#I’ve taken so many already 😂

[berberriescorner]

“Are You Listening?”

Interlude: “Drinks On Me, Yeah?”

Characters: Rio x Black!Reader.

Summary: Issa Interlude, mama. Expect the unexpected.

Warnings: Profanity, angst, fluff, and drinking-little libation for the one, two.

Word Count: 1,700+.

A/N: My lovelies! My babies! Mama’s back and I got a little sum-sum for ya! Let’s start this weekend with a little Rio and the crew, yeah? Yeah. I want to give so many thanks to all of you sweet lovelies who have been rocking with me this entire time. Most of you know that the past year and a half has been quite the struggle. To everybody who took time out of your day to come and check in on me, please know that I’m appreciative and forever grateful to have connected with such amazing people🥹♥️. Thank you for all the sweet, hilarious comments and asks as well💓. I’m a little rusty, so be gentle with your girl. Enjoy my sweet babies.  Before anyone asks, yes, I’ve been working on Pt. 4😂😏😈.

"Are You Listening?" - The Playlist

Apple Music.

Spotify.

Part One Here.

Part Two Here.

Part Three Here.

Inspired By:

Your body pressed down into the plush mattress as you reveled in the comfort and security of being home. Your mind replayed the image of your mom snatching the door open, the two of you hugging tightly, rocking side to side. You had spent the past week trying to survive final exams and warding off the many questions of, “What’s wrong, baby girl?” The woman who gave you life knew you all too well. Sensing that her youngest baby was struggling, her attempts to get you to open up over the phone went unanswered. With the semester complete, being home didn’t leave much space to dodge the knowing gaze in her eyes. 

That master’s degree will probably be a waste of time.

The moment you pulled away from the hug, she cupped your chin, and your poker face cracked as the tears cascaded down your cheeks. Two hours later, you filled her in on everything from the stress of school, financial aid, working doubles, and the fresh crack in your heart that was taking its sweet-ass time to heal. All of which had only taken about forty minutes to stutter out. The talk and her comfort had left you wiped out, and just like any amazing mother would do, she sent you to your room for a nap and got to work on preparing comfort food.

You considered dozing off for a bit more rest, but your bedroom door flew open, bouncing off the corner of your vanity. Your eyes narrowed to mere slits as you started to curse your oldest brother out. His hand raising halted the verbal reprimand.

“Alena’s big-headed ass is here to see ya mean ass,” he snarked about the woman who would eventually become his wife.

These two bitches are so in love. It’s sickening. The attraction is so annoyingly obvious. Shit makes me sick to my stomach.

Before you could tell him you didn’t want company, she was already in the doorframe. “Uh-uh, bitch you are not about to dodge me for another two weeks.” With those words said, you had no choice but to give her a rundown of what had transpired. Not only had she forced you to divulge every last detail while the two of you hugged and cried together. She also took it upon herself to wiggle you into your best freakum dress and head out for a girl’s night.

Being the baby and the only girl in your family made for very over-the-top protective parents. The moment your father saw your attire, he wouldn’t let up. He was hell-bent on forcing your brothers to chaperone.

It wasn’t a horrible idea.  Only you didn’t like your independence challenged. Luckily, the older siblings were pretty chill, so long as no one was overly aggressive. They had taught you how to handle shit for yourself at a young age. You spent the first half hour in the club pouting and ready to go home to wallow in self-misery.

“Hoe! If you don’t fix your face, scaring off every good-looking man in this club!”

“They’ll be alright, so long as they keep their distance. In case you didn’t get the memo after our long talk. Men make my ass itch,” you growled, kissing your teeth.

“Whateva, you and that stank attitude can have a good time together,” she sassed, throwing up a hand and walking away from the bar.”

“Where are you going? Alena!”

“I’ll be back, damn! Let me go on and annoy them, fine-ass brothers of yours. Be nice, and don’t bite nobody head off, sourpuss.”

“Always thirsting after my blood, just triflin’.”

With the flick of a middle finger, she sauntered over to their section. You could see the irritation rolling off them as she seated herself in the middle. The arguing started seconds later. Your eye twitched at the sight. Swinging the barstool back toward the liquor, you were about to pass the time scrolling through social media. Instead, a set of bronzed-colored, muscular digits came into view. They gently pressed your phone to the bar as the matching digits slid another lemon drop into view. Your eyes danced along those muscular fingers, trailing upward until they landed on one of the sexiest faces you’d ever witnessed. If any other man would’ve done this, he would’ve been set straight expeditiously. In this instance, ole boy was just too damn fine, and it left you on mute. The corners of his mouth lifted into a handsome smirk.

The stranger turned his barstool to get closer. One hand rested on the bar while the other cradled the back of your seat. His eyes roamed over your body, lip tucking between his teeth, matching you stare for stare. He chuckled when he noticed your quirked eyebrow.

“I don’t mean to intrude on ya evening, but I figured you could use another drink.”

“Is that so?”

“Couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with your friend. I’m tryin’ to  figure out why these men got your fine ass itching out here.”

Shit, he heard that? Floor, open up and swallow me. That’s so damn embarrassing.

As if reading your thoughts, he continued, “Nothing to be embarrassed about, mama. There’s a lot of boys running around here pretending to be men. Who was crazy enough to fumble you? He gotta be the dumbest man on earth.”

As if on cue, said fumbler’s name popped up on your caller ID. With a swipe of a finger, the phone went silent. You turned back to your new admirer. He had signaled for another round of drinks.

“Either you’re a big spender, or the bartender is your connect,” you teased.

“Connect is one way of putting it. This my spot, darlin’.”

He chuckled as you damn near choked on your drink.

“I’m sorry. Tend to put my foot in my mouth.”

“You good. I like a woman who’s not afraid to speak her mind. Dealing with me, you go to say it with your chest.”

“Oh, so you plan to be around me beyond tonight?”

“Around, underneath, on top. We locked in, mama,” he insisted, licking his lips.

“I don’t even know your name, fool,” you cackled at his cockiness.

“Name’s Rio, but you can call me Christopher, mama. My future wife needs to know my government name. I’m putting my trust in you. Don’t be tellin’ my business, sweetheart.”

“Who says I’m checking for you, Rio?”

“You accepted my company and drinks. Deep down, you’re intrigued by me. Ain’t no need to hide it. When I see something I want, gotta go after it, mama.” he rasped, voice lowering to a panty-dropping level.

“You’re trouble. I just know it.”

Rio planted both hands on your thighs. The gasp that escaped you lit his brown orbs with passion.

“Can I have your undivided attention for the night? Want to get to know you better, mama.”

Grabbing his outstretched hand, he helped you down off the stool.

“Rio…”

Piercing light flickered in the darkness, pulling you from the memory that played itself in your dreams. Your hand snatched the vibrating phone from the table. Your orbs squinted to read the screen, teeth clenching in frustration.

Fucking Rio, I can’t even get away from him in my sleep. Stupid-handsome-asshole.

With a single tap, the phone rested on DND. You closed off from the world to find a peaceful slumber, only to wake from another dream. Throwing the covers back, you startled, feeling the bed dip. His cologne wafted through the air, and your eyes connected.

“Why all the tossing and turning, amor? Hmm,” he rasped, hand trailing up your arm. His warm palm cradled the side of your neck, rubbing away some of the tension.

“Sorry, did my restlessness wake you?”

“No, querida. I’ve been up taking care of some things.”

“Same old Miguel. Everything business. Still don’t sleep much, huh?”

His eyes crinkled with a small smile, but you could also see sadness. It’s the same unhappiness that’s always lingered, only now accompanied by sparks of anger and resentment. Your mind replayed his words in the elevator.

Where’s your wife, Miguel?

She had other plans tonight.

The slightest mention of her had nearly sent his mood spiraling. You weren’t privy to what was happening in his marriage but didn’t want to pry. He would only reverse card uno your ass. Miguel would insist that you vent about your own life and frustrations.

“Thank you for taking the couch,” you nibbled at your lip. 

There was a hint of frustration and guilt lingering in your chest. Not being able to sleep without dreaming of Rio left you feeling conflicted. Part of you wanted to say to hell with loyalty. Being in such a vulnerable state had you craving to be held and cuddled, but regardless of circumstance, the two of you were very much married. Concern swam in the pools of his eyes. Miguel sensed the ongoing dilemma in your head, and his fingers gently cupped your chin.

“Hey, talk to me. What’s all this,” he asked, tugging the lip between your teeth. “Tell me what you need.”

“I can’t,” you sighed.

“You can, and you will. Look at me,” he insisted as your eyes locked.

“Anything you ask me. It won’t leave this room. You need me to hold you until sleep takes over, amor?”

Unable to verbally say it, you gave him a slight head nod. Removing his tie, watch, and shoes, he made it over to the opposite side of the bed. Miguel got right to it, not giving you time to overthink it. He pulled you into his chest, arms engulfing you in a tight hug.

“Were you having nightmares, cariño?”

