#and I think it's VERY significant to understanding the tone of this scene

[krakensdottir]

A scene I wanted to address, because I think we need to, because there is some understandable concern over this.

So, Aziraphale's first taste of human food... he goes pretty nuts. He eats it as fast as he can get it down. He can barely stop to breathe. And I can see why that evokes the Greedy Fat Person trope for some.

Given that Gaiman is no fan of fatphobia, I'm pretty sure that's not the intent. But I won't lean on that. I'll go further, and explain what that scene evoked for me, and see if it makes sense to anyone else.

(To preface, I'm a fat person with blood sugar problems who DOES eat like a starving animal and has 0 shame about it. So I'm not just Not Seeing It because of skinny privilege etc. To get that out of the way.)

So first off, of course, it's his first EVER attempt at eating human food. The absolute lack of moderation could be explained by that alone. But I think it's significant that it's specifically meat.

Those who are familiar with the Old Testament know what I mean when I say that God is carnivorous. It's the entire reason he was a bitch to Cain and not to Abel. The Abrahamic god was one of many at the time that accepted burnt animal offerings, before later revisions attempted to wave that away because oops, it sounds too pagan. Flesh of livestock was a common and expected offering, and burning it assured that the smell and smoke and 'essence' would rise to the heavens.

With that in mind, consider what the taste of meat would do to an angel. What it might awaken in them, the first of God's creations?

Maybe it's the monster-lover in me, but I didn't see a fat man gobbling food. I saw an inhuman ancient entity of immense power that only disguises itself as a man, briefly succumbing to a primal and Earthly urge. It wasn't comical to me. It was almost frightening, in a very intentional way. Rarely do we see through the human guise in this series, see just how eldritch these ethereal beings really are, especially Aziraphale. But here he is, ripping almost uncontrollably into the flesh of another life-form with ominous music and thunder overlying the whole scene, and a demon staring at him with intense satisfaction and fascination throughout.

That's what I took from it. If I had to guess, I'd say that's closer to the intent. Again, partly from knowing the author, but also from the way the scene is shot. We're watching an angel partake in literal pleasures of the flesh for the first time, taking formerly living matter into his body. I can totally vibe with Crowley's reaction, tbh.

[goldentigerfestival]

@likestoimagine16

#Ngl but I play the game exclusively wit Japanese dialogue for exactly this kind of stuff#I love the fact that Yuri is just unabashedly soft in Japanese#or I guess he’s more adaptable?#I dunno#there are people he’s more openly soft with and people where he ‘masks’ it a little more#(using the term incredibly loosely cuz it’s more like ‘plausible’ deniability of softness rather than an actual disguise)#and I feel like it might be a ‘reaching where the other person is at’ type of thing#or mirroring?#something#I have to admit I’m going off of memory and my incredibly haphazard understanding of Japanese + vocal tones#but I get the sense that when he’s not actively antagonizing people for fun and profit#he’s really good at meeting people where they’re at and connecting with them

Yes! Exactly! All of this! Yuri has his fun but he knows when to take things seriously, and that shows a lot in Toriumi's performance. Yuri will match the energy of the other person. Like I mentioned in my video of him with Don in Don's last moments, they clearly respect each other but there's still a softness in Yuri's voice as he knows he's talking to this man for the very last time, and he understands this - dying - is not how Don wants things to go, but that he's just taking responsibility. He's doing what Yuri does, which is taking on the burden for others/caused by others.

In general Yuri has a lot of vocal nuance in JP. Whether it's matching someone's emotional energy to let them feel less alone or more understood, or even just soft sounds like sighing or verbal hesitation, you can hear the tiny indicators in his mood. I don't know if Toriumi was directed that way, added it in himself or both, but it comes out sounding very amazing and keeps me very engaged in Yuri's character, even when I already know it and have been through the game multiple times.

Yuri, typically, is very playful and/or casual, but when his mood shifts you can hear it. When he's trying to connect with someone and drops his own energy to let them know he's there for them, you can hear it.

This is partly (among other things) why I say the dub lost so much of who Yuri is, because most of those same lines are spoken with a neutral tone. There are times when Yuri sounds like he's about to cry, or he's at least got his voice cracking (at least three off the top of my head) that got changed in the dub. It loses so much raw emotion from Yuri himself. Yuri is as much emotional as he is silly, and that emotion has a range. It's especially true when something is emotional for someone else, or it's something life altering for him or someone else (like Don's final moments).

Also? The scene after Schwann "died"? Yuri was so understanding and reasonable with Leblanc - as soft as he'd ever been with him. He knew it would hurt Leblanc to hear the truth, but they couldn't risk being stopped so he made his point, but at the same time he also was in pain from the presumed loss. Usually he and Leblanc didn't get along, but Yuri met him in the middle because he knew it was going to be painful for Leblanc to learn that Schwann was still stuck in Bactian as it was collapsing. It was a shared pain and you could hear that from Yuri.

In general though yes, Yuri is way, significantly softer as a person in JP. He is more human and shows a much larger range of emotion. I've always loved Yuri, but the more I dug into other content (even things as non-canon as TalesFes, because Toriumi to date has always been there and always gets to voice for Yuri there during their skits) the more I just fell in love with that intense range of emotion - especially from a male character (i.e. there's no "he's a man so he can't possibly be an emotional human being", and this game was also released back in 2008. That stuff might seem more common now, but it wasn't during Vesperia's time). Eventually I just decided you know what, I need to get this out there to people who are interested in knowing about JP Yuri because he really is a brilliantly written character.

Sorry for the tangent LOL. I just have. Feelings. About JP Yuri. All very good feelings.

I repeat, I am a sucker for soft, gentle Yuri, and the way Yuri goes so soft for Karol because Karol just wants to be believed and is sad makes my heart a little puddle.

[thenamesblurrito]

so. Transformers ONE was a good movie

i HIGHLY recommend going in blind, i do think it's incredibly effective with as few spoilers as possible beforehand! seeing it on the big screen is really really nice too, i encourage you to watch it in theaters without reading up on it first if you can!

long full-spoiler review and dissection of elements below (i reached the text block limit a couple times oops):

general stuff:

gorgeous. just genuinely visually gorgeous. so many details, colors, textures, everything was so beautiful. the stylization itself may not be my favorite but it was executed so well that i ended up loving it. their optics! their colors! their movement! the way the visuals serve the lore and the story is extremely well done too, i felt like everything i was seeing was deliberate, relevant, and a treat for the audience instead of just "ooo visual noise look at how powerful our cgi rendering is" (which is how i felt about the "live action" Lion King prequel(????) ad they showed before). all the little cameos and repaints and everything in the background? mwah. GORGEOUS MUSIC TOO AAAA THE WAY THAT TFP'S MOTIF IS IN THERE AAAA

the visual effects and action, the way they USED their roboticness/transformation sequences/vehicle modes in fighting and moving and emoting, it was VERY GOOD. Orion grabs a Death Tracker and RIPS THEM INTO PIECES BY TRANSFORMING AROUND THEM AND FORCING THEIR FRAME TO SHATTER. insanity

this is ABSOLUTELY the origin story movie the fandom has wanted. even if it wasn't your preferred origin story, this movie SHONE with love and respect for the franchise and drew on so many influences to craft a powerful version of the beginning we all wanted to see

in some ways i wish we had more, i think it would've been extremely effective to see things expanded upon, especially D-16's emotional descent and maybe some more Quints. actually looking at the content and pacing of the movie though, and the audience it's aimed at, i don't think there's anything they should've cut in favor of other stuff. i understand why it wasn't dwelt on more, but hooooo i would've liked to see Dee breaking apart a little more thru the middle of the film. apparently the novelization has more scenes of this and i would love to read it

i had so much fun watching this movie. it was a rollercoaster. it was a TREAT. i was sitting there enjoying every second both times i saw it because it was a good film that rewarded me greatly for being a Transformers fan, giving me so many easter eggs and injokes, while also being perfectly understandable and fun for a complete newbie. excellently balanced appeal to old and new fans alike

there was no wink to the audience about how stupid and childish a movie about robots is, there was no lampshading of how silly sci fi is, there was no betrayal of the emotional tone of the film. so many stories now kneecap themselves by mocking their very concept, and the audience watching them, in a very cinema sins-style irony poisoned way. this movie never does that. its humor is fitting, its drama is real, its emotion is all SINCERE and i love how i was never mocked by any part of the movie for engaging with it sincerely

this movie loved being a Transformers movie

anyways. specific stuff:

love how Wheeljack managed to explode everything despite not even being a scientist. he's just THAT good

THE INJOKES AND REFERENCES. "you don't have the touch OR the power." calling them Gobots. the corny More Than Meets The Eye bits. "don't be a glitch" is a headcanon swear i've been using for years now and they canonized it!! "High Guard, eject". "paging doctor Ratchet." the new take on "all are one". the really interesting way that the term Transformers is an actual significant in-universe name, and how Orion and Dee ARE NOT Transformers at first!

the sheer number of cameos is ASTOUNDING. what an excellent mix of masc/fem designs too, they really made it normal on this Cybertron which i appreciate! apparently Blurr exists here, his name was on the leaderboard!!!!!! good job Chromia i am so proud of you for winning. and the shots of the bots getting cogs at the end was aaAAA!!! <<33 my HEART! Jazz's little smile looking at his new doorwings!!

I GOT ALL MY SILLY OLD DEMIGOD FAVES I GOT THE THIRTEEN EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM AAAAAA ALPHA TRION MY GRANDPA god i'm so sorry you're dead but i can't believe you showed up on the big screen <<333 you and your rockin rhino unicorn lion alt mode. and your superpowers. god you're so cool. "old timer" NUH UH HE'S STILL BETTER THAN YOU!!!!! using Zeta for the thirteenth was an interesting choice! i did think he was Overlord for a hot second. it's the lips. Solus wasn't fridged by virtue of everyone else died too yippee!! ALSO MEGATRONUS THE COOLEST ONE WOOOO HES NOT JUST A FIERY EVIL GUY!!!!

the way Dee himself was, in a way, the Fallen of this continuity.... 😭

the way Sentinel was handcrafting his downfall with each touch of the blowtorch. carving the sigil of the Decepticons into the one who will kill him. dooming Cybertron in a moment of petty mockery. AND HE DOESN'T EVEN DRAW IT WELL IT'S LIKE A MESSY CRAYON DRAWING CMON

planetformer Primus in a blockbuster movie? CANONICAL EXPLICITLY STATED PLANETARY ROBO MPREG BIRTH IN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES???? THEY USE THE WORD BIRTH. BORN. we are never escaping the reproductive insanity in this franchise

Shockwave you whiny tantrum throwing wuss. let Elita beat him up more. it's good for him. also love how that could be construed as a ref to her G1 resistance force

CASUAL MIND READER SOUNDWAVE???????

Elita was perfect, no notes. i would not like her if i met her but i respect her so much. she really is better in every way and down to business. Best First indeed

so much cool implications and fascinating timeline confusion. 50 cycles since the Primes were slaughtered? the way Sentinel leveraged their reputation to make himself beloved, casting himself as their peer? the way he didn't choose to villainize them, the way he apparently openly admitted to the loss of the Matrix and how it impacted the planet? when did cog theft start, and how old is Orion since in the novelization it states his entire generation is cogless? who remembers the og Primes? who is in the know about it all?? hoooghhghhh fascinating.

the implication that the High Guard worked with the og Primes?? the possibility STARSCREAM was a loyal guard for Cybertron's DEMIGODS????

okay i was not expecting a backstory for STARSCREAM'S VOICE in this movie but holy. god. the shippers will be going insane over this one. hoogh holy fit. what is wrong with you. the utter contradiction of being both an instigator and a coward when he gets in over his head and immediately backpedals

also obviously this is the I Love Divorce movie and megop shippers will be having a field day but i DEEPLY appreciate just how solid a friendship Dee and Orion have and how badly they fall apart, even thru a strictly platonic lens. i also appreciate how there was no forced comphet attraction/romance!! i was dreading the possibility of it, i mean Oplita was RIGHT THERE but they didn't force it at all thank youuuuuu. i would rather have this dynamic with its zero intended romance than awkward, OOC attraction shoehorned in to detract from the plot

Bee was actually good! like yeah he's def the kid appeal character and i prefer it when he's in a younger gen and not OP's peer, but he was wayyyyy less annoying than i was expecting! i think he fit the movie and did his job in it well, and i absolutely laughed at him multiple times. "i get to work for the GOVERNMENT! :DDDD" bee. please. the fact that he's been going insane and desperate after isolation for so long really helps make his character work instead of being just irritating

Airachnid you are so cool. you are TOO COOL. PLEASE TONE DOWN YOUR COOLNESS. i adore how she is not good at facial expressions thank you evil autism moments. love how her signature move is stabbystabbystabbystabbystabbystabby

Sentinel. god. Sentinel. SENTINEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i need to draw him getting ripped in half. it's like they distilled the worst parts of every single iteration and combined them into a SuperBad version. horrifically realistic kind of guy. i love to hate him. real Metro Man from Megamind energy. and megachurch pastor energy. the IRONY that Orion and Dee were probably actually helping him, that he was probably being genuine in the medbay when he said he loved what they did by racing, that he may have been honest when he said he was gonna have them fixed up in his own facilities and had them tour the mines! because them racing increased energon production by 150% and Sentinel needed that!!! he needed that for the Quintessons!!! i think he was being genuine when he first met Dee and Orion and then Darkwing ruined everything!!!

