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[hcneymooners]

౨ৎ stargirl interlude: chapter ii.

wnba!paige x pop star!azzi. men & minors dni.

⋆ 🪩 masterlist.

synopsis: azzi’s one of the industry’s fastest rising stars—a notorious ice princess. she doesn’t pay much attention to the internet, so she’s caught off guard when she finds out who her biggest fan is: world-class athlete paige bueckers, publicly losing her mind over her.

cw: implied mental health issues, fluff, first date, medium burn?, young girls rediscovering themselves and their desires, slight angst, mentions of faith.

notes: hi, my doves. let me know if you enjoyed this. sorry this is a little sad, but azzi is a product of childhood fame. love you. can't wait to see you in my inbox.

II: SECOND SKIN.

“i’d like to work on something different. something that feels more like me.”

azzi watched as her manager’s brow rose, sensed her mother's gaze boring holes deep into her skin. she steadfastly ignored them, focusing instead on the condensation dripping down the plastic body of her iced blueberry matcha. 

the head of the label sat across from her. he was a stout man with a pinched face. it always looked as though he was struggling to breathe. he was kind though, had seen many a pop legend come and go, and seemed to have a soft spot for her ideas, usually called silly, when she presented them to katie on the car ride home.

“you don’t feel any connection to what you’re doing now?” he asked her, and azzi blinked back into the moment.  

“i think i did at some point but,” azzi pursed her lips, then let out a flow of air, “i’m not feeling myself in any of it. i look at the lyrics and open my mouth and nothing comes out. at least nothing i’m proud of.”

the man sat back, green eyes unnervingly bright. she focused on the liver spot that pulled across his neck, mind running as she tried to remember his name. it was something rather clandestine. micheal? murray? 

“what do you feel yourself in?”

azzi looked up from beneath her lashes, her cheeks haloed by her unbrushed curls. she was only in a midi black dress, the straps thick and the neckline square. along her collarbones lay a thin diamond chain with a silver, cursive ‘a’ pendant that swung forward every time she readjusted herself. her feet were encased in faux-leather flats, the small, needlework rosary tattoo she’d gotten on a whim dark and visible.

“i’ve been listening to a lot of indie rock. red hot chili peppers, smashing pumpkins, the teenagers. i like the way i feel when i listen. there’s more room in the writing to sing about what i’m going through, big or small. i’m—” she hesitated. “i’m tired of being a sexy baby.”

“indie rock, huh?” the man said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled. “i didn’t think kids knew of red hot chili peppers these days.”

azzi smiled, her two front teeth shining white and new. her mother, who had been holding on for a rather impressive amount of time, finally gave her input.

“but she’s not a rockstar, max! she’s a pop star.”

oh, so his name was max. yes, very clandestine. max rolled his neck over to one side as he glanced irritably at katie, his jaw working before he responded. 

“i get that, katie, i really do.” azzi tried not to laugh and took a sip of her matcha. “but reinvention is how these girls stay alive in this world. azzi’s right. people are not looking for the sexy baby thing right now. i mean there’s always an audience, but azzi’s demographic has grown with her. and if she wants her growth to be noticeable, i think it's smart to play up a different image other than discovering that you have a body and desires for the first time.” 

huh, azzi thought. go, max.

he looked back at her, eyed her drink. “need another?’

“sure,” azzi said, her voice quiet but her resolve strong. 

they got up. they took a walk.

⟡

azzi pushed three thick sprays of salt water through the nozzle and into the back of her throat, her nose burning as california brine coated the muscles. then she texted paige. 

» hey, paige. just wanted to touch base about getting coffee this week.

her arms burned when she pressed the meat of them into the metal strings of her bass guitar. she shined it earlier and its teal corpse stared at her, reflecting a distorted image of her face as it begged her to touch it—to raise it from the dead. she felt the feeble spirit of her thirteen-year-old self in the marrow of the instrument, and she focused she could hear her too.  

she hated the message once she sent it. she sounded so out of touch with what it meant to be a young girl, a cool girl. while she waited for paige’s response, her eyes roved over the other girl’s instagram. she cataloged what she knew of her already: she was twenty-five, two years to azzi’s twenty-three, and a well-loved prodigy. she frequented texas, dallas to be specific, due to her current contract. she flew back and forth to new york, apparently helping to coach teenage athletes in her spare time. 

azzi liked that, that the goodness of her heart gave her a reason to plant her feet on new york’s rat-run ground. azzi sometimes worried that she wasn’t good, not even a little bit. 

she lingered on a candid of paige in the pews of a church, the light streaming in through the thin stained glass adorning her with mock sainthood. azzi wondered if it would matter to paige that god tended to put a frog in her throat, that she had removed his hands from around her neck and thighs and was trying to sit next to him without flinching on most days. maybe they would never get there. 

» hey, azzi. yeah, i’m still good for coffee. 

azzi smiled. i wonder if you know how good you make me feel, she thought and then was immediately embarrassed. 

» that’s really good to hear. 

she paused, then sent another message. 

» sorry about saying “touch base”. it was weird.

the response was swift.

» nah, it wasn’t. 

azzi wondered if she should leave it alone, but if she was going to coffee she may as well ensure it wasn’t too awkward. she raised her arms, ignoring the indentations in her skin, and snapped a picture of her guitar. the steel of its strings gleamed; the teal paint seemed to cry. you could see her shadow reach across it. her leg was bent, but visible—tender from her weight being shifted across it for several hours.

» trying to learn how to use her again » going a new direction with my music and i’m kind of really scared 

too honest, she berated herself. paige didn’t seem to think so.

(paige didn’t think so at all. her crystal blue eyes had fallen on the reddened skin of azzi’s knee, on the thin strip of darkness made by the bend of azzi’s leg and the crush of her thigh. her mouth watered, and she redid her ponytail to regain some self-control.)

» u have a voice like an angel, azzi. some things are just meant to be. 

» God knew what He was doing. 

she capitalized God, azzi noted. her mouth twitched into a smile. she liked that. it was a good detail.

» i’m not that religious, but since you are i guess you would know. » sorry that sounded mean, but i don’t mind it. your faith, i mean. please don’t feel bad.

a moment passed and then,

» i don’t know, i just trust. » and i didn’t feel bad. ur not a mean girl. 

azzi laughed out loud then. 

» it’s my desire to know vs my desire to trust, she said.  » see you tomorrow, paige

her phone buzzed one last time. 

» can’t wait. i’ll be looking for u. 

azzi took a deep breath and closed her eyes. she thought hard of california, saw her father in the waves with a hand around her arm—the bone thick with baby fat. she heard something, someone. 

she touched a string. it sang.

⟡

the morning light came in sharp, cutting the shop into bright angles and long shadows. the windows were too clean, the floor polished to a dull shine. it smelled like scorched milk and antiseptic, something artificial masking something else. the kind of place people pretended to not mind, with its ten-dollar oat lattes and plastic baristas. the kind of place azzi used to think she liked.

she had dressed without thinking—well, no. she had thought about it quite a bit, but it was a good fantasy.

a strapless smocked top, tight across her ribs, the fabric shifting when she moved. faded jeans, loose at the hip, cinched with an old leather belt. they slouched low, soft, and worn in the way vintage denim should be, brushing against the tops of her boots. she carried her jacket in one hand, twisted around her fingers like an afterthought. her hair, loose from whatever styling had held it the other morning, fell in soft, uneven spirals. she’d drawn up the top with brown butterfly clips to prevent it from getting into her eyes. 

she looked like someone caught between selves. not quite undone, but close.

her fingers traced the rim of her mug, nails chipped down to uneven edges. the heat of the ceramic barely registered. paige was watching her. not in the way people usually did—calculating, expectant—but with a slow heat closer to patience. like she was trying to understand something. azzi often felt like a ghost within her own body, but now, someone was gazing at her,  not through her.

paige sat with her legs apart, elbows resting on her thighs. it was the kind of posture that helped make her look present without seeming too comfortable. the light made a halo of her, just for a second.

she wore a white, slightly oversized button-down, sleeves rolled up just once—as she did it absentmindedly, not for style. the fabric looked soft; it seemed the kind that came off better the more it was worn. beneath that: dark wash straight-leg jeans, fitted enough to hint at her strength but relaxed to a degree that spoke to her disinterest in the semantics of fashion. they fell heavy at the hem, half-swallowing her vintage nike cortez sneakers. a simple chain encircled her neck, barely noticeable except when the light caught it. a cross, just simple metal.

the image instilled a sense of wonder in azzi. she wanted to ask about it, if it meant anything.

paige grimaced, picking up her vanilla latte with two shots of espresso. "twelve fucking dollars?" she muttered. "for this?"

azzi watched her, something soft developing in her chest. she slightly recognized this feeling. it was like rediscovering a language she'd forgotten she knew how to speak. it began to bleed through her, raw and unfiltered. she worried that it would stain her shirt.

