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ell-alexanderarnold · 9 months ago

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Intertwined, sewn together

Summary: Trent thinks Y/n’s unlocked a dimension of love in him that he never knew existed, whilst Y/n is fighting her feelings, unsure what’s right in their relationship. The only thing that she’s sure of is her love for Trent…

Angst & Fluff

Warnings: Sad, Reader has commitment issues

Note: So the results from this poll was a one shot! I really enjoyed writing this, feels like I’ve not written angst for a while so this was so much fun.💌 Please let me know your thoughts ♡

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1st of September

You had yet another dream about him. Why can’t you move on? When will this end? He held you in a way that no one’s ever had.

It comes in waves, you miss him a little less at times and then you miss him a little more. Although you swore that he’ll never hear from you again, you debate every time after a dream to make that call. Then you wish you’d stayed, you wish a lot of things but this, this is on a whole different scale. The scale of you missing Trent, could not be measured.

The moment you met each other, you both knew right away that you were perfect for one another. Time passed and it got more difficult, nothing happened in the way you wanted.

You spent your last summer with him, knowing it would probably be the last. You both knew.

28th of July

You lied awake, exhausted from the day. He was asleep, breathing slowly. The moonlight shined on his face so beautifully. Something inside you told you to leave but you thought, how can you begin again? How can you try to love someone new, who isn’t Trent?

As tears streamed down your face you kissed his forehead lightly so he wouldn’t wake up and left.

He’s going to wake up, without you. He will wonder where you are and he’ll think that this is where the story ends he just has to accept it and move on.

The memories, the good days, the bad days, they’ll be with you two always.

7th of September

Trent was spending some time at his mum’s house, filled with love from his family but the entire time he wished for Y/n to be with him. He don’t know how many times he’d thought in everyday, everything that ‘Y/n should be here’ or ‘Y/n would’ve laughed at that’,‘ Y/n would know what do to’.

He sat in the living room with his mother, watching some football to distract him from his thoughts.

“Oh Trent! Your birthday’s in one month!” Dianne exclaimed and Trent looked at his phone checking the date.

“Yeah.” He simply responded, completely emotionless.

“You should invite some friends over, maybe that girl that was here this summer. What’s her name again?” She asked and Trent got reminded of Y/n once again. He knew his mother adored her and Y/n loved being around Dianne as well, she was like her second mother. Trent knew that at some point this was going to happen.

“Y/n Y/l/n” He answered and watched his mother’s face lit up.

“Oh lovely Y/n Y/l/n, I miss her! What are she doing these days?” Dianne asked Trent and he started to get more upset thinking of her, his mother doesn’t know she’s not in his life anymore.

“I don’t know mum, we don’t see each anymore.” Trent revealed and the smile on Dianne’s face faded away.

“I’m sorry sweetie.” She said and comforted him as he couldn’t hold it in anymore, crying in his mother’s arms like he was a little boy.

“I guess you really loved her Trent.” She said after a while of rubbing his back.

“Yes, more than anything.” He sniffled and looked at his consoling mother.

“How do you know sweetheart?” Dianne implored and took ahold of his hand.

“Because nothing makes sense without her. Like everything was just at ease with her, and I know sometimes it wasn’t perfect and I said some wrong things, but that didn’t change our love, Mum.” He explained and she listened to every word.

“What you and Y/n had seemed special Trent and I’m sure she thinks that as well. Maybe you should try again?” His mother suggested as Trent looked up at her, giving it a thought.

“I don’t know.” Trent said and rubbed his eyes, ”I think I’m going to bed.” He added and Dianne gave him a quick peck on his cheek before he went up to his room.

8th of September

Trent woke up, tears forming in his eyes immediately as he opened them. The dream, was it real? Did the love of his life enter his life again and everything was how it once was? Anyways, it just a dream.

But he couldn’t let it go, he couldn’t go back to sleep. Y/n was all he thought about and at this point he couldn’t take it anymore.

He reached for his phone, the clock said 3am. She’s probably asleep he thought, or in somebody else’s bed. He could only pray for Y/n to pick up.

The signals kept going, until it reached voicemail. “Hey, it’s Y/n leave a message and I’ll call you back.”

Just hearing your voice made his heart beat faster.

“Y/n, it’s T. Erm well there’s no easy way of saying this.” Trent started as his voice was shaking and he took deep breaths to not start crying. “I miss you, really bad and uh,” He then went silent, wondering why he’s even doing this. “It’s been very hard without you, my mum asked about you earlier, she misses you too. I’m sorry for calling this late but I hope you’re doing well,” He paused. “without me, bye.” He sniffled then broke down sobbing. His heart was psychically hurting and all he wanted was to be with you, curled up in your arms..

10th of September

You were almost done with your work and took your last sip of your tea. You were going to meet up with your friend after work but one thing changed so drastically. When you were about to call her you noticed a missed call from two days ago. Just by the look of last numbers, you knew.

As you walked home from work you couldn’t stop thinking about it. The voicemail. You didn’t want to listen too it, maybe it was just a drunk call or just some gibberish. But your heart knew, he would never do that. He wasn’t the type of guy to drunk call you so this must be something important.

You wish you didn’t care so much. You must admit that you wish you hated him. No, no you couldn’t. No matter how much you wanted to or how easy things could be if you’d actually hated him, you could never.

When you got home, you crashed down on your bed. You were dreading it, you tried to move on and not care about it, but it was impossible.

You pressed ‘call voicemail’ and then, you heard Trent’s voice.

“Y/n, it’s T. Erm well there’s no easy way of saying this. I miss you, really bad and uh, It’s been very hard without you, my mum asked about you earlier, she misses you too. I’m sorry for calling this late but I hope you’re doing well,”

“without me, bye.”

Oh. You didn’t expect that.

You sat completely still against your headboard as tears streamed down your face. He misses you. He misses you!

So what do you do now? You could just move on with your life and act like everything’s fine without Trent. Or, you could send him a message but that will ruin the fact that you promised yourself he’ll never hear from you again.

Here you go..

You: hey Trent, i just heard your voicemail. i’m sorry. don’t know what you’re doing in the next few days but maybe we can talk someday, in person?

You buried your head into your pillow and felt your phone buzz, only seconds after sending the message.

Trent: yeah i’m free, is Tuesday good for you?

You: yes that’ll work !

Trent: so maybe we can meet up in the cafe you liked near your place?

Oh gosh, he remembered.

You: sure

Trent: alright, see you there then

26th of July

One more sleepless night. He brought it up again. You fell asleep crying and Trent didn’t want to hear you cry, turning up the tv to escape the guilt he felt. It breaks your heart when you want to be with him so bad, but you’re afraid of your feelings.

“I’m sorry for pushing you away Trent.” You said after minutes of silence.

“It’s fine.” He answered, turning of the tv.

“But it’s not.” You noted.

“Just leave it Y/n, goodnight.” Trent mumbled and turned away from facing you.

12th of September

You checked your outfit and makeup for the hundredth time before you went out the door. You were a little bit late but not too late.

It was just a short walk to the cafe from where you lived. You didn’t want to go really but you forced yourself out of bed to make it. Ever since you received Trent’s voicemail, it’s been replaying in your head. Every single word. Will everything he says today also replay in your head forever?

When you walked in you noticed that he was already there, sitting at one table. You were glad this wasn’t a popular place, so that you two could get some privacy without people reporting they’ve seen you two together.

You took a deep breath before walking towards him and as you walked, he stood up. To hug you.

You could feel your cheeks burn, it felt like you were finally home again.

“Good to see you, Y/n.” Trent greeted as you sat down, still unable to relax when you were in his presence.

“Yeah, you too.” You smiled and took your coat off, you were becoming too warm.

“I ordered a hot chocolate for you, is that fine?” Trent said and you nodded back in response. Why is he acting like everything’s normal?

You got your hot chocolate from the barista who’s familiar with you and Trent.

“Lovely to see you two again!” She beamed and you and Trent looked at each other, smiling but deep inside you both knew that it’s not how it used to be.

“So Trent,” You started, taking a sip of your hot chocolate, that was indeed very hot. “How have you’ve been?” You continued.

“Well, better than July.” He joked and laughed it off but you knew he was lying.

“You?” Trent asked.

“I’m erm, I’m alright.” You paused. “I think.”

You wanted to get straight to the point, because there was so many things to talk about. Trent wanted to solve things and you too. So it was just up to one of you to break the ice.

“Can I just be honest with you?” You stated and he looked you in the eyes.

“Of course.”

“Okay I’m just gonna say it. I’ve missed you.” You revealed as you watched his eyes lit up a little.

“I’ve missed you too.” He expressed.

“No but, I’ve missed you like.. so so much, Trent.” You spoke and your voice was shaking.

“There been so many times where I wanted to call you. There’s things I’ve wanted to talk to you about but you weren’t there.” You went on and you noticed that his eyes were glossy.

“Y/n, even if you called after a year at 3am I’d still answer you know.” Trent confessed as you stopped a tear escaping from the corner of your eye.

“But I will never forget that night.” He noted, you forced yourself to think back at nights where you two argued or made love but there’s only one you’ve tried to forget.

“What night, Trent?” You implored.

“The night my heart dropped because I realised you were gone. I woke up and you were gone.”Trent shared as the tears streamed down his face.

“I can’t even begin to imagine how you felt, baby.”

Now you were both crying. You know you cannot pretend that you don’t love him. There is no escape.

“Why did you have to leave, Y/n? I don’t understand, I just wished you’d stayed.” He whispered as you both dried your tears.

“I was scared Trent. I’ve never felt that kind of love you gave me before. I didn’t know what to do with myself and my feelings.” You explained and the tears streamed down your face again.

“I know you only tried to help me but you hurt me with those words you said you know?” You observed and remembered those nights where he doubted you, why you were scared to love him.

”I’m sorry Y/n.” He apologised and took your hand in his.

“You know I love you, and that’s never going to change, never.” Trent cried and you kissed his hand you were holding.

“I know.” You whispered, almost inaudibly.

”I love you too and I’m so sorry for leaving you like that, forgive me please?” You sniffled and he gave you a small smirk.

“I forgive you, my love.” He professed and smiled.

The lady who worked at the cafe started to walk towards your table and you looked around to see that there was only you and Trent left in the cafe, it was dark outside as well.

“Sorry to bother you two but we’re closing soon!” She happily informed you and Trent.

“Oh sorry, we should get going then.” Trent answered and you started to put your coat back on again.

You both left the cafe with puffy eyes but light hearted. Trent offered to walk with you to your place which you couldn’t deny after this afternoon. Hands intertwined as you both walked the short distance to your place. You and Trent walked in silence and just took in each other’s presence after such a long time apart, well two months but for you two it felt like forever.

You now stood outside your apartment, wondering what to do now.

“Alright, so what do we do now?” You spoke up, unsure what the future holds for you and him.

“I miss you, you miss me too. So why can’t we make it work?” Trent challenged and you sighed, “Because..”

“Because? There really is no reason, Y/n.” He asserted and you both chucked.

“You’re right.” You agreed and put your hands in your pockets as the cold autumn breeze came.

“I’ll see you around then.” Trent remarked and you nodded.

As you turned your back on him I didn’t feel right, something was missing. Trent.

You turned around and called his name, little did you know he already had turned around to you too.

Your lips met, his arms were wrapped around your waist and you didn’t care about your surroundings.

How do you even let go of a person who feels like home?

“I can’t leave you now Y/n.” He laughed and you kissed his heart shaped lips once again.

“Can’t leave you either.” You blushed.

You took his hand and went inside your apartment, he couldn’t contain himself from leaving kisses all over you neck and your face.

You were no longer scared of your feelings because you knew that no matter how hard you tried to deny them, they were always there. Your love for Trent won against every fear you had.

You two were living in parallels the entire time you were apart. You both dreamed about each other, wanted to call one another but didn’t, until Trent got the courage to do it. Because he couldn’t stand another day without you.

The story you both thought died was never over.

Your love for each other was never over.

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naomihatake · 1 year ago

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In search of freedom (Ch. 2)

2. The wheel of death

Chapter 1 ; Chapter 2 ; Chapter 3

⠀⠀⠀⠀She's been searching for freedom her entire life and everytime she thought it was laying right in front of her eyes, she was mistaken. She was running around the East Blue, seeking herself and her dreams, meeting people she never forgot. No matter how much she traveled, she could only catch a glimpse of peace before realizing everything would crumble at her feet.

⠀⠀⠀⠀Maybe it was destiny that brought her on that ship with three strangers — foolishly, that's what she tried to believe when the moon shined beautifully and hope settled in her chest, squeezed by the same ribcage where feelings were blooming.

Pairing: female!reader x OPLA Zoro Roronoa. This chapter follows the events of the second episode.

Warnings for this chapter: canon typical violence, kidnapping

Word count: 3,1k

Theme song: “Haunted Isles” by Derek Fiechter (click on the link)

A/N: I almost didn't believe I wrote so much considering the process felt so slow and kind of annoying. Not the best chapter I've written so far, not something I'm necessarily proud of, but I wanted to follow OPLA's plot. I know 3k words isn't much, but I already prepared pieces of the next chapters that I'm genuinely excited to share with you. Half of this part is filled with action, meanwhile, the next chapter will be full of psychological analysis and a lot of thoughts + more interactions between the reader and Zoro.

The reader will be referred to as "Witch" from now on, because I have no intentions of using "Y/N".

I'm open for comments and opinions <3

The view made her smile as she looked at the dark blue nuance of the sea, her eyes sparkling just like the moon that was hidden by the gray clouds at that time. Her heart beat so peacefully, in sync with the waves of the water, and with every inhale she could feel that sensation taking over her senses. Everytime she got on a ship, the feeling grew stronger and stronger and she doubted there was a limit.

Freedom had no limit and she wondered if that's what it felt like.

"We're not a crew," Zoro and Nami — the woman with orange hair — said in unison.

Luffy was dead set on calling four people a crew, despite the fact that it was a decision he kind of made on his own.

Zoro's tall figure disappeared inside the cabin, where he intended to nap. She was intrigued; it was the same man who made a fool of those marines back at the tavern. The witch was confused about the soft clinck sounds coming from him, until she realized it was just his three golden earrings hitting one another at each move.

Luffy's last crewmate smiled, endeared by the unfaltering enthusiasm their supposed captain was radiating. He was like a ball of energy since they got on Nami's ship and sailed away with help from Koby.

"So, you're a witch," Luffy excitedly turned towards her.

"You could call me that, I think," she shrugged.

"Do you do magic? Like, potions in a cauldron and spells with candles—"

"I think you know too many stereotypes," she let out a long sigh.

Nami was on her knees in front of the safe box, ear glued to the locker as she rolled it between her fingers.

"So you won't chop us into pieces and boil us?" She arched her eyebrow, unintentionally feeding Luffy's crazy ideas.

"You—!"

"No, I don't."

She rubbed at the bridge of her nose with her thumb and pointer finger.

"What about you two talking after I finish unlocking this? I need silence."

The witch sat down, resting her body against a barrel as she watched Nami's careful actions. Now that she thinks about it, she never saw someone so sure of themselves while opening up this kind of locker, which meant it wasn't the first time she did it either. She presented herself as a thief.

Luffy was agitated, roaming around and stretching, a big smile on his lips. He was holding back from babbling until he forgot he had to keep his mouth shut.

"I almost can't believe I already have a crew and we got our hands on the Grand Line map."

"Luffy," the witch whispered so she wouldn't disturb Nami. "You do know none of us promised to take part in this adventure, right?"

She was trying her best to be gentle about the topic, especially since he seemed so happy he couldn't hold back at all. Luffy had no filter anymore, saying whatever came to mind, but she supposed he's always like that.

"Maybe you'll change your mind," he beamed.

"I appreciate your help a lot, kid, and I'll try my best to help you if I get the chance until we get to the next destination, but I don't know about that," she shook her head.

"You said the same thing at the tavern: that it's dangerous."

"And I still didn't change my mind. It is dangerous."

"Can you be silent?" Nami accentuated her words in annoyance.

"Sorry," the witch muttered.

The orange haired woman glued her ear to the lock again, eyes narrowed and brows pulled together in concentration. One strand of hair fell over her blue eyes but she didn't mind it while she continued opening the locker up.

A small click vibrated shyly through the air and Nami snapped up.

"It's open!" she shouted.

From inside the box, Nami took a long cylinder and opened it. The witch moved behind her and looked at the map of the Grand Line, inspecting it with the eye of someone who wasn't an expert at all. She was focusing on the navigator's explanations so intensely, she didn't notice when the other two approached. Zoro's swords brushed by her leg, moving her entire attention to him.

The sound of fireworks filled the air.

"The marines? When did they find us?" Nami furrowed her eyebrows.

"What's with the red smoke?" the witch found herself asking right after she started seeing in nuances.

"It smells weird," Luffy muttered.

She found out it was true only after she inhaled it and her vision was getting blurry. Everything happened so fast: Nami falling first, then Zoro saying something she couldn't hear. Her body got soft and in less than a few seconds, she fell unconscious after she caught a glimpse of a pirate ship.

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The witch rubbed her wrists together, but her attempt to escape from the rope digging into her skin was futile. She was sitting in an open chest, her knees pulled close to her chest; both her legs and wrists were tied and she was growing tired of it.

They were kidnapped by some pirate clowns and thrown into what he called the Green Room. Luffy was still in the main tent, and what was happening to him was a secret between the clowns and the dozens of people who had their legs chained like animals.

The Green Room was filled with strange things and old furniture and cushions. Golden bulbs shined and reflected into some square mirrors and another large one with skulls as ornaments. There was a chair in front of a desk, where cups were placed next to some photos. A creepy white mannequin stood right next to the chest she was sitting in, wearing an elegant purple scarf. Something that imitated a chandelier was hanging in the middle of the roof, made out of big flower cups of white thin material. Zoro's swords were left against one of the cushions, where her two identical guns were.

A barely audible groan left the swordsman's lips as he struggled against the rope that glued his wrists to a big wheel.

"They're too strong even for you," Nami commented in a shallow tone.

Both of her hands clutched at the metal bars of the wide bird cage she was stuck in.

"I need to get out of here and kill some clowns," he muttered, focused on escaping. "I've got out of worse."

"With that I have to agree," the witch sighed.

"I saw a town when I got out of the tent… what was left of it after Buggy destroyed it."

"You mean, when you tried to leave us for dead?" Zoro grimaced after pulling at the ropes again.

The witch was like a bystander, her eyes running from one to the other. They were seriously insane, ready to argue in a life-or-death situation.

"You were picking up a fight you couldn't win," Nami snapped her head towards the swordsman.

"I know your type: if there's nothing to gain, you're out."

"Says the one who runs after Berries—"

"Shut it, you two," the witch intervened, letting out a groan. "We can argue and throw venom at each other after we get out of here."

"If we get out of here," Nami retorted.

"We do because I have too much of an ego to play in a circus created by a maniac," the witch mumbled.

After a few moments of silence, no sounds coming from outside the room they were left in, Nami got a lock pin out of her boot.

"Didn't they take all of them?" Zoro asked.

"They only took three," she smirked for a brief moment.

The witch leaned her torso forward and, despite the painful tug of the rope, she tried to raise them to the belt of her pants. She snuck her fingers between the two pieces of clothing and bit at her bottom lip when her skin started stinging painfully.

Finally, she got a small pocket knife out and grinned.

"I thought you were a witch," the swordsman gazed at her.

"You'll see magic once I get out of here," she joked.

A loud scream ripped through the air and it made all of them snap their heads towards the door.

Was that Luffy?

The witch's blood froze in her veins.

"You better hurry," Zoro whispered.

The witch gulped and wielded the knife between her fingers until the sharp edge grazed the rope around her wrists. She moved the knife up and down, putting as much pressure as the position allowed her. Nami, on the other hand, continued rolling the lock pick into the padlock.

Now that the woman stared intently at the mannequin while cutting the rope — even if way too slowly —, the doll had a scary smile painted in black on its porcelain face. Why was it looking back at her?

Minutes of unsuccessful cutting ropes and rolling lock picks, after another groan coming out of Zoro's mouth, he spoke:

"Someone's coming."

"Keep them talking, I need more time," Nami turned her head.

"Same here."

"I don't talk, I hit things," he grunted.

"Then change your hobby," the witch huffed.

The witch's eyes widened and she leaned back against the chest, so her arms and pocket knife would be hidden. Her heart was beating painfully fast in between her ribs and it was almost ridiculous, how she was sweating and the clothes started getting uncomfortable.

A monocycle creaked under the man who just got inside the room. He passed right by her when he came in, which sent her into an inner crisis. Wearing dark colored clothes and an unbuttoned coat without sleeves, the man hopped off and let the object fall to the floor.

She had no clue why the pirate chose to get close to the swordsman, who looked at him dead in the eye.

"Remember me?" the pirate spoke.

"No. Must be some other homicidal, unicycle-riding clown."

The witch was reminded you pay for the audacity of speaking up to your enemy when you're locked up; Zoro got instantly hit by the pirate's fist into the stomach. However, he didn't give that clown any satisfaction, his lips glued.

She eyed Nami, who was turned with her back at the lock of her cage, trying to open it without even looking at it. Damn, it wasn't good.

The witch couldn't hear whatever the fuck that clown was muttering at Zoro's ear, her fingers moving the knife faster, a tight knot settling in her throat as adrenaline pumped through her.

Nami made eye contact with the swordsman and the pirate who called himself Cabaji turned towards her.

"I've never met a clown. I thought they're supposed to be funny. Do some acrobatics on your monocycle, maybe it can help the time pass."

The witch shouldn't have opened her mouth in the first place, but if Nami was caught, it could've ended badly. Maybe it was the fault of the adrenaline, but pissing off that idiot with three strands of mint green hair made her smirk victoriously.

People who get angry when you step on their ego have always been the funniest creatures alive.

Of course, the reaction she received wasn't a good one. The pirate took two knives from his belt and stepped closer. She refused to look away and nothing could erase that grin off her face.

"Still doesn't ring a bell," Zoro caught his attention again.

Bad move. One of Cabaji's knives cut through the air and sunk into the wood the swordsman was glued to. Any other sounds have immediately been silenced.

"You followed us day and night for weeks through the Goa kingdom, never relenting, like some kind of demon."

Oh, so that's who Roronoa Zoro really was; the witch dared to allow her curiosity to act like a sponge about the new information. Interesting. The swordsman was a demon and a bounty hunter. Amazing combo.

He was probably hated by every pirate on the sea.

The woman tried her best to focus on the pocket knife between her fingers, but she couldn't help the fear crawling up into her skin. They had to get out of there alive and, preferably, with their limbs attached to their body.

After a few heavy steps, Cabaji gripped at the edge of the wooden wheel and in less than two seconds, the swordsman was rotating like a toy. The pirate walked roughly two meters away and then continued tossing knives, each time managing to avoid Zoro's flesh.

Nami and the witch looked at each other for a brief moment and then continued with their previous work.

When the rope finally got cut, she looked at the maniac pirate who didn't stop with his play yet. She held back her reactions, instead choosing to look at the swordsman who was rotating in the air and it made her pale. Time passed by too slowly and she slowly let out a long sigh when the wheel stopped from moving.

"You really don't fear death, do you?" Cabaji huffed.

He wasn't satisfied by the lack of reaction he received from Zoro who looked like he's gone through that three times a day for years. How did he manage to keep such a poker face?

"No, I just don't fear you."

Good, make him corner you.

The pirate didn't think twice before he threw a knife that aimed right above the swordsman's wrist. Their enemy wasn't careful enough, since the rope could now be easily cut.

Cabaji walked towards Zoro — another mistake. Nami already opened her cage and she was silently getting out. The witch didn't hesitate when she stopped pretending like she still had her wrists tied together. Clutching at the knife between her fingers, she raised her hand and tossed the sharp object through the air, aiming at the man's back.

"Thinking you're the only one who can play with knives, clown?" she huffed.

Cabaji turned and it was Nami's opportunity to kick his stomach with her foot, which made him fall on his back, the knife digging further into his flesh, cutting through his ribs and lung.

Finally, the witch's anxiety lowered now that one of their men was down. Now, who knows how many more they had to defeat.

"I didn't take you for a criminal."

Nami took one of the knives stuck in the wheel and cut Zoro's rope and then came to her other crewmate, helping with the rope around her ankles.

"I was desperate and he was annoying," the witch shrugged while she rubbed at her aching wrists.

When she found the freedom of moving again, she got out of the chest and took all the knives she found, including the ones from the wheel.

"What's the plan?" Zoro asked as he arranged his swords back at his hip.

"I say we beat the shit out of every clown we see," Nami grinned.

The witch smiled after she put each knife at her belt, rolling another one between her fingers. With her guns sitting at each side of her hip and the bonus of adrenaline, it felt like nothing could stop her.

•┈┈┈•┈┈┈•┈┈┈

The sharp edge of the weapon broke the glass after she threw it right in the middle of Luffy's aquarium — or whatever that thing was supposed to be.

"Luffy!" she shouted his name.

The glass wall of his cage shattered and the water splashed around, the straw hat coughing, his face pale. He was on the floor, soaked to the bone. His straw hat was so close to him,yet so far away. Luffy vomited the cylinder with the map and despite the nausea he was experiencing, he crawled to his hat.

He put himself in danger this entire time and chose not to let go of the Grand Line map, but that object held much more importance to him. The witch froze for a mere moment, confused, but when she wanted to get closer and get the map away from Buggy, a pirate with a sword came sprinting towards her.

"Witch!" she heard a gruff voice.

She dodged it before her head could get cut off and sank a knife into his stomach, only to raise the agony after she hit the man in the same spot, blood gushing out of his wound and soaking his clothes.

With a swift motion, her fingers grabbed at one of her revolvers. She fired at Buggy who was a breath away from touching the map, but didn't pay enough attention to another attack towards her.

A sword's edge shone in the corner of her eye and no matter how fast she was, she couldn't dodge that. Her eyes widened and she waited for the pain to inflict into her body. The pirate froze in place and his sword slipped between his fingers. When he fell to his knees, from behind him there was Zoro who was using a three-sword style.

Definitely a demon; but in a good way.

The witch nodded at him. She didn't train properly in the past year and she lost some speed on the way. She hasn't been in such a situation for a long time.

With other two pirates attacking them from the sides, she protected his blind spot while he killed another enemy with a mere flick of his swords. Another loud shot rang through the air and another man fell down, the center of his heart pierced.

"Buggy needs to have a weakness," the witch said.

"And what is it?"

The answer was right before their eyes: Luffy managed to get back to his feet while they were busy. He used his ability to elongate his arm and grabbed at the leg who was moving in the air, only to throw it in a chest. Nami closed it and grinned mischievously.

That was it.

The witch rolled another knife between her fingers and analyzed the detached hand that was rotating around her. At the perfect time, she threw it in the middle of its palm with enough force to send it into another chest, Nami locking it.

They focused on getting each part of Buggy's body stuck in any suitable place, be it a chