#Enduring satire

[bedrotboy]

"I get unreasonably angry with John sometimes. I'm sure I never used to be so sensitive. I think it is due to this nervous condition."

excerpt from The Yellow Wallpaper that makes me go aaaaaaaaaaahhhh in my head

"But John says if I feel so, I shall neglect proper self-control; so I take pains to control myself-- before him, at least, and that makes me very tired."

[ulkaralakbarova]

Film Review: Mastering Elegance on Screen: How 'The Devil Wears Prada' Became a Timeless Cinematic Jewel

Andy (Anne Hathaway) whispers some important information to her fashion magazine editor boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep).PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, PUBLICITY OR REVIEWS OF THIS SPECIFIC MOTION PICTURE AND TO REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE STUDIO. NOT FOR SALE OR REDISTRIBUTION. Watching an older film offers a delightful journey down memory lane, where one can…

[llycaons]

can't wait for succession season finale not because I watch it but because maybe after a while people will stop posting about it

[romanceyourdemons]

it’s a pretty well-known phenomenon that you only get a couple seconds with your horror creature fully visible onscreen before it gets “chuckied,” a term coined by yours truly referring to the shift between the first and second acts of child’s play (1988) as the audience gets used to seeing the little chucky puppet moving around and consequently can no longer buy into the film’s serious slasher tone in the absence of the horror of the unknown. the tuunbaq in the terror and the dogomorph in alien 3 (1992) are also famous victims of chuckying—just like how lovecraftian horror usually falls flat on the screen, too much visibility and your scary, amorphous creature will become a very morphous puppet or cgi’d in picture. the easiest way to combat this is of course to keep the creature obscured for as much of the piece as possible; for instance, despite their oppressive presence throughout their respective works, the beast in over the garden wall is shown for less than six frames and the eponymous kaiju of cloverfield (2008) is never properly shown, allowing each to retain their mystery and danger. another route is to simply lean into the campiness of it, like the later child’s play franchise and alien resurrection (1997). in the case of the blob (1958) a mere satirical title sequence song is enough to completely transform a fairly standard creature feature into an enduring masterpiece of hokey fun. the third option to combat chuckying is for the horror creature to constantly transform—the thing (1982), the fly (1986), and aliens (1986) show their creatures in loving detail, but there is always something the audience hasn’t seen yet, something they don’t know to brace themselves for. it’s a fine line to walk, of course, but that’s the nature of the game when you want to turn the concept of the unknown into something knowable enough to bite you

[astralnymphh]

mom!ellie taking her child to get their first shots w reader

but like ellie’s the one holding the baby trying not to cry once the baby starts crying 🙂‍↕️

okay so i'm in seventh heaven reading this because mom!ellie makes a return to my inbox, tis a joyous day everyone. but yes, i can just envision it so perfectly. reader, on the opposite wall to the chair & ellie, and a seemingly unaware baby giving you a doughy, beady, blank stare, and a few glances to spare towards the one embracing them arms-over-arms.

ellie could not get more riveted and smiley with the baby than she is now; lacings of auburn draping down her cheek as she grins downward, even she a totally unaware and in-her-own-world person—her world being her kid. “teeth are startin' to come in, huh buddy?” raising her arms a mere moment in rapture to wipe a thumb across their dry cheek, beginning a slow rock side-to-side. then, the doctor signals at the ready, and both corners of her lips are tucked away, straightened into apprehension.

she whispers to the little guy in her clasp, “i got ya' bud, there's nothin' to worry about.” her sweet child, calming him for the worst that's to come. once it does; soft skin broken by the needle, a near falsetto cry starts up below her, and all she can do is endure. embrace the source, and endure. legitimately, glancing away as it happens, casting her eyes up as a tactic to hold tears back.

obviously, you being so nonchalant and aware in comparison, notice the distress slowly inching on her features and point it out flippantly, “i take it this is your first shot too?” giving her a taste of her own satirical medicine. you aren't sure if the joke or the soft and final cries from your baby genuinely struck a tear in her waterline, but it glistens pearly all the same. ellie scoffs, “psh—what do you mean? m'totally fine, babe. not a single tear in my eyes.” ending up in a snotty laugh and a stream-lined cheek, rubbing one eye with the knuckle of her thumb.

[arimiadev]

spooky indie visual novels you've never heard of for spooky season

since it's October I thought I'd put together a list of spooky indie visual novels (horror, Halloween, creepy, dark comedy, anything in the spirit of the season goes) that you've probably never heard of but can play right now on itchio!

model employee

Model Employee is a corporate horror visual novel. Just discharged from the hospital and massively in debt for their life-saving cybernetics, the player-character must adapt to the “extreme” work-life balance of a Tethys Team Member- but they have help. Penny, the artificial personality that controls all security, waste disposal, and employee surveillance in the facility, specializes in reinforcing an especially cutthroat variety  of workplace culture- and she’s taken an interest in you.  If you want to get ahead in your career, you gotta be willing to take some risks.

model employee is such a tightly structured visual novel for being made in just one month for a game jam, making full use of everything while surprising you at every corner. every part of this game was so well planned and thought out- dystopian corporate satire isn’t my cup of tea (we’re living it) but the way they present everything in this game makes it feel so much more intense.

beary the hatchet

It’s Halloween 199X, and you killed someone during your morning shift. Honestly it’s inconvenient. This job was imperfect, sure, but you got to wear a mask with no questions asked and the pay was livable. But now you’ll have to keep the body in the backrooms till your shift is done. Bummer. “You’re… the absolutely WICKED and AWESOME Bearwater Grizzly Killer, aren’t you?!” …and now enters the dreaded true crime fan.

beary the hatchet is such a uniquely lovely game to look at, even if the subject matter is grim. I love the color palette and tones in this, I love the 2.5D graphics, I love how expressive all of the designs are. it’s a game oozing with style.

WE KNOW THE DEVIL

Anyone can kill the devil; that’s why they always make teens the vampire slayers, the magical girls. But some kids can’t even get that right; and that’s why meangirl Neptune, tomboy Jupiter, and shy shy Venus have to endure one more week of summer camp and each other, singing boring songs about jesus, doing busywork for adults, and hoping god’s radio can’t hear them. Before they can leave the summer scouts, they’ve got to spend twelve hours in the loneliest cabin in the woods and wait for the devil to come and live through the night–or not. You know.

it’s a visceral experience, something that feels foreign and familiar at the same time. I love the direction for it, the sketchy monochrome sprites against the colored photos- parts when there aren’t any characters on screen feel that much more real, like you’re watching found footage because of how tense everything is.

disconnect

Late at night, a phone call from a friend keeps disconnecting from you… On and off, on and off, constantly… …What would you do if you realized your friend wasn’t who you thought they were? And how would you react when the truth was finally revealed? (“̷̢̑W̸̨̊o̸̫͊u̷̱͝ḽ̸͛d̴͉̐ ̵̚ͅy̵̜̽o̸̥͗u̷̮̎ ̷̜̏s̶̤̄t̸̥͐i̴̻̕l̸̰͝l̸͉̓ ̷͕́ȁ̸̩c̸̡̓t̵̜̊ ̵͓̈t̶̙̄h̶̦͂e̸̩͠ ̸̩̅s̶̘̏a̷̪͛m̵̮͒e̴͖͑ ̸̭́w̷̨̚á̴̱y̵̯̑?̶͎̌"̷͈̆) Find out what happened to our scaredy-cat protagonist, Indie－a famous horror storyteller on the H-T-M (Horror, Tales, and Mystery) forum. What would she do when she unintentionally uncovered a mystery hidden deep within her own home?

I love the style of disconnect and the unorthodox way of getting to the truth of the matter. I’m not normally one to play furry VNs, but the designs are adorable and I love the presentation of the game, it has a lot of animation in it. there’s also one moment not too far in on this screen that made me scream…

curse of the juniper tree

Curse of the Juniper tree is a tale of two siblings, a cursed tree and an isolated village. It is a short kinetic visual novel featuring 2d exploration. Walk around the snowy village and talk to its inhabitants! Story is loosely based off the fairytale called The Juniper Tree by the Brothers Grimm in Grimm’s Fairy Tales in 1812.

this is a lovely and short story about two siblings living in a frozen land together. it’s a very atmospheric story with so many beautiful blues and detailed character designs. the controls were a bit hard to figure out at times but it’s worth your time.

reaplaced

Grea Perrim is a reaper of souls, and it’s her duty to bring the deceased to the other side. But in the world of reapers, death isn’t any kind of equalizer. The value of a soul is directly tied to the peculiarity of its death. Grea’s supernatural senses bring her to a Halloween house party with three costumed guests. She soon finds the most valuable kind of soul: the victim of a locked-room murder. In order to reap the soul, Grea must unravel the identity of its killer and explain its death in full. Is this the work of a human? A witch? Or something else entirely…?

reaplaced is a fun little whodunnit set on Halloween about a grim reaper out on the hunt who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. it’s much more indepth than I was expecting and the soundtrack is wonderful—there’s a lot of small touches to it that make it great.

Silver Thread

An exorcist that doubts the existence of ghost might sound contradictory but to Alicia Wilkershire, this is the right way to get closer to the truth. Her latest job sounded like another run-of-the-mill case and she greeted her client with her usual pessimism but is it, really?

Silver Thread is a spooky and short RPGM game about a skeptical exorcist trying to help a guy with his problems. the style is lovely and if you also like this kind of style, the developer has several other RPGM games like this!

Elevator Hitch

Elevator Hitchis a short 2.5D surreal horror/escape room visual novel with point-and-click and puzzle elements following the story of two co-workers suddenly finding themselves stuck together in a "Perfectly Normal" 70s office elevator.  They must explore each liminal-looking floor and find a way to get off the elevator to their actual destinations.

like a few others on this list, Elevator Hitch was made in just a month for the Spooktober Visual Novel Jam and was my favorite game from the year it came out (2022). it's more of an adventure style game than pure visual novel, so expect puzzles and a lot of bad ends! this developer also has a lot of other similar style adventure visual novels.

The Case of the Serialized Killer

When a popular illustrator is found dead, disgraced demonologist Harold Ludicael is hired to summon her ghost. Ghosts are the one thing he can't summon, but with sharp insight, perhaps he can solve the mystery, and resurrect the most important thing: His career.

this visual novel is an absolute feast on the eyes as all of the art is done by traditionally painted watercolor artworks! the characters are all unique and the world feels very lived in. if you like murder mysteries then check it out.

Stillwater

"𝕊𝕖𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕥 𝕒 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕖…" A woman arrives with a mysterious letter in hand addressed to her grandfather. Etched in crimson is a foreboding message, a warning—a promise made from a time forgotten. Private Investigator Hugo Laurent and his assistants must solve this bizarre case before an old family's curse befalls them all.

Stillwater is a lovely looking game - I love everything about the art direction for it. it's not overly scary but very atmospheric with several endings to find.

Who is the Red Queen?

Alice falls down the rabbit hole into a Wonderland not quite right. Meeting an eclectic collection of people, animals, and some things in between, she sets out on an adventure in this odd new place to find the missing Red Queen. Or, more specifically, to find the pieces of the dismembered queen whose body has been strewn across the land.

a familiar but new take on Alice in Wonderland, now with a lot more yuri. like a lot of the VNs I've recommended, this was originally made in just 1 month. this one in particular has a lot of dead ends, mention of gore & dismemberment, and other content warnings.

okay now that you've made it this far I'm going to promote my gay horror / Halloween visual novels

Asphodelium

Hazel is an ex-adventurer who's settled down with some of his previous guildmates after the adventure of a lifetime—taking down a doomsday cult that tried to end the world, but at the cost of killing their former guild leader who turned against them. Despite their adventure still haunting him months later, he's tried to move on. —That is until a man with the same face as their guild leader approaches him. This is a story about cults and killing and killing cults. And being in love.