Darkwing is the curly straw of this continuity

the Quintessons were hoooooooooooooooo. whoooooooooogh. hoohhhhhhhhhhhh. the biomechanical. the shapes. the textures. eugh. icky. creepy. excellent. the way their ships looked like the Nemesis. the way they're STILL a looming threat. i wanted to see more of them but i get why the movie wasn't about them. i hope we see more in the future

the way Orion is the kind of guy who, in an attempt to be selfless, keeps making selfish or thoughtless decisions was SO INTERESTING. it set up the dynamic of his and Dee's friendship very well, with Orion always wanting the best for his buddy but ultimately overwriting or ignoring what Dee says!! the way Dee clings to the social contract of protocol for safety because that's all he knows and his ANGER when it's broken, even when it's Orion breaking it, because that's not SAFE it's an UNKNOWN it has CONSEQUENCES WHEN YOU DEVIATE. and then it's revealed that the social norms have been a lie the whole time and Sentinel has "broken protocol" more than ever and Dee has no safety left because it was always broken. Orion wanted to be more, he could feel there was more. Dee just wanted security

Dee spent so much of the movie complaining and arguing and it was very funny and good characterization but it was also a hint at how much bitterness was under there the whole time. so much of his complaints were threats of violence. he always had Orion's back and then when he learns the truth he abruptly. stops. do you notice he doesn't really have Orion's back after this? he's no longer by his side? he's there, but he's not... there. he was the first to shoot an enemy and took joy in it. all of his emotions were so justified and then what he does with them is what makes it a tragedy. he didn't have to do this. augh

i really, really like the fact that they managed to pull off the ending without it fully turning into a "boohoo if we do anything violent we're as bad as the bad guys waaaa". the specific phrasing of "rebuilding cannot start with an execution" went HARD. and it's demonstrated in their actions too like, Dee was out for REVENGE and it was PERSONAL, Orion was fighting for JUSTICE and it was UNIVERSAL. Sentinel was beaten, everyone knew the truth. it was over. but Dee in his (very justified!) anger and broken trust was too overcome to back down. they were given the power to change their worlds, but Dee was thinking only of his world. Orion was thinking of everyone

ironic that as soon as Orion starts thinking of other people and considering what they need instead of forging ahead, Dee decides to center his own feelings and actions to the point of murder. even after Sentinel was dead, he just kept shooting, he did NOT AT ALL care that some of those shots were clearly hurting innocent civilians/going wide and shooting out into the city/damaging actual important infrastructure and not just Sentinel statues. i believe it's Bee who said "he's gonna kill everyone" and he proves it by attacking Elita and saying "I won't stop until every last one of his followers is dead". THE FACT THAT HE FELL SO FAR AS TO SEE ELITA, HIS PEER AND FELLOW FREEDOM FIGHTER WHO WAS THERE WORKING AGAINST SENTINEL WITH HIM FROM THE START OF THIS QUEST, AS ONE OF SENTINEL'S FOLLOWERS.... by the end of it, Dee really was nothing but blind anger

and the way kneeling was a common thread!!!!! aaaaaaa. Sentinel betrayed the world by kneeling to the enemy. Dee won respect by refusing to kneel. Orion gained followers by willingly kneeling to his peers. hooghh

Orion jumping and stumbling and falling this whole movie because he just THROWS himself into things because he BELIEVES in things, he's the one to take leaps of faith, to take that step out into the unknown! and Dee refusing to save him as one final nail in the coffin, so clearly feeling like Orion jumping in front of the blast was yet ANOTHER way Orion is forcing his hand, corralling him into doing something he thinks is best but did not consult him on, finally FINALLY saying NO and leaning in to the tragedy!! and in the exact same way Sentinel handcrafted his enemy in Dee, Dee has now handcrafted his enemy in Orion!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA and now that Orion took that last leap of faith and fell, now is when he RISES. ONE SHALL FALL AND ONE SHALL RISE. god. it reminds me of Spiderverse, the way they use falling and rising

the way the tragedy is worse for how well everyone was working together.... for one shining moment, the miners and the High Guard, the rescue mission, it was going so well. they were doing it. they were winning. it didn't have to turn to slaughter. if there was to be an execution it should've been by trial, by the voice of the people, not Dee deciding for Cybertron as Sentinel decided what truth was. augh.

in an abruptly different note, the way they have characters move and fly is so cool. i love the jetpacks. i love how flight is not "flyer" exclusive. it's fascinating and i think really fitting for the general city of Iacon itself. all those towers going up and down

THE TRAINS!! THE MOVING ROADS!! HOW COOL IS THAT!! LOOK AT THAT WORLDBUILDING IM OBSESSED WITH THIS CYBERTRON HOOGH. this movie was VERY good at building a rich, functional world of detail and making it very alien in a way i want to chew on forever. the moving mountains and greebled energon mines. the living planet. the deer!!! ooghghh. PRIMUS LOOKS LIKE A STAR

i do like this Primus actually, yeah it was a deus ex machina but that's the POINT. Optimus himself is an act of god and his presence heralds miracles. Dee couldn't bring justice to Cybertron because justice is restoration. justice is healing what was hurt and doing right by the wronged. yes that often means consequences upon the perpetrator but that's NOT what Dee was doing, he wasn't even THINKING of anyone else!! would killing Sentinel get ppl out of the mines? would it restore their cogs? would it bring equality to a clearly oppressive society? like he LIVED this (cogless bots with limited options, the talk of tiers as if they are social castes you can be demoted from, lower city levels where ppl can be banished, etc) but it was Orion who ultimately addressed this. i'm sorry if it feels like insult to injury to rub his Primacy in your face, Megatron, but stealing a cog just like Sentinel and declaring the age of Primes over, when it was the age of Primes ending that made you cogless and oppressed in the first place, is only an extension of your trauma, anger, and violence, and is not solving the problem!

a cog stolen from him at birth! and then he steals it from Sentinel in symbolic revenge, stolen again, but even that wasn't Sentinel's, it was stolen too! the way he discards the cog from Onyx, willingly gifted to him, to continue the trend of desecrating the dead! man. MAN. the name he took, the cog he took, the symbol he took, all from his hero, the one he looked up to, the coolest Prime, and THEN DECLARED THE AGE OF PRIMES OVER

the gilded pompous showmanship of it all was so gross, the way Sentinel's face was everywhere, the way he had instant access to everyone in Iacon via announcements that took over the media. but this was clearly derived from the previous Primes!! we see their statues, we see their stately tower, and unless Sentinel had all that built in "mourning" (which is totally plausible imho) he was really just setting himself up as an inheritor of that hyperwealthy standard! we don't know anything about the rule of the og Primes beyond that they're favorably remembered and loved (possibly because of propaganda but i think it was also genuine) and that they may have been losing the Quint war (considering that info was from jerkwad supreme i find it suspect) but just by comparison to Sentinel i think they HAD to be better rulers. there weren't cogless bots forced to mine for 20 shifts in a row back then!!! Sentinel is stealing their aesthetic as if that gets him the same power and acclaim. he's trying to steal their legitimacy. he paints himself across the face of Iacon to hide the fact the planet itself went into a coma because of him. he has ALWAYS been rejected. i call him a megachurch pastor but really symbolically i could say he's a fallen angel, and his visual design really fits too

i'm coming back to the deus ex machina thing bc i know it may be considered weak in a plot construction sense but i want to engage with it as literal. like, there is a literal in-universe god in the machine. they know it. they worship it, at least a little bit. i would consider this story to be analogous to Prince of Egypt, in that the deific is a real and tangible character with impact on the plot, and not a meta excuse to save the day. Orion made his choice, and as a result Primus made HIS choice. it's not necessarily a happy ending but if even Megatron acknowledges that GOD mandated this guy to be a Prime and the planet itself responds by COMING BACK TO LIFE.... i keep thinking of it like a cityspeaker, how they're the ones who commune with Titans to know their needs and tell them what needs to be done. is a Prime just the cityspeaker of Cybertron, able to help it remain healthy and functional?

the divine right to rule is REAL on Cybertron. you can like it or not but you have to contend with that when discussing fair leadership, political accountability, and representation of the masses re: Cybertronian government and Primacy

god i'm still so obsessed with the Thirteen i need to see them better i need to look at them. i love them. insane. i really need to invest in a chewtoy

also i know it may be a throwaway line but i'm very curious why Primus had to transform and sacrifice himself to save the universe. Unicron, maybe???

also how did Alpha Trion narrate the archival stuff telling the fake story of how the Primes died and the Matrix was lost. did Sentinel get a deepfake of his voice?? is that part of how he made the transition to power?? AUGH THE DISRESPECT KEEPS COMPOUNDING

Alpha Trion. my blorbo. my old man. holding you so tight. like an ancient rescue dog. im gonna groom you and give you treats and buy the biggest plushest dog bed from costco for you

anyways

good movie, guys

[tinyapplejuice]

LAWRIE DATING HEADCANONS

✧.*

•Lawrie is the epitome of a big fat loser in romance. He has a negative infinite idea about dating. The only thing he has going on in his head is; to bring justice to Starr Park, defeat crime bringers, and protect Larry. He desperately needs help because he’s going to DIE if he ever gets near you.

•Well at least there’s one good thing about Lawrie and that is that Lawrie prefers you over Starr Park as he isn’t crazy about it like Larry, who would literally sacrifice everything for the safety of it. He still considers the theme park important of course as his original purpose was to keep it safe from rule breakers but he has come to terms that you are much more significant. One thing he will not put you first is his brother, Larry. He cares for his brother too much. After all, he’s the older brother, it’s his job to protect Larry.

•Just like Larry, Lawrie’s first instinct on whatever something threatening comes to you is to protect you. He will be much more aggressive and hostile than Larry so sometimes it causes a huge scene and it leaves you embarrassed more than anything. But hey! It’s better than being hurt!!!

•I could also imagine him being protective about your health and personal being. If you’re not sleeping, he’ll tell you to, if you’re hurt, he will treat you or take you to the nearest hospital. I feel like he has this because of Larry and how he wants to keep his brother safe so he wanted to do it to you too.

•Lawrie isn’t much of a talker but he is a good listener. When you’re venting to him, he will listen intently, nodding every word you say.

•If he ever smiles near you, well congrats! He likes you or trusts you well enough to where you could see his grin. I like to think he smiles near his loved ones- the only exception being is when something exciting happens.

•He’s also interested in you so if you’re ranting about your personal interests, your hobbies, what you spend your free time doing. He will literally make a mental note to himself to remember that you like or do those things. I like to imagine if he has strong feelings for someone, he enjoys listening to them talk especially since he doesn’t have any personal things he likes.

•Also for me, I see Lawrie, is not a huge talker so whenever you guys speak- he sometimes makes things really awkward and all you can do is watch Lawrie’s face turn bitter and red. Well, there are three reasons why he’s like that; he doesn’t have that much enthusiasm for conversation- he often speaks in a dead tone (even though it’s not his intention most of the time), he often speaks things off on facts and doesn’t understand anything trending or slangs, and the fact he sounds and looks aggressive just sprinkles it on top.

•Anyways Lawrie gets easily flustered turns out, whenever you’re flirting or teasing him his face turns immediately red as bright as a Christmas light. And then he has to cool himself down really fast with his inner fans because of how hot he is. He’s like a burning microwave. And let me tell you, he extremely hates everything about this.

•I feel like he would very much get agitated and snappy from it so whenever you tease him or look smug, he would be very annoyed. He’s trying to ignore it as much as he can.

•Lawrie was very cautious to get into a relationship so at the first months of dating, he was very silent and often times just staring at you with a frown on his face. He had a bunch of walls set up too. It takes a whole while before he even opens up JUST A BIT. You have to be a really patient person to handle that. That’s because he doesn’t like to be vulnerable, he always wants to be perceived as this strong and badass cop but if he ever dates someone. He thinks it’s a weakness. Plus he has Larry and R-T, what else does he need? (He was also probably slightly nervous maybe that’s why he was staring at you.)

•Also can I just say that he originally hated you? I could just imagine him distancing from you and glaring at you from afar. Probably ranting crude things about you to Larry. Lawrie’s the type of person to think that these romantic feelings were a threat as there were very foreign feelings for him. He probably that you somehow messed with his code to make him feel that so he definitely didn’t trust you and had a great fondness for you.

•He has a hard time letting you take care of him since he’s usually an independent person. Will probably be really stubborn and try to push you away. It feels odd for him and he’s decently going to be really pouty about it.

•Lawrie hates being lovey-dovey. He is not the type of person who’s very affectionate compared to Larry. He’s the type of person who would be subtly affectionate. The best thing he will do is gift presents, hold hands (maybe a hug if you’re lucky), and very blunt compliments. He will not flirt with you and will not try to kiss you as much. He hates being sappy because he feels really awkward and cringy if he does that. But if he did say something corny, he would become immensely embarrassed.

•Oh if you guys ever kiss on the lips, bless your heart. He is the worst kisser of all time. I could just imagine him stiffening quickly like a stone as you peck him in the lips, you probably had to lead a stunned Lawrie with it.

•He seems like the type of person to deny that you guys are dating. It’s not to be mean. It’s just that….HE WOULD RATHER DIE THAN ADMITTING IT OUT IN THE PUBLIC. He just wants to conceal himself and reveal these things only to Larry. As I mentioned before he literally does not want to seem weak nor is he lovey dovey so if someone finds out he’s dating anyone he’s doomed.

•That also means he restricts you from pda, maybe once in a while he will let you. But that’s if he’s feeling it. But most of the time, he stops you.

•He isn’t usually the type of person to go on dates but if he were, he would usually prefer to be in more of a private place than somewhere public. I see him as someone who doesn’t want to be around a lot of people, especially with his love. I physically cannot see Lawrie being affectionate in public, maybe in private but that’s like a low possibility.

•You have never even seen this man cry ever. Never in your whole time of dating him have you seen a single oil drop out of his eyes. You may think he never cries but he does. He just barely cries but when he does, he usually does it alone or with Larry. Like I said for the millionth time, he does not want to look weak.

•Small acts of kindness mean a lot more to him than anything. Like you’re checking up on him or helping him? It just makes his robotic heart beat faster. He appreciates these since it shows you care about him, even though he will never admit that…

•Lawrie stares a lot and I mean A LOT. He always glances at you whenever he sees you at the park but when you stare back. He goes back to his job and acts like nothing happens but inside he’s like giddy and very flustered.

•Lawrie is an impatient man. Since he is a robot who enjoys action (I like to imagine he loves fast-paced action especially). He literally cannot handle it if you’re a few minutes late. Sometimes you can even notice his little foot stomping as he huffs, crossing his arms as his eyes go everywhere.

•Speaking of him liking action, I feel like he poses like those complex action figures when he’s fighting. He has these awesome moves and if you’re impressed by it. I would say he will be a little proud of himself.

•Without a doubt Larry would be his number one wingman and supporter in this. Even though he’s not the brightest with dating advice, Lawrie trusts him no matter what and they both genuinely think that he could swoon you over with these stupid tips. So if you ever see him act goofy, just know Larry played a part in that.

•There may be multiple days in a row where you don’t see him it’s because he’s busy with work. And if you ever get upset by that, he genuinely doesn’t know how to comfort you.

•Correlating about comfort. This man is the worst at it. I feel like he is someone who can’t be there emotionally so you have to be a mentally strong person if you ever want to date him.

