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inevitably-johnlocked · 4 months ago

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Hi!! Love your acc, it's really useful for fics <33 I was wondering if you knew any fics that elaborated on the morgue scene (the one where john beat up shrelock) bc i always felt it was very brushed over in the series and frankly i think it needed to be elaborated on more.

Hey Nonny!

Ahh, yeah, I think I've been asked this a few times and I've just not ever posted a proper list. So because I need a list for this week, here's all of my TLD-adjacent fics I found doing a tag-search AND from old replies to other asks! Hope you enjoy, and add your own if you have them, friends!

TLD FIX-ITS / AFTERMATH of TLD

BOOKMARKS

Bridges by sussexbound (M, 6,602 w., 1 Ch || Post-TLD / S4 Fix It, Love Confessions, Mending Relationships, Moving Back In, Pining Sherlock, POV Sherlock, Past Abuse, Shaving) – The silence between them is deafening, interrupted only by the hum of the traffic outside, and the soft click-clunk of the plastic cups Rosie is playing with on the floor beside them. It is the first time they have been alone together, since Sherlock’s birthday. It’s only been two days, but it feels huge, important, like there is a precarious bridge stretched out before them both that they need to at least attempt to traverse.

The In-Between by blueink3 (M, 10,679 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Parentlock, Fix-It Fic, Canon Compliant) – Beginning in a Chinese restaurant and ending at the bottom of a well, what about the moments we didn’t see?

Drawn to Stars by Silvergirl (E, 109,272 w., 60 Ch. || S4 Compliant to TLD / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Sherlock’s Italian Adventure, Sherlock/OC and Johnlock, Jealous John, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, First Kiss/Time, Idiots in Love, 3 Part Story, Slow Burn, Inexperienced Sherlock, Bottom Sherlock, Introspection, Multiple Alternating First and Third Person POV, Separation and Reconciliation, Emotional Love Making, Love Confessions via Letters, Angst with Happy Ending) – After the Culverton Smith case Sherlock is clean, working, and looking for a romantic partner—since John has told him that’s what he needs. Shame John didn’t mention he was interested in that role himself, before Sherlock went off to Rome with a gorgeous Italian copper to try to fall in love and become a complete human being. Part 1 of the Drawn to Stars series

MARKED FOR LATER

toasting to grief by slylyaddictedtostories(T, 181 w., 1 Ch. || Poetry || Post T6T / TLD, Missing Scene) – John mussing over a drink about (missing) Sherlock and everything (he) they lost

Reconciliation by standbygo (T, 221 w, 1 Ch. || TLD Missing Scene, 221B Ficlet, Fix it Fic) – A missing scene from S4E2, "The Lying Detective". The hug was beautiful, but I wanted to add to it. My mother once said to me that you can forgive on your own, but you need to reconcile together.

My Heart Beats For You by jalexandria (M, 1,212 w., 1 Ch. || Hanahaki Disease AU || TLD Divergence, Angst, Non-Canonical Character Death, Sad Ending, Drugs, Pining Sherlock, Hurt John, Death Fic) – Things go very, very badly when John makes a horrible mistake.

Sherlock chooses himself by thewallflower07 (G, 2,035 w., 1 Ch. || Post TLD / No TFP, No Parentlock, Dialogue Heavy, Sherlock is a Mess, Sherlock and Feelings, John is Not Good, Angst) – Sherlock is a physical and emotional mess after John beats him bloody during the Culverton Smith case. He visits his therapist, who tells him to be selfish for the first time in his life. When John appears with his daughter and asks him to move back, Sherlock has to make a very difficult decision.

Reasons Wretched and Divine by Anyawen (G, 2,218 w., 1 Ch. || TLD Fix-It, John Has Issues, Admissions, Apologies, Explanations, Conversations, Emotions, Injury Recovery, Hurt/Comfort, Sick Fic, Drama & Angst, Declarations, Suicide, Assault, Marriage, Death, Drug Use, Guilt) – In the aftermath of Smith's arrest, John faces his anger and his regrets, exposing his vulnerabilities to Sherlock. They find ways to heal together.

Antiseptic by LipstickDaddy (G, 3,599 w., 1 Ch. || S4 / TLD Fix-It, Unseen Moments, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Emotional / Psychological Abuse, Mutual Pining, Love Confessions, Protective Mycroft, Protective Greg, BAMF Mrs Hudson, Requited Unrequited Love) – What did John hear on that secret tape from Culverton’s hospital?

It Is What It Is by SpookyPorg (T, 3,874 w., 1 Ch. || TLD Fix It, Angst, Hug Scene, Love Confessions, Pining, Happy Ending, Making Out, Grief, First Kiss / Time) – After the very traumatizing events at the hospital, and John's heroic last-minute rescue, Sherlock is recovering at 221B. Doing his part to keep Sherlock under strict supervision, John pays a visit to his old flat for the first time in months. Reconciliation leads to confession.

The Tragedy Of Us by LipstickDaddy (G, 3,898 w., 2 Ch. || Post TLD, Angst, Romance, Tragedy, Hurt / Comfort, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Miscommunication, Requited Unrequited Love, Ambiguous / Open Ending) – John reflects on his relationship with Sherlock while the man is convalescing in hospital— twice.

wires Series by highfunctioningsociopath (M, 5,000+ w. across 2 works || Series WiP || Post T6T / TLD, Angst, Hurt / No Comfort, Loneliness, Mind Palace, Survivor Guilt, Mental Health Issues, Drug Addiction / Abuse, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Sherlock POV, Missing Scenes, Introspection, Psychological Trauma, Abusive Relationships, Grey Mary, Withdrawal, Depression, Self-Esteem Issues) – The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, after all. It just so happens to be lined with self-destruction.

I Want to Hear You Say It by LollipopCop (M, 8,000 w., 2 Ch. || TLD / S4 Fix It, Suicidal Thoughts, Heavy Angst, Love Confessions, Suffocation, Crying, First Kiss, Pining Sherlock, Happy Ending) – Instead of making Sherlock say he doesn't want to die, Culverton Smith forces Sherlock to repeatedly confess that he loves John before his death.

The Waning of Withdrawal by LoloLolly (E, 8,248 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TLD Fix-It, First Kiss, First Time, Mentions of Abuse, Mentions of Alcoholism, Mentions of Drug Addiction, Sexual Identity, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Sherlock's Scars, Bed Sharing, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Grief, Guilt) – Sherlock holds a weeping John in his arms and… does something that will forever change things between them. For better or worse. He fears the latter.

Slowly Suffocating by meet_me_in_samarra (M, 9,500 w., 7 Ch. || TLD Fix It, Suffocation, Hurt / Comfort, Whump) – Getting suffocated took some time. Enough time for Sherlock to ponder what went wrong. Hopefully also long enough for John to arrive and rescue him. Culverton Smith applied more pressure, impatient to turn Sherlock into a dead thing. A continuous story written for Whumptober 2023, following the 31 prompts for each day.

And Then There Were Two by NimWallace (T, 10,194 w., 20 Ch. || Post S4, Mutual Pining, Case Fic, Slow Burn, Angst, Grief / Mourning, Mystery, Cults) – It's quiet at Baker Street. Too quiet. It's been a year since Mary died, but only a few months since the events of the Final Problem, and Sherlock and John have fallen into a state of despairing and monotony. So when a case involving a vicious cult on the English Country side appears, they quickly jump to go undercover as Sean Harmony and John Wales. But how can Sherlock keep a delicate John from breaking? And how can John come to terms with his love for his detective? Most importantly, what really happened the night of the Final Problem?

The Death and Resurrection of a Beekeeper by shiplocks_of_love (M, 12,922 w., 1 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || TLD / S4 Fix-It Fic, Sherlock’s Retirement, Sussex / Seaside, Brief Mentions of Suicidal Thoughts, Emotional Trauma, Angst with Hopeful Ending, Estranged Friends to Lovers, Partial Epistolary, No Eurus) – Sherlock escapes London for a quiet, solitary life in Sussex, exhausted after the whirlwind of drama following Mary’s death. One day, a letter arrives.

A Midnight Clear by khorazir (T, 13,120 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas-Carol Inspired || Post S3/Post-TLD / TFP Doesn't Exist, Christmas, Angst, Fluff, Pining, Canon-Typical Violence, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, Implied / Referenced Drug Use, Magical Realism) – It’s Christmas Eve, and Sherlock is working. Because that’s what he does. He doesn’t need Christmas, or holiday cheer, or even company. He’s fine on his own, thank you very much – until a series of strange encounters on his way back to Baker Street makes him reconsider.

The Ashes on the Ground by 221Beloved (M, 13,545+ w., 5/22 Ch. || WiP || Post-TLD, Miscommunication, Pining, Depression, Angst with Happy Ending, POV Sherlock) –What happens after? After the fire has burnt down and left nothing but ashes? Roughly two and a half years after what happened at Smith's hospital, things have settled. But have they really? Or is it all still hovering. And what if someone whirls up the ashes again? An old acquaintance. Can something new arise from cold ashes? Something stronger?

Entitled by Ranowa (T, 14,023 w., 2 Ch. || TLD Timeline, Canon-Typical Violence, Drug Use, Paternal Lestrade, John’s a Bit Not Good, Sherlock is a Mess) – Lestrade draws a line, because he knows Sherlock won't.

Hope is a Subtle Glutton by isitandwonder (E, 15,753 w., 1 Ch. || No Johnlock, Sherlock/OMC, Racism, Aftermath of Violence, Happy Ending) – This is a story about Sherlock Holmes finally finding love and the happiness he deserves - just not with John Watson.

Angry Men by FawnHickory (M, 16,975 w., 16 Ch. || WiP || Post TLD Morgue Incident, Hurt/Comfort, Domestic Violence, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Self Examination, Big Brother Mycroft, Past Abuse, Sad Sherlock) – Greg gave John some things to consider in Destroy Him. John faces some uncomfortable truths about himself. Part 2 of the A Good Man and An Angry Man

What It Can Be by amaruuk (T, 18,310 w., 1 Ch. || Post TLD, Healing Friendship, Mutual Pining, First Kisses, Cake) – "Which is why we're all taking it in turns to keep you off the sweeties." With the help of his friends, Sherlock is healing from drug overuse and physical injuries. He is also trying to salvage his friendship with John with the hope that, perhaps, they can make it something more.

Hot Water Bottle by khorazir (T, 18,436 w., 1 Ch. || Post TLD / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Misunderstandings, Communication, Demisexual Sherlock, Bisexual John, Autumn, Bed Sharing, Developing Relationship, First Kiss) – A case in one of the remotest corners of the Lake District, a storm, an inn, a broken boiler, a room with two beds but only one hot water bottle, and two men who have a lot to sort out between them – all of this makes for a night to remember.

Contrition by sussexbound (E, 18,556+ w., 5/? Ch. || WiP || Post-S4/TFP Didn’t Happen, Rosie Doesn’t Exist, T6T/TLD is Canon, Year After TLD, Light BDSM, Soft Dom Sherlock / Sub John, Punishment, Light Bondage, Light Masochism / No Sadism, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Tenderness, Aftercare, Forgiveness, Edging, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Mutual Masturbation, Hand Jobs, Anal Fingering, Rimming, Frottage, Communication, Sexual Negotiation, Sexual Tension, Spanking, Head Injury, Anal Sex) – “You’ve been tense ever since we got back, itching for a fight, all your usual tells, but why…?” The truth strikes like lightning. “Oh… Oh! You’re not angry at me. Not this time. Well—maybe a little. But mostly, mostly you’re angry at yourself. Why? For falling behind? For not being there in time. For not taking Wilkes down fast enough?” Sherlock waves a dismissive hand. “It doesn’t really matter.” He lifts a finger to his swollen cheek and cut eyebrow. “You blame yourself for this. And you offered to fix it. But I wouldn’t let you, and… But that’s not what you really want, anyway, is it?” John looks stunned, a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming lorry, frozen, waiting for the lethal strike. “You don’t want me to let you help. At least not right away. No. What you want, what you really want is—punishment.”

The Nearer Your Destination by Silvergirl (E, 18,949 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TLD, Established Relationship, Wedding, Venice Honeymoon, Parentlock, Jealousy) – After a December wedding, Sherlock takes John to Venice for a February honeymoon. It's absolutely perfect, up until the moment he hears John growl, "What the hell is Zanardi doing here?" Part 4 of the Drawn to Stars series

Repentance by LollipopCop (E, 19,782 w., 2 Ch. || Post-TLD/Post S4 Fix It, Not TFP-Compliant, John-Centric, Angst, Self-Loathing, Hugging, First Kiss/Time, Rosie, Love Confessions, Crying, John’s Issues) – John cannot understand why Sherlock even wants to look at him after the horrible way he acted, and his guilt is destroying him. Why doesn’t Sherlock snap at him, scream at him, treat him the way he deserves?

The Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Misfortune by Sherlockwatsonholmesblog (M, 20,455+ w., 4/7 Ch || Post TLD, Five Stages of Grief, Estranged Friends to Lovers, Implied / Referenced Suicide, Self Hatred, Slow Burn, Emotional Trauma, Recovery) – There seems to be something tragic in a friendship so coloured by romance, for they have loved each other immensely. However, Some Days, love isn’t enough. Sherlock and John persevering, as always.

Becoming Us (A reunion in three parts) by addicted2hugh (E, 23,207 w., 3 Ch. || S4 Fix It, Pining Sherlock, Grief/Mourning, Hurt Sherlock, Hurt/Comfort, Protective John, First Time, POV Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Light Parentlock, Bottom Sherlock, Self-Harm, Drug Addiction, Sherlock is a Mess) – After watching Mary's last message, Sherlock and John try to be the "Baker Street Boys" again. Rebuilding the destroyed flat is the easy part. Will they manage to rebuild their friendship as well? And what did Mary mean when she said: "And if I'm gone, I know what you could become."?

Danger Nights by khorazir (T, 23,591 w., 3 Ch. || Post-TLD, Friends to Lovers, Mentioned Parentlock, Pining, First Kiss/Time, Winter, Folklore, Wales, Spooky Elements, Bed Sharing, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Spooky Elements) – According to folklore, the nights between Christmas and Twelfth Night are the most dangerous of the year. During them, the Wild Hunt rides, and ghosts and demons come out to haunt unsuspecting and misbehaving folk. An investigation of a series of strange occurrences leads John and Sherlock to Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh Marches, to face ghosts weird and ancient as well as close and personal – and perhaps to start the new year on a more hopeful note than the previous one.

the silence of your words by dyingofangst (E, 27,326 w., 6 Ch. || Post TLD / TFP Isn’t Canon, Case Fic, Estranged Friends to Lovers, Kidnapping, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Angst with Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Bed Sharing, Night Conversations, Self-Esteem Issues) – Three years after John decided to distance himself from Sherlock, Rosie is kidnapped and John asks for Sherlock's help. But they're not what they used to be, and even if they learned how to heal on their own, there are still many things left unsaid between them, things they'll have to put aside to focus on finding Rosie, while both hoping it's not too late.

under the burden of solitude by subtext-is-my-division (E, 27,947 w., 5 Ch. || S3/S4 Fix It/Post TLD, Angst, Grief/Mourning, First Kiss, Mentions of Rape, Hurt/Comfort, Pining Sherlock, Sherlock POV, Fantasies, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Suicidal Thoughts Mentions, Five and Ones) – Five times they shared a bed platonically, and one time they didn't.

Entangled by missselene (E, 29,044 w., 13 Ch. || Original Male Character, One-Sided Johnlock, Online Dating, Lonely Sherlock, Dancing, First Kiss, Oblivious John, Dev. Rel., Jealous John) – Sherlock knows John will never return his feelings. So what if he decided to look for love elsewhere? Part 1 of the Sherlock & Sanjay series

Lessons in Astronomy Series by CaitlinFairchild (E, 31,164 w. across 3 stories || Angst, Post S3, Grief/Mourning, Mildly DubCon, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Physical Abuse, Oral/Anal Sex, Unrequited Love, Pining, Sibling Incest (No Actual Holmescest), Masturbation, Accidental Voyeurism, Drug Addiction, Romance, Dev. Rel., Trust Issues, Happy Ending) – In a different time, a more naive time, Sherlock thought he was the star and John the satellite, circling him in worshipful orbit. He knows now that was never true. John was always the sun, bright and fierce, and Sherlock was the pale, cold moon, his only heat coming from the light he reflected. And then his sun went into supernova. Moriarty said he would burn him and he has, and John is the fire, his rage and grief incinerating Sherlock, burning the heart out of him in the end, turning him into nothing but cinder and ash. And now the supernova is collapsing, a black hole born where there was once warmth and heat and love, and Sherlock is being pulled down, down past the event horizon, into the endless frozen void where nothing can ever escape.

A Case for Domestic Propinquity by SilentAuror (E, 32,308 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TFP / Post S4 Fix It, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Domesticity) – As Sherlock and John renovate Baker Street with Rosie underfoot, Sherlock can't help but wondering how he could possibly convince John to just stay indefinitely... [TRANSLATIONS: 中文-普通话國語] | Русский]

Afghan Bullets, Beards, and Unlocked Bedroom Doors Series by addicted2hugh (E, 38,761+ w. across 2 works || WiP || Post-S4, Bearded John, Porn With Feelings, Friends to Lovers, First Time, Virgin Sherlock, References to Canon, Flashbacks, Mutual Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Drug Use, References to Suicide, Grief/Mourning, Top Sherlock, Reunion) – Set after series 4. The boys are living together again, and John's new style drives Sherlock crazy. He's trying to keep his besotted heart and over-excited libido a secret, but John has other plans. Lots. Of. SEX. And love.

A Thing With Peas by khorazir (M, 39,5537 w., 3 Ch. || Post-S3/Post-TLD/TFP Doesn't Exist, Fluff and Angst, Communication, Demisexual Sherlock, Asexuality, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Pining, Idiots in Love, Friends to Lovers, Developing Relationship, Implied / Referenced Drug Use, Parentlock, First Kiss) – Sherlock does the laundry. John cooks a thing with peas. They talk. Finally.