Asphodelium is a melancholic dark boys love visual novel that I made solo in about 3 months. it's entirely in NVL mode (I love you NVL) and around 3 hours long and my personal favorite game I've made so far.

Dahlia

a vampire has snuck into your room while you were sleeping. the only question is - are you next on her menu? Dahlia is a very short sapphic visual novel made in under 36 hours for the Velox Formido game jam, a jam for shortform visual novels. survive being trapped with a lovely little vampire, or don't.

also NVL mode because I love NVL mode. this is a short and sweet vampire visual novel I made solo in a weekend for a game jam that has several different endings.

Witch You Want

With a rather sparkly magical paper, you find a job listing for a local witch needing an assistant with making potions before the town festival that weekend. You sign up, unsure exactly what to expect...... A pompous and questionably excellent witch runs a local apothecary in town but finds that if she wants to make enough potions before the festival that weekend to sell (and keep her ongoing potion shop afloat) she'll need some assistance. After a dubious help wanted ad, she gains you as an assistant. Will the two of you see through to the festival? Will you be able to make a single potion? Will this girlfailure capture your heart?!

this is my latest visual novel that released just a few days ago! I directed & programmed this short cutesy game for a game jam at our studio. it's pretty fluffy romcom with a potion minigame in it. please help our girlfailure make potions, she needs all the help she can get.

[ghoulish-yellowcake]

When I first got into Fallout and was delightfully babbling to my friends about all the fucked up vault experiments and such they looked at me like I was crazy and asked why the hell I liked it so much. At the time I didn’t really have an answer other than I liked the contrast of how silly it could get compared to the darker qualities—how it bounced between the two or combined them into a wonderful satire on capitalism.

After watching and rewatching the show, logging hundreds of hours across multiple games, and several posters up on my wall later, I think I finally understand why.

The games are set up for you to be the hero, to make your slice of the wasteland a better place, but unlike a lot of other media, being the hero is an active choice that you have to make over and over again. You are presented with a cruel, violent world that brings out the worst in humanity, and yet these games ask you to be kind, to help out an NPC with a small favor, or sacrifice something important for the greater good. It isn’t easy. A lot of times the best choice isn’t going to be perfect either, with many ethical decisions boiling down to harm reduction or the lesser of two evils—whatever gives the wasteland the best chance at survival. Sometimes you need to bloody your hands, but other times the better outcome results in maybe not forgiveness but refusing to act on revenge. Heroism is often challenging and morally grey at times.

Sure, you could choose to be evil, but it’s almost too easy—I find it so much more satisfying to be empathetic, to surprise characters with hope that the world doesn’t have to be so bleak. I guess in many ways it’s a type of Superman fantasy, having not only the desire to be kind but the power to be so in a world filled with darkness.

And it’s not just the player character vs the world, there are plenty of companions and other NPCs surviving and working to make things better. Here you are at the end of the world, yet people endure and life goes on. People grow crops, tend to livestock, and set up trade. They build communities and carve out homes in the ruins of the old world.

I guess in simpler terms, I like Fallout because it’s a hopeful display of humanity persevering. War may never change, but men can. I think a light in the dark is always going to get me, especially when that light is a spark trying to illuminate an entire sea of darkness. That spark may be hard to find, but goddamn how impressive is it that it’s trying so hard against all odds.

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Punk

The philosophy of punk is a distinctive blend of cultural rebellion, DIY ethos, and anti-establishment attitudes. Emerging from the punk rock music scene in the 1970s, punk philosophy has since evolved into a broader subcultural movement that encompasses music, fashion, art, and social commentary. Here's an exploration of the core tenets and influences of punk philosophy:

1. DIY Ethic

At the heart of punk philosophy is the "Do It Yourself" (DIY) ethic. Punk advocates self-sufficiency and creativity without reliance on mainstream institutions or commercial interests. This ethos encourages individuals to create their own music, art, and fashion, often using limited resources. It fosters a sense of empowerment and community, as punks produce and distribute their own records, zines, and merchandise.

2. Anti-Establishment and Rebellion

Punk philosophy is deeply rooted in anti-establishment sentiments. It rejects conventional norms, authority, and societal expectations. Punk often criticizes political systems, corporate greed, and social inequalities. This rebellious stance is reflected in the raw and confrontational style of punk music and the provocative nature of punk fashion, which frequently includes ripped clothing, bold hairstyles, and symbolic accessories like safety pins and leather jackets.

3. Individualism and Authenticity

Punk values individualism and authenticity, championing the idea of being true to oneself. It opposes conformity and encourages people to express their unique identities and beliefs. This focus on personal authenticity often translates into a rejection of polished, commercialized aesthetics in favor of raw, unfiltered expression.

4. Anarchy and Libertarianism

Many punk subcultures are influenced by anarchist and libertarian ideologies. Punk philosophy often promotes the idea of a society without hierarchical structures or authoritarian control. Anarcho-punk, a subgenre of punk, explicitly incorporates anarchist principles, advocating for direct action, mutual aid, and community-based alternatives to state power.

5. Social and Political Activism

Punk philosophy is not only about music and fashion but also about activism and social change. Punk bands and communities frequently address issues such as anti-racism, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmentalism. Punk's activist spirit is evident in its support for grassroots movements, protests, and various forms of direct action.

6. Cultural Innovation and Subversion

Punk is known for its cultural innovation and subversion. It challenges mainstream cultural standards and pushes the boundaries of artistic expression. Punk art, music, and literature often employ satire, irony, and shock value to critique societal norms and provoke thought.