“No, just happy memories reminding me of the present painful ones,” you replied, voice filling with unshed tears.

“You want to talk about it?”

Silence filled the room as Miguel continued, “We don’t have to ta-.”

His sentence cut short as he felt the tremors and your head burrowed into his side. Miguel’s heart cracked at the sound of the sobs falling from your lips. His arms pulled you further into him until there was no space left, and the palm of his hand rubbed at your head.

“Shhh, you’re okay. I’m here,” he cooed, leaving soft kisses on the crown of your head.

Miguel continued to whisper calming words. You cried until your head pounded, and sleep took over.

Hope you all enjoyed that little peek into how Rio pulled up on your girl for the first time. He saw something he liked, and he had to have you🥰. We’ll just call this a vague moment of insight into upcoming events...if that makes sense 😆. If you enjoyed please be sure to hit the love button, comment, and reblog. Spread the love, my babies.

Divider: @firefly-graphics

Tags:

@darqchilddaydreamz @4everbrookemarie @astoldbychae @percosim @1andonlytashae @nightlywords7 @amorestevens @crimsonheart01 @rio-reid-whoreee @mrsmontanalol @igigix @keaboyd21 @blowmymbackout @uhlxis @abcdestinyyyy @hihellogoodbyebruh @sunshine-flower @lemmewritesomeish @catxo @naughtyslashers @realhotgurlshit @peaches007 @gardenof-venus @aizawash0e @minton131 @novaniskye @90sisthenew80s @cjricks98 @skyesthebomb @myownworstenemydw @lifeofthelovelyone @tashawar @gabbywontlose @kayla1blog @skelly-baby @adg1115 @blessedboo @fandomcitysstuff @drinaj @being-worthy @sxkxna @whore4-horror @elliesrealgf @pimpsdontcryy @batgurl42 @gotbeefbitch-blog @thedopestblackgirl @nunya7394 @midnightheat @pixieyosi @imjustheretoreads-blog 

@superhoeva @memeaaaa @djconde58

[kurishiri]

official IkeVil JP twitter role-played with fans as Roger

translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties. Please reblog, not repost!

and here are some of my favorite responses and some tidbits about Roger (and some others, through his eyes) 🥹👌 also I wouldn’t consider these spoilers; they’re more like bite sized fun facts you might find in a random scene in some random side story or event or something lmao also I don’t like the green gun emoji on my phone so I’m using the beer one instead.

1. Roger is trying to get along with Alfons (it’s not working so well though I guess, haha)

💬: Roger!! Have you been getting along with Alfons recently?

🍻: That’s always my intention, but whenever I see him he gives me a kind of disgusted look. So maybe he’s just shy or something.

2. maybe Victor is trying to get everyone drunk…?

💬: Roger, have you gone out to drink with Victor before?

🍻: I don’t think Victor really drinks outside. If anything, he’s the one bringing some good booze back to Crown for us. Could it be — he’s scheming something and trying to get us drunk?

3. Roger can crack a joke 😂👌

💬: I kind of just ate this without knowing what that liquid is, but what is it, actually? 🧪

🍻: That’s a love potion. If you drink it you won’t be able to think about anything but me——just kidding.

4. Roger and Ellis are the strongest!

💬: Who is the strongest in Crown?

🍻: Me, followed by Ellis. You wanna compare our strength now with an arm wrestle? Though I reckon you wouldn’t be able to win against me even if you used both hands.

5. Roger’s worst fight with Alfons

💬: Please tell us the worst episode of a fight you’ve had with Alfons〜!!

🍻: Once during a mission we got into an argument where Al and I almost died — that day I’ve never seen Victor look that quietly angry before.

6. drinking with William! (they’re the older bros of the group)

💬: What do you talk about with William when you drink with him?

🍻: Will knows a lot, so we’ll talk about all sorts of stuff. Like how Victor’s overworking himself, or how Jude’s got bad feet, or how Liam hurt himself again——wait, what are we, their guardians?

7. Alfons bombed the drinking date

💬: Hey Roger, what sweets do you like? Other than Alfons’ scone.

🪞: Are we talking about me? Oh, that’s my handmade scone that I put a lot of love into. Don’t you feel naughty with just one bite? What do you think is in it?

🍻: Hey, you, get out and go somewhere else already.

8. drinking with Elbie!

💬: Have you drank with Lord Elbert before? 🥺🍻💚💙

🍻: I have, yes. But I can never tell whether he’s drunk or not.

🪞: That’s because he always looks drunk.

🍻: Oy, Al, what are you doing here? Tonight’s supposed to be just me and the lil lady, so don’t get in the way like that. Shoo shoo!

9. Roger doesn’t just drink beer (surprise surprise!)

💬: What do you like to drink other than beer?

🍻: I also drink whisky, though I always prefer beer. What about you, lil lady?

10. Roger comforts you after a long day of work

💬: Roger, I finally finished work…

🍻: There, there, you did well. I remember your efforts very well. Good job today.

11. Jude and drinking, according to Roger

💬: When you’re drinking with Jude, have you seen him when drunk before? I want to know what he’s like when he’s drunk.

🍻: Can’t say I’ve seen him drunk before. It seems like that guy always got a calm look on his face, no matter how much he drinks.

12. what Ellis is like when drunk

💬: Cheers! I have a question, what is Ellis like when drunk?

🍻: Ellis isn’t that weak to alcohol… but he becomes a bit more fluffy than normal, I guess. But he can walk back to the castle just fine.

13. trying to get Ellis drunk…?!

💬: I heard Ellis is a little weak to alcohol. Have you taken care of him when he was drunk? Also how many cups does it take for him to become drunk?

🍻: Pfft, haha… Are you trying to get Ellis drunk? I’ll have you know Ellis is like a cute younger brother to me, so I won’t tell. I have taken care of him though——let’s leave it at that.

14. who can hold their alcohol in Crown?

💬: Who is the worst at holding their alcohol in Crown?

🍻: I think everyone in Crown is pretty good at holding their alcohol. But should we put that to the test? …No way, this really isn’t for me to gather information on them?

15. he be takin care of Crown when they’re drunk

💬: Who do you drink with most often? And have you taken care of someone when they got drunk!?

🍻: Taking care of someone… Ellis — no, Al, maybe? Oh, and also Jude… whoops, can’t say any more than that, or he’ll be after me.

16. what Harry drinks

💬: I always get the impression Harry drinks strawberry milk a lot, but when it comes to alcohol, what does he drink? I want to know 🦊🍸

🍻: Harry likes whisky soda. It goes well with chocolate, and I’ve seen him eating it together with the drink. Noww then, now that I’ve told you some important information, you’ll stop that lying fox from eating too much sweets for me, won’t you?

17. Roger’s advice for those who simp to the point of illness 😆

💬: My friends love you to the point they might be a little ill, Roger. They love you so much it’s too much for me to handle. Is there medicine to make them feel better?

🍻: I can introduce you to a doctor I know who has some good medicine. Want me to? His name’s Roger Barel.

18. he cooks?!?!

💬: I want to eat a meat entree with you, Roger! (this is sausage and roast pork that I made) 😋🍽️🥩✨ What’s your favorite type of meat? And what other foods do you like?

🍻: I would say steak, but any meat is good. But I also like salty things too. Sometimes I make things that go well with alcohol. Want some?

19. oh..? 😳

💬: Yippeeee✨✨✨ it’s everyone’s older brother Roger!! Congrats on your main story🎉💕 I really look forward to this summer! (I have 🦑 with beer)

🍻: You have as much excitement as Victor! For sure, look forward to it. I’ll make it a summer you won’t ever forget.

20. Roger’s recommended drinks

💬: I want to know your drink recommendations!

🍻: Mine is beer, beer, and more beer. Ah, having some ginger ale in between seems pretty good too.

21. he drinks with Ellis and Jude often!

💬: Out of the members of Crown, who have you been drinking with recently? Have you drank with them several times…! 🍻✨

🍻: I go out to drink with Jude and Ellis quite a bit. Well, I think I prefer drinking together with you the most though.

22. he loves meat at the end of the day eheh

💬: I’m thinking of drinking with you tonight🍻 What do you eat (snack) with alcohol? I’m thinking chips goes well.

🍻: My favorite is salty meat. But chips go well with beer too. Should we order some?

23. Roger’s advice for those who just turn the legal age

💬: I’ve turned the legal age, what do you recommend for a first timer…? Was your first drink a beer…?

🍻: At first, you should go for drinks that don’t have high alcohol content to see if you can drink it or not. Other than that, drink together with someone. For example, with me. And of course, the first drink I had was beer!

24. Roger’s favorite drinking partner is… ✨✨

💬: Is there anyone you want to drink alone with?? What types of things would you talk about with them!?✨

🍻: The one drinking in front of me, right now.

[lyssak09]

when will you post yandere rick grimes 💕

Now 😂. I hope you and everyone else enjoy this! If you enjoy this please like, repost, and or follow me! Happy reading everyone 💙

Rick has always been attached to you, more so than he is to others, and it got worse when Lori died.

Ever since Lori died he’s been watching you like a hawk, even when you don’t realize it. Watching you sleep is both comforting and peaceful to him.

It makes his heart swell when he sees you taking care of Judith and Carl. Even if you didn’t like kids at first, Carl and Judith were different, and they needed a maternal figure. Which you happen to become without knowing.

After his mental breakdown, he starts to understand why he is doing certain things for you and why he has these feelings. It's because he loves you, more than anything. 

And no, you’re not a rebound. His relationship with Lori wasn’t doing well and he already felt something for you when he first met you. It just wasn’t noticeable yet.

He becomes extremely protective of you, even paranoid. Rick will give you the safest jobs in the prison. Such as helping him with the garden, watching the kids, cleaning up cleared sections of the prison, and so on. 

If you get too close to the walker gate he’ll flip. Yelling at you and killing multiple walkers (Who couldn’t even get to you really). Rick might start chaperoning your daily walks or observing from a distance because of the walkers.

You won’t be given scavenging missions. Even if you volunteer for one he’ll say no and have someone else do it. If you ask him why he doesn’t let you anymore he’ll just say “It's safer for you, and without you, Judith and Carl and so many of us would be lost without you.” Manipulative right?

He may go to great lengths to ensure that he is always a part of your life, even if it means manipulating situations or lying to keep you close.

He’s good at manipulation, I mean, it helped out a lot back when he was a sheriff. He’ll manipulate situations that cause you to be close to him or work with him, even though you already spend a lot of time with him, especially because of Judith and Carl. 

Rick will also manipulate you, and your feelings. He’ll use fear, kindness, guilt, and so on to keep you with him. Maybe even try to make you dependent on him by manipulating you. 

“You don’t understand, you’re the only mother figure Carl and Judith have now. You are too important and special to us, to me, to go risk your life on a scavenging mission, Y/N. Now why don’t you go help Carl with his schoolwork, he’s been asking for you. We can talk about this more later.”

You will not discuss it more later.

Rick will become extremely jealous. To the point, he’ll either subtly isolate you by giving everyone very different jobs from yours, or he’ll even quietly sabotage your relationships with others.

If someone shows even the slightest hint of interest in you he’s coming to mess it up.

“Listen here friend, I’ve noticed you’ve taken a liking towards Y/N. You should know that she’s taken, and wouldn’t go for someone like you in the first place,”

Did I forget to mention that you’re taken? By Rick?

You don’t know it but you’re in a relationship with him, whether you like it or not. Don’t get me wrong, Rick does understand that you two aren’t ‘technically’ together, yet. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be. 

You’ll be his wife eventually, you just don’t know it yet.

Rick likes to keep mementos of you and his kids on him and likes to have some to decorate his cell, which makes it more like a home.

Found a pretty flower on your walk with Judith and want him to have it? It’ll be found pressed in one of his favorite books. He’ll borrow Glenn’s camera to take photos of Carl and Judith, making sure to get some with you in a few as well. He’ll make someone take a photo of all four of you, it’s a family portrait in his eyes.

Rick isn’t just overprotective of you because of your safety. But he is also paranoid that someone might take you from him. Anyone who gets too close to you might be seen as a threat, and he’ll have a plan to eliminate them if needed.

As time goes on his love for you grows and grows to a terrifying amount.

He’ll start to get violent if things are going his way, such as you not being affectionate back, you not realizing you’re supposed with him, or you’re being super oblivious. It makes him frustrated and angry, this shouldn’t be that hard for you! You two are meant to be! He’ll break things, take his anger out on walkers, or even yell at people in the group (even if they haven’t done anything). 

He won’t ever hurt you, on purpose anyway, he would have to either been pushed to the edge or be going through another mental breakdown for him to hurt you.

Rick will be violent towards others though.

I think Rick could understand what he is doing is technically immoral, but he doesn't care, he’s doing this because he loves you. Or, I think Rick, who has been through so much trauma, is so delusional that he doesn't think he is doing anything wrong. You're his soulmate. Soulmates should be together. No matter what

Either way, he loves you more than life itself. He loves you more than he ever did Lori. He understands that now.

Despite his unhealthy behavior he genuinely believes that he’s doing this for your best interest, only he can keep you safe in this new world. 

Rick knows everything about you, from your daily routines to your likes and dislikes.

The group is becoming concerned by his behavior, but they’re also a little too freaked out to mention it yet.

On the outside, it looks like Rick is a strong capable leader. But on the inside a darker unstable side of him lurks.

Rick becomes so dependent on you for his sense of identity and purpose that he can't imagine life without you. He believes that you’re soulmates destined to be together forever, and he'll do anything to ensure that you never part.

Another way Rick keeps you ‘safe’ isolates you is by gaslighting you. He’ll purposely allow you to almost get hurt, which he hates doing but it's to prove you need him, then he’ll save you. Even though you can handle yourself pretty well against walkers he’ll find ways to almost have you get hurt so he can save you and prove that you need him to protect you. Rick will gaslight you to no end. “You say you can handle walkers but every time you and I encounter them you almost get hurt or die. Now that's not handling them. It’s okay that you need help against them. I’ll always be here to protect you Y/N.”

He uses your relationship with Carl and Judith to his advantage. When you’re spending time with them or taking care of them he’ll come and join you or watch with a tiny smile on his face, this is one of the many situations he uses to spend time with you.

Rick is also secretly coaching Judith to call you mama, the thought of leaving him and his kids could never cross your mind if that's how they feel about you. 

Carl starts to see you as a mom without Rick’s coaching. You helped take care of him and helped him grieve his mom. You help remind him that he’s still a kid, he gets to act more like one because of you. Carl will make it known to you that without you he’d have to grow up faster again and stop getting to act like his age again. Him telling you this helps Rick, not that Carl knows about it. Again, how could you leave them? Carl shouldn’t have to lose another mother figure, especially one that actually lets him be a kid. And it wouldn’t be fair to Judith for her to lose the woman who’s been caring for her since she was born. 

Once you do catch on to Rick’s feelings and intentions and if you try to leave him he’ll remind you of these facts, that Carl and Judith can’t lose you too.

He’s the king of manipulation at this point. 

Rick’s obsession with your safety is insane. To the point, he’ll risk his own well-being for you. I mean, that's what husbands are supposed to do, right? If food is running low he’ll give up his share to you and Carl, no matter how much you disagree or fight him on it.

Rick will never let you go or give you up. Even in the face of rejection or betrayal, Rick refuses to let go of you. He’ll become increasingly desperate and unstable, resorting to drastic measures to maintain his grip on you, including threats of violence or self-harm.

He may develop obsessive rituals or routines centered around you, such as constantly checking in on you, always eating with you, watching you sleep, or even hoarding items that remind him of you. These rituals help to reinforce his ‘connection’ to you Y/N.

Rick is extremely touchy, like oh my god. When he’s around you some part of him needs to be touching you. Like when you help him with the garden, he’ll guide your hands when planting or have a hand on the small of your back while he points out where he wants to add to the prison. He ‘accidentally’ brushes against you all the time.

When you’re sitting down and feeding Judith he’ll have a hand on your shoulder, he loves it when he has to squeeze behind you to get past you and he brushes against your backside, totally not because of inappropriate reasons. 

He likes to look for things for you and the kids when he’s out scavenging. Giving you things is one of the ways he shows you he loves you, even though may not realize he’s doing it for that. Rick is in search of a wedding ring for you, he’s going to marry you, and you’re destined to be together.

If he’s scavenging with Daryl and they go past a jewelry store he’ll send Daryl ahead and meet him at their original destination. Rick just has to make a quick pitstop.

Once he finally confesses or you notice his behavior, he’ll expect you to finally realize that you’re together and will happily marry him. If you try to say no or gently get him out of the delusions he won’t take it well. Possibly falling into the delusions more, especially if you’re not getting you’re meant to be his and he was meant to be yours. Rick will explain your reactions with more delusions or false logic. 

“You just don’t see it yet Y/N, we’re meant to be together. You’ll see it soon.

If push comes to shove he’ll make you his by force. Either clearing a secret part of the prison and preparing it for him, his kids, and his future wife. He’ll lock you in said cell block if needed. If that idea doesn’t work then Rick will find a nice secluded home somewhere for you guys. Hopefully, you’ll be compliant though so you guys won’t have to leave your new home everyone worked so hard on. 

Rick rationalizes his behavior with twisted logic, convincing himself that everything he does is for Y/N's own good. He believes that he's protecting you from the dangers of the world and that she needs him to survive.

He’ll go to great lengths for you, including getting rid of anyone or anything in the way. Maybe that's why some of your fellow survivors haven’t come back from scavenging missions Rick sent them on?

Rick loves you more than anything Y/N, remember that.

“I love you with all my heart darlin, don’t ever forget that.” Rick declared with a smile, blood dripping down his face,

[rynnthefangirl]

What’s hilarious about Alicent is that 2x08 was the writers’ desperate attempt to make her likeable.

Instead they’ve now made her one of the most hated characters on the show! 😂

Who’s going to root for her now?

Team Black: we’ll never like her, we just see her a pathetic cockroach.

Team Green: she just betrayed her entire faction!

Yeah, the whole thing is kinda crazy bc she was so many people’s “ride or die” and now it’s like… you hardly see anyone defending her. I’ve seen more people defend her ordering a newborn baby taken from his mothers arms immediately after birth and brought to her just so she can insult him than I have seen people defend her trying to end a devastating and bloody war.

It’s just like you said, TB hates her bc we’ve seen how awful of a person she was in season 1. But TG already bought fully into the Greens’ own lies and delusions and genuinely thought S1 Alicent was a good person, so they see her turning against the Usurper as a bad thing.

[celestie0]

If someone looked at me the way Gojo was looking at Y/N after ugly crying I think I’d be carrying their kids tbh…

Poor Y/N is so scared to let someone in she puts up wall after wall the moment things get a bit too real 😭 but I get her. Every meaningful relationship in her life has been “temporary” (for lack of a better word) so far: her father left them, Choso abandoned her the moment he wanted Yuna’s pussy (although he was gone way before that), and her mom can’t really be there for her anymore through no fault of her own. I get why she has walls up when it comes to Gojo, they entered the relationship knowing it wasn’t real so why set yourself up for the inevitable hurt when it’s over.

The guilt of lying to someone you love even though you know it’s probably for the best is so painful, I hope Y/N allows herself some grace. Mourning your parents so young, at any age really is never easy and she’s doing it all alone too. I hope she has the happiest of endings because I feel like she’s going to need all the support she can get as her mom’s illness progresses 😭

Y/N is so much stronger than me because I’d probably have taken him up on that sex to blow off steam option even if he wasn’t being serious (I feel like he’d be so down though) 🤷🏽‍♀️

I’m super excited to see how their relationship progresses. The emotional connection they’re developing is actually extending my lifespan.

Thank you so much for the chapter, this is genuinely one of the best works I’ve ever read so I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your work with us 🥰 I hope you’re doing well and that life is treating you amazingly! Can’t wait for the next chapter, I know it’ll be fantastic

(P.S - his mom’s wedding ring fitting her perfectly had be kicking and blushing 😭 if that isn’t a sign they’re meant to be then IDK WHAT IS)

hi my love oh gosh i could CRY!!!!!!!!!! this ask made me so happy because you 100% hit on like literally every single point that i wanted to emphasize in the chapter and also even managed to predict things that are to come as well??? i ask for your hand in marriage pleaaasseeeee 💍💍

HAHA yes i liked writing the parts where she’s like basically just blowing her nose on him 😂

aaaaaaa yess she definitely has sm walls up bc of how many people have left her and/or betrayed her, i think an additional heartbreak is the fact that she is literally a night shift nurse who saves lives, but isn’t even helped by the very system that she serves (healthcare)…i would be so jaded if i were her too :”( but tysm for having empathy for her!! i think it would take a very patient person to be w her n i def think ihm gojo is that guy hahah

YES ihm will have a sweet ending and we will see as the series progresses that reader softens and starts to reclaim her life once more :) but you’re so right! one of the devastating things about caring for a loved one w dementia is weighing the white lies vs the potential distress over relaying the truth…having grace w oneself is def so important

LOL ya i think he would be so down too 😂 it’s funny cause like? reader? girl? i mean you’re already stressed tf out why not at least get eaten out on a regular basis while you’re at it LOL (the time will come)

ouuu i’m so happy you enjoyed the chapter n thanks so much for interacting so meaningfully w it 🥺 a lot of stuffs u touched on in this ask are elaborated much further in what i have planned for series so i’m so excited to bring that to you!! much loveee (and yes the wedding ring fitting was literally a sign from god LOL)

[seungfl0wer]

Rules / Need to Knows

Invisible Ink Game

(A little description just incase you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about lol. So you just pick a number 1-30 and whatever member or members you’d like. The prompts will be a complete surprise until it is requested/posted. You won’t know what your request is until later so it’s a like a surprise heart attack lol. If anyone is confused or needs more explanation please feel free to message or just ask!)

•All prompts will be Angst.

•Some will be hurt to comfort, some will just be hurt. So if you need a happy ending for your own sanity lol just ask I’ll do it.

•These will all be fake texts.

•When requesting i will put the marker on one’s that have been already requested.

•To keep it easier for myself I will only be doing up to 3 member per prompt.

•If there’s enough requests for a part two or other members I will consider it.

•However these will all be as soon as it’s taken it’s not available.

•I will be putting the prompt and member(s) by the number when it is requested.

•Please be mindful of which members have been requested a lot. I would like to have variations and not just one member over and over.

•Show love to them all please 🥺

•Master List (Here) and this is also where you can see who’s been requested and what number is already taken.

•Lastly please have fun with this, I’ve been getting so many messages/asks about doing more angst so I wanna feed y’all good with this😂

(Ps this is inspired by someone I follow but for the life of me I can’t find who it is. When I do I’ll be posting them here. Any help remembering who does the invisible ink thing is appreciated lol)

[likeadeadbattery]

Ta-raaaaaa, Kemeticblr… my very first set of homemade prayer beads. These are intended for Lady Sekhmet.

I know these are wonky. Please, though, PLEASE be nice about it. I spent idk how many grueling hours over this; this was a poor project choice considering that I can’t tie or do knots for shit.

There’s a lot of mistakes. But please ignore those? This was very difficult. Especially when I had it all ready and the string snapped… so I shortened it. I cursed and almost cried, I was in a rage like never before. Perfect for a deity like Sekhmet 😂

The knots are fragile, so I need to reduce these to home use. I have pink prayer beads that I got for my birthday that can be taken places and are more heavy duty. I use those more for worry beads used during prayer anyways.

The other choices of charms are pretty obvious, but I chose the tree charm because of Her epithet ‘Lady of the Acacia’. This links Her to Hathor, iirc?

(Clarification after I posted this: The beads are widely spaced apart because of personal preferences. I like being able to actually move them.)

I’m in the process of working on a prayer for these. HUGE HUGE THANKS to @kemetickowboy for writing me the prayer!!! I need to add some stuff to it to make it work with these specific prayer beads. It was all him though. I’ve already blabbed long enough, so I will end this with a closeup of the very first charm.

[33max]

I’m sure you’ve gotten this a million times already, but TD max with a sand car 😭 writing his name on it and messy play destroying it 🥹😈

I actually haven't! I don't get as many asks about TD anymore because it's been so long since I posted anything substantial in the universe and I also went through a stage where I struggled to answer asks because of work etc etc. so yeah! I always always always appreciate when I get a TD ask so please never think I've already received it or I have got too many 🥺♥️

ANYWAY YES OMG!!!!

Maybe Daniel has taken Maxy on holiday to a private beach - it is just them, the sand, and the sea. Perfect for Max to enjoy the holiday in his headspace! He gets to have bottles and snuggles on the sun loungers! And Daniel spends a long time making two F1 cars in the sand for he and max to ‘race’ in… and then at the end of the day Max gets to jump all over them both and destroy them before the sea washes them away!!! At first Max doesn’t want to break them, but of course Daniel promises they can rebuild them tomorrow.

OR OR OR in the Red Bull AU, maybe the team try to have a few activations throughout the year that Max can enjoy, and that make him ready to drop as soon as he's finished. So he plays with with the sandcastle while he's big and as the activation goes on he gets more and more fuzzy and then as soon as they've finished filming he runs over to GP because “Jeep I’ve got sand in my shoe help!!!!” and then GP has to spring into action and get those shoes off of Max before he has a melt down about it 😂

[nalyra-dreaming]

Hi :) I hope you’re well!

I’ve been watching reaction videos of s2 (again) and wondering about something in s2e7 (again).

Belgium is mentioned twice – once with regard to that homophobic guy in the audience and once (well, twice if you count Santiago and Daniel separately) with regard to Louis’ banishment.

I’m not a native speaker so I wondered if that has a deeper meaning that I’m not aware of? I just find it curious that it’s mentioned twice – in a show where they leave very little to coincidence. Is it supposed to be a connection between those scenes? Directly or indirectly? Is it just supposed to be “The homophobic guy’s friend met his fate in Belgium so that’s what happens to you, Louis, too.” (Figuratively.) Or the friend got his arm shot off – Armand cut off Nicolas’ hands – ???

I still have way too many thoughts about this damn show. 😂

Thanks and sorry if you’ve already talked about this. I tried searching for it in your tags but didn’t find anything.

I have not!

And I have also been thinking about that, but I have not come to a conclusion, actually! (And I have not seen any analysis on this either)

And - there's also Annika!! The woman on stage in the first performance is from Belgium, too!

So, yeah, there's definitely something referenced... but what exactly is the question. I mean, during WW2 Belgium was under German occupation (that's where that comment re the guy getting killed in the trench likely comes in, from the fights taking over) - maybe Annika being from Belgium is a reference to what the occupation did there? To the people deported from there? People kidnapped and taken away, and killed, like Annika? After the liberation Belgium had an economical resurgence, so sending Louis "to Belgium" might indicate something beneficial (on the surface)? However, Belgium also had "colonial possessions", so sending Louis to Belgium... might have been a racial colored jab at him being sent "back" to Africa... -.-

I do not know, not really. I have noticed it as well, but I am no historian. I tried to look into it (post 1945 liberation and politics) but I'm not sure what (levels/meta) precisely they're hinting at here, outside of what I mentioned above. I don't think the writers have talked about it either...

If anyone else knows...?

[hungrydogs-if]

Arrhgh, how can the writing have turned out this well, what sort of witchcraft?!? But seriously well done I’ve already read the demo about six times and I’ll just keep on reading it again because I really do enjoy it so far. 💞💞

Thirteen’s intro was just amazing somehow exactly what I pictured but nothing I would have thought of. Very chaotic, very fitting. Assaults two random people, absolutely terrifies the other, then turns to VP, waves, and the whole time they’re blasting Nightcore in their helmet. What. Forget the club apologizing when they finally meet them, I’m just imagining starting a betting pool and absolutely cleaning everyone out.

And Mona, dearest Mona. Just tossing a whole person into a dumpster, then casually resuming her day. And Noooooo, not the she could throw me in a dumpster and I would’ve thanked her for it option, honestly made me start cackling, because yeah I agreed but still the way it was written. 😂

Sam, sweet Sam. (Are they still going to change their name to Ash?) Just, how can you make a potential criminal that adorable? Mooshling? The absolutely eager and slightly awkward intro? (I would punch a cop in the face… pfft. I wonder what it says about me that I find that cute.) I’m not trying to (infatalize?) them, but Sam is absolutely incredibly adorable and sweet. (So far anyway)

Dane. How could you. Do you want to twist the knife a little more, maybe you’d like some salt to sprinkle in my (mental) wounds. It went from aww to ANGST in about half a second.

I have a lot of thoughts on the VP’s experience in prison so far, but the message is already getting way too long, but if it’s alright with you, I’d like to send another ask about it. My mother and grandmother were both nurses in prison and my grandfather was a doctor (at a supermax even) and just Damn. VP is really going through it, the Warden, the guards, The Doctor (oh the doctor) are criminals as well. It’s, gah, it’s infuriating.

Sorry for the long message. 😅

i'm smiling like a fool omfg thank you for such a considerate message!! never apologize for a long message in this house, i'll answer just as long <3

thirteen is such a blast to write because fam is the type to bust a move before bringing a foot to an enemy knee. they're the only one who deserves the instagram reel comment of "bro hit the emote button mid fight" and it'd be true. chaotic.

mona has so many moments like that. she might even have a fun story to share about the rest of the crew and dumpster (or dumpster-adjacent) shenanigans ;)

sam is still changing their name eventually! it'll come later in the story and is the result of a long introspective phase which the vp can help with if you so choose. it'll also open up their backstory a bit! it's very tragic and it really shows the strength it's taken for them to stay as sweet and kind as they are. can't wait for you to read it!

and dane. oof. yike, even. tho i'm glad that the switch from aww to angst was so quick because that's the effect i was going for. real hard conveying the 20 year friendship in only a few pages of work, had a real struggle there lol.

don't worry about the length of messages hun, i love reading all the feels you guys have about my silly little blorbos <3 feel free to send in your prison experience too! i'd love to hear your thoughts!

[ambrossart]

I’m so sorry to clog up your notifications, but for some reason, Tumblr is refusing to let me comment 🙄 Think of this as a continuation of my comment from a few minutes ago 🤦‍♀️

About the boxes: right?! I’ve donated/given away/thrown away way too many things for there to still be this much stuff.

By the way, you should be so proud of yourself for going through all this moving with agoraphobia. I’ve only moved once and it’s caused a major strain. Going from Rhode Island to Tennessee is not an easy feat. If it helps to write out what���s going on, please keep us updated! Again, I’m sending soooo much rest your way!

I'm writing this from Tennessee!

Oh my god, that was the most stressful move of my life. My husband accidentally went through a moving broker and we 100% got scammed. They severely underquoted us (a common tactic), so when the movers showed up, the cost was more than double what was quoted. We were backed into a corner. Our options were to pay the extra cost or throw away all of our furniture. Thankfully, my parents loaned us some money, so we got our furniture loaded onto the truck (minus our dining room table, which we had already sacrificed), but now we have no idea when we're getting our furniture delivered—or if we're getting our furniture delivered. I hate moving so much. I wanna cry, but I'm too exhausted.

But my new apartment is gorgeous. Apart from the leaky sink (which should be fixed today) and the lack of furniture, it's incredible. Everything is brand new. There's so much space. The community is up in the hills, so it's got this quiet, woodsy vibe. Once we're settled, I know I'm gonna be really happy here.

And yeah, my mental health has definitely taken a hit with all this moving. My agoraphobia is triggered by major changes in environment. Actually, even minor changes will trigger it. During the drive here, for example, I was having mini panic attacks at every rest stop because I was scared I was gonna get lost on my way to the restroom (I know that sounds silly, but 🤷‍♀️). I have to Google every new place I visit so that I can see pictures of the inside and outside. If I could download a map, I would.

But you wouldn't know I'm struggling if you saw me. I go through great effort to hide it.

My lowest point was in college. My freshman year was fine because I had a roommate and would go out with her, but my sophomore year I was by myself, and I didn't leave my dorm for months, except to go to class (and I barely ever went to class either, but luckily I had very understanding professors who made accommodations for me). I also developed a slight ED during this time. I was too scared to go get food, so I wouldn't eat, except for like a candy bar out of the vending machine or something. I was like a little gremlin. I would come out at night, raid the vending machine, and then scurry back into my room before anyone could see me. That’s really embarrassing to admit, but it’s true. And I was losing weight! I was losing so much weight, and I was happy because I had always struggled with my weight, so… win-win, right? I didn’t have to face the terrifying world and I was finally skinny. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, one night I fainted in the shower, fell hard, slammed my head on the bathroom floor, lost conciousness, came to, saw my RA hovering over me, and finally realized I had a major problem.

Yeah, I was a hot mess in my late teens/early twenties.

I’m still a hot mess, but I’m doing a lot better. 😂

[yibocheeks]

A Completely Biased Fan’s Opinion (and Interpretation) of 无名

I’ve tried to keep my reviews online mostly neutral when it comes to my fangirling over Wang Yibo in the movie, as I really do feel that the movie is well done, the entire cast did a remarkable job, the cinematography and set details are commendable, the music compliments the scenes really well, and there are many interesting parallels and clues along the way that make each rewatch rewarding. 

@faery-snow​ requested a long post and after watching the movie three times, I will henceforth enter full fangirling mode with my thoughts on the film (there will be spoilers). I have also summarized the sequence of events, based on analyses from Chinese fans online (but again this is still open to interpretation) ↴

I’ve summarized a spoiler-free version of some historical background that is relevant to the film here and will note below when I start getting into plot spoiler content.

The opening scene begins with Tony Leung’s character (Director He) sitting on a bench. He appears to be deep in thought, and behind him we see the grid of a prison window. We are then introduced to an array of other characters, and the who/where/when are all still unknown to the audience. 

We then meet Yibo’s character (Mr. Ye), who is having what seems to be a casual breakfast with his colleague, played by Wang Chuanjun (Captain Wang). They are speaking Shanghainese, and upon first hearing Yibo’s Shanghainese I was grinning to myself from ear to ear. His Shanghainese is really very cute, and if you speak to people who are actually Shanghainese they will be able to identify immediately that he is not from Shanghai. 😂 Still, for him to be able to speak Shanghainese to this degree is not easy, considering he only just learned it for the film. And of course from watching all the behind-the-scene footage and interviews, I was already very fond of this 阿呆 and 阿瓜 pair. We see the scene where they are sitting in the car together, on their way to collect the corpses (whom we at this point do not yet know the identities of), and the moment when they both look down at their watch at the same time, which was unscripted. The conversation about every man for themselves, although discussed in the context of breakfast, can be applied to the situation of the times as well.

We are shown the bombings in Guangzhou and there is a scene here that is difficult to watch every time (this, as well as another scene later in the film are particularly difficult to watch; all I can say is that the suffering that ordinary citizens experienced during wartimes really leaves one speechless.) Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, there is a ominous sense of heaviness that is felt as the Pacific War wages. In Shanghai, the foreign concessions, which had once been free from occupation, are also taken over by the Japanese.

Cheng Er does not shy away from showing the violence and cruelty of the time, and we see that Mr. Ye’s job is a rather bloody one. It is such a delight to watch Yibo play this type of role, and although his face was splattered with blood, all I could focus on was how much the yeekies vibrated 😂 (I’m hopeless, I know.)