Limerence by SherlockWatson_Holmes (NR, 41,763 w., 17 Ch. || S4 / TLD Fix It, Character Death, Drug Use, Slow Burn, Angst with Happy Ending) – Limerence (noun); The state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person: typically characterised by a strong desire to maintain a relationship with the object of love and have one’s feelings reciprocated. S4 fix-it, starting on the tarmac.

Nocturne by SilentAuror (E, 47,927 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4 / S4 Fix It, Trauma, Bed Sharing, Friends to Lovers, POV John, Sherlock Whump) – When Sherlock is injured at a crime, an avalanche of suppressed trauma opens up. John ends up moving into his bedroom to ward off the nightmares, hoping against hope that this arrangement can last indefinitely. This is a story of nights spent together, trauma recovery, and John finally learning some truths long hidden.

The Night Is Darkest by missselene (E, 48,461 w., 8 Ch. || Post-TLD, Extremely Dub Con, S4 Rage Monster John, Insecure Sherlock, Self-Esteem Issues, Sexual Exploration, Healing, Self Care, Self Acceptance, Sexual Exploration, Casual Sex, Gentle Sex, Sherlock/OMC, Threesome with 2 OMCs, Implied/Referenced Domestic Violence, Communication, Internalized Homophobia, Relationship Negotiation) – Sherlock Holmes would do anything for John Watson... and that includes letting John do whatever he wants to him. What would it take for Sherlock to stand up for himself and finally start taking care of his own needs?

Borrowed Ghosts by DiscordantWords (M, 57,216 w., 10 Ch. || TLD Divergence / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Minor Lestrolly, Pining Sherlock, John’s a Mess, Heavy Angst with Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, Ghost Mary, Guilt, Forgiveness, Drinking, No Hug Scene) – In the aftermath of the Culverton Smith case, John spent one painfully stilted afternoon hanging out with Sherlock. He counted the minutes, finished his tea, and left for home without ever clearing the air between them.And once he'd left, he found it very hard to go back.

Lost In A Good Book by khorazir (M, 68,552 w., 6 Ch. || Magical Realism / Discworld Elements || Post TLD, Miscommunication, L-Space, Developing Relationship, Parentlock, Demisexual Sherlock, Bisexual John, Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Bookshop) – After chasing a criminal into a poky second-hand bookshop, John and Sherlock find themselves not only stuck in the building, but in L-space itself. With things still raw and unsettled between them after the events surrounding the Culverton Smith case, this adds another dimension to their predicament, which not only constitutes of finding a way out of the shop (while avoiding getting murdered by the criminal), but also to finally address the issues between them.

This Would Make You Happy? by Ranowa (M, 71,217 w., 10 Ch. || Post-TLD Fix It, Past Viclock, Past Sherlock/OMC, Therapy, Protective John, Drug Use, Pining, Autistic Sherlock, Angst with a Happy Ending) – John, more than anything else, wants Sherlock to be happy. Sherlock, more than anything else, wants to make John happy. These two goals are not as in sync as one would think.

"Merry Christmas" I wrapped it up and sent it with a note saying "I love you" by starrysummernights (E, 135,132+ w., 30/31 Ch. || WIP || Post S4, Slow Burn, Mary is Not Nice, Christmas, Fluff, Smut, Angst, Parentlock, Past Torture / Rape) – John has moved back into 221B with his daughter Rosie after Mary was killed, but things are not exactly comfortable between him and Sherlock. After everything that has happened, they are trying to become friends again...and maybe something more. What better time than the Christmas season?! Takes place after TLD.

Limitless Ocean by angel-loving-star (M, 150,730+ w., 21/36 Ch. || WIP || Post-TLD / S4 Fix It, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, John's PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Sherlock Whump, Alcohol Abuse, Past Drug Addiction, Fluff, Parentlock, Coming Out, Nightmares, Panic / Anxiety Attacks, Dissociation, Alternating POV, Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm Ideation, Internalized Homophobia, Closeted John, Angst, Insomnia, Domestics, Cuddling / Snuggling, Gay Sherlock) – Sherlock is recovering from the Culverton Smith case. But there are some things that time or body can't heal. When John and Rosie unexpectedly move back in 221B the day after Sherlock's birthday, nothing is as it used to be. Both he and John are treading on thin ice. It is only a matter of time until the first cracks appear. Until they begin to sink into the freezing waters of the ocean beneath, and are forced to face their demons, each other, and what has been lurking in the dark for far, far too long. Until it is only them, the promise of sky above the surface, and the limitless ocean flooding into their hearts.

The Chemist by TheGracefulBlueCat (M, 158,385 w., 46/? Ch. || WiP || TLD Fix-It, Drug Use and Withdrawal, Hurt/Comfort, Doctor John, Protective Mycroft, Sick Sherlock, Medical Procedures, Grief/Mourning, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Nightmares, Mental Health Issues, Victorian Sherlock, Asperger’s Sherlock, Sherlock Is Not Okay, Papa Lestrade, Drunkenness, Autistic Sherlock, Synesthesia, Insecure Sherlock, Angst, Sick Fic, Case Fic, Asylums) – Sherlock returns to Baker Street and faces detox. But he feels too exhausted and bad to go through it fully conscious, so he - once more - uses his mind palace to distract him with an old case. But due to his drug issues and the tension between him and John things don’t work as smoothly as everyone hoped they would, confronting Sherlock and all his friends with more of their demons than they would have liked to.

Radioactive Trees In A Red Forest by Maribor_Petrichor (E, 280,251 w., 73 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-S4, Suicidal Ideations, Alcohol / Rx Drug Abuse, Coming Out / Bisexual John, Seizures, Past/Referenced/Implied Child Abuse, Hallucinations, Rehab, Celibacy, Sobriety / Relapse, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Grief/Mourning, Psychological Trauma, Nice /Not Anti-Mary, John’s POV, Parentlock, First Time, Angst, Switchlock, Angst with Happy Ending) – John Watson is what happens when a man can no longer see a reason to go on. John Watson is what happens when a man starts to let go. "It is what it is." John Watson is what happens when what "it is" becomes too much to bear. This is a story of the life, death, and resurrection of John Hamish Watson.

#steph replies #johnlock fic recs #long post #tld fics #aftermath of tld fics #my fic recs

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ros3ybabe · 5 months ago

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Daily Check-in:

July 2nd, 2024 🎀

Hello! I'm backkkkk! Now that I'm finally doing stuff again, I figured I'd start my daily check ins again and keep myself motivated and accountable with doing productive stuff daily! no challenges, no pressure, just an understanding that something is better than nothing!

🩷 What I Accomplished:

took a 2.5 hour nap in the morning (had an anxiety attack randomly that left ne absolutely exhausted but the nap was so nice)

reviewed a few Spanish lessons on Busuu

completed 2 new Spanish lessons on Busuu

completed 2 Korean Hangul lessons on Busuu

booked an Italki Spanish lesson for July 15th

booked an Italki trial lesson in Korean for July 24th (pushing myself to learn the alphabet and study as much as possible til then so I won't be an absolute absolute beginner, hopefully)

reached out to a tattoo/piercing shop about some piercings my friends and I want to maybe get while in Colorado

bought a margarita pizza from a little Italian pizza shop and it was DELICIOUS

journaled in the morning

did my night time skincare (I needed it, my face was dry and flaky)

drank ~40oz of water (definitely should've drank more)

reached out to an online health and fitness coach, so we'll see how that goes, if it goes anywhere

💔 What Could've Gone Better:

random anxiety attack stopped me from going to workout so I stayed in bed most of the day, exhausted

didn't get many steps in or do much in general

ate 4 out of the 6 slices of pizza (it was comforting, idk. it happens, so I won't beat myself up. saved those 2 slices for my roommates if she wants them!)

could've definitely spent less time on tiktok and more time studying the languages I'm trying to learn

might even broken my middle toe on my left foot after slamming it into the side of a bottom drawer that I didn't know was open

💗 Stuff For Tomorrow (July 3rd)

make all necessary payments (rent, new apartment, credit cards, etc)

study Spanish a bit (~1 hour or more)

study Korean Hangul a decent amount (~1 hour, or more, preferably)

try to workout or at least keep my steps up

do laundry

wash our towels (housekeeping here in seriously not the best)

find somewhere to buy Tylenol and tape for my (most likely) broken toe

try not to spend too much money eating out today, since I got paid

do not forget to take my medications!

morning journaling and night journaling

doing my skincare in the morning and at night

keeping up with my hygiene in general, like brushing teeth, shower exfoliation, Shaving, etc (kinds like having a self care maintenance day)

💕 Song of The Day: Girls Never Die - tripleS

this is my favorite song to listen to on the bus home from work at the moment

not much left to say, but today will definitely be a good day for me! I'll make sure of it

til next time lovelies 🩷

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tobiasdrake · 5 months ago

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Digimon Adventure 01x23 - My Friend, WereGarurumon / WereGarurumon's Diner

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Yamato went out for cigarettes and I guess he didn't find them because that was three days ago. As he left, he forgot to tell Takeru not to talk to strangers. So Takeru talked to strangers. So, so much.

Now it's time to learn what became of Yamato.

Yamato and Gabumon pull up to the shore, elsewhere on this vast lake.

Yamato: Where are we? Did the wind blow us off-course? Gabumon: Huh? Look over there! Yamato: Digimon? But why?

Gabumon calls Yamato's attention to a Monzaemon, Cockatrimon, and Yukidarumon all heading the same direction. Likely not the ones we've met before, since two of those guys are on File Island and the other one exploded.

(Yamato, how could the wind blow you off-course? Not only are you in a pedal boat but you were scouting. You didn't have a course.)

Dub Gabumon and Matt reverse their roles here.

Gabumon: Where are we, Matt? Don't tell me we're lost again. Yamato: Okay, I won't. But just take a look at that ridge up there. Gabumon: Where? (looks) Hey! Other Digimon! Yamato: I say we follow them wherever they're going and hope they're not lost too.

Yamato and Gabumon get in line and follow the grown-ups to a cozy little establishment just down the road.

Yukidarumon: The usual! Kakigori! Cockatrimon: Me too! Monzaemon: A bowl of purin, please. Vegiemon: Sure! Your orders are all set. Thank you for your continued patronage.

"Italian ice", subtitle? Italian ice is similar to a snow cone, in that it's made without applying any dairy to the concoction. It's ice and syrup, but mixed together during the freezing process instead of pouring the syrup on already-frozen ice.

It's delicious. I love it. But that's not what kakigori is. Kakigori is distinguished from your typical snow cone by its shaving process, which produces incredibly fine shavings that require a spoon to eat. Also, kakigori does sometimes use milk for flavor.

Monzaemon orders purin, which is literally pudding, but a specific kind of pudding. It's a custard pudding topped with caramel.

The dub localizes... most of this order adequately.

Frigimon: The usual, waiter: A large snow cone! Kokatorimon: Same here! Monzaemon: Mmhmm. And rotten fruit! Vegiemon: Okay, okay! I got it! A #4 and two specials!

Wait, how can the snow cones be "the usual" if they're today's special? Those two dining concepts don't go together. Also, rotten fruit? Why? Why rotten specifically?

This is the kind of gag you usually do when, like, you're writing an ultra-evil villain who's so evil that their basic lifestyle choices are sinister inversions of normal things. "I brush my teeth with Coca-Cola and wait for my bananas to rot before eating them!" But. It's Monzaemon, the cuddliest of teddy bears. Weird.

From here, the narrator delivers the rundown with a most unfortunate romanization of Vegiemon's name.

XD No, I'm sorry, but we will not be calling him Vagimon. The katakana of his name clearly spells out "Bejiemon".

It probably goes without saying, but yes, the dub did break out the black sharpie for that portion of the screen.

In any case, it's time for the rundown. Vegiemon is an Adult-stage Virus-type Plant Digimon. Bit of a loser too. Conceived as his bracket's equivalent to Numemon or Scumon. Poorly trained, ill cared for, and - notably - overfed. Hence running a diner.

Narrator: Vegiemon. A small Digimon who can skillfully maneuver with his vines. Though lacking in offensive capability, his personality is atrociously atrocious. In short, he's mean.

Over in the dub, Joe spoils his involvement in this episode to give us our diegetic rundown.

Joe: Meet Vegiemon, the maniacal manager of a run-down cafe. He puts a new spin on the term 'slave driver'.

Joe calls the place run-down, which may explain why they serve rotten fruit. In the original it's just. Like. Some diner. Nothing remarkable one way or another.

As Yamato and Gabumon approach his diner, they suddenly hear a commotion from within.

Vegiemon: Hey! Go find some more customers!

Vegiemon hurls Gomamon out the door, landing him right in front of Yamato and Gabumon.

Yamato: Gomamon? Gabumon: Gomamon! Gomamon: Gabumon? Yamato! Yamato: So, does this mean Jou is here?

Sure enough, the boys enter the kitchen to find Jou making soup.

Not 100% sure on child labor rights in Japan but Jou is 12 so this would probably be illegal where he comes from. Of course, whether it is or isn't, Japanese law doesn't apply to Server Continent.

(In fact, with the Digimon King dead, do we even have any laws anymore? I wonder what Etemon's judicial policy was like. Do you think he settled lawsuits via dance-off? Questions for later; The boys have a reunion to get to.)

Jou: Yamato! Yamato: Jou! So this is where you've been. Jou: (sheepish) Uh, yeah.... Yamato: Everyone split up after what happened. Takeru and I are the only ones left. Jou: Yeah, about that. Remember how we divvied up the work and I went looking for food? Well, what happened was....

Jou's story begins with scavenging. Joe, on the other hand, starts his tale a bit different.

Joe: It started when we all went our separate ways to look for Tai.

Reinforcing that, in the dub, they never gave up on Tai. Though, according to the last episode, they split up to look for Sora. Honestly, I'm not sure the dub knows who they were looking for anymore.

We already know why Sora left. Now, as Jou enters into a flashback, we get to learn about the fate that befell him. It seems PicoDevimon ensnared him with an oldie but a goodie.

PicoDevimon: You're a human, aren't you? Jou: Eh? PicoDevimon: I saw a lot of other beings like you not far from here. Jou: EHHHH!?!? There are other humans here besides us!? PicoDevimon: If you don't hurry, they might leave and we won't know where they went. Let's go, I'll take you there. Jou: Th-thank you, but-- PicoDevimon: (takes flight) HURRY, HURRY!!! LET'S GO!!! Jou: (reluctant) R-right! (gives chase)

There's a fan-theory that PicoDevimon is Devimon reincarnated. At some point in the last couple months, he hatched from his Digitama, grew to Child-stage, and made his way to Server to regroup with the other servants of Apocalymon. The way he seizes on such a specific vulnerability for Jou here, one that hasn't come up at any point on Server, makes a compelling argument for it.

PicoDevimon leads Jou out of the desert, only to vanish somewhere.

Jou: (V.O.) Along the way, we lost sight of him. We tried to turn back, but we couldn't find any familiar landmarks. Just when our stomachs started grumbling, we found this restaurant.

And the dub scores a point. Jou did, in fact, just get lost while wandering around. Though the fates of Koushiro (also alleged lost) and Mimi (swallowed by the desert IDK) remain unknown.

The dub can't lean on Jou wanting to find humans, since they scrubbed that plot point from File Island's entire arc. So instead, Joe just got lost wandering the desert because he sucks at navigation.

Joe: (V.O.) I wasn't lost. I definitely knew where I wasn't; I just didn't know where I was. I think. DemiDevimon: You're lost, aren't you? Joe: AUGH! Why would you sneak up on me like that!?

Note: DemiDevimon is standing directly in front of Joe.

Joe: Who are you!? DemiDevimon: Just a friend. I thought you'd like to know I saw some other humans just like you nearby! Joe: You say you saw my friends!? Which way!? DemiDevimon: (takes flight) This way! But we gotta hurry before we lose 'em! Joe: (V.O.) I was sure he was leading us the wrong way, but who was I to question him? It's not like I knew my way around. Eventually, we ended up at this restaurant which, at the time, was good because we were starving!

It's basically, the same, but swapping out Generic Humans for the other DigiDestined, since Joe's lost and all. Not bad. B+ in covering up for problems created by past decisions.

Jou and Gomamon eat their fill, but things take a sharp turn southward when they go to pay their check.

Vegiemon: Thanks for your patronage! Jou: Will this be enough? Vegiemon: (glances at the bill) Sir, don't joke around.

Suddenly, a Numemon bounces up onto the counter to pay his own bill. He sets down a nice, crisp $10 bill. American.

Jou: (shocked) ...dollar? Vegiemon: OF COURSE!!! Jou: You... don't accept Japanese yen? Vegiemon: Huh? What's that? Jou: ... Vegiemon: (realizing) D... Don't tell me... YOU CAN'T PAY!?!?

In Jou's defense, this is an easy mistake to make. How could he possibly have known we've slipped over into the American side of Digimon World when everybody's speaking Japanese?

Here, we have another problem that the dub's going to have to deal with. They've been trying to present the kids' home as ambiguously the U.S.-ish. So the dollar vs. yen plot point isn't going to work here. Gonna be hard to bullshit around that bill on the counter, too, because the camera goes in for a closeup on the tenner.

What are you going to do with this, dub team? Let's see it.

Vegiemon: And now, the bill! Joe: Oh, of course! This should be enough. Vegiemon: What are you, some kinda comedian, pal!? Joe: Huh? Numemon: (hops up to pay) Here you go, Vegiemon! (Closeup on the $10 bill) Joe: (shocked) ...dollar bills!? Vegiemon: WHAT DID YOU EXPECT!?!? Joe: W-Well, I was... Um... Um... Uhhh... All I have are DigiDollars? Vegiemon: Some play money is all you have!? Joe: ... Vegiemon: So. What I'm hearing is... YOU ACTUALLY THOUGHT I'D LET YOU EAT WITHOUT PAYING!?!?

Okay. So. There exists a fictional currency called DigiDollars. That the children possess, but is not accepted for goods and services in Digimon World. Digimon just use American bucks, not that weird human currency DigiDollars.

F. XD This one gets an F. Would it have been that hard to just cut the shot of the dollar bill? You've cut so many shots already.

Back in the present, Yamato summarizes.

Yamato: So now they're making you work to pay off your bills. Jou: Yeah. I didn't think it would turn out like this.

