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popculturebuffet · 4 years ago

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Mission Hill Review: Plan 9 From Mission Hill or I Married a Gay Man From Outer Space!

Commission for @weirdkev27. Hallowen Havoc marches on! For my first commission ever, I take a look at the cult classic mission hill’s final produced episode and one of it’s most loved. Kevin’s visit to an x rated movie pays off less with boobs and more with a friendship with his elderly gay neighbor and film buff wally and a new appreciation for cinema, only for this new friendship to nearly end over Kevin’s good natured attempt to spotlight Wally’s only film, the man from pluto. Gay spaceman, a touching gay love story, and a surprisingly likeable guy with a neckbeard insue. Spoilers and full recap FROM PLUTO, under the cut.

Well this was a nice suprise. After the utterly draining process of my review of “Let’s Get Dangerous”, it was a nice suprise to find out one of my handful of fans had tried to comission me a while back and I hadn’t realized it, and I was happy to oblige him. I was even happier when I found out what his commission was: Plan 9 From Mission HIll, an episode i’d planned to cover for pride but got squeezed out due to how little i’d planned the month out in advance, a lesson I still REALLY need to learn. Regardless not only was it a nice, funny, and heartwarming ep to cover after the sheer amount of analysis and recapping the last one took, I realized it ended up fitting the spooky season, as there’s just as much fun to be had in truly fantastic horror movies like “Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Get Out”, “Child’s Play”, “Tales from the Hood” and “The Thing” as there is from so bad it’s great horror films like “House (The Japanese one), C.H.U.D. II: Bud The Chud, Terror Toons and House Shark. Seriously watch House Shark i’ts hilarious. Hell I fully plan on watching the Gary Busey film Hider in the House tomorrow. I mean it’s a film about hollywood’s favorite nutball living in the walls and attic of someone’s house. What’s not to love? Maybe it might be entirely boring but that’s the risk you sometimes take to find so bad it’s gold filmaking. Plus cheeestastic films like these are the reason we have the classsic and incomprable mystery science theater 3000 and it’s succesor rifftrax. So while I need to watch more of them, I have a spot in my likely overtaxed heart for this kind of film, and as a result this episode resonated with me on rewatch in a way it didn’t the first time around, even if it was still my faviorite.

Backing up a bit as usual I like to give my history with a show first time covering it: Mission HIll was one of a handful of shows picked up by Adult Swim in it’s early days. Since most of Adult Swim’s early originals were 11 minutes at a time when this was still a new and radical thing they were doing having 11 minute shows that weren’t sold as half hour pairs of 11 minute episodes, they likely needed more shows to fill up the air and clevelry simply bought the rights to several shows that had only had one season, along with Family Guy and Futurama which as history would bear out both made the shows into huge names in the animation industry but brought both back.. though in Family Guy’s case sometimes dead is better. Point is, several shows got a second life thanks to Cartoon Network if sadly not more seasons, with the sole exception of the utter classic Home Movies which I really need to talk about at some point, and thus are really more associated with Adult Swim than their original networks. Hell before doing this review I genuinely didn’t know what Mission HIll’s original networks. But now you know the framework this show came out in what IS Mission Hill anyway?

MIssion Hill was a cartoon from the wonderful brains of Bill Oakely and Josh Weinstein, no relation to the MST3K one who due to this confusion now goes by J. Elvis Weinstein instead, who showran the simpsons and did some great episodes, my faviorte of there’s being $pringfield, aka the casino one.

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The show was about Andy, a 24 year old slacker whose happily lazing about after college in his loft with his friends Jim, a stoic but friendly stoner played by Brian Posehn, and Posey, a sensitive hippie. However when he goes to pickup his childhood dog he ends up with an unexpected roomate: His nerdy, sheltered and neurotic brother Kevin, who has a love of sci fi, a type a personality and a habit of going bling blong to focus when studying or just whenever. He’s also voiced by future robin and future psychopath claming to be robin Scott Mellinville. Also in the building are Carlos and Natalie, an unemployed artist and college professor and their baby Nameless. I forgot they existed. And of course saving the best for last we have the brother’s neighbors, and a very early gay couple for animated television Wally and Gus, played by the legendary Tom Kenny and Nick Jameson who hasn’t done much of note but does a great job anyway. Wally is a fastudious, Gus is angry and very brooklyn, but the two genuinely love each other, makeout frequently, with their first showing off the two as a gay couple, and are an adorable but very beliviable couple. It’s part of WHY I wanted to spotlight them. The late 90′s/early 2000′s, the show originally aired in 99 and into 2000 and aired on adult swim in the early 2000 for the curious, were not a great time to be gay in animation with most gay characters used as punchlines and hardly any queer stories. Not only that but just a year earlier will and grace had to have one overly camp chracter and one “regular” gay character in order to get made. Granted that show has it’s issues but still, the point stands having a gay couple that plays fairly realistically, is shown to both be sexually active and love each other and who’ve been together for decades was a hell of a step for a medium where Family Guy around the same time had a joke with the punchline “Whoa transvestite back off!” Granted Family Guy would do far worse to both the gay and trans communities, but we’ll get to that someday. Or sooner if you commission me, but I swear if you do I will pull a gary busey on your house. Point is not only is it INCREIDBLY forward for it’s time but it holds up even now. There’s a reason the creators are working on a spinoff/revivial focused on the two and a reason these two tend to be one of the most talked about elements of the show. That and frankly their hilarious having realistic banter.. and also having one episode where Gus has a knife in his head for a whole episode. It helps that this episode, their spotlight one and the last one produced, is also one fo the series best. So with all that build up let’s take a look shall we?

We open with Kevin passing a theater showing x rated movies and are shown, over a bunch of times of him passing it him condeming it publicly but his tone clearly telegraphing the classic battle between a teenage boy and his dick. Dick wins and Kevin heads inside and gives us... this.

.... If you will excuse me, please enjoy the musical stylings of the late great Zorak while I go shower the “EeEEEEEEUUUUGGggggggHHHhhuuuuuuggghhhhhhhhewwwwuuuuugggghhhhggooooodddddddwwwyyyyyy” off me.

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God rest his soul. Okay i’m good now. Thankfully this isn’t an episode about Kevin getting addicted to x-rated theater, and they already did an episode about him masturbating. No really it actually had a good message as Kevin was so embarassed about the incident, he nearly let two other guys, granted not remotley good people who were stealing from there anyway, take the fall. Andy even ends up giving a great speech coming to his defense

“People, you mock this boy, but it's your fault he's here today. Your hypocrisy has made this boy a prisoner, terrified of his own sexuality. So much so that he'd rather send two relatively-innocent men to prison than admit he looks at pornography! He thinks his natural urges are filthy and perverted, and why? Because of your conspiracy of silence! Nobody dares admit the truth - that you're all just like him!”

IT’s a damn good moment and a good message. That sadly is still relevant as America still views sex as worse than violence for some weird reason. At least he has the internet now. Anywho when Kevin goes to see what’s up he runs into Wally who explains the confusion: He’s just showing old “X-Rated films”. Now some of you are probably wondering “Wait non-porn films used to use that?” Or “Wait what’s an x-rating?” Well while I knew some films did used to do that I was honestly curious myself as to why it was retired and why porn films got to use it and took a quick hop to google to find out reading both the wikipedia article for the rating and this vulture article on the subject to get a slightly deeper look at it.

It’s actually quite intresting as I genuinelly also didn’t know when the MPAA ratings started for films: When the rating’s board started in 1968 there were four raitings: G, GP (Later flipped to PG), R and X. X was the modern equivlent of today’s R really, and films like Last Tango in Paris, Midnight Cowboy and a Clockwork Orange, with Orange even having a poster up at the cinema in this episode and Midnight Cowboy being part of the plot very soon. We’ll get to that in the moment. Point is it allowed filmakers to push the envelope break barriers all that good stuff and makes me curious about those very films, which is a good thing as i’ll admit to not being exactly a film buff. But as Kevin’s confusion here shows, eventually the porn industry took a hold of it, using the X as a way to get sex movies into regular cinemas and have an air of legitimacy, hence why Debbie Does Dallas was a mainstream hit.. and yes that’s an actual film that I only know about thanks to I Love the 70′s. If your wondering why the MPAA just couldn’t you know, tell them to know or why they didn’t take over other ratings it turns out for some weird reason why the G and R ratings were owned by them, and later PG , they forgot to trademark X and by the time they even thought of it it was too late. Hence terms like XXX rated and what not or the ungodly stupid XXX porn parodies. Just.. just give them actual names and slap “A porn parody” ont he end if you want to avoid a lawsuit. Naturally the film industry struck back and X soon went from a way to have daring, interesting films.. to basically a threat by the MPAA that your film wouldn’t be carried by any major distributors if it had one, with Dawn of the Dead having to just go unrated just to get distributed. The 80′s brought the killing stroke: With the rise of big theater chains, mall theaters with restrictions I wasn’t aware of, and big home video outlets like blockbuster that didn’t carry porn, the x rating was well and truly dead and the MPAA lukewarmly added NC-17 which serves the same bullshit purpose as theaters still refuse to carry them and the MPAA still uses it for essenitally the same reason. Nothing changed! If your wondering why people sometimes have problems with the MPAA, yeah there’s your answer, as they could’ve campaigned harder for NC-17 but clearly enjoyed having a raiting to hold over films heads.

So yeah if you don’t know, know you know bud, let’s move on. So yeah Wally explains the confusion and decides to educate Kevin on film by showing him Midnight Cowboy, with John Voight “Before his head looked like a radish” and Dustin Hoffman. Also Andy brings up Sphere.. a film I also know nothing about. Hang on... checking Letterboxd and okay. It’s a Dustin Hoffman starring Sci-Fi film about a research team investigating a mysterious sphere at the bottom of the sea. Huh.. I prefer Cube myself but to each his own. But once Kevin clams up he really enjoys it. Will grant the episode lays it on a tad thick, with Kevin comparing the film to , of all things, Armageddon. I mean I get MIcheal Bay is a good metric for crowd pleasing schlock but still, even nerds have standards. My standards aren’t very high at times mind as I still want to watch this sometime today.

But I still think even awkward teens have better standards. Then again one of my faviorite films at the time was Saving Silverman which while I can’t hate it due to nostalgia , having watched it from 5th grade well into my teens, I can see was not very good. Though it did have R. Lee Ermy being both really funny and turning out to be gay so that was awesome.

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And he does make a good point that heroes like Ratzzo Rizzo don’t go well on Taco Bell cups.. though it also feels weird to me in 2020 where while not big sellers films with deep stories and unlikeable heroes are some of the biggest on tv and one of them was one of the greatest animated series of the last decade, so things must’ve been pretty damn bleak in 1999. The two also run into Gus who wants dinner and a fight ensues between the couple about the fact Gus owns a restraunt, could just bring his lunch etc. It’s hilarious and as I said I like how they feel like a couple you’d meet in real life. Sadly I don’t have an elderly gay couple in my neighborhood but here’s hoping. Or maybe i’ll be the neighborhoods wally when I grow up who knows. Also Tom Kenny’s delivery is great.

Kevin later relays his fun day to his loftmates, with Andy expressing genuine suprise at Wally’s job and love of art house cinema, as none of them knew what he actually did. Andy’s genuinely shocked and mildly appalled they’ve lived near Wally for so long but having no idea what he does.. but really I had a sweet old lady, Delores who lived next to me for almost my entire life before she moved to be closer to her family, visited her house frequently pet her cats, went to her house after school at one point.. and I cannot tell you what he did, so it’s incredibly relatable. However in a scene that’s both hilarious but also really, really sweet, the three relate that they do know him well and due to being neighbors after all and know Gus and Wally’s morning routine: They wake up at 8, Wally brews the Coffee, Gus reads him the funnies, then they shower together while singing college fight songs, and then, with Jim saying this part so picture it in Brian Posehn’s voice please you won’t regret it, argue or have gay sex and then it’s off to work. It’s really sweet, both in showing off their well worn dynamic with each other, and the fact that the loftmates really DO know these two even if they dont’ know everything and they are close in their own way. Kevin can only give out a “Hm” in response... which is probably the closest he can get to saying touche without breaking into nerdy giggles.

Cue the good times montage as Wally introduces Kevin to Ingmar Bergman, who I have heard of even if i’ve never seen any of them, and some director I never heard of who made old timey comedies apparently. IT’s a really nice sequence. Kevin also shows 2001: A Space Oddesy to his friends, who are bored to tears by it while Kevin’s enraptured. Which I would say was another heavy-handed swipe at late 90′s cinema but being a teen myself who had mostly watched things like Star Wars, I did not gel with 2001 and need to rematch it at some point, so I totally relate to his friends utter boredom and confusion with it given it’s rep. It’s a visually stunning film. I will however stand by not liking Star Trek: The Motion Picture, as that film TRIES to be 2001 but is instead just really, REALLY boring.

But naturally things can be entirely good natured bonding between an elderly gay man and , as Wally puts it in the best line of the episode “The son god never wanted me to have”, as Kevin notices a film coming up that Wally apparently made, and looks to star gus. Wally panics and shoos his young protégé away... which yeah he could’ve just you know told him he doesn’t like the film or anything else and prevented this episode but then we wouldn’t of seen the gay equilvent of plan 9 from outer space so fair enough.

At the Gus’ Diner, the loftmates and their neighbors I mentioned earlier look over the poster, and we find out from Gus that that is him, and he starred in a movie.. and naturally Wally explained never showing it to his husband in the simplest way possible: By claming a shark ate it. You know while I watched the show I didn’t quite get it when I was younger and it’s probably why it took me decades to revisit it.. but I wish I had sooner this show is REALLY damn funny and i’m really looking forward to that spinoff with Wally and Gus.

Wally continues to dodge Kevin, so Kevin, trying to find info about the film and it being lost, goes to the video store.. back when those existed. Something I have to give the show is honestly the use of vhs, visits to video stores, and the movies Kevin mentions are the only things that really date this film. While swapping another Dustin Hoffman film in proved impossible, it is plausible Kevin would see it streaming somewhere. and it’s easy enough to swap Armageddon for Rise of Skywalker given that film’s just as good.. Last Jedi was excellent though. Point is this story REALLY holds up, which is the sign of a good story: where even if some elements are stamped to the time, the story itself could easily be told again with few changes. It’s also why i’m not AGAINST Reboots, as my coverage of ducktales makes obvious: As long as stories can still be told or you can retell a story in a unique and intresting way, it’s fine to reuse something. I do think hollywood overdoes it, but I’ve never thought there was genuine harm in it or reviving old franchises. It’s all in how you do it. But yeah while the local video store dosen’t help at all, Andy happens to know just the man for the job, though Jim and Posey nope out of going with them. Also something to note is the series animation: It’s animated like an old 30′s cartoon or a comic strip, modernized a bit in color and realisim, but still having comic strip stuff like shaking head lines, heat lines coming off coffee that sort of thing. I really love it.

Anyways the brothers head off to a funky out of the way video store, I wish there were more hole in the wall used media stores where I lived. We mostly have chains like Vintage Stock and Half-Priced Books, though I genuinely love both of those stores and VIntage Stock is the modern equilvent of places like blockbuster honestly. Anyway after Beardo confuses Kevin for an Employee kevin asks him about the man from pluto which Beardo reveals he knows about but is very rare and has few prints. I like Beardo.. he’s a neckbeard who seems more liable to complain abotu some reboot on the fact their rebooting it again rather than “gasp” women are involved. I prefer my neckbeards just a tad pretentious rather than you know, sexist, homophobic, deranged assholes with nothing better to do. I mean i’m still living at home and didn’t get out much before the pandemic either but you dont’ see me bitching every time a franchise gets a female lead.

Anyway, Kevin is inspired by that and with help from everyone gets the word out about the film. As you’d expect though this can’t end well, as Wally tries avoiding the premire entirely (And we get a great bit where Jim happens to see him trying to flee down the fire escape and Wally’s expression is priceless)

Huh.. I bet that’s what Rob Reiner when North had it’s premire. As you can probably guess the showing dosen’t go well: The film itself is a hilarious combination of the day the earth stood still (the general plot as we’ll find out more in a second) and Plan 9 From Outer Space (A cheestatic no budget film with a hulking man brute who can’t act as the lead), and in catching the feel of a b-movie it’s utterly perfectly done. This film would go perfect on MST3K and the audience’s howls of laughter agrees with me.

Wally however is utterly humiliated and doesn’t want to speak to Kevin which.. yeah is about the only issue I have with an otherwise marvelous episode. While I get Wally’s humiliation was Kevin’s fault.. Kevin GENUINELY meant well. While Kevin is book smart at his core he’s a dumb kid who didn’t know any better and didn’t realize Wally hated his film and it’s Wally’s own damn fault for not telling him. Sure Kevin should’ve picked up the hint, but given the kid is oblivious and didn’t even know what an x raiting is it’s clear he’s not the sharpest crayon in the box when it comes to life experince. Wally had every opportunity to just explain his story but didn’t. And I put most of the blame on Wally when he’s you know, the adult. He’s a 60 or so year old man. He should know better. But it really doesn’t take away from the episode entirely. But the loftmates clearly love the film and are quoting bits from it, with jim having a fishbowl on his head, when they run into Wally, though Wally is fine with them admitting it’s crap and he knows it is. We then get what REALLY makes the episode and really makes me primed for a spinoff: Wally and Gus’ backstory, which also makes it obvious the crew was probably going to use the two more had the series got another season.

Anyways it was the 50′s, Archie Andrews was an average teen and not shredded both in muscle and by a bear that one time, Fonzie was out and about and eyying, and Wally was a first unit director given a shot as the studio asked him for a script having utter faith in him. HIs script was a day the earth stood still esque parable on the Cold War.. until he met Gus who, naturally for Gus, was outrunning a ton of police having stumbled on set and likely defeated them all bare handed because Gus is as incredible as the hulk and likely also comes back through a glowing green door when he dies. So Wally made the tragic mistake of mixing his love life with his career, and lost both Kurt Douglas, who he bumped down from lead for Gus, and Charleton Hesston who just walked off and they got a dinkier stage and worse actors as a result. The resulting film ended Wally’s career but he was able to sell the rights to cinemas to make enough for them to start over in mission hill and buy the diner.. and at least they had each other. It’s a really great story that explains why it upsets Wally so much: This was his baby and while he dosen’t even for one second regret meeting gus or the life they’ve had, he regrets that his one film was a total trainwreck and goes off to the theater to mope as he plays his film for laughing crowds, as it was naturally held over. I mean when you get the next plan 9 from outer space, this was a bit before the room mind you, you hold onto that shit.

Kevin, who heard the whole thing, goes to mope by watching what is likely a MIcheal Bay film, who was a target even then folks. Oh you poor poor fools you knew not how much worse it could get... i.e. robot testicles. Just.. robot testicles. And their MAKING A DELUXE MOVIE DEVISTATOR. Why. Just.. why who wanted this after that scene. He’s sworn off good movies as he feels he no longer deserves them. Andy however bluntly tells him to cut the pity party, while he’s moping his friend really needs him and when you love somebody, you put your pants on for them. When you love somebody you see it to the end, when you love somebody the conclusions forgone when you love somebody you put your big boy pants right onnnnn! ... I’ll put the song at the end. Point is Kevin goes to help his friend, and as Wally is moping in the projection booth and wonders what he was thinking Kevin tells him the obvious truth: He was thinking of how far he’d go. “You taught me the best films are personal stories.. and this film is your valentine to Gus” While Wally starts to break a little, he does point out it doesn’t make it good.. but Kevin rightly counters that he’s not so sure of it. Wally sees the audience enjoying the film and goes down, with all of them carrying red light bulbs like the one gus has to show when he’s mad in the film. And Wally finally realizes waht I got to in the beginning: It doesn’t matter if a film’s good or bad, what matters is someone enjoys it. A film can be utterly terrible, and still be good. It can be a mess and still have merit. And Wally finally realizes it doesn’t matter if it’s the film he wanted, it’s the film he made for his future husband, it’s a film that brings laughter and sticks in people’s heads and really brings them a godo time. It’s a film worth remembering and Wally finally accepts that and his film as his own. Later that night Kevin and Wally exit the theater, with Wally no longer mad at him and the two still friends or as Wally puts it in the second best line of the episode “As close as an elderly gay man and a straight boy can be” Awwww. The two depart and we get a touching final scene as Wally comes home and finds a bottle of wine and a note from gus saying he has a suprise for him> Turns out Gus put on his old space helmet.. but fell asleep in it. So we get a really nice tender moment as Gus takes the helmet off, smooches his husband on his bald head and smiles brightly as the episode ends.

Final Thoughts on The Man From Pluto or I Married a Gay Man From Outer Space: Before you ask each episode had two titles for funzies, the first one to get past the censors and the second for fun and likely what they would’ve gone with if they could. As for this episode.. it’s spectacular. It holds up well even 20 years later, it’s touching, sweet and really damn funny and makes me want to rewatch the show as a whole again. I highly recommend seeking it out and hope mission hill is eventually made officially available somewhere. Till then you can find the whole series including this episode on YouTube and despite being the last one you could easily watch this one first if you want and it’s a decent enough intro to the show as a whole. I highly recommend it, an utter pleasure to watch. If you liked this review, you can comission your own by PMing me on this very blog, just mention you want to do a comission and we can talk it out. As this review proves, it dosen’t have to be a show i’ve done before or even one that’s remotely recent. Hell i’d gladly do Fonz and The Happy Days gang, the animated happy days spinoff that’s like dr. who but with the Fonz. Yes really. Whatever you want i’ll do it as long as it’s not porn for just 5 bucks an episode and 10 for a movie. YOu can also join my patreon, and for 2 dollars a month get acess to my discord (that i’ll start once I get patreons) and once I get enough patreons exclusive polls or 10 bucks for all of that and a review of your choice each month. You can find said patreon right here. And even 1 buck a month would be apricated if you can spare it and if not simply reblog this and share it around. You can also follow this blog for weekly ducktales, loud house and amphibia coverage as they come out. I’d also personally thank WeirdKev27 for both being a long time fan of this blog and for the comission.

Until we meet again say safe, wear a mask, check your atttic for Gary Busey and happy Halloween! Play us out Mr Heere!

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#mission hill #reviews #plan 9 from mission hill #commission #bill oakley #john weinstein #lbgtq #adult swim #kevin french #Gus Duncz #Wally Langford #andy french #jim kubach #posey tyler #brian posehn #scott menville

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longgae · 4 years ago

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11 celebrities who've been called out for homophobic comments

This is gonna be interesting...

1. In 2020, Twitter users accused J.K. Rowling of transphobia after comments she made on Twitter. Rowling tweeted, "'People who menstruate.' I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?" Fans on social media quickly told the writer she was not being inclusive to the transgender community. Rowling backed up her statement by tweeting, "I respect every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I'd march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it's hateful to say so." She also said, "I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe. When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he's a woman – and, as I've said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones – then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth."

2. Kevin Hart stepped down from hosting the Academy Awards after his old homophobic comments surfaced, saying, "I am evolving and want to continue to do so."

Between 2009 and 2010, Kevin Hart made insensitive jokes on Twitter and in his standup specials. For example, in one tweet, the comedian said he would break a dollhouse over his son's head if it turned out he was gay. In his 2010 special, "Seriously Funny," he reiterated the point that he would act abusively if his son was gay. "I wouldn't tell that joke today, because when I said it, the times weren't as sensitive as they are now," Hart later told Rolling Stone. "I think we love to make big deals out of things that aren't necessarily big deals, because we can. These things become public spectacles. So why set yourself up for failure?" When it was announced that Hart was going to be the host of the Oscars in 2018, his past jokes resurfaced. After backlash from the public, Hart stepped down as host. "I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's....this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists," he wrote in a tweet. "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past … I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart."

3. After Paris Hilton was caught criticizing the gay community in an audio recording, she apologized, saying, "Gay people are the strongest and most inspiring people I know." In 2012, an audio recording of Paris Hilton in a taxi cab was leaked. According to reports, she was in the car with a gay man who was showing her the gay dating app, Grindr. In the audio, you can hear Hilton say, "Gay guys are the horniest people in the world. They're disgusting. Dude, most of them probably have AIDS. ... I would be so scared if I were a gay guy. You'll like, die of AIDS." Her publicist confirmed that the recording was in fact Hilton but emphasized the socialite was not homophobic. (Are they sure about this? God...) In an apology statement, Hilton said, "I am so sorry and so upset that I caused pain to my gay friends, fans, and their families. Gay people are the strongest and most inspiring people I know."

4. After a member of the audience called out Tracy Morgan for his homophobic remarks during a standup set, the comedian apologized. In 2011, a man chronicled Tracy Morgan's standup set in Nashville on Facebook. In the post, the man said Morgan said being gay is a choice because "God makes no mistakes." The comedian also allegedly said he would stab his son if he came out as gay. (Kevin Hart, you here?) After backlash and a half-hearted apology on "Late Show with David Letterman," Morgan issued an official apology. "I want to apologize to my fans and the gay & lesbian community for my choice of words at my recent stand-up act in Nashville," he said. "I'm not a hateful person and don't condone any kind of violence against others. While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far and was not funny in any context." (Good sir. There is more to LGBTQ+ then just gays and lesbians)

5. Sarah Silverman used a gay slur in a 2010 tweet. When asked about it in 2018, she said, "I'm certainly creative enough to think of other words besides that that don't hurt people." In 2010, Sarah Silverman tweeted, "I don't mean this in a hateful way but the new bachelorette's a f-----." Although the tweet went relatively unnoticed at the time, it picked up momentum again in 2018 when people pointed out that it was unfair for Kevin Hart to step down from hosting the Oscars for doing something similar. "Yea, I'm done with that," Silverman told TMZ when she was asked about it in 2018. "I think I can find other ways to be funny. I used to say 'gay' all the time like, 'That's so gay!' Because we're from Boston. We'd go, 'That's what you say in Boston. I have gay friends. I just say gay.' Then I heard myself, and I realized I was like the guy who'd say, 'What? I say colored. I have colored friends.' I realized it's stupid, and I'm certainly creative enough to think of other words besides that that don't hurt people. But I fuck up all the time."

6. Eminem has been criticized for using gay slurs in his songs, but he insists he isn't homophobic. In 2018, Eminem released his album, "Kamikaze." In one song titled "The Fall," he focuses on fellow rapper Tyler, The Creator. In the song, Eminem raps," "Tyler create nothin', I see why you called yourself a f----t, bitch." This wasn't the first time rapper had been criticized for using a gay slut. Throughout his career, he has used similar words in his songs and received a lot of criticism for it. Eminem, however, insists he is not homophobic. "The honest-to-God truth is that none of that matters to me: I have no issue with someone's sexuality, religion, race, none of that," the rapper told Vulture. "Anyone who's followed my music knows I'm against bullies — that's why I hate that f---ing bully Trump — and I hate the idea that a kid who's gay might get s--- for it."

7. Mel Gibson mocked how gay men act in the early '90s. While doing an interview in 2001 for Spanish newspaper El Pais, Gibson said, "With this look, who's going to think I'm gay? I don't lend myself to that type of confusion. Do I look like a homosexual? Do I talk like them? Do I move like them?" Throughout the '90s, GLAAD protested Gibson's films, but the actor refused to apologize. "I'll apologize when hell freeze over," he said. "They can f--- off."

8. Alec Baldwin went on a homophobic Twitter rant against a reporter he did not agree with. He later said his remarks were "in no way was the result of homophobia." In 2013, Daily Mail reporter George Stark wrote a story accusing Alec Baldwin's wife, Hilaria, of tweeting at James Gandolfini's funeral. Baldwin took to Twitter to express his anger at Stark, calling the reporter a "toxic little queen," among other comments. In an interview with the Gothamist after the incident, Baldwin stood by his decision to call the reporter a "queen." "The idea of me calling this guy a 'queen' and that being something that people thought is homophobic … a queen to me has a different meaning. It's somebody who's just above," he told the publication. "It doesn't have any necessarily sexual connotations," Baldwin said. "To me a queen ... I know women that act queeny, I know men that are straight that act queeny, and I know gay men that act queeny. It doesn't have to be a definite sexual connotation or a homophobic connotation." He later issued an official apology, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "My anger was directed at Mr. Stark for blatantly lying and disseminating libelous information about my wife and her conduct at our friend's funeral service. As someone who fights against homophobia, I apologize," Baldwin said. "I would not advocate violence against someone for being gay, and I hope that my friends at GLAAD and the gay community understand that my attack on Mr. Stark in no way was the result of homophobia."