"so," paige said, her voice slipping through the lo-fi hum of someone’s terrible 2010-esque playlist, "tell me something."

azzi blinked. the overhead lights buzzed, too bright, catching on the fine gold chain around her throat. her small scorpio pendant shifted when she swallowed. 

“um, let’s see. i'm twenty-three," azzi started, her words falling into a practiced rhythm. "born in virginia, but lived in california for a while. i miss it there. uh, oh. my favorite color is pink. i have a birthmark shaped like texas on my left hip.” 

paige took another swig of coffee and then looked her dead in the eye. she raised an eyebrow. "you giving me teen beat facts?"

azzi suppressed a smile. she shrugged.

paige leaned in, elbows on the table, hands loose but steady.

"something that doesn’t exist in a press release." a pause. "give me the real you, please."

the words settled between them. the moment stretched, thin and expectant. something about it made azzi want to look away.

she didn’t.

“um,” her voice was quieter now, “i’m terrified of spiders, but i don’t ever want to kill them. i’m allergic to fake gold, and my ears swelled when i got them pierced as a toddler. i can’t cook or bake, but i have a good eye for presentation. i haven’t really written or performed anything i’ve liked in over two years.”

the last bit took her by surprise, but paige’s eyes only softened. she leaned back and swallowed down the remnants of her drink. she put it down and tilted her head, her blonde hair shifting with the movement. her mouth seemed electric as she spoke. 

“i want to take you somewhere. come with me?”

they ended up at a small ethiopian restaurant.

it was tucked between a laundromat and a convenience store, where the scent of berbere and spiced butter pulled at the air before the door even opened. inside, the walls were warm-toned, lined with woven baskets and paintings, the floor covered in persian rugs softened and faded by years of footsteps. it hummed with low chatter, the clink of metal trays, and the occasional burst of laughter from a group in the corner.

azzi looked around, a little mesmerized. "this is beautiful."

paige watched her, further endeared. "yeah."

they sat on the floor, low cushions pressed against their backs, a tray of injera and slow-cooked stews set between them. the place was packed, families and couples and groups of friends leaning close, tearing pieces of bread with practiced ease. 

it was intimate in a way that surprised azzi—hands reaching, sharing, dipping.  food was so respected here; the art of the meal and family so centered. she followed paige’s lead, watching her scoop a piece and fold it with practiced ease.

azzi’s first bite made her eyes widen, then flutter closed. "oh my god."

"right?" paige grinned, watching as azzi eagerly took another bite. it was so good, flavored in a way that stuck to your ribs. this was the kind of food you could taste long after you’d left the table.

they stayed like that, across from one another but intersecting as their hands met in the warm rivers of heavily spiced sauce and pots of yellow rice.

at some point, azzi got a bit of sauce on her chin, then her cheek, and paige, without thinking, swiped her thumb over it only to smear it across the bridge of her nose. azzi let out a startled laugh, brown eyes crinkling, and paige smirked.

"you missed a spot."

paige watched as azzi lifted her phone, angling the camera to capture the streak of sauce on her cheek, then her nose. she stuck out her tongue, crossing her eyes in one, then tilted her head slightly, lips parted to reveal her american girl teeth, a mess of curls cradling her face.

"these are so cute," she murmured, voice warm as she tapped through the shots. "i never get to have food on my face."

and it was clearly meant to be funny in an offhanded way, but then azzi’s face flickered—like she’d just realized something. a small thing, but a thing that felt bigger, heavier. her throat tightened, and she hurried to blame it on the spice, but she could tell that paige saw through it, saw the way her fingers flexed like she didn't know what to do with them.

under the table, paige found her hand. squeezed. then, casually, she tore another piece of injera, scooped up some stew, and lifted it to azzi’s full lips—the skin a deep pink and swollen by the flame of peppers.

"here, mama," she said, voice easy. "try this one."

azzi took the bite, chewed, and swallowed. she exhaled, slow. paige didn’t let go of her hand.

before they left, the owners took a polaroid for the wall of customers. azzi insisted they take two, so they could have their own. in the photo, azzi was mid-laugh, eyes bright, sauce still dotted on her nose. paige stood beside her, relaxed in a way she didn’t even realize, watching azzi like she had a secret within that she didn’t know yet.  like she always had.

they didn’t decide who would get to keep it officially, but it ended up in the back of azzi’s phone. a pale copy sat in paige’s gallery. azzi pocketed the second polaroid, running a thumb over the glossy surface. something shifted inside her, loose and warm. 

later, on the train home, she tucked her legs beneath her in the seat and hummed under her breath. a melody had given birth inside of her—new, half-formed, and fighting. words came to her unbidden, stale lyrics made better by the fact that she was trying again.

she murmured into her phone’s voice memo app. she held up the phone to paige’s mouth and asked her to speak. paige smiled, tender with joy, and protested that she didn’t know what to say.

“it’s not the real thing,” azzi assured her. “you can say anything.”

paige hummed and then,

“will you get another coffee with me?” 

azzi grinned, her body trembling. she lowered her feet to the floor and leaned over until her head fell onto paige’s shoulder. she picked up paige’s hand and turned it over so that the pale palm was open and exposed. she traced nine letters into the skin.

yes, please.

paige closed her hand and kept her there. 

azzi hummed from the station to her apartment. even the clink of her keys into their designated bowl seemed on-key. 

it was a song. her song. the first in a long time. she could’ve sobbed. 

thank god, she thought, that i remember how to sing.

⟡

voguescandinavia: azzi fudd has a new approach: “i want to keep going to places where i don’t know anyone or anything. i tend to find myself there.”

a black and white portrait accompanied the tweet. azzi's face was slightly turned, wind-blown wisps of her natural curls catching across her cheekbone. her expression was borderline intense, almost vulnerable—eyes looking slightly off-center, not quite meeting the camera.

she wore a simple white tank top, and her skin was slightly tanned, with shadows and bits of sand dusted along parts of her face. the background was indistinct, a blurred landscape suggesting openness, motion. her gaze penetrated.

it was silently understood that she wasn’t performing, but truly present.

the reception was overwhelmingly kind, warm. but only one mattered.

trending simple and proud:

pbueckersofficial: angel falls short but swear it’s her true form 🩶🎙️

on her private account, her heart to mouth filter had failed. the same picture, quote retweeted but with different wording: 

pbuckets5: i want to run away. make a world of just you and me. somewhere between the city lights and the way you breathe—i'm desperate to understand everything.

her teammates' immediately lit up her notifications.

karnold: girl what is happening  aubrey: wait what.   janaaa: oh. drewbuckets: paige poetry era??

azzi, almost half asleep, saw the public thread. smiled. then quote-tweeted:

azzi35: i'd like to stay on earth for another coffee with you 🕊️

the internet imploded. 

username: they actually hang out?!  username: paige bueckers and azzi fudd interacting again??? this is not a drill  uconnsports: we're witnessing history  ⤷ username: who is the intern running this page lmfao username: the way they're speaking about each other?? its giving legacy love story i fear karnold: y’all don’t you worry, we got somebody checking on paige cause she may actually be dead idk

and trending worldwide: #bueckersfudd2028.

⟡

azzi went to sleep. in her dreams there was a stage, but no microphone. azzi opened her mouth and extended a hand to the sole person in the audience. from her mouth burst three pink butterflies. 

teach me, they said with every pump of their wings. please, teach me.

the woman stood from her seat. her hair was so blonde it was almost white. she looked at azzi with her sharp blue gaze, touched her own throat, and then stepped forward to press into azzi’s skin. the heat from her fingertips spiraled up into azzi’s mouth until she felt so warm that she thought her bones might melt into ash and milk. 

the woman cupped her cheek. from her heart a beat; from her mouth a word. 

azzi, she said. her mouth was closed. God himself opened your mouth and placed music on your tongue.

azzi, she said. sing.

© hcneymooners.

[poppadom0912]

Together (VII)

Warnings: Mentions of violence, blood, injuries, abuse, kidnappings, shootings, swearing and scary men.

Summary: When Jay least expected it, he suddenly starts hearing things. And maybe, he's starting to hallucinate too.

A/N: Am I suddenly full of inspiration and writing in school when i should be doing my lab write up? Yes I am. This chapter has been changed many times but I finally finished editing. A little spoiler- maybe I’m being nicer to my babies 🙃

Previous Chapter / Series Masterlist / Next Chapter

Over the course of eating their very poorly put together ‘meal’, Will came to the conclusion that the food hadn’t been tampered with and so he was happy to continue feeding you.   

You had to admit that you felt like a baby, your older adult brother feeding adult you. You tried insisting you could feed yourself but with the state of your shaking fingers, hands sore from the countless times they’d been tied back, Will denied you your request.

The man that had given the tray of food returned and this time, there was something rectangle like sticking out in one of his trouser pockets while what clearly sounded like keys was sticking out in the other.   

Your heart skipped a beat, and you could feel Will’s heart rate increase from where his hand was positioned over yours. He must’ve noticed it too.   

The Ezra's were so meticulous in their plans and their behaviour was always erratic and on another level of violence that it was impossible to believe one of their henchmen could even, for a second, have the thought of being nice to their victims.   

But you were continuously surprised by them because as he took the empty tray, leaving behind the two waters and single juice, he ‘accidentally’ dropped the plastic rectangle and as he was walking away, his back turned to you both, a key fell and clanged against the ground, but he never looked back.   

And just like that, the door slammed behind him, massively contrasting the immense kindness he showed mere seconds ago.   

Holy friggin shit balls.  

*****  

Was Trudy worried? Yes, indeed she is. Was she going to show any concern? No, not unless she was left alone with her detective.   

Ever since dispatch had forwarded her Jay’s call, she’d been on her feet and alert. And ever since she found out that Jackson and Ezra Murray were the culprits to blame, she was determined that they weren’t going to get away again.

Trudy knew all the Halstead siblings, but she knew Jay the best. Over the many years, not only herself but many, many others were forced to get used to not one but three Halstead's being in existence and working within less than fifteen minutes from each other.   

Currently, Trudy and Jay were alone in the bullpen since the younger detective was barred from any field work unless they found Will and Y/N’s location but that was the only exception. Right now, her job was to keep Jay company, keep an eye on him and continue looking for any more clues or evidence that could be of any help.   

Jay was very clearly still losing his mind and his mental and physical state deteriorated as time passed. At this point, Trudy couldn’t help but think the worst and fear for how her detective was going to fare as a result.

Currently, she was sat opposite him at Hailey's desk, doing her own bit by going through security footage that had too many hours of video on it. Usually, she would get bored doing this, but it was a little different this time because whenever she glanced up, she was faced with the struggling sight of your brother who never asked for too much.   

All he wanted was to get his older brother and younger sister back.   

Suddenly, the phone on Jay’s desk was ringing. Luckily for him, he had a second phone whenever he went undercover and since the first one had been taken and was likely smashed in an evidence bag somewhere, this was all he was relying on.  

The sound was slightly jarring as it interrupted the pin drop silence they’d been in but neither of them showed any sign of discomfort. Instead, Jay went to answer the call, but his solemn mood didn’t change. It was evident that he wasn’t expecting much since it was his undercover phone that they’d been using two days ago on a case.  

Just as the desk sergeant was about to go back to her CCTV footage, she felt the entire bullpen still. The tension so thick it was suffocating her veins restricting any blood flow, and as she looked up, it became dizzying.   

His already pale face had nothing on Snow White and from where she sat, she could his heartbeat thundering out his chest, practically vibrating. All this could only mean one thing.   

“Will?”

What the fuck

For a hot second, Trudy thought that Jay was in so much pain that he was transferring some of his hallucinations onto her to alleviate his symptoms but then he continued talking into the phone and reality sunk into her bones. 

"Shit, Will wait slow down I can't- what?!"

Without prior warning, Jay shot out of his seat, wavering slightly on his feet causing the older woman to follow and stand by his side in any case he fell from the whiplash she's sure he gave himself. 

"Knives- you've got keys?- Y/N's not unconscious- she's lost her voice- your bleeding?! When- Why are you talking about grape juice?!" Jay paused several times, his words repeatedly getting cut off by Will on the other side of the phone. The longer the call went on, the more confused Trudy became. Jay must've been thinking the same as her from the height his brows rose every time he spoke. They went from talking about knives and blood to grape juice. 

The duality of the Halstead brothers. 

"Wait so he gave you a knife and somehow you found a gun just casually lying around? Will, I swear to God if you-"

And when Jay screw his eyes shut, something in her mind told her the doctor was doing something stupid and very questionable, very in character even when in a life or death situation. It was nice to know people would never change. 

Despite the anxiety growing in her chest, the call lasted longer than she expected. Will was being very efficient and careful for managing whatever he was doing and that put her at somewhat ease. Eventually, nothing physically tore them apart but it was poor internet or a lack of a connection that abruptly ended the call. 

"Tell me you got a location?" Jay asked, hope drowning out any other emotion in his ever so expressive eyes. If it wasn't for lives being on the line then she would've scoffed and scolded him but a sarcastic remark would do for now. 

"What do you take me for?" She asked incredulously as she glanced at the computer screen, almost immediately committing the address to her memory. 

"I'll call Voight but get in the car first."

But Jay didn't need her permission, he was already moving. 

*****

So much had unravelled in the last twenty minutes, you were still struggling to understand it all.

With all the uncertainty and determination in the world, you and Will had no other plan but to take they keys and the pocketknife and basically run as fast as you could. Well, run as much as Will could since he was carrying you on his back, very reminiscent of your childhood while he navigated the halls as best he could. You made a very pathetic argument that you could walk on your own but when you tried standing up, your legs gave in on themselves and Will gave you his motherly disappointed look that was very spot on; you and Jay had been on the receiving end of this look for way too long now that you should’ve been immune to it but here you were.

Opening the basement door, you both cringed at the loud sound it made. You guys hadn’t even left the basement yet and it was already going off to a great start.

As gently as he could, Will readjusted your position on his back, his arms moving to hold under your thighs more securely so that in a rush, you wouldn’t move. As he did so, you kept your arms around his neck, barely gripping him due to both a lack of strength and cautious to not strangle him.

Before leaving the room, you and Will sat and contemplated very long and hard about your escape plan. You were provided with very little by the mysterious man you were now deeming your saviour and maybe guardian angel depending on how successful the escape was.

Staring at the burner phone, you swore. You couldn’t remember anyone’s phone number for the life of you. Easily, you could’ve called 999 but the response much longer than calling someone either of you knew. It shocked you only a little when you couldn’t recollect a single person’s phone number, not even Kelly’s or Jay’s.

But like always, Will was there and knew exactly what to do. Maybe it was his doctor nature, but he had several numbers memorised and for some odd reason, he remembered Jay’s undercover phone number. You called him stupid, but he only laughed it off while he punched in the numbers.

You waited in anticipation, your nerves imitating Will’s as he held the phone to his ear, biting on the inside of his cheek as he waited for the phone to stop ringing. And when it did, Will audibly let out a sigh of relief, you felt like crying.

Will explained in half detail, leaving out a lot. It was obvious that Will was trying to relay the necessary details Jay needed to know about their current situation but then he decided to add in the random unnecessary fact that you drank grape juice. That totally threw you off, but Will kept talking as if nothing were wrong.

When Will eventually finished talking, he went silent and listened to what Jay was saying. For a minute, you couldn’t hear a voice on the other side of the phone but then you heard his muffled voice, and it brought you immediate ease knowing he was safe.

And before you knew it, the call ended, and you were out the dreaded basement.

Back to the present, Will was carefully cruising the empty corridors of the very nicely furnished warehouse. It made you question the desolate and dirty state the basement was in. At one point, you pointed out a gun lying on an ottoman; it was very suspiciously placed but when Will checked, it was very much real and very much loaded.

So here you were: a burner phone, pocketknife, gun, and sheer drive. You didn’t want to jinx it but… yes you weren’t going to jinx it.

The warehouse was ginormous. Every corridor was identical to the next and the furnishing was as though a professional interior designer had been inside. Luckily for you and Will, Jackson and Ezra’s lacky’s hadn’t been plastered all over the place, making your escape just a little more easier.

To remain as incognito as possible, Will only whispered to you when absolutely necessary, narrating to you what he was doing and what was going to happen. So far, so good. Will was slinking around, movements smooth and looking like a hair on his body had never been touched since being here. If you didn’t already know he was a doctor, then you would question his physical abilities and profession.

Each corner you turned, you felt your heart drop, your body anticipating disaster. The more time passed, the more you could feel Will sweat and struggle. He had begrudgingly admitted that he was hurt, going into slight detail that Ezra stabbed him, and he’d been hurt more throughout the several times you were passed out. You knew he was hurt and if you were to go in order of the most hurt to the least, the list would be: You, Will and then Jay. And considering the blood you saw covering Jay’s body the last time you saw him; God knows what went down between your oldest brother and your kidnappers.

“Will, if you’re tired, we can stop for a second.” You whispered into his ear but the only reply you got was him shaking his head. You knew his answer made sense, you needed to get out as soon as possible before you got caught but if Will took just one minute or two to recollect himself then maybe he’d feel better.

However, he decided that he was going to put himself last and everything else first because according to him, apparently you and getting out of this damned place took priority to his light-headedness and the blood that was only now slowly beginning to stop running like a river.

And so, without another word, he readjusted you one more time, his grip tightening around your thighs but not too much so it would hurt, and he continued walking.

Going downstairs was the hardest thing Will had to do by far. Yes, carrying you and maintaining your weight on his back was difficult but he could manage, and you felt much more lighter than what you should’ve been being a firefighter but that was a concern for later.