•He is also the KING OF MISCOMMUNICATION. He is a stubborn, angry robot, yes, but whenever you guys fight. He ignores you, often times it feels like he’s isolating himself. It’s really stressful and super confusing. He can also get riled up easily. I like to imagine the reason why is because of his programming since he’s the bad cop who enforces the rules. I feel like that’s implemented to Lawrie when you guys ever wrangle, in his computer it feels like someone is rebelling against him- similar to how criminals revolt against the law. I feel like he could get wrathful real quick. He is one of the more unapproachable brawlers especially ones who have a difficult time keeping a relationship with his brother and R-T.

•Lawrie does feel guilty about this. I feel like he is a cold robot but he is NOT that cold. I mean you’re his lover and he has to be ashamed of himself for the way he had acted towards you. He does love you so he will say sorry. He doesn’t apologize normally so it always ends with a fiddly sorry.

•You have to be a really incredible patient and understanding person for him to date since I feel like he’s a complicate person to be with, it often drives people away from him due to his overall personality and looks. But give him enough time and I’m sure he will come by and love you just as much as you love him! He just has a hard time expressing his love to people but trust me, he does love you.

Guys… I’m not proud of this at all… I don’t know something feels off about this and it just gives my stomach this bad feeling. My sister said it was alright but I don’t know… Anyways… I hope you guys enjoy!!! （ꉺᗜꉺ）YAYAYAY

[pa-pa-patato]

Bendystraw headcanons because they are slowly taking over my mind i can’t escape them send hel-

•cuphead often lays on bendy’s chest having him scratch his back ,he loves it and 7/10 times he falls asleep like that

•while bendy is working on a project or reading cup will play with his hair

•cuphead takes big bites and fills his mouth to the brim, while bendy takes very very small bites

•bendy is the only one that likes cuphead with facial hair

•bicker like an old married couple

•bendy complained to Cala before he even realized he liked cuphead which usually left him being teased about how he probably has a crush on him

•bendy realized he liked cuphead when cup somehow pissed off a bunch of raccoons he was screaming as he was running away from them And bendy just looked at him with a soft smile thinking how silly he is , as he realized he didn’t make fun of him he also realized his crush and just glared at Cala calling her a witch (she will never let him live it down)

•cuphead realized he was in love with bendy when he caught him singing to himself and suddenly he understood his feelings and just started cursing “no! God ! Cuss! Why!?” Straddling poor bendy

•speaking of cuphead is the only person (besides Boris) that bendy sings around

•cup will often flirt with bendy in different languages around other people (-Felix) so they wouldn’t notice and while bendy doesn’t understand him he knows the tone and the look in his eyes which is enough to leave him flustered (not to mention he kinda likes when cup speaks a different language)

•bendy was very nervous about kissing cuphead because that would be his first true kiss and he didn’t want to mess it up But cuphead got badly hurt in a fight making him unable to leave his bed and once bendy finally got to see him he threw himself on him kissing him in relief he pulled away immediately but before he could even think about apologizing cuphead pulled him back begging him to kiss him again (that’s how mug finds out about them)

•that one scene when phoebe sees Monica and chandler but it’s holly and Cala

•cute picnic dates at night cuphead talks about starts while bendy feeds him

•cuphead calls bendy “darling boy” when he messes up something

•bendy will sometimes call cuphead an old man to annoy him

•cuphead once told bendy about a pice of jewelry that goes on handles and it took bendy a month to make it so he can give it to cuphead as a gift Cuphead forgot to mention that if you make and give it to your significant other you are proposing to them

•gave up after a while of trying to get bendy to bed by asking him now cup just picks him up and carries him to bed

•if one is stressed the other will lay on them like a weighted blanket

•bendy teaches cuphead how to cook they find out his surprising good at desserts

•cuphead genuinely believes Felix killed someone and got away with it so his really afraid of him finding out his dating his son that fear doubles when he meets Sheba and Nora and triples when he realizes that Oswald is dating him(rip cup killed by his boyfriend’s overprotective family)

•bendy was pretty obvious at first when cuphead was flirting with him before they started dating But now that they are together his constantly getting frustrated and embarrassed by it

•bendy Teaches cuphead to dance so they can dance together cuphead isn’t the best but he’s far better than before

•cuphead loves to watch bendy , rather his doing a project or drawing or dancing or just simply sitting cuphead loves to watch him It flusters bendy so much

•bendy noms on cuphead,his arms are filled with his bite marks most of the time bendy doesn’t even realize his biting him and apologizes profusely

•cuphead worries bendy will abandon him like all his ex lovers while bendy is just waiting for cuphead to realize that he isn’t worth it and leave him

•bendy is very ticklish so when cuphead is angry at him he will simply tickle him , the first time he did that he was laughing as much as bendy because he didn’t think he was that ticklish

•cuphead doesn’t like how skinny bendy is so he often gets him snacks while he works because bendy will eat them without a second thought

•cuphead put bendy in jail , jail being his lap

•when they fighting cuphead will put specific things on the grocery list that he knows are on the to shelf to annoy bendy

[hobiebrownismygod]

Miles G. Morales isn't "cold"

So...I see lots of people characterizing Miles G. Morales as a cold, arrogant "bad-boy" in their fanfictions. But y'all this just isn't accurate if you want to write him carefully.

Note: Headcanon him how you want, this post is specifically for writers who want to write him as accurately to his character as possible! Think of it as a character analysis.

42-Miles was on screen for approximately two minutes. He says maybe 5 or 6 lines, all delivered with very little emotion and in a fairly cold tone.

Its completely understandable that people would think he would be the "bad boy" type and would be a cold, arrogant person. HOWEVER-

Lets look into this more deeply.

First lets talk about the scene we got of him.

42-Miles ties up 1610-Miles to a punching bag. Where have we seen this before? Oh right-

1610-Miles did the exact same thing when he met Peter B. Parker for the first time.

These scenes mirror each other extremely closely, with 42-Miles even talking in a deeper tone of voice the same way 1610-Miles talked in a slightly deeper tone when he was trying to present himself as more intimidating to Peter B.

So why is this significant?

42-Miles is putting on an act. He just met his doppelgänger, somebody who's wearing a spandex suit, showed up in his apartment and is overall just very creepy. Of course he's going to be a little reserved, of course he's going to be stoic and unemotional. We don't even know if the concept of the multiverse exists in this universe. For all we know, 42-Miles doesn't even know that multiversal travel is possible.

Lets talk about 42-Rio's reaction to seeing Miles-1610

When 1610-Miles shows up in Earth-42 and talks to Rio, she doesn't seem that put-off by him. She makes jokes with him the way the average mother and son do.

Why is this significant?

The difference in the characterization of 1610-Miles and 42-Miles is absolutely insane. People treat 1610-Miles like a baby and they treat 42-Miles like a full grown man. However, the reality is that they're both going to have very similar personalities.

Rio would have noticed her son's demeanor changing and probably would've said something about it. But she didn't seem put-off at all by the way 1610-Miles acted. She even brings up comic-con, which suggests that 42-Miles has talked about comic-con and is therefore a ginormous nerd.

This suggests that 42-Miles acts similarly to 1610-Miles at home. He's also a talkative, friendly kid who spends a lot of time with his mom, and thats why she didn't realize there was anything going on when 1610-Miles showed up.

He's not cold. He's the average, maybe slightly depressed, kid.

Let's talk about Peter Parker.

Every version of Peter Parker we've seen so far is pretty similar. Even Pavitr Prabhakar and Hobie brown have fairly optimistic vibes, cracking jokes and being fairly outgoing. Especially with their masks on, we can see that they seem like they'd be pretty fun to hang out with. None of them can be described as cold.

42-Miles was supposed to be Spider-man. He'd have the same personality. Maybe he'd be a little more reserved, a little more stoic, but he'd still be the lovable goofball Spider-Man is supposed to be.

Miles G. Morales isn't a gangster. He's a teenage boy in a bad situation. Write him as such and do justice to his character. He deserves it.

He's a goofball guys.

ART IS NOT MINE!!! MADE BY @xrandomxpostsx ON PINTEREST AND IS LINKED!!

[ghostlyaerobics1984]

Several times You Were Suspected, and the One Time You Weren’t. (SCREAM VI SPOILERS)

Summary: Reader is a newbie in the core-four friend group and according to the rules, they are a suspect. Reader keeps conveniently showing up at the murder scenes, and a seed of doubt becomes implanted in the others’ minds leaving them to believe Reader is Ghostface. Reader is innocent, but they don’t know that.

Word Count: 8,511

Pairings: Gn!Reader x Tara, Male!Reader x Tara

Author’s note: The reader is male since there is a SIGNIFICANT lack of male reader fanfics, but could be read as gender neutral if you try hard enough. Slight proofread because I got lazy.

You rushed over to Sam’s apartment as soon as you could. Slamming the SUV door shut, you jogged over to the ambulance where you were met with the distressed faces of Chad, Mindy, Tara, and Sam.

“What the fuck?” You shoot a glance at Ethan, catching the end of his excuse for an alibi. He appeared to be flustered.

“I saw it on the news.” There was genuine concern in your voice. “I can’t believe this happened.” Your eyes began to water because you had been close with Quinn and it hurt knowing she was gone. Forever.

You didn’t miss the way the four survivors from Woodsboro exchanged skeptical looks with each other and refused to initiate a conversation with you.

You were taken aback. Their suspicion was fair, but it hurt to be looked at that way. Like you were capable of killing them in cold blood. “Y-You don’t think I did this?”

In an attempt to clear your name, you said, “I loved Quinn. She was my best friend. Why the fuck would I kill her? Or kill Anika?”

You stopped yourself, at the risk of sounding hysterical.

“Doesn’t matter if you were best friends.” Mindy replied, very clearly glaring at you. “That still gives you motive. Maybe you were spurred on by jealousy.”

You scoffed and silently pleaded for the others to back you up. No one did. 

Ethan shuffled awkwardly. Chad and Tara refused to meet your gaze, and Sam was staring at you in a way you’d never seen before.

“Speaking of motive, where were you last night?” Mindy asked with narrowed eyes.

Suddenly, everyone’s eyes were on you.

You stuttered nervously. “I was in the dorm. You know, where I’m living.” 

The last part came out meaner than you initially intended.

“Hmm,” Mindy shook her head, pressing her lips together. Her eyes scanned around the ambulance from where she sat, then they were on you again. “How convenient, y/n. That you were at the college dorm when none of us were there to corroborate your alibi. You just moved at the top of my suspect list.”

You wanted to be angry, but you found yourself understanding why they were reacting this way.

Least you could do was divert some of the attention away from you. “Fair enough, but I don’t think you should rule out Ethan, either.”

Ethan faced you sharply, eyes wide like a deer in headlights. “Why would you say that?!”

“I mean, a school excuse? Really? It’s almost the same as mine.” You retorted, resisting the urge to snicker at his slowly reddening face.

“I was taking the—!”

“We’re not ruling anyone out.” Sam interjected, her voice determined. “Y/n’s right, I don’t think it’s smart to point the finger at one person. Even if they are highly suspicious.” 

You chose to ignore her patronizing tone. “Yeah, I’ll take that.”

“Just stay the fuck away from us.” Chad held his hand up as if signaling for a stop. Then he added, “Both of you.”

“Wait,” You said desperately, taking a small step forward. “Is there a way I can prove myself? Please. I mean, haven’t you been wrong about your theories, Mindy?”

Everyone went silent. 

That couldn’t be a good indication for you. You held your breath, expecting to hear a pin drop.

“Yeah.” Mindy whispered under her breath quietly. You almost missed it, too.

“Yes, as in, I can prove myself?” You pressed on, hopeful.

“No.” Your heart sank. “Yes, as in, I was wrong at pointing out the killer before.”

“Well, at least y/n is wanting to clear their name.” Tara finally spoke after letting her friends do the talking without her. “Same can’t be said for the other present suspect.” A jab at Ethan.

Ethan struggled to argue his case, which you couldn’t help but smile at. Maybe you would be able to gain your friends’ trust back after all.

“I think we should give him a chance.” You caught Tara gazing at you. A slight smile teased her lips.

Was she on your side? Or not? You weren’t sure.

Chad gave her a questioning look. They stared at each other for so long, you began to wonder if something was going on between them.

“Alright, fine.” Chad relented. He threw his head back dramatically and sighed.

After witnessing Tara punch the famous, annoying reporter Gale Weathers, you were all led to a creepy area she had found through “Investigative journalism”.

And by all, was you, Ethan, Quinn’s cop dad, Sam, Tara, Kirby, and Gale.

“Jesus.” You managed to speak past your shock while traipsing and observing the displays that contained collectives from every ghostface killing.

Tara was walking ahead of you at a slow pace. She was assigned to watch you, and Chad was in charge of Ethan. So you weren’t allowed to stray away from her or the group. 

Fine by you, because you weren’t the killer, or one of the killers. You learned from Mindy that there could be multiple. 

You noticed Tara staring at a particular display. Her fingers traced the glass carefully. 

You could tell from the way her fingers traced the display for too long that seeing all of this was causing her emotional distress.

You noticed a picture of a girl. Amber, you think. Tara must have suffered through so much because of her.

“Hey…” You said softly, bumping your shoulder against hers in a lighthearted manner and catching her attention.

“So, you and Chad?” You leaned on the display, your stomach pressed against the glass. “Are you guys a thing or…” 

You trailed off, hoping she would fill in the blanks for you.

“We aren’t.” She answered a little too fast, but didn’t give anything more than that.

You let out a puff of air, feeling disappointed. You wished her response was convincing enough.

It was obvious that you were bummed and she regarded you with amusement. “Why do you care?”

“Because I like you.” The confession spilled easily from your mouth. “No bullshit. I really like you, Tara.”

You were scared to see her expression because you knew that it could end in rejection. Especially a beautiful girl like Tara, she probably had lots of men and women that were lined up to date her.

You were attracted to her attitude and her pretend carefree behavior, which she used as a coping mechanism due to traumatic events.

The dangers from her past and what was happening in the present didn’t deter you. You wanted her in spite of the fact that she was a victim of murderous attacks.

She deserved to be loved and treated respectfully.

But since you were currently the most suspected out of the group… you didn’t stand a chance.

“For the record,” Tara started off; You prepared for your feelings to be crushed. “I believe you.” 

That got you turning your head to face her. Tara wasn’t pitying you, or angry. Her reaction wasn’t at all like you had expected. She was being calm.

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You do?” 

“About you being in love, not the serial killer part.” She had a halfhearted grin on her face. 

Tara was teasing you. Well, you were 90% sure she wasn’t serious about the murderer accusation.

You decided to play along.

You leaned in closer to her, dropping your voice to a low whisper as you spoke in her ear. “Doesn’t that excite you? A potential psychotic killer only having the hots for you?”

You trailed your fingers up her arm for effect. You didn’t miss the shift in her eyes. 