9. Chris Brown also used homophobic language (no shockers there) when talking about another rapper, but he later said, "I love all my gay fans." In 2010, rapper Raz provoked Chris Brown when he tweeted about Brown's past assault on Rihanna. Brown responded by attacking Raz on Twitter, referencing the fact that Raz was molested by another man as a child and calling him a "#homothug." "I'm not homophobic! He's just disrespectful," Brown tweeted later. "BTW…I love all my gay fans and this immature act is not targeted at you!!!! Love."

10. Azealia Banks has a long history of problematic comments, but she has since said she will no longer use gay slurs. In 2015, singer Azealia Banks was caught on camera yelling at a flight attendant after getting into a fight with a fellow passenger. In the video, you can hear Banks call the flight attendant a gay slur, according to HuffPost.She later tweeted about the incident, writing, "I don't care. I've said it before and I'll say it again."Banks' history with the word doesn't stop there. In 2016, she used the word to attack fellow singer Zayn Malik on Twitter, leading to the deactivation of her account. She has also called the LGBTQ community "the gay white KKK. Get some pink hoods and unicorns and rally down rodeo drive."In 2016, however, she announced she is never using the gay slur again. "The amount of people that get hurt when I use the word vs. the amount of people I've said it to are just not worth it," she wrote on Facebook. "Honestly... This isn't a cop-out, it's just me realizing that words hurt. and while I may be immune to every word and be thicker skinned than most, it doesn't mean that I get to go around treating people with the same toughness that made my skin so thick."

11. Drake Bell received backlash after posting a transphobic tweet. He later called the remarks "thoughtless." When Caitlin Jenner came out as transgender in 2015, Nickelodeon actor and singer Drake Bell tweeted, "Sorry...still calling you Bruce." After receiving backlash, he deleted the tweet and then posted another, misgendering Jenner. "I'm not dissing him! I just don't want to forget his legacy! He is the greatest athlete of all time," Bell tweeted. "Chill out!" After that, he tweeted out an apology. "I sincerely apologize for my thoughtless insensitive remarks," Bell wrote. "I in no way meant to hurt or demean those going through a similar journey. Although my comments were made in innocence, I deeply regret the negative effect they've had on so many."

Here are some tweets that were mentioned earlier (I couldn't find all of them)

So... yeah

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rpdrafts · 5 years ago

Text

Canons & Families

List of canon characters and their children

If you don’t see a character you would like to apply for on this list, just go ahead and shoot us an ask!

BOLD - being played

STRIKE THROUGH - unavaliable to be played

ITALICIZED - has a child (children listed)

ABOMINATION (Emil Blonsky)

ALINA ENSTROM

AMANDA WALLER

ANT-MAN (Scott Lang)

Cassandra Lang (daughter)

Additional siblings/children wanted

AQUAMAN (Arthur Curry)

ATOM (Dr. Ray Palmer)

BANE

BATGIRL (Barbara Gordon)

BATMAN (Bruce Wayne)

Evangeline Wayne Prince (daughter)

Half siblings wanted

BEAST (Hank P. McCoy)

BEAST BOY (Garfield Logan)

BIG BARDA

Children not wanted

BLACK BOLT (Blackagar Boltagon)

BLACK CANARY (Dinah Lance)

Delilah Queen (daughter)

Additional children/siblings not wanted

BLACK CAT (Felicia Hardy)

BLACK LIGHTING (Jefferson Pierce)

BLACK PANTHER (T'Challa)

Children wanted

BLACK WIDOW (Natasha Romanoff)

BOOSTER GOLD (Michael Jon Carter)

BRAINIAC (Vril Dox)

BUMBLEBEE (Karen Beecher-Duncan)

CARIN TAYLOR

CAPTAIN AMERICA (Steven Rogers)

CAPTAIN BOOMERANG (George “Digger” Harkness)

CAPTAIN COLD (Leonard Snart)

CAPTAIN MARVEL (Carol Danvers)

Arabella Danvers (Daughter)

Bauer Danvers (Son)

Additional children/siblings not wanted

CARNAGE (Cletus Kasady)

CATWOMAN (Selina Kyle)

CLOAK (Tandy Johnson)

COLOSSUS (Piotr Nikolaievitch Rasputin)

CROSSBONES (Brock Rumlow)

CYBORG (Victor Stone)

CYCLOPS (Scott Summers)

DAGGER (Tyrone Bowen)

DAREDEVIL (Matthew Michael Murdock)

DARKSEID (Uxas)

DANIELLE BAPTISTE

DEADPOOL (Wade Wilson)

DEADSHOT (Floyd Lawton)

DEATHSTROKE (Slade Wilson)

DOCTOR DOOM (Victor von Doom)

DOCTOR LIGHT (Dr. Kimiyo Hoshi)

DOCTOR OCTOPUS (Otto Octavius)

DOCTOR STRANGE (Doctor Stephen Strange)

DOMINO (Neena Thurman)

DOMINIQUE THIEBAUT

DORMAMMU

DRAX THE DESTROYER

DYLAN CRUISE

EL DIABLO (Chato Santana)

ELEKTRA (Elektra Natchios)

ENCHANTRESS (June Moone)

FALCON (Samuel Thomas “Sam” Wilson)

FLASH (Barry Allen)

GALACTUS (Galan)

GAMBIT (Remy LeBeau)

GAMORA

GRANT WARD

GREEN ARROW (Oliver Queen)

GREEN GOBLIN (Norman Osborn)

GREEN LANTERN (Hal Jordan)

GREEN LANTERN (John Stewart)

HARLEY QUINN (Harleen Frances Quinzel)

HAVOC (Alex Summers)

HAWKEYE (Clint Barton)

HAWKGIRL (Shayera Hol)

HELA

HELLBLAZER (John Constantine)

HELLSTROM (Damion Hellstrom)

HOPE PEZZINI

HULK (Bruce Banner)

HUMAN TORCH (Johnny Storm)

HUNTRESS (Helena Bertinelli)

IAN NOTTINGHAM

ICE MAN (Bobby Drake)

INVISIBLE KID (Lyle Norg)

INVISIBLE WOMAN (Susan Storm)

IRON FIST (Daniel Rand)

IRON HEART (Riri Williams)

IRON MAN (Tony Stark)

INFERNO (Dante Pertuz)

JACKIE ESTACADO

JEAN (Jean Grey)

JESSICA JONES

JINX

JOKER (Arthur Fleck)

JOKER (Jack Napier)

JUBILEE (Jubilation Lee)

JUGGERNAUT (Cain Marko)

KATANA (Tatsu Yamashiro)

KENNETH IRONS

KILLER CROC (Waylon Jones)

KILLER FROST (Caitlin Snow)

KILLMONGER (Erik Killmonger)

KINGPIN (Wilson Grant Fisk)

LADY DEATHSTRIKE (Yuriko Oyama)

LEX LUTHOR

LOKI (Loki Laufeyson)

LUKE CAGE

LUNA SNOW (Seol Hee)

MAGNETO (Max Eisenhardt)

MARY JANE WATSON

MARTIAN MANHUNTER (J'onn J'onzz)

MEDUSA (Medusalith Amaquelin Boltagon)

MISTER FANTASTIC (Reed Richards)

MISTER FREEZE (Victor Fries)

MISTER MIRACLE (Scott Free)

MISTER SINISTER (Nathaniel Essex)

MISTER ZSASZ (Victor Zsasz)

MISS AMERICA (America Chavez)

MISS MARVEL (Kamala Khan)

MISTY KNIGHT

MOCKINGBIRD (Barbara Morse)

MYSTIQUE

MYSTERIO (Quentin Beck)

NAMOR (Namor McKenzie)

NEBULA

NICK FURY

NIGHTCRAWLER (Kurt Wagner)

NIGHTWING (Dick Grayson)

NOVA (Sam Alexander)

PATRIOT (Rayshaun Lucas)

PENGUIN (Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot)

PLASTIC MAN (Patrick O'Brien)

POISON IVY (Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley)

POLARIS (Lorna Dane)

PROFESSOR X (Charles Francis Xavier)

PSYLOCKE (Elizabeth Braddock)

PUNISHER (Frank Castle)

QUAKE (Daisy Johnson)

QUICKSILVER (Pietro Maximoff)

RAVEN (Rachel Roth)

RED ARROW (Roy Harper)

RED HOOD (Jason Todd)

RED ROBIN (Tim Drake)

RED SKULL (Johann Shmidt)

RED TORNADO (Ulthoon)

RESCUE (Virginia “Pepper” Potts)

REVERSE-FLASH (Eobard Thawne)

RICK FLAG

RIDDLER (Edward Nygma)

ROGUE (Anna Marie)

SABRETOOTH (Victor Creed)

SANDMAN (William Baker)

SARA PEZZINI

SCARECROW (Jonathan Crane)

SCARLET WITCH (Wanda Maximoff)

SCARLET SPIDER (Ben Reilly)

SCARLET SPIDER (Felicity Hardy)

SELENE (Selene Gallio)

SHADOWCAT (Kitty Pryde)

SHANG-CHI

SHAZAM (William Joseph “Billy” Batson)

SHE-HULK (Jennifer Walters)

SIF

SILK (Cindy Moon)

SILVER SURFER (Norrin Radd)

SINESTRO (Thaal Sinestro)

SQUIRREL GIRL (Doreen Green)

SPIDER-GIRL (Anya Sofia Corazon)

SPIDER-GWEN (Gwen Stacy)

SPIDER-MAN (Peter Parker)

SPIDER-MAN (Miles Morales)

SPIDER-MAN 2099 (Miguel O'hara)

SPIDER-WOMAN (Jessica Drew)

SPOILER (Stephanie Brown)

STARFIRE (Koriand’r)

STAR-LORD (Peter Jason Quill)

STORM (Ororo Munroe)

SUNSPOT (Robert de Costa)

SUPERGIRL (Kara Zor-El)

SUPERMAN (Clark Kent)

THANOS

THING (Ben Grimm)

THOR (Thor Odinson)

TIGRA (Greer Grant Nelson)

TOM JUDGE

TRIGON

TWO-FACE (Harvey Dent)

TYPHOID MARY (Mary Alice Walker)

ULTRON

VALKYRIE

VENOM (Eddie Brock)

VIXEN (Mari McCabe)

VULTURE (Adrian Toomes)

WAR MACHINE (James “Jim” Rupert Rhodes)

WASP (Janet Van Dyne)

WHITE QUEEN (Emma Frost)

WINTER SOLDIER (James “Bucky” Barnes)

WITHER (Kevin Ford)

WOLVERINE (James Howlett)

WONDER WOMAN (Diana Prince)

ZATANNA ZATARA

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talltalesandbedtimestories · 4 years ago

Text

The Hunter Who Loved Me (Part 1)

Series Page

Characters/Pairing: Dean Winchester, Castiel, Jack Kline, Dean x OFC

Series Summary: Part Three of Some Sunny Day. Dean's trying to balance his new relationship with Julie and his need to hunt. How long can he keep it from her? And can Julie keep her curiosity at bay?

Section Word Count: 6300

Section Content: language, fluff, dirty talk, smut, Domestic!Dean, Slight Dom!Dean

How did I get so lucky? That this was turning into just another day in her life with Dean Winchester made her shake her head. This has to be what it feels like to win the lottery.

Julie sprayed the top of the sliding glass door with a window cleaner. She took time to enjoy all the sexiness on the other side of the glass, the view of Dean in her backyard, while attending to her household chore. A few final touches and Dean would be done with the assembly. Crouched down and bent at the knees, Dean added some utensil hooks to the side of the grill. Unknowing, he was giving her all of that gorgeous, serious profile of his to study. Sunshine streaked through his hair and flamed the fiery orange-red tips incognito most of the time. She wiped away the cleaner slipping over her view.

The grill had been an impromptu purchase on her end the weekend before. She and Dean had gone to, of all places, a home improvement store together. He had noticed a couple things around her house that needed fixing. But he wanted to run the ideas past her and some options before he went ahead and did anything. It was very domestic and thoughtful of him. It brought a huge grin to her face.

He’d snuck a peck on her cheek when they were alone in the garden and patio center, talking about the drop in price of some seasonal stuff. His eyes lit up at a behemoth gas grill. He whistled and spouted off the stats: three burners, one on the side, plus a sear station burner to boot. The sucker could deliver 60,000 BTUs, which according to Dean, was awesome. Those meaty, handy fingers of his glided over the stainless steel top. Julie heated up.

It was decided that since Julie was throwing Brigida a surprise birthday party that following weekend and the October weather was pleasant enough, why not buy a grill and make it an outdoor affair. Most of the guests would end up outside anyway. Would Dean be keen on manning the meat for her? Julie tossed the unintentional innuendo out and had the six foot plus Adonis blushing in the middle of the display floor.

Satisfied with the streak free glass, Julie went out to check on Dean’s status. He leaned up from his work position and smiled. “All good. She’s ready for action. Just lit her up.”

Julie nodded, sighing in relief. “Cutting it close.” A couple hours from now the guests would arrive. And Brigida would definitely be on time, if not earlier, an hour after that.

“Yeah. But, it only took me threatening three store clerks at nine am this morning. Pulled a working igniter out of the floor model to get this baby up and running.” He waved both hands in the air with a flourish. “Now, we’re golden. No more nose crinkles. The meat’s marinating in your fridge.” He cocked a thumb over to Wes and Samuel’s house. “They’ve got the booze covered and some side dishes.”

“You need me to dash out for anything else before I finish up my food and the cookies to go along with the ice cream cake?”

He shook his head and drew her in by the waist, their bodies snug. “You trust me with all that fire power?”

Her hand rubbed over his vintage AC/DC t-shirt right under the collar. Sweat stippled his brow from the running around and grill tweaking. The mix of it with his sharp, clean soap scent got her warm and tingly. God, how does he make sexy so effortless? “You can handle it. I’m no Prometheus. You should worry more about my mom trying to take over the grill once she gets here.”

“Hey, it’s her birthday. If she wants the tongs and spatula, I’ll hand them over and be her sous chef.”

Julie smiled. “She’d probably love that.”

He grinned and bent down to dust her bottom lip with his mouth. “How many we gotta feed again?”

She rattled off the memorized total. “Twenty-two, not including us. Fifteen adults, three kids, two teenagers, and two dogs.”

Dean tipped his head. “Piece of cake.”

Julie smirked. “Not pie?”

His fingers flirted over the denim covering her ass. “Saving your pie for later.” He leaned down again for a deeper kiss.

Julie’s backyard had never seen such activity. Lawn chairs scattered over the freshly mowed lawn. Stacey and Carl’s two older children, Evan, 10, and Rory, 7, played cornhole in the driveway. Brigida had latched onto their youngest boy, two year old Dylan, right after everyone had given her a Happy Birthday surprise welcome. Karen’s boyfriend, Carter, the New York Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer, Wes, and Carl kept Dean company by the grill. He seared chicken, flipped hot dogs, checked and rechecked the pork ribs, sipped his beer, and took doneness requests for the beef burgers.

Samuel chatted under the covered patio with Karen, Stacey, Cat and her partner Sheila, along with the handful of Brigida’s Little Italy neighbors that had made the short trek out of the city to celebrate. Karen’s teenage boys hid most of the time, busy on their phones under the shade of the carport. Julie attempted to involve Karen’s oldest, Khaleel - a sullen 16 who more than likely wanted to be anywhere else - asking if he would man the playlist blaring out of the portable bluetooth speaker. The younger by two years, Kevin, emerged from his cocoon to explain TikTok to Dean. The explanation only furrowed the cook’s brow even more.

Julie caught Dean’s this-is-for-the-guests smile settle into the I’m-actually-kinda-glad-to-see-you version when Cas and Jack finally showed up. Cas had picked up some weekend shifts to make ends meet. Jack was still working his side job as much as he could, balancing school, to save up for his trip to Texas over Winter Break. He was going to MIRL with this fantasy girl if it was the last thing he ever did. At least, that was the confession he had told Julie as the four hung out for a movie and pizza over Dean’s a month back.

Cas took his usual post at Dean’s right side by the grill. Julie glanced over every so often at the comical duo. Somewhere between Abbott and Costello and Martin and Lewis. Dean monitored his friend’s interactions with the new group of men. If Cas needed to pull back on the conversation a bit or shift to another topic, Dean cued him with a slight shake of a head or cough. Cas held his beer in a fierce grip and mimicked Dean when he took a sip. God, there is so much codependency there. What they hell did they go through together? Dean gave Jack a pair of tongs and had him man the second round of dogs. Jack smiled from ear to ear like a teenager getting the keys to the car after passing his driver’s license. And, he’s like a second dad to that kid.

As was always the case in hosting, and determined to not have her mom lift a finger, Julie barely had time to relax or eat for the first hour of the party. She made sure the other food got served when Dean plattered and presented grilled meats. The two of them used a lot of hand gestures and miming to coordinate everything. Dean would every so often switch things up and make Julie blush with a few obscene ones.

Once Dean had been schooled by Cat on Salt and Pepa’s breeds - a Samoyed and Belgian Sheepdog, respectively - he had them eating out of and drooling into his hands for scraps. Cas and Jack procured a frisbee from the outdoor toys and tossed it back and forth with the kids. The dogs played monkey in the middle.

Dean called out to Julie once everyone else was situated and eating. “Jules! Got a medium-well burger with your name on it, ready in a minute.” He winked over. She set the last of the latest round of drinks in front of guests and gave him a thumbs up.

Stacey cooed. “Knows just how you like your meat, does he?”

The old college friends did their share of giggling and cackling. Julie pointed a finger from Samuel to Stacey. “No more of your red wine for this one.”

Carl tapped his wife’s knee. “Take it easy, sweetie.” Stacey gave her husband a slobbery raspberry on the cheek.

“That is a sweet ride.” Carter pointed to Baby in Dean’s driveway as her owner snuck behind Julie. He presented a cheeseburger on a perfectly toasted bun. Julie smiled at the lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles - all her favorites - already on top. The charred meat and fixings smelled divine. Her stomach grumbled. A side glance noted her mom’s own smiling face. Brigida stared over at the both of them while talking to the two older couples.

“Well, you can take a look under the hood later if you want, Carter. Rebuilt her more times than I can count.” He whispered in Julie’s ear. “Eat something before you pass out.”

She grinned, wanting to tease that he sounded like Brigida, but thought better of it. Stacey and the crew were watching their interactions like hungry vultures, ready to pounce on anything too tasty to tease about.

“So, Dean, if the ladies have another girls’ night, maybe we can get us a poker game over at my house.” Carl interjected.

Sheila chimed in, “Only if I can join.”

Julie overheard Cas whisper to Dean in confusion. “Wouldn’t Sheila be a part of girls’ night?”

Dean muttered back, “Not if she has better taste in music than the rest of them.”

Carter shook his head. “Oh, God, you wiped me out last time we played poker Sheila.”

Dean cocked a brow and gave Sheila a lopsided grin. “Some actual competition. Sounds like we gotta make that happen soon.”

Sheila tipped her beer to Dean and gave his frame a thorough inspection.

“My poker skills would benefit from someone new to play with, as well.” Cas nodded to Sheila. “I know all of Dean’s tells at this point. It’s getting rather boring.”

Sheila patted the empty seat next to her. “You might be my new best friend, then, Cas.”

Cas smiled and puffed out his chest.

Dean whispered to Julie, “Should I break the news that he hasn’t a shot in hell?”

Karen helped Julie with some of the kitchen cleanup before dessert. It was really a ruse for alone time and girl talk.

“How was it?” Karen asked in a hushed tone, in case anyone snuck in. She’d known about Julie going on birth control again. Had actually been the one to give her the idea in the first place.

“Which time?” Julie smiled. “We’ve been at it every night since the middle of this week when I surprised him.” She added. “Sometimes two or three times.”

“Jesus. Two or three? Carter’s five years younger than me and two times in one night has never… never happened. Three?” Karen fanned herself over the sink and running water. “How are you handling all that man, Jules?” Her brown eyes widened while she rinsed plates to drop in the dishwasher.

Julie answered by holding her hands apart to approximate Dean’s length.

“Get the fuck out of here!” Karen’s voice raised. She slapped a palm over her mouth at the outburst. Water and suds flew everywhere.

Julie crossed a finger over her chest, blinking at the water that splashed her face. “When have I lied under oath?”

“Be careful or you’re going to get a UTI.” She added in a whisper, “From all that fucking.”

Julie laughed. “I booked a follow up with my gyno as soon as I got the prescription. I see her next week.” She whispered back. “Kar, it was amazing, mind blowing before this. But now, it’s like…” Julie trailed off, daydreaming about her lover in the backyard. Her insides sore, throbbing with the memory of him; a deep and beautiful stoking she couldn’t wait to experience again.

“I think Carter and Carl have crushes on him.” Karen shook her head. “Carter might come in his pants if he gets that car tour.”

“Don’t tell Cat, but I think Sheila might be crushing, too.” Julie giggled.

“We heard that!” Stacey and Cat screamed in unison. Karen and Julie screamed back in shock. Cat, a bit tipsy herself this afternoon, sported a toothy grin. From Julie’s vantage, she was lighter than usual, airy even. One of her arms draped over Stacey’s shoulders as the duo sashayed into the kitchen.

“Only speaking the truth.” Karen raised a hand as the other still clutched her chest at the friendly fright.

Stacey waved a hand. “I get dibs on Dean when Jules is done with him.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

Julie rolled her eyes. “Not planning on it anytime soon, Stace.”

Cat opened her mouth. Her eyes caught the threat Julie’s eyes beamed with an intentional telepathy. Cat snapped her jaw shut before the other ladies noticed.

“Not fair to keep all the juicy details to yourself.” Stacey whined, sliding out from Cat’s grip and into one of the kitchen chairs. She slumped over the table, elbow propped, cradling her chin in a manicured hand. “Some of us have needs.” She sighed.

Cat leaned against a counter, eyes glazed behind her glasses. “I think Brigida’s had one too many.”

Julie was happy for the segway but not pleased with the content. She settled her own glasses against the bridge of her nose in a nervous tick. “Really? A saw her with a glass of wine. But, she usually only has a little.”

“I think Wes and Samuel made her a special birthday cocktail.”

“Ugh.” She wiped both hands down across her face. “Love ‘em but those men and their alcohol.”

Stacey did her best pigeon impression again. “Do you love ‘em as much as Dean?”

A very deep throat clearing had all four ladies turn their head to the hallway. Dean stood there carrying a huge empty platter covered in meat bits and juices. “Am I interrupting something?” Julie blushed at the proud grin on his face. He skimmed past Stacey’s seated frame. Stacey was eye level with the denim hugging his ass and licked her lips. He excused himself again and slid around Cat, lifting the platter over Julie’s head winding past, to end up near Karen by the sink. “This is a nasty one. Let me take care of this, Karen.” He offered.

She shook her head. “Hand it over. Least we can do after you did such a stellar job at the grill. You got Kevin to eat a burger that doesn’t come in a fast food bag.”

“That is high praise. Thanks.” He smiled and gave Julie a once over before asking, “Anything else have to go out?”

“You think I should grab the ice cream cake out of the basement fridge?”

“It might be a good idea soon.” Dean shrugged. “Everyone’s either winding down or is pretty hammered.” He glanced over at Stacey.

Julie nodded and pointed at the counter behind him. “Would you take that tray out with the dessert plates and all the other necessities? Pretty please?”

He winked. “Yes, Ma’am.”

Stacey groaned. “Ugh. Could you two reel in the cuteness?”

Julie ignored the request. “Thank you. Cat.” She turned to ask her friend. “Wanna help me with the cake?”

“Um, sure.” Cat hesitated.

When they got down to the basement, Julie listened to ensure Dean’s heavy steps had made their way out the sliding door and Stacey and Karen were busy talking in the kitchen.

“I’m not the best person to ask to carry a cake upstairs.” Cat mumbled.

“You can spot me.” Her hand rested on the fridge handle. “Speaking of looking out for me…”

“I know. I haven’t reached out much since that last conversation we had.” Cat shrugged. “You sounded happy that night, with him. I figured I should mind my own business for once and stop investigating.”

“Thank you, Cat.” Julie smiled.

“He seems decent, Julie. A good guy, even. Simple. Easy.” Cat waved a hand. “I don’t mean either of those things as a negative.”

Julie laughed. “I know. But, trust me, he’s anything but simple or easy to figure out.” She tilted her head. “I’ve been thinking... would you send me over a couple of those books you found?”

Cat pursed her lips. “I’ll think about it.”

It was ten o’clock by the time Dean and Julie finished with a majority of the clean up from the party. The last dishwasher load had been started, all the guests had gone home, and Brigida was fussing in the kitchen. Dean looked like a very uncomfortable giant next to the birthday lady.

“I don’t need-ah to stay.” Brigida insisted. “Dean-ah can take me home.” Her Italian accent was a lot heavier laced with alcohol.

“No, Dean can’t. None of us should be driving, Ma. We’ve all had a bit too much to drink. You have your extra meds here in your room. You’re going to take them, drink lots of water, and go to bed.”

She waved her hands. “I don’t want to be in the way.”

Julie rolled her eyes and sighed.

“Brigida, we just threw a party for you. How could you think you’re in the way?” Dean asked with true sincerity in his voice.

“Dean-ah.” She clutched his forearm. “I don’t want-ah you to run home. And, I know-ah this one won’t leave me in the house alone-ah. Thinkin’ I won’t be able to walk twenty steps without falling over and knocking myself out-ah.”

Dean shrugged. “It’s not a big deal, I’m pretty tired. Long day.”

“Ma, Dean can stay over if he wants to.” Julie widened her eyes to encourage Dean to play along.

“Ye-yeah. Sure. We’re both exhausted.” He faked a long yawn and stretched out an arm. “Sooo tired. Gonna conk out as soon as my head hits the pillow.”

Brigida grinned. “You are a bad liar.” She tapped his tummy. “Fine. I’ll get myself ready for bed.” She raised both arms at Julie. “Appy?”

“Very happy.” Julie smiled. “Need me to help you with anything?”

“No.” Brigida motioned for Dean to bend down. She gave him a very long mama bear hug and then squeezed a cheek. “Thank you.”

Julie’s heart warmed at the interaction.

His facial features squirmed under Brigida’s vice grip. “Welcome.”

When she retracted her fingers, she announced, “I’ll be up early cleanin’ and makin’ breakfast.” She shuffled out of the kitchen. Her loud voice rang out in the hallway. “Don’t come down here naked in the morning, Dean-ah. Not-ah unless you got plans for me.”

Dean snorted as Julie yelled. “Ma!”

Dean shook his head. “She’s even more of a pistol drunk.” He wrapped arms around Julie when they were alone. “I’ll hang out until she’s in her room and sleeping. I don’t think it’ll take long. Help you clean up some more. Then, I’ll duck out.” His kiss was soft and warm.

Julie hummed. “You heard her. She’s making you breakfast.” She shrugged. “You can stay.”

Dean smiled. “Sweetheart, if I stay, we won’t be sleeping.”

“Good.”

They took turns in the upstairs bathroom. Dean first, as usual, since Julie took longer with her nighttime skin routine. Cleanser, applied to her face in gentle circular motions, wiped away the makeup and sweat from the day. Cool water splashed against her skin. Splashes of moments from the party entered her mind. Her mom’s absolute shock and then subsequent soft crying at the surprise. Stacey wrangled the girl power squad together for a group selfie. It would post onto the social medias before Stacey got well and fully sloshed. Cas pulled her to the side to give her a genuine, heartfelt thank you for the invitation. Jack assisted with the dish clearing without even having to be asked. Mom’s ancient, pudgy neighbor, Lydia, who didn’t move once from her seat under the patio, tugged at Julie’s wrist to tell her she needed to do a better job holding onto this man than the last one.