Already we can kinda see red flags in this situation. Like. It was one meal. Having to wash dishes for a night is reasonable but why is he still here?

Suddenly, Vegiemon storms into the kitchen.

Vegiemon: YOU'RE LATE!!! THE CUSTOMERS ARE WAITING!!! Hurry up and serve the food! Jou: Y-Yes, sir!

Jou pours what looks like beef stew into a bowl. This is neither kakigori nor purin so I guess they got more customers while Jou was reminiscing.

Vegiemon takes the bowl from the counter, then notices Yamato and Gabumon.

Vegiemon: Hm? Who are you? Yamato: I'm his friend. Vegiemon: So what are you doing back here? You got some business to take care of?

Vegiemon tastes the stew, then screams and throws it at the counter.

Vegiemon: DISGUSTING!!! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FEED THIS TO CUSTOMERS!?!? MAKE A NEW ONE!!! Jou: Oh no.... Vegiemon: I'm adding that to your debt too! Jou: Ehhhh!? Yamato: How long do you have to work to pay it off? Jou: Well, at first, it was only supposed to be three days. But every time I make a mistake, it gets extended. Now it's up to two weeks! Vegiemon: It's not my fault! I'm just taking back the losses I've suffered from this guy!

I think someone needs to explain the Sunk Cost Fallacy to Vegiemon. If employing Jou is bringing in more expense than profit, he's better off eating his losses and throwing Jou out on his ass. At a certain point, you just have to stop throwing good money after bad.

Over in the dub, I gotta say, Vegiemon's English actor is phenomenal and understood the assignment so well. He plays Mean Capitalist Jackass to a T, and spices it up with a Brooklyn accent.

Vegiemon: HEY, WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!?!? I'M NOT GETTING RICHER WITH YOU CHIT-CHATTIN'!!! (commercial break, returning on a replay of Vegiemon bursting into the kitchen) Vegiemon: WHAT, YOU WANT ME TO SAY PRETTY PLEASE!? DISH OUT THAT STEW!!! Joe: Waugh! Okay! Alright! Quit yelling or you're going to make me spill all over my pants! Vegiemon: Ha! About time. (notices Matt and Gabumon) Who are these jokers? Matt: We're friends of Joe and Gomamon. Vegiemon: Well, whoop-de-doo and good for you! (tastes the stew and then chucks it) RARGH!!! DISGUSTING!!! I CAN'T GIVE THAT TO MY CUSTOMERS!!! Joe: Um... But... But I.... Vegiemon: Now you'll work an extra day for the ingredients you wasted! Joe: Another day? Matt: One more day!? On top of how long, Joe? Joe: Well, first... You see, it was only supposed to be for three days but I... I kept on making mistakes and it got longer. Now I'm up to over six weeks. Vegiemon: And he still owes me for all the wasted food! Not to mention the broken dishes!

Oh, wow. Six weeks. Jou only had two. I guess we finally have quantifiable proof of how much more pathetic Joe is than Jou. :P

All this commotion pulls in the attention of another Digimon.

Digitamamon: Now, now, what's all the fuss about? Vegiemon: Digitamamon-sama!

Now it's his turn for the rundown. Digitamamon is a Perfect-stage Data-type Perfect Digimon. No, that is not redundant; His stage is Kanzentai which means completion or perfection, while his description spells out "Perfect" in katakana. "Pa-a-fu-ku-to". So they're different words, even though they're the same word.

Digitamamon is equivalent to Etemon, in that he's the kind of Perfect Digimon that someone like Vegiemon or Scumon can become if they knuckle down and start fighting hard to get there. Not them specifically, he comes from Nanimon who hasn't appeared yet, but he's of their ilk.

Narrator: Digitamamon. A Perfect-shaped Digimon shaped like a Digitama. His special attack, Nightmare Syndrome, surely crushes his opponents.

Eggmon looks like an egg and he hits hard. Not the best rundown we've ever had.

In the dub, Digitamamon's actor is doing Peter Lorre as a reference to Casablanca. A film that came out sixty years before this episode of children's television aired. Weird choice but there's no harm in it; Kids will just think it's a goofy voice.

Digitamamon: What's all the commotion in here? The customers are complaining? Matt: We didn't know it yet, but Digitamamon was an evil Digimon fully evolved and protected by his Digi-Eggshell.

What's weirder than Peter Lorre is the fact that they still call him Digitamamon even though they changed the word "Digitama". Matt even references his "Digi-Eggshell". Why isn't he Digi-Eggmon?

Sensing a chance to go over Vegiemon's head, Yamato tries to address Digitamamon directly.

Yamato: Are you the owner of this place? This guy is my friend. Can't you let him go? Digitamamon: Are you serious? Quit joking around! Though it'd be a different story if you stayed to work with him and help pay off his debt. Yamato: Well.... Digitamamon: If you can't do that, hurry up and leave! You're slowing down my business.

Digitamamon exits without another word.

Yamato: Hey, I didn't even...! Jou: I probably won't leave here for the rest of my life. Yamato: Don't get so depressed! Jou: If you say so.... Yamato: Takeru's waiting for me. I'm going to go get him, so wait for us to come back. Jou: Then.... Yamato: When I get back, I'll help you work. Okay? Jou: Yamato! I'm in your debt!

The funny thing is that there is nothing stopping Jou from making a run for it. Nobody's watching him and he's not shackled to anything. It'd be bad if Digitamamon caught him, but like a true capitalist, that guy doesn't seem to pay much attention to his own business.

But this is Jou-senpai we're talking about. The idea of cutting and running on what is clearly a corrupt contract to bind him into providing free child labor would never even cross his mind. He's been enslaved by his own sense of responsibility and social propriety.

In the dub:

Joe: I feel ill. I'm allergic to kitchen work. Matt: What are you saying? Joe: Oh, just never mind. Matt: Listen, I've gotta go and find T.K. but after I do, we'll come back here and help you work off your debt, okay? Joe: Really? You will? Matt: That's what friends do, Joe. When things are tough, they help each other out. Joe: I'll always remember this, Matt!

Mostly the same, save for Joe's quip and Matt's expanded final line. Matt puffs about the virtue of friendship for a moment to gear up for the plot that's to come.

Though he may be a greedy capitalist, Digitamamon is not working with PicoDevimon's faction. He is, however, for sale.

As he walks into his private office, he finds PicoDevimon waiting for him.

Digitamamon: Who's there!? Oh! You're PicoDevimon! PicoDevimon: (silently glances to the left) Digitamamon: What? (notices the billfold on the table) Th-This is.... I see! So, what do you want me to do? PicoDevimon: Oh, it's a very simple matter.

In the dub:

Digitamamon: WAUGH! DemiDevimon!? I... I didn't know you were coming. DemiDevimon: Hngh! (glances to the left) Digitamamon: (notices the billfold on the table) Ehee, I take it you have another job for me to do! DemiDevimon: The new boy! You mustn't let him leave here.

Bit of a character shift here. In the original, Digitamamon is unaffiliated with PicoDevimon's faction. He's just a businessman collecting passive income off Vegiemon's questionable managerial practices, but PicoDevimon gives him a wad of cash and bribes him into helping out.

The dub makes him out to be more of a mercenary. He has a pre-existing business relationship with DemiDevimon doing the bat's dirty work. And also happens to own a diner too.

We cut straight from the meeting with PicoDevimon to Yamato and Gabumon preparing to board their swan boat and return to Takeru.

Digitamamon: WAIT!!! Where do you think you're going? Yamato: Where? Digitamamon: You're going to stay here and work with them! Yamato: What's this all of a sudden? Digitamamon: THAT'S HOW THINGS WORKED OUT!!! Yamato: I'm willing to work here, but I need to leave just for a bit. I'll come right back. Digitamamon: Ohhh, so then you don't care what happens to your friend while you're gone? Yamato: What does that mean? Digitamamon: Figure it out. While you're gone, I'll be free to do whatever I want to him. Gabumon: Yamato... What should we do?

Multitask, probably. It only takes one of you to go back for Takeru and Tokomon. Then again, Yamato might be the only one who can reach the pedals and he's the one Digitamamon is specifically threatening.

The dub follows the script to a T but makes fantastic use of language to both localize and personalize this scene.

Digitamamon: Where are you going!? You're not finished! I checked the schedule. Matt: Schedule? Digitamamon: The work schedule! Now get inside and stop cooking or your fired! Matt: I quit. How's that? Digitamamon: YOU CAN'T QUIT!!! I SAY YOU STAY!!! Matt: Hey, what's the big deal, Egghead? I'm coming right back. Besides, you've already got a slave working in your kitchen. Digitamamon: Oh, I see. So you don't care what happens to your friend while you're gone? Selfish, aren't you? Matt: What are you talking about? Digitamamon: I'm just saying, while you're away, there's no telling what might happen to your poor little friend. So many accidents can happen in the kitchen, you know. Matt: Is that a threat!? Gabumon: Easy, Matt! He's already cracked!

"So many accidents can happen in the kitchen" legit gave me chills. Fantastic delivery even with the weird Lorre impersonation.

Just as Jou's been enslaved by his sense of responsibility, Yamato becomes enslaved by his sense of loyalty and returns to the diner. Jou's left confused by this change of heart.

Jou: (washing dishes, suddenly stops) Yamato? Yamato: Hm? Jou: Didn't you say you were going back for Takeru? Yamato: ... Jou: You should go. Don't worry about me. Yamato: ... Jou: Okay? Go on! You can come back when I'm just about finished. Digitamamon: (in Yamato's memories) Figure it out. While you're gone, I'll be free to do whatever I want to him. Yamato: No, it's fine. Jou: Yamato, what happened? Yamato: It's fine. Jou: You're worried about Takeru, aren't you? Go back to him-- Yamato: I SAID IT'S FINE!!! Jou: ...did I say something wrong?

And here we see the nature of PicoDevimon's opportunism. We already know from the previous episode that his and his malevolent master are trying to dim the light of the Crests, though it's not yet super clear what that means. To that end, by bribing Digitamamon into assisting, PicoDevimon has put a snare around both Jou and Yamato's necks.

In contrast to the previous scene, the dub rewrites this scene entirely to just make Joe an unobservant irritant nagging at Matt.

Joe: (washing dishes, suddenly stops) This water's hot. Matt: ... Joe: If I had some rubber gloves, my fingers wouldn't get all wrinkled. Matt: (heavy sigh) Joe: So hey! Just... What are you making over there? Is there some reason you're not talking to me? I mean, I know you think I can be irritating sometimes but what gives? Matt? Digitamamon: (in Matt's memories) So many accidents can happen in the kitchen. SO MANY ACCIDENTS!!! HEHE EHEHEHEHEHE!!! Matt: (thinking) I can't leave him. Joe: Didja hear me? Earth to Matt! Come in, Matt! Matt: (thinking) Although he does talk a lot.... Joe: Weren't you going to go get T.K.? If you want to leave, it's okay-- Matt: I DECIDED NOT TO GO!!! Joe: Wow. I'm sorry if I said something to make you mad.

They finally hit on the main point right there at the end. But the result is, it comes off like Matt's frustrated over how obnoxious and inconsiderate Joe is instead of the fact that he's trapped here away from T.K. Which is a pretty shitty way to change the plot.

After snapping at Jou, Yamato takes a moment to realize what just happened.

Yamato: (thinking) Jou said all that to be considerate to me, but I.... (speaking) I'm sorry. Jou: Eh? Yamato: I'm sorry for yelling at you. Don't worry about it. Jou: Yamato.... Yamato: Leave the cooking to me. If we work together, we'll get out of here quicker. So Ganbarou. Jou: Are you sure? I'm sorry. I'll never forget this favor. Gomamon: It will all work out! Ganbarou! Gabumon: We're with you! Jou: Yeah! Yeah, you're right!

The word here is ganbaru, conjugated to ganbarou.

Ganbaru literally means to "stretch stubbornly". It means to persevere and strive onward with hard work and discipline despite immense hardship. Often translated as "work hard" or "do our best", ganbaru is more than just an agreement to put in effort; It's a cultural value with a wide variety of utilities.

That distinction is important here, as Yamato and Gomamon are basically using it as a banner to rally around. This is going to suck, we're trapped in this hellhole and Takeru's out there but there's no way out of it but forward so... ganbarou!

Nonetheless, Yamato turns away from the group with an agonized scowl on his face. He's trying to be strong, but this is all weighing heavily on him.

The dub doesn't have ganbaru to lean on, but still captures the general idea of staying focused, working hard, and not letting yourself be buried under hardship.

Matt: (thinking) Man, I can't believe what a jerk I'm being. Joe's just trying to be nice and I bite off his head. (speaking) Hey, I'm sorry. Joe: Huh? Matt: I didn't mean to yell at you, okay? I guess I was just thinking about something else. Joe: Oh, yeah.... Matt: Anyways, I'm a really good cook! Everything will go a lot faster if we work together, and we'll be out of here in no time! Joe: Alright. I guess that sounds like a plan. Gomamon: I make a mean PB&J, you know! Gabumon: And I'm an expert in boiling water. Joe: Alright, then! We can do it! Matt: (turns away from the others, scowling; Thinking) Hang on, T.K.! I gotta solve this first.

They also add in that last line over silence to try and make Matt seem more optimistic about what they're doing here.

I have questions about Gomamon's PB&J. He doesn't have hands. Does he... does he spread the peanut butter and jelly with his bare flippers? Well, this place serves rotten fruit so I guess it's fine....

Unfortunately Jou's cavalcade of mistakes continues, as do the merciless time extensions.

Three more days for dropping a tray. One more week for burning a meal. Ten days for delivering the wrong order.

(These penalties seem incredibly arbitrary and I want to know the financials behind them. Where is Koushiro and his calculator when you need them!?

Any lawyer worth his salt would probably be handing Jou the deed to this place by tomorrow, if not for the fact that Vegiemon would most certainly kick Jou's ass in the dance-off.)

Feeling incredibly guilty, Jou returns to the kitchen to apologize to Yamato.

Jou: Yamato. I'm sorry. I won't make any more mistakes from now on! I promise! Yamato: ... Jou: Yamato.... (thinking) I can't make any more mistakes. If I do, I'll cause even more trouble for Yamato. I must not make any more mistakes.

What a miserable feeling, to be the dead weight. To know that everyone else can do it, they know what they're doing, they would be succeeding if you weren't dragging them down. It's a disgusting feeling to be the cause of someone else's suffering for reasons you can't control and don't know how to change.

The dub plays this pretty straight but in Joe's neurotic voice.

Joe: I don't understand why I'm so accident prone! Okay, so maybe balancing plates on a platter isn't one of my natural skills but now it seems worse than ever! Matt: ... Joe: Sorry, Matt. (thinking) Look at me. I'm falling apart. And why am I talking to myself? Even worse, why am I listening and talking back? I've gotta do something to snap out of this....

Uh, Joe? If your lips aren't moving then, by definition, you are not talking to yourself.

He's so stressed, his hands start shaking, rattling the tray in his hands. When he tries to carry it out, he loses his balance from the shaking and stumbles, dropping everything on the floor.

Yamato turns, visibly furious at the latest error.

Jou: Yamato... I'm sorry.... Yamato: (turns back away from Jou, visibly distraught) It's fine. Don't worry about it. (thinking) How long will I have to stay here? I promised Takeru I'd come back and get him. PicoDevimon: (outside the window, thinking) Everything is going well. All it needs is the finishing touch. Yamato: Hey, have you finished peeling the potatoes yet? Jou: I'll get them after I wash these dishes! Yamato: Hurry up! Jou: O-Okay.

That's it. PicoDevimon notices the potatoes sitting on a makeshift table outside. It's a slat of wood lying on top of four brick piles.

The dub again changes Matt's concerns to be about how much Joe sucks.

Joe: ...that did it. I snapped. Matt: Mmhmm. (turns back away from Joe, visibly distraught) It's okay. Don't worry about it. (thinking) Half of what I cook ends up on the floor and the other half is on his clothes; This job is giving me a killer headache! Tell me this is all just a bad dream. DemiDevimon: (outside the window, thinking) Everything is going perfectly! Those two will be slaving in that kitchen for life! Mm, looks like a likely spot for another little accident! Matt: Bring me some potatoes, will ya, Joe? Joe: Alright! Coming right up!

Not only did we lose Yamato worrying about Takeru, but we also lost his angry exchange with Jou about moving too slow. He's right back to sounding friendly when he asks for the potatoes.

PicoDevimon sets his plan in motion. All he has to do is remove one brick and wait.

However, the moment PicoDevimon turns his back, Sora arrives and slides a brick back into place. She and Piyomon stash themselves behind the building, while PicoDevimon takes his own hiding spot in a tree above.

To his utter confusion, PicoDevimon watches as Jou uneventfully retrieves the potatoes and heads back inside.

PicoDevimon: HUH!?!? Wh-Why!? Shit! Just you wait! You're not getting off that easily!

Later that night, we find Yamato out on the beach playing his harmonica.

However, he isn't alone for long. A visitor calls out to him from behind.

PicoDevimon: That's a beautiful melody. Yamato: Huh? Who are you? PicoDevimon: Oh, I'm just a bat Digimon passing by. It appears you're burdened by troubles a lot heavier than mine. Yamato: Huh? How did you...? PicoDevimon: The melody from your instrument doesn't lie. Yamato: ... PicoDevimon: You're an honest and faithful person. You're sacrificing a lot for your friend Yamato: So you know. PicoDevimon: Yes. But your friend doesn't seem to feel the same way. Yamato: Jou? What about him? PicoDevimon: I've heard he's making mistakes on purpose. Yamato: What!? PicoDevimon: He's afraid of being left behind on his own. Yamato: Jou would... He would never do that! PicoDevimon: (sigh) You're a good person. So long! (flies away) Yamato: ... Jou is... doing it on purpose?

Though Yamato lashes out at PicoDevimon for even suggesting it, the seeds of doubt are planted in his mind. He can't unthink it, and he's going to be watching Jou closer and more suspiciously as a result.

The next day finds Yamato once more arguing with Digitamamon.

Yamato: Please! I'll be sure to come back! Just let me go pick up my brother! Come on! Digitamamon: That's no good. No good! Yamato: Why not!? I promise I'll come right back and work again!

