comrades left behind and to Zeena, her lesbian sister. It's a fun little adventure set in a fascinating political and social setting that for once doesn't center the Christian perspective. There's a lesbian Jewish alchemist, a sexy mysterious spy guy I really liked, a 6-foot tall Mongolian princess, a defector...it was a great time! I love when YA books are actually good!

3. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: Gothic fiction. In early 19th century England a child of color (of indeterminate origin), is discovered alone on the streets of Liverpool, named Heathcliff, and brought to the isolated lower-gentry Earnshaw house as a ward. He's at turns abused, treated as a servant, and protected by the brother and the father of the house, and develops an intimate friendship with the wild and willfull Earnshaw daughter, Cathy. The framing device character follows his journey over the next thirty-odd years as he endures racial harassment and abuse and alienation, as he and Cathy lose each other, and as he concocts his revenge scheme using their respective children as pawns. This would have been my favorite book of the year had it not been for Moby Dick - it definitely has issues in how it treats Heathcliff, but the amount of compassion the writing has for him, and for Cathy, for being children subjected to various forms of abuse and neglect was so beautiful. It became a story much more about healing from the wounds of the past and about breaking the cycle of abuse than about torrid love affairs, though I did love the long and tormented monologues Heathcliff and Cathy delivered to and about each other. The atmospheric writing for the moors and for the desolation and isolation AND freedom Cathy and Heathcliff experienced out there was so good....and man Cathy was such a mean bitch and Heathcliff was so violently angry at the people who treated them like shit and I loved that for them I really did.

4. Black Water Sister by Zen Cho: Adult urban fantasy. A unemployed lesbian college grad moves back to Malaysia with her parents after they experienced one too many work hurdles in the US. She immediately becomes haunted by the ghost of her dead grandmother, who drags her into a plot involving the corporate destruction of an ancient, sacred temple and an incredibly dangerous god. I absolutely LOVED the atmosphere and setting in this one - it felt like I was there in every single scene. Jess is closeted, and her fear about coming out to her parents, as well as her arguments with her long-distance girlfriend about it, is depicted with such raw honesty and pain that I felt it had to have come from personal experience. The plot becomes a lot about generational trauma and historical misogyny/the exploration and abuse of women, which was hard to read at times but also very cathartic and compassionate. I think I've cooled on this book since reading it but I do still really like it.

5. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: Psychological horror? According to google, erotic literature? It's hard to summarize this one. One of the most heartbreaking books I have ever read, and intentionally so. If you walk into it expecting ~a seduction~, that's probably what you're going to see. That's why it's been misread all these years. But if you understand that Dolores is a child, then Nabokov's choices regarding her as a character become complex and valuable, because they all mean the same thing if you actually pay attention. Humbert Humbert went after her. He is a predator. He controlled everything about her life. And it didn't matter if she'd had sex before she met him, or what she was wearing, or how she acted at ANY point before or during or after their relationship. She was still a child, and he still abused her, and she never wanted or asked for any of it. And he ruined her childhood, and hurt her in deep and powerful ways. And the way Humbert Humbert slowly comes to realize this by the end of the story is one of the most heart-rending things I've ever read. Not to mention the language itself. Nabokov is a beautiful, astute, precise writer who never misses a single line - shoutout to his editor and wife Vera, who also saved this manuscript from the fire - and even in reading the most nauseating, the most repellent scenes, they were brilliantly laid out. The language was spellbinding. It was also, strangely, rather funny in some scenes. This man can really do it all.

6. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik: YA historical fantasy/romance. A Jewish moneylender's daughter takes over the family business in Medieval Eastern European Country when she realizes her gentle, disrespected father can't stand up to their neighbors for debt collection and it's actively impoverishing them. She manages the business so well she begins to boast she can spin silver into gold, and a supernatural ice king overhears and kidnaps her to do just that. Meanwhile, a tsarina is asked to marry a mysterious prince with a dangerous secret, a sister tries to survive an abusive household with her two young brothers, and a fire demon eagerly contemplates devouring an entire realm. This book had SO much that appealed to me - magical jewelry, dimensional travel, ye olde business practices, siblings healing from childhood abuse, unrelated characters becoming family to each other, cross-cultural exchange, genuinely unexpected plot twists, snowy forests, witch's cabins....I listened to the audiobook and was blown away by the narrator's performances. I did NOT love how the romance was developed or how it framed the sexual situations, and some of the ways the mc and narration talked about other people was kind of insane bc she did save this girl but she saved her by putting her into indentured servitude....but overall it was a fun time? I don't like Novik's take on romances (she goes for those ~dark supernatural mcs~ ) but most of her other stuff in this book rules.

6. Babel by R.F Kuang: Adult speculative fiction/dark academia/fantasy. Babel's been a subject of hot debate in these here circles and I'm not here to try to litigate whether Kuang is a sellout or a culturally authentic writer bc I don't know and I don't think it's really my place and honestly I don't really care until I see an analysis that talks about the book itself and in the meantime I'm keeping Babel on this list bc it really hit me and I liked it a lot. Robin (English name, original name not told), is an impoverished young Chinese boy whose mother has just died in a plague sweeping southern China in the early 1800s. A white British man shows up and offers to take him to England as a ward and educate him as a translator, and there Robin grows up and as a teenager is entered into a famous school as a magical translator, using (along with a few other students of color) his own native language and his knowledge of English to help power the linguistic-based magic that the colonial powers of the empire use in their quest to conquer and control the world. The conflict between Robin wanting to stay safe and comfortable and get the status and respect he'd always been promised and like, being exploited and realizing the empire's impact on his original home and his people and now his role in exploiting others and helping to run the imperial death machine was perhaps a bit straightforward, but I liked it a lot and I found the finale well-earned and poignant and thrilling. I might buy this one honestly I really like the cover too.

And that's my highlights of 2024! Again, mutuals feel free to ask me for links to my goodreads where you'll find exhaustive (and spoilery) reviews of these books and everything else I've read this year!