She patted away most of the wetness with a face towel. This man. She opened the medicine cabinet to put away some items and grab the moisturizer. Everything she disliked about her face on bright display under the bathroom lighting. The pads of her fingers danced over the circles under her eyes and some of the wrinkles forming around her mouth. All those old Italian women and their snarky little comments. Wondering what Dean’s doing with me. Even with all of his secrets and all that she still didn’t know, she still felt that tug of insecurity. Not being good enough. His imperfections, the cracks appearing over the months of infatuation and obsession with this man, were making themselves known. But they were all things she could handle and cast aside at the end of the day. Because all it took was that one second of his eyes locking with hers in that way. That very Dean way. Craving it in that moment, she hurried and worked the cream into her skin.

She entered the dark bedroom. The only illumination was from the television, the volume low and muffled. White light from the screen flashed like lightning over Dean, laid out on the still made bed.

He had slipped on the grey and blue plaid pajama bottoms Julie bought him. She picked them up as an afterthought one Sunday shopping when he’d started staying over a couple times a week. He came across them, folded and waiting, on the unspoken but understood side of Julie’s bed that was now his. A lopsided grin had been given as thanks.

There was a reason I didn’t buy him a shirt. A remote in hand rested on his tummy and that luscious bare chest. He cradled his head atop two pillows with his other palm; his biceps curled, primed, and ready for action. Legs crossed at the ankles and his foot swayed with an ancy rhythm. The image of him stretched out imprinted in her brain under the bright pops of light as if someone were taking lots of polaroids of this magnificent specimen.

He turned to her, smiled, then whispered, “Wanna watch something?” The remote was used as a pointing device toward the floor. “I can’t tell if that’s a chainsaw or your mom snoring.”

Julie nodded. “I told you, you can hear everything in this house.”

“Maybe soundproofing needs to be another project.” He frowned. “This is going to be torture.”

She giggled low and soft, hands on her hips, cinching in her oversized nightshirt. “Why?”

His fingers skirted over the comforter creeping in her direction. “Cause I want to make you moan like the other night.”

That very Dean way. The sexy stare made her smile drop. “Thought you were tired.”

“Come here, sweetheart.” He gave her a chin nod.

Julie sighed and eased onto the bed, aware of every creak and squeak. “Karen was right.”

“‘Bout what?” He opened an arm. His embrace clutched her to his warm chest.

She snuggled in. “You’re going to give me blushing bride syndrome.”

“A blushing what now?”

His lips pressed to hers cut off an immediate response. She nibbled on his chin when he released. “Too much sex. You know, can cause issues down there.”

He pulled back to study her face. “I’m not going to apologize for wanting you.”

“Not asking you to.” She pressed into him.

Mischief lined his lips. “Maybe I should take it easy on you. Give you a break. Since we have to be quiet and all.” He flashed the all-knowing, hot shit grin that stopped her heart. “I mean, we know you can’t keep that dirty little mouth of yours shut when mine’s all over you... or inside you.” His voice was husky and gritty, breathing near her ear.

“Oh, really?” She whispered her retort. “Who was the one panting and groaning last night about how hard he was going to come?”

Dean latched onto one of her knees. The pull dragged a thigh to rest over his hip. His warm hand traveled and danced along her skin. It snuck under the night shirt; pushed it high up past her waist. Fingers clutched at the top of her bare ass and kneaded. He shifted into her more and wedged their bodies tight. “Nah. You couldn’t have heard that. You were too busy screaming my name over and over.”

A jarring motor-like sound drifted up from Brigida’s bedroom for only a second. They froze in place. Dean chuckled. Tangled together, Julie rested a finger on his mouth. “Shhh.” She pressed into the softness of his perfect pout with more force and threw in a nose crinkle for good measure.

“I wasn’t going to say anything…” His lips struggled to release the words under her finger. Julie had learned early on upon their meeting that Dean enjoyed teasing out a variety of reactions from her.

She sighed and relented the tiny attempt at restraint. “What?”

“When you were in the bathroom earlier and I got a good listen of it all. Actually had something to compare it to.” He paused. “You snore like your mom.” His grin spread slow and wide, lips pursed tight.

Julie’s eyes widened on defense. “No, I don’t.”

“Yeah, you do.” He nodded, still grinning, lifting his brow for emphasis. “Get so loud.” A slight, controlled circling of those strong hips began. The motion matched the sensual rhythm of his verbal descriptions. “You start off so nice and quiet. Then it’s up. And up. And up. Like a freight train in here some nights, sweetheart.”

A few more seconds of silence followed. “Shit.” That was the only admission Julie would allow, listening to his description of her inherited sleeping habits while succumbing to the wondrous feel of his body lighting her up. “Don’t compare me to my mother while doing that, Dean.”

Dean laughed and gave her another chin nod in victory. “Still. Proves my point. Can’t help yourself. Way louder and noisier than I could ever be.”

Julie nuzzled close, finding the tunnel under his arm. Firm strokes down the slope of his back relished in the heat vibrating through his body. She ran a thumb back and forth over that plump pillow of a bottom lip. “You were the one that almost broke my headboard. Remember? Talk about noise.” And talk about fucking hot. “White knuckling it to get some leverage, slamming it into the wall.” His mouth parted and a hunger filled his gaze. She grinned at the erection hardening more in the pajamas against her patch of curls. “While you were slamming into me.”

He caught her thumb with a clench of teeth. His tongue flirted along the pad before he sucked at it with a low moan. His lips released it when he whispered back. “That was a memorable fuck, sweetheart. You under me. Letting me ride you so hard. Wish I could pound you like that for days. Wreck us both.”

“Jesus, Dean.” Julie moaned, rocking soft against his clothed cock. “There wouldn’t be anything left of me.”

The hand left her ass, skirted under the shirt. Those meaty fingers landed on the curve of her breast and massaged into bliss. “But what a way to go.” He groaned, then peeled away enough to dip down and mouth a nipple through the shirt. “Shit, got me so hard.” He spoke between licks and sucks. “I wanna fuck you. All. The. Time.” The warmth and wet of his mouth soaked through to the taut nub. “All I could think about today was getting you alone. Here. Like this.” He nudged at the material with his nose to expose the dark, pebbly flesh to the air and his mouth. “Sliding inside you again. Nothin’ but me and you.” He suckled at her tit. When he came up for air and met her gaze, he whispered in that smoke and honey tone. “It feels like home inside you, Jules.”

Dean’s eyes lit up with another flash from the television. Glassy, eager and laser focused with intent. He always downplayed his ability to convey and verbalize feelings. But that confession, those six words - It feels like home inside you - made her whole body shiver. Like the night they’d first had sex. You feel so safe. It had been four little words back then. Not THOSE three little words. But it was pretty damn close.

“I think we should give ourselves a challenge.” The seriousness faded from his face, replaced with that impish grin. “A quiet, well contained, controlled fucking.”

Julie giggled, her body still buzzing from his actions and words. Her hands answered, pulling the pajamas down past his ass. He lifted up from the mattress an inch to assist with the disrobing. The fabric bunched around his knees.

He groaned when she tugged at his cock, free and rigid. She curled toes and peeled the material down far enough so he could shake his feet out the rest of the way. “Turn around, baby.” His voice held an authoritative tone. “Everything. Off.”

In the process of her slow and quiet one-eighty flip she rid herself of the nightshirt. The cool air in the room prickled at hot skin. He moaned at the sight. “That’s not being quiet.” She tisked.

He lassoed her in with a bear hug, onto her side, this time her back sealed along his chest. A haphazard pull at the band released the ponytail. His fingers brushed away strands. Searing lips attacked the exposed flesh of her neck. “Are you gonna be good for me?”

She stifled a moan and nodded.

“Hm.” Fingers slid into the folds, finding the wetness. “Very good so far.” He pushed farther in and searched. Circled her entrance. “All this for me already?” He groaned in her ear. “Goddamn, I wanna get my mouth on that. But we know you really can’t contain yourself when my face is between your legs.” Those fingers ended up at his mouth. She could smell her excitement, inches away. The sound of his lips sucking and his moans stoked her need. “Maybe a challenge for the morning.” He thought aloud.

His body, large and eclipsing, leaned up, shifting. His cock slid between the cheeks of Julie’s ass like a heat seeking missile. She let out a pitiful whine and bit her lip. They hadn’t even talked about that as an option. But every time his cock got tantalizingly close the thought had crossed her mind. She’d never wanted to try, not even with Steve. But Dean. Dean made her want to experience everything.

The sex with Dean had been many things over the past months: fun, playful, sweet, luxuriating, romantic, fast, rough, hard, naughty, and tons of dirty talk. Yet, none of that fifty shades stuff or roleplaying she had anticipated. Almost vanilla sex in comparison from what her mind could conjure up.

Almost, but never vanilla. Not with Dean. It was that French Vanilla ice cream that you’d get at a family owned creamery worth a two hour drive. One made by an artisan, churned by hand. One bursting with flecks of vanilla bean hitting all the taste buds. It was rich, creamy, indulgent, velvety, cool, lolling about on your tongue, savoring the flavor in the moment, crystalizing a memory for wonderful recollections.

Still, there was a palpable restraint by Dean, holding back, in terms of physical limits even if never in vocal declarations. Sometimes she thought she could feel the inner shift in Dean. It could be an imperceptible tell if their bodies weren’t so connected; a retraction of his muscles under that worn skin and the myriad of scars she would cling to in mounting desperation of the most amazing kind. He never out and out stated it. Dean never would. But she felt like the pilot in this jet when it came down to it. He was her trusty co-pilot, offering suggestions but always adhering to the final decision, charting her course, making sure she stayed on track, allowing her control. Allowing her safety.

“No one’s gonna be quiet if we give that a try tonight.” Dean read her mind, again keeping her on track with the original plan. He scooted down, cupping her figure with his. “Any other night, sweetheart, you let me know.” He dotted her back with kisses and wedged a knee between her legs. The motion splayed her bottom half, spreading her. His palm crooked under her knee, bent it just so. “But, this way.” The cock tip pressed at the entrance. “I think we can both get what we need and not wake sleeping beauty.” He licked little patches along her shoulder blade. “What’s that thing you always say?”

Jesus, why is he teasing me now? “When?” She huffed out.

“When you come over and decide to clean up my kitchen.”

“No muss, no fuss?”

He rumbled into her back and began the slide. Inside. “Yeah. That’s it. No Muss. No Fuss.” His large palm grabbed at her breast, latched onto it, thumbed the nipple. She could feel the strength of his hips guiding the wondrous length and girth of his cock. He bottomed into her and stopped. She wanted to feel how tight his ass was clenched in that moment. Sought it out with a hand and squeezed. “Hm.” He approved of the action. “How does that feel, sweetheart?” His voice, low, deep.

“You feel so good inside me Dean. You feel good everywhere.” She moaned when the controlled pistoning switched on.

“Hm. So, the quiet part is gonna be impossible for you, huh?”

She moaned again, softer, she thought. “This is me being quiet.”

“Baby?” He moaned out the question.

“Yeah?”

“Would you be alright if I helped keep you quiet?”

A fire lit up in her belly. “Yeah.”

He groaned. An arm threaded between her rocking body and the mattress. His hand slid up her chest, over her neck, her jaw. Settled over her mouth. “If it’s too much.” He panted. “If I get too carried away, you tap. Okay?”

She tapped his ass cheek to confirm she understood. Listened to his inhales and exhales. His thumb wedged between her upper lip and the underside of her nose. Two massive fingers clamped over her mouth. The other two had a firm grip under her chin, ensuring her lips stayed closed. All while he pumped in and out of her from behind, slow and purposeful.

“Feel so fucking good.” He whispered. His mouth pecked at her back, shoulder, her side, her arm, anywhere it could reach. “Four nights into your ‘I’m on the pill’ surprise.” He panted out his confession. “I’m sure I’m going to come down eventually, Jules. If that gives you some hope. About this blushing bride thing.” A soft growl left his mouth. “I mean, I’m no Superman.” She moaned into his hand when his pace and thrusts picked up. He was still very much in control and not rocking the bed like she knew he could. “But, I am Batman.” His chuckle vibrated into her back.

He shifted, circled, found that spot in her and focused all his energy. More muffled moans erupted from Julie.

“Shhh, sweetheart.” He used more of his palm against her mouth now, pressed harder against the flesh. “Be good for me.”

The subtle restraint was electric, increasing her pleasure tenfold. The sounds of her slick and his rutting inside her only made her more wet.

“I gotta feel you cum.” He begged. His other hand glided over the top of her thigh, rested against the mattress and palmed her pussy. “I’m gonna work you quick, baby. Okay?”

She nodded as much as she could with the hold of his hand.

He parted the folds, found her swollen clit and took no mercy. It was hard, fast. Explosions of light began popping into her brain. Her body jerked with slight tremors. It wouldn’t be long. “Yeah, that’s it. I love it when you come undone. Cum all over my cock.” Dean whispered.

His voice tipped her into the orgasm. She moaned, tightened, while he continued to pump.

“Yeah, right behind you, Julie. Yeah. Fuck.” And, he was, chasing her with his own orgasm. The pulsing of his cock, the spilling of him inside, warm, mingling with her wet he’d produced. His pants and groans against her back. His weight on her body, hand still cupping her mouth. “Man. I give us an A for effort. But, I wasn’t much better than you in the sound department. I might need a damn muzzle.”

Julie smiled into his palm.

“Sorry, baby.” He removed his hand from her mouth. “Should have tapped me. You okay?”

She nodded into the comforter. “Oh, yeah.” Eased onto her back. “Definitely. Can we do more of that?”

He laughed, staring with those beautiful eyes, crinkles extending the gleeful expression on his face. That very Dean way. “Sure.” He shrugged. “Just maybe not tonight?” He kissed her lips, then flashed her an exhausted smile. “I really am pretty beat. Been one helluva long day.”

Julie nodded. “Me too.” She tapped his forearm. “Bathroom again for me and then sleep.”

“Don’t be long.” He collapsed onto his back and closed his eyes.

She smiled, closing the bathroom door. He’d be asleep by the time she slipped back into bed. The sounds of his snores would cover a variety of animals from a grunting pig to a snarling lion. But she wouldn’t tease him in the morning about it. She promised to give him a pass.