Staring down from the top of the staircase, Will calculated the descent. Yes, it would hurt a lot considering how much his legs shook as he merely stood but he was now starting to get worried but how little you were moving. Initially, you would move every now and then when your body felt stiff or to whisper under your breath so only he could hear you.

Now though, Will didn’t want to say it, you were deathly silent.

He shoved all his negative thoughts aside, deciding to deal with them later because the biggest problem he had was staring at him mockingly. How did his life come to such a point point that stairs scared him?

Luck must’ve decided to be nice to him all of a sudden because under five minutes, he safely delivered the two of you on the ground floor. Now, all that was left to do was find a back or front door and get the heck out of this place.

But obviously, fate was laughing down on the Halstead’s because luck ran as fast as she could, after only three minutes of doing her job because Will was facing down two familiar looking men decked out in all black.

Series Masterlist:

@mads-weasley @sowrongitslottie @elite4cekalyma @senjoritanana @hufflepuff-blackwidow @mrspeacem1nusone @kmc1989 @goth-cowgirl-03 @daggersquadphantom @photographerkaiya0306 @jamie0515 @samanthavitale @iamasimpingh0e

[pseudonymous-enthusiast]

I was bored so I decided to compile a list of some Crazy Ex-Girlfriend songs that reminded me of Flight of the Conchords characters.

Bret

"I used to like guacamole, now I don't like guacamole

What if I stop liking other things I like?

Like, what if I stopped liking my mom?

If it worked on guacamole, it could work on my mom!"

This song just sorta captures the, like, way I imagine Bret's train of thought. Just nervous person with ADHD vibes. Like, he's presented with something and his thoughts just go off in some random direction. Not really something that fits this song, but what immediately came to mind for me when Jemaine was explaining that water polo was like polo in the water and Bret was like, "Oh, so they ride sea horses?" and Jemaine clarified that it's just ladies swimming in the water and Bret's like, "...Like mermaids." The phrasing also reminds me of the songs he writes, like, "I'd read the boringest book/ [...] I'd eat the biggest meal/ To be with you Coco." Very simplistic and goofy.

Jemaine

"The smell of the water, kids screaming with joy

I've hated crap like that since I was a boy

While everyone was laughing and having so much fun

I would mutter "this sucks" 'til the day was done

I detested most stuff and I still do

You see, I hate everything but you"

What can I say, Jemaine's a bit of a hater, and is often very blunt and judgmental, but he often gets swept up by the enthusiasm of whatever girl he's currently dating. Oftentimes, this is just him trying to impress a woman, probably because he wants to sleep with them, but honestly, I think he is a little bit of a romantic(a very immature one). Like, if he meets a woman who he's interested in, I think he very naively believes that it will be forever, even if they literally just met. When Bret asks him if he's ever dated someone he believed to be "the one" and Jemaine said he's had three "ones". With Keitha, he was ready to just move to New Jersey with her and was very upset when it turned out she was lying and just left him waiting on the curb. And after Bret slept with Lisa, Jemaine asked him if he was gonna marry her.

Murray

"I thought at best you might barely manage

And it would be my job to try to mitigate the damage

'Cause I've always never believed in you

I never once doubted doubting you

With every opportunity that you blew

All my worst fears just kept coming true"

There were a good few songs I considered for Murray, almost all of them being Darryl songs, but I ended up going with this one because it reminded me of his relationship with Jemaine and Bret. It especially works cause I feel like Murray often talks to them sort of like he was their parent and this song is between a mother and her son. It's also funny because if applied to the context of the show, some of the lyrics come off as Murray assuming they're into rock n' roll tough stuff, but also is true to the unwitting trouble Jemaine and Bret will sometimes get themselves into. But when things come around at the end of the song and he believes in them, it's like, oh, they did good at a gig or something.

Mel

"Sorry, I said that creepy stuff out loud

That was super rando

I meant to say I wanna do cutesy stuff

Like pillow fight or go swimmin' commando

I wanna kill you and wear your skin like a dress

But then also have you see me in the dress

And be like 'Omg, you look so cute in my skin!'"

There are SO many CXG songs that could apply to Mel. A close second was the literal theme song for season two, I'm Just A Girl In Love. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is kinda, like, what if Mel was the main character and we take her seriously and look at why she acts the way she acts and eventually she gets help and tries to improve herself. So it was a tough choice, but I felt like this song was a good combination of her cutesy behavior and more unhinged comments and then trying to pretend like she didn't just say what she said. It especially reminded me of how she acts when Jemaine or Bret get a girlfriend.

Dave

"But I could if I wanted to, yeah

Whoop-dee-frickin'-doo if I wanted to—

This song sucks!

I could make it good if I wanted to, yeah

Yeah, I could if I wanted to!"

I was gonna go for something more surface level like Let's Have Intercourse, but I wouldn't have much to say about that one other than Yeah. Yep. This song, I have much more to say on. So, like, Dave has this very overcompensatory attitude, always trying to seem cooler than he is. He's always wearing, like, army type shirts and stuff and tells Bret he was in the army but don't check, cause...trust me, bro. He props himself up as the resident lady expert even though he's comically inept at flirting. He lives with his parents and is very committed to lying about it, even though it's painfully obvious. He wants to seem a lot more impressive than he is, and this song is literally, like, oh, yeah, I could do better if I wanted to, but I don't care to do better. I could be in the army if I wanted to, I could get a bunch of girls if I wanted to, I could live on my own if I wanted to...But I don't care!

Greg

"I'm sorry that I yelled, Patrick

But I need just a little more from you today

So Patrick, hear my plea

Make one last delivery

Say the word, Patrick

Tell me I'm okay

Am I okay?"

This song really reminded me of the dynamic between Greg and Murray. In this song, Patrick never says anything, he's just there and the person singing is just going on and on and it very much so gives Murray in a desperate moment, maybe confiding in Greg. Also how he sometimes throws Greg under the bus a little bit and then tries to win him back and Greg's like okay. We don't know much about Greg, he's just this sort of quiet presence that Murray bounces his eccentric energy off of.

Doug

"You're my best friend

And I know I'm not yours

And that's okay

And that's okay

I said it's okay

Really"

(This is one of the other songs I was considering for Murray)

While this song is about friendship, it reminds me a lot of Doug and Mel's relationship. Mel is very obsessed with Jemaine and Bret, and Doug knows this but there's still this sometimes sort of cute(?) dynamic they have where it's, like, they care about each other. Doug is very aware that he's not Mel's favorite guy, but he's...okay with that. Admittedly, their situation is a lot more complex than the one this song, but I hope you're catching my drift, ha. It especially reminded me of some of their moments in Mel's vlog series on Youtube, specifically the videos Mel's Video Blog #11 and Mel's Blog: Not A Charity Sale.

Eugene

"Hey Rebecca, I'm going to infiltrate your guy friend group tonight. So when in a future time, you see me chilling with them, you'll think, 'He's so normal. I'm in love.'"

He's nowhere near Trent, but the fact that he, without welcome, pops up in Jemaine and Bret's apartment, pretending to fix stuff, and apparently even sneaks into their apartment to give them a kiss goodnight reminded me of him. Again, he's also quite, quite different from Mel, but the parallels between Rebecca and Trent made me think about how Mel and Eugene both have obsessive, stalkerish behavior.

Lastly, there's Coco and Sally, who weren't on the show very long but there were songs that reminded me of them so I thought hey, why not include them. I don't really have anything to say because of how little we know about them, but the songs basically explain themselves.

Coco

"We've had some fun together

[...]

But I need, like, so much more

I'm way too badass to be someone you settle for"

Sally

(the song won't post for some reason, pretend there's a linked song here)

"Romantic moments you had

That he didn't know were romantic

Or maybe he did a little

We're not really sure

But most likely not"

[twinker-bell-sparkles]

Steddie idea/ficlet???

Steve has know his was gay for a long time. Probably around middle school is when he put it together. With him and Tommy having those strange practice kissing and so forth. He knew he’d either be in a bread relationship or just miserable in a heterosexual relationship. However, getting outed was not on that list. He sighs as he looks at his locker. Faggot written in sharpie across his locker. Loud boots echo behind him. “Pardons m your highne- shit dude what happened to your locker?” Steve turns to see the other openly queer kid in school. Steve sighs “I got outed, someone found my journal at a house party and blabbed. Just- just leave me be Munson. I don’t wanna deal with more bullying today.” He turns back to his locker and starts to clean off his locker. “Harrington, dude that sucks, uhmm if you ever need anything call.” Eddie smiles and hands him a number. Steve smiles to himself, another thing he didn’t expect was to become friends with Eddie Munson. Maybe this year won’t suck as much as he thought.

- basically the idea is that Steve n Eddie are like rivals but become friends

- Steve is outed by Tommy which is revealed later

- Eddie teaches Steve dnd, Steve only says no to the kids bc he finds their campaigns boring

- Steve gets kicked out and lives out of his car for a couple of weeks til Hopper finds out n lives with Hopper, later moving in with Eddie

- Steve is actually rather gifted in math n science but struggles with English n history bc of his dyslexia.

- his style is veey different than the shiw, mind you this is historically inaccurate bc fashion trends n shiz, he wears a lot of pastel n soft sweaters, with jeans n boots.

-this takes place in the middle of S1 and go forth, everything is sort of the same except, Steve turns down Nancy, bc she doesn’t think Steve is gay. And Steve doesn’t wanna deal with that. So barb doesn’t die bc they’re away but bc Steve tried to save her and she just had too much water in her lungs. Her body got lost in the transferring at the hospital. S2 is the same except Nancy tries to start some drama, don’t worry she redeems herself later, gotta have some conflict, Steve finds out what Tommy did, billy is not great but not bad, has a redemption arc, Eddie n Steve start dating at the end of this season s3 is the same, except WLW n MLM solidarity happens in the bathroom scene n hopper lives Murray “dies” instead. S4 is very different, 1. Chrissy lives, 2. The hoppers stay in Hawkins, Murray comes back, Jason is convicted for the murders of Patrick n Fred. Steve comes out the the group.

That’s all I have so far for his fic idea.

[newsatsix1986]

Anna Torv as Helen Norville in S01E02 of The Newsreader - Once In A Lifetime ❤️🌟👸🏻

.

.

Comets were said to be a bad omen, and Helen Norville sure believed it to be true.

As she sat in on a round table meeting, she realised that her piece on Aboriginal cultural stories around meteoric activity had been nixed. What happened to it? The chief of staff; Dennis Tibb, rolled off a list of reasons which didn’t make sense to her. It was a family special. But what was non-family friendly about this piece? It was too hard to understand. Well, we could just use subtitles? Kids won’t read subtitles? But weren’t we just about to use them for a Japanese tourist story? Why was it okay for one group of people, but not another? Without this piece on Aboriginal mythology, Helen felt as though the special would basically be a BBC special repackaged, and frustrated at Dennis’ double standards and lack of inclusion for Indigenous perspectives, she got up from her seat, making sure to tell him that he was pathetic.

After getting a moment to show Dennis and Murray the clip of the Aboriginal Elder in the edit booth, Dennis conceded that if they were making a documentary it would be fine, but it would be too boring for their audience. Now it’s too boring? Make it make sense! A sense of defeat began to overtake Helen as she shakily explained to her coworkers the significance of the story the Elder was telling; of a biblical flood and that it was believed that comets are a bad omen of disaster to come. Helen’s head spun as Dennis went on a tangent about showing Lindsay a cut of the story and him canning the whole special and that no one would turn to Dennis and tell him that he had been right all along and that they should have listened to him. When Dennis ceased his screaming and slammed the door, she could barely hear Murray asking her what to do with the story. She couldn’t even hear her own thoughts anymore.

In the silence and closed doors of her office, she tried to search for her pills to help calm her brain, but none were there. She made a frantic, desperate call for a glass of water to Dale, but this was met with a no due to the busyness of life. A sadness rushed over Helen, realising again just how horribly trapped and alone she feels in this life, and in her own mind too. There was so much truth in the clip she had just tried to defend. This comet was indeed a bad omen for how the rest of the evening would eventuate for her, and for the biblical flood of emotions and fear that was to come.

[katblu42]

Day 11 - Rocky Mountaineer part 1

I'm behind again! Mostly because I've been busy experiencing stuff, and not connected to tech!!

Anyway, Day 10 started pretty early - coach pick up at the hotel was 7:50am, but our luggage had to be outside our rooms for collection an hour before that.

Our coach was the first to arrive at the station, so we had about half an hour to hang around before the welcome (which involved bagpipes), and then boarding.

(This is a Gold Leaf carriage - I was travelling on Silver Leaf)

We set off at 8am, and while we were still slowly trundling out of Vancouver the first refreshments were served - coffee and tea, then a 2 course breakfast!

We had an unexpected and sudden stop when the emergency brake was pulled due to "an issue with the crossing ahead." Not sure what the issue was, but when the emergency brake is pulled the whole length of train has to be walked to check the brake has been released. I think we were stopped for about 10 minutes.

(The stop also caused a service cart at the back of our carriage to topple. These carts basically never to that, so this was definitely unusual according to our 3 cabin hosts!)

Not long after that we had a glimpse of Mt Barker (which is over the border in the US - Washington).

At this point I feel the need to point out 2 important things: 1. I took over 200 photos today 2. All photos were taken through the windows of the train, and are therefore subject to reflections off the glass - watch out for the little UFOs, they are reflections of the lights in the carriage ceiling!

I also should point out seeing mountains like these is kinda exciting for me - Australia's mountains aren't like this! And the train follows the Fraser River pretty closely. The grey-green colour of the water is apparently due to the sediments it carries - they never get a chance to settle.

Speaking of colours . . . this mixture of blues and greens is because it's part of where the Fraser meets the Thomson River, which the train then follows to our eventual overnight stop in Kamloops.

This train trip is like being in a moving restaurant - we were supplied with drinks and a snack, then a 3 course lunch by the time we hit this point!

Rainbow Canyon - the colours of the rocks caused by oxidation of iron, copper and sulfur (I think that's what they said!)

I was really on the wrong side of the train to get shots of the rapids on the Thompson, where some of the rocks have names! Can you spot the rock called the frog? (right pic above)

Murray Creek Falls . . .

On one of our many stops while waiting on a siding for a freight train to pass in the opposite direction, we had a Bald Eagle circling beside us. Not easy to snap pics!

Somewhere near Black Canyon we had one of the best chances to shoot pics of the front of the train - my carriage was the second last of 22 "pieces of equipment" (engine, carriages inc non-passenger cars), and the last passenger car. (I still had trouble getting a decent shot without reflections or telephone wires in the way!)

We spent much of the day spotting Osprey nests! (And one or two eagle nests)

Does anyone recognise Rainbow Bluffs? Apparently they appeared in the X-Files. (right pic above)

After many, many delays pulling into sidings for freight trains (the two I counted cars for were 150 and 194 cars long - so not short trains!), and our afternoon snack and drink, we finally came up along Kamloops Lake. Lots of winding track as the train closely follows the shoreline.

And that's my 30 image limit!

We were late getting into Kamloops - so many stops along the way we even got a second afternoon snack!! So, when we finally reached our hotels it was around 9pm. That's basically a 13hr train trip! Certainly not boring though.

[tilbageidanmark]

Movies I watched this Week # 149 (Year 3/Week 45):

Between 'Mean Streets' and 'Alice doesn't live here anymore', Martin Scorsese made the documentary ItalianAmerican, which is basically a home movie. It features his parents bicker and talk at their apartment, remembering the old days of their families.

🍿

2 with teenager Scarlett Johansson:

🍿 Re-watch: Sofia Coppola's Lost in translation, while waiting for her latest 'Priscilla'. "Sleepless in Shinjuko". Sad and vulnerable 17-year-old Scarlett Johansson, a 'stranger in a strange land' is having a 'Brief Encounter' moment, with less-asshole-than-usual Bill Murray. (Photos Above).

Another melancholic exploration of a lonely young woman, who finds herself captured in a privileged gilded cage. An exceptional, subtle masterpiece. 10/10.

🍿 The horse whisperer starred 14-year-old Johansson as a horse-lover who becomes emotionally stunted after a riding accident that caused her to lose part of her leg (all in the first 10 minutes of the film). It's a sloooow, traditional 3-hour-long story about healing, told mostly in beautifully-cinematic Montana. But it worked for me, in spite of the well-shot sentimentality. 7/10.

🍿

My first 2 by German auteur Christian Petzold, both with Paula Beer:

🍿 Afire - a tremendous, complex drama about a vain, immature writer on a working vacation. The little summer cottage close to the Baltic sea, is soon encroached by a forest fire, as does his self-centered world view of himself and his art. It starts at one emotional point, and skillfully moves to a completely different, tense level. 9/10.

🍿 Petzold wanted to make a series of films about the 4 elements. Undine refers to the myth of 'water nymphs', so rivers, industrial diving, large aquariums, and drowning in a pool are all part of the story. It's a lovely, simple romance, which eventually turns into a dark fantasy. My 5th film with Franz Rogowski. 4/10.

🍿

3 More of Claude Chabrol’s Hitchcockian thrillers:

🍿 “… You like meat?…”

Le Boucher, a low-key, atmospheric thriller about a single woman who befriends a village butcher, who's also a serial killer. Fantastic snapshot of the people at 'the country' (Dordogne) at this time. 9/10.

🍿 The ceremony (La Cérémonie) is a similar dark story, set in a solid bourgeoisie family. Isabelle Huppert & Sandrine Bonnaire becomes friends and eventually decide kill them all. Like 'Stanley & Iris' from last week, the protagonist is illiterate. 6/10.

🍿 The Unfaithful Wife, another terrific, low-key, civilized study of a French bourgeois household. A loving husband discovers that his loving wife is having an affair, and ends up killing her lover. I liked it so much, and thought it would be a very good candidate for a modern remake. Then I remembered Adrian Lyne's 'Unfaithful' with the luminous Diane Lane in the Stéphane Audran role. Maybe I should watch it again! 8/10.

I discovered Chabrol late, and have only seen about 10% of his 74 movies. Now I have to see them all!

🍿

Milf, another film with Virginie Ledoyen, a soft-core sex comedy. Three older women looking to hook up with boys 20 years younger. A similar concept to the Naomi Watts film 'Adoration'. I only watched it because it is directed by a woman and had 13 on the Tomato score. Better than Zalman King.

🍿

Wow! After 4 months of anticipation, the venerable bio-pic Oppenheimer finally hit my free streamers. I watched all 3 hours of it but left completely underwhelmed. This is the seventh of Christopher Nolen's praised big-budget epic films that I saw, and so far none of them had floated my boat. Okay, so I'm not a big blockbusters fan.

It's not very hip to rail against McCarthyism in 2023. Twenty-twenty revisionist vision, mambo-jumbo pseudoscience, overwrought endless, loud soundtrack, and basically the usual biography of a "Great man", which is always a boring subject for a movie. 4/10.

🍿

3 by regular Fincher screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker:

🍿 On the other hand, David Fincher’s new thriller The killer was a thrill ride that was a joy to watch. A cold blooded professional assassin, laconic and super-human, flies around the world ruthlessly killing people. Mesmerizing (but predictable) suspense with an effective Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score. I could do without the inner monologue that replaced conversations in the story. Also, a great comic book knock-out fight after an hour and a half of deliberate, slow go. 7/10.

🍿 In 2001, BMW produced 8 short films by famous directors as "Branded Content", i.e. advertisements. Called 'The hire' they all featured Clive Owen driving Beamers around the world. AKW wrote two of them:

The Follow was directed by Wong Kar-wai, and was about an aborted diamond heist.

Ambush was directed by John Frankenheimer, and was about a woman being followed by her husband.

The other shorts were by John Woo, Tony Scott, Ang Lee, etc.

🍿

5 more Danish films, 3 with Henning Moritzen (The patriarch from ‘Celebration’) and 2 with Mads Mikkelsen:

🍿 Tænk på et tal (Think of a number), a 1969 old-fashion, enjoyable Danish 'Krimi' with an enduring theme song. A meek bank teller finds a discarded note from a bank robber, and gets involved in a lethal game.

This story was later remade into the Elliott Gould caper 'The silent partner'. I love such slow and delightful dramas, and I love Bibi Andersson.

it’s funny how movies that used to be throwaway entertainment products 60 years ago, gain completely different meaning today. I should start exploring the many Danish Noir from the 40's and 50's. 7/10.

🍿 50 years later, In the Oscar-nominated short The pig, Moritzen is old and fat, and is being hospitalised for some tests. There he lays and finds comfort in a simple picture of a pig jumping over a fence. Delightful!

🍿 On the other hand, Now is another Danish short (from 2003) starring Mads Mikkelsen. But it's an artsy-fartsy, humor-less, word-less "Art film", shot in black & white, with a constant baby crying. Like 'An Andalusian Dog' but without the charm and the magic… 1/10.

🍿 I was surprised to realize just now that my favorite Danish screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen directed only 5 features and 3 shorts. (but he wrote 59 scripts!). Wolfgang is an early short of his, and not his best. Now I've seen all the movies that he directed.

I can't wait for his upcoming 'Monster of Florence' with Antonio Banderas and 'Back to reality'. Yeah!

🍿 So I took in one more viewing of his sentimental After the wedding, maybe for the 10th time. So full of emotional twists, old-fashioned melodrama, Sigur Rós score and peak Sidse Babett Knudsen.

🍿

Budapest Noir, a Hungarian murder mystery, set up in anti-semitic 1936. A hard boiled crime reporter investigates a murder of a beautiful prostitute, like a Jake Gittes named Zsigmond. Very strong 'Chinatown' vibes, including a smokey jazz score that tries to recreate its haunting atmosphere, and even the final line of dialogue "This is Budapest". 5/10.

[This is the 115th woman-directed film I've seen so far this year!].

🍿

Dumb money, the first enjoyable Reddit movie, about the 2021 GameStop short squeeze. Compelling Class War rhetoric with Seth Rogen as the billionaire 'heavy'. Up-to-the-minute updated drama of the 1% Vs. the unwashed masses. I think it will endure as another worthy addition to the sub-genre of 'highly entertaining explanation to boring real-life financial story', just like 'The big short' and 'Margin call'.

However, it used an Artificial Intelligent editing model that color-corrected the whole movie into a weird, fake, washed up look. 8/10.

🍿

First watch: Kurosawa's bleak Drunken Angel, an early post-war Yakuza film, and the first of the 16 collaborations between him and Toshiro Mifume. An alcoholic doctor befriends a young hoodlum suffering from tuberculosis. Located around an open sewer in a seedy neighborhood, still suffering under the American occupation.

🍿

Ikarie XB 1 (Or 'Voyage to the End of the Universe' as it was called in American), an influential and ambitious 1963 Czechoslovakian science-fiction saga, based on a Stanisław Lem novel. "Futuristic" space decor and story, very much in the Star Trek style. Cultish 1960's popcorn philosophy, but nonsensical and not a serious world building. Not for me - 1/10.

🍿

Thank Dog that the third season of Tim Robinson’s 'I think you should leave' was so short. The first season was outrageously different. The second season was a 'repeat on a theme'. This one was just cringey irrelevant. Absurd, awkward, confusing situations, exploding rage at small mistakes. No!

🍿

My first (and last) stand-up by comedian Nate Bergatze, The greatest average American. Average stories of 'relatable' everyday nitty gritty were hardly worth a chuckle.

🍿  

(My complete movie list is here)

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)

While I didn't enjoy this film, that doesn't mean you won't. No matter what I say, the people involved in this project did it: they actually made a movie. That's something to be applauded. With that established...

It’s bad enough to make any movie boring but you have to be extra incompetent to make a film titled The Satanic Rites of Dracula less interesting than math homework. This is the kind of horror film any obsessive movie goer will probably wind up watching more than once during their lifetime. Why? because it’s in the public domain. You can find it included in any number of bargain bin horror DVD sets for cheap. Don't be tempted. I’d rather sit down and watch The Devil Bat again than this snooze-fest.

The English Secret Service learns of a sinister plot concocted by Satanists. Prominent members of society are all involved, meaning the operation to take it down must stay hush-hush until Colonel Mathews (Richard Vernon) and Inspector Murray (Michael Coles) figure out who to trust. Once they bring in occult expert Professor Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) to help, he makes a startling realization: the legendary Count Dracula (Christopher Lee) is leading the cult!

Seeing the previous Hammer Dracula films won't make a difference. This plot just isn’t interesting. Most of it concerns talking heads wondering whether the Satanists are all bluster or whether they actually pose a threat to the world. When the authorities finally realize Van Helsing’s old friend, scientist Julian Keeley (Freddie Jones), is developing a new strain of the bubonic plague, you’re relieved the action is finally going to kick in and wonder what this has to do with Dracula. Truth is, there’s no reason for him to appear. There’s talk about the Count wanting to get revenge on all of mankind by wiping them out but that makes no sense. What's he going to do after? Starve? If he’s trying to end his immortality by killing us all, there are easier ways. In this picture alone, we learn several ways to take out the count: stakes through the heart, silver bullets, sunlight, RUNNING WATER… there’s another one too, a means introduced out of nowhere right at the tail end of the film in order to wrap things up quickly (not quickly enough if you ask me). It’s a Deus Ex Machina cross-bred with lazy writing. The results will make you wish you hadn’t bothered with any of it.

The idea - as far as I can tell - was to mix up the Dracula formula by blending elements of science fiction and spy thriller with horror. It's a failed experiment. The whole time, you’re just sitting there, waiting for Dracula to show up. Blah blah blah, conspiracies, blah blah blah, you can't trust anyone. Can we get more of the cultists sacrificing naked virgins and talking about the “Sabbath of the Undead”? Not that the secret society stuff is particularly interesting but at least it’s simple. Trying to figure out how many days left before the plague is unleashed and wondering why the villains who could’ve easily killed Van Helsing while he was passed out instead decided to let him off with a warning wasn’t enough to keep me entertained. Not while the one-dimensional and generally useless characters run around trying to figure out what the audience already knows.

I hope I never have the misfortune of stumbling upon The Satanic Rites of Dracula again. While Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing always bring a certain level of fun - particularly when they’re together on-screen - nothing about this film would ever tell you why they’re fan-favourites among classic horror aficionados. There’s no reason for anyone to check out The Satanic Rites of Dracula. (On DVD, March 24, 2020)

[jeffersonmesa]

Pet-Friendly Living at Its Best

Having pets can bring a lot of joy, and it's nice when your living space supports that. At Jefferson La Mesa, they’ve made sure you and your pets have plenty of space to enjoy. Imagine relaxing by a resort-style pool with cabanas while your furry friend plays at the pet park, complete with a grooming station. It’s all about making life easier and more fun for you both. The outdoor fire pit adds a cozy touch for those evenings with family or friends. With these thoughtful features, it’s easy to see why their pet-friendly apartments in Pacific Highlands Ranch are such a great place to call home. You get luxury, comfort, and a community that welcomes pets with open arms.

The Geography of La Mesa, California

La Mesa sits just east of San Diego, offering a blend of suburban and city life. The city is nestled between rolling hills, which makes for a pretty backdrop no matter where you go. You'll find some spots that are more residential and quiet, while others have more action. Its location gives you access to beaches, mountains, and everything in between, which is a big plus. Because it's not too far from the coast, you get that mild Southern California weather year-round, without being stuck in the hustle of the city. Whether you love outdoor activities or just enjoy a peaceful spot to call home, La Mesa's geography has something to offer.

Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa, CA

Harry Griffen Park is the kind of place you can visit again and again without getting bored. The park has tons of green space for picnics, frisbee, or just chilling out. It’s also great if you have kids or pets because there’s a playground and even a dog park. If you're into walking or jogging, you’ll find a nice trail that loops around the park, making it a perfect place for a morning workout or evening stroll. The park has a relaxed vibe, so it’s easy to enjoy your time there without feeling rushed. Whether you're looking to hang out with friends or just enjoy a solo afternoon, Harry Griffen Park has something for everyone.

La Mesa City Fees Will Increase Nearly 25% in 2025

The fee increase in La Mesa definitely raises some eyebrows, especially with a 25% jump. On one hand, it makes sense—the city needs to cover the cost of services, and inflation and higher labor costs, partly due to the pandemic, aren’t helping. But on the other hand, a sudden rise in fees, especially for things like building permits, might put a strain on some residents and businesses. It feels like a lot of people could get hit hard by these hikes, especially those already struggling post-pandemic. That being said, it’s also understandable that the city is trying to make up for the shortfall in revenue, but how much of an impact will these increases really have on the local economy? It’s definitely a tricky situation for everyone involved, and it’ll be interesting to see how the community responds.

Link to map

Harry Griffen Park 9550 Milden St, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States Take Washington St to Water St 56 sec (0.3 mi) Take Murray Dr, I-8 W and Exit 13A to your destination 7 min (2.9 mi) Turn right Destination will be on the right 10 sec (197 ft) Array La Mesa 4949 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States

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[rhonddaandallaneuro]

Car finally with a new fuel pump we headed off to Pimba, the gateway to Woomera. Our new fuel pump made the drive a lot better but we still had troubles with the constant stammering as we tried to accelerate. Not willing to return nor stay in Coober Pedy any longer we pushed on.

Now this drive is perhaps the worlds most boring, with terrain no one wants to live in and it is so flat. Did drive past lots of dried up salt lakes but the scenes along the way were easily forgotten as we drove into the Pimba roadside establishment.

This place has the garage at the top of the camp and bare barren dirt below where the free camp is. The place has been improved since our last visit with “pay as you shower” facilities but is still basic as can be. Did the usual walking up to garage bar where the drinks were cold and the room cool. Not bad at all.

Spent the night listening to freight trains and road trains as they moved through the area. An early rise saw us head off to Pt Augusta where we refilled and drove through to Peterborough. Have to say the drive was just as boring leading towards Pt Augusta and slightly improved as we drove through to Peterborough.

From here we elected to drive some more we drove on to Renmark which is on the banks of the Murray River. Now this drive was a pleasure, passing old stone houses with numerous vineyards, ever so green. This place has some real swagger so we booked in the caravan park for two nights.

Could not resists a drive around the town which led us to a lookout just outside where you climb a three level tower to be amazed by the River Murray in it’s grandeur. The river has so many tributaries setting a maze of waterholes and tributaries. One can only imagine what it would be like without so much water drained from it before it reachs here.

The town itself is tidy with clearly local pride displayed in all residences. Did a 10 kilometre walk on Monday morning and would live here in a heartbeat if I could take family and friends. Will be back again.

[localratbastard]

OIL THE SPOTLESS

to prevent an internal uprising against oneself

 do the following when staring down the mundane

(listen to the conniving lies)

step 1.

immerse a pair of hands in soap water

pretend you're a person 

drown them both

on Thursday night m made arroz de leche

i scrubbed the burnt milk off the pan

it yawned loudly in the sink

pondering if it'd ever truly be clean

a cacophony and bill fucking murray looked the sink in the eye

“why are you here”

so then in return the knife in the sink bore it’s teeth

“because you won’t fuck off”

step 2.

rinse off the dignity, or lack thereof

make sure the running water strangles your wandering mind

a roundabout way of saying what if the bleach made it into your drink

on Friday night the soap suds knew

the soap suds knew that i am to fall in a hole

cold within my own marrow

cold water that rattles deep within the marrow i cannot suck

cold is the marrow of life

step 3. (not optional)

end it

drip 

drip

drip

there is a leak.

end it.

step 4.

stare into the drain until you remember there is no realization to reach

on Saturday night the cycle repeats

ouroboros chokes on itself just like you choke on your words

watch the words run down the pipe, gradually becoming less

envy the water and it’s right and wrong perceptions of self

now end it.

end the running.

end it and by it you are referring to yourself.

end the cycle.

pull out the bleach

end it.

kiss the leech

26/11/2023

[yessadirichards]

Indiana JonIndiana Jones: Six things to knowes: Six things to know

CANNES

Indiana Jones turned archeology into a swashbuckling adventure of snake pits and lost treasures.

As 80-year-old Harrison Ford dons the beat-up fedora and ever-trusty whip for a fifth and final outing in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", premiering at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, here are six facts about one of the world's best-loved movie heroes:

Born in Hawaii

Fittingly for the globetrotting Indy, whose escapades have taken him from the Himalayas to Shanghai nightclubs, the project was born in Hawaii. It was there, lounging on a Maui beach in 1977, that George Lucas and Steven Spielberg mulled ideas to follow their respective hits, "Star Wars" and "Jaws".

The beach brainstorms would make movie history.

Produced by Lucas and directed by Spielberg, 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was a triumph at the box office and scooped four Oscars.

Two sequels -- "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984) and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989) -- built a legend that has inspired theme parks, video games and mountains of merchandise.

A fourth outing nearly two decades later, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" brought the combined box office takings to nearly $2 billion.

Dog's name

The inspiration behind the character came from both real and imaginary sources.

There was the archeologist Hiram Bingham who discovered Machu Picchu, Tintin creator Herge, and Clint Eastwood's Westerns.

As for the name, Lucas first chose Indiana Smith -- changed to "Jones" by Spielberg -- taking the first part from his Alaskan Malamute pet dog, already the inspiration for Chewbacca in "Star Wars".

Bond without the gadgets

Although Spielberg dreamed of directing a James Bond film, Lucas insisted part of Indy's appeal was that this hero would be a "Bond without the gadgets".

There would be no explosive watches or Aston Martins with ejectable seats -- Indy would triumph with ropes, knives and ingenuity.

He bore all the hallmarks of a classic Lucas-Spielberg character: a geeky hero with a comical, ironic side, whose affairs with women were more complicated than any Bond-style conquests.

Spielberg's comeback

While the Indiana Jones project was brewing, Spielberg was on the back foot after his film, "1941", flopped.

He was also gaining a reputation as a big-spending director who ran overtime and could be tyrannical on set, even leaving two days early from the filming of "Jaws", fearing his team would try to drown him, such was his unpopularity.

Lucas's project marked a career turning point for Spielberg -- proving he could work fast, on time, in budget, and with big success.

Ford not first choice

Spielberg wanted Ford, but Lucas was reluctant to re-use his lead actor from "Star Wars", from which he wanted a break.

Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges and Bill Murray were considered before the spotlight settled on Tom Selleck, but the mustachioed charmer had already signed up for TV detective show "Magnum, PI".

Later, thousands of actresses tried out for the role of Willie in the second film, including Sharon Stone, but it finally went to Kate Capshaw.

Capshaw did not go on to a glittering Hollywood career, but she did become Mrs Spielberg in 1991.

Eye of the cobra

Indy's extreme fear of snakes, or ophidiophobia, has been a frequent plot point.

For the classic scene in which Indy falls into a pit full of the slithering reptiles, Spielberg did not hold back on the props: 6,500 live cobras, plus a few bits of watering hoses.

[bowie-byers]

Shenanigans are to be expected with Murray. Sunday dinners at his mom's place are always eventful with his presence but ... this rendez-vous blindsided him. His expression dropped, eyes rounding in surprise. He couldn't contain his shock. Murray truly was one of a kind. Jonathan wasn't prepared for this and, frankly, he would have worn a better shirt if he'd known better. He let Murray do the talking and gladly accepted a glass of water from him. Nancy didn't look happy. Though she didn't run out of the house either - not yet, at least. Honestly, it was hard to tell exactly how she was feeling. It's not like Jonathan was making the most eye contact either way. "Hey ... Nancy." his response to her greeting was terse, standing there like a deer caught in headlights. What the fuck was he supposed to say - nice seeing you again too, it's been a long 5 years? He didn't even know that she was back in town. Hearing that she worked at The Watcher wasn't entirely shocking - she's a reporter, after all, but working with Murray Bauman must be a handful. He took an excruciatingly long sip of his water as a way to make himself feel less awkward, eyes sliding from Murray to Nancy - hoping to dear god that he wasn't about to witness World War 3 in this kitchen. Wind knocked out of his lungs when Nancy turned around with a lit cigarette. He stifled his surprise with a series of coughs to recover - eventually sputtering a meek "sorry." Was this a dream - or an alternate fucking universe? He was in no place to judge given his own nicotine addiction. One simply had to wonder what on earth prompted Nancy Wheeler to pick up a pack of cigarettes.

Jonathan nodded along as Nancy took the lead. His photography subjects usually weren't this direct. He sneaked in a final sip of his water, placing the cup on a nearby table - it was time for business. Clearly Nancy had shit to do and places to be. Messing with her schedule - regardless of how blatantly manufactured - was a scary prospect. Thankfully Murray had a few essentials already set up in the living room. “Oh – um, I can take your shots in front of the sheet, over there." He instructed, dropping his equipment bag. "Can you grab a stool, Murray?" Getting straight to business was probably for the best. He gave her a moment to get settled and brushed a clammy hand through his bangs, meticulously moving to set up the camera. His arrangement proceeded in silence, avoiding heaviness in the air as he focused on adjusting his tripod to the appropriate height. The set-up routine was finalized by turning on his camera. Everything was fine until he peered into the lens. He frowned, clearly unsatisfied with the shot’s composition. Nancy needed to be adjusted … and there were a few stray hairs poking up behind her ear. Great. Jonathan instinctively stepped forward from behind the camera, halting before getting ahead of himself. “I might need to adjust you a bit.” His tone was neutral – professional, gesturing in a way that suggested he’d need to physically alter her position. “do you mind?” He asked softly, voice smaller as he finally made eye contact. Real eye contact. The kind of eye contact that he refrained from making up until this very moment. He stood uncertain, gaze flickering to her cigarette like it was a weapon. Having Nancy perched on a chair in front of him was shocking – watching a cigarette glimmer between her fingers was even more mind boggling. Jonathan didn't even bother to check if Murray's eyes were boring into him.

nancy should’ve known better. murray bauman always had some kind of trick up his sleeve, and this time it just so happened to be jonathan byers. she merely flashed him a strained smile before glaring at murray. you. im gonna get you when he leaves. nancy wasn’t a teenager anymore, in fact, she was coworkers with murray now, the last thing she was expecting from him was to pull the same sort of stunts he did when jonathan and herself were teenagers. tone laced with undeniable contempt, she spoke up, “murray, you are one of a kind.” she then turned to jonathan and awkwardly cleared her throat, “nice seeing you again, jonathan.” it wasn’t really, but she’d be cordial. this was merely a work thing, after all. after another deep breath and several long beats of silence, nancy locked her fingers together and suggested to nobody in particular, “let’s get this going, shall we?” she crossed the room, skirting around the threshold of the kitchen, she faced the opposite direction to light a cigarette. it was a nasty habit she’d picked up in college and she hadn’t been able to kick it considering some of the things she discovered while reporting for the watcher.

jonathan byers presence in her space definitely warranted a cigarette. like she was oh so silly, she forced a laugh and hit her palm into the side of her head, “you know murray, um, that thing i had in an hour? i totally forgot we moved it up, so it’s actually in thirty minutes.” nancy knew how obvious she was being, and she knew jonathan and murray alike would be able to tell, but she had to do what was necessary to get out of there before she completely freaked out, made herself look unprofessional. nancy took a long drag. “so, why don’t i go first? so i can get out of here?” fuck. nancy approached the pair, trying not to seem like such a cornered animal when she took charge, “jonathan, where do you want me?” she asked, directing him in a sense as she gestured around with her cigarette. if she had it her way, nancy would’ve avoided the knowledge that he worked at the post. she would’ve avoided him altogether. murray fucking bauman. 

[scotianostra]

David Bruce, the only son of Robert the Bruce and his second wife Elizabeth de Burgh was born on 5th March, 1324 at Dunfermline, Fife.

By the terms of the Treaty of Northampton, David was married at the age of four on 17 July 1328 to Joan of England, the seven year old daughter of King Edward II. Despite their marriage lasting thirty-four years, it was childless and apparently loveless.

On the death of his father David, aged five at the time, David was duly proclaimed King of Scots and was crowned at Scone Abbey in in November 1331. Edward Balliol, the son of the exiled King John Balliol seizing the opportunity a minority presented, invaded Scotland with an English army and achieved victory over a Scottish army at Dupplin Moor when the regent, Robert’s the Bruce’s nephew, Donald, Earl of Mar was killed in battle. Balliol was duly crowned Edward, King of Scots at Scone Abbey, however he has never been recognised as a true king in the history books of Scotland.

In 1332, at a meeting in Dumbarton Castle, Sir Andrew Murray was elected Guardian of Scotland by Scots who adhered to Robert the Bruce’s young son, David II. The young David and his wife Joan were promptly sent to France for their greater safety. They arrived at Boulogne-sur-Mer in May 1334, where they were received by Joan’s cousin, King Philip VI of France, the young couple resided at Château Gaillard at Les Andelys during their stay in France. Murray was later captured and imprisoned at Durham.

Edward III,allied to Balliol, laid siege to the border town of Berwick, The Scots, led by the new regent, Sir Archibald Douglas, met EdwardIII in battle at Halidon Hill, in Northumberland on July 19, 1333,a decisive English victory where Douglas was slain.

David II was eventually reinstated as Scotland’s sovereign on the flight of Edward Balliol in 1336. The new King landed at Inverbervie in Kincardineshire on 2 June 1341.

David bore deep suspicions of his nephew, Robert Stewart, who was actually older than himself and had prior to his birth been declared the heir of Robert the Bruce. In response to an appeal for help from Phillip VI of France, in an uneasy alliance, the pair invaded England, where they jointly encountered an English army at The Battle of Neville’s Cross in Northumberland.

The battle progressed badly for the Scots, as their position grew more dangerous, Robert Stewart panicked and fled the battlefield, but David displayed himself a true son of Robert the Bruce, fighting on with valour, despite having two arrows in his body.

He was taken captive by Sir John Copeland, David had initially managed to escape. However, legend records that while he was hiding under a bridge over the nearby River Browney, his reflection was spotted in the water by a English soldiers out searching for him. He was transported to Calais, and delivered to King Edward III. King David was imprisoned at Odiham Castle in Hampshire from 1346 to 1357. After eleven long years, he was released in return for a ransom of 100,000 marks.

The Scots continued the struggle, receiving French aid. Enraged, Edward III marched north into Scotland with an army. The crushed Scots finally submitted and agreed to pay a ransom of a hundred thousand pounds for the return of their captive king.

Weary of his English captivity, David Bruce came to a compromise with his captor Edward III, in an agreement frowned upon by the Scots and considered as a betrayal of all his renowned father had fought so long and hard for, he offered the English King his homage and his throne if he died childless, in return for his freedom. In 1363 David, who was now on cordial terms with King Edward III, proposed that Lionel Duke of Clarence, the second surviving son of the English king should succeed to the Scottish throne in return for the cancellation of the ransom. The arrangement did little to improve his relationship with nephew, the future Robert II, and was repudiated by the Scottish Parliament.

David II did not live up to his early promise, Robert the Bruce proved a hard act to follow. David was extravagant and pleasure loving, the Scots tolerated him because he was his father’s son, but he failed to evoke their love or loyalty in the way his father had done.

He remarried around 20th February 1364, to Margaret Drummond, widow of Sir John Logie, and daughter of Sir Malcolm Drummond. He divorced her about 20th March 1370. They had no issue. Margaret travelled to Avignon and made a successful appeal to the Pope to reverse the sentence of divorce.

After a long reign, David died at Edinburgh Castle in February, 1371, the last of the House of Bruce, he was buried at Holyrood Abbey. At the time of his death, David was planning to marry his mistress, Agnes Dunbar, the niece of Agnes Randolph, who was known as Black Agnes. He was succeeded by his nephew, Robert II, the first of the Stewart dynasty.

Pics are of the king and an artists impression of how the palace and Abbey at Dunfermline may have looked.