The philosophy of punk is a multifaceted and dynamic ideology that encompasses a wide range of attitudes and practices. At its core, punk is about rejecting conformity, embracing individuality, and striving for authenticity. It promotes a DIY ethic, challenges authority, and seeks to create a more just and equitable society through activism and direct action. Punk's enduring influence can be seen in various cultural and social movements, making it a vital and vibrant part of contemporary philosophy and culture.

[vintagegeekculture]

RIP Tracy Tormé, Creator of the "Holodeck Malfunction Episode" and Sliders

Tracy Tormé’s most enduring legacy in popular culture is that, while a writer on TNG’s tempestuous first and second seasons, he created the entire concept of the Holodeck Malfunction Episode.

Yes, even people who suggest you skip TNG’s first couple seasons say that “The Big Goodbye” is one you don’t want to miss. And there was a very nice tribute to Tracy Torme in an episode of Picard, which had him as the author and creator of Dixon Hill… which he is, and deserves credit for this.

I suppose I should mention I had a personal encounter with Tracy Tormé at a convention. The main thing I remember was that he looked absolutely terrified when someone asked him about what happened with “The Royale,” far and away TNG’s worst episode except the clip show, about the crew getting trapped on a hotel they can’t leave from a badly written book. To his great credit, he took responsibility for the episode not working and did not pass on the problems to the production crew.

The most extraordinary thing about Tracy Torme is that he had a Forrest Gump like ability to appear in the background of scifi culture’s greatest moments.

Not only was he inside the TNG writers’ room in 1987-88, he was around during the production of Terminator with James Cameron. Tormé was the one who, hearing about the production of the film, squealed on it to Harlan Ellison, telling Ellison that it was based on his old Outer Limits episodes, with a visual based on his script for “Demon With a Glass Hand.” In other words, he was the Gavrilo Princip who got that entire conflict started, where two of the most proud personalities in scifi butted heads, James Cameron vs. Ellison. Cameron, to this day, insists that the film company gave Ellison money and a credit because it was easier to pay him off than to go through litigation (which rings true, frankly, for risk averse production companies), and to this day Cameron insists, with his absolutely expected big dick swagger, that Ellison is a “parasite” who received money for nothing, and if it had been up to him, he wouldn’t have given him a dime.

It’s also worth mentioning that Torme also created the TV series Sliders.

Has anyone else noticed that Sliders is an incredibly right wing show? Seriously, watch it again if you haven’t seen it in years. If you haven’t watched this show since the 90s and you were a kid and all that went over your head, it’s kind of amazing how Limbaugh/Newt Gingrich era right-wing Sliders actually was. It made 24 look like Doonesbury. The targets of Sliders were 90s New Right satire: health care systems, infuriating hippies, the nanny state disallowing the public smoking of cigars, California weirdness, the drug culture, the USSR. Torme’s right wing views were less John Millius-style “blood alone moves the wheel of history” stuff, but more like that of a slobby regular joe in the 90s, Dennis Leary’s character in Demolition Man for instance, who mostly just wants to smoke cigars, ogle girls, and eat hamburgers without getting scolded by his wife. He was less “Passion of the Christ” and more “Animal House.”

I am not saying this as a negative, but merely a description. Contrary to popular belief, right wingers driven by bizarre sexual pathology and weird grudges produce amazing art, as Millius and John Swartzwelder show. A lot of Steven Universe fans love to say things like “all good art is about empathy and kindness” and I reject that notion. Good art can also be about reflecting things in the human experience like fear, trauma, cruelty, and paranoia.

For that reason, it doesn’t surprise me that Tracy Torme’s best movie script was a horror film about a traumatic experience, Fire in the Sky. An ominous movie about a vanished ranch hand who was the victim of alien abduction, in the earned finale the film’s tension builds toward, our hero remembers the true cause of his missing time: an abduction by aliens, who’s motives are emotionless and incomprehensible, and who subject him to horrific vivisection that we see in excruciating detail. Travis Walton is treated not with sadism or cruelty, but with icy detachment, by alien superintellects that view him as no different than cattle, and are to him as we are to cattle. The most terrifying detail of the film is that the classic “gray alien” look turns out to be spacesuits, revealing a far more frightening appearance underneath.

[cheezbites]

Dating König PT.2

✎: couldn’t get enough of my husband so here’s part twoo🥹!! (part one linked here)

♡Summary: Headcanons of dating König PT.2

*+:｡.｡<3｡.｡:+*

Bf!König would bounce his knee whenever he felt anxious - another one of his harmless, repetitive habits. He felt helplessly cold and restricted when things get too overwhelming; bouncing his knee was superficially warming him up. He doesn’t even realise he does it at times as he’s too occupied by thinking about the overflowing emotions.

That was until you steadied a gentle, reassuring hand on his shaky knee. Only one of his trembling body parts could easily decipher how the rest of him felt - pressured, distracted and stressed. He found himself stopping - like you were some medicine that instantly cured an excruciating headache. You warmly smiled at him, making eye contact. His gaze lingered on your hand for a while, like you miraculously calmed an uncontrollable sea with your delicate fingertips. He’s rarely ever been handled so divinely, especially being in the military. His frown and previously tense muscles almost instantly vanished and transitioned into a grateful smile as he looked at you. You were so warm and gentle to him. He wants to feel this electric dopamine kick over and over again, he doesn’t plan on ever parting from it - parting from you. There was a euphoric comfort in your touch.

“‘You okay?” you asked, your tone ever so sweet and genuine.

“’m okay now, Liebling.”

Bf!Konig loved your hugs, he’s so large and muscular in comparison to you. You loved engulfing in his scent and warmth, especially after stressful days at work. It boosts your mood almost instantly knowing you have a human teddy bear at home to return to. You remained glued to him, melting into his touch - skin to skin. He could be minding his business as he’s laying in bed and you’re suddenly crawling on top of him and wrapping your arms around him. Knowing you have him (and his godsent figure) made your heart so content.

He loves knowing you love him.

Feeling sad? Cuddles. Feeling happy? Cuddles. Bored? Cuddles. His heartbeat against yours is to live and die for. You were already used to feeling him whenever you’re feeling sad; his arms wrapping around you, his head resting on your neck as he comfort you, his heart beat and warmth against yours.

Bf!Konig saved a cat from a high tree, he was so gentle in doing so, too - reassuringly cooing praises and reaching his arms out to catch them. The cat gradually gave in and trusted him like they knew him their whole life. His height most definitely has perks that you swoon over. You had an unexpected bond over cats, too. You never saw him being a cat person, but it works.

You sent each other pictures of cats you spot when you’re out and about to mutually obsess over how cute they are. He’d most definitely have an almost eery talent of spotting any cat’s breed with no effort.

Y/N: This one’s a cutie, so skinny tho :(( they’re prolly starving

König: Siamese’s are very thin kittens so they just look xtra skinny when hungry😢

Y/N: This is the 8th time this week…

Y/N: nerd.

(König ❤️ reacted your message).

Bf!König is used to the contradictory pet names you give him, they’re all so sweet and girly, opposing his tough and rugged experiences where he’d endure ruthless and boisterous battle fields like it’s nothing. He never admits to the butterflies in his stomach to the sound of your voice calling him sunflower, sugar or sweetie.

That was until you made them satirically cheesy as you ask him for favours:

“My honey sugar sunflower baby bear,” you called, sickly sweet, grinning at him.

“Hm?”

You were genuinely surprised he even replied to that - you thought he’d just ignore you until you dropped these nicknames and addressed him properly - but he was already used to your shenanigans.

“Can you get my phone?”

“Sure,”

“Thank you honey bun sugar muffin,” you replied, the pet names easily rolling off your tongue like they were just meant for König.

He only scoffed at your teasing and made a poor attempt at hiding his smile before standing up to get your phone.

Bf!König is so considerate with his gifts. If there’s anything you’ve been raving about or if you stared at something for too long as you were shopping together it’ll be delivered right to you in the next 2-3 business days. He’s also really observant about your likes, dislikes and oddly specific things you’re infatuated with. You smiled from ear to ear and felt irrepressibly giddy each time he buys you gifts or spoils you. As you wore whatever he got you, you’d think about him each and every single time, realising that you’re the luckiest girl in the world.

Bf!König was destined to be a chef. He gets so passionate when he’s telling you about some recipe he’ll try for dinner or when anything food related is bought up. You’d tag along in the kitchen as he taught you all the nifty tips and tricks. The nights which would always be most fun, intimate and undeniably delicious is when you guys cooked dinner together.

His speciality is making deserts, which is perfect for your sweet tooth.

Bf!König is so good with children, either when it came to entertaining or colouring with them - they’re always drawn to König, despite how they think he’s scary at first. Your little cousin had to stay at yours for the night and they bonded so quickly.

At first, she was admittedly intimidated and intrigued by him. She had to crane her neck up but to meet his gaze, like many others when they first meet König.

But upon the ice being broken, they were baking cute little cupcakes together as she received piggybacks whilst she giggled to her heart’s content. He gave her wholesome, exclusive nicknames like ‘Prinzessin’. It went from her shooting him unsure looks to them being the best of friends.

Your face flushed so hard as you watched them. In their shared smiles, you found an endless joy.

Bf!König gradually opened up to you about his work life. He told you about his scars. Either how he got them, the treatment, the pain and whatever else he shared with you.

You’d remind him if it’s an uncomfortable topic for him then he absolutely doesn’t have to talk about it. “Work stuff can be work stuff, it doesn’t have be discussed if you really don’t wanna,” you’d remind him, ensuring you’re crossing no boundaries. Yet he insisted on it, he trusts you. It was all like a slow burn - your love was like a slow burn; the beautiful blazing fire at the end was all too worth it. Knowing he could trust you with something so delicate and harsh made you feel a mix of ecstatic emotions you couldn’t phrase.

Your fingers gently glided against his scarred back, feeling the vibration of his voice and the light indents that lingered on his skin. He faintly hitched each time you touched him; like he was trembling under and melting into your touch. It’s the moments like this that you could infinitely relish in.

He’d reveal more and more in your ‘secret scar seshes’. It felt rewarding knowing he could put so much trust into you, letting you into his sacred double life.

Bf!König realises how deeply in love with you he is whenever you’re passionately raving about something or laughing. He’s drawn to your voice, like it’s a song he wouldn’t mind leaving on repeat for the whole week. To him. it was like a hug to the ears. He found happiness in your passion. He didn‘t mind being the listener of most conversations. He absorbed every word you spoke like you were a little podcast he could tune into.

You noticed the way he looks at you as you spoke - you tried your hardest to not get nervous and fumble over your words or stutter despite how long you guys have been dating. You’d act like a coy teen who’s talking to their crush for the first time whenever you picked up on how observant he was. You tend to unknowingly repeat things, and with the same eagerness as from the first time you told him - how could he ever want to take that away from you? The last thing he’d want to do is rid the bright energy in your demeanour and tone, all from just talking about something you’re very keen on.

He just knew whenever your sentence started with “Oh yeah, did I tell you about…” it’s most probably something you’ve told him. He’d act oblivious with an almost instinctive “No, I don’t think so… tell me,” with his best interest and ears that seemingly perked just to hear you talk all over again.

Bf!König went shopping with you at some boujie dress shop. It was mostly for window shopping, but if you really liked any dress he wouldn’t hesitate to buy it for you.

You took one to the changing room, just to try it on. It delightfully draped down your body, tight in all the right places. The colour complimented your features so much - in addition to the risqué slit that became more evident whenever you walked.

“You ready…?” you asked, taking a final spin in the mirror.

“Of course, Schatz.”