We see Mr. Ye observing Ms. Fang at the dancehall, and at this point it is not yet clear what their relationship is (although from the article that Cheng Er has written before in GQ, we know that they were engaged, but have grown apart over the years due to conflicting interests - Ms. Fang works together with other progressive youth to assassinate Japanese officers, while Mr. Ye is working for Wang Jingwei’s regime. Thus, in Ms. Fang’s eyes, Mr. Ye is a traitor.)

Tony Leung’s performance is also incredible. He is lauded as having eyes that can tell stories and this is so true. I think he is one of the greatest actors of his time, from every expression to every posture - and it is really amazing that Yibo is billed as co-lead in a film with him. 

Plot spoilers begin here:

After Wang Jingwei’s death in 1944 and towards the end of WWII, Minister Tang tells Director He that he will enter negotiations with the Japanese as a representative of the Kuomintang (KMT) - Minister Tang is a character who truly is a fence-sitter (in the GQ interview Da Peng reveals that he was once part of the CCP, then the KMT, before becoming Minister of the Political Security Department for the Wang Jingwei regime). This poses a potential threat to the Communists. It is at this time that Director He utilizes the list of important Japanese people living in Shanghai, which he had received from Ms. Jiang, the KMT agent whom he spared the life of back in 1941. We see Mr. Zhang deploying men to assassinate the Japanese prince. The next morning, Mr. Ye and Captain Wang go to dispose of the bodies. Officer Watanabe gets the call that the prince has died, and the peace talks between the KMT and Japan end. This series of events is part of the story that Cheng Er has written for the film, and as far as I know is not based on any actual event. Mr. Ye accompanies Officer Watanabe to the Communists’ warehouse, only for a bomb to go off. They find that the Communists have already abandoned the warehouse. At this time Officer Watanabe speaks with Mr. Ye and says that anyone who does not join you in killing immediately becomes suspicious - Captain Wang had been at home for his father’s birthday and because of his absence, Officer Watanabe begins to doubt Captain Wang’s allegiance. We see drunken shrimp being served at Captain Wang’s father’s birthday dinner, a traditional dish from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai regions.

Interestingly Yibo is the only one who speaks multiple languages throughout the film, and perhaps it shows his presumed allegiance to the Japanese as he is able to adapt to their food and language. Hearing Yibo’s Japanese was also such a treat.

Following the prince’s death, the Communists are under further scrutiny by the Japanese, and so it is at this time that Mr. Ye goes to the dancehall to warn Ms. Fang that the situation is dangerous and that she should suspend her activities of targeting Japanese officers. There is a moment here where Yibo drops Mr. Ye’s usual cool countenance and shows a moment of vulnerability as he looks at Ms. Fang - we see that he still cares for her, but that he can not give her any further explanation nor refute her when she calls him a traitor and tells him to go die. His babyface looks extra vulnerable in that brief moment 🥺 He lets out his suppressed anger and helplessness by beating up the Japanese officers he encounters on his way out, and I can only say that after filming that continuous-shot scene for several nights in a row, the outcome is very satisfying to watch as Yibo fully immerses himself into the character. At the end he pulls down his tie again, returning to his prim and well-dressed appearance (although still slightly rumpled 🤭).

The moment when Mr. Ye finds out about Ms. Fang’s death is a devastating moment - Ms. Fang is probably the only person left whom he cared about, and his colleague whom he had considered his friend was the perpetrator. In this moment he is now truly alone.

Officer Watanabe sends Mr. Ye to the docks to investigate the assassination, and Mr. Ye goes to sit silently at a food stall on the docks. Beside him is a member of the Communist underground network, who then goes to warn Mr. Zhang (Huang Lei), the secretary for the Communist underground network, that the docks, their liaison station, have been compromised. Mr. Zhang becomes nervous and asks Ms. Chen (Zhou Xun) to runaway with him. He says he knows someone of high ranks in Nanjing who can help them, and by so doing he becomes immediately suspicious, as at this time Nanjing is still the capital of the Wang Jingwei regime. I must say that Zhou Xun’s performance here is splendid, and this exchange between them always makes me laugh. 

Mr. Zhang calls Minister Tang and says that he knows something about the incident surrounding the Japanese prince, thus betraying the Communists. Minister Tang informs Officer Watanabe and Director He, and between the three of them it is decided that Director He will go to interrogate Mr. Zhang. It is here where the scene from the beginning of the movie takes place, when Director He meets with Mr. Zhang. After getting rid of the traitor Mr. Zhang, Director He knows that his identity as a Communist will be exposed, at the same time he had no choice but to do what he did in order to protect the Communists’ intelligence. 

Officer Watanabe then invites Minister Tang, Director He, Mr. Ye and Captain Wang to dinner. The tension created in this scene was excellent. Mr. Ye turns to Officer Watanabe to ask for permission to leave the dinner in order to get rid of the Communist in their midst, whom Officer Watanabe suspects to include Captain Wang. Here we see Yibo’s tears again as he hears the click of the gun behind him, confirming his friend’s betrayal. Interestingly Mr. Ye and Captain Wang are wearing the same ties as the ones they wore from when they shared breakfast together. Things have certainly changed between them since then.

The reunion between Mr. He and Ms. Chen is a touching moment, and here we see how Zhou Xun and Tony Leung truly shine as the veteran actors that they are, being able to convey such deep emotions in such a brief scene. We are instantly able to feel how much the two have sacrificed in the time that they’ve been apart, separated by the situation of the times and in their hopes to fight for a better future. I really wish we were able to see more from the female actresses, as their time to shine felt really limited.

Then we have the fight scene between Mr. Ye, who is on the Japanese side, and Mr. He, who has revealed his identity as a Communist. This fight scene was filmed so well. Yibo was choked many times, he got to touch Tony Leung’s face, and the music accompanying him is quite fitting for the villain role which he has taken on during this part of the film 🤭 Cheng Er alludes to this in interviews and through camera angles that there may be eyes and ears observing their fight peripherally.

Following this fight, Officer Watanabe seems to trust Mr. Ye completely as he reveals the map of Manchuria and the Kwantung Army’s operations. The scene after this is one of my favourite scenes and gives me chills every time, when Mr. Ye walks up to the office of the Director of the Political Security Department. What a glorious moment for him! 

For the classical music nerds like me, the piece that plays here is Mozart's Requiem. How very fitting.

Shortly after, Japan surrenders and Mr. He gets released. On his way out, he sees Mr. Ye being brought into prison along with Officer Watanabe. Mr. Ye gives Mr. He a taunting look, which is followed by the skirmish between them and Mr. He’s slight smile afterwards - this and the following scene were both delicious.

At the end of the movie, we see that Mr. Ye has moved to Hong Kong, where many spies fled to for safety after the war. He enters a restaurant and says thank you in Shanghainese, revealing that he is from Shanghai. The server turns to him and recognizes this, and we realize that he is at Captain Wang’s family restaurant. The family moved to Hong Kong, not knowing the fate of their son whom they believed to be still in Shanghai. Mr. Ye is served the drunken shrimp and we get a feeling of nostalgia - perhaps he wishes to pay homage to his former friend, or to the homeland from which he came from where he is no longer welcomed. The way in which he eats the shrimp while they’re still jumping, and the persistence with which he chases after the shrimp that has tried to escape - all of this is so true to character and really a memorable scene, particularly with the red from the fermented tofu brine. We get the sense that the past still haunts him, despite living in a new city. (As to the question of whether or not one should spit out the shell when eating drunken shrimp, this seems to be a question of debate. 😂)  Of course the shrimp jumping out of the bowl was not scripted, and Yibo again demonstrates an excellent understanding of his character.

We then see Mr. Ye at a temple where he is burning incense. I tear up every time when I watch this scene, at the silent tears he has shed as he grieves - perhaps he’s grieving the loss of his ex-lover, or the loss of someone whom he had thought was his friend, or the loss of his own self and who he was before 1941, or the loss of the times before the war, or all of the above. He has had to make so many sacrifices along the way as he strived to pursue what he believed in. Why is Yibo so good at expressing silent repressed sadness? 😭

In one Ningbo roadshow, they were asked the following:

When Yibo has a crying scene at the end in Hong Kong, how had CE directed Yibo?

CE: I didn't make too many requests of him in that scene, I wanted to see how he would portray it, which is what you now see

Yibo: It felt very complicated, after experiencing everything that had happened prior, when I arrived alone at Hong Kong, I think it was a very complicated feeling. 

So what we see is Yibo’s own emotional interpretation of Mr. Ye’s experience  😭

We end the film listening to Yibo’s voice singing as the ending credits roll. The song is truly such a striking song and so fitting. Many people left the theatre as soon as the movie ended, and those who remained until the end of the credits were likely fans 🤭

All in all this was a fantastic film, although it may not be for everyone as it is one that can be hard to follow. If you pay attention to the details and have a basic understanding of the different parties in play, I think it will be an enjoyable watch as there are many hints along the way for the viewer to piece together. The character of Mr. Ye has really challenged Yibo with a different role from what he has played before, and he really stepped up to it. He’s not a perfect character either - Cheng Er makes it clear that along the way Mr. Ye commits a lot of immoral acts and has a violent streak as well. Many of the characters are morally grey, which is a bit refreshing to see in a film that was funded as part of a trilogy for the CCP’s centenary. 

I can’t gush enough about Yibo in this film, so if you have more thoughts, my messages are always open!

Addendum: In interviews for GQ and 人物, Cheng Er says that the biggest compromise he has had to make for a film was Wu Ming. It sounds like there were many bumps along the way that he encountered during the film review process. The 人物 interview suggests that this may also include the choice of the ending scene, which is not in keeping with Cheng Er’s usual style of film narrative. There’s been mentions of a director’s cut potentially being released at some point in the future (perhaps with the DVD/Bluray release) and I would be so curious to know what this film looked like prior to the film review!

Addendum #2:

Some other thoughts:

There is one line that Mr. Ye says that left an impression, a line he says in Japanese that goes along the lines of, “No matter how much we strive, what’s lost is lost.” This feels like a rare moment of truth that he says casually in a scene wrapped up in deception.

In speaking to others, many people say that a scene that really disturbed them was the scene with the injured dog. In a movie where we see the torment and death of so many people as a result of war, it is still this scene that leaves an impression on people. Is it that we as an audience have become desensitized to human suffering? It is certainly a memorable scene, and perhaps this is partly why Cheng Er chose to include this in the movie.

Many of the characters remain largely unnamed, even Mr. Ye himself. The only time we see his name is when he gets the appointment letter to become the new director.

Ms. Jiang is seen wearing a ring, and later on in the movie we see Minister Tang wearing a matching ring. Ms. Jiang is thought to be based on Zheng Pingru, a well-known KMT spy who was involved in a plot to assassinate the security chief of the Wang Jingwei regime (The movie Lust, Caution is also thought to be inspired by her).

In the scene where Mr. He speaks to Mr. Ye, there's a line that Tony Leung says, "我无法继续下去了." The English subtitles translate it as, "I can't cope anymore," but a more accurate way to translate this given the context would be, "I can no longer continue." It's a subtle difference, but implies that there may also be other external reasons for why Mr. He can no longer continue what he is doing, rather than just personal.

Another minor translation error in the subtitles is in the restaurant scene in Hong Kong, when Captain Wang's mother says that their family moved over in the 1930s. She actually says that they moved over in the 30s of the Republic of China calendar, which would be the 1940s, so likely sometime after the dad's birthday dinner scene that we see. (Note that the subs in the online version are correct here)

Addendum #3:

There is a scene that was added to the international release that is not in the mainland version or the version that was released on Chinese streaming platforms. It takes place after they get the call about Pearl Harbor, after we see the invasion of the Japanese Army into the concessions. There is a conversation between Officer Watanabe and Mr. He, where Officer Watanabe discusses the politics of what occurred. He comments that Mr. He was late to their meeting and Mr. He says it is because he went to pick up pastries. Officer Watanabe asks him where the pastries are, and Mr. He says they are in the car. There is a moment of dramatic suspense as Mr. He walks slowly towards the car, brings out the pastry box, and gives it to Officer Watanabe, who opens it to see only the Napoleon cakes.

There are also many places in the movie where Cheng Er has changed the music for the international release, which is different from the mainland and online versions. He has cleaned up the timing in some parts and changed it in others to better fit the mood. Let's hope these changes get incorporated into the DVD release when it comes out! Still, I don't think that this takes away from the viewing experience of the mainland/online versions.

[anathemafiction]

I don’t have a question. I just wanted to let you know that I already considered your IF to be my favorite, but I love it even more now that I’m doing a playthrough with my mom. Mom used to read me to sleep every night as a kid and she loves stories, but she’s not really good with technology or phone apps. After many months of gushing about IF as a genre, the Golden Rose was the one she finally agreed to give a try. For a few weeks now, I’ve been calling her up and reading it aloud to her. She’s made choices I never expected, and has taken us both down paths of the game I’d never experienced before. (For example: Mom didn’t want to hear Garrett’s tragic backstory, and she was convinced Alessa was in on the map theft at first 😂) From the end of our first session, she’s been so excited to play as her MC Malyn and see what adventures the stoic, no-nonsense mercenary gets into. Words can’t express how grateful I am for the Golden Rose. It has now brought immeasurable joy not only to me, but also to my mother. Your incredible writing and game are truly a gift. Thank you so much 💕

This is so heartwarming, anon ❤ I really can't express how much this ask means to me. Unfortunately, my own mother doesn't understand English, so she can never read The Rose, which is something that has always… bothered me a bit. She was the first person I showed the first story I wrote when I was a child, and she continued to be the one I ran to whenever I finished something new. So, it's odd not having her reading my biggest project, but such is life.

I'm so glad your mom enjoyed the game! I'm glad she seems to enjoy IF, you should definitely try to play other games with her! All the best to you both, darlings. 🌹

[uncleasad]

(There was going to be a “Friday Night Thoughts III” but I’ve forgotten what it was while writing I and II.)

Friday night post-shower idea:

This one’s another Hallmark-y (thanks, @persevereforahappyending for putting that genre back into my head tonight. Also, thanks National Trust for Historic Preservation for the handy list of 6 historic-preservation-themed holiday movies this season, which I read a few weeks ago) scenario.

Hope’s a big-shot real estate developer or something from the city. She’s sent to snowy Mystic Falls to check on this property that seems ripe for the plucking and redevelopment into a fancy modern resort. (Oddly enough, this is not the first fic/fic idea where the Mikaelsons are property developers; that’s also the case in the divorcée Hope fic.)

It’s the historic Salvatore Boarding House B&B, where Hope and her parents stayed many times when she was young when they visited Mystic Falls in the winter for work/Christmas.

Today, the B&B is struggling. After the owner Hope knew when she was a child, Stefan Salvatore, died, the house passed to his widow, Caroline Forbes-Salvatore, and then to her daughters.

It’s been many years since Hope has come to Mystic Falls—as the family business took off, they had less time for extended Christmas holidays, and after her parents died…well, Hope doesn’t like to think about those years. But now she’s going to spend a few days before Christmas surveying the situation before the sharks officially pounce.

So it’s something of a shock to both of them when the woman behind the desk at checkin recognizes Hope as her playmate from days gone by. It’s Josie Parker [or Salvatore? not sure how I want this to go—but she’s not a Saltzman by name, even if I think maybe she is Alaric and Jo’s daughter, raised by Caroline and Stefan]…and she’s not just working the checkin desk, she’s running the B&B.

The two kinda reconnect and reminisce of the winter days they played together as children. Josie tries to get Hope to 1) slow down and 2) find the Christmas spirit she’d lost ever since her parents’ deaths. The pair eventually find out, to their horror, [Hope] that Josie is actually Caroline’s daughter and owns the B&B and [Josie] that Hope is part of the flock of vultures circling and is here for that purpose (perhaps Mikaelson Properties got taken over by…what was Tristan’s front company called? Here it’d be Aurora, and she and Hope are on pretty friendly terms, but…).

Hope and Josie, because they were kids, never knew each other’s last names, and Hope didn’t know Stefan and Caroline were Josie’s parents. Josie didn’t connect Hope to the vultures because even though she remembered Klaus and Hayley (and how pretty she was!), the company name changed after they died. Also, perhaps the company has already taken over the Lockwood Mansion—maybe via prior Mikaelson Properties relationship—and done stuff that irritates part of the town.

Yadda yadda yadda, conflict.

They both come to learn that Klaus and Hayley ran Mikaelson Properties in a way that helped preserve historic properties, not demolish them and replace them with soulless modern crap like the de Martel-run company does.

Maybe Hope learns she has a trust that’s been hidden from her, and somehow that money helps save the day—and the Salvatore Boarding House. Maybe she starts her own firm, running it in the preservationist tradition of her parents?

Hope stays for Christmas, mistletoe, hot chocolate, sees a vision of her parents happily smiling over her, Hosie happily ever after…

This synopsis is both way too detailed and clearly missing a bunch of important details 😂 but you get the picture, and hopefully future-me will, too, if I ever come back to it. Or if someone else wants to run with it.

[dizzyduck44]

Can we be a little bit realistic about Mick Schumacher.

At the moment I’m seeing equal parts rejoicing and absolute hate. I’ve been accused of being a level headed voice so let’s break this down.

Mick came to F1 with an ok record, nothing spectacular. The thing to remember is he came through the ranks with a huge crop of talent, I’ve mentioned this before, the class of 99. At the head of that crop was Lando Norris. He won virtually everything at the first attempt, the F2 titles and Macau being exceptions. Win move on, win move on. Mick was doing similar just having to wait for Lando to clear the series first. It resulted in a two year longer wait to arrive in F1 and that should be the first warning. He wasn’t the cream of the crop.