How they became half-lidded and how they definitely weren’t directed at your eyes anymore, but at your lips.

The energy surrounding the two of you seemed to change also. It became static and… very warm.

Your cheeks were starting to feel hot. 

Tara shuffled closer to you, and you followed. The both of you waited on the other to make a move.

You swallowed nervously; Tara let her eyes fall to watch your throat bob. 

When she didn’t change her mind or make the choice to walk away, you swiftly closed the gap and connected your lips with hers.

You anticipated that Tara would eventually push away from you and laugh because this interaction between the two of you was an elaborate prank all along.

She didn’t. You weren’t being duped.

Tara Carpenter was kissing you and her lips were so, so soft.

You had absentmindedly placed your hands on her hips and pressed her front against yours, while simultaneously slipping your tongue in her mouth.

You heard Tara try to stifle her gasp, and fail at doing so. 

You had to stop yourself from smiling into the kiss because you didn’t want the moment to end too soon.

You were warm and tingly all over; your heartbeat thrummed against your chest. You were getting wrapped up in the excitement of the moment.

Just as you dreaded, it was cut short. You were startled by a strong arm gripping your shoulder.

Tara looked up, in a daze, when you were suddenly jerked away from her. She wore a confused expression on her face.

“Keep your dirty hands off her, Ghostface.” Chad jabbed a threatening finger in your chest.

He got into your face, and it was very jarring. You were genuinely scared for your well-being, and your life-long streak of no broken bones.

Like a hungry snake preying on an unsuspecting mouse, his hands latched onto your throat. The force of his grip had you raised a few inches from the ground. “What are you planning?”

“Chad, stop.” Tara protested, annoyed.

“Put y/n down.” Mindy groaned. “Seriously, this is not the time for your alpha complex.”

He wasn’t squeezing tight enough to strangle you, but it was still uncomfortable to breathe. 

Your eyes were wide in fear. Chad didn’t let you go. 

You weren’t earning any sympathy points from him, especially since you most likely took the woman he’s had eyes for.

“Okay, put them down right now. Or I shoot.” Kirby deadpanned. “I’m not kidding.”

This is it. You were going to die at the hands of a condescending jock. Not the ending you thought would ever happen, but what could you do?

You drew in a shallow breath and let your eyes flutter close. Something felt heavy in your pocket. Without alarming Chad, you sneaked your hand inside to figure out what the object was.

Your fingers grazed the hilt of a knife, your chest tightening when you realized what it was. You needed to keep your breathing under control, even while Chad had his hands around your throat, or you would give your predicament away and be in tremendous trouble with the group.

You didn't have a knife on you before you entered the abandoned shrine building, so who pinned it on you? And without anyone catching them?

The longer you stressed about the knife and the longer Chad was proving to be a hostile threat, the more you considered stabbing him.

You gaped in horror as the thought crossed your mind. You were just stressed out, that's all. Not a reason to impulsively lash out.

But he was threatening your life...

You were sure Chad's pissed-off face would be forever implanted in your memory when Kirby called out, "Alright, I'm counting to three!"

Chad dropped you before she could reach number three. You thankfully hit the floor on both feet, but being the asshole, Chad shoved you with brute force and knocked you off balance.

You were sent tumbling backward over a display, letting out a yelp as your head slammed against a wall.

"Oh my fucking god." That was either Mindy or Sam.

You couldn't tell black from blue; Your head swam and you were pretty sure you weren't imagining the warm liquid trickling down the back of your neck.

A dark shadow rose above you. You craned your neck up to see everyone in the group staring down at you with worry. Minus Chad because he obviously wasn't sorry.

"Shit." Tara crouched down in front of you. "Come on. I'll help you walk out of here." She extended her hand.

You blinked blearily and grabbed her hand. You fought back a wave of nausea as you were pulled up to your feet. Tara intertwined her fingers with yours, which put a smile on your face.

The two of you started to walk in sync.

Someone slung an arm around your shoulder. Mindy.

"To show you my condolences for the actions of my idiot brother," Mindy declared aloud so everyone could hear. "You have officially been moved down my suspect list."

"I appreciate it." You offered a weak grin, and she returned it.

"What do we do next?" Tara asked after approaching Kirby with you in tow.

Kirby's eyes seemed to glint with mischievous intent. "I have something in mind."

You needed to get rid of that knife as soon as possible.

"Distracting the killer on a phone call while tracing him from a van?" Mindy sighed in disbelief. "In a public space with a crowd of people?"

No one dared to interrupt her rambling; Kirby was working on a computer, Ethan worked on a bag of chips, and Chad was laying back.

"This is exactly how our uncle Randy died in the sequel!"

"Just relax." Kirby tried to assuage her. "I know what I'm doing."

"The killer is going to conveniently hang up right before you can trace his location," Mindy smirked, dissing Kirby's police skills.

"I can complete a trace in 15 seconds," Kirby replied with as much sass.

Mindy's face turned serious. "Oh, carry on."

Tara and Sam were being used as bait to keep the killer occupied on the phone call.

"Trying to lure me to a public area with a bunch of cops watching?" Ghostface laughed eerily while Sam listened on the other end. Tara stuck by her side. "I've seen this before and I'm one step ahead of you."

"Wait, where is that pinging?" Mindy asked, leaning over Kirby's shoulder to observe the map on the screen. There was a pulsing dot pinpointing Ghostface's current location.

"That's..." She recoiled.

"Gale!"

You took a taxi from the hospital to Gale Weather's apartment. One quick google search, and it was easy to find out where she lived.

Your injury had been stitched up; a white gauge was wrapped around your head. You weren't technically dismissed from the hospital, but you had a terrible feeling in your gut that Gale was in danger.

You assumed everyone else remained in a group since you last saw them, but you didn't know if anyone was looking out for Gale.

You rushed your ass into the elevator of her building and jabbed your thumb into the button to go to the top floor. "Come on, come on."

The elevator seemed to move at an infuriatingly slow pace, which didn't help your nerves. You paced around as the elevator kept rising. "What if I'm too late?" You mumbled to yourself.

You didn't have time to dwell on your anxiety because the elevator doors were opening, and you darted the hell out of there.

"Gale!" You screamed at the top of your lungs while running through the hall. You caught a glimpse of open doors and sounds of struggle followed from inside.

Heart beating heavily in your chest, you turned into the room without slowing down. You soon stopped when you took in the sight of the destroyed room, and the masked figure barreling your way.

A shrill shriek escaped from your lips as you tried to dodge. Ghostface's knife slashed your cheek as you did so. You fell on your side, groaning.

The masked killer fled into the hallway and disappeared; you weren't being targeted. Yet.

You sat up once you heard soft groans that didn't belong to you. Your eyes searched the room frantically until you spotted the person you came to save.

Gale was lying on the floor; blood was slowly seeping from under her body.

"Oh fuck." You crawled to her. Gale's choked gasps were audible now that you were near her.

You observed her stab wounds with watery eyes. "Gale... I'm so sorry.”

It seemed like she was trying to smile, as if she was at peace with dying, and you were worried that she was straining herself.

"You're going to be okay-" You reached to put pressure on a gushing shoulder wound, but someone yelling out Gale's name made you pull back.

Oh no.

You swallowed thickly and stood up just as Sam and Tara ran into the room.

They were shocked to see you. It didn't take long for Sam to grow angry with you. "You stay the fuck away from her."

It was only then that you realized your clothes became stained with Gale's blood. "I didn't do this! I collided with the killer when I ran in to save her."

"How did you know where she lived?" Great, now Tara was suspecting you were the killer. She was purposefully keeping her distance.

"I was in the hospital room when I missed a call from Gale's number. It was weird. Gale Weathers would never call someone like me. I had a feeling something was wrong and looked up her address on google."

Tara gave you a once over. You could see her face relax.

She still trusted you.

Sam was the opposite. “I don’t believe you. Don’t even think about coming near my fucking sister either.”

With that being said, her attention shifted to the woman dying on the floor. Or as Mindy would put it, the “Legacy character.”

“Oh my god, Gale.” Sam knelt down next to her body, on the verge of crying. Tara lingered behind her.

“I called the cops when I got here.” You said, hoping to dig yourself out of the hole you found yourself in.

“If you’re trying to make yourself seem innocent, it’s not working.” Sam replied coldly.

Well, damn.

Tara turned her head to give you a sorrowful glance, mouthing a silent apology.

You gave her a curt nod. The fact that Tara believed you was all the reassurance you needed. “You know what, I’m fucking tired of taking the blame for this fucked up shit.”

You were careful to not say anything that would incriminate you by accident. You were storming out before you could hear Sam’s reply.

There was no point in holding your tongue because you found yourself in the hot seat at the police station anyway.

“Why don’t you give me a rundown of your story again?” Detective Bailey looked tired. “Maybe you missed important details.”

You scoffed; your arms were crossed, and you leaned back in a chair. “You’re hoping that I’ll trip up and change my story.”

He clenched his jaw, held eye contact with you, then sighed in defeat. “You happened to arrive at Gale Weathers’s apartment moments after she was stabbed… I think it’s fair for me to be skeptical about coincidences.”

“I told you already. I missed a call from Gale’s number when I was getting stitches on my head at the hospital.” You pulled out your phone, tapped on it, then showed the screen to him.

In the notifications bar of your phone, there was a missed call alert from a number you didn’t have saved. Under the number was a smaller text that read, “Maybe: Gale Weathers”

Detective Bailey skimmed through the notification multiple times, but it wasn’t photoshopped. You were telling the truth.

“Alright.” He motioned for you to put the phone away, and you did.

You thought the interrogation was going to be over soon, but then Detective Bailey reached around and pulled out an object concealed in a plastic bag.

He dropped it on the table. You saw what it was at first glance and immediately felt like you had seen a ghost.

“Want to explain what you were doing with this weapon?” He was smug now.

You thought you got rid of that knife.

“An eyewitness saw someone, fitting your description, discarding this knife in the hospital trash.”

When you remained silent, he leaned forward and continued to interrogate you, “Who are you working with?”

You shook your head, not removing your gaze from the knife. “Test the blood.”

Detective Bailey seemed taken aback. “What?”

You made eye contact with him. Your face was deadpan. “I never used that knife. The blood is from old victims of past Ghostface killings. I’m telling you, detective, someone is trying to frame me.”

He set his jaw, and you could sense the gears in his brain turning as he mulled over your suggestion.

Without a word, he stood up, snatched the evidence with a force that made you flinch, and left the room.

Just as you said, the blood on that knife didn’t belong to Quinn or Anika.

“What do you mean you’re letting y/n go?”

You could hear Sam and Detective Bailey conversing from the other side of the door.

“I ran the knife through blood testing and there was no match to any of the current victims.” Bailey explained. “He’s clean.”

The door opened. You were able to see that Sam looked grim, and Detective Bailey was disappointed.

He beckoned for you to come out, and you did without hesitation, snubbing Sam on your way out.

“Meeting at the hospital. In lobby.” You reread the text message from Tara as you walked into the hospital building.

You spotted the group in a corner. You braced yourself and strutted over to them.

Their heads snapped up upon your arrival. As expected, you were greeted with a chorus of complaints.

“Why are you here?” Chad took on an intimidating stance, possibly to scare you.

”I invited him.” Tara admitted. Some of their scrutiny was then focused on her.

“Tara—“ Sam scolded.

“What?” Tara cut her off, tone becoming defensive. “Your hot neighbor and Ethan are allowed to hear the discussion, but y/n gets the cold shoulder? How is that fair?”

They didn’t argue with her any further.

You gauged everyone’s grim expressions. “What’s going on?”

“We’re gonna trap Ghostface.” It was Tara who answered you. She had her phone out. “Then kill him.”

You and Tara had to use the bathroom.

But not really.

Needless to say, she was happy you were proven innocent.

Your hands gripped her hips tight enough to leave bruises as she was pushed up the wall.

You feverishly kissed the span of her neck and positioned your knee between her legs to keep her upright.

Tara had her arms wrapped around your neck; her nails leaving scratches. Breathless moans slipped out of her mouth.

“Fuck.” You whispered in the crook of her neck, your arousal growing.

You sensually grinded your front against hers, using the friction to relieve some of the pressure in your pants.

Tara laughed softly. She trailed her hands to your shoulders and lightly pushed back from you so that she could see your face. “Slow your roll, babe. We’ll both be alive to have sex later.”

”You don’t know that.” You whined, going back to kiss at her neck.

“I’m serious, y/n. I don’t want our first time to be in a hospital closet. I don’t care if death is looming over us.” You stopped grinding and looked up to see a frown on her face.

“No, you’re right.” You slumped against her, sighing heavily. “I am afraid. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to be this close to you again.”

Tara rolled her eyes. “I keep telling my stalker sister to let me go. I can fucking handle myself.”

“She cares about you.” You mumbled into her shoulder. “Plus, telling someone to let you go while we’re in a real life scary movie is kind of ominous.”

Your tone was lighthearted, but you meant what you said. You couldn’t help feeling worried about Tara‘s choice of words.

If the time came to it where her sister or you were in danger, would she put herself at risk of being murdered instead of saving herself?

You would rather that not happen.

Sensing your discomfort, Tara’s smile faded as quickly as it came. “You’re coming with us, okay? We won’t be separated.”

The sick feeling in your stomach wasn’t going away, but you relaxed anyway. You wanted to be at the final showdown in case the plan went wrong.

Tara raised a brow, holding back a laugh. “Can you let me go? Sam is probably losing her shit right now.”

“Oh, fuck. Yes, I’m sorry.” You had forgotten why you were here in the first place. You let her down with caution.

Tara poked fun at your freaked out expression while you tried to erase any sign of sexual tension on you.

The two of you hurriedly moved out of the enclosed space as best you could without creating suspicion.

“There’s only one way in through these doors. When we trap him in here,” Kirby shook the gates forming a box in front of the creepy shrine entrance, which required a key card to be unlocked. “Bastard has nowhere to go.”

This place gave you the chills. You couldn’t believe you voluntarily agreed to come back. It was asking to be murdered.

Mindy was too late for the final showdown. She had to take a separate train with Ethan, and Sam hadn’t heard back from them since.

It showed on Sam’s face that she was as skeptical as you about the solidity of the plan, but it wasn’t your trauma that was displayed all over the theatre.

Her fear was more justified.

”Don’t worry, it’s safe here.” Kirby tried to soothe everyone’s anxiety.

But all of you listened to Mindy’s lectures about horror rules enough times to know that the place definitely wasn’t safe if someone had to vouch for it.