Part 2

Series Page

#dean x ofc #spnfanficpond #dean winchester fluff #dean winchester smut #spn fanfics

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a-d-n-d-journal · 5 years ago

Text

Game Session #10

Characters:

Mirri in the wind, tabaxi; rapier

Rysiel, half-elf druid; acid burns, simple clothing and leather armor, scimitar

Teir, tiefling warlock; acid burns, vibrant gold skin and black hair w/silver highlights, horns, hooves, expensive-looking clothes and leather armor, carries a dagger as his only (physical) weapon

Zastu, dragonborn rogue; white scales almost completely covered in a hooded cape and mask, leather armor, short bow and shortsword + dagger

Noteable NPCs...

Sydiri Haunlar, human (Chondathan) fighter; brunette, chain shirt, dagger, shortbow, wooden club

Zephyros, cloud giant; windswept white hair, wispy white bear, billow purple robe with gold stars

Amarath and N'von, two human cultists missionaries and their seven human cult followers friends; all dressed in tight fabric wrapped around their thin bodies, topped with head wraps and decorated with feathers. Amarath carries a disturbing "smiling bag"

We were all tired and braindead during this one, so details are sparse...

Zephyros welcomes the party (Rysiel, Teir, Zastu, plus Sydiri at this point) to his floating tower. He explains that his extra-planar allies have told him that someone would come to help fix the mess that is the Ordning. What is the Ordning? It's giant society. Ever since forever, giant society has been ordered by type—with Storm Giants at the top, and Cloud Giants (me, Zephyros) below that, then whoever –handwaves– below that (fire and frost giants, stone giants, hill giants). Giants used to rule this land, until the war with the dragons millenia ago (giants and dragons are mortal enemies you know). Well, with the recent uprising of the dragons (a couple years ago), Annam got angry at us and called us all lazy and complacent. Oh, Annam, he's the Giant god. He looks over everything. And he broke the Ordning, that's why you've been hearing about giant attacks lately—everyone is trying to prove they're the most fit giant to rule over all of us. Er, you have heard about that, haven't you? Well, I thought that king Hekaton, lord of the Storm Giants, would be able to keep his seat of power, and hold control over giant society. He certainly seemed like he was going to continue that way. But then... Well, his wife, poor Neri, went missing. She had a soft spot for the small folk (that's you), and met with them on a regular basis, on an island off the Sword Coast. She turned up dead a while later—murdered. Hekaton, as you can imagine, flew into a rage. He would have led the giants to smash every small folk settlement on the coast, if it weren't for their youngest daughter—Serissa—who held her mother's affection for the small folk. She convinced Hekaton not to destroy you all, for Neri's sake. But now he's... Well, nevermind. Rysiel and Teir pipe up, insisting that Zephyros finish that thought. He's resistant at first, but they guess the truth, or near to it. Hekaton has gone missing now too. He went in search of his wife's murderers, but hasn't been heard form for weeks. His youngest daughter—Serissa, remember?—holds the throne, with her elder sisters—Mirran and Nym—acting as advisors, along with her uncle Uthor probably.

The party decides that going straight to the Storm King's throne is the best idea, and ask Zephyros where it is. Unfortunately, it is beyond them for many reasons. Maelstrom is a citadel deep within the Trackless Sea. Technically Zephyros' tower can bring them there—or close anyway, but they'd definitely be destroyed without magical protection, and Zephyros isn't interested in risking death. He offers to bring them close, but assures them they would die (kind of non-chalantly, at which point Mirri tells them that Zephyros isn't all there due to his fondess for contacting other planes and sometimes going temporarily insane). He knows how to get there, but they aren't near important enough—yet—to be able to manage it. The party sighs collectively, and asks to go to their second destination—Triboar—to deliver the news of Darthag Ulgar's death to his ex-wife at the Lionshield Trading post there. Zephyros brightens up immediately and says it'll take about 11 days (275 hours exactly) to get there. He asks if there's anything else he can get them before he retires upstairs to consult his extraplanar allies (Mirri rolls their eyes, "Not again!") —I also tell the party that they can treat Zephyros as a sort of merchant, but his supplies might be limited since he's a giant. Zephyros mentions that Mirri's (+1) rapier used to be a clothes pin, so who knows what he might have. (Rysiel asks for -something-, but I roll for it and he doesn't have it :/ ); They get some food—very airy spongcake-type stuff, and Zephyros brings down one of his many journals from the Moonshae Isles, which he wrote and illustrated himself. Mirri can't read them, but has been looking at the pictures a lot. Rysiel translates for Teir, who is increbily interested. The journals are about 100lbs each, and 4-5ft tall, made of thick parchment. (They can be used as a mundane item that grants advantage on certain knowledge rolls, but specific information isn't really available unless I go read a jillion wiki articles about the Moonshae Isles and their history/fauna/flora/etc). There's also some roleplay with the Tressym (Rillix) as they figure out what to feed it. Zephyros drops a hunk of raw meat at some point (and some of the griffon's hay bedding for Bobble), and Rysiel creates a bonfire to cook with. Zephyros reminds them not to come up to the second floor, or the griffon aerie. (Not that they have the ability anyway) The days start passing... Teir seeks Sydiri's help in wearing armor and using shields (they improvise with a giant wicker coaster). On the first day, Zephyros approaches "Ryan" to tell him that someone is looking for him. They go aside (outside) to talk, and Teir sneaks behind to eavesdrop. Both "Ryan" and Teir are disappointed though, when Zephyros reveals that "someone is looking for you" is the entirety of the message. Zephyros doesn't seem to notice, but the next day he comes down after speaking to his allies again and tells "Ryan" that "A Rainy Kevin" (or is it "Kevin Rainy"?) is the one looking for him, but that it will be someone else that finds him. Ryan/Rysiel thanks Zephyros, but looks confused.

On the third day, the party is surprised by some visitors, because no one wants to stand in the wind and cold to watch the fucking majestic countryside far below. There's a fluttering of many large wings, and then a moment later—some shouting. The voices ask—in the common tongue—for the owner and resident of the tower to come out and say hello. Zephyros is sleeping upstairs at the time, so the party waits until the owners of the voices make their way inside. Nine slendar humans appear, all dressed similarily in fabric wrapped around their bodies, tied tightly. They have more fabric wrapped around their heads, and are decoraed with feathers. Two of them appear somewhat more decorated, and one carries a shoulder back with a distrubing-looking smiley face. Teir recognizes the bag as magic, but doesn't remember why. The newcomers seems somewhat surprised to find some small folk, but ask if there's a cloud giant around. The party stands around looking offended until Zephyros calls down and greets them. "Have you heard of our Lord and Saviour, Yan C Bin?" One of the cultists missionaries asks. Zephyros looks confused. Two of them introduce themselves (to Zephyros) as N'von and Amarath, and explain that Yan-C-Bin wants his help to 'restore the planes to their rightful primodial state'. They're hazy on what this means, they just want a yes/no from Zephyros. Zephyros is confused, so he asks the party. Teir seems to think this is a bad idea, and is jealous of the newcomer's arrival, and also: how the fuck did you get here? The missionaries try to ignore him, but it quickly becomes obvious that he's not going anywhere, so: "On our giant vultures, of course." Teir tries to recall what he can about giant vultures (kind of an unusual choice of mount, but not unheard of) and what cultures/societies/groups were known to use them (no one close by! probably from another plane?) (I don't remember the rest of the conversation, but Zephyros goes upstairs to consult his planar allies on the matter, and the missionaries go outside because they like the wind and open air)

More than an hour passes and Mirri realizes that Zephyros must have had an 'accident' (he failed his saving throw on the spell), and is lying comatose upstairs. Teir sends his raven up to check on the giant, and then they have a game of pantomime to try to figure out what's going on (Zephyros is laying on the floor, but is alive). Mirri explains that he'll be "fine" in another 8 hours or so. A little while later, the two speaking missionaries pop back inside to see what's taking so long. (I don't remember what was said) They have an argument with Teir and Zastu (Rysiel is brooding in the corner or something? Idk), and Mirri walks by with 'Calm Emotions' (make targets indifferent), causing one of the missionaries and Zastu to chill out. The missionaries go back outside. Moments later they hear the flapping of wings and a scrabbling on the tower wall. Normally they'd ignore it, as the grphyons that Zephros keeps are constantly coming and going, but something is suspicious. Zastu sneaks outside and counts the missionaries and vultures there—only seven of nine of them are there. She goes back inside to tell the party. They are very offended by the presumptuousness of these cultists missionaries!!! To be continued...

Spells cast:

Mirri:

Abilities:

Cantrips: Mage Hand

Spells: Calm Emotions

Slots used: 0/4 1st; 1/3 2nd; Regained: All (multiple rests)

Rysiel:

Cantrips: Create Bonfire

Spells:

Slots used: 0/4 1st; 0/3 2nd Regained: All (multiple rests)

Teir:

Cleric abilities:

Cantrips:

Spells:

Rituals:

Slots used: Warlock 0/2 Cleric 0/2 1st Regained: All (multiple rests)

Killcount:

Mirri: 0 Rysiel: 0 Teir: 0 Zastu: 0

Treasure looted:

Supplies for 4 minor Potions of Healing (bought for 12gp ea. by Zastu)

Made 2 minor Potions of Healing (Zastu)

#5e #A Party Most Queer #storm king's thunder #D&D

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fanfics4all · 6 years ago

Text

The Northside Serpent: Part 15

Request: Yes / No

Request are open but ONLY if they’re Halloween<3 Have a nice day/night

Sweet Pea x Keller!Reader

Word count: 2068

Warnings: Death

Y/N: Your Name

Summary: You’re Kevin Keller’s little sister when you’re mom left to go to war and your dad started cheating (I’m making it so he’s been cheating since season 1) You started rebelling; dying your hair, getting a nose piercing, tattoo, and hanging out on the southside.

PLEASE DO NOT STEAL MY WORK, I WORK HARD ON MY FICS AND IT’S NOT COOL TO STEAL SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK!

If you want to be on the tag list for anything (My series fics, specific character fics, or just all of them) All you have to do is send me an ask and I will add you!

1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Masterlist

(Not my photo, credit to whoever made it!)

Kevin made me come to school with him early to ask Jughead to be the videographer. I really didn’t want to go to school early but I didn’t have a choice. So I was also forced to go to the before school musical practice. I watched them sing and dance and I sat next to Fangs while they did this. After they were done everyone sat in a circle on chairs and Kevin smiled.

“Welcome to Carrie: The Musical.” He said and then Fangs pulled his chair into the circle, next to Kevin and Toni.

“Okay. Next, introductions.” Kevin said and I rolled my eyes. Jughead was behind everyone filming the behind the scenes.

“I’m Archie, I’m playing Tommy Ross. The boy next door.” Archie said.

“I’m Betty, I play Sue Snell. The good girl.” Betty said.

“Veronica Lodge, playing mean girl, Chris Hargensen.” Veronica said.

“I’m Cheryl Blossom, playing the iconic role of Carrie White.” Cheryl said standing up.

“Tone deaf.” Josie said with a cough and I bit my lip. Oh boy…

“Who’s playing your mom? Margaret White.” Ethel asked.

“I am.” Alice Cooper said walking in.

“Ah!” Kevin said with a smile.

“Mom?” Betty asked.

“Wait, seriously?” Ethel asked.

“Settle down. Yes, it’s untraditional but to me, there’s nothing more amateur than age-inappropriate casting.” Kevin said and I rolled my eyes.

“It’s a school play.” I said and Kevin narrowed his eyes at me.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know who this woman is, you know, get under her skin. And, of course, to spend some quality time with my daughter, Elizabeth.” Alice said and Betty smiled.

“Uh, sorry.” Chuck said walking in and everyone rolled their eyes.

“I thought rehearsal were in the Music Room.” He said.

“No problem. All are welcome here.” Kevin said and I scoffed. Chuck sat down and they kept talking.

“Why am I even here, Kevin? I’m not even in the play.” I asked when they took a break.

“Because, you don’t have anywhere else to go.” He said and I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Anywhere is better than watching you guys put on a stupid play.” I said crossing my arms.

“Dad wants me to keep an eye on you, so you’re staying here.” He said and I rolled my eyes.

“Of course he does.” I said annoyed and just walked over to Toni and Fangs.

“Hey Quinny, how are you doin’?” Fangs asked.

“Eh, I’d rather not talk about this…” I said and Toni placed her arm around me.

“Forget about that, we’re talking to him. Besides that, how are you and Kevin?” She asked and I groaned.

“Ughhh, I still don’t want to talk to him or my dad.” I said annoyed and they sighed.

“He’s your brother, you gotta talk to him.” Fangs said and Toni nodded.

“Maybe when he gets his head outta his ass.” I said crossing my arms and they laughed. The break ended and I went back to sitting on the sidelines.

“Okay. Act one scene one.” Kevin told everyone as they looked at the scripts.

“Actually, before we begin…” Cheryl said standing up and putting her script down.

“I’ve heard whisperings that some of you ensemble-vultures don’t think I’m fit to play or sing-” She said and looked at Josie.

“No.” Josie said shaking her head.

“The role of Carrie White. So, to settle this matter once and for all. Maestro?” Cheryl called out.

“Okay, uh, Cheryl-” Kevin said but she cut him off by starting to sing. Cheryl finished and Toni stood up to clap. I also started clapping and soon everyone else joined in.

“Wow, I think I speak for everyone when I say that was undeniable, Cheryl.” Kevin said. Cheryl was walking back to her seat when a sandbag fell and almost hit her. We all looked at her in shock. After that happened Kevin decided to call it for practice. I stayed in the shadows throughout the day just like I have been for the past week. I just really couldn’t kick the horrible feeling I felt from Sweet Pea breaking up with me.

After school Kevin and I went home and he told me that he found a letter in his locker from the Black Hood. He said that the Black Hood didn’t want Cheryl to play Carrie but he wasn’t going to recast her. After he told me that I just stayed in my room until dinner where I ignored my family. I really didn’t want to talk to them since they literally ruined my relationship. During the whole Carrie rehearsals Kevin forced me to go with him. When I refused him he had Toni, Fangs, or Jughead make me come. They all claimed they wanted me to keep my mind of Sweet Pea. I watched as Betty, Archie, Veronica, and Chuck practice their scene where they were both wanting to help/hurt Carrie. Once it was finished Kevin told everyone it was finished and then we went home. The next day I was dragged there once again. Cheryl and Josie were practicing their scene and honestly this was probably the only scene I was excited to see.