Now once in F1, holy hell, where do we start. Yes Ferrari were right not to put a rookie in their car alongside Le Clerc. However taking on Saniz should have sent alarm bells ringing in the Schumacher camp. Carlos had the talent but had always been made to feel unwanted in a team. His time at McLaren, a team who wanted him, listened to him and a team mate who made every day fun, even the bad ones, had seen his talent and personality blossom. Anyone who thought he was a seat warmer for Schumacher were in for a rude awaking.

So Ferrari place Mick at Haas, a customer team. On the face of it, perfect move. HOWEVER, the team had taken on a second rookie so instantly not the best environment to learn. A rookie who’s Dad is a major sponsor of the team. 😬 Then the team announce they will not develop the car this season. Right so learning is now reduced to 22 races of learn the tracks, learn how an F1 car handles and how to get lapped.

Let’s be honest here, was Haas the understanding and supportive environment Lando was given as a rookie at McLaren? Was there a wiser calmer head to discuss things through like Charles had at Alfa Romeo? Was Guther a Claire Williams like cheerleader with a Toto and Niki lurking in the background for honest advice like George had? Absolutely not.

Now let’s address the elephant in the room. All rookies have crashes. The first season you expect it. You expect mechanical failures as they are a little ham fisted with the delicate machines. (Please remember this for Oscar and Logan this year). You don’t expect Fernando Alonso to come flying over you! (Sorry wrong driver 😂). The point is Mick had, an as to be expected rookie season.

Then season 2, new cars, new teammate. It’s like starting from square one. Was there improvement, yes. Was there a few too many crashes, possibly, but everyone had their issues last year, even Max. As the year rolled on and Carlos won a race and Magnuson took a shock pole, it was becoming clear, the way to Ferrari was closed and Haas weren’t about to commit.

I’m not saying this would have been a knock to Mick’s confidence but it sure as hell wasn’t helping.

Then the other side of the coin started to roll. Mick was constantly referred to as respectful, thoughtful, mild mannered, eager to learn, he got on well with the other drivers. Lewis and Seb couldn’t speak highly enough of him.

The picture from Seb’s retirement meal of Lewis, Lando, Seb and Mick jumped out at me as two older drivers seeing themselves in younger driver and being there to guide them through the pitfalls they had already found.

As the end of the season dawned and Mick found himself out of a seat it is too easy to shout, he just isn’t good enough, he never was. My feeling is Toto saw the shitshow he has been through the last two years and thought he deserves a chance to learn in a better environment. Mick gets on well with Lewis and George and will learn so much from them that wasn’t available to him at Haas and Ferrari didn’t seem keen on offering.

I think Mick knew this was where he was heading for a while as towards the end of the season we saw him talking more with George and Lando. Maybe they were trying to be supportive, maybe he was fishing for info.

Mercedes’ customer teams allow him an opportunity to learn from Alonso and be around a genuine friend in Lance. At McLaren he would be with drivers his own age where he is the middle ground, not the experience of Lando but able to help Oscar. At Williams there is an opportunity to show them what he can do. It keeps him in the shop window.

I don’t think we can base Mick’s true F1 potential on two seasons at Haas. Is he the greatest on the grid? current evidence would say a long way from it. Does he deserve to be slung out as “not good enough”? I think this second chance with Mercedes will tell us. Proper teaching and other opportunities may do the young Schumacher wonders. Does he deserve hate for any of this? Absolutely not

[bliss-wily]

Hi! do you have some HC for Monster Zarbon? 👉🏻👈🏻

Croco boy needs love too, please

Hehe! Of course. I most agree as well, poor croco boy always gets pushed to the side, it’s sad. He’s been left out of so many recent games too, think the last one was Kakarot and he’s not even playable! Ahh…sorry I’m off on a tangent, anyway, headcanons! Under the cut of course~

I apologise if these overlap, I’ve repeated, or have said things that others may have said first. If I do it’s completely coincidental, this is just some of my thoughts.

Please note: May not be as many as some would overlap from his base for, but let’s get started! 🐊

General hcs:

•When Zarbon gets the crazy eyes then it’s game over. The croc is out even before the form has taken over. It’s like a switch that just flips in certain situations.

•High energy! At first, sleepy boy right after. Think of it like a puppy or kitten having zoomies and then just needing a nap soon after.

•His tastes are less refined, not as snobby. Probably a little bit questionable in some regard…I’ll leave that open ended. Whether that’s junk food, rocks or uh…enemies…that’s definitely up to individual perception.

•I think his hydrophobia wouldn’t be as bad, maybe even enjoys the water.

•Now pulling a fact that would be about crocodiles themselves: I think Zarbon could potentially regenerate teeth in this form, as an army general who fights I think it’s possible that his teeth have been damaged plenty. I don’t think Zarbon would let anything get in the way of his vanity. He has to have a perfect smile! Pretty teeth~

•I like to imagine that Zarbon sometimes has no control over his transformation - perhaps sometimes he enters it as a flight or fight response, or maybe even just wakes up as a croc. Either way no one will be getting to see him that way! He hides. After all I’m sure his profile in Raging Blast claimed he would ‘rather be ugly than dead’. (Not that his plan worked out to well…)

•He’s very squishy, and cuddly (although I don’t know that is necessarily recommend it 😂).

•I’ll put him at around 6’6” in base and just over 8’ in his transformation.

•Possibly mutated? Maybe something only the nobles/royalty of his species has - which also opens up questions about Yuzun. After all, I derive this from logic as I’m sure I remember seeing somewhere that many of the elites are mutated in some way.

•Some days he uncontrollably hisses. Again, creating this based on crocodile facts but oh well~

•The bumps he grows on his skin are definitely scutes. I’m sure this has advantages in the world of combat.

•This transformation is why Zarbon wears thigh highs and arm warmers. I think the expansion of his upper arms and thighs would likely rip through the spandex. Sure he’s already muscly to begin with but even more so like this.

•Maybe a little bit of a split personality? I imagine our crocodile boy is a bit more brash and less of a perfectionist than Zarbon. Maybe a sorta Eddie/Venom thing going on if that makes sense? The Croc is an inner voice that may try to sway decisions or even take over at times.

•But both forms are 100% the one person, it’s just Zarbon. But by god is this beautiful croc insecure - to base Zarbon I think his nightmare would be losing his ‘beauty’ and being permanently stuck in this form.

•Could crush a watermelon with his thighs!

•Unlike Yuzun I think his croc form is more a survival instinct or as I said earlier fight or flight - he needs to feel intense emotions most of the time to enter it or know his life is in danger. I don’t think it’s something he can just do at will.

•I know in his What If he wanted to have eternal youth and therefore instigated the fight between Frieza and Cooler but…I think Zarbon would probably just wish for his strength to be present in his base form.

Slice of life? Hcs? (Maybe? I don’t know 😅)

•If he were in a relationship I think he would try and hide this form from his partner.

•However, once hypothetical partner sees, I think it would be noted as just more of him to love.

•Belly rubs are a must! And as I said earlier cuddly - but without the risk.

•An appetite worse than a saiyan though. Better be plenty of food around - separate food supply for this boy. Because I’m dead certain base Zarbon would only want expensive food.

•Would not be caught dead in this form in public. Although also not a good idea to be outside in this form for extended periods of times…

•I think as time passes Zarbon kinda loses control of himself. As in, this man would likely chase after birds or sleep in the middle of nowhere.

•I don’t think he always hated his croc boy form, I imagine as a child that maybe he terrorised the other kids. Just this pint sized crocodile child running about being a menace to his kingdom!

•I think he learned to hate it and find it ugly. I think as a royal there would be put a lot of pressure put on Zarbon from an early age to look the part. I imagine there was some form of scolding or punishment involved.

•As a parent I think the croc form would come out if anyone threatened his child(ren). I think he would parent from a distance but at the right times he’s going to be there and at his worst! (Best really, croc Zarb is important).

Now for a random thought that’s definitely just crack at this point but I find it amusing:

•What do Xenoverse 2, Dokkan Battle, and Legends have in common? No transforming Zarbon! Imagine if Zarbon had just threatened the respective devs to not include his transformation? (I know there’s a SR in Dokkan but I’m not counting that)

•Although…part of me wonders if he was meant to have his transformed state in Xenoverse 2. From what I can remember…I think Bardock, Vegeta, Turles, Nappa, Raditz, Jaco, Frieza, Dodoria, Ginyu, Beerus, Whis, and Zarbon himself make reference to his transformation. Others might have too but I can’t remember.

•Speaking of which, I think his dislike of the more brutish members of the FF/PTO is simply because it reminds him of his other side. The man is a perfectionist and very focused on his reputation.

Sorry this is longer than I expected it to be but I just ran with it. Heheh…just not enough content for croc Zarbie which is a sad fact. He’s so adorable, I don’t see how he’s hideous at all.