”Come on, let’s go.” Tara tugged on your arm, leading you the back room of the theater.

You tore your attention away from the Ghostface mannequins and followed her.

“I’m coming with.” Chad walked behind you to make damn sure you weren’t going to hurt Tara.

You and Tara were conversing by a table set up with cups and old, soft drinks that were left behind long ago.

Chad was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed, supervising both of you.

“So…” Tara smiled, her eyes downcast as she fiddled with a cup.

She was being shy.

Your arm rested on the table and you leaned forward in interest, a sly smile on your face.

“I was thinking when we—”

The way she fluttered her eyelashes at you, and smiled so big that her dimples showed, had you thinking about how breathtaking she was.

And how lucky you were to have her attention like this.

You acted impulsively and dived in for a kiss, cutting off whatever she was going to say next.

You could feel her smiling, her lips melded perfectly with yours. You heard Chad yell, “Watch out!”

Just when you thought things were going smoothly, you were startled by Ghostface appearing behind Tara with a knife raised.

You were stuck in slow motion, watching in abject terror as Ghostface stabbed Tara in the back.

Tara nearly keeled over. “Fuck!”

“Guys, go now!” You shoved Tara towards Chad and delivered a punch to the masked killer’s face.

“You‘re getting what’s coming to you, you fucker!”

The murderer stumbled backwards momentarily, but then they stopped and tilted their head in a silent challenge.

Your blood ran cold. You knew what horror scene reenactment was coming up next.

You took off at the same time Ghostface lunged at you.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” You had never been so fucking scared for your life until now. When a murderer skilled in stealth and agility was chasing after you.

You ran in the direction you hoped Tara and Chad took. But maybe it would’ve been wise to lead the killer away from them.

You weren’t brave enough to do that alone.

The killer’s running footsteps completely deceased when you turned a corner into another room where you were met with the scared faces of Tara and Chad.

“Y/n!” Tara went to hug you, but Chad held her back.

“Wait. How do we know they aren’t one of the killers?”

“Are you fucking kidding me!” You threw your hands up in disbelief and clenched your jaw. “I would never agree to hurting, or remotely stabbing any of you!”

Tears were building up in your eyes and Tara observed you with the same glossy look.

“Alright, say I believe you—”

Chad was speaking, but something moving behind him caught your attention.

You didn’t waste any time to warn him, screaming at the top of your lungs. “Chad!”

Tara spun around and upon seeing Ghostface, she made the smart decision to walk backward towards you.

Then, the worst thing imaginable happened. A second Ghostface approached him.

Tara began to cry, panic rose in her voice as she bumped into you. “No, not Chad. No, please.”

You saw someone rush in out of your peripheral vision and jumped apprehensively.

It was Sam. Thank god.

Despite your disagreements, you were glad she was okay.

However, your relief was short lived. You witnessed the two Ghostfaces rip into Chad’s flesh with their knives. They kept gutting him, over and over.

Your mouth dropped at how brutal they were going at him. You could never imagine stabbing your worst enemy like that; it was fucking evil.

Tara was full on sobbing now, and you had to hold her back from doing something reckless.

Chad gurgled on his blood. “Run. Leave me and run.”

You winced at the squelching noise that emitted every time he was stabbed.

“We gotta go.” Sam said sternly.

She grabbed Tara’s hand, who hadn’t stopped begging for them to stop killing Chad, and dragged her the hell out of there. You were right on their tail.

The three of you ended up back in the main room with the creepy shrines.

“Uh, why is it just the three of us?” You surveyed the room nervously. “Where’s Kirby?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. I got a phone call from Bailey. Apparently she’s not mentally stable and she’s not officially FBI, either.” Sam answered. She kept a protective arm around her sister.

“What? That’s bullshit.” You exclaimed while frowning. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Yeah.” Tara’s voice was weak. “It doesn’t.”

You stared at Tara empathetically. “You guys are the core four,” You quoted Chad’s name for the OG Woodsboro group. “You’ll survive.”

Tara turned her head to look your way. Softly adding, “You’ll survive too.”

You weren’t too sure about that.

All of you were caught off guard by a loud clanging sound. You turned around to see Detective Bailey making his entrance into the theater with his gun lowered.

“Everyone alright?” The old man asked. “Where’s Kirby?”

“I-I don’t know.” Sam stammered.

“They knocked me out!” You whirled around in surprise as Kirby stumbled into the room.

Judging by the glaring bruise and laceration on her head, she was telling the truth.

But detective Bailey didn’t share the same sentiment. He was alarmed by her presence and raised his gun. “Stand down, Kirby!”

“What? I’m not the killer!” She shouted.

You really felt bad for Kirby; You knew what it has been like to be falsely accused.

You didn’t want to interrupt, lest you get caught up in the middle of a screaming match between two cops.

You witnessed her eyes gradually widen in fear, and she pointed frantically. “Behind you!”

Shots were fired and they hit Kirby. The wrong person. You were frozen to the spot as she dropped to the floor, your body trembled in fear.

You slowly faced Detective Bailey. Betrayal was written all over his smug face. The beaten up Ghostface mask stood next to him.

“No effing way.” You voiced aloud.

You heard boots clicking against tile and immediately tensed at the sight of the other Ghostface flanking the three of you from the side.

And they stopped right in front of you.

“Shit.” You whimpered. Your palms were becoming cold and clammy from nerves.

The killer shifted their feet and retreated away from you, standing menacingly next to old man Bailey.

“Sam Carpenter. I’ve been waiting for this.”

You didn’t know who this Detective was anymore. You were mad at yourself for not considering him as a suspect, but you’ve been too busy fighting to clear your name.

“You’re family.” Sam stated it as a fact.

You became more confused.

“You killed my son.” The detective’s eyes flared with rage. “I brought the family together to make you pay.”

The Ghostface on the right took off their mask to reveal…

Ethan. Of course, it was fucking Ethan.

You snorted. “I fucking called it. Your pathetic virgin act wasn’t fooling me.”

Except you didn’t predict they were all related to Sam’s ex-boyfriend, who was a vicious psychopath.

He glared at you with murderous intent that basically meant your fate was sealed. “It wasn’t an act.”

You pissed him off.

Good.

Anything to stop them from lashing out on Tara and her sister.

“Aw, really?” You pretended to pity him, sarcasm dripped from your tone. “I wonder why no one will fuck you.”

“You couldn’t handle me, asshole.” He pointed his knife at you. A sardonic laugh escaped from his mouth, “I actually wanted to fillet you. Not Chad.”

That made you shut up.

“But fuck, it felt good to kill him!” He confessed gleefully.

“I hate you.” Tara ground out.

You gripped her shoulder in a sense of protection and comfort.

“So, Mindy?” Sam fixed her eyes on the Ghostface that still had their mask on.

This particular reveal had your blood boiling.

It was none other than the Detective’s daughter, Quinn Bailey.

“I took the blame for your murder and you weren’t even fucking dead?”

You couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out.

Quinn pouted mockingly. “I’m sorry. It was just so easy to pin it on you and we didn’t even have to orchestrate it. Crazy how anyone can’t be alone by themselves anymore without raising red flags.”

“I am so gonna fuck you up!” You threatened.

She gave you a condescending smile. “For an expendable character… you sure are brave.”

“Y/n is our scapegoat.” Her father was starting his monologue. “We needed someone to pin the killings on and what’s more perfect than my daughter’s best friend, who doesn’t even have the full trust of their own friends?”

“A little fake blood goes a long way.” Quinn said.

“All I had to do was be the first on the scene to swap out the body. Lay down a few prosthetics.”

You connected the dots. The air was suckered out of you as you fully realized the extent of their betrayal. “You’re the one who pinned the knife on me.”

There was no warmth in Detective Bailey’s smile. “It was actually Ethan’s idea.”

Ethan mirrored his father’s smile. “Everyone was extra suspicious of you, and neglected to keep an eye on me. It was surprisingly easy to go undetected.”

“I was the one who called you from Gale’s phone.” Quinn confessed. She wasn’t apologetic in the slightest.

“It would’ve worked, too.” Old man Bailey sneered. “We just didn’t account for the younger Carpenter sister having feelings for you.”

Ethan and Quinn began to go separate ways toward the three of you.

Tara was shaking. You squeezed her shoulder tight.

“Lucky me, huh?” You said dryly to the corrupt detective. “I’m capable of love. Which is more than what could be said for you sorry fucks.”

Quinn lurked right of Sam, behind the displays. Ethan stopped behind you.

You could feel the tip of a knife pressing into your back.

You weren’t sure who was shaking more at this point, you or Tara.

Something began to play on the screen behind you. You heard a man’s voice.

“Maybe I overindulged Richie’s love for these movies, but it was how we bonded.” Detective Bailey got a faraway look in his eyes.

“Gore and horror…” He shook his head. “Not my thing.”

“You hide it pretty well.” You pointed out like a smart ass.

You didn’t feel sympathetic for him at all; You only grew more angry. What kind of father discredits the victims of his son’s psychopathic behavior?

And Bailey blaming the Carpenter sisters for killing Richie in self defense because he was going to murder them for a stupid movie, that was twisted.

Dumb motives must run in the family.

You didn’t realize you said that out loud.

Detective Bailey turned his attention from Sam and onto you.

You were fucked. You knew that, but you didn’t see it coming this fast.

Detective Bailey raised his gun and didn’t hesitate to fire off a bullet into your shoulder.

You jerked at the force of the gunshot striking your body and stumbled backward, right where they wanted you.

Ethan’s knife entered into your flesh faster than you could scream.

Tara’s voice rung out, “Y/n!”

But she couldn’t move to reach you. Sam was protecting her and Quinn was in close proximity, taunting them with her knife.

Ethan slung an arm around your chest and pulled you closer to him. The knife wedged itself deeper in your back, and you cried.

“I got you and Chad.” He spoke into your ear as you gasped helplessly. “I win!”

Tara was crying with you. Her mascara running down her face.

There wasn’t much you could do to console her.

You were a wreck. Your face was perspiring and glistening with tears, and you were bleeding out.

You didn’t catch the rest of Bailey’s monologue because you kept zoning out, only hearing bits and pieces. “Until he was killed by you and your bitch of a sister!”

“Fuck you!” Sam yelled at Detective Bailey, and Quinn slashed her on the upper arm.

“Shut up, bitch!”

“Your son was a pencil dick who let his girlfriend do all the work.” Sam spat.

They weren’t listening to her. Detective Bailey glorified his son too much to believe the truth Sam was spewing.

“Tara, you ready?” Sam was now facing you. She must’ve been turned around when you weren’t paying attention.

Her eyes revealed that she had a plan up her sleeve. She was hiding something behind her back.

Tara whined in fear; she didn’t answer.

“I need you to be ready.” Sam emphasized calmly.

A beat of silence, then Tara’s voice came back firm. “I’m ready.”

“Y/n?” Sam was asking you the same question.

You couldn’t bring yourself to speak, so you just nodded.

Sam yelled out and hurled an object at Quinn. That was a signal.

You seized the opportunity to elbow Ethan in the ribs with all the strength you still had left, then you reared your head back. A loud cracking sound, and Ethan loosened his grip on you. You had shattered his nose.

With great regret, you reached behind you and pulled the knife out of your back. A pained groan slipped past your lips as you did so.

You just broke his nose and that bastard dared to smile at you.

You raised the knife over your head and charged at him while screaming.

All of the sudden, Quinn jumped out from nowhere and threw herself on you, efficiently throwing you off balance.

Both of you went tumbling into a display; the broken glass rained all around you.

"Fuck." You seethed, standing upright from where you had fallen. Your head was throbbing.

You were definitely bleeding through your bandage.

Quinn recovered as quickly as you did; She was standing across from you with her hair in a tangled mess and knife at her side.

"You were my best friend!" You hollered, gripping your knife tightly.

"Oh, get over it already!" She shouted back, then she rushed at you.

You crouched right when she reached you, grabbed her legs, and lifted her over your shoulder.

She thrashed around like a rabid animal, her feet kicking at nothing.

But the victory wasn't all yours.

Quinn managed to stab your shoulder blade before you body-slammed her onto the floor.

Her cries of agony were music to your ears.

You stood over her, breathing heavily. You contemplated how to make your revenge taste sweeter.

"Come on, Tara!"

Your attention was diverted to the Carpenter sisters trying to climb their way up a ladder.

Your worse nightmare was turning into reality.

You watched in paralyzing fear as the ladder gave out, and Tara didn't fall only because Sam caught her by the hand.

Your girlfriend dangled helplessly from the rafters, and a murderer was circling at her feet like a shark. Ethan was counting on her to fall so he could end her life.

No way in hell you were going to stand and let that happen.

"I'll be able to finally stick something in you, Tara!" Ethan called out.

You thought he was a depraved freak, but that was a creepy ass comment, even for him.

You took off running. All while keeping an eye on Tara and making sure you weren’t going to be too late to save her.

You dove and tackled Ethan away from Tara, moments before she could land in harm's way of his sharp blade.

"She's my girlfriend, asshole!" You delivered a punch to his face.

And man, it did feel good.

This part didn't.

A sick squelching sound came from your body as Ethan stabbed you in the stomach.

Twice.

Three times.

A fourth time.

And again. Over and over.

You stared into Ethan's soulless eyes, your mouth agape.

Blood was building up from your throat and into your mouth. Warmth was slowly abandoning your body, and you were frozen, wondering when it would stop. If he was going to stop.

His maniacal laughter echoed in your ears.

Now you realized exactly how Chad had felt.

You squeezed your eyes shut, waiting for the fate of death to finally strike you. This is it. This was the end of the line for you.

At least Tara was safe. That's all you wanted.

But she would be losing you.

"Tara..." You gasped.

Ethan sharply twisted the knife in your stomach when you mentioned her name. You winced, letting out one last mournful cry.

You grasped at his arm, but the blood loss made you exponentially weak and incapable of causing significant damage to your assailant.

Your eyes flew open at the tearing of flesh, and you half expected to see your intestines on the floor.

Instead, Ethan was choking on a knife. Literally. He was stabbed through the roof of his mouth.

You lifted your head to see who saved you. Tara loomed over Ethan, with blood splatters all over her face, looking rightfully pissed off.

And hot.

Your eyes widened in awe at the beautiful woman before you. Something churned in your gut, and it wasn't because of your stab wounds.

You pushed your carnal fascination aside to analyze later. If you survived, that is.

Ethan gurgled, and your attention left Tara for a second so you could relish in his pained expression. It was his turn to plead like a little bitch.

You heard laughter, and it wasn't coming from Ethan. Tara's grin was indecipherable as she chuckled lowly and sheathed the knife further into his jaw.

A tiny voice of concern was in the back of your mind. Maybe, just maybe, she was enjoying this too much.

But you couldn't lie. It affected you: her heavy-lidded eyes, the snarl on her lips, and how she chose the most violent approach to save you.

There was a certain aura of possessiveness masquerading as rage behind her actions.

She let Ethan suffer for a little longer before ripping the knife out of his mouth.

Some of his blood landed on your face, and finally, he crumpled weakly to the floor. Somehow, you kept yourself from falling with him, but he had let go of the knife in your stomach shortly after he was stabbed by Tara.

You let your eyes trail up Tara's body until you reached her face, and your eyes met.

You swallowed nervously.

She gazed at you intensely with a dark look; The knife glistened with blood as it was raised.

Was there something about her past that you didn't know? Something that could snap and make her capable of killing you?

You didn't like having these thoughts about her. This was the girl you loved. And she was a victim, not the mastermind.

However, if her trauma went untreated...

Exhaling, Tara tossed the knife aside, and it clattered on the floor. She outstretched her hand, the softness you recognized returning to her eyes as she regarded you with concern. "Can you stand?"

You pressed your hand tenderly against your stomach to calm the bleeding from your wounds while avoiding the knife Ethan left in you. One slight movement had numerous shocks of pain shooting up your spine.

Biting your lip, your eyes filled with tears as you stared up at her and shook your head.

Realization crossed her features, her expression growing pitiful.

A gunshot ran out from the rafters. Sam's voice was barely audible. Since you didn't have a confrontation with Detective Bailey, you assumed he was the last one standing and that Sam was the one confronting him.

"Come on."

Before you could protest, Tara stepped around Ethan's body, slung your arm over her shoulder, and wrapped her arm around your waist.

"Wait-" You drew in a sharp breath as you were forced upright; your wounds were stretched, making them ache and burn. "Shit."

Tara grunted. She tried her best to carry you while you were propped up against her, but she was having trouble walking.

"You're limping." You stated. You felt guilty for weighing her down like this. "Tara..."

"Don't." She snapped; her breathing was shortened. "If you think I'm dropping you. Think again because I'm not."

You opened your mouth to argue, but Sam screaming made both of you look up.

Your eyes widened in horror at Sam's falling body. She wasn't the only one thrown over the rafters; Detective Bailey was too.

You and Tara flinched as Sam and the detective landed in a memorial of the Ghostface killings and destroyed it.

Glass spilled out onto the floor.

You looked over at Tara. She was flabbergasted and open-mouthed, staring at her sister's unconscious body resting on broken shards of glass and other materials.

She didn't move, but you knew she needed to check on her sister. In the end, the only family they had was each other.

Tara might've had a friend group and you, but Sam didn't let anyone in because of her fucked up father's history and her psycho ex-boyfriend. That's why she was so protective of her younger sister.

Tara was all she had.

It took some time, but after Tara had convinced you that it would be easier for her to help Sam after she knew you were safe, she carried you into one of the backrooms.

Not the room where Chad... neither of you could stomach that.

She helped maneuver you into a sitting position on the floor. You sighed in relief when your back rested on a wall.

She placed her hand on the wall and crouched to your eye level. "I'm going to see if Sam is okay. It shouldn't take long, alright? I've called an ambulance, so they should get here soon. You're going to be fine."

You smiled weakly. She was being sweet and more careful than usual because you were bleeding out and dying, but regardless, she made you forget how much pain you were in.

She gave you a small smile in return and turned to leave.

You reached out and grasped her arm before she could go.

She stopped, looking at you curiously.

"I..." You could barely complete your sentence. "Love you."

She smiled wide this time, and her tired eyes seemed to shine from happiness. "Tell me later."

Then, Tara briskly walked out to save her sister. You were left alone, wondering if she would return to you safely.

“Y/n!”

The paramedics wheeled you on a stretcher out of the creepy Ghostface memorial slash abandoned theatre. It was now a huge murder scene.

You had an oxygen mask over your nose and mouth that helped you breathe.

You were so high on morphine and painkillers, and it was fucking great because you deserved that euphoric feeling after the events you just went through.

Tara jogged up to the stretcher. The paramedics stopped so she could chat with you.

“Hey.” You said tiredly, unable to change your facial expression because you were doped up. It felt awkward to smile.

But you were extremely happy to be alive with Tara.

“Hey stranger,” She was in a good enough mood for jokes, doing the smile that revealed her dimples. “Remember, when you told me you loved me?”

“Hmm?” You answered noncommittally.

“I knew it. You are so high.” Tara laughed.

She understood because she had been through Ghostface attacks before.

And she survived again.

This time, she had you.

“I am so high.” You agreed, smiling slightly behind the oxygen mask.

Tara tentatively lifted the mask off, and you look over at her, puzzled.

You were surprised when she tugged you in for a kiss. It was slow and tender with the perfect amount of desperation.

“We got another one here!”

You broke apart from the kiss at the same time Tara did. Both of you turned your heads and saw Chad being wheeled out the same way you were.

You were matching with him. He looked in pretty bad shape, the same as you.

He was parked beside you, and Tara immediately addressed the elephant in the room, ”How are you alive??”

You had the same reaction.

”Core four!” Chad’s yell was muffled. He pumped his fist in the air like an idiot.

Tara glanced at you with a mischievous look in her eyes. “Core five! For y/n.”

“That doesn’t rhyme, though.” Chad complained halfheartedly.

Sam walked up to the three of you with a smile.

She placed her hands on Tara’s shoulders and spoke directly to you. “Thank you for taking care of my sister and fighting alongside us. It was very brave.”

“Apology accepted for accusing me.” You smiled to show that you were joking.

“If we’re accepting apologies…” Your attention was focused on Mindy shyly walking towards you as if you were going to hurl something at her.

“After being stabbed 10 times, I’m over that. Trust me.” You said truthfully, then added in a more lighthearted tone, “But you’re forgiven.”

Mindy was visibly relieved, then she immediately changed topics. “I can’t believe I missed the monologue again!”

You nodded in agreement.

You would’ve loved to see Detective Bailey quivering in fear as he had his ass handed to him, but you knew Tara would tell you all the details later.

Poor Mindy, though. She missed the entire final act.

The oxygen mask was placed back on your face with care. Tara turned back to look at Sam. “Can we ride with y/n to the hospital?”

She was asking for permission.

Sam was caught off guard and torn between Tara’s hopeful tone. She thought about it for a moment, and conceded.

“If they’ll let us.” She said with a smile.

[sxffrxn]

When love strikes OP81

An Oscar Piastri x reader, enemies to lovers story

Part One Part Two

Summary: Oscar Piastri and Y/N L/N have a long-lasting feud, nobody knows why. Do they themselves know why?

Warnings: swearing, Oscar and Y/N literally act like children, grammar mistakes, messy

Word Count: 1.4k

~~

Arriving back at home was like a blessing from the Gods. As soon as Y/N stepped foot in her apartment, her coat was thrown off as she leaped onto her bed, luggage forgotten. That night, she had the best sleep she had in a very long time, despite still being in her travelling clothes.

When she woke up and checked her phone she found her instagram was blowing up. Panic coursed itself through her body. Was she cancelled online? Has someone made up some bullshit to spread about her?

But, alas, it was her interview. It had gone viral. Some people were speculating about Oscar and Y/N’s relationship, and some had compiled an entire 30 minute video of the pair being downright unpleasant to each other. Although Y/N did in fact watch the whole video - in 3x speed, she wasn’t watching a 30 minute long video - she has to admit some of these were a stretch, I mean there was one scene where they simply walked past each other, opposite sides of the walkway may I add.

Both Lamborghini and Mclaren’s PR teams were going to have a field day with this one.

About an hour later, Y/N got a call from her assistant, Gemma,

“What have you done Y/N, the internet is in shambles!” she started.

“No, Hi how are you? Are you well rested? Why yes I am thank you for asking.” Y/N replied.

“Y/N I don’t think you understand the severity of this. We have had Mclaren on the phone all morning trying to sort this mess out.”

“Gem, I replied the way I was supposed to, I can’t think of another way I could have handled that without it turning into a brawl!” Y/N answered in a less polite tone than she should have used.

“Y/N” she started, “I know you handled it the best way you could. I’m sorry this is just so stressful. I don't know how to say this..”

“Say what? Surely it's not that bad. I mean they’re not kicking me off the team are they? I’ve only done one race an-“ she was cut off by Gemma again.

“They want you to act as though you are civil. Friends even. And I’m not talking, not sending glares at the other. I mean they want you to do all sorts of things with him.” Y/N’s heart dropped, she could not do this. Did this tiny altercation have to resort to this? No. But was Y/N a petty bitch? Abso-fucking-lutely.

“Gem, I’m not pretending to date him or anything like that, I’ve read a lot of books with that in and I hate it.”

“No, Y/N, you do not have to pretend to date Oscar Piastri,” she let out a sigh of relief, “You will, however, have to go to many events with him to show you guys are really just friends off track and rivals on.”

“Ughhhhh. Do I have to? Like what’s the significance of this?” Y/N tried to bargain.

“The significance is,” Gemma started, “not fucking up the internet more than you have - and yes, again, I know it’s not your fault for the interviewer’s question but we need to uphold the reputation of this team. Unfortunately women are always the problem in the media’s eyes.”

Y/N sighed rolling around on her bed and taking a big sip of water,

“Fine, but don’t expect me to apologise to anyone for anything. I hardly did anything wrong!” Maybe the last part was a little fib but Y/N stood her ground.

—

It was media day for the Saudi Arabian grand prix. Y/N sat in her hotel room completing a round of sudoku on her phone - her newest favourite past-time. She was waiting for a knock at her door from Gemma to explain the plan of action for today. Today commenced the ‘sort shit out with Oscar bloody Piastri’ plan, she was given minute details about how they would be miraculously saving each of their reputations. I mean, Y/N could hardly see the problem with rivalry on track, I mean look at Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, they had some issues - Y/N thinks so anyway - and nobody batted an eye, well I guess they weren’t as hostile with each other as Piastri and Y/N are.

A knock resounded through Y/N hotel room.

“Coming!” she went to the door and was met with the smiley face of Gemma,

“Gem you’re,” she checked her watch, “20 minutes early!”

“Yet you are all ready, what happened to ‘Little Miss constantly 10 minutes late’?” Gemma responded.

“Shitting bricks Gem.” Y/N patted Gemma on the back as she stepped out of her room and locked the door, “Let’s get this over and done with, yeah?”

Gemma filled Y/N in on the plan for the start of the day, Y/N would meet Oscar in the foyer of the hotel, have a few laughs and then head to the paddock, they would re-evaluate from there.

Y/N could feel herself gagging as she stepped into the main entrance, yes she was being very dramatic, but this was more stressful than telling her mum she had forgotten to take the chicken out of the freezer to defrost when specifically asked to. Oscar turned and scowled as Y/N walked up to him, this was going to be way harder than he thought. Gemma gave Y/N a firm pat on the back to usher her towards the aussie. They had fake paparazzi stationed just outside the hotel to get the best angles of their positive encounter. When Y/N felt a hand on her back, it was like a switch had been flicked and she grinned at Oscar as though they were best friends, she really channelled the 9 in her drama GCSE for this one moment.

She waved at Oscar as she got closer and he got the memo to sort himself out and act. They began walking out the door and to the shared car they would be taking (Y/N screamed into her hands and nearly punched a hole in the lift door when she found out they'd be car sharing), Oscar opened the door for Y/N to climb into the back seat before he got in. Both Oscar and Y/N had practically begged Gemma to be the peacekeeper and sit between them, but she claimed that she ‘needed to sit in the front because she gets motion sickness’ Y/N called out her shit and said that they had spent millions of car rides together in the back.

It was hard to not grab Oscar by the throat and throttle him into next week but Y/N kept her composure - and kept her hands to herself. It was almost peaceful at first, if you ignore the massive amounts of tension between the two, but that all soon changed as soon as Oscar opened his mouth,

“Do you know how long the car ride is?” he asked, directed to literally anyone in the car who could give him an answer.

“Longer than your F1 debut race” Y/N muttered under her breath, she did mean for him to hear it as she thought it was a pretty good joke. Turns out, it's probably not best to joke about race finishes - in this case, race not finishes - with someone who despises you.

“What the fuck, that’s not funny” he said turning to her.

Y/N stayed staring at her phone but let out a little giggle at his response. Oscar huffed and practically threw himself back into his seat.

“It’s about a 45 minute drive, Oscar” The driver, Kim (also Oscar’s performance coach) answered for him.

‘45 minutes with this bellend’ Y/N said in her mind before rolling her eyes and rotating her phone to watch a show on Netflix.

Oscar was in the same boat ‘No fucking way am I spending 45 minutes with her’ he thought to himself.

A loud ding sound echoed through the back of the car,

“Are you playing sudoku? What are you a fucking child?” Oscar commented. Y/N just scowled at him and stuck her tongue out. Oscar gave her a pointed look, then she realised, huffed, and pushed herself further into her seat.

This was going to be one hell of a car ride.

A/N: Hey guys sorry for the late update, I didn’t drop off the face of the earth. I’ve been so stressed out with schoolwork recently so updates will be scarce 😬 Thank you guys for all the support on the first part I literally love you all!!! Still working out the ropes to tumblr but i promise I will get there in the end.

Taglist: @chiliwhore (comment or lmk to be added i guess!!)

[secretdiaryofcrowley]

Just a little bit of out-of-character meta

In the first scene, Aziraphale tries very hard to convince the other angels that Crowley is an enemy. It doesn't work for all of them because Michael grows suspicious, but the others seem fairly convinced, he's telling the truth.

In the second scene, Aziraphale tries to convince Crowley that the Metatron is a good guy. The phrasing he uses is similar as in the first scene, and so is his tone of voice.

I think it's possible that at this point of the story Aziraphale already feels or even understands that the Metatron is not a good guy, but he either tries to convince himself that this feeling is wrong or he tries to keep up appearances.

Of course, it's entirely possible that the similarity between both scenes is a coincidence, but in GO there are so many hidden clues between the lines that there might be some significance to it.

[fsfghgee]

I agree, Bi-Han was very close to his mother. In fact, I believe he probably took most of her personality and appearance (thin eyebrows and sharp cheekbones). A dialogue line between Smoke and Li-Mei states that his mother was “nonsense and tough as nails”. Some people think he speaking about his bio mom but I truly believe he was speaking about his adoptive mother because whenever he takes about his bio mom there is always a somber tone.