You walked out of the changing room, finding König patiently perched on a chair. The dress faintly brushed against the floor with every step, making you hold up the hem of it in your hands like those elegant princesses. (In which you looked like one to him).

He paused for a second, like he was trying to catch his breath, savouring your every feature. He’s never seen you dressed in such graceful clothing, let alone a dress that’s just otherworldly and looks as if it’s been made for you and you only. You shyly smiled because of how affectionate his gaze was. Without missing a beat, he pulled out his wallet.

“No, König,” you interjected, frowning. He looked at you expectedly, slightly confused.

“What?” he asked, confusion being the only thing in his tone. You shook your head at him before lowering his wallet - an indirect rejection to him spoiling you.

“Look at you!” He began, evidently growing more and more confused and in love by the second, “You look…” he paused, like he was trying to find the right words, like your beauty was indescribable, “gorgeous.” He pulled his wallet back out in protest, making you tut at him before hugging him in the tightest embrace and smiling like an idiot.

Bf!König is used to you sleeping on him. It always starts off with you innocent resting your head on his lap as you watch TV.

“I’m just resting my eyes,” you groaned, voice heavy with sleep. He didn’t think much of it and just let you do your thing.

And not even five seconds later, you were using his warmth as a blanket and his thighs as a pillow before dozing off.

“Y/N?” he called your name ever so softly, checking if you were genuinely asleep. You’ve had troubles sleeping this week so your rested state made him furrow his eyebrows in shock. A few seconds of silence passed, and he found himself smiling. He didn’t mind you sleeping on him - he actually enjoyed it.

He stayed with you for a minute or two to relish in your presence before carrying you to bed, tucking you in and softly planting a kiss on your cheek.

Bf!König never fails to nonverbally bring up the size difference, from your clothes, hands, (don’t get me started on the hands) or anything, really. There will always be a size difference.

When he drives, he’d always put his hand onto your thigh and encompass your hand around his. You flutter inside at how easily he effortlessly shrinks everything and anything. You could be wearing one of his t-shirts that fit him, but they’d look bigger on your figure.

Bf!König noticed your hairbands would usually be scattered around the house. Instead of returning them to you, he’d keep them. He caught sight of a black, elastic ring on the kitchen counter, swiftly grabbed it and word it like it was a promise ring. It was so precious to him, he’ll probably keep it on until it disintegrates off his wrist.

“Have you seen my hairband?” You asked, frantically entering and exiting rooms and misplacing things to find it.

“Nope,” König replied, rolling his sleeve up to hide the same exact one you were looking for. You had a countless amount of other headbands, but you just randomly clung onto that specific one.

“Ugh, I have to get another one now.”

»»----------►Masterlist

Dating Ghost

Dating Price

Dating Soap

Dating Gaz

[dickinfectionbez]

ADORA'S FULL WRITING MASTERLIST

SFU (Safe from Uccio works - do not have Uccio at all)

NSFU (Not Safe from Uccio - he is the main character).

SFJ (Safe from Jorge - do not have Jorge Martin in it.)

NSFJ (Not Safe from Jorge Martin - he is the main character)

Wrench to the Heart - SFU + SFJ (minor mention of Fem!Uccio)

Baby boots and riding suits - SFU + SFJ (minor mention of Uccio)

Chéile Seala - NSFU +SFJ - (Main part of the beginning plot)

Kiss of Death - NSFU + SFJ (Main plot point)

Y/N Satire Part One - SFU + SFJ (No Mention of Uccio at the moment)

Y/N Satire Part Two - SFU + SFJ (No Mention of Uccio at the moment)

Proxy War of the Highest Status - SFU + SFJ (This is a Webblonso fic)

Vengeance served over ice - NSFU + SFJ (This is the sequel to the Buccio fic)

Penance for Old sins - NSFU + SFJ (This is the Muccio fic)

In the shadows - NSFU + SFJ (This is the Buccio fic)

Love & Life - SFU + SFJ (no mention of Uccio)

Journalist jokes - SFU + SFJ (no mention of Uccio this is a Lucalex fic)

When the world ends - SFU + SFJ (this is a Pecco/Enea Zombie Au. No Uccio at the moment)

Mirror - NSFJ + SFU (literally a fic about him jacking off to a mirror.)

Necklace of pearls - SFU + SFJ (It's Fabio Q and Bez having Sex.)

Lacy Trimmings - SFU + SFJ (it's Enea, Bez and Pecco threesome with Bez and Enea in dresses+ next day weed shotgunning and lazy handjobs)

Drops of Jupiter - SFU + SFJ (it's Fem!Marcnaia sex with Valentina catching them)

She acts like summer and walks like rain - SFU + SFJ (it's Fem! rosquez sex post Drops of Jupiter)

And so we try again - SFU + SFJ (Rosquez post reconciliation)

Bubble Pop Electric - SFU + SFJ (Bez/Diggia making out)

Writing on the Wall - SFU + SFJ (Rosquez phone fic)

Take me to Paris - SFU + SFJ (Susie/Toto/George Eiffel Tower fic)

Bubble Bath Babes - SFU + SFJ (Fem!Beznaia bathtub fluff)

Music to my ears - SFU + SFJ (Singer!Vale fic)

Toy - NSFU + SFJ (i don't know why i wrote a diggia/enea/uccio threesome)

Save me tinder date save me - SFU + SFJ (it's fem!peccnea)

Verbal Fishing Guide - SFU + SFJ (its Casey/Enea on a yacht)

Bloodbag - SFU +NSFJ (pecco m!preg abortion fic with vampires)

Fate's String as Red as a Flame - SFU + SFJ (It's Crow!bez)

Gaze upon Prince Albert - SFU + SFJ (Cele gets a nipple piercing and turns out Bez got another piercing too)

There is a special type of grace in your eyes - NSFU + SFJ (its a rosquez retelling of Om Shanti Om, a Bollywood movie)

Red Guilt - NSFU + SFJ (Ferrari!Vale AU)

Endurance Days - SFU + SFJ (its a Valentino/Jenson/Maxime threesome)

Maneater - SFU + SFJ (Marc is a cannibal and Vale is immortal)

[augustsappho]

Stańczyk by Jan Matejko (1862)

Description from Britannica (author: Ann Kay)

Stańczyk, oil painting created in 1862 by Polish artist Jan Matejko. It is one of Matejko’s best known works and is an iconic image in Poland.