“In this scene, gym teacher Mrs. Gardener is being a friend when out girl has none, out of sheer kindness.” Kevin said, I was sitting behind him and Fangs.

“I’ll fake it as best I can.” Josie said with a sigh and Cheryl looked her up and down. The music started and Josie was the first one to sing.

“Stop, stop, stop.” Cheryl said and everyone stopped.

“Okay, Cheryl, I’m the only one that’s allowed to stop.” Kevin said and I rolled my eyes. God he’s taking this too seriously.

“I can’t do this! I can’t have you hating me while we’re singing a song about friendship.” Cheryl said and my brother shook his head.

“I know everything I did was legit crazy, Josie, but I was wrestling with some dark, Carrie White-like demons, and I’m so, so sorry. So please, please forgive me.” Cheryl said and they started singing again. I sighed and watched as they both were making up. Ugh, I wanted some drama… After that was done Veronica was up to practice her World According To Chris scene. God could Kevin cast anymore obvious? Betty the good girl, Veronica the bad girl, it’s a little on the nose. She finished and everyone clapped.

“Okay, Veronica, I am obsessed with everything that just happened.” Kevin said walking up to her.

“Thank you, it helps to be off-book and in full costume.” Veronica said with a smile and Betty laughed.

“Don’t be so modest. You are the literal embodiment of Chris.” She said and I smirked, guess I’ll be gettin my drama after all.

“Never has a role been so perfectly type-cast.” She added.

“Betty…” Archie said trying to stop her and my brother sighed.

“What was that, Betty?” Veronica asked.

“I mean, think about it. Spoiled rich girl, check. Major daddy issues, check. Bad to the bone, trying to control everyone around her, including her boyfriend and best friend. Check, check, check.” Betty said and I smirk nudging Jughead.

“Looks like your girlfriends finally figured it out.” I said and he shook his head at me. Kevin told everyone they could leave and they did. I was stuck with Jughead and he was watching as Archie was talking to Betty in the back.

“A little jealous are we?” I asked him.

“Shut up Quinny.” He said shoving me.

“How are you anyway?” He asked turning the camera off.

“I’m doing as best as I can be after my first boyfriend broke up with me because of my family.” I said sitting back in my seat.

“Hey, we’re talking to him okay? Toni said you made him happy so he’s not just gonna throw that away.” Jug said giving me a side hug.

“He already did…” I sighed. I could feel a wave of tears ready to escape. I got up and walked over to my brother who was with Fangs.

“Hey Kev… I’m gonna go home…” I said and he looked at me worried.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” He asked and I nodded.

“Yeah… I’m just tired. I’ll see you at home.” I said and walked out. I walked home and locked myself in my room. I took out my phone and started going through mine and Sweet Pea’s texts. Why was I torturing myself like this? We haven’t talked in weeks, hell I haven’t even seen him besides in class. Maybe Toni was wrong and I didn’t make him happy… I cried myself to sleep again that night.

The next day I was yet again forced to go to rehearsals but this time Cheryl wasn’t there. I looked at everyone confused. Where was she? She wouldn’t be late, she wanted to play Carrie more than anything.

“Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Cheryl will no longer be playing the role of Carrie White.” My brother said and Fangs tried to place his hand on his shoulder? Did Fangs have a thing for my brother? Good luck with that.

“What? Why?” Toni asked.

“Let’s just say that Penelope Blossom isn’t much of a stage-mom.” Kevin said and I scoffed.

“I think Cheryl’s by the gym bleachers.” He told Toni and she grabbed her stuff and left.

“In the meantime, Cheryl’s understudy will assume the role.” My brother said.

“Understudy?” Ethel asked.

“I appointed one after the sandbag incident. Midge Klump!” He said and everyone clapped. After that announcement everyone took their seats. Midge and Alice were going to practice one of their scenes. Everything was going well until Alice said Betty instead of Carrie..

“Mom?” Betty asked.

“Don’t leave me, Betty. Don’t leave me like all the others.” Alice said while crying then ran off. Betty got up and followed her.

“Am I directing a train wreck? And where’s my tea?” Kevin asked Fangs.

“Yeah you are. What did you think was gonna happen?” I asked rolling my eyes.

“Shut it you!” Kevin said looking at me.

After what felt like forever it was finally the night of the play. Kevin made sure we were dressed nice, so I was dressed in black lace dress, black and silver flower earrings, a black and silver flower necklace, and some black heels. For makeup, I up on a dark red lip and black and silver eyeshadow with a wing. I also curled my hair and put a bow in the back.

It was definitely too dressy for a school play but Kevin was making us so we had to. I was sitting next to Cheryl and Jughead and he was sitting next to my brother. We were watching the play and everything was going great. Alice was singing one her songs where Carrie was locked in the closet and everyone was loving it. They set looked amazing too.

“Alright Carrietta, it’s time to come out of your closet.” Alice said and the set lifted. What everyone saw was horrific.

“Uh, Kevin, did you re-block this scene? Why isn’t she on her knees singing?” Cheryl asked.

“I-I…” Kevin just stuttered, he didn’t know what to say. There on the wall was Midge Klump stabbed with multiple knives and with things written in her blood…

“I am back from the dead all those who escaped me before will die. B.H.” I read and we all just stared in shock, not processing what was happening.

“I don’t think that’s part of the show.” Jughead said shocked.

“Oh my God!” Kevin said.

“Somebody should help her! For God’s sake, help her!” Cheryl yelled and Alice finally turned around. She screamed and everyone started screaming and freaking out. We all got up and Kevin grabbed me pulling me to the stage but I got out of his grip and ran for the door. Two people stopped me and I looked up to see Fangs and Sweet Pea. Fangs grabbed me and pulled me out of the school with them.

“What the hell was that?” Fangs asked shocked.

“I don’t know, the Black hood must be back…” I said scared and Sweet Pea wrapped his arm around me. I froze not really knowing why he was doing this.

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep you safe.” Sweet Pea said and they took me on their bikes to Sunnyside Trailer Park.

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thebeckybear · 4 years ago

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Meet Kevin.

He's not dirty or disgusting. He's cute and he loves people. Look how pink his face is!! That shows how happy he is to be an ambassador for hooded vultures everywhere.

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youngandhungryent · 5 years ago

Text

Things Got Heated Between Offset And LAPD During Detainment [Video]

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Offset got yet another reminder that despite his celebrity status he is still considered a threat by the law. He had a tense encounter with LA’s finest.

As spotted on Complex one third of the Migos was apparently out on the west coast for the Grammy Awards. On Wednesday, January 29 he and his some of his associates paid a visit to The Grove shopping mall in the City of Angels. The culture vultures at TMZ state local police were alerted that an unidentified male was spotted with a firearm inside the parking garage. According to the report the suspect left the scene and police caught up with the rapper while he was shopping.

What followed was a very tense back and forth between he and the badges. In video released by The Shade Room Offset is seen wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt asking them why was he being stopped. He is then aggressively pushed against the wall and handcuffed.

View this post on Instagram

#TSRExclusive: #Offset and at least one other man were reportedly detained tonight by police in Los Angeles. ___ The incident happened at The Grove shopping center in the Fairfax area. Video shows Offset and at least one other man being placed in handcuffs in what looks like one of the center’s parking garages. __ Witnesses at the scene tell us officers allegedly stopped Offset for reports of a weapon. LAPD has yet to respond to requests for comments. (Story developing). (

: @the_hood_riccflair)

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jan 29, 2020 at 8:17pm PST

After a couple of hours of being detained Offset and another man were released shortly after midnight. According to several reports two other men copped to the hardware after two handguns were recovered. One was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and the other was booked for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The “Clout” rapper was later seen that night and explained the situation as a misunderstanding. You can see him discuss the incident below.

youtube

Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage

source https://hiphopwired.com/837282/offset-lapd-detainment/

#fucu #fucul #young and hungry ent #boss of bosses #instrumental type beat free

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junker-town · 6 years ago

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Why LeBron James left the Cavaliers again

How did the city closest to LeBron’s hometown lose him twice? There is a pattern.

LeBron James left the Cavaliers, yet again. The first time, he left Cleveland for sunny skies out in South Beach. This time, he found the same on the West Coast.

James signed a four-year max contract with the Lakers that will have him wearing purple and gold until his son becomes eligible to play in the NBA.

And as it turns out, the reason the King left Cleveland this time might be the same as it was years ago.

With teammates like Zydrunas Ilgauskus, Eric Snow, Donyell Marshall, Drew Gooden, Boobie Gibson, and Anderson Varejao, James dragged the 2006-07 Cavaliers to a 50-32 record and the NBA Finals. They were swept out of the building by the Spurs.

The Cavaliers were a one-man act, and even though management found better role players — like Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, J.J. Hickson, Danny Green, and an aging Shaquille O’Neal — it wasn’t enough. James was tired of shouldering the load. And down in Florida, he wouldn’t have to.

Dwyane Wade had been recruiting James to Miami all along, and at the same time, he was convincing Chris Bosh to leave his post in Toronto and take a lesser role as part of a Big 3 in South Beach.

The Heat lost their first NBA Finals appearance to Dallas, then won two straight, defeating Oklahoma City and San Antonio. The following year, the Spurs walloped the Heat in the Finals, exposing that hero ball doesn’t always work: a structured game plan and offensive system does.

The loss sent James back home. And things seemed good enough for awhile.

The Cavaliers had watched Kyrie Irving morph into an offensive superstar, and Cleveland traded top pick Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota in a package for Kevin Love. The East had a new Big 3.

Cleveland could have won the 2015 NBA Finals, had everyone been healthy, but Love’s shoulder injury against Boston followed by Irving’s fractured kneecap in the opening game against the Warriors doomed the Cavaliers. James pushed the Dubs to six games, but it wasn’t enough.

The Cavaliers and Warriors returned to the NBA Finals the following season, and James, Irving, and Love delivered Cleveland its first NBA championship. It was a moment none would forget, especially not the Warriors.

Golden State did something Cleveland didn’t. When the salary cap spiked in 2016, the Warriors took advantage and signed Kevin Durant, after having eliminated his Thunder from the Western Conference Finals. The Cavs’ offseason additions were Derrick Williams and rookie Kay Felder, and when James cried for a playmaker midseason, they swung deals for Deron Williams and Kyle Korver.

It wasn’t even close. Durant and the Warriors washed the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals, 4-1.

Then when Irving left Cleveland last summer, things started falling apart. The Cavaliers traded him to Boston for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn pick that would become Collin Sexton. When things didn’t go according to plan, Cleveland blew it up midseason and traded all their new players for George Hill, Rodney Hood, Larry Nance Jr., and Jordan Clarkson.

That team, along with Love, Jeff Green, J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson, was the squad James took through two grueling seven-game series, first against the Pacers, then in the conference finals against the Celtics. And when they made it out alive, there the Warriors sat like a vulture, perched and waiting for prey.

Truth be told, there wasn’t much the Cavaliers could have done to keep LeBron in town.

They needed to import big talent, and fast, and as promising a prospect as he is, Sexton alone wasn’t enough. The Cavaliers didn’t have attractive enough assets to pull off a blockbuster trade for another superstar, and after Cleveland fumbled away its opportunity to secure just a single game in the Finals, there wasn’t much for James to look forward to if he came back.

James didn’t have enough help, much like he didn’t have enough help back in 2010. And he left Cleveland just like he did years ago. Only this time, he did so after delivering a championship. And only this time, it doesn’t look like he’s heading back any time soon.

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thebeckybear · 4 years ago

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Look, sometimes you just need to fly a hooded vulture named Kevin to make you feel like everything is ok in the world.

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housingandhomelessnessla-blog · 6 years ago

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Gentrification in the United States

by Ileana McDonald and Emily Echeverri

Gentrification

The issue of gentrification is not something new to the United States, but it is something that is in full swing in large cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, at the moment and it is taking a toll on those who have lived in these areas for their whole lives. Although the idea of gentrification may be nice to those who benefit from it, the effects it has on those who aren’t are very impactful on their lives. Cities such as Boyle Heights in Los Angeles and Bushwick in New York are being hit the hardest during this competitive time in the market and minorities are being hit the hardest. Gentrification can be a good thing, but all the chaos it brings to the less fortunate weighs out anything that could be potentially helpful to a city.

Explain it to me like I’m 7:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfOqmSXDAD8&feature=youtu.be

By definition gentrification is, “the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.” (Merriam-Webster) It primarily benefits those who are affluent and able to afford high prices of living and forces the struggling working class people to have to relocate. Gentrification is one of the telling signs of the growth machine, in that it promotes growth at an cost, even the cost of people losing their homes and their ties to their neighborhoods. Peter Dreier refers to the fuel of gentrification to be the competition of affluent people against poor people for scarce housing. It is obvious, of course, that those who are benefitting from gentrification are white, and they seem to be washing away all the culture and charm of the neighborhoods they are moving into. The rich history these neighborhoods hold is being stripped away from people who have spent decades trying to preserve it.

Boyz-N-The-Hood :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BadSZDpvq-s#action=share

Gentrification not only impacts those who rent or own homes in the areas already, but it also affects those who are looking for homes. In Los Angeles especially, home prices are increasing at a rate in which only those who are financially stable upper middle class can afford homes. According to LAHSA, the average rent price in Los Angeles has increased by 32% since 2000 compared to the median income of the renter household which has decreased 3% since then. The amount of housing combined with the high prices and low income levels of manual laborers is what is driving those who rent in gentrified areas to be kicked out of their homes. Gentrification hurts those who have worked their entire lives for a home and makes them not be able to afford it anymore. The housing crisis is also what contributes to homelessness in competitive cities such as Los Angeles and New York because people spend their whole lives in one place and then are expected to just leave once they get kicked out, which is something that harms them emotionally. Gentrification just adds to the whole idea of the growth machine and helps those who are in charge.

One of the reasons that certain urban areas are considered to be appealing for land development and gentrification is because of how ample the culture is in that area. This is due to the fact that these inner city and lower income areas are majority minority populated. Cities filled with years of history rich in culture from generations of minorities building cultural legacies are actually beautiful. Neighborhoods that do possess an abundance of black and Latino culture attract white people who lack these cultural aspects in their own neighborhoods. The beautiful music, people, murals and street art along with the delicious food are enough to attract the bravest of white folks even considering the fact that the storefronts are nearly destroyed and crime runs rampant in the neighborhood. They still move in, and begin to leech off of the culture that the neighborhood provides. Thus begins their effect on the neighborhoods, and the articles titled “Top 10 Restaurants in LA You Didn’t Know About” flood in, along with the white people. Eventually renovations follow, as well as higher prices and new businesses.

As much as white people love black culture, they do not love black people nearly as much. When they move to urban areas they can appreciate the street art and good food, but do not want to enroll their kids in public schools with mostly black kids, even if the schools are high performing. This results in a decline in enrollment in public schools, inevitably resulting in the school being shut down. This is where the major harm in gentrification takes place aside from white people being absolute culture vultures. Schools get shut down and big banks open up where small businesses used to be. The businesses that manage to avoid being bought out end up shutting down anyway due to not being able to afford the rent. And eventually, families can’t afford the rent. People who have lived in the same neighborhood for decades are suddenly struggling because their rent went from $1,500/month to $3,500.

After a few years of this, many of the people of color in the community have moved, if not due to unwanted displacement, then due to the fact that they no longer feel welcome or happy. The old barber shops and restaurants that had been there for years are now banks and boba tea spots. And just on the outskirts of town is the same poverty that always existed, horrible schools, and people of color who have to restart their lives all over again

One of the reasons racism runs so rampant in society is due to stereotypes being reaffirmed or seen in real life. What we need to understand is that literally every disadvancement and struggle that black Americans face can be traced back at the fault of White America. The effects of gentrification on people of color are some of the reasons why people of color are so marginalized and disadvantaged in American society and have to work twice as hard as white people to get half as far. Gentrification takes a massive toll on people’s lives and is a huge problem not just in the United States, but worldwide. Gentrification has been especially rampant in New York, but other cities that are especially affected are Boston, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. (Huffington Post). To support not only the American economy, but also the American people, we must combat gentrification and resist displacement of marginalized people. Unchecked capitalism only leads to deadening abject poverty which means that we have failed our citizens and failed as a democracy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Stabrowski, Filip. “Social Relations of Landed Property: Gentrification of a Polish Enclave in Brooklyn.” American Journal of Economics & Sociology, vol. 77, no. 1, Jan. 2018, pp. 29–57. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/ajes.12216.

Reese, Ellen, et al. “‘Weak-Center’ Gentrification and the Contradictions of Containment: Deconcentrating Poverty in Downtown Los Angeles.” International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, vol. 34, no. 2, June 2010, pp. 310–327. EBSCOhost,

Doi:

Dreier, Peter. “Who Benefits From Gentrification?” KCET. September 2017. https://www.kcet.org/shows/city-rising/who-benefits-from-gentrification

Pastor, Manuel. “Gentrification Is About Power, so What’s Community Got to Do with It?” KCET. August 2017. https://www.kcet.org/shows/city-rising/gentrification-is-about-power-so-whats-community-got-to-do-with-it

Carroll, Rory. “Are white hipsters hijacking an anti-gentrification fight in Los Angeles?” The Guardian. October 2017.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/18/los-angeles-gentrification-boyle-heights-race-activism

REESE, E. , DEVERTEUIL, G. and THACH, L. (2010), ‘Weak‐Center’ Gentrification and the Contradictions of Containment: Deconcentrating Poverty in Downtown Los Angeles. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 34: 310-327. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2427.2010.00900.x

Short, Kevin. “The Top 10 Gentrification Capitals Of America” Huffington Post. November 2013. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/most-gentrified-cities_n_4234239.html

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291468-2427/issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BadSZDpvq-s#action=share

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collectorscorner · 6 years ago

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CC Blogger - New Arrivals @ Collectors Corner : Wednesday - 12/05/18

Complete list of items shipping to the stores, some items may be limited in availability. If you see anything you want to purchase on the list and are not a subscription member at Collectors Corner, just contact us and let us know if you want an item held at the stores. email - [email protected]

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tsw-story · 7 years ago

Text

Chapter 50 - Near End and Beginning

“I don't know who you are, or how you did that, but thank you so much,” the man cried.

Eldrian, garbed in his hooded disguise, nodded to the gentleman he just rescued a moment ago from a pack of bat-wielding bullies. The man then ran off into the darkness of the city's vacant streets. It was near the edge of town, so hardly anyone was out and about, and for good reason. The less people around, the more likely something shady would go down.

Another job well done. Eldrian was elated that he could use his gift to help people, even if he had to do so in a costume under an alias. It helped take his mind off things as well, such as Tyreth, Noah, and everything else that'd been happening lately.

He let out a sigh and leaned back on a brick wall of the alleyway. It was time to head home. He knew he shouldn't burn out all his energy staying out all night, fighting crime and all that. His hand rest upon the wall beside him, but before he prepared a portal door home, he stopped to the sound of movement. His hood's glowing yellow eyes shot left and right.

“You have sharp hearing, Dark Mage,” came a smooth, confident voice.

Eldrian turned deeper into the alley to see Noah Jackson himself, dressed as he always did, with the same umbrella swung over his shoulder. A wide smile was present across his face.

“Do I know you?” Eldrian fibbed.

“You might. I certainly know you. I've heard stories of the supposedly magical vigilante. You wouldn't happen to be using real magic, would you? Surely it's some kind of trick.”

“You're right. It's a trick.”

“No. I'm usually right, but not this time. It's no trick, Dark Mage, and to be frank, I think I know exactly who you are. This city has recently had an outbreak of wizardly pests. I refuse to believe anyone like you wouldn't at least know these pests, but I believe it's more than that. We've met before. I can feel it in the pit of my gorgeous stomach.”

“And why would you think that?”

Noah took a step closer. “Among the wizards I met, there was one I felt a powerful sense of drive coming from. They were all passionate indeed, but when you emerged from that portal, bloody and burned, I knew. Eldrian.”

The glow beneath his hood stared intently at the accusing gentleman. Noah Jackson was a wizard sent to hunt them down, and Eldrian knew that. He dealt with a government-sanctioned spellbreaker once, and that was difficult enough, but he never thought he'd so quickly run into one that was a wizard. This would be an entirely different problem.

In the time it takes one to snap their fingers, Eldrian appeared behind Noah, and attempted to flee. Noah spun around on his heel and thrust out his umbrella, and from the tip, a rope of golden light fired like a harpoon to wrap around Eldrian's torso and yank him crashing to the ground. Heaven's Chain!

“Not so fast!” Noah spoke sharply.

Eldrian, or the Dark Mage, rolled onto his back. With two hands together, he make the shape of a diamond with the negative space between his fingers, and immediately, a spark of light appeared in the center. He shifted his hands forward, and the spark become a blinding burst. Flare!

Noah brought up his arm to cover his eyes as he groaned in pain. The chain dissipated. Using the distraction, Eldrian took flight, and he had clearly been practicing. He soared into the sky almost as easily as a crow.

“Damn it,” Noah grunted. “He can fly? Even when I tried not to, I still underestimated him.”

He took off after him, albeit with a shaky beginning. The two wizards floated through the sky, though it was clearly obvious which one was fastest, and that infuriated Noah Jackson. It didn't deter him, however. He was in hot pursuit.

Eldrian pulled out his phone as he gained a bit of distance.

“I hate to admit it, but I don't think I can do this one alone. I'm gonna need your help, Kev,” he mumbled under his breath.

***

A bead of sweat fell down Kevin's brow. His heart was racing, and his hands were shaking. He couldn't remember the last time he blinked. They say time seems to slow in the heat of the moment, but when your adrenaline starts pumping, it only speeds up. It's the rush of danger.

The character fell into a pit. Game over.

“Gah!” Kevin cried out as he dropped the controller onto his lap. “I hate to admit it, but I don't think I can do this alone. I'm gonna need your help, Eldrian. Where are you?”

He fell back on the sofa and sighed. It still worried him that his friend would occasionally go out at night and do such dangerous things, though on the other hand, he knew Eldrian had been doing things like that for years. They only recently met back up. The world of wizards was still something he was trying to fully comprehend. Maybe he never would.

His phone rang. When he looked to the screen, he saw it was a call from Eldrian, so he picked it up immediately.

“Hey!” Eldrian said.

“Woah. Why is it so windy there? What's going on?” asked Kevin.

“I'm flying right now. Away from Noah. I think I might need your help.”

Kevin squeezed the phone tight. “Not that guy again.”

“If I open a portal in a minute, can you come through?”

“Of course I can! But why don't you just come through to this side and escape?”

“Because I'm tired of running away.”

“Fair enough.”

Leaving the call going, Kevin stuffed his phone into his pocket. He extended his left hand outwards, and upon a finger was a silver ring. He shouted, “Aegis of Light!” and it shone bright. The ring transformed into a circular shield adorned with a blue gem in the center surrounded by four smaller ones, and it bound itself around his arm.

He then shouted, “Summon sword, Drodias!” as he extended out his other arm. Upon a finger was a gold and blue band, but as he said those words, it burst into light and shaped into a sword with a shimmering blue blade. He squeezed the hilt between his fingers.

A door opened before him. He didn't hesitate.

Kevin leapt through the door, and immediately shivered as he entered the other side. They were out upon some snow-covered hills a bit away from the edge of Edmonton, and it was the very middle of the night.

“You sure you're good?” Eldrian asked from beside him.

“Of course I am.”

By the time Noah arrived, the door had vanished, but both Eldrian and Kevin were awaiting his arrival. He floated down to the ground and snapped a glance between them.

“The spellbreaker again,” he muttered. “You got help.”

“Of course I did. You said there was an outbreak here, right? Well, here it is. The pests are here,” Eldrian replied.

“Let me ask a question to you two. What are you hoping to achieve by battling me?”

Kevin readied his blade. “What kind of question is that?”

“Think about it. If you kill me, which I don't think you will, my superiors will find out pretty quickly. They'll come down upon this city like starving vultures... Vultures that can negate your spells, or disintegrate you with magic. If you just beat me into submission, I'll come back. Again and again. We know you're all here now. The chase has begun, and it won't take long. This is the end to your days of carefree liberty.”

Eldrian and Kevin exchanged glances.

“We don't care,” Kevin shouted back. “We didn't do anything wrong, so we'll fight to survive.”

“Like animals!” scoffed Noah as he brought down his black umbrella. “Sparkling Arrow!”

From his umbrella fired out a bright, gold arrow of magical energy, and it careened towards the ginger samurai. Kevin raised up his shield just in time, though the force of the explosive collision nearly knocked him to the ground, and Eldrian had to avert his gaze.

“You can't get through Kevin's shield with something like that. It's blocked every spell that's hit it with not even a crack,” Eldrian boasted.

Kevin raised it proudly into the air. “This is the Aegis of Light.”

Noah seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. “Aegis of Light. I've heard of that artifact before. I do found it odd that you have two in your possession. I don't recognize the blade, but the shield... Yes. I've definitely seen it before. It's one of our own. A woman had it.”

“He's a wizard, Kev,” whispered Eldrian. “You can kick his ass. Counter his spells, and take him down, just like last time. We'll stop him together.”

Kevin nodded.

Eldrian brought up his fingers as he commonly did, and prepared the somatic components for his lighting lance spell. The spark became an extended bolt of electricity, and from his side, he hurled it towards his foe like Zeus.

Though it travelled quickly, Noah wasn't slow. He brought up a hand to ward the spell, but as he did, he watched in terror as the ward shattered to pieces. Kevin was at his side, with the Aegis of Light trust forward, but his perception quickly shook into a blur. The spell hit him directly, sending him flying backwards in a cloud of smoke with his hat landing nearby.

“How dare—,” grunted Noah beneath his breath.

“Good job, Kev!” Eldrian shouted.

Kevin gave a toothy grin. “Thanks.”

Their foe slowly rose up from the snow, nearly invisible in his black suit before a midnight sky. He lifted his cap along with himself, and with a furious stare, he placed it back upon his head. He dust off snow from his shirt and trousers before standing at attention.

Noah readied his umbrella almost as one would prepare a sword. He stepped forwards, and locked eyes on Kevin.

“I've had enough of you, spellbreaker. I don't need spells to fight you.”

“I took sword classes, and this blade was a gift from a very strange friend. How are you going to fight me with an umbrella?” Kevin asked.

“Try me.”

Confused, but eager to prove his skill, Kevin brought up his shield as his sword hand remained back and prepared to thrust. Noah, nimble on his feet, strafed carefully around the boy with only an umbrella in his hand.

“Careful, Kev,” Eldrian whispered. “He's up to something.”

“I don't scheme,” Noah responded.

He swung his umbrella down to the side, and that's when Kevin noticed something peculiar. It become shrouded in darkness. The shadows twisted and contorted its shape, but as it started to settle, Kevin looked in horror at the result. It was no umbrella, but a sword, completely black from tip to pummel, and it held an eerie glow.

The aura sprung to life as the metal of the sword burst into what resembled a plume of pitch-black fire. It emitted no heat, however, but he brought back to swing a diagonal slash over Kevin's blocking shield. Shadow Blade!

Like butter, the Aegis of Life fell perfectly into two halves.

The pieces fell to the ground, and in a burst of light, they turned back into a now-broken silver ring in the snow. Kevin looked up to Noah's sword. He didn't even feel resistance. It cut through with such sharpness, that even his magic shield was gone in an instant.

Eldrian widened his eyes. “That's the—“

“That's right,” Noah said with a guffaw. “This is the Blade of Shadows. The sword that can cut through anything. Something tells me you've heard of it before. Your spellbreaker talents mean nothing to this sword. Here's another question, pests. What will you do now?”

Kevin wrapped both hands around the grip of Drodias, and he backed up to stand beside Eldrian. They looked at each other once more. The wizard fumbled for words. He had brought Kevin into the mix with not nearly enough knowledge, and now both of their lives were in danger.

Noah gripped his sword as well. “Promise me your answer won't be surrendering. That would disappoint me.”

#action #adventure #fantasy #fiction #writing #story #wizards #magic

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