Now I’m only making assumptions here, but I’m she was the only woman to understand him until he got with Sektor.

Yes. You're right. Sektor is the only person who truly understands Bi-Han and has supported him since his mother died. And as strange as some people may find it, men like Bi-Han — men who are truly attached and close to their mothers — are often (when not exclusively) attracted to women who are similar to their mothers. And this isn't just a male fetish thing, nor is it a conscious choice. Bi-Han certainly doesn't see Sektor as his mother. But she definitely has personality traits that he feels familiar enough to be attracted to, behavioral traits that he grew up admiring, physical traits that he feels comfortable with. Her affection for him takes him to a safe place, a place he hasn't had access to since his mother's death, he feels safe enough in her presence to expose his vulnerabilities:

I can't even imagine how comforting it must have been for him to hear Sektor's voice and see her face after spending hours being tortured to death by titan Havik. And worse, being forced to obey him, knowing how much he hates obeying and being controlled.

I saw a lot of people (intentionally or not) reading this scene the wrong way. Trying to paint this scene as a sample of a toxic relationship, where Bi-Han doesn't care about her or that Sektor has no dignity for accepting this. And I was like, "WTF". The only thing he did was abruptly break free from her strong grip to punch Liu Kang. The important point of this scene has been completely ignored…

The authority and lack of fear she shows when holding him tightly and telling him not to fight was just another way they found to show us that Sektor is Bi-Han's significant other. A simple follower, just another subordinate of the ruthless Grandmaster, would not have the courage to do this. And even though she is very important to him and he loves her, he is not the type of man who obeys without a good reason. He is not a man with an easy temperament to control and truly hates being controlled. It's even unfair to compare the situation between Sektor and Bi-Han with that of Harumi and Kuai Liang as some people have been doing…

First, Kuai Liang didn't have the adrenaline of a bloodlust running through his veins like he would have had if he had gone after Cyrax to kill her, Cyrax was the one who offered her neck to Kuai's wrath.

Second, Kuai Liang, not even at that moment, had half the hatred for Cyrax that Bi-Han has for Liu Kang and Havik. It's literally confirmed by him and her, in story mode and intros, that they have a past.

Third, Harumi actually gave Kuai Liang convincing reasons to spare Cyrax. Sektor didn't give Bi-Han any, and even if she had, I doubt it would have changed his mind. After all, Bi-Han's goal was to give Liu Kang a quick pummeling to kill the man/titan/god who tortured him to death.

Even though the expansion's story isn't a masterpiece of literature, the part about making Sektor and Bi-Han's relationship romantic without diminishing the threat that Bi-Han actually poses as an antagonist in the game was successfully achieved.

Sektor is Bi-Han's only weakness (just as he is hers)...

Shang Tsung: Bi-Han will pay a steep ransom for your return. Sektor: Just how are *you* planning to abduct *me*?

Shang Tsung: This hostility is unwarranted, Bi-Han. Noob Saibot: You tried to abduct Sektor!

Noob Saibot: You wish to bargain? After what you've done?! Shang Tsung: Do you wish to rule or not, Bi-Han.

Noob Saibot: It is time you answer for Sektor. Shang Tsung: For what, exactly? She escaped me unharmed.

Noob Saibot: You tried enlisting Sektor against me?! Quan Chi: Not against you. To help you see reason.

Noob Saibot: Leave. Before this gets ugly. Quan Chi: I am here to haggle but if we must fight, so be it.

Noob Saibot: If Liu Kang seeks to punish Sektor -- Geras: It would be his right to do so.

Kenshi: So you and Sektor, eh? Hm. That tracks. Noob Saibot: If that is mockery, you are a dead man.

Liu Kang: Sektor should have trusted me to heal you. Noob Saibot: You should not have made her wait.

Liu Kang: You should have trusted me, Sektor. Sektor: Why?! You left Bi-Han to rot.

Sindel: Your 'beloved' should never have crossed me. Sektor: He doesn't fear you. And neither do I.

Kitana: I have to question your taste in men. Sektor: Please, Princess. Share your thoughts.

Geras: If you love Bi-Han, return him to Liu Kang. Sektor: It's because I do that I cannot.

Kenshi: You and Bi-Han deserve each other. Sektor: I couldn't agree more.

But she is also his greatest strength.

Rain: What will Bi-Han do without his Master Armorer? Sektor: He'll never find out, will he?

General Shao: Sub-Zero sends his woman after me? Sektor: He sends his most skilled warrior.

Sub-Zero: Together we will make the Lin Kuei immortal. Sektor: I am honored to fight by your side.

Sektor: We will stop Kuai Liang. Sub-Zero: And finish his Shirai Ryu.

Sektor: I couldn't leave you locked away in the Temple. Noob Saibot: You were right to be impatient.

Sektor: Is it best for you to remain this way? Noob Saibot: It is best for the Lin Kuei.

Sektor: If Liu Kang continues to stand -- Noob Saibot: We will neutralize him.

Cyrax: With Sektor as the Lin Kuei's grandmaster -- Smoke: I know. They could be even *more* dangerous.

Li Mei: You may be more dangerous than Bi-Han. Sektor: Ha! May be?

Sektor: I won't let you near Bi-Han. Ermac: You are one. One cannot stop Us.

Sektor: Keep your souls away from my clan. Ermac: The Lin Kuei must answer for Sindel.

Mileena: I can’t trust Lin Kuei. You were complicit in -- Sektor: Bi-Han knew nothing of Titan Shang Tsung.

Sektor: Bi-Han risked everything to free you. General Shao: Not every gamble pays, Sektor.

Geras: Your experiments with automation must end. Sektor: Interesting. I must be on to something.

Sub-Zero: The armor isn't enough. Sektor: Patience, Bi-Han. There is more to come.

Noob Saibot: How long before the prototype is ready? Sektor: It will be done when it is done.

Tanya: You've created more mechanized monstrosities? Sektor: Many. And I can't wait to unleash them.

Sektor: Once all Lin Kuei are equipped like me -- Scorpion: It will be a dark day for Earthrealm.

General Shao: Are you still Lin Kuei? Noob Saibot: I will *always* be Lin Kuei.

General Shao: Your army's battle armor masks its incompetence. Noob Saibot: If you think so, take the field against us.

General Shao: I need Sektor's services. Noob Saibot: You should have thought of that before freezing me out.

Reiko: Do you share Bi-Han's power? Or just his bed? Sektor: Careful, Reiko. Disrespect can be fatal.

Reiko: You should be a weapon in the General's arsenal. Sektor: The Lin Kuei won't partner wih him again.

Reiko: What will it take for you to equip our army? Sektor: There isn't enough gold in the realms.

Ashrah: The Lin Kuei's course can still be changed. Sektor: We are far beyond the point of no return.

Ashrah: Your ardor for Bi-Han is -- Sektor: I don't need a demon's advice.

Scorpion: You have influenced my brother -- Sektor: He is his own man, Kuai Liang.

And I honestly find it strange that there are those who think that Li Mei would remind Tomas of his biological mother when he calls Bi-Han's mother his mother too:

Smoke: If Mother were alive -- Sub-Zero: She would applaud my actions.

This intro…

Li Mei: I remind you of your mother? Smoke: No-nonsense and tough as nails, just like her.

describes a fighter, not a hunter. Which Li Mei is, just like Bi-Han's mother was:

Sindel: Both your parents were excellent fighters. Scorpion: I can only hope to live up to their example.

*Plus, Li Mei and Bi-Han's mother (in mk1) are Chinese (inspired appearance), I doubt that Smoke's biological mother was not Czech like him.

Smoke remembering his adoptive mother as a serious, firm,  straightforward, strong, extremely tough and determined woman. No-nonsense and tough as nails, like a warrior is supposed to be, makes sense to describe Bi-Han's mother in a few words. And Bi-Han being right about his mother…

Smoke: If Mother were alive -- Sub-Zero: She would applaud my actions.

This dialogue between Li Mei and Sektor kinda proves that Sek would have had her mother-in-law's blessing if she were still alive:

Li Mei: In another life, we might have been friends. Sektor: That is pointless speculation, Li Mei.

Liu Kang, his father and brother may disapprove of Sektor now, but his mother would love her (almost) as much as he does and that's all that matters to him.

[dungeonmeshi-confessions]

hehe I think its my ask youre excited about and now Im excited too. 💜

I like what you had to say so far, and I agree with you!!! Like I said, I understand completely that depending on a person's relationship with their disability, they may feel completely differently!!!

I think part of it for me is that. kabru is also disabled, his is just invisible- his ptsd. and this causes him to kind of do some self abandonment, hes not good at eating, he has insomnia, he struggles with several things mithrun does too.

I like to see mithrun pick up on this and do what he can to help with that. not bc he has to in order to deserve kabru, but bc he wants to see kabru well. like mithrun noticing that kabru will ask if he's eaten but barely feed himself and being 🤨 about it. or how kabru will help him get to sleep on time just to then stay up late with work. so mithrun intervenes and stubbornly forces kabru to take care of himself sometimes.

I like to see variance in how much help mithrun needs. I think as he improves, people may accidentally forget how reliant he is. He may end up having a rough time from it, causing him to need even more help again for a while. I think he will definitely hit rough patches in his recovery, where supports that worked before suddenly dont help him much, or he feels really discouraged and hopeless again. I really like fics where his recovery isnt linear and he has significant struggles or even fully falls back into his catatonic state.

and I like to see kabru care for him. I esp like it when its part of a routine together, like meals and sleep. I do also like mithrun being helped with care tasks, but its really about the tone its written in.

I dont really like when kabru is very officially in charge of mithruns care, more as a nurse than a friend, and then a bathing scene turns into porn. that makes me uncomfortable.

but if kabru is his very close friend or his lover, bathing him or bathing together feels like an act of intimacy and closeness instead.

but also, its this- I like mithrun's care to be someone elses job bc it means every ounce of care kabru gives to him is bc he wants to, bc he cares about him, and not bc he has an external commitment. I think kabru is very willing to give mithrun what he can, even as busy as he is. I just cant see it being his job on top of the 10 jobs in one trench coat being the kings advisor is.

I think if they are together and/or live together, kabru does much more than if they arent.

I think it is important that mithrun is loved and worthy of love even when he is at his worst and needs lots of help. he deserves to have people be patient and sweet with him. and Kabru is such an acts of service guy, he really is a great person to help mithrun with that. to me it really just comes down to how it is written and presented.

does it feel genuinely intimate and loving, or does it feel weird and fetishy? and also is mithrun having trouble in a way that makes sense for his disability, or is he being reduced to being generally disabled? Is this moment an empowering one of being worthy of love at your lowest, or is he being infantilized and stripped of autonomy?

so maybe its more accurate to say "I enjoy some of the caretaking elements commonly portayed with kabumisu, BUT-"

(I'll leave you alone about this topic now until you are able to properly post these asks lmao. remain strong. I will try to keep thinking up fun and positive asks for you for the future 💜)

replying to this ask instead of queueing it as it's a direct response to my post—

I actually completely agree with every point you made!! I don't read fanfic often and I've never read kbms before, but I do totally understand and agree with you here lol. I think I actually like the idea of Mithrun having multiple caretakers, and I'm not big on any of it feeling clinical because... they're friends and lovers and family!! Whoever I see taking care of him has some sort of close relation to him of some sort, so the idea of it being clinical does ick me (especially because the idea of having a caretaker I don't know very well and am not already close with makes me personally gery uncomfortable and unsafe). I think if I read a kbms fic, I'd want them to sort of care for each other in equal amounts (whether that care is primarily physical or primarily emotional).

Related, I really like the idea of Mithrun and Obrin (Mithrun's brother, if you didn't knkw his name) gaining a relationship where they can have equal respect for the first time, and maybe relate to each other for the first time. I think this would offer them both alot of closure.

[boring-horror-enjoyer]

Longlegs: Hmm.... *SPOILERS*

PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE! Don't let me ruin it for you!

Tbh I found out I might lose my job today so that may have affected my ability to watch this movie and think critically. There is a LOT of thinking involved this movie. Overall, I'd say most people would have to watch this twice to fully understand (I will certainly watch again). I liked what I understood, but I would not go as far as to say "Movie of the Year" like some. Why are people NOT saying that this movie is so similar in tone and (sort of) plot to Sinister? It's like, religious Sinister. And I fucking LOVE Sinister.

Cinematically? Chef's kiss. Score? Chef's fucking kiss. Smooch, even. The use of aspect ratio made it far more understandable and I appreciate that. The mood of the cinematography was clear and consistent. The score ties you down to your seat. I was definitely immersed.

Nicolas Cage's appearance: Meh. I HATE that it is meh. He played a creepy guy very well, and I suppose they had to make him look like a regular guy plot-wise. I knew the "Maika Monroe's heartbeat when she saw Cage in costume for the first time!" was gimmicky, and I played in anyway. Ugh. It was serving Jeff the Killer. He felt a little corny, especially in the polaroid scene.

There are a lot of "HOLY SHIT what was that???" moments. The background is just as important as the foreground in a lot of scenes, which is.... disorienting, I guess. I found it hard to get the full picture of what's happening because these ambiguous shapes and silhouettes are taking away from like, what I thought were significant plot points. Throwing in a few, absolutely. But this felt like there were maybe 10+ moments like that.

All in all: This movie keeps your attention the whole time. The opening scene is fucking electric. Solid 7 out of 10, it could be a 9 out of 10 if I understood the missing pieces. Minus 1 point for multiple distracting foreground/background scenes.

Questions I still have:

Carrie Anne: Why was her family's execution so fucked up? Why would they go through with it if she was not there? This is somewhere I may have missed something.

Why on earth would the FBI give Lee a psychic test? Do they actually do that? I mean, for being psychic, nobody fucking listened to her.

What is the significance of the number 6 on the clock in Lee's home in that whole scene where her doll gets shot? If it's just a simple like "ooooh devil 666" that's a little annoying.

Where the fuck are the other dolls from the other murder scenes? What usually happens to them?

Did Agent Carter know he was the next family? Is that why he had such a visceral reaction to Lee's suggestion of an accomplice?

What the fuck happened to her when her doll got shot? Did she lose her "psychic" ability?

Sorry if you read all of this, it's a lot. I'm using this as an excuse to not think about how I might lose my job :) The mega plus is that it was a very fun date night with my husband <3

[hayatheauthor]

How To Immerse Your Readers With Indirect Characterisation

If you are a writer you’ve probably come across the term ‘show, don’t tell’. This is a popular piece of advice passed down from one writer to the next, however, some writers have wrongly presumed this applies solely to one’s description. 