Historical painting has always been a vital thread in Polish art, and Matejko chronicled Polish history with a verve and romance that earned him a central place in his homeland’s artistic consciousness. Court jester to several Renaissance-era Polish kings, Stańczyk was said to be a man of extraordinary wisdom. Not afraid to wield his satirical wit to criticize those in power, he came to personify the fight for truth over hypocrisy and even Poland’s struggle for independence.

In this painting, Matejko has turned the jester into a symbol of his nation’s conscience. While a ball at the court of Queen Bona (wife of Sigismund I the Old) is in full swing, Stańczyk sits slumped in depression, having just discovered—presumably indicated by papers on the table—that the Polish city of Smolensk has been lost (1514) during war with Moscow. Seating him apart from the rest of the court emphasizes that only he foresees that the war will be disastrous for Poland.

Matejko’s characteristic theatricality and lighting make the painting appear like a scene from a play. The principal player, in a fanciful costume that highlights his seriousness by its contrast, is placed centrally in a spotlight. In the wings, we glimpse the bit players, while outside a window a comet falls portentously. The face is a self-portrait of Matejko himself, and the artist’s finely detailed style adds to the mood, picking out everything from the plushness of the drapes to the distant sparkle of a chandelier. For centuries Stańczyk featured in the work of an array of Polish artists and writers, but this striking image is the one that has endured.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Ann Kay is a writer and editor with a degree in the history of art and literature at Kent University and a postgraduate qualification in graphic design from London University. She has also studied book design and jewelry-making. Her work appears in Encyclopaedia Britannica as part of a joint publishing agreement with the publisher of 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die and 1001 Amazing Places You Must See Before You Die, where the work originally appeared.

[haveyouplayedthisttrpg]

Have you played The Happiest Apocalypse on Earth ?

By Christopher Grey

The Happiest Apocalypse on Earth is set in a fictional theme park called Mouse Park. Its special blend of satire and horror takes collaborative storytelling to the brink, where players can take on the role of guests or staff in a theme park that barely masks a terrible horror lurking beneath.

What horror Mouse Park brings is up to you—the truth of the Great Mouse Who Lies Beneath, the ancient mystical orders that protect Him, the sacrifices those in the park must endure, and the beasts of nightmares that spawn from His depths—all of that is for you to uncover. You may choose to protect the innocent from the evil of Mouse Park, or you may wish to perpetuate it. 

Whatever your course, you are in it now. Lower your head and watch your step.

[theunderestimator-2]

Steel Pulse photographed for their 1978 single "Ku Klux Klan" by Dennis Morris: "I have taken many controversial images; this is one of them. The record company thought it was too controversial and it was never used.. It is now in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London!"

blackhistorymonth.org.uk: "Steel Pulse was formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, specifically the inner city area of Handsworth. The founding members were schoolmates (…) from working class West Indian immigrant families, and none had much musical experience… They initially had difficulty finding live gigs, as club owners were reluctant to give them a platform for their “subversive” Rastafarian politics. Luckily, the punk movement was opening up new avenues for music all over Britain, and also finding a spiritual kinship with protest reggae. Thus, the group wound up as an opening act for punk and new wave bands like the Clash, the Stranglers, Generation X, the Police, and XTC, and built a broad-based audience in the process. In keeping with the spirit of the times, Steel Pulse developed a theatrical stage show that leavened their social commentary with satirical humor; many of the members dressed in costumes that mocked traditional British archetypes (Riley was a vicar, McQueen a bowler-wearing aristocrat, Martin a coach footman, etc.). Steel Pulse’s first single for Island was the classic “Ku Klux Klan,” which happened to lend itself well to the band’s highly visual, costume-heavy concerts. It appeared on their 1978 debut album, Handsworth Revolution, which was soon hailed as a classic of British reggae by many fans and critics.."

allmusic.com/ : "The number is tightly wound around a dangerously thumping bass line and David Hind's searing delivery. The extended version is even more musically militant, the instruments now weapons in the engineer's hands, the rhythm even more threatening. This remains Pulse's most enduring classic."

(via)

[disneytva]

20th Television Animation Brings Animation To San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Animation fans will have a lot to keep them busy and entertained at this year’s Comic-Con. Disney just announced its plans for its Hulu and 20th Television Animation festivities and panels set for the San Diego.

Friday, July 26

Solar Opposites, 2:00-2:45 p.m., Indigo Room. The popular animated series returns to San Diego Comic-Con ahead of a new season packed with new family values, mayhem in the Wall and some all-new Silvercops adventures. Join executive producers Mike McMahan and Josh Bycel, and cast Thomas Middleditch (Terry), Mary Mack (Jesse) and Sean Giambrone (Yumyulack) for an advance screening of a never-before-seen episode, and a discussion of the hilarious and out-of-this-world upcoming fifth season premiering Aug. 12 on Hulu.

The Great North, 3:00- 3:45 p.m., Indigo Room. Embark on an exhilarating journey to Lone Moose at Comic-Con. Catch an exclusive look behind the scenes of this animated comedy series that follows the quirky Tobin family as they navigate life together. Get to know the creative minds behind the series including creators and executive producers Wendy Molyneaux, Lizzie Molyneaux-Logelin, Loren Bouchard and the voices behind the Tobin family including Jenny Slate, Dulcé Sloan, Paul Rust and Aparna Nancherla to gain fascinating insights into the production of the show, its unique setting, and the colorful characters that inhabit the world of the Tobin family.