While Jou's distracted by their argument, PicoDevimon slips in and trips Jou, knocking him into the stack of plates beside him and sending them all shattering to the ground. Neither of the boys see this, though Digitamamon likely would have. He's on the take, though.

Yamato: Huh!? (whips around) Jou: WAUGH!!! Digitamamon: That's one more week for both of you! Yamato: One more week!? I don't have that kind of time! Digitamamon: I don't care! You're going to work with him and reimburse everything! Yamato: (falls to his knees, vocally sobbing) Damn it... Why...? Jou: No, that's wrong! Someone bumped into my legs and knocked me over! It wasn't me! I'm telling the truth! Please believe me! Yamato: DON'T MAKE EXCUSES!!! (stands up, furious) Jou: Yamato! Yamato: (storms out of the kitchen) Jou: ...it's the truth....

Again, this is such an incredible trap. Jou is a prisoner of his responsibility and Yamato's a prisoner of his loyalty. They're caged in a social prison. And the only way to break free from it is betray the very trait that empowers their Crest.

It's a truly cruel predicament, where their only options are to remain in Hell or darken their Crests.

The dub stays on the rails until the plates break, where Matt now directly accuses Joe.

Digitamamon: Not more plates! That's another week for the both of you! Matt: What are you talking about!? I can't stay here another week! I've got places to go! Digitamamon: You'll stay, alright! And no tips! Matt: (falls to his knees, angry) Joe, why are you doing this!? Joe: Huh!? You think I'm doing this on purpose!? You think I'm juggling plates while I wash 'em? Something tripped me! Matt: QUIT MAKING UP EXCUSES!!! (stands up, furious) Joe: I'm not! Matt: (storms out of the kitchen) Joe: You've gotta believe me, Matt....

This time it's what DemiDevimon said to Matt that gets used to get out of having to write him as emotionally vulnerable.

Fortunately for Jou and Yamato, reinforcements are on their way.

Takeru: Something's beeping! Agumon: That's right! It was beeping when we found you, Takeru! Takeru: Are we going to find Onii-chan? Taichi: We sure are!

Taichi and Takeru make their way to the diner, where they find Gomamon cleaning the floor and Gabumon serving food.

Takeru: Gabumon, where's my brother!? Taichi: is Jou here too? Gomamon: Yeah, he's here, but.... (long pause) Taichi: But?

Taichi and Takeru enter the kitchen, where they find Jou.

Jou: Taichi! You're alive! I was worried about you! Taichi: Sorry, a lot happened. Takeru: Where is Onii-chan? Is he here?

Jou's expression darkens and he glances at the back door.

Takeru: He's outside? (runs out the door) Taichi: Jou, what happened?

In the dub, they avoid suggesting that Joe thinks Tai's dead.

Joe: Tai! I'm so glad to see you guys! But don't break anything. Tai: Sure, but what are you doing here? T.K.: Hey, Joe! It's great to see you, but where's Matt? Joe: (expression darkens, glances at door) Oh. Uh. Matt's around back. T.K.: Matt! (runs out the door) Tai: So? What are you doing here?

I really like Joe's nervous "Don't break anything." The more neurotic Joe can be hit or miss at times, but right now's perfect for it.

Out back, the brothers are reunited.

Takeru finds Yamato lying in the grass and runs straight to him.

Takeru: Onii-chan! Yamato: (gasps, sitting up suddenly) TAKERU!?!? Takeru: (hug) I finally get to see you again! Yamato: How did you.... Takeru: I came with Taichi-san. Yamato: Taichi...?

Taichi stands back by the door, watching them reunite. Once Yamato glances over and sees him, he offers a greeting and joins the conversation.

Taichi: Yo! Yamato: You're alive!? Taichi: I'm not going to die before you do! Yamato: Is that right? Thank you for taking care of Takeru Taichi: Don't worry about it. Yamato: I'm sorry, Takeru. I couldn't keep my promise to come get you. Takeru: That's okay. We found each other again. Yamato: In any case, I'm glad you're safe.

A sweet moment highlighting the relationships between all three of these characters.

Matt undersells the emotion of his reunion, despite T.K. firing on all four cylinders.

T.K.: Hiya, Matt! Matt: (gasps, sitting up suddenly) Huh!? T.K.! T.K.: (hugs) I thought I'd never see you again! Matt: Hey, kid. Are you okay? T.K.: I'm great now that we're together again! Matt: So where's Tai? Tai: Hey, Matt! Matt: Alright, there you are! Tai: So, seems like something weird's going on around here. Matt: Yeah, you could say we got ourselves into some hot water! Tai: Oh, a cooking joke! Matt: I'm... really sorry I didn't keep my promise to come back and get you, T.K. T.K.: That's alright! I'm sure you would have if you could have, Matt! Matt: Anyhow, you're here and that's what counts.

"Hey kiddo, have you seen Tai?" is not what should be coming out of Matt at this moment. He almost seems happier to see Tai than T.K. That the animation has Takeru hugging Yamato but Yamato too stunned to hug Takeru back doesn't help, either; Combined with the dialogue shift and the different tone of voice, it makes him look callous.

Of course, no surprise that "I'm not going to die before you do" didn't make the jump. If Joe can't even say "You're alive!?" then that certainly wasn't making it over. Not sure replacing it with a dad joke was the best move, but I guess if anyone's gonna make dad jokes....

Now that Takeru and Yamato have reunited, Taichi comes in with the obvious solution to their plight: Let's just cut and run. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done.

Taichi: Setting that aside, it doesn't look like anyone's around. Let's make a run for it! Gabumon: Eh!? Run away!? Taichi: Yeah! Let's go look for the others together! (long pause) Yamato: I don't want to. Taichi: Huh? Takeru: Onii-chan? Yamato: I don't mind running away from here, but I won't go with Jou. Jou: (standing in doorway) EHHH!?!? Yamato: He'll only drag us down if he stays with us! Taichi: How can you say that!? We're all nakama! Yamato: What do you mean, nakama!? Are you talking about the way you drag everyone around at your own convenience!? Thanks to you, I'm worn out! Just do whatever you want by yourself! Taichi: What are you saying!? Yamato: I'm going with Takeru and that's it! Leave us alone! Takeru: Onii-chan, what's wrong? We're all frie-- Yamato: SHUT UP!!! Just stay quiet and follow me!

Well, this shit went south real fast and in a hurry.

The word Taichi uses up there, nakama, is for a group of colleagues united around a shared activity, cause, or goal who develop an intense relationship with one another as they share the trials and tribulations of pursuing that goal. Something like a military squadron or a sports team.

But that's just, like, his opinion, man. Takeru tries to say tomodachi before he's cut off, which is a more traditional term for friends.

In the dub, Matt inexplicably doesn't even want to leave the diner at all.

Tai: No, what counts is that we get out of this weirdo place and quick! Gabumon: What!? Run away!? Tai: Of course, run away! I don't see any guards around here. Matt: I don't want to! Tai: Huh!? T.K.: But why not? Matt: I'll leave when I'm ready! Anyway, I am not going anywhere with Joe. Tai: Huh!? Matt: He doesn't want to work together; He only cares about himself. Tai: HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT, MATT!?!? WE'RE ALL FRIENDS HERE!!! Matt: WHAT FRIENDS!?!? Oh, you mean this guy who deliberately wrecks everything to keep me here cooking rice until I'm an old geezer!? Tai: HEY!!! BACK OFF!!! Matt: And what about you, big shot!? The one who got us all separated!? T.K.: Matt, stop yelling! Aren't you glad I'm-- Matt: BE QUIET, T.K.!!! Just... be quiet and come with me.

The Japanese social construct of nakama, which sets Yamato off, was going to be difficult to translate. I suppose they could have gone with "We're a team!" or something. We're squadmates! To my understanding, anime dubs often struggle with nakama and will usually boil it down to just "friends".

Overall, this scene hits. Both Matt and Tai sell their fury, and when Matt snaps at T.K., the dub captures the Holy Shit of the moment perfectly.

Unfortunately, we've been (loudly) arguing about jailbreaking for so long that we've attracted attention.

See, this is why you don't stop to bicker when doing crime. Get better at crime, kids.

Digitamamon: Everyone.... Group: (gasp) Digitamamon: You wouldn't be thinking about running away, would you? PicoDevimon: That would give us problems if you did that. Jou: That's.... Patamon: PICODEVIMON!!! Agumon: He's an evil Digimon who tried to trick Takeru! Yamato: What!? Jou: Then when you said you saw humans around, that was a lie!? Taichi: I won't forgive you!

Patamon and Agumon open fire on PicoDevimon straight away. He narrowly dodges their Baby Flame and Air Shot, then flutters away into the forest. Taichi gives chase with Agumon and Patamon, leaving Takeru with Yamato.

(It's okay for them to split up; It will probably be a while before Patamon's ready to become Angemon again. Everyone else is gearing up to start leveling into Perfect-stage; Meanwhile poor Takeru's still paying down the cost of Angemon's self-sacrifice to kill Devimon.)

In the dub:

Digitamamon: Well, well, well. You weren't planning on running away now, were you? That would make me very angry! Ehehehehe! DemiDevimon: Yes, that would be a very bad idea. Joe: Hey, isn't that-- T.K.: Him again! Patamon: DemiDevimon! Agumon: It's the evil Digimon we met before! Matt: You lied! Joe: You lied to me to get me to come here! And you're the one that's wrecking everything! Tai: So we're gonna teach you a good lesson!

As usual, the dub kids are super quick on the uptake. Instead of Jou and Yamato struggling with the revelations of PicoDevimon's true nature, Joe and Matt snap right to it and turn on him instantly.

While Taichi recklessly takes the only Digimon capable of Perfect-stage evolution to go chase down a Child, Yamato confronts Digitamamon.

Digitamamon: You've got guts, trying to shirk your payments and run from me. Yamato: What are you talking about!? Our debts should already be more than paid for! Digitamamon: That's true. You were very hard workers. Let me give you back your change!

The dub gives them this fantastic exchange.

Digitamamon: How dishonest! Trying to leave without paying me. Matt: You're a thief! We've worked here long enough to pay for a trip to Hawaii! Digitamamon: Hawaii's not on the schedule. But if you insist I'll send you TO THE MOON!!!

XD Bringing back the "I checked the schedule" bit from earlier. Nice.

Digitamamon suddenly grows in size and closes the little crack in his shell that his eyes see out of. Then he bullrushes Yamato. Yamato leaps out of the way from his charge.

Digitamamon: The next one won't miss.

Gabumon evolves quickly into Garurumon and unloads his Fox Fire, but Digitamamon's shell holds fast against the flames.

Gomamon: Attacks won't work against Digitamamon once he's sealed himself within his shell! Digitamamon: (opens his eyes to aim) That's how it works.

Digitamamon seals up again and charges once more, nailing Garurumon head on.

Before Yamato has time to process what's happening to Garurumon, he hears Takeru shriek.

Yamato: Garurumon! Taichi: HELP ME!!! Yamato: Takeru!

Whipping around, Yamato finds his brother in the rotten clutches of Vegiemon, dangling him upside-down from the rooftop.

Vegiemon: (cackles) Ke ke ke ke! Digitamamon: If you keep putting up a struggle, I can't guarantee that boy will live. That includes your Digimon too!

Another death mention cut.

Vegiemon: Hehe! Call off your beast! Digitamamon: How nice! Your little brother decided to hang around!

Oh, so that's where Matt got the dad jokes. He's been working here too long.

Garurumon slowly climbs back to his feet, only for Digitamamon to put him down with another shell bash. This one slams Garurumon into a rock wall behind him.

Takeru: ONII-CHAN, HELP ME!!!

Watching from the door, Jou loses his temper.

Jou: Damn it! That's unfair! Yurusanai....

The word Jou furiously swears in a quiet, cold blaze right there is commonly translated as "I will not forgive you". Which is accurate but doesn't fully convey the meaning of the term. In addition to withholding forgiveness, it simultaneously also means, "I will not allow this."

It has no direct English equivalent and is instead an utterance of sheer, frothing outrage and determination to shut that the fuck down, whatever it is that the speaker is talking about.

Joe translates yurusanai this way.

Joe: That's going too far! I've had it....

Valid. A little undersold, but Jou's yurusanai was also quietly uttered to himself rather than projected to the group. So this works as a self-assurance of cold fury.

Gomamon evolves and jabs his horn at Vegiemon, who jerks aside and jeers at him.

Vegiemon: Hey! What are you doing!? If you do that, I won't be responsible for what happens to this little guy!

However, it's merely a distraction. Ikkakumon pulls Vegiemon's attention away from Jou, who's preparing his ultimate technique straight out of the Unimon episode.

LEAPING OFF OF HIGH THINGS!!! Jou's impact sends Vegiemon crashing down into the potatoes below, forcing him to release his grip on Takeru.

(Ironically, though it took a while to get here, Jou did ultimately spill the potatoes after all. Vegiemon should think very carefully about whether or not to add that to his debt.)

Jou-senpai's plan is not without consequence, however. He's effectively traded hostages, taking on the peril and harm for himself, in place of the younger Takeru.

Takeru: J-Jou-san! Yamato: Why!? Jou: Until now, I've pushed through all of this because you said ganbarou, Yamato. This time I'll... Yamato: ... Jou: Ikkakumon! Save everyone!

Here's where ganbaru comes back. It's been Jou's lifeline this whole time they've been working together at the diner. While Yamato's been letting PicoDevimon's lies get under his skin, Jou's been holding fast to their agreement of ganbaru and putting in his best effort.

Once more, the dub can't pull on ganbaru here, so they have to write around the word while still getting as close to the idea as they can.

T.K.: Joe! He's caught! Matt: Joe! Joe: Matt... You were right... You always said that we would all have to work together to get out of this mess... Now it looks like my turn.... T.K.: Matt, we gotta help him! Joe: Go on, Ikkakumon... Blast them now....

They do a pretty good job of it.

Responding to Jou, Ikkakumon starts fighting again, jabbing at Digitamamon with his horn.

Vegiemon: If you do that, I'll squeeze even harder! Jou: Forget about me; Hurry and defeat Digitamamon! Forget about me! Yamato: (horrified) I... I said all those awful things.... Jou.... JOU!!!

Under his shirt, Yamato's Crest begins to shine.

Digitamamon faces off with Garurumon and Ikkakumon.

Digitamamon: I could wipe the floor with you both if I wanted to. You might not believe it, but it's true.

He demonstrates his meaning by hitting them with Nightmare Syndrome. The void inside of his egg emerges launches out like a creature, pulling them both into a singularity of pure darkness. The abyss engulfs Garurumon and Ikkakumon for a couple seconds before hurling them back out, shivering and beaten on the ground.

Takeru: He's too strong! It's no use! We can't win! Yamato: No, that's not true. It can't be! I won't forget anymore. I can't forget. Nakama! The feeling of believing in friends! FRIENDSHIP!!!

Jou's sacrifice sends Yamato spiraling until he finds his faith in friendship again.

Matt's speech is a little different.

T.K.: No! This is bad! They're too strong! Matt: We can't... just give up! We've gotta beat them! But I can't beat them alone! I need Tai, T.K., Sora, Izzy, Mimi, and Joe! Together we're strong! And we can beat anything! GARURUMON!!!

Tonal shift here. Yamato's revelation is about remembering the importance of friendship, while Matt values friendship for how it helps you excel at violence. In his defense, he is about to weaponize friendship.

This faith not only restores his Crest but activates it. GARURUMON CHOU-SHINKAAAAAA!!!

We don't even get to see him outside his CGI Super Evolution before the Narrator comes in with the rundown. WereGarurumon is a Perfect-stage Vaccine-type Beast Man Digimon.

Narrator: WereGarurumon! Evolved from Garurumon, this Beast Man Digimon can walk on two legs! With his sharp claws, his special attack Kaiser Nail tears through enemies!

Matt gives WereGarurumon's diegetic rundown himself.

Matt: WereGarurumon, Ultimate form of Gabumon, is a really fierce warrior with claws, strong kicks, and jumps! He's extreme, but Egghead and his little bat buddy leave him no choice!

I believe this marks the first official use of the term "Ultimate" to describe Perfect-stage. Which is going to get confusing when we start talking about the final stage of Digimon evolution, Ultimate-stage.

Additionally, the debut of WereGarurumon brings with it another thing in the dub: The first instance of the song "Hey Digimon!", a fairly simple lyrical track used the same way the original uses Show Me Your Brave Heart.

(Show Me Your Brave Heart is way better. It typically kicks up right as Evolution starts, with its opening chords forming this mystical tension-lifting background noise punctuating the roaring SHINKAAAAAA. The lyrics kick in as evolution ends and from there, it's an empowering battle anthem. Hey Digimon, meanwhile, is this... goofy dance number? It doesn't really fit the tone of throwing hands with the Villain of the Week.)

Digitamamon launches another Nightmare Syndrome at WereGarurumon. He catches the shot with his Kaiser Nail, then shoves it back.

(I love how Garurumon's special attack was blue fire breath but in his Perfect-stage, he just got his nails done at the same place as Junko Enoshima.)

The impact sends Digitamamon flying into the woods.

Vegiemon: Huh? D-Digitamamon-sama? PicoDevimon: Th-That's impossible! Digitamamon was.... (flies off) Taichi: He's getting away!

Oh hey, PicoDevimon. Glad to see you're just hanging around after Taichi specifically took two of our Digimon to go chase you down.

Yamato: VEGIEMON!!! RELEASE JOU NOW!!! WereGarurumon: Or do you want to fight me too? Vegiemon: N-N-N-N-N-NOPE!!!

Dub WereGarurumon has a great threat here.

Matt: Vegiemon, you'd better let go of him! WereGarurumon: Unless you want to be salad. Vegiemon: (runs off shrieking)

It's probably taste better than most of the dub diner's menu.

Vegiemon releases Jou and flees for the woods.

Takeru: (hugs Yamato) Onii-chan! Jou-san saved me! Taichi: That was unusually heroic of you, Jou. Jou: You didn't have to add "unusually" to that. Gomamon: But you were really cool, Jou. Tsunomon: Really really! Yamato: Jou. Thank you. For rescuing Takeru. Jou: It's okay. You've been rescuing me. Yamato: Also! ...I'm sorry. Jou: Yamato... (embarrassed) Ahahaha!

