#I need social interaction I NEED A GODDAM JOB !!

[snazum]

i hate how my brain works LOLLOLOOL not like actually well sort of but also not like seriously where i'm upset just it's really funny i feel like crying it's so funny ToT But like, i'm living vicariously thru yters rn i want to create I'm too much energy. I CAN'T WAIT LIKE LITERATLY 5 DAYS FOR SCHOOL. And then it's school that's boring I fucking wish I knew people who liked to create and enjoyed the process and it's fun! It's so so fun!! And I mean I want video creation around me I'm done with drawing. Hopefully I meet people like that on campus.... god please let me meet people like that they're my soulmate.

[lordadmiralfarsight]

Well, that was painful to read, specifically because it's true.

The topic of my Master's degree was marketing, and I did my Master's paper on tribal marketing, so I have opinions on that. @three--rings you wonder why corporations fail to interact correctly with fandoms ? Well, that falls directly into what is called tribal marketing, that is the use of marketing techniques to interact, cooperate and coordinate with a community of interests centered on a product, intellectual property, value, etc ... Basically, almost anything can be the focus of an internet community (or "tribe") and, if it's related to a product, the company selling the product can use tribal marketing to enhance it's standing and, if it's used correctly, cooperate with the consummers to better answer their needs.

Problem : Apple. Why is Apple a problem in this specific context ? Because study of their marketing strategy basically created the concept of Tribal Marketing and as a result it's almost all you can see. And Apple's tribal marketing strategy is, frankly speaking, ruthlessly exploitative. New Iphone on the reg, outrageous prices, threat of loss of status if the New Thing isn't acquired, etc. It's not the case for the entire community, mind you, but the Apple community has some extremely toxic elements, and as those elements are the most profitable, they are the most studied, too. Once again, profit over longevity.

And there is the sticking point : Apple's tribal marketing strategy works for a status symbol, something that you are willing to put cash in to look good and acquire respectability and social status. Anime or series or viedo-games memorabilia and clothing and other side products are NOT status symbols. Oh, there are exceptions, like in the most rancid otaku incellish communities where everyone has a self-esteem burried so deep into the ground that the only thing giving even a modicum of status is whether you have the exclusive ultra-limited rare exceptional bikini asuka statuette that cost 50$ to make and was paid 1500$. But that's the exception, the rule is that those side products aren't status symbols, and as such people aren't as willing to put in loads of cash.

And due to this difference, Western corporations don't apply that strategy and don't particularly look for an alternative tribal marketing strategy. Because they can't form a cult with violent bucket-of-crab social dynamics to force mass consumption. And this relates to an issue I've seen when looking at marketing strategies : corporations ape the winning strat, but most often stop at the surface elements.

We all know the red flag on job offers, "here we like to have fun" (lmao), or "we have a foosball/equivalent game in our breakroom" (see that shit never get used). But why did these clichés first appear ? Because a company genuinely implemented them and got success out of it. the foosball thing started because a company decided that it was a good idea to give break time and comfort and avenues of fun to their employees, and got positive results in return. So clearly it had to be emulated. But doing an in-depth change is too hard and costly, and all those breaks can't be good for the bottom line, clearly it's the mere presence of the foosball table. "We are a familly" started with bosses that genuinely treated their employee like familly members, gave them breaks as needed, was accomodating when kids had problems, etc ... but that lowers productivity and cash inflow, so clearly the action isn't what works, it must be the incantation.

It's like that, all the way down. Monkey see, monkey do, but monkey no understand. Monkey only see $ signs. Monkey no thought about complicated stuff. It's frankly baffling that people trained in such complex matters, that can show such intelligence sometimes, and have genuine skills in analysis can be so fucking moronic and goddam blind.

So, why do they not try to foster a good relation with their communities ? Because their Model of tribal marketing does not apply, and they don't have the time/energy/commitment/interest in creating their own model. And also, far too often, because the higher ups aren't interesting in a new model, they want a get-rich-quick scheme that rewards their stock market gambles, as you rightly identified.

Stock markets take so much room in Western strategic business thinking that everything ends up going back to it, and as it demands growth with as low risks as possible, well, all anyone can do is feebly ape the winning strats, because more risks would not go over well. The white collar could get punished severely or even fired, the CEO could loose his precious bonus, some connections and the chance to get an even bigger pay in another company, and the shareholder could fail to see his number go up.

Meanwhile, the Chinese model is far less constrained, in part because their capitalist market is still extremely young, and thus far less ossified. Mind you, it has its own downsides, like the many scandals about using dangerous chemicals, etc ...

So, in conclusion, the reason why Western companies seem so shit at actually getting the money they claim to want is a complex mix monkey-see-monkey-do approach with no added reflexion, a stock-market focused way of managing companies focused on reducing risk and increasing profit (AKA Excel-sheet-management), plain laziness and smug self-assured shortsightedness.

And if you reached the end of this rant, congratulations ! Have a cookie, you deserve it.

The thing I can't help thinking about in the wake of yet another preemptive TV show murder, is how terribly BAD these execs are at Making Money!

Like, okay, you have a show with great word of mouth and a loyal and passionate fanbase...

Do you make that show available to be paid for all over the world? No. If people outside the US want it, they can pirate it I guess.

Do you give people the opportunity to pay you twice by releasing physical copies?

No.

Do you merchandise the FUCK out of this property you own, that was the most popular new fandom on AO3 for a year?

No. Oh wait, after a year they released a couple T-shirts.

Being in Chinese fandoms has forever changed my idea of what actual people who want your money look like. Trying to watch a Chinese show? Cool, there's a partner to take your subscription fee for wherever you are in the world and episodes are released same day in most cases.

Want merch? Good cause you're going to get literally every type of possible merch from cheap plastic stuff to fashion lines and fine jewelry and candles and books and soundtracks and collector's editions, and it will keep coming for years and years.

Like, how do these people think Star Wars makes money? It's not tickets or Disney + subscriptions. It's fucking merch.

You could have SO MUCH MONEY if you wanted to actually make it. But what you want isn't money, it's Amorphous Cool Points you can turn into temporary stock increases and a better CEO job.

These networks have no interest in building fandoms and properties that continue to rake in cash over time. They just want to keep rolling the dice until they suddenly get a lightning strike of the biggest show in the world, and if it doesn't happen they lose interest.

And fewer and fewer people watch their new shows because they know it'll be two seasons and then cancelled unfinished like every other fucking thing.

These people are SO BAD AT CAPITALISM and it OFFENDS ME.

[placeinthemiddleofnowhere]

Don't be shy

Pairing: Frankie "Catfish" Morales x Female!Reader

Warnings: anxiety mentions, Smut (18+), Alcohol, swearing

Summary: You have a bit of a social anxiety problem and Frankie, being the sweetheart he is, wants to help you build your confidence.

A/N: This is my first time writing Frankie, and oh my god this flowed from me so easy goddam 💕

-

Fuck this. Screw his concern for you and wanting to make you a better person, frankly how dare he? You thought your hands were going to vibrate right through the table they were shaking so much. This didn’t escape Frankie’s notice though, he reached out and grabbed your hands, steadying them with his firm grip and bringing them to his lips. His soft kiss was enough to distract you from your nerves for just a moment, briefly letting you forget about your troubles as you stared into his warm coffee eyes.

“It’s going to be fine, sweetheart. Just say your order, don’t forget your manners and it’ll all be over, ok?” he said with his soothing deep voice.

“But what if I mess up or forget?” you whined.

“You won’t, we’ve been here so many times and I’ve never seen you order anything different,” he chuckled.

You shot him a glare and looked back down at the menu, rehearsing what you wanted like it was a life mantra. Normally when you went out together Frankie would order for you and do the majority of the speaking everywhere you went while you stared up at the waiter or cashier, your big eyes wide with nerves. However, tonight was going to be different, you were going to order for yourself.

You had your first real job interview coming up, since you’d mostly worked at your dad’s shop up till that point, and you were killing yourself with worry over it. This had given Frankie the idea to “help” you with your social anxiety, and he came up with little speaking exercises over the coming weeks. This was the first one and you were bricking it. It felt like all the air had been sucked out the room and your chest was almost bursting trying to take in as much air as you could.

Frankie thought that if you could start ordering for yourself and speaking to people it would be a good way to get over your anxiety. It was technically a great idea and it was for your own good, but it didn’t make you hate it any less. You stared around the busy restaurant, inhaling the smell of italian food and losing yourself in the conversations of the crowds around you, trying to forget what was about to happen. God, why was talking to people so difficult?

“You’re going to be fine, honey. Just think about the rewards you’re gonna get after,” Frankie smirked, drawing your attention back to him.

“Rewards?” You questioned, a hint of a smile playing on your lips.

“Well yeah, you’re going to get your favourite dinner and the satisfaction of knowing you can order it all by yourself,” he encouraged.

“I prefer the satisfaction of knowing I’m not gonna horribly embarrass myself,” you said, making a face.

“You’re not gonna embarrass yourself, I’m right here to save you if you need it,” he chided. “If you manage to order all by yourself though, I’ll have you shaking in a whole other way in bed tonight.”

Now that got your attention. You felt the heat rise into your cheeks and had to avoid his intense gaze so that you could try to compose yourself in time for the waiter coming. It didn’t help at all that Frankie was wearing his nice shirt, showing off those lovely broad shoulders of his. He’d left the top button undone too, just begging for you to reach out and stroke his exposed chest. Now you were getting nervous for entirely different reasons. It wasn’t often he dressed up nice, much preferring comfort to flash, but he always made an effort for date night.

“Hi guys, how are you getting on, would you like to order?”

You jumped as the waiter materialised at your side and caught you off guard. At first you didn’t make eye contact, hoping to try and get out of the interaction, but Frankie wasn’t gonna have it. He smiled up at the guy that seated you just moments before and folded his arms over his chest, covering the menu.

“Yeah, I think so. Do you know what you’re having, sweetheart?” Frankie said, pointedly looking over to you.

You sighed, feeling thoroughly embarrassed as you forced your head out of the gutter and back into the present situation. Damn him and his dirty mouth. You finally looked from the menu, pretending to have one last look at the options and up to the waiter, meeting his deep blue eyes. You nodded and gave him a nervous smile, feeling like you’d lost your voice and forgotten how to speak.

“Let’s do drinks first then! What can I get for you, sir?” The waiter asked, looking back to Frankie.

Frankie ordered himself a beer as he usually did, and then looked at you, giving you an encouraging smile. You took a deep breath in and rehearsed your order again. It felt like a small glass of sauvignon blanc and carbonara pasta was going to be burned into your mind for the rest of your days. You looked back at Frankie again for a brief second, enough to catch him mouthing “Don’t be shy” to you and smirking.

“Um, can I p-please have a small glass of sauvignon blanc, thanks,” you breathed, stumbling over your words a little but getting them out at least.

“Sure! Would you like some water for the table as well?” The waiter replied, directing the question to you.

“Y-yeah please, thanks.”

“Brilliant, and what would you like to eat?”

“Can I get… uh, a c-carbonara please?”

“Excellent choice! I love the carbonara. And for you?” The waiter said, looking back to Frankie.

Frankie ordered his Arrabiatta and soon enough the waiter was walking away, giving you a chance to breathe again. Relief flooded your system as you realised it was all over, you did it! It was the first time you’d ever ordered your own food and you couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud of yourself. You spoke to a stranger without spontaneously combusting, something you always maintained to Frankie could happen with your nerves.

“I’m proud of you, baby. You did so well,” Frankie said, taking both of your hands in his.

“Thank you,” you smiled. “I’m glad you made me do that… I feel totally lame it took all those arguments to get us here, but I’ve done it. One step closer to being able to do that job interview!”

“See I told you you could,” he grinned. “And you’re not lame, you're my brave girl.”

“Ugh… you go on battlefields and fly helicopters and stuff, that’s brave. I fall apart when I speak to strangers,” you laughed, circling his calloused knuckles with your thumbs.

“Don’t do that. We all have our own challenges in life, don’t diminish your achievements,” he said, voice flooding with that gruff demanding tone of his. “Some of us have to fly helicopters with everyone shouting at them and other people have to overcome a lifetime of social anxiety, it’s all relative.”

Frankie’s hands gripped yours a little tighter and you bit your lip as you realised he wasn’t going to let you get away with putting yourself down. You loved that he was always so insistent on bringing out the best in you and trying to show you the best sides of yourself. Even if you sometimes hated it in the moment. You nodded your agreement and grinned up at him, letting your pride show.

“You’re right, I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, I actually feel really happy I did that. Thanks for convincing me I wouldn’t die on the spot,” you laughed.

“I’m always right, you know that,” he growled playfully.

----

After having a lovely dinner and stuffing yourself full of pasta, you were both feeling satisfied and a little buzzed off of the alcohol. After deciding to walk off the food before home, you were feeling content as you approached the building. You got in from your date, banging the front door of the little apartment you shared shut, and collapsed onto the couch. You gazed over from where you had planted your face into the cushions and watched as Frankie approached you like a hunter, eyes zeroed in on his prize.

He stalked over from the kitchen after having just poured himself a glass of water and set it on the coffee table, freeing his hands up to put them all over you. He traced his left along your neck and down your collarbone then used his other one to sit you up, giving himself better access to the zip on the back of your dress. You breathed out a moan and watched the way his brow lowered and his eyes darkened as he lifted your dress over your head, exposing you to him.

“You’re so beautiful,” he moaned. “My good girl, so gorgeous.”

You gasped a tiny breath and closed your eyes tight as he pulled you closer and kissed your neck, leaving little trails before sucking on the soft flesh there. You were filled with pleasant tingles and it felt like your whole body was alive with static. He palmed your breasts and continued to lick and kiss you. Lowering his mouth until he took a nipple with his tongue licking and sucking, drawing it to a hard point.

“Frankie…” you groan.

“Does my sweet girl like that? So pretty when you’re moaning for me, baby.”

You sigh and open your eyes again, watching as he runs his hands across your belly and down to your aching core, willing him to go further. He’s going to ruin you tonight, you know that after seeing the look on his face. He’s ravenous for you.

You reach out and finally unbutton his shirt, exposing his broad shoulders and soft belly, stroking your hands along his chest. You love him like this, you love the way he looks in the low light. He’s left sighing contentedly at the way you make him feel, calming his loud mind from his bad thoughts and filling it with you instead. You lean over and kiss him, returning the favour as you kiss his neck and undo his belt buckle. No time to wait, you need him now.

His cock is already hard, he’s already anticipating the rest of the night, he knows exactly what he wants to do to you. You watch as it springs free of his trousers as soon as you unzip them and hungrily paw at his waist, dragging his trousers down and yanking them off, taking the boxers with them. The two of you are pressed up against each other completely naked, basking in the warmth of each other's bodies, loving how natural, how right this feels.

“Mmm...I love you, Frankie,” you moan.

“‘I love you too, sweet girl,” he replies. “Let me show you how much.”

He lowers himself, sliding his body down yours and leaving kisses in his wake, raising little fires across your body. His lips leave you writhing as he makes his way down your breasts and tummy before finally stopping at your thighs. His breath on the sensitive flesh is driving you crazy and he knows it. His eyes crinkle softly with an assured smile and he watches as you narrow your gaze toward him and thrust your hips, attempting to show him what you want.

“So needy...my precious girl. You did so good today, I’m gonna make you cum so hard you’re gonna forget how to speak,” he growls.

Just as you’re about to try and come back with a smart reply he takes you by surprise. He pulls your thighs apart and darts in between them, licking around your sex, contunuing to tease you a little more until he licks a long stripe upwards. You cry out and reach to fist your fingers into his hair, messing up the scruffy dark locks. Your hips are already bucking against him, a familiar pressure starts building deep in the pit of your core and you arch your back, drawing him into you.

“So perfect, so pretty,” he groans from between your legs.

You gasp as he focuses on your clit, licking and sucking and bringing you close to your end. He’s so good at this, he knows exactly what you like, he’s paid attention to every little gasp and moan, repeating those actions that have you screaming for him. His fingers move in to circle your folds, teasing ever so lightly before entering and curling into you.

The tension in your body is building and you can feel your orgasm is close. His talented fingers are pumping in and out, curling into you and working with that long tongue to bring you over the edge. You love it, you love him.

“Frankie...I’m-I I’m gonna-”

You don’t even get to finish your sentence, you moan loudly filling the room with your vocalisations and grip him tighter. You scream and moan as he continues to lick and caress you with his fingers, he wants to draw this orgasm out as long as possible, he wants to give you everything. Wants you to feel him there between your thighs long after you’ve stopped.

“You’re so pretty when you cum,” he breaths out as he comes to a stop, giving you reprieve.

You’re lying there panting hard into the couch cushions, seeing stars above you. He could’ve said anything to you in that moment because your head was on another planet. Your mind is overtaken by static and fuzz and your body is alight with tingles, it feels like he’s lit a fire on your skin with how hot you are.

“Fuck Frankie… How do you always do this to me,” you giggle, overtaken by pleasure.

“Because you deserve it baby. You’re my sweet girl, my brave girl,” he murmurs, drawing your thigh up to where he’s now sitting, kissing you there.

“Mmm… I did good today, didn’t I?” You smile.

You free your leg from him and sit up to meet him. Giving him a light shove on his chest, you signal for him to lie back and press your hands to his chest, dewy with sweat. You trace the skin around his nipples and draw a line down his belly and to his twitching cock. He moans, lying back and closing his eyes, ready for you to take him.

“Mmm...Go on baby,” he groans. “Don’t be shy.”

[arvinsescape]

Carnations, pancakes and apologies.

A/N: So this took me a while to write and i apologise but i finally got there, it’s based on a request i recieved from @thollandlover i really hope you and everyone else enjoys! For the purpose of this fic, Peter and Reader are both 18, it may not make sense in regards to when homecomings are and such but i have stated in my T&C’s that ANY writing for Peter will always have him over the age of 18.

W/C: 3.3K.

Warnings: Swearing.... angst.

You’d had a hard upbringing, you’d been captured by Hydra at a young age and experimented on for years. Your torture finally ended three years ago when Tony Stark rescued you and took you in, you became almost like a daughter he never had. You were kept isolated during your years with Hydra and it left you incapable of doing simple things for yourself, that’s where Peter came in.

Peter was the same age as you and he had a crazy amount of patience when it came to helping you out, he would literally help you with the simplest things. He sat for hours with you when you first got a smart phone, showing you how it worked, he became your best and only friend very quickly and you couldn’t be more grateful for him.

Tony had decided that it was best to keep you home schooled as you weren’t great in social interactions and he worried that sending you to school would result in you getting bullied. Peter told you all about school and you envied it at times but you understood why Tony decided to make the decision that he did.

Peter’s homecoming was around the corner and he’d asked you to go with him and with much persuasion Tony had agreed to let you go as he knew Peter would look after you. You were so excited to be able to get out of the compound and to spend the night with Peter, you really liked him, you weren’t sure what your feelings for him were at first and Wanda had helped you come to the conclusion that you liked him. You hoped that because he was asking you to homecoming that he liked you too.

You’d spent hours dress shopping with Wanda and Nat, you really struggled to find the perfect dress. It wasn’t something you were used to wearing but when you found the right one you were so happy with yourself, you thought it suited you really well.

“Wow.” Wanda said as you made your way out of the dressing room.

“It took us six days but we got there. You look beautiful Y/N, truly.” Nat added and Wanda nodded in agreement.

“He’s a lucky boy to be able to take you.” Wanda said and you blushed at their words not sure what to say back in response.

“Thank you.” Was all that came to you.

“I swear if Peter doesn’t recognise your beauty in that dress he’s a bigger idiot than I thought.” Nat teased and you laughed slightly.

Here you were stood in said dress as you waited for Peter to arrive, Nat and Wanda had spent the last few hours doing your hair and makeup and when you saw yourself in the mirror you almost didn’t recognise yourself.

“You look beautiful.” Steve said as you walked into the room, catching the attention of the other Avengers.

“You really do.” Bruce added. No one was used to seeing you like this and it was evident from their faces, Tony looked almost lost for words at your appearance, which was a rarity for the famous Stark.

“Y/N, you look breath taking, truly.” He said after a moment and he looked so proud of you that it almost brought tears to your eyes, he was like a father to you.

“No. No emotionally crying please, it took my ages to do her makeup.” Nat teased and you all laughed.

“Shit.” Steve suddenly said and you furrowed your brows. “We’ve gotta go.” He continued as he checked his phone.

“Really?” Tony said and Steve nodded as he made his way out of the room, everyone other than Tony following. “I’m sorry Y/N, we’ll be back as soon as we can, I promise. Have a good night, Peter will look after you, I know it.” Tony continued as he placed a swift kiss to your forehead and left to follow the other’s.

Peter had been excited to take you to homecoming, you were easily the best friend he’d ever had and he didn’t mind helping you out with simple tasks. He loved helping you bake, loved the way your tongue would peak out of the corner of your mouth as you concentrated on the instructions before you, he found it endearing. He’d been excited all week and he couldn’t wait to take you out, happy that Tony trusted him enough to take you out.

“Hey Pete.” MJ said as she approached him and he felt his heart beat quicken, he really liked MJ.

“Hey.” He almost stammered out, he was happy he composed himself enough to get the word out.

“I know it’s a little short notice but I was wondering if you had a date to homecoming?” She asked and Peter felt ecstatic, so ecstatic that he forgot he promised to take you.

“No.” Peter said, almost too quickly.

“Would you maybe wanna go with me?” She asked and Peter nodded his head furiously, so happy that he was able to go with girl he liked.

Peter had a great night at homecoming with MJ whereas you waited for hours for him to show and he never did. You gave up after two and half hours of waiting and took yourself to bed where you cried yourself to sleep, the heartbreak that you felt was unlike anything you ever had before. He hadn’t contacted you to tell you why he couldn’t make it and you feared he’d forgotten about you completely.

“Did Peter have to come with you last night?” You asked Tony as you made your way into the kitchen, Tony looked at you in shock, your eyes were puffy and red, evidence you’d spent the night crying, a stark contrast to how he was expecting to see you.

“No, why?” Tony said and this made you cry again, he had forgotten about you. Your heart was aching at the thought. It wasn’t just because you liked him, you thought he was your friend but maybe not, you were clearly someone he could forget about in an instant.

“He didn’t show.” You said through your tears and in all honesty Tony was shocked, incredibly shocked at your words, he thought Peter liked you as much as you liked him but maybe he’d been wrong. Tony’s anger boiled a little at Peter, he’d hurt you and that was clear.

You spent the day watching films in your room, wanting to be left alone as you cried on and off all day. You started to feel better, until Peter came round, you were angry with him now, he’d not contacted you in days, no explanation for why he’d not come and you were angry with him for it.

“Hey Mr Stark.” Peter said and Tony gave a tight lipped smile as he made his way out of the room, Peter thought it was odd but shook it off.

“How was homecoming Peter?” Sam asked the dreaded question, he asked in a way that should have been obvious to Peter of the mistake he made but Peter seemingly didn’t realise or if he did he wasn’t bothered.

“Homecoming was amazing. MJ asked me to go and I was so excited because I really like her.” Peter pulled you from your thoughts as he recounted his amazing night. You were upset again, he’d forgotten about you to go with someone else entirely and by the sounds of it had an amazing night.

You bit your lip as you listened to him gush over his amazing night while you went to bed crying, you were upset and angry with him, he could have let you know but instead he had you waiting like an idiot, had you thinking he cared like an idiot.

“You okay?” Peter suddenly asked and you blinked as you looked at him, so now he notices you’re not okay?

“Fine.” You snapped and he looked at you shocked, you’d never been short with him.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked again as he went to put his hand on your shoulder but you just slapped it away and he raised his brows in question at your behaviour, you were never like this with him but he hurt you.

“Did you forget something homecoming night?” You asked and he furrowed his brows as he thought. “Thought so.” You interrupted as you stood. “Thanks for that by the way.” You added and Peter’s face dropped for a second as he remembered his promise to you.

He felt immensely guilty for a second before it was replaced with anger, he’d had an amazing night with the girl he liked, why couldn’t you be happy for him?

“Sorry but you know how much I like MJ.” He tried to defend himself and you scoffed.

“It’s not about that, you could have let me know.” You snapped again and Peter’s anger bubbled over.

“You know what Y/N? You could just be happy for me, you know. You’re so selfish and needy all the time, I get I’m your only friend but what the fuck?” He snapped back and your heart dropped, did he really see you as needy? Before you could speak he carried on. “Maybe you need to find more friends, you can’t rely on me all the time, I mean fuck, it feels like a full time job sometimes.” He said again and tears found their way to your eyes.

“Pete-“ You went to say but he interrupted you again, his anger getting the better of him as he wanted to prolong his happiness of the night he’d had and didn’t want to let the guilt consume him.

“No, you know what, I didn’t even want to go with you, I only asked because I felt sorry for you.” He said and you let your tears fall, you never wanted anyone to pity you, you hated it.

“You’re such a dick.” You said and he flared his nostrils as his anger rose.

“Me? I’m a dick. At least I have more than one fucking friend Y/N, I’m doing better than you.” He said and you didn’t know what else to do so you left, embarrassed that half the Avengers had just overheard the interaction and heart broken over having learnt how Peter truly felt. You found your bedroom and wrapped yourself up in your duvet as you let the tears fall rapidly down your face.

“That was low Peter.” Steve said as he shook his head in disappointment and left the room.

“You know what-“ Nat said, anger clear in her tone as Wanda interrupted her.

“Nat, don’t.” She said, she hated confrontation between the group.

“No, he needs to hear it. You are selfish, she spent days looking for that goddam dress, which she looks gorgeous in by the way. She’s never worn one before but she came to me and asked for my help so she didn’t look out of place or disappoint you. We spent hours building up her confidence when she got too nervous to go and what did you do? Promised her you’d take her and then not do it. It was simple Peter, she put more effort into this than you did and you couldn’t even repay in the simplest of ways, so please before you accuse her of being selfish ever again take a look in the mirror.”

Peter felt his heart drop, he had no idea that you wanted to go so badly and he’d ruined it for you. He was just awful to you and Nat was right, you don’t deserve it.

“Then you go and make her feel like shit, nice one. Well fucking done.” Nat finished as she stormed out of the room in search of you, Wanda quick to follow leaving Peter with his thoughts and guilt.

“Y/N?” You heard Nat as she knocked on your door.

“I just want to be on my own.” You sniffled out, voice hoarse from crying. You heard Nat sigh as she tried to open the door but couldn’t because you’d made sure you locked it. “Please leave me alone, I don’t want any more pity today.” You said and Nat’s heart broke for you.

“Wanda open the door, I know you can.” She said and Wanda shook her head.

“She’ll come out when she’s ready, we should leave her alone.” She concluded.

A month had gone by since you’d seen Peter and it wasn’t that he wasn’t trying to see you, you were actively avoiding him.

“Y/N?” You heard Peter’s voice from the other side of your door. “I know you’re in there, Mr Stark told me.” He tried again. “I’m sorry. Can you just let me in? I wanna talk.” You ignored him, not wanting to talk to him, you were hurt and angry and you really wished he was going to college rather than not.

**

“Hey.” Peter’s face lit up when he saw you in the kitchen, you didn’t know he was coming today. “I’m moving into the compound next month.” He said hoping to get some emotion out of you but nothing, you just turned on your heel and left. He tried to follow you but Tony stopped him.

“Give her time.” He said and Peter nodded.

Peter missed you, he did, with every fibre of his being, everyone had gone off to college and he’d moved into the compound to pursue his job as a super hero and Avenger. It was hard living in the same place as you when you wouldn’t speak to him. He tried so hard to apologise but it was no use, you didn’t want to know.

“This is getting desperate now.” You said as you opened the door after three weeks of him trying.

“I’m sorry, Y/N, please I miss you.”

“Is that because all your friends are at college?” You snapped and he sighed.

“No, I miss you, I miss hanging out with you.” He said, he was close to tears at this point.

“Thought I was selfish and needy?” You snapped back.

“That’s not- I didn’t mean that, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said it.”

“But you did.” You fired back and his tears fell, he had royally fucked up.

“I know and I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. You’re my best friend. I’m so sorry.” He tried and you laughed harshly almost slamming the door in his face.

He realised he needed to try harder and harder he would try. He needed you to understand how much you meant to him and he was going to prove it, he needed to plan an apology so he sought out Nat hoping she’d help.

“What do I do? She won’t talk to me?” Peter sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

“I don’t blame her.” Nat sighed and Peter nodded in agreement. “Look, maybe do something nice for her, let her know you’ve been thinking about her. A grand gesture some might say.” She said and Peter nodded in understanding. “Get her some of those flowers she likes, Roses.” Nat said.

“Carnations.” Peter couldn’t help but correct. “They look similar but Y/N’s favourite is carnations.” He said and Nat raised her brows in surprise.

“I always thought her favourites were roses.” She said.

“No, easy mistake to make though.” Peter said and Nat had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing. She could see now that Peter liked you the same way you liked him, so she purposely started to get things wrong whilst she helped Peter plan his apology.

“Maybe you could make her some pancakes and put strawberries on top, those are her favourites.”

“No, blueberries are her favourite.” Peter almost huffed.

“Okay, okay. Blueberries then.” She said amused.

Peter spent hours planning his apology, making sure to get every detail correct and perfect, he hadn’t thought about MJ once and listening to Nat get things wrong was annoying him more than it should. He realised after a conversation with Tony why he was getting annoyed.

“It’s annoying you because you were hoping you weren’t the only one that paid so much attention. I did the same with Pepper, I realised how much I liked her when I noticed the little things that other’s didn’t.”

“Of course I liker her, she’s my best friend.” Peter said stubbornly.

“No, that’s not what I mean and you know it.” Tony added and Peter’s heart hammered in his chest at the realisation, he liked you, really liked you.

It was all planned, all he needed to do was get you to open your door and then he could apologise properly. He nervously knocked on your door as he held the pancakes and flowers in his free hand. He watched as you opened it and you looked somewhat shocked to see him.

“I thought you’d have given up by now.” You said as you sighed and he did to.

“I’m sorry.” He said as he handed you the carnations he’d bought and you accepted them, the scent of them settling your anger with him.

“Thank you.” You said and he smiled shyly as he handed you the pancakes.

“I know it’s not much but I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you. I’m sorry I want to take you out somewhere, maybe to dinner or something, let you wear that dress you bought.” He said and you smiled shyly as you put the pancakes down on your dresser and found put the flowers in the vase Tony had gotten you for your birthday.

“Look, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said what I said.” He said as he hung his head in defeat and you smiled. He really was sorry, you could see that now, he was trying.

“I appreciate it, thank you.” You said.

“You’re not needy or selfish, I shouldn’t have said that, I’m the selfish one.” He said and you pulled him into a hug.

“I forgive you.” You said and he pulled you closer against him as he hugged you tightly. “I appreciate that you were thinking about me when you’ve probably been thinking about how you’re next gonna see MJ again.” You admitted into his chest and you felt as his heart hammered against his ribcage, your ear resting close to his heart.

“About that.” He swallowed thickly as he moved you further into the room so he could shut the door for privacy, not letting go of you for a second. “I really like you.” He admitted and you smiled.

“I should hope so if I’m your best friend.” You teased and he shook his head.

“No I mean I like you. I haven’t thought about MJ all month, only you. I realised last week that I have feelings for you, I have for a long time I think.” He admitted and you pulled back slightly to look at him.

“Pete-“ You said but were interrupted by his lips on yours and it was almost cliché as you felt fireworks erupt through your stomach. Ecstatic to finally feel his lips against yours after so long of wanting to. The kiss was sweet, innocent but still passionate as you melted into him. He pulled away after a while and smiled shyly at you.

“I really like you too Pete.” You admitted as you pulled him back in for another kiss.

[smokeybrandreviews]

Smokey brand Movie Reviews: Lock and Key

I have a clear and aggressive love for cyberpunk. It started, way back when i was an impressionable youth, as i watched Akira for the first time. Oh my god, i had never seen anything so goddamn brutal. So goddamn tragic. So goddamn beautiful.  It scratch the itch i began to have for existentialism and fueled my burgeoning apathy. That whole nihilistic take on society is how i was starting to see the world and it stuck. My love for this genre began to grow and embellish, as my palette for cinema and literature matured. By the late 90s, i was introduced to Ghost in the Shell and, oh my god, it was like watching Akira again for the first time. My almost-teenage rebellion acclimated to the Major’s staunch rebellion of self. Her search for what it meant to be alive, what it meant for her to BE, mirrored my own wayward path toward adulthood and i dug every minute of it. I began to search out more and more of this genre and found that post apocalyptic world of data enslavement and social dissonance lends itself to the larger human questions. The hard ones we have no answer for. I saw Akira when i was, like, 6 or 7. I’m 33 now. I still love Cyberpunk. So imagine my utter fan-boying when i found out that a sequel to one of the quintessential cyberpunk worlds ever created, Blade Runner 29, was coming out this year. My hype was real and, oh boy, did this flick f*cking deliver!

Now, before i get into my review of one of my most anticipated films of the year, i just want to take a minute and acknowledge Ana De Armas. Yo, this woman is crazy beautiful and mad talented. I saw her in Knock, Knock a while back an though she was a flash in the pan but, nah. Ol’ girl has some real potential. Here’s hoping she keeps growing in her craft. Also, my god, is she beautiful!

The Best

F*ck this movie is beautiful, like, goddamn, man. And it’s not style or substance! each frame is painstakingly framed. Each scene is lovingly cradled from one to the next. There is never a detail out of place or superfluous addition. This movie knew what it needed to be and it deftly executed as needed. Goddam the efficiency of it’s aesthetic was incredible! Roger Deakins deserves the highest of praise, yo. Bravo, sir. Bra-f*cking-o!

There is a distinct, feminine, energy running through this film. It makes sense to me that the natural pregnancy and birth of a Replicant child, one that happens to be a girl, would legitimize an entire race of artificial people. All things begin and end with women and this flick really drives that home.

But that 1980s Sean Young, tho!

I also like how the majority of the male energy is inflated, abusive, and egotistical. It’s crazy how blind men can be at times and this flick conveys that with adept subtlety.

For all of that female energy, this movie is very much Ryan Gosling’s vehicle. His K/Joe makes this film. We spend the most time with him. We learn the most about him. We see this world, this story, through his eyes. And he does a wonderful job conveying the reality of someone who c literally cannot say “no”. Who knows all of his memories are fakes. Who knows he is little more than a slave. There are some hard to watch scenes where he’s realizing certain aspects of his life and it breaks him. Not the revelations themselves but the futility to change any of them. Sh*t’s wild to see and crazy devastating to bare. Ryan Gosling is an outstanding actor and his skill, though wildly understated here, is put on showcase and this film is better for it.

But seriously tho, f*ck is this movie is beautiful!!

Sylvia Hoeks as Luv was a fantastic foil to K, in all of the ways. Her fiery temper and violent passion was in stark contrast to the distant, reserved impersonal K/Joe portrayed by Gosling. I find the best villains, the best foils to protagonists, are often the opposite because they represent who they can be if they made that left instead of right. And Luv is definitely the wrong turn. She is a real psychopath, through and through, and relishes in her acts of pure malevolence. i adored her character very much and thought it fitting she clocked out the way she did.

But that score, tho!

The Better

Of all the supporting character, Ford included, (It’s weird to call Ford a supporting character in a franchise he started but he really is) i found myself drawn to Ana De Armas. Playing a Replicant for a Replicant pretty much, her struggle to exist as a real person, as someone who could actually, physically, support her “Joe” was heartbreaking. I wanted Joi to find some joy so badly and Ana did an outstanding job conveying that yearning and futility.

The special effects are breathtaking in this movie. There was a scene where a massive, pink tinged, Joi hologram pointed at K/Joe and it was awesome. The thing is, all of that was practical! I mean, there were some color adjustments in post but that was physical. They projected Ana over a bunch of rain and had her interact with Gosling in real time and it was the most dazzling sh*t i had seen in a flick all year. And that was just ONE f*cking effect!

Harrison Ford was outstanding as his usual curmudgeon self he has, more or less, settled into playing in the autumn years of a career triumphant. It’s hard for me to separate him from Han Solo but he does a fine job reminding me that Rick Deckard is still that asshole with a heart of gold, even 30 years later.

Jared Leto also turns in another unique performance, per usual. This cat is becoming a very real actor and it’s refreshing to see. After watching him muddle through as best he could with that sh*tty Joker, it was refreshing to see him be able to make a distinct impact on a film. We definitely haven’t seen the end of his Niander Wallace and i look forward to what’s next for the character.

The rest of the supporting cast, Dave Bautista in particular, did a great job. Bautista turned in another surprisingly deep performance. Someone needs to get that guy a vehicle, fast. He deserves a goddamn marquee already! Also, someone give Carla Juri a role where she is an actual presence. I loved her in Wetlands and the little bit she has to do here, she does expertly. the fact she isn’t in more stuff is wildly disappointing!

The direction here is superb. Denis Villeneuve is fast becoming one of my all time favorite directors. He knows how to tell a great f*cking story. Sicaro was an inspired film but it was Arrival that really put ol’ boy on my radar solid. Sh*t was so goddamn emotional, it crippled me. I literally couldn’t deal with all of the questions and realities that thing kicked forth about reality, love, parenting, and relationships. I cried in my car, man. Seriously, broke down and sobbed. it was too much. That never happens. I never feel that much for a film. For his vision, his skill, to solicit such a overt emotional response out of me? brilliant. just brilliant. He’s pulled back on the emotional revelation for a more existential one in 2049 but the expert craftsmanship is still very apparent. We are watching the birth of a master right now and i am loving every minute of it.

The overall story is on point. It perfectly picks up where the Final Cut of the original Blade Runner left off. The story itself is a little concise and to the point, but it’s also the only logical evolution if you paid attention to the end of the original film. I like the hints left toward the end and look forward to another sequel, if we’re lucky enough to get a trilogy because, goddamn, i love this world!

The Good

It was fun to see Edward James Olmos and Barkhad Abdi make cameos. I kind of wanted more from those guys but i understood there was a place for them and that place was fleeting. Still, great spots.

I found the plot a little derivative. I wouldn’t say this was bad or disappointing and, indeed, the choice was made in an effort to make this flick more accessible since it deals with such heavy subject matter, but it was still a driving narrative we’ve seen before. But, goddamn, was it one helluva take on it to watch!

There was a scene at the beginning of the third act that kind of came out of nowhere. It hints at something greater on the horizon but it feels like that was an unnecessary reveal right now. Like, it was something that one would assume with everything that transpired in the film. It didn’t need to be visually quantified for the audience, i don’t think. It was all a little hand-holdy for me.

There isn’t a real villain in this film. Like, not even a little. I mean, there are insidious motivations all around but overall, it feels l like society, human society, like, WE are the real villains here and the people where’s suppose to think are the monsters, simply want what’s best for the Replicants. I like that twist, personally, but i ca see how someone new to the franchise or unfamiliar with the actual world would be put off by all of the grey.

The Verdict

This movie was so good, man. It’s everything you want in a cyber punk film. It’s everything you want in a post apocalyptic noir. It’s everything you want and need in a sequel. It expands the world, builds the lore, and gives you brand new revelations. It sets up future events but still respects the canon. The performances were inspired, if a little muted, and, goddamn is it beautiful. It never really dragged for me, even though the thing is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, which, in itself, is a goddamn miracle. This is easily the most beautiful film i’ve seen all year, i think i mentioned that before, and it was a legitimately compelling tale. Go see Blade Runner 2049. I cannot impress upon you how much you’ll be missing if you don’t. It is the closest thing to a perfect film i have ever seen, no exaggeration. Go see that sh*t!

[smokeybrand]

Smokey brand Movie Reviews: Lock and Key

I have a clear and aggressive love for cyberpunk. It started, way back when i was an impressionable youth, as i watched Akira for the first time. Oh my god, i had never seen anything so goddamn brutal. So goddamn tragic. So goddamn beautiful.  It scratch the itch i began to have for existentialism and fueled my burgeoning apathy. That whole nihilistic take on society is how i was starting to see the world and it stuck. My love for this genre began to grow and embellish, as my palette for cinema and literature matured. By the late 90s, i was introduced to Ghost in the Shell and, oh my god, it was like watching Akira again for the first time. My almost-teenage rebellion acclimated to the Major’s staunch rebellion of self. Her search for what it meant to be alive, what it meant for her to BE, mirrored my own wayward path toward adulthood and i dug every minute of it. I began to search out more and more of this genre and found that post apocalyptic world of data enslavement and social dissonance lends itself to the larger human questions. The hard ones we have no answer for. I saw Akira when i was, like, 6 or 7. I’m 33 now. I still love Cyberpunk. So imagine my utter fan-boying when i found out that a sequel to one of the quintessential cyberpunk worlds ever created, Blade Runner 29, was coming out this year. My hype was real and, oh boy, did this flick f*cking deliver!

Now, before i get into my review of one of my most anticipated films of the year, i just want to take a minute and acknowledge Ana De Armas. Yo, this woman is crazy beautiful and mad talented. I saw her in Knock, Knock a while back an though she was a flash in the pan but, nah. Ol’ girl has some real potential. Here’s hoping she keeps growing in her craft. Also, my god, is she beautiful!

The Best

F*ck this movie is beautiful, like, goddamn, man. And it’s not style or substance! each frame is painstakingly framed. Each scene is lovingly cradled from one to the next. There is never a detail out of place or superfluous addition. This movie knew what it needed to be and it deftly executed as needed. Goddam the efficiency of it’s aesthetic was incredible! Roger Deakins deserves the highest of praise, yo. Bravo, sir. Bra-f*cking-o!

There is a distinct, feminine, energy running through this film. It makes sense to me that the natural pregnancy and birth of a Replicant child, one that happens to be a girl, would legitimize an entire race of artificial people. All things begin and end with women and this flick really drives that home.

But that 1980s Sean Young, tho!

I also like how the majority of the male energy is inflated, abusive, and egotistical. It’s crazy how blind men can be at times and this flick conveys that with adept subtlety.

For all of that female energy, this movie is very much Ryan Gosling’s vehicle. His K/Joe makes this film. We spend the most time with him. We learn the most about him. We see this world, this story, through his eyes. And he does a wonderful job conveying the reality of someone who c literally cannot say “no”. Who knows all of his memories are fakes. Who knows he is little more than a slave. There are some hard to watch scenes where he’s realizing certain aspects of his life and it breaks him. Not the revelations themselves but the futility to change any of them. Sh*t’s wild to see and crazy devastating to bare. Ryan Gosling is an outstanding actor and his skill, though wildly understated here, is put on showcase and this film is better for it.

But seriously tho, f*ck is this movie is beautiful!!

Sylvia Hoeks as Luv was a fantastic foil to K, in all of the ways. Her fiery temper and violent passion was in stark contrast to the distant, reserved impersonal K/Joe portrayed by Gosling. I find the best villains, the best foils to protagonists, are often the opposite because they represent who they can be if they made that left instead of right. And Luv is definitely the wrong turn. She is a real psychopath, through and through, and relishes in her acts of pure malevolence. i adored her character very much and thought it fitting she clocked out the way she did.

But that score, tho!

The Better

Of all the supporting character, Ford included, (It’s weird to call Ford a supporting character in a franchise he started but he really is) i found myself drawn to Ana De Armas. Playing a Replicant for a Replicant pretty much, her struggle to exist as a real person, as someone who could actually, physically, support her “Joe” was heartbreaking. I wanted Joi to find some joy so badly and Ana did an outstanding job conveying that yearning and futility.

The special effects are breathtaking in this movie. There was a scene where a massive, pink tinged, Joi hologram pointed at K/Joe and it was awesome. The thing is, all of that was practical! I mean, there were some color adjustments in post but that was physical. They projected Ana over a bunch of rain and had her interact with Gosling in real time and it was the most dazzling sh*t i had seen in a flick all year. And that was just ONE f*cking effect!

Harrison Ford was outstanding as his usual curmudgeon self he has, more or less, settled into playing in the autumn years of a career triumphant. It’s hard for me to separate him from Han Solo but he does a fine job reminding me that Rick Deckard is still that asshole with a heart of gold, even 30 years later.

Jared Leto also turns in another unique performance, per usual. This cat is becoming a very real actor and it’s refreshing to see. After watching him muddle through as best he could with that sh*tty Joker, it was refreshing to see him be able to make a distinct impact on a film. We definitely haven’t seen the end of his Niander Wallace and i look forward to what’s next for the character.

The rest of the supporting cast, Dave Bautista in particular, did a great job. Bautista turned in another surprisingly deep performance. Someone needs to get that guy a vehicle, fast. He deserves a goddamn marquee already! Also, someone give Carla Juri a role where she is an actual presence. I loved her in Wetlands and the little bit she has to do here, she does expertly. the fact she isn’t in more stuff is wildly disappointing!

The direction here is superb. Denis Villeneuve is fast becoming one of my all time favorite directors. He knows how to tell a great f*cking story. Sicaro was an inspired film but it was Arrival that really put ol’ boy on my radar solid. Sh*t was so goddamn emotional, it crippled me. I literally couldn’t deal with all of the questions and realities that thing kicked forth about reality, love, parenting, and relationships. I cried in my car, man. Seriously, broke down and sobbed. it was too much. That never happens. I never feel that much for a film. For his vision, his skill, to solicit such a overt emotional response out of me? brilliant. just brilliant. He’s pulled back on the emotional revelation for a more existential one in 2049 but the expert craftsmanship is still very apparent. We are watching the birth of a master right now and i am loving every minute of it.

The overall story is on point. It perfectly picks up where the Final Cut of the original Blade Runner left off. The story itself is a little concise and to the point, but it’s also the only logical evolution if you paid attention to the end of the original film. I like the hints left toward the end and look forward to another sequel, if we’re lucky enough to get a trilogy because, goddamn, i love this world!

The Good

It was fun to see Edward James Olmos and Barkhad Abdi make cameos. I kind of wanted more from those guys but i understood there was a place for them and that place was fleeting. Still, great spots.

I found the plot a little derivative. I wouldn’t say this was bad or disappointing and, indeed, the choice was made in an effort to make this flick more accessible since it deals with such heavy subject matter, but it was still a driving narrative we’ve seen before. But, goddamn, was it one helluva take on it to watch!

There was a scene at the beginning of the third act that kind of came out of nowhere. It hints at something greater on the horizon but it feels like that was an unnecessary reveal right now. Like, it was something that one would assume with everything that transpired in the film. It didn’t need to be visually quantified for the audience, i don’t think. It was all a little hand-holdy for me.

There isn’t a real villain in this film. Like, not even a little. I mean, there are insidious motivations all around but overall, it feels l like society, human society, like, WE are the real villains here and the people where’s suppose to think are the monsters, simply want what’s best for the Replicants. I like that twist, personally, but i ca see how someone new to the franchise or unfamiliar with the actual world would be put off by all of the grey.

The Verdict

This movie was so good, man. It’s everything you want in a cyber punk film. It’s everything you want in a post apocalyptic noir. It’s everything you want and need in a sequel. It expands the world, builds the lore, and gives you brand new revelations. It sets up future events but still respects the canon. The performances were inspired, if a little muted, and, goddamn is it beautiful. It never really dragged for me, even though the thing is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, which, in itself, is a goddamn miracle. This is easily the most beautiful film i’ve seen all year, i think i mentioned that before, and it was a legitimately compelling tale. Go see Blade Runner 2049. I cannot impress upon you how much you’ll be missing if you don’t. It is the closest thing to a perfect film i have ever seen, no exaggeration. Go see that sh*t!