Bob’s Burgers,  4:00-4:45 p.m., Indigo Room. Join the Belcher family and the creative minds behind Bob’s Burgers for a can’t-miss panel. Creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard, executive producers Nora Smith, Holly Schlesinger and supervising director Bernard Derriman will break news about the upcoming season. The cast including H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Dan Mintz and Larry Murphy will have the audience howling with laughter through exclusive sneak peeks, a lively panel discussion and Q&A.

Saturday, July 27

Futurama, 11:00-11:45 a.m., Ballroom 20. Neither snow nor rain nor cancellations nor pandemics nor Hollywood strikes can keep Futurama from blasting back into existence. Please join Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, Claudia Katz and “Futurama” superstars Billy West, John DiMaggio, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, David Herman and Maurice LaMarche for a live sneak preview of the all-new season premiering July 29 on Hulu. They promise to spill the maximum legal dose of spoilers. Plus, there is the chance to walk away with debatably precious door prizes!

The Simpsons, 12:00-12:45 p.m., Ballroom 20. Show creators give an exclusive spooky sneak preview of “Treehouse of Horror 35” – the scariest 35th Halloween Special ever. Join panelists Matt Groening, Matt Selman, Rob LaZebnik, Tim Bailey, along with special guest moderator Kevin Smith and surprise terrifying guests for original drawings, prizes and more.

American Dad! 1:00-1:45 p.m., Ballroom 20.  Celebrate the enduring success of the show at Comic-Con with hilarity, hijinks and heartfelt moments. Dive into the quirky world of the Smith family and their eccentric friends and foes as this beloved animated series celebrates its ongoing success with stars Wendy Schaal, Scott Grimes, Rachael MacFarlane, Dee Bradley Baker, Jeff Fischer, and executive producers Matt Weitzman, Kara Vallow and Nic Wegener.

Family Guy 2:00-2:45 p.m., Ballroom 20.  It’s time to look back at 25 years of laughter, satire and iconic moments with the long-running show at this must-attend Comic-Con panel. This milestone event will bring together fans, the iconic cast including Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Jennifer Tilly, Gary Cole and Mike Henry, and executive producers Rich Appel, Alec Sulkin, Steve Callaghan and Kara Vallow to honor a quarter-century of hilarity, irreverence and unforgettable moments in Quahog. Whether a long-time fan or new to the Griffin family’s antics, this is the ultimate event to honor one of television’s most beloved and enduring animated series.

[1k1ga1]

i can apply for a job for abel heilon from "i became the wife of the male protagonist" with a reading that dresses in black like ines valeztena from "the broken ring" (if you've read it you know what i'm talking about) that scene from everyone's wedding surprised by its beauty was WONDERFUL!or something along those lines? I'm just looking for abel's jobs and it's my first time here so I'm sorry if it was long or a little rude:)

💙

❝𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓…❞

𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐡𝐰𝐚 💭 𝐢 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 💭 𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐜𝐰 💭 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟

( 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥! 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬! 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭! 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲. )

from the day a mere point of a six years-old child’s finger locked his fate, abel was never able to envision his future without you, his future betrothed. the one and only daughter of a revered duke who’s wealth and fame was abundant enough for the only heir to spend mindlessly throughout generations. yet, despite hailing from such an esteemed lineage, you were famed not as the most noble woman in aristocratic society, but as the ‘crow-like’ nun.

in spite of the huge inheritance to your name, you rarely invested in luxury jewelry and custom-made ball gowns. instead, you opted for shabby black dresses that covered from head to toe, barely leaving anything to the imagination.

though the aristocratic circles satirized you for dressing like a nun, they also commended your (assumed) efforts to stay chaste for your husband, incapable of comprehending that you merely wore what you found the most comfortable and efficient.

despite being at the center of ridicule and gossip, no one was there to defend you. your fiancée, who had indirectly caused the criticism to grow harsher due to his excuses to delay your wedding, was also territories away.

after years of enduring the scorn and mockery on your own, your shameless fiancée, who grabbed the opportunity to run away from his engagement by becoming the northern duke, dared to show his face at your doorstep. not to mention, he had the audacity to bring his adopted daughter along without a warning.

once abel had sat down (uninvited) and wore that shit-eating grin, you realized he was just the same as before. perhaps his physique had build, but that brazen and snarky personality of his was still irritating.

oh, the poor girl. you couldn’t imagine how hellish it would be to be such a man’s daughter. you were convinced he coerced her into agreeing, but decided not to voice your thoughts.

one thing you did appreciate about abel though, was the fact he always got to the point. but the audacity he has to order you to prepare for the wedding (which he quite literally ran away from) while he was still in the capital for his daughter’s debut was overly shameless.

so shameless that the fact you slapped him would be too merciful for a man who abandoned you to endure in humiliation for years.

regardless of the quarrel after not seeing each other for years, you did indeed organize a humble wedding ceremony that would only be attended by the royal family and close acquaintances. and on the most momentous day of your life, you walked into the banquet hall, figure adorned by rivulets of glimmering white that easily captured everyone’s attention. though the gown was basic by noble society’s standards, it complimented your body shape hugged your curves almost tantalizingly.

you could feel all the eyes enthralled on your figure. everyone was eating up your exposed neckline and bare shoulders after being conditioned to seeing you dressed like a nun for the majority of your life.

with a too knowing smile, you glance towards your soon to-be husband, and cerulean eyes widened in shock stared back at you, and if you squinted, you could see the soft flush of his cheeks under the bright chandelier. but you indulge his gaze no longer as you turned away, the quirk of your lips turning more teasing, knowing what you stirred up in him.

was it the blush and lipstick that captured their attention? no one knew. surely a white dress couldn’t make someone look so beautiful? but could it? or perhaps was it your captivating smile that was all too knowing that it put the people who ogled to shame? no one knew the reason, but surely you’d be the hottest topic in the capital the following day.