We did not see WereGarurumon regress to Tsunomon but I guess it happened immediately after Vegiemon backed down.

In the dub, T.K.'s more interested in the awesome violence that just unfolded than in the rescue.

T.K.: (hugs Matt) YAY AHAHAHA!!! Wow, that was so cool, Matt! You're the awesomest big brother! Tai: I gotta hand it to you, Joe; That was really brave! Joe: (embarrassed) All I did was get grabbed. Gomamon: By a giant vegetable! Tsunomon: A cranky one! Matt: Uh, Joe? I'm really proud of how you handled the situation. Joe: At my old school, they voted me most likely to chicken out. I guess we showed them. Matt: I also need to apologize. Joe: Oh? Why, Matt? Matt: Because, I... I never should have doubted you, Joe.

Nonetheless, everyone else still agrees that Joe was the big hero here.

PicoDevimon is forced to report on his failure again.

PicoDevimon: A-And then the light from the Crest of Friendship caused WereGarurumon to evolve! Mystery Mon: What? PicoDevimon: Uh... Um....

A swarm of bats emerge from the portal, attacking PicoDevimon.

PicoDevimon: AHH SPARE ME!!! Mystery Mon: Learn your place. PicoDevimon: F-FUCK!!! IT'S ALL THEIR FAULT!!! I'LL BE WATCHING YOU, CHILDREN!!!

As a funny note, when PicoDevimon cries "SPARE ME!!!" the verb he uses is tasukete. It means to help someone who is in danger. It's the same word that Jou and Yamato used in their reconciliation just a moment ago, making this a comical echo of a heartwarming moment. "Thank you for tasukete Takeru." "You've been tasukete for me." "AHHHH TASUKETE!!!"

In the dub, DemiDevimon beats the original to the punch, name-dropping our new antagonist early.

DemiDevimon: Myotismon! One of the humans got the Crest of Friendship to glow and called WereGarurumon! Myotismon: WHAAAAAAT!?!? DemiDevimon: I tried, but-- (Bat swarm attacks) Myotismon: Perhaps your brain is too small for this job! DemiDevimon: You rotten kids and your rotten Digimon, you'll pay for this, rrrrgh!

Already, we're seeing a similar performance difference to what we had with Devimon. Vamdemon delivers a reserved "Nanda?" while Myotismon drops a loud, elongaged "WHAAAAAAT!?!?"

Meanwhile, the Chosen Children are back on the move. However, a new problem presents itself.

Yamato: So what you're saying is, if we can't fix things in this world, the effects will move to our own world.

Suddenly, the Digivices begin to beep. Taichi and Yamato both check theirs.

Yamato: What is that? Taichi: Apparently if one of our nakama is nearby, this thing starts beeping. Jou: Then someone must be nearby. Takeru: Which way is it? Taichi: Mine's this way. Yamato: Mine's over here. Taichi: Then... We should split into two groups to look for them. Yamato: I'll go with Takeru. Taichi: Then Jou's with me. Jou: But what if we can't find each other again? Taichi: Let's meet at the base of that mountain. Yamato: Got it. Takeru: Will we really see each other again? Yamato: We will. Because we're nakama. Taichi: We'll definitely meet again! Jou: Right! Because we're nakama!

We close on this hopeful note, as our nakama go their separate ways. Honestly, I think everyone's just excited to be able to identify as nakama. There's some profound Big Kid energy going around the cliffside right now

...but also their shared activity or interest is being child soldiers so they can be as goofy as they want about it.

The dub, however, can't close on the boys celebrating nakama. So they follow the rails right up to Takeru's last line.

T.K.: Matt, do you really think we'll meet again? Matt: Yeah, sure we will! I guarantee it! Tai: Farewell! Bye-bye! Auf wiedersehen! Joe: Wait! Don't go yet! I have to tie my shoe. Tai: Awww, you're ruining our big dramatic exit!

Gotta give 'em props for the audacity of that punchline. Tai complains about ruining the dramatic exit in a laugh line meant to replace a dramatic exit. Gold star.

Assessment: This episode is fantastic. It puts Jou and Yamato into an ugly situation that plays to both their strengths and their weaknesses. We get to see them both at their worst and their best against a silly yet deathly serious abuser.

The whole diner crisis is constantly walking a razor wire between being ridiculous and being dramatic, and I think it sticks it out pretty well.

The dub, however, suffers from an unwillingness to engage with Matt's emotional vulnerability. Yamato is a sensitive character whose love for others, especially his brother, is central to him.

In general, though the dub is lighter in tone it also hardens the characters. That hardness works against it in episodes like this, which are driven by the vulnerability of its cast.

Still, I don't want to be too hard on it because there's nonetheless a lot to like here. It's hit-or-miss by scene.

#digimon #digimon adventure #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure

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thewritetofreespeech · 2 years ago

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I Mustcahe You a Question

prompt: Sonny grows his mustache back

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“Man. I forgot how much this thing itches when it comes in.” Carisi complained. Rubbing his mustache with his index finger before smoothing it out.

“Why don’t you just shave it off then?”

“What are you kiddin’ me?” He rebuttaled to your question, in true Italian fashion. “I can’t shave it off til the end of the month. It’s for charity.”

You chuckle a little and turn back towards your book. “I think they’ll take your money, even if you don’t keep the mustache all month.”

Sonny waved you off. “Eh, it’s not about the money. Any opportunity to raise awareness about cancer, or any other cause worth fighting, is an opportunity we should take. Plus, I kinda missed the old soup strainer.”

You giggle now and put your book down again. “Seriously? You could have grown it back then. I…always kind of liked your mustache when we met.”

“Really?” He arched a brow with a crooked smirk before sauntering over to you. “You never told me you liked the ‘stache.”

“Well not when you put it like that.”

Carisi smirked with a light chuckle as you playfully push him away as he cornered you into your armchair with his long frame. “Come on. You wanna take it for a ride?”

“See, this is why I don’t like your mustache.” You manage to get out, as you giggle and squirm away from Carisi darting his face into your neck. “You turn into this bad 70’s porn star vibe.”

“At least say I’m like Tom Selleck or something. I have feelings babe.”

You let out a giddy shriek when he finally got your neck. Feeling the hair from his mustache brush against your skin along with his teeth. “Fine. I’ll go shave it off.”

“Wait. No.” Carisi stopped and turned back towards you after he stood up. “If you can behave, I suppose you can keep it for a few more days. At least until the month is up.”

“Thanks Higgins.”

“Oh my God! I changed my mind! Go shave it off right now before I wax it off for you in the mind of the night!”

#sonny carisi #sonny carisi x reader #law and order: svu #law and order #law and order scenario #law and order imagine #dominick carisi #dominick carisi x reader #law & order: svu #law and order svu scenarios #law and order svu imagines

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msmercury84 · 9 months ago

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"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

South Philadelphia, New Year's Eve, 1945"

From "I Double Dare You-A Rendezvous With Destiny."

youtube

"Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves. Who needs an overcoat, I'm burning with love. My heart's on fire and the flame grows higher. So I can weather the storm. What do I care how much it may storm? I've got my love to keep me warm."

*Author's Note: Some sections are for readers over 18 years of age. In other words, smut warning. The expression "And how!" was popular with Bill Guarnere's generation. He used the expression in the book he wrote with Babe Heffron and I heard my grandparents use the expression, too. The depiction of Bill is based upon the actor's portrayal in the movie.*

A snowstorm was underway in South Philadelphia on New Year's Eve. Blowing and drifting snow made going out undesirable for the Guarneres and no one planned to visit them due to the weather. Since the storm was predicted in the newspaper and on the radio earlier in the week, Leigh ensured that she had everything she needed for a nice supper. She also made sure that the dress Bill gave her for Christmas was cleaned, pressed and ready to wear.

When Leigh returned home from work, it was much later in the afternoon. The snow caused the city buses to run late. She started to prepare supper and put a bottle of champagne in a bucket filled with ice. Employees of the CBS affiliate got champagne along with their Christmas bonuses.

She set about making a very elaborate antipasto while she cooked some steaks that came from her grandpa's farm. Leigh decided to make some spaghetti sauce with Italian sausage to go with some homemade pasta.

Earlier in the week, Bill mentioned that he would enjoy having a small serving of pasta "wit' that good gravy ya make" the next time they had steaks.

Leigh got a good recipe from Augusta for a marinade that was great for beef. The day before New Year's Eve, she combined garlic, red wine, some salt, a dash of pepper and a hint of oregano.

Prior to placing the steaks in the marinade, Leigh used a meat tenderizer on both sides of the steaks. Then, the steaks were placed in a baking dish. The marinade was poured over the meat. A lid was placed on the baking dish and the steaks marinated for 24 hours.

Since a snowstorm was going on, supper was later than usual. Traffic was crawling on all of the major thoroughfares. As the steaks simmered in a skillet, Leigh put on her new red dress, black stockings, a black lace garter belt, a black lace bra, black silk panties and her favorite black open toed high heeled pumps. She touched up her makeup, brushed her hair and headed back to the kitchen.

Leigh turned on the radio to have music playing while she finished the special supper. She donned an apron made of material with tiny red roses. Protecting her favorite dress was top priority.

A good bottle of red wine was open to allow it to 'breathe' before she put it into a decanter. Leigh used her best china plus the crystal wine glasses from the Andrews Sisters. The champagne flutes from the famed trio would be used for a midnight toast to the new year.

When Bill got home from work, he embraced and kissed Leigh after hanging up his snow covered coat on a coat tree in the kitchen and putting his gloves on the coat tree to dry.

"Baby, I love that new dress (he pronounced the word as 'dat'). You look like ten million bucks. Good thing we're stayin' in tonight. The snow is really comin' down an' the wind is ice cold. It kinda reminds me o' the Christmas Eve snowstorm in Aldebourne.

"Thanks, Honey." She winked, adding, "You ain't seen nothin' yet."

"What's goin' on, Sweetheart? Sounds like you're up to somethin'."

"You'll see, be patient. I'll make it worth the waiting."

"I like the sound o' that." Guarnere went upstairs to put on a clean dress shirt after quickly shaving. The atmosphere in the house was cozy, with the Christmas decorations, a fire in the living room fireplace and music on the radio.

Leigh set the table and lit the candles in cut glass candle holders. Bill helped her get supper served. He pulled out the chair for her to be seated at the dining room table. Leigh thanked him. Then, he sat down and asked the blessing.

After they finished their supper, Bill told her,

"Baby, that was one hell of a good meal. Ya went all out wit' the fancy dishes an' wine glasses. Everythin' was perfect. We couldn't get food this good from the best restaurants uptown." Leigh was pleased that he enjoyed supper.

"Thanks, Bill. Let me get the dishes and then we can get ready to celebrate the new year."

"Nothin' doin', Leigh. I'm helpin' wit the dishes. How 'bout I wash an' you dry? That way, your dress won't get ruined."

"That sounds like a good idea, Honey. A sweet, sexy man bought that dress for me." Bill grinned,

"I've gotta admit that guy has excellent taste in buyin' broads' clothes." Leigh playfully raised her eyebrows,

"Oh, so now I'm a broad, not your baby or your sweetheart?" She went into the kitchen to get her apron. Guarnere followed Leigh and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, gently pulling her close to him.

"Ya little devil. You know you'll always be my baby an' my sweetheart. I'm gonna tell ya what ya tell me sometimes, you're a sexy smart ass. Speakin' of a sexy ass, that dress shows it off to perfection." Leigh giggled,

"Thank you, kind sir. Flattery will get you everywhere with me." Bill let go of her and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. Leigh put on her apron.

"That's good to know. We'd better get to work before we get up to somethin'. I'll bring in the dishes an' I promise to be real careful wit' 'em."

After Bill brought in the plates, silverware and wine glasses, Leigh put the leftover antipasto into a container that went into the refrigerator. While they cleaned and dried the dishes, Bill and Leigh talked about the way they had spent the past New Year's Eves since they got together. After the last dish was dried and put away, Leigh removed her apron and placed it on the kitchen counter. She embraced Bill,

"This year is very special. Not only because it's our first New Year's Eve as man and wife. It's extra special because, thank God, you survived." Guarnere tenderly kissed her.

"The man upstairs done most o' the work keepin' me alive, but you helped by cookin' for me an' bein' there for me. I owe you a hell of a lot, Baby."

"Thanks, Honey. You don't owe me anything. Getting married more than made up for everything. I was hoping to be your wife for a long time." Leigh had a smirk very similar to Bill's smirk when she added, "All you owe me is a good time later tonight."

"Oh, you can count on me givin' ya an extra good time later tonight, Sweetheart. Ol' Guarnere loves to satisfy a certain lady." Leigh got on her tip toes and playfully kissed the tip of his nose,

"And how! Remember when Perconte said he "really enjoyed Christmas Eve with the Guarneres," I was daydreaming about being your wife and having dinner guests over to visit us as I looked out the window at the snow coming down in Aldebourne."

"I asked ya what ya thought of Perconte sayin' that 'cause I wanted to know how ya felt about gettin' married someday. I was a happy man when I knew ya liked the sound o' what he said.

Do ya suppose they'll still broadcast the Guy Lombardo show on the radio tonight? We could have some nice music for our party here at home."

"Yes, Honey, it's scheduled for tonight. I saw the show on our schedule at work. New York City wasn't supposed to have as much snow as we have. The show should be starting in about ten minutes."

"I'll go ahead an' get the CBS channel on the radio so we don't miss anythin'." Bill went to the radio and got it on the desired station.

"I have the champagne chilling, do you want me to bring it in?"

"Not yet, Baby. Let's wait 'til it's closer to midnight so we can toast the new year. I really enjoyed New Year's Eve in Aldebourne when ya played the piano an' sang. Too bad there's no piano here, I'd love to hear ya playin' an' singin'". Leigh sat on the couch with Bill. He got a cigarette out of a pack on the table, lit it and settled back to cuddle with Leigh and listen to the radio.

"I'd love to have a piano, but they're so expensive. Truth be told, I miss playing the piano." Guarnere put his right arm around her shoulder and held the cigarette in his left hand so Leigh wouldn't accidentally get burned.

"Maybe someday I can buy a piano for ya."

"That would be wonderful." They listened to the live broadcast, enjoying the music. A half hour later, the band began to play "Moonlight Serenade." Bill stood up and stubbed out the cigarette in an ashtray on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"Would ya like to dance, Sweetheart?"

"Yes." Guarnere took Leigh's hand and they walked to the middle of the living room floor. Bill pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her as Leigh wrapped her arms around his neck.

They swayed to the music, looking into each other's eyes.

"This reminds me of a very special night at Ft. Benning and our wedding reception."

"Guess this is our song. You're lookin' as beautiful as ya did both times we danced to this an' I'm still crazy in love wit' ya."

"I'm still crazy in love with you, too, Handsome." Bill gave Leigh a tender kiss. After the kiss ended, she added, "Our first New Year's Eve was when you gave me my angel necklace."

"You must love it 'cause you're always wearin' it."

"I adore it." The song ended and they sat on the couch.

"I'm still wearin' the St. Michael medal, even though the war is over. I think it helped save my life. Baby, ya don't know this, but I was standin' outside the door to Teresa's bedroom.

I wanted to know if ya really liked the necklace. I don't think it's right to eavesdrop, but it paid off. I went to bed wit' a big smile on my face when I heard ya tell Teresa that you were crazy 'bout me."

They continued to listen to the radio and talk. At 11:45, Bill got up, went into the kitchen and got the bucket containing the chilled champagne from the refrigerator.

Next, he carefully put the crystal champagne flutes on a small platter and carried the platter into the living room.

"How 'bout a drink, Baby?"

"Sounds good to me, but I don't want to drink too much. I want to enjoy every minute with you later on tonight."

"No heavy drinkin' for me, either, 'cause I wanna make love to you." He removed the foil from the top of the champagne bottle and popped the cork. Bill poured some champagne into both flutes. He raised his glass,

"To my sweet, sexy angel. Seems like ya understood me from the day we met. You're a blessin', Baby. I'm lookin' forward to what ya got planned." Leigh gently touched her glass to Bill's,

"To the handsome love of my life, you're a blessing, too. I plan to make you very hot and hard." Guarnere winked at her,

"That's my sassy angel." They sipped the champagne.

"It ain't bad. Matter o' fact I like this fancy soda pop." Leigh grinned at Bill's comment.

"It is pretty good. The champagne you got the night you proposed was the best I'd ever had."

"That guy at the front desk (the concierge) really knew his stuff." Soon, the radio featured the voices of party goers along with Guy Lombardo, counting down the seconds until the new year.

While the band played the traditional "Auld Lang Syne", Bill pulled Leigh close to him and gave her a gentle kiss at the stroke of midnight. The kiss quickly deepened and became passionate. When the kiss ended, Bill gently cupped Leigh's face in his hands.

"Happy New Year, Baby. I love you."

"I love you, too, Honey. Happy New Year. They shared another kiss and finished drinking the champagne in their glasses. Leigh got up from the couch.

"As they say in the movies, I'm going to slip into something more comfortable." She had a saucy grin as she added, "Don't go anywhere or start without me, you handsome dream boat." Guarnere had a wicked grin.

"Oh, I ain't goin' nowhere, Sweetheart. I'll wait right here for ya." Leigh went upstairs to the bathroom. She put in her diaphragm, washed her hands and reapplied her red lipstick.

Then she lightly powdered her face, touched up her minimal blush and her mascara. Next, she used her eyebrow pencil. She left the bathroom and went into their bedroom where she carefully hung up her dress.

Leigh got the red silk bra and tap panties set Bill bought her for Christmas out of its box in her dresser drawer. She got the matching red silk kimono from Julia from her side of the closet.

Leigh got some bobby pins and carefully pinned the rose in her hair, placing it above her left ear. Satisfied with her efforts to secure the rose, she removed her bra, panties and slip, placing the items into the clothes hamper by the chest of drawers.

She put on the bra and tap panties. The panties covered her garter belt and her black silk stockings remained on. Next, she took off her black pumps and took them to the closet and places them in the shoebox in which they came.

Leigh got out a shoebox containing red pumps she bought at a clearance sale in a department store. The pumps, with stiletto heels, were a perfect match for her lingerie.

She left the bedroom and stood at the head of the stairs.

"Baby, are you ready to have a good time?" Bill had a big smile on his face as he watched her walk down the stairs. Leigh paused at the foot of the stairs and untied the kimono. She turned around and slowly exposed her shoulders and her back before she let the robe drop to the floor.

Knowing that Bill would enjoy the view, she bent over to pick up the robe. Her tap panties went up slightly in the back to show a small area of her behind. Guarnere once again had a wicked grin on his face.

She draped the robe over one arm and walked toward him.

"Do you see anything you like, big boy?"

"Oh, hell, yes! Baby, ya look like the hottest goddamn pinup girl in the world! That outfit an' those shoes are really doin' somethin' to me." He stood up and walked over to where Leigh stood. Bill gently pulled her close to him,

"You're beautiful, Sweetheart. Absolutely perfect an' you look as sexy as ya did in Paris."

"Thanks, Honey." Bill gently nipped at one of Leigh's ear lobes before kissing her neck. He delighted in her slightly shivering when his lips gently sucked at the skin on her neck.

Guarnere whispered into her ear,

"Does my angel like that?"

"Oh, yes! I love it." His hands moved down to cup her ass.

"Baby, your body was made to drive a man crazy. It should be against the law for ya to wear clothes. 'course I don't want anybody else seein' ya naked. I wish you'd go around the house just wearin' what the man upstairs gave ya."

They exchanged slow, sensual kisses. Leigh eagerly allowed Bill's tongue to enter her mouth. She sucked on the tip of it, provoking a soft groan from him.

Leigh felt his hard cock pressing against her. She broke the kiss for a moment, stepping back to allow enough room for her hand to surround and gently squeeze his cock. Guarnere made a hissing sound through clenched teeth.

She massaged him through the fabric of his trousers.

"Oh, Baby, that feels so damn good." Leigh unbuttoned his dress shirt, licking, kissing and sucking the skin on his neck and chest. Bill moved his hand inside the tap panties to cup her bare ass. He moved one hand to the front of the tap panties.

Guarnere smiled as he felt the obvious sign of her arousal. Leigh gasped as his fingers rubbed her clit. A few minutes later, she slightly shuddered as she came. Bill picked her up,

"How 'bout we take this to the bedroom?"

"We can't get there fast enough." Guarnere quickly carried her upstairs to their bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed as he turned on the light and walked over to pull down the shades.

Bill removed his shirt and let it fall to the floor. He sat on a corner of their bed to take off his shoes and socks. Then, he removed his trousers and boxer shorts, letting them join his shirt on the floor. He removed his artificial leg and sat up in the bed.

Leigh grinned and took off her red stiletto heeled shoes. She started to remove her bra, but Bill told her,

"Baby, leave it on, just for a little bit. Same wit' the panties, too. I got an idea. One time in Aldebourne, ya made love to me an' said it was all for me. I wanna do the same for you. Don't get me wrong, I still wanna make love wit' ya.

How about sittin' in front of me on the bed?" She got on the bed and did as Bill asked. He pulled her as close to him as possible and wrapped his arms around her.

"Just relax in my arms, Sweetheart, an' let me take care o' you." He kissed Leigh's neck, knowing how much she loved it. Bill caressed her shoulders and allowed his hands to roam lower.

"Baby, you have the most beautiful breasts." Leigh thanked him for his compliment.

"That isn't exactly what you wanted to say, is it, Honey?" Guarnere grinned, knowing that she would be aroused by him saying something off color.

You have a sweet, sexy ass an' you know I love your beautiful pussy." He paused to once again suck on the soft skin at the junction of her neck and right shoulder. Bill loved hearing the sounds of passion Leigh made.

Guarnere slowly pushed her bra straps down, uncovering her breasts. He told her, speaking in a soft, low voice,

"I'm glad I bought this set for ya. Sweetheart, red silk looks so good on you. Now, how 'bout I take off this bra so I can give those beautiful tits some attention?"

"I'm more than ready." Bill unhooked her bra and carefully put it on the small table by his side of the bed. He caressed her breasts with both hands as she leaned back against his chest. Then, he gently rubbed her erect nipples with his fingertips. Leigh started to moan softly.

"Your body was made for makin' love." He began to tug on her nipples. Leigh's breathing quickened. Bill kept on tugging on her nipples, knowing that she could come from this stimulation .

Soon, she slightly trembled in his arms. Guarnere was pleased that he made her come again. He moved his hands slowly down her body, all the while whispering in her ear,

"Such a beautiful baby. You're a fuckin' goddess. I wish I could take pictures of ya completely naked." Leigh trembled again, the idea of posing for Bill was making her even more aroused.

He slid the tap panties down her hips. Leigh briefly got out of bed to removed the panties, the garter belt and her stockings. She eagerly got back on the bed and sat facing away from Bill, leaning against him.

Guarnere wrapped his arms around her. He had picked up on the fact that his words inflamed her desire. His breath was hot in her ear as he whispered,

"You'd like that, wouldn't ya, Sweetheart? Posin' just for me." She answered in a breathy voice,

"Oh, yes!"

"I'd start out askin' ya to hold those perfect tits in your hands. It would make ya hotter than hell if I asked ya to play wit' those sweet nipples, wouldn't it?"

"Mmmm...yes, it would."

"I'd want ya to spread your legs an' let me get a nice close up picture o' that beautiful pussy. You would already be kinda wet, wouldn't ya?" Bill was enjoying the effect his words had on Leigh. She was trembling a little more and her breathing was starting to speed up.

"Yes, Baby, my pussy would be very hot and wet." Guarnere groaned, his cock was rock hard, but he was determined to give Leigh as much pleasure as possible. He continued to whisper in her ear,

"Hearin' you say that is so fuckin' hot. I'd ask ya to touch yourself."

"Oh, God! I'd do it for you, Baby." Bill grinned.

"Then, I'd move close enough to taste ya..." Leigh gasped, imagining the feel of his lips on her sex. Guarnere began to caress the soft curls between her legs.

"My angel's enjoyin' this, ain't no doubt about it. You're so wet, Sweetheart."

He stroked a few fingers up and down the open lips of her sex.

"Oh, Bill!'

Then, he began to gently rub her clit.

"Your body was made for fuckin', too, an' you're so good at fuckin'!"

Leigh was almost panting due to his words and the way his finger stimulated her clit. She moved against him, feeling his hard cock pressing into the cleft of her ass.

Bill rubbed her clit a little faster. Leigh couldn't speak, she just moaned louder. Soon, her hips jerked up involuntarily as another orgasm washed over her.

Guarnere continued to hold her and he kissed her neck as she came. When she had recovered, he asked,

"What way does my baby wanna make love? Do ya want me to love ya wit' my tongue and lips?"

Leigh got on her knees, facing him,

"Bill, you know I love that, but right now, I need your cock inside me!" She surprised him by straddling him and quickly lowering herself onto him.

He held her hips as she rode him hard and fast. Bill loved her breasts bouncing in front of him and he managed to wrap his lips around one nipple to suck it.

This made her go faster. Guarnere knew he couldn't last very long this way, but he wasn't about to tell Leigh to slow down or stop. All he could do was thrust up into her.

His groaning got louder.

"Oh, fuck, yes! So good, Baby!"

Leigh felt a tremendous orgasm building. She called out his name, not giving a damn if the neighbors heard her. When he felt her sex contracting around him, this pushed Bill over the edge.

"Goddamn!" They held each other as they came. After they got their breathing rates back to normal, Bill held onto her and gently turned on his side, letting her onto the bed.

Guarnere withdrew from her and then pulled the sheet up to cover them. He held her close, stroking her back as Leigh wrapped her arms around him.

"That was wild and wonderful."

"You're amazin', Sweetheart." He gently kissed her.

"You're pretty amazin', too, Bill. That was heavenly, although we didn't behave like angels." Guarnere chuckled,

"You're so damn good when you're not actin' like an angel. Let me get the rest o' the covers pulled up so we don't get too cold.

Once Bill covered himself and Leigh with the sheet and a blanket, he lay beside her. Leigh put her head on his chest and Guarnere wrapped his arms around her.

They were too exhausted to think of turning off the light or bathing. Before sleep claimed them, Leigh made Bill laugh and kiss her when she said,

"Honey, we definitely started the new year off with a bang."

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koh-i-noorbeautyusa · 7 months ago

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poisonedspider · 6 months ago

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Since this boy never gets out of my head, you get random head canons throughout the day.

His favorite movie of all time is Casablanca.

Thought of this while I was in my own shower, mostly because I looked up for the first time and in the vent saw like a glowing blue light??? I was like VOX YOU THERE!? xD But Angel is absolutely the type to sing into his shower head or his scrubby brush, and I'm just saying Vox has probably seen that shit on camera because he WOULD have a camera pointed directly into his fucking shower.

Talking with highstakcs about human body types, and while I know everyone thinks Angel is absolutely a twink (he is), by definition he'd technically be more of an otter? Like. This guy is Italian. He definitely had dark hair (and lots of it) on his legs and arms. I'd say on his stomach too, but I'll give him a pass because he is screeching in my head, so maybe just a happy trail. But he was definitely not NOT hairy. Like. Shaving came to be in the late 1920s but was mostly pushed towards women and so if he were to ever shave to look more baby smooth his dad would have beat the crap out of him. Sorry buddy, you have Italian genes, it happens (I say, as an Italian, sitting here with hair all over me, especially my inner thighs lol. Maybe that's why Angel is so fluffy.)

Poor Nuggets probably has to witness Angel sleeping with men or getting himself off more times than he would like, so Angel bought him his own little 'safe space.' They probably have a safe word and everything so Nuggets can go into his little pig house (that is sound proofed thank you) and ignore that his mommy is a giant hecking slut.

This should come to no surprise, but Angel will not eat pork products. He's not a vegetarian by any hecking means but he loves his little Nuggets and is horrified at the thought of someone killing him for consumption.

#head canons: sex ain't the only thing i'm good at;;#sorry for the repost yall #had to delete it and redo it with not rebloggable #because SOMEONE IMMEDIATELY REBLOGGED MY HEAD CANONS #fucking stop it yall geezus

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nagitosasshole · 2 years ago

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𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅

Vampire Copia / Papa Emeritus IV

(Dracopia) x reader

𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤:

◇ Mentions of the Sibling from the first chapter (Meaning mentions of gore. If you haven't read the first chapter, I will try to link it) ◇

◇ Descriptions of sadness, fear, isolation, etc (If you're not in the right headspace for that, please look out for yourself!) ◇

◇ Copia isn't depicted as a 'soft' vampire ◇

◇ This is not a 'dark' Copia fic, he's still babey, i just like inflicting trauma upon the characters i write :^) ◇

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this chapter includes the ghost fandoms fave tool- google translate!!

yea so sorry bout the obligatory poorly translated italian but im not italian so-

translations will be added at the end

(and further apologizes if copia is out of character. this is just how i think they'd talk / react to things)

thanks!!

ali

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◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇☆☆☆☆☆☆☆Chapter☆2☆☆☆☆☆☆☆◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

I stare blankly into my mirror; finally uncovered after nearly a month. The blanket I used to cover it lays damp and discarded on the ground beside my feet, the steam from my shower still clinging to the fuzzy material. With a sigh, I kick the bundle of fabric away, not wanting to even see it.

Maybe I just need something to vent my emotions, but even my tiny fit leaves me with nothing. Looking back into the mirror I only get the same sunken-eyed, tired face as before.

The droopy, blank expression I've been sporting for the last few weeks is in stark contrast to what it's like internally.

It's almost funny, really. Inside, my thoughts run rampant, never ceasing from day to day. Endlessly plagued by what I saw and the loss of the only friends I had. Just too much. Always too much.

But outside, you'd be lucky to pinpoint any emotion other than pure exhaustion. I wonder if that will be the case when I see Copia…

Maybe I'll finally show just how much I've missed him, or maybe show my mortification, maybe- maybe I'll even give him one of those terrible wide grins I do when I'm anxious enough.

Or maybe the sight of him will leave me speechless, making the month's worth of pain and fear come pouring out as I helplessly cling to him-

In turn, clinging to what scraps are left of my normalcy.

I choke a dry sigh from my unused throat as I half heartedly untangle my hair with my fingers, hissing every now and then when my fingers get caught in my messy hair. Afterwards, I brush my teeth and wash my face once more. Having washed it in the shower doesn't feel like enough. I have time to spare before 9:00…another wash couldn't hurt. Maybe then I'll look less pale and more lively. As if I haven't been locked up in my room for a month.

Once I'm finished, I send my reflection one last empty look before leaving the bathroom, making my way to my closet in search of clothing. Messily routing through my closet, I find a plain black dress. I send my habit a fleeting glance before quickly looking back to the soft black fabric in my hands. I'm definitely not wearing my habit.

I don't think I can bear to.

Luckily, the other Siblings will be retired to their rooms by then…

Hopefully, I'll be unspotted on my way to Copia's room, especially out of uniform.

With a sigh, I sling the dress over my shoulder and grab my socks and shoes, lazily taking them to the bathroom with me. I set my socks and shoes on the counters neatly, dress folded beside them. Once there's no more needless straightening I can do, i send my clothing one last look before slipping into the empty bathtub.

my skin slides against the slick surface of the tub still dotted with water from my shower. I plug the tub and fill it with water, trying to pad out my time and keep myself as occupied as possible until 9- deciding that if I were to wear a dress, I'd need to shave my legs even though neither of us will even notice. I just want to feel in control, like I actually look like a person when I see him.

I crane my neck against the back of my tiny bathtub, head rolling to the side to glance at my dress as my wrist lazily drags the razor against my calves.

'he likes that one on me…' I drawl out dryly in my head, unable to help the memory of Copia not so subtly stumbling over himself to awkwardly compliment my attire. Muttering under his breath, "Assomigli a Lilith stessa…"

Quick to catch himself, he stumbled out a response that if talking to anyone else but me would make them cringe,

"E-eh, do not worry about that. I meant to say…you look nice, lovely- Lovely in your dress."

Finishing off his rushed-out compliment with his signature awkward 'eheheh'.

The memory makes my cheeks flush like it did back then, feeling as if I were a schoolgirl as I force my gaze away from the folded dress. In recent time, when I think of him the blush still follows as it always has- only now followed with an undercurrent of shame. I should be thinking of my fellow Sibling who lost their life. I should be praying for them more, praying that their soul may find peace through their cruel and painful death.

I'm truly terrible, I know it.

I shouldn't be thinking of better times, face flushing as I helplessly picture the Copia I knew. My face flushes hot with shame as tears prick my eyes, arms firmly locked around my aching knees as I attempt to will my thoughts away.

I can feel the regret and sorrow for my departed Sibling bubbling in my chest, making my heart pound hard and fast against my knees until I have to rest my dizzied head against my knees.

Funny.

I didn't think I had anymore tears in me.

◇

Getting ready surprisingly was a breeze. No distractions as I got my clothing in order, deciding that I shouldn't put too much into my appearance. The sole reason being that I just can't. There's a heavy weight in my soul that no cleaning up with decent clothing can hide. Besides, Copia would see right through it. He always has.

So,

Pointless.

With a weak huff, I stuff my phone under my arm, not really seeing the point in bringing a bag with me to carry the one thing. I pick at and click my nails together as I struggle to steel my nerves, eyes stuck on the door in front of me.

My nails need to be clipped…

Haven't done anything to them in a month or so. Too long and uneven for my tastes.

Some are long, longer than even I would like while others are chewed to points, some chewed down to nothing.

Bad. Very bad.

Maybe I should go fix them. I mean, it would only take a min-

No.

Stop it.

Just get it over with.

He's Copia. Your friend.

You can trust him.

I set my jaw in place and grab my doorknob, opening it in a way that would look a whole lot more confident if not for the trembling in my hand.

'I hate this', I humorlessly laugh in my head, body rigid as I glance around the halls. No sign of any of the ghouls…

Good. Very good.

I never thought that after everything I've gone through that the ghouls- my friends would make me feel so naked, so exposed. I feel helpless.

The walk to Copia's quarters is a long one if you're a sibling, but I know the route like the back of my hand. Only serving to make that tight, ever expanding balloon of dread in my stomach feel like it will pop any moment. I know I'm getting closer, I know it.

'My Lorde, I'm sorry for bothering you, but please look after me tonight. I am lost…please allow me to understand all of this…' my pathetic prayer trails off and dies upon it's arrival, mind overtaken by the sight of Copia's door. (yes, he has a door in this. sorry I don't want this super serious conversation to be heard by Jesus down the hall/j)

Fuck.

I'm really fucked, aren't I?

Biting down on the inside of my lip hard, I taste pennies as I turn the knob, letting my hand rest in a twisted position for a moment before I finally push on the knob, opening the door with a slow and deafening creak.

I'm sure I look as meek as I feel as the soft glow of candlelight lightly illuminates my figure, the faint draw of my brows together the only traces of emotion on my face despite my eyes telling everything my face cannot. My eyes scan over his dim room before skidding to a halt.

There he is.

After all this time.

He stands with a stiff pose, his underhand clenched around the rounded tip of his cane, his upper hand draped over the other lightly in a loose hold. Glancing over the cane, I recognize it from a portrait Sister had done when he was Cardinal and freshly introduced as a leader. I haven't seen that in so long…it feels so familiar yet alien at the same time.

His pose exudes faux power, but the subtle shifting of his legs and the way his Adam's apple bobs up and down as he tries to will down his anxiety makes it apparent that he's still the same Copia he was back when he was the Cardinal.

He's only gotten better at making a show- being a Papa. But he's still the same. It's apparently in all the tiny clues on his body. Even the way his eyes shake ever so subtly as he forces himself to hold eye contact.

But it still infuriates a small part of me.

It makes me want to walk over and shake him, make him act like a normal fucking person again. His poorly strewn-together Papa personality makes my heart sink and blood boil.

It makes me question why the fuck he even wrote that letter if he's not even going to pretend like he's himself. Acting like I'm just a Sibling, as if I was an underling and I didn't know Copia, I knew Papa. It makes me sick.

More so than anything, the way silence blankets us, gripping us both in silent mortification as we stare into each other's eyes. The same thought running through both of our minds.

They were so young. Came to this ministry to escape a volatile life, to leave their horrible family in search of a truly understanding one. They found their true family here. Friends, even. They were happy, and always kind to everyone. They vowed their loyalty to the very man who promised a life ripe with pleasures, wealth, and love if only they gave themselves over to their dark Lorde and their Papa-

The man who consumed their mared flesh out of wild hunger.

The memory of my fallen Sibling makes my eyes sting, giving me an excuse to look away from his own.

He's asked me to come here, and he wants to seem more put together than he really is. Almost like he thinks I won't want Copia after all these years of us growing closer, only Papa Emeritus IV, the newest, freshest Papa.

Maybe it's that he's doing this for himself, perhaps to be "strong". It's sad how far he still sinks into his insecurities, even after all these years of me building him up. It's like a moment alone can still make him crumble under the weight of expectations and pretend to be anyone other than himself, at least mostly.

Sometimes I wonder if he knows Copia.

This is the first time he's asked for my presence since I found out about his little predicament- what he did, accidentally or not. It feels strange how we spent nearly every moment either of us wasn't swamped with work in each other's presence for the better part of 6 years, only to be completely void of interaction for a month. It feels empty without him, I regrettably decided almost immediately.

I admittedly regret that after only a week of fleeting looks and poorly placed letters, I gave up. My chest hurt nearly everyday, pushed forward only by sparse, short letters he'd write back- hardly half of them did he respond.

When I'd see him return a letter, it filled me with as much excitement as it did pure dread.

He didn't even sound like himself in his notes. Hardly a hint of fondness or affection my usually starved brain can pick at.

'Perhaps he's as much of a coward as I am,' I'd think to myself, thoughts halting for a moment before I'd let myself give into my (then) weeks-long soured mood, dryly continuing with, 'Too scared to be rejected in person, or maybe he just doesn't want to see me. I don't blame him.'

My sourness doesn't last long.

It never does.

It only helps me disguise how truly lost and saddened I feel by my closest companion's departure - by such a catastrophic reveal, no less.

It's laughable how I should fear him, only for the lingering dread and terror twisting in my empty tummy to be from the thought of our connection being severed.

The thought of being without him.

I'm a terrible person.

"Sister."

I shouldn't be sad for myself.

"Sister."

I can feel him staring at me, I should say something.

"Sister."

At least look at him. Do something-

"Sister!"

I choke out a muted gasp as my eyes dart up to his, body ridged from surprise as my eyes become blurry. His eyes soften immediately at the sight, shoulders slumping from their forced position as he calls out again, softer.

"Sister, please look at me."

I force myself to keep my gaze up as I will down the tears that threaten to spill. It's just too much. The pain, the anxiety, the past weeks, the memories, his eyes, his voice, his mere presence-

I block out my thoughts completely, doing my best to lock away my emotions and thoughts as I stare up at him. With a voice that sounds foreign to even myself, I speak, "Sorry, Papa."

That was it. I couldn't think of anything else to say, and really, what could I say? An emotionless apology that says everything and nothing. What I was truly apologizing for, I don't know, but I silently praise the dark Lorde for the fact my apology counts as a response.

Copia's brows raise and furrow into a look of sympathy, the action making the already deep wrinkles in his forehead all the more apparent. I curse the part of me that wants to press my thumb between his brows to softly smooth against his worried flesh, but I scream at the smaller part of me that wants to smack that sympathetic look off his face.

Neither reaction is appropriate or right.

I fucking hate my brain.

"Sister, i-" Copia halts, brows digging downward, seemingly in distaste before smoothing back into a hesitant expression as he continues, "I want to apologize, (reader). I have kept much from you…" He dryly licks at his painted lips. A nervous habit of his. "I never- I want to tell you that I never wanted you to find out like this. Eh, at all, actually. I- I did not mean it like that-" He cuts himself off with a choked 'eheheh' as he stiffens, coming off far more nervous than he intended.

He stops himself from rambling again, frozen in place as he looks to the side, trying his hardest to find the best sentence he can before ultimately scrapping every rough draft his brain conjures. With an internal sigh, he abandons his cane against the side of a nearby shelf and takes a tentative step to me.

His eyes hold mine, but it's not like before- No, his eyes are soft and honest.

That is not the look of a Papa.

That's the look of Copia.

I audibly choke back the noises the efforts to hold back my tears cause, the soft straining in my throat noticeable to both of us despite my blank expression. I let him speak.

I want to understand.

He hesitantly reaches forward and gently clasps his larger hand under my own, lifting it up between the two of us as he lightly wraps his other hand utop mine, effectively blanketing my trembling hand with the warmth his leather gloves provide. The way he touches me as if my body is as fragile as my emotional state makes me want to break down right then, to cry until he wraps his arms around me and lets me let it all out- But I don't say anything, not yet.

The only evidence that I'm listening is the few stray tears that fall without my consent.

"Ti prego, perdonami…Mi dispiace tanto, amico mio…" His eyes shine as he stares into my eyes, the candlelight making them look impossibly glossy as he leans down. He makes a point to bow to my level instead of lifting my hand to his lips, an apology. I feel the traces of his newly grown mustache against my skin, making my paled skin feel hypersensitive to his touch.

I remember when he shaved it.

When he became Papa.

I remember being so distraught over his new face, the loss of his pouty lips, rounded face, but most of all… that wonderful, strong, pointy nose of his and that pencil mustache.

I remember playfully lamenting the loss of his mustache to him and any ghoul that would listen, flooring him since I never did have the courage to compliment it like I wanted to until it was sadly gone.

He started growing it back a few weeks later. Shaving it periodically when he had to go on tour so he wouldn't have to fight to hide it beneath his opaque papal paints, only to grow it back when he came back home.

Proudly showing it off when he had his informal paints on around me.

It was endearing, to say the least.

My breath hitches harshly in my throat but neither of us dare make mention of it. I can only stare as his lips linger against my chilled skin, only now gaining some warmth and life.

I can't help the tears that slip past me as I silently watch him, his words replaying in my mind as my tears softly pelt against his soft brunette hair.

It would be too much if not for the fact he's here, he's touching me, the real him. I can't bear to pull away from him in fear of him disappearing from my life again, leaving me lost and confused.

"Non ti merito-" His lips lifts from my skin only long enough to speak, quickly moving forward to press another light kiss to my flesh.

"Mi dispiace-" another small peck, lingering only a bit longer than the previous.

"Sono come sono-" Another, now moving to the bend of my hand, teasing at my wrist as he gently turns my hand.

"Perdonami per favore…per favore…" He whispers out with a wavering tone as he presses a kiss to my now exposed wrist, lingering there with the softest of pressure as he takes in the feeling of my heartbeat.

Silence blankets us once more as I stare down at him, lashes damp and heavy as my hand shakes in his loose hold. The sight of him as he finally looks up at me makes fresh tears spring in my eyes. His eyes are wet and glossy with unshed tears as his hand lightly twitches against mine, subconsciously seeking the comfort I usually offer him.

I give his hand a pitiful squeeze. Hardly enough to even be called a squeeze, but it's all I can manage.

My body feels like lead. As If I could fall, yet stay frozen forever. I feel like fucking shit.

But even at the tiniest of comforts, his eyes widen almost comically.

His cheeks move subtly at his attempt to voice something, but it dies before he can even try to entertain whatever is going through his head. Instead, he squeezes back, eyes telling me everything I need to know.

There's a drawn out silence before I suddenly speak up. Voice meek and pitchy.

"I know…I know you d-" my voice stops, cracking pathetically in my tight throat. "You didn't…mean to. You-" My eyes dart up to look at him, only to have to look back at his chest instantly. His expression is too much.

"You're not…a monster…"

Silence. Pure silence.

"You didn't…" I shake my head in a useless attempt to rid myself of the memory of that Sibling. Eyes stinging as my throat squeezes around my words. "I-"

With that, a choked sob rips it's way up my throat, forcing itself to be acknowledged as I lean my head against Copia's chest. My other hand reaches up to blindly grip onto his papal robe as my other holds onto his as if he'd disappear. I incoherently sob out apologies to my departed Sibling and pathetic 'I miss you's' to Copia as he wraps his arms around me.

He only quietly shushes me when my shaking or cries become too much, only to calm me and keep me away from a worse breakdown. His free hand softly smooths over my hair, the familiar feeling of leather calming me and making me think of better times.

He leans down and rests his nose against the top of my head, pressing a tiny kiss there as he inhales my hair's freshly washed scent- surely seeking comfort of his own.

After a while of him holding me, he reluctantly parts, speaking in a soft voice, "You are alright, Tesoro?"

I only give an unconvincing nod in response. He gives a hesitant nod in return, licking at his lips again as he gives my hand a squeeze with both his hands. "Do…you wish to know everything?"

I nod.

He takes a long, silent breath in before speaking again. His voice is plain and stable as he says, "Then I will tell you everything, Mia cara."

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Translation notes:

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____________________

Assomigli a Lilith stessa

You look like Lilith herself

_____________________

Ti prego, perdonami…Mi dispiace tanto, amico mio

Please forgive me...I am so sorry, my friend

______________________________

Non ti merito

I do not deserve you

_________________

Mi dispiace

I'm sorry

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Sono come sono

I am as I am (yes, i meant to write it that way. meant in the way someone would say "i am sorry i am the way that i am")

_______________________________

Perdonami per favore…per favore…

Forgive me, please...please...

_______________________________

Tesoro

Treasure (treasure being the most solid meaning, while some say it loosely means or translates to sweetheart, darling, honey / hunny. General terms of endearment, but I meant it as sweetheart. Treasure also works. I am not Italian)

_______________________________

Mia cara

My dear (feminine)

________________

(italian readers PLEASE help)

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additional notes:

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ah the drama!! it is s p i c y!!

and by spicy i mean s a d, but fun either way :^D

hope y'all enjoy my amateur attempt at writing enough to stick around for the next part. i'd amaze me,, but i'd be eternally grateful.

okie dokie then,, thanks so reading all the way through!!

thanks ghesties!!

ali.

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#cardinal copia x reader #papa emeritus iv x reader #vampire copia #vampire papa iv #dracopia x reader #mmmm delicious drama and trauma #ghost x reader #ghost the band x reader #the nameless ghouls #ghost bc x reader #papa iv #cardinal copia #papa emeritus x reader #papa emeritus #yea i think thats all not shoot me

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masked-marauder · 9 months ago

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THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (1944)

Director: James Culhane

Story: Ben Hardaway, Milt Schaffer

Animation: Verne Harding, Les Kine, Emery Hawkins, Pat Matthews, Paul J. Smith, Rudy Zamora

Release Date: April 22, 1944

Ah, Woody Woodpecker. One of my favorite, yet also one of the most underachieving cartoon characters of all time.

Despite his appealing design and his fun, if a bit aggravating personality, Woody was never able to achieve fame and praise similar to the likes of Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse (Unless you're in Brazil), and I find that to be a great shame, as I find Woody to be a great character. However, it seemed nobody truly knew HOW to use him after the 1940s were over, as he became nicer, unfunnier, and more simple of a character, despite a few fun cartoons here and there. (Mostly 1954's CONVICT CONCERTO). It seems like they've been trying to return to his classic roots in the modern day and age, but they aren't really doing it very well, as the movie stunk and the Flash show is unbearably mediocre. So what made Woody tick anyway? Why do I find him to be such a great character? Well, look no further than The Barber of Seville.

The cartoon begins with Woody, reading the window of Tony Fig-Ay-Roo.... Figaro's barber shop. As he looks at the different haircut options, he decides to get a "V FOR VICTORY" haircut, because what can he lose with a victory cut?

As he thinks about the haircut, we get some great expressions from him.

As he goes into the barber shop, he finds that Figaro is out to get his physical. "Back soon? That's what he thinks." This cartoon shows its age very clearly with military references such as these, but I find them somewhat endearing.

Oh well. Maybe Woody can cut his own hair! He cuts his own teeth!

As he begins combing his hair, he does a dainty pose as he remarks "Looks like Harmonica Lake!"

This is a neat lil nod to the famous actress Veronica Lake. (Yeesh, check out that... creature next to her!)

Suddenly, a Native-American man walks in, unaware that Woody will be his barber. Despite the controversial nature of this whole sequence, weirdly enough, the official Woody Woodpecker youtube channel has this entire cartoon up with NO censorship. Not even a disclaimer or anything. This whole sequence is somewhat unnecessary to the cartoon, so I won't go into full detail about it.

However, one gag I DO have to bring up is one where, after Woody places a bunch of hot towels on his head, the man's war bonnet shrinks into a shuttlecock.

He takes great offense to this, viewing this as Woody "giving him the bird" (A great double entendre) as he pulls out an axe, threatening to give Woody "scalp treatment".

Woody backtracks on this, pulling out a mallet as he states "No. I give YOU scalp treatment!". He then knocks him on the head with the mallet. Just a great combo of jokes all packed into one big gag.

After this, we find a burly Italian construction worker, who goes into the shop. This is where the cartoon gets good.

As he sits down, Woody asks him what he would like. He asks for the "whole works", a decision he will most definitely come to regret.

As Woody begins the haircut, he holds down the man's helmet, the razor hitting it as both the man and Woody shake around, the razor makin a jackhammer sound effect.

"Remove the hat!.... dope."

As Woody attempts to remove it, we get another fun visual gag as Woody blow torches the man's helmet off, using his own hair as a nob controlling the fire.

Now, while all of the gags that I've mentioned are GREAT, it's all nothing compared to what you'll be seeing next. After removing the helmet, Woody begins SINGING OPERA (specifically Largo al factotum) while cutting the man's hair. He begins by slapping the man with a bunch of shaving cream.

He randomly places shaving cream on the man's shoes as well. While Woody sings, the man looks at him with an incredible expression of pure shock and horror.

He then slaps the brush for the shaving cream into the man's mouth.

He begins polishing the man's shoes with the shaving cream, which is standard barber practice.

Do I really have to say anything about this next part? He pulls out the razor as he points it at the man, resulting in the most iconic still from this cartoon. "V'e la risorsa..."

He then extends the seat to go up higher, to the point where he slams the man into the ceiling. He sticks on there for a bit due to the shaving cream.

He then falls off as a bunch of tools fly across the screen, including.. dentures? Maybe this is just an old-timey barbershop thing, I wouldn't know.

The man tries hiding from Woody in the bib, leading to a really satisfying looking gag where everytime Woody swings the razor, the man changes position, as Woody randomly phases over to that position, with no in between frames whatsoever.

As Woody swings the blade again, the man disappears. Woody begins calling out for him by saying the famous "FEE-GA-ROOOOOO.... FEE-GA-ROOOOO...." part of the song.

As he calls to him, he randomly clones himself as he looks around. A really simple yet genius gag.

As he calls out, we see the man, attempting to walk away, dressed as a stereotypical child from that era, complete with a little umbrella. He spouts "Coming, mother!" If I remember correctly, this is a radio show reference, but I don't remember which one.

As he tries running away, Woody turns like the way a bloodlusted animal turns when they hear a twig snap, dashing towards him.

This is where the cartoon reaches its peak. He begins swinging the razor at him again, now with a fencing stance, as they move across the shop.

After a RIGID haircutting session, the man finally escapes Woody's grasp, running out the shop as Woody laughs hysterically, but not before the man gets his revenge. As Woody laughs, the mangrabs him and chucks him through the window as he slams into a pole.

Now THIS is Woody Woodpecker. There's a reason he's Stanley Kubrick's favorite cartoon character. (That's entirely true by the way... look it up) And it seems many people agree on this being a great Woody cartoon, as it's usually ranked as the BEST one and was ranked #43 in the best cartoons EVER. Another huge selling point to this cartoon is that it was the first to feature Woody's design as we know it today, besides the blue neck (which I honestly prefer). Basically, what I'm trying to say is, if there's ONE Woody cartoon you should watch... it's this one. And you're in luck, because this time, instead of putting some shoddy Dailymotion link, I can send you the entire cartoon from the official Youtube channel! You can view it here!

All of the gifs used in THIS review come from animationfan69.tumblr.com. Give em' a watch!

#woody woodpecker #barber of seville #1944 #1940s cartoons #1940s #1940 #walter lantz #blogpost #review #cartoon review

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practicalzen · 6 months ago

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WHY AM I WRITING THIS STUFF?

Since I have the audacity and hubris to suggest that I might know something worth sharing, I want to explain a few things about why I am here and how I choose what I say, and, how I choose to say it.

I have never been one to document my life. I don’t have any picture albums, diaries, or archives of past work. At one point in my life, I wrote a lot of poetry. For a while, I saved it. But as time went on, I simply misplaced the binders and eventually lost it. That was not a serious problem for me. By the time I realized that I couldn’t find any of what I had written, I had moved on (in a variety of ways). However, because of this carelessness with my past and my lack of attention to documentation, when I try to communicate what I know, who I was, or where I have been, I have to rely almost completely on memory.

I can guarantee you that my memory is 100% run-of-the-mill. I am subject to dropouts, distortions, and complete inaccuracies.

I am still close friends with my first wife and we often talk about our time together 40 years ago. I am surprised how differently we remember things. Sometimes she insists that I am completely wrong about the sequence, content, or even reality of past events. Sometimes, I am surprised by how wrong she gets things. And, sometimes, neither of us has any idea who the hell has things right or wrong.

On top of that, this ‘Spiritual/Buddhist/Meditative/Life’ journey is rife with false narratives, delusions, hallucinations, great insights, joy, depression, guilt, remorse, fear, etc., etc. Just when you think you have it all nailed down and neatly packaged for nutritious, simple ingestion . . . you find that your perspective on everything has changed.

“Going, going, going on beyond, always going on beyond, always learning, always growing, always changing.”

LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE

One of the few great addictions left in my life is coffee. Not simply coffee, but rich, dark roast, perfectly brewed cappuccino. I start every working day with it and am constantly looking for ways of improving my ‘coffee’ experience. To that end, a few years ago, I purchased a magnificent, Italian built ‘Rube Goldberg’ monstrosity of a cappuccino machine. It has levers, and handles, and spouts, and double boilers, and a whole variety of gauges - all to ensure that I am able to concoct the ‘Perfect’ brew.

Since my wife and I fully share my obsession, and always share the dark, chocolaty fruits of my labor, the portafilter on our machine is a two cup unit with a stainless steel removable filter. Unfortunately, from the day we got it, the flow to the two shot glasses below the filter was uneven. When the shot glass on the right side of the machine was full, the left hand glass was only about 2/3 full.

Everything else the machine did was amazing. The steamer worked flawlessly and I was soon able to produce wonderful, peaked, shaving cream rich foam. The quality of my pulls was beyond reproach, each taking exactly 30 seconds and perfectly balanced – not bitter, yet, a satisfying expression of the full potential of the rich dark roast bean that I was currently using. There was nothing about the machine that I could fault except the uneven flow through the portafilter.

Initially, because the machine was working flawlessly, I ignored the problem of the uneven ‘draw/flow’. When the right side shot glass was full, I removed it and slid the left side shot glass under both spigots. When it was full I poured the two shots into the cappuccino cups and got on with my life.

Unfortunately, as I become more intimately involved with the process I realized that the last 3rd of the left side cup was watered down compared to the smooth continuous draw on the right side. I decided that I was not going to put up with this ‘malfunction’ and that I was going to figure out how to solve it.

I purchased a small pipe brush and scoured the two feeds on the portafilter. As well, I removed the filter basket and carefully insured that none of the filter holes were blocked. When I was done, the thing worked . . . for a couple of days. Then the problem returned.

As I became more obsessed with the repair, I also became more aware that it was intermittent. Sometimes, for a week or two, it manifested every time I made coffee, and then, suddenly, it would draw perfectly and the two shot glasses would be filled evenly with no discrepancies. Then, suddenly, the stupid machine would fill the shot glasses unevenly again. I examined, poked, prodded, disassembled, descaled, detoxified, reassembled, reviewed and, finally replaced everything I could imagine might be involved in the problem.

Finally, I bought a new expensive, after-market, portafilter. Clearly the old one was flawed!

This whole process had gone on for more than a year and had become a real source of pain and frustration. Once I broke down and replaced the stock portafilter with the super, high quality, custom manufactured, life-time-guaranteed portafilter, I knew that finally everything was under control. With a bit of a twitch when I thought of the replacement cost, I unpacked the new portafilter, filled it with perfectly ground, rich dark roast coffee, and prepared to draw two perfect cappuccinos.

MY GOD! As I stood there watching, I got two horribly uneven shots of coffee.

Over the next few weeks, I alternated between the two portafilters and ran through all the fixes I had tried previously. Nothing helped! Then, one day, after having given up and resigned myself to the fact that my coffee machine was a ‘lemon’, I had an epiphany!

As I was tamping the coffee into the portafilter, I noticed that I was favoring my left side. To get a good purchase and to ensure that I exerted proper pressure to the tamper as I compressed the coffee, I was leaning, significantly, to the left. I looked closely at the tamped coffee and there was a discernible difference in the height of the coffee on the two sides of the portafilter. It was higher on the right which clearly indicated that the left side was more tightly packed than the right side. I pulled the shots and, sure enough, the left side shot glass was less full that the one on the right.

I refilled the portafilter with coffee and tamped it down again. This time I concentrated on tamping the coffee evenly. Of course, I got two perfect, even fills in the two shot glasses.

There was ‘never’ anything wrong with the machine . . . there was something wrong with the operator!

This may seem like a trivial issue, but this kind of dysfunctional mental process can distort everything we do. We distort reality in terms of our likes and dislikes, our past experiences, our expectations, our lack of information and proper observation, what we see on television, what we hear from friends, and what we spin out of our own butts. As a result of the distortions and delusions foisted on us by our own fictional narratives and those passed to us from external sources: entertainment and information media, social, and political processes, and educational, philosophical, and religious systems (to name a few), we have a lot to think about and evaluate.

On top of all of that, one of the least effective means of measuring, evaluating and communicating truth (the one I am trying to use here) is language.

There is an old brain teaser, “If a tree falls in the forest and no-one is there to hear it, is there a sound made by the falling tree?” The problem is not one of assessing the ‘true nature of sound.’ It is really a question of how we define what constitutes sound. Once we come to an agreement regarding our use of the language, the apparent issue with the nature of external phenomena disappears.

Imprecise language, biased interpretation of language, and a misplaced trust in the accuracy of language can be seen as a major cause in a great many of our problems as human beings.

That fundamental problem with communicating using words, combined with the mental issues inherit in being an 81 year old, ‘historically irresponsible’ person, leads me to consider this site and my writing here as a kind of docudrama/Cliff’s Notes.

In many cases, I am not going to use real names, times or places. I will attempt to move this narrative forward as accurately as possible, but realize that I might just be another ‘blind man’ holding an unidentifiable appendage attached to Schrödinger's Elephant.

That being said, I am going to just jump in and we��ll see if I float.

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junglekarmapippa · 1 year ago

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C is for Card (old version)

The Alphabet of fluff

RJ adjusted his tie the way his father had taught him. He grabbed the vest of his three-piece suit and put it on, doing the buttons so it closed over the tie.

It was a grey, Italian suit and it made him look very elegant. He secretly loved that suit and had over a dozen ties and 6 shirts to wear with it. He couldn’t help but add a dash of color with his new purple tie.

He brushed his hair and checked his face, making sure there were no red spots after his first clean shave in months.

He buttoned the cuffs of the shirt, with a very elegant pair of silver cufflinks his father had gifted him many years ago.

He walked out of his bedroom and was welcomed with whistling and joking by his students.

”Look at him!” Casey called. “Tie and everything.

“Very funny, yes,” RJ agreed, looking at his very expensive watch. He couldn’t just go to the bank in the JKP delivery truck.

“When did you become a millionaire?” Fran asked.

“The day after I was born,” RJ answered, looking out the window to see if his taxi was there.

“Wait a sec,” Casey said. “Did you just say you became a millionaire the day after you were born?”

This made RJ look at them. “Yes. The woman who birthed me abandoned me in a hospital, safe heaven law, etcetera. My mother heard me crying as she and Dad made a visit to see how much they’d have to donate to redo the hospital’s ER.” He leaned to look out of the window, waiting for his taxi. “I’m technically worth a little over a billion dollars,” he added.

“You never told us this!” Lily said.

“Yeah!”

“I don’t like to flaunt my wealth. Also, my father had disowned me, until I saved him from Dai Shi.”

“RJ,” Casey asked, moving to where RJ was standing. “How much more are you hiding from us?”

“I made a list of all the stuff I have to tell you now that Dai Shi is defeated. I can’t remember where I put it.” A car honked. “That’s my cab.”

“Hang on,” Casey said, standing between him and the door. “Is anything we know about you, anything we saw from you a lie?”

“Of course not, Casey. I was my truest self when we were training to fight Dai Shi. You know me well enough to know this,” he gestured to show him the suit he was wearing. “is not me. Well, not completely, not anymore.” He walked towards the door and looked at them. “Even after mending my relationship with my dad, you guys are still my family.”

“Where are you going so well dressed then?” Dom asked.

“The bank. I have to pay the last installment of the loan I took for the restaurant.”

The taxi drove RJ to the bank branch he needed to go and he paid, got out, and walked into the bank.

“Mr. Finnsen!” He was greeted immediately.

“Mrs. Jones,” he saluted the receptionist.

“What can I help you with?”

“You called me, something about the American Express—”

“Centurion, yes,” she picked up her phone and dialed an extension.

“I’d also like to pay the mortgage I took,”

“Lucy will be with you shortly, can I offer you some coffee?”

“Yes, thank you.”

He waited for a couple of minutes, Mrs. Jones brought him a cup of coffee and he drank it slowly, feeling completely at ease with his surroundings.

He supposed anyone who didn’t know him since he was a child would assume this kind of environment would make him very uncomfortable, but this bank had nothing on his childhood home.

“Mr. Finnsen?” Lucy called as she approached him.

“Robert, please,” He said, handing Mrs. Jones the empty coffee cup.

He followed Lucy to her office and sat down across the desk from her.

“I have your centurion card right here, Robert,” Lucy said, unlocking a drawer.

“I’d also like to pay my loan,” RJ commented.

Lucy looked at him. “The whole thing?”

“The whole thing.”

“Okay, let’s start with the card and then we’ll deal with the loan.”

An hour later, RJ walked out a debt-free man, holding his Black AmEx. He hailed a cab, got in, and was about to give the driver the address to the loft when his sight fell on his new card. He gave a different address.

Casey, Theo, Lily, Fran, and Dom were starting to get worried. RJ had gone to the bank, but he was an exclusive client, it shouldn’t have taken him this long to return.

Finally, they hear RJ say “Thanks” and a car door shut. A minute later, RJ opened the loft door and entered, carrying several shopping bags.

“What on Earth?” Theo asked.

RJ put the bags on the training mat and smiled at them. “For you,” he said with a big smile.

“RJ… why?” Casey asked.

“Because you’re family. And I love you all very, very much,” The Wolf Master said. He was going to say something else but was interrupted by Lily.

“ARE THESE CAPEZIOS?!” She was looking into one of the bags, her face frozen in shock.

RJ turned to her, smiling. “Yes.” He looked at them all as he took his jacket and vest off. “You guys are my family. Please, don’t think about the prize tags on these. Just accept them, please.”

Lily was the first to move and she hugged him tightly.RJ hugged her back. Then Casey joined and RJ hugged them both. Finally, Theo and Dom joined and they stayed like that for a long time.

A long-needed group hug.

“You deserve them,” RJ said, from the center of the hug. “You always worked so hard.”

“Thank you,” Casey said. “We will cherish them.”

“Hopefully, the way I cherish you.”

#power rangers #powerrangers #fanfic #fanfiction #power rangers jungle fury #alphabet of fluff

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frankietitaliandaddy · 2 months ago

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BOSS Man ♂️ the big Extra hairy daddy bear NY ITALIAN DADDY BEAR MASTER Telaro the big Extra thick fingers and his hairy chest very cheap such a childhood story of the crying did you know he'd joke about the guys doing it hugged him his legs all spread apart just knee hugs hung down on his lap and turning back to look at the chubby Dad bubba bubby's spanked and mad I did Victor hug inside the house to cozy

fat hairy white master and a good day with the boss babe I heard from the man who I love how the day goes all right you are watching the boy with a phone call you back in the truck and he just wants me to do the job so he can have some dude at the house get my clothes and wash it at his house. But first I clean from the kitchen dishes floor sweet vacuum on my hands and knees mopping working my way to the bathroom cleaning the floor clean the sink clean the toilet finding his hairs and putting them in my mouth and tell him I'm going to take a shower clean a shower leaving the door open and scrubbing the walls really good getting it clean like my master expects and he brings me a towel and I pull back the curtain just so you can clearly see a big bowl she's always looking at and couldn't resist finally touching brushing up against it while reaching underneath the sink to get me more soap and since he did that I figured I'll let him see what it really looks like and prepare myself for this moment making sure I was in my direct so you can get a very good idea of it is very fucking big but I know he wants and I can handle it I don't want him to handle it. So that from there downstairs cleaning the bathroom working my way out on my hands and knees into the living room while he sits on the couch and I'm just sitting there on my knees getting glance at home sitting there in his underwear shirtless tell me what to do and I do what he tells me picking his feet up putting them on the table for him so I can vacuum underneath his feet as I clean there he wants me to start on his bedroom and then come in there and say the washing machine is in here and he opens it up and I can see his underwear on the ground and I'm just like these are nice so takes a minute and I'm picking up stuff moving it around making room to walk through and he notices that I know this is underwear and then I kind of grab them while he's turned around and I pick it up and put it in my back and he's looking around when he turns around and I can see that he's noticing his underwear it's missing so I kind of walk around a little bit move stuff and then just drop them off and he can see that I have moved down so he leaves to go and do something and I grab them put them up to my nose and smell them rubbing myself and then I put it in my pants and my crotch and he comes back in and I feel guilty and I see him looking like very quiet but he knows is underwear my boss is underwear and he shows me how to start the washing machine and while he's doing that I pull the underwear out my pants and drop them behind me can I kick them to the side and then he looks down he can see them and he knows at this boy has been playing with the bosses underwears so I wash my clothes and I wait we go outside and sit then he has me clean the porch clean up his dog poop outside after working all day and paying me very little money he's the big fat hairy New York Italian boss with the authentic New York accent that voice to just always gets me excited and motivated no matter what he says I don't tell him no even though I want to go home I'm tired of working everyday and being his maid cleaning out his truck cleaning anything because he doesn't clean Frankie key Frankie t what's his name they gave me and I never asked any questions cuz he was just so damn sexy for an old dude Italian see the hair coming out of his chest hair all over his arms his big fat fingers big nose clean shave and short haircut jewelry shirt and buttoned just enough to see that furry patch exposed and shorts I can see his legs and all the hair looking at his crotch all the time can never make out a definite bulge but he is definitely checking me out from the moment he pulled up next to me and asked me what I was doing do I want to work and being out of work digging through trash cans and just right place at the right time for him to pull up next to me it is green BMW and I'm talking to him tell him yeah he's telling me what kind of work it is.

#frankie t #tai jonathan picard

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if-you-fan-a-fire · 5 months ago

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"FOUR FACE CHARGE IN SARAO SLAYING," Montreal Star. July 4, 1934. Page 3 & 11. ---- Wife, Mother-in-Law and Two Young Men Remanded For Inquiry ---- The four charged with the killing of Nicola Sarao, whose battered body was found on the Blue Bonnets race track siding on Friday, appeared this morning before Judge Dubeau, of Joliette, who is replacing Judge Tetreau in the arraignment court during vacation, and were remanded until July 11 'for preliminary inquiry. The proceedings occupied barely three minutes, but the room was packed with interested spectators, at the formal setting in motion of the wheels of justice in Montreal's most sordid crime.

Gerald Fauteux, K.C., appeared for the Crown, flanked by Sergeant Detectives Francoeur, Prysky and Therrien, of the homicide squad and Constable Rock Dell'Aniello, specially employed on the case as Italian interpreter for the detective bureau. Sergeant Detective Gauthier was in charge of the prisoners in the dock.

MOTHER-IN-LAW CALLED A stocky, round-shouldered, dark-visaged, grey-haired woman, in a shabby grey overcoat, sat huddled on the bench in the dock and rose to her feet when the name of Giovannina Theolis was called. She was the mother-in-law of the victim in the case, excused attendance at yesterday's coroner's inquest, who came into the official limelight yesterday afternoon when she joined battle with her daughter in the cells at detective headquarters and had to be separated from her.

She stood quietly at the bar, her hands folded on it, looking straight ahead of her, through half-closed eyes, her head somewhat bowed, while the charges against her were read, but spluttered voluble Italian when the interpreter told her what it was all about. She left the dock quietly, however, and her place was immediately taken by the remaining three accused: Mrs. Nicola Sarao (Tomasina Theolis), Angelo Donofrio and Leone Gagliardi.

The prisoners appeared much the same as at yesterday's inquiry before the coroner, but Donofrio seemed to have collected himself, for he had his head up this morning. in strong contrast with his hang-dog appearance yesterday and swaggered into the dock from the prison- ers department, removing his soft felt hat and blowing a valedictory mouthful of cigarette-smoke, as he crossed the threshold. Gagliardi retained his former wooden look. Both men were the better for a shave and brush-up.

The charges against the four accused were identical, namely of having, during the past two years, conspired with one another and with other persons to commit an indictable offence, namely to kill and assassinate Nicola Sarao and of having, on June 28, committed the said offence of murder. Formal appearance for Donofrio was made by W. Proulx, while Mario E. Lattoni entered the record as lawyer for the three remaining prisoners.

Considerable feeling has been aroused throughout the city by the crime, and reports are rife of high feeling in the Italian colony, where the idea of a compatriot having been slain for his insurance money has caused a furore.

A confession by Gagliardi, implicating himself and his three co- accused, was read at yesterday's inquest. The police are also in possession of a similar statement from Donofrio, which, however, deals solely with events subsequent to his meeting Gagliardi about three weeks ago. It will be for the Crown to decide whether this will be introduced at the inquiry one week from today. or whether evidence already adduced will suffice to complete the proceedings in the lower courts.

#montreal #criminal conspiracy #conspiracy to murder #murder #premeditated murder #sarao case #italian canadians #life insurance #insurance fraud #great depression in canada #crime and punishment in canada #history of crime and punishment in canada

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msmercury84 · 9 months ago

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"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

South Philadelphia, New Year's Eve, 1945"

From "I Double Dare You-A Rendezvous With Destiny."

youtube

Author's Note: Some sections are for readers over 18 years of age. In other words, smut warning. The expression "And how!" was popular with Bill Guarnere's generation. He used the expression in the book he wrote with Babe Heffron and I heard my grandparents use the expression, too. The depiction of Bill is based upon the actor's portrayal in the movie.*

Earlier in the week, Bill mentioned that he would enjoy having a small serving of pasta "wit' that good gravy ya make" the next time they had steaks.

Leigh got a good recipe from Augusta for a marinade that was great for beef. The day before New Year's Eve, she combined garlic, red wine, some salt, a dash of pepper and a hint of oregano.

Leigh turned on the radio to have music playing while she finished the special supper. She donned an apron made of material with tiny red roses. Protecting her favorite dress was top priority.

When Bill got home from work, he embraced and kissed Leigh after hanging up his snow covered coat on a coat tree in the kitchen and putting his gloves on the coat tree to dry.

"Thanks, Honey." She winked, adding, "You ain't seen nothin' yet."

"What's goin' on, Sweetheart? Sounds like you're up to somethin'."

"You'll see, be patient. I'll make it worth the waiting."

Guarnere went upstairs to put on a clean dress shirt after shaving. The atmosphere in the house was cozy, with the Christmas decorations, a fire in the living room fireplace and music on the radio.

After they finished their supper, Bill told her,

"Thanks, Bill. Let me get the dishes and then we can get ready to celebrate the new year."

"Nothin' doin', Leigh. I'm helpin' wit the dishes. How 'bout I wash an' you dry? That way, your dress won't get ruined.