Much like description, your characterisation can directly impact your reader’s immersion and understanding of your characters. While direct characterisation tells your reader about your character, indirect characterisation unveils their true personality. Unsure how to correctly characterise your characters? Here are some tips on how to immerse your readers with indirect characterisation! 

What Is Direct And Indirect Characterisation? 

In its simplest form, characterisation is the creation or construction of a fictional character. A bit of brainstorming and OC forms can make this feel easy enough, however, many writers fail to realise how important characterisation is during the writing process. 

Characterisation comes in two different forms—direct and indirect characterisation. 

Direct Characterisation 

Direct characterisation is when the author tells the readers what a character is like. It is often concise and lacks insight into the character’s personality. It is generally used when initially describing a character or during fast-paced scenes that require minimal character description. 

An example of a direct characterisation would be saying “she was kind” or “he was a very rude person”. Both of these descriptions accomplish the task of accurately describing your character’s persona, however, they are boring and sound akin to a fact rather than a description. 

Indirect Characterisation 

Indirect characterisation is when an author reveals details about a character without explicitly stating them. It is often used across literature to paint a clear picture of your character’s persona while also immersing the readers. 

Rather than simply stating a character is kind or rude, an indirect description would portray their characteristics using descriptive language. While “she was kind” sounds like a sufficient description, something akin to “her hands delicately cupped the flower buds before her, her a touch a testament to her kind heart” is more likely to immerse your reader. 

Why Does The Type Of Characterisation Matter? 

The way you characterise your character can directly impact your reader’s perception of them. While direct characterisation tells your readers about your character’s personality, indirect characterisation gives them insight into how this impacts your character’s daily life, personal dynamics, and opinion of themselves and those around them. 

This isn’t to say direct characterisation is necessarily wrong or bad, in fact, I can think of several instances when direct characterisation would be more useful than indirect. But similarly, there are several instances when indirect characterisation would be more useful than direct. 

How To Use Indirect Characterisation 

Now that you know what indirect characterisation is, here are some techniques on how to implement indirect characterisation in your writing. 

Dialogue 

Writers often fail to realise how significant a piece of dialogue can be. The way your character speaks is a direct reflection of their personality. Small factors such as their tone, pronunciation, voice and word choice help portray your character’s persona. An extroverted and excitable teenager might talk with their hands and use a lot of slang, whereas a poised butler would make a conscious effort to speak in a soft and formal tone. 

An example of indirect characterisation in dialogue would be: “Sam!” the way her arm waved above her head as she called his name drew a bout of unwanted attention, but that didn’t stop her from continuing with her calls. “They’re selling those colourful cookies you love, come on the queue is pouring out the doors.” 

I could have simply stated the character was loud and extroverted before writing out the dialogue, but the above indirect characterisation allows me to showcase her personality without boring the readers. 

Use Actions 

A person’s personality directly impacts the way they carry themselves. A happy-go-lucky character might hum a light tune as they skip through the halls of their workplace while a quiet introvert would train their gaze on the floor and only speak when spoken to. 

Tying your character’s personality into their persona is an easy way to implement indirect characterisation into your writing. Take the time to sit down and consider how a person with your character’s personality would react around others (you can accomplish this by observing people around you who have a similar personality). Once you have an understanding of their persona, figure out ways to implement these little quirks into your writing. 

Appearance 

Portraying a character’s appearance is probably the most underrated form of indirect characterisation. The way a person carries themselves, their taste in fashion, and other such physical attributes are a direct reflection of their personality. 

A confident person might be comfortable showing a lot more skin than an insecure one, a traditional person would maintain a simpler and modest outlook while a modern character would be comfortable with unconventional outfits. 

This can also vary depending on the situation your character is in. Maybe a fun-loving character fond of long loose skirts is seen in a soldier’s garb when it’s time for a fight, or a motherly figure with long unruly hair could have a habit of pulling back her curls into a tight updo before scolding her underlings.  

Blending Direct And Indirect Characterisation 

Implementing indirect characterisation in your writing is important, however, if you are aiming for an immersive piece of writing that will draw your readers in, you need to blend direct and indirect characterisations together. 

A fast chapter portraying a fight scene might start off with direct characterisation but tie into the occasional indirect characterisation that details their combat skills. A slower chapter describing your character’s journey through a foreign building could begin with winding indirect characterisations but switch to direct ones once you move onto the heart of the chapter. 

When switching between direct and indirect characterisation, it’s important to take your current scene into account and consider whether or not you should prioritise your character or plot. 

I hope this blog on how to immerse your readers with indirect characterisation will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and marketing tools for authors every Monday and Thursday. 

Want to learn more about me and my writing journey? Visit my social media pages under the handle @hayatheauthor where I post content about my WIP The Traitor’s Throne and life as a teenage author. 

[lakesbian]

Very curious to hear you elaborate on your thoughts of dungeon meshi anime sucking! Most of the folks I’ve seen talk about it have been pretty positive, and while as a fan of the manga I dropped out of the anime partway through I can’t really articulate why I stopped watching

this is gonna be pretty unformed but maybe @haunting-hole could add more if she wants. to phrase it to the best of my ability (unfortunately sans picture examples because i don't have time to dig them up):

it looks bad. or, well, the issue is actually that it just looks okay. the lighting is extremely washed out and sterile feeling. the manga has 1. gorgeous art and 2. extremely strong usage of light and shadow to convey tone, and the anime drops the ball both on fully conveying the atmosphere of those environments via their color (because the lighting is sterile and ubiquitous) and on using color in more subtle ways to convey the tone that the manga was initially striking for certain plot beats, whether that be horror or humor or emotional closeness. good example of this is comparing the first fawin fight in the anime vs the manga--in the manga, there's really stark use of light and shadow that adds an immense sense of emotional gravity, and the anime Does Not Have That

i think it in general lacks the artistic nuances that make the manga good...like first fawin fight as an example again. when she rips her shirt off in the manga, she's extremely bloodsplattered with a horrifyingly slackjawed, unfocused, animalistic look--she looks like a predatory animal. in the anime, the expression is altered in a way that makes her appear significantly more in control of her faculties than she actually is. or directly compare delgal's birth in the manga to delgal's birth in the anime--the one in the manga feels extremely personal and intimate and human, and the one in the anime has absolutely none of that weight because of how the scene is designed and drawn

i understand that things have to get cut out oftentimes in adaptations but i cannot fathom why they decided to cut namari explaining how resurrection works because it's literally Critical context for understanding the plot event of why everyone is so horrified when they find falin's bones. the sense of dread is so much more significant in the manga...i remember seeing a big post having 2 explain why this was a big deal 4 anime-onlies bc they were just straight up missing the critical worldbuilding detail that Resurrection Doesn't Fucking Work So Good when someone is just Bones. like please. that's importance.

the manga does comedy, horror, horror-comedy, extremely convincing character-focused emotional intimacy, etc. the anime has like. i don't fully know how to articulate it, it tries to recreate panels one-to-one but it ends up coming off as awkward and jarring instead. toshiro and laios' fight is particularly dire for this. i haven't watched the most recent episode myself but my friend whom i trust to be so right about dungeon meshi reported that it completely shits the bed on giving senshi's backstory the same compelling gravity as the manga. and also they put one of those overly cheery shiny yellow backgrounds over a group hug scene that's incredibly cozy and intimate and not at all humorously played up or lighthearted in the manga.

like, i think it really just boils down to the fact that the manga is a solid 5/5 with broad appeal, and the anime is a 3/5 mediocre sort of situation you just kinda drop without really thinking about why. just starkly milquetoast compared to everything the manga does. the anime being this popular is like watching people flock 2 outback steakhouse when a michelin star restaurant is right next door handing out free meals. it's Fine, it's Perfectly Serviceable depending on how distinguishing your taste is, but it's distinctly worse in comparison to the manga, and i don't care about seeing the same story rehashed in a diminished quality

[theflyindutchwoman]

So, I guess this is our official first date. Mm, last night was, for sure. I mean, it's a better story for the grandkids. We've got grandkids now. Nice.

| ANATOMY OF A SCENE - CHENFORD EDITION 5.10 - The List

Bookending the episode with Tim and Lucy's first and second dates is such an ingenious move. Particularly since both dates have a very distinct tone : if their first one was all about Tim and Lucy setting their boundaries, this one showcases how they perfectly match each other - and not just at work...

No more awkwardness, no fancy restaurant… This time, this is just them at a food truck, a subtle callback to all the times they ate together during their shifts… And that's why it also appears more true to them. There's an incredibly romantic feel to this scene - in a way, even more than that first date. The fairy lights behind them gives off this warm and delicate glow, creating an intimate atmosphere, reinforced by Tim and Lucy sitting extremely close to each other, her thigh between his.. This feels so much more like them and it shows in how much more comfortable they both are in this setting. Right down to their debate on whether this is their first official date or their second. It's not quite their typical bickering, but it is close. Their relationship is slowly shifting, towards something even better, without losing their dynamic.

They're so much more at ease that Lucy doesn't even hesitate to casually mention their future grandkids, as if this is completely normal and not mind blowing at all. She's obviously being playful but what it underlines is powerful. At no point does she try to take her remark back or look like she might regret saying it. She looks right at Tim. And the implications this has… This is someone who has always wanted to keep things casual with her former boyfriends - a label she even had trouble using in the first place. Someone who was uncomfortable at the idea of meeting Chris's parents and who was panicking at the idea of moving in with him. So the fact that she can joke about grandchildren on her second date says how much she is committed to this. And it's the perfect echo to that first date where she was expression her desire to take things slow. It's her way of making sure that Tim understands that just because she doesn't want to rush things, doesn't mean she is any less committed. She wants that future with him.

Tim's reaction is everything. He may have been caught by surprise, as his double take indicates, but the way he raises his eyebrow, still smiling and gently teasing her just shows how awed he actually is by this. His eyes are shining with excitement and his voice is so soft. His answer is so simple - Nice. But the weight it has… He's absolutely picturing that future in that moment. And his smile speaks for itself. The man is elated. But more than that : he is finally at peace. I don't think we have ever seen him this relaxed before. This is the look of someone who has finally found his person - one who wants the same things as him - and realises that he is getting it all. It's like a weight off his shoulders… We know he wanted to have kids with Isabel but it didn't work out, Ashley didn't want them and at that point, he probably thought that it was not in the cards for him. He was ready to settle and give up on his dreams. But now? He realises that he can have it all. And it's a pure bliss. And this is something Lucy knew. She was the one who asked him if he wanted to have children. She saw how he was contorting himself into someone he wasn't because he didn't think he deserved better. She pretty much did the same, not wanting to fight because it wasn't worth the bother. And I love that all along, she wanted that love story and she's also getting it.

Not even a moron trying to steal a car right in front of them can ruin this moment. But how significant is this that Tim doesn't try to pursue him. That's not something he would do for anyone. But some things matter more… Like their first real kiss. The way Lucy has his undivided attention… how he gently caresses her face, his other hand on her thigh, before slowly leaning in, almost shyly, both smiling into the kiss… how he dives right back for more, like he does every time, as if he can't get enough… This is the epitome of softness...

And how beautiful is it that their first real kiss is completely different their previous ones. And how meaningful is it that Tim is the one to initiate it this time around. Go on this date, maybe a second date, have our first real kiss… Their checklist is now complete!

[protagonist-reviews]

No Country for Old Men

A cold, unembellished, but intimate look into the reality of death and the psyche of a killer. ★★★★★★★★★★

A fantastic movie. This does everything it sets out to do and the execution is perfect. This is not a feel-good shoot-em-up. It's about being in over your head in a world you don't understand. If you haven't watched the movie, do it now. My reviews don't include a synopsis.

First, as an aside, I want to talk about some of the choices made as far as cinematography go. This movie understands how to show, not tell. Chigurh's coins show up many times and never need to be explained or commented on. His glee at the beginning of the movie when killing the cop sets the tone for the rest of the movie. He doesn't need to say he loves to kill, you can see it. It's not even that subtle, but I feel even this kind of subtly is missing from a lot of media.

The beauty of this movie is that it doesn't lend any sort of...gravity to death. No tragedy, no honor, no nothing. It's like closing a door, turning off a light. It isn't glorified. Dying for something does nothing. There is a lot to say about all three main characters, but this review is going to focus on Chigurh so that it is a reasonable length.

Death comes harsh and quick to even the most prepared. To even the wealthiest. In this way, Chigurh is death. He enjoys killing but he's not obsessed with it. He is good at his job, but in a detached way. He's just his job. He's so far removed from the decision of killing that he lets a coin flip decide. This is not only a way to cope with guilt--if he ever felt any--but it is also narratively, a way to reinforce Chigurh as more of a force than a man. He moves through the world, taking out everything in his path without flinching. Being shot doesn't stop him, getting hit by the car doesn't stop him. But there is nothing else. He is a perfect killing machine but that's it. There is no room for anything else. He's methodical, intelligent, talented- but there's barely a man there. Now, obviously we're only seeing this one aspect of his life. But that is also all we are shown, and that's significant.

Now.

Let's talk about the bolt gun. Wow this thing is doing so much work. Not only is it a very distinctive, unorthodox weapon, it fits the character perfectly. Relatively silent, and so strange that the average person doesn't know what it is, it's a great representation of not only Chigurh, but symbolic of how he views other people. At first glance, there's nothing about him that appears particularly deadly (beyond the intimidation factor of his expression, but that's abstract). But over the course of the movie he is shown to be an efficient killer, just like the bolt gun. The cop at the beginning doesn't recognize the danger that he or the bolt gun represent. Doing double duty, though, the bolt gun tells us how Chirugh thinks of other people. Cattle. A job. Simply an assignment. Fantastic imagery and genuinely an integral part of both the character and the movie as a whole.

It's rare for me to give out a 10/10. Even The Thing was only a 9. But I think at the end of the day this movie has a lot more to say about the banality of death. We give it so much weight but it is something that happens every day, without reason. There's a very gripping dichotomy between the stark violence of the gunfights and the blase way the movie treats death. This section of the rest stop scene is a very good microcosm of this theme:

"Don't put it in your pocket, sir. Don't put it in your pocket. It's your lucky quarter." "Where do you want me to put it?" "Anywhere not in your pocket. Where it'll get mixed in with the others and become just a coin. Which it is."

The coins are parallel how Chirugh views people. On one hand, the coin is so important. It's everything. Living and dying. At the same time, it is just another coin. He goes through many coins throughout the movie. Any will do. They are interchangeable and disposable. They can be found everywhere. Worth very little on their own to Chirugh.

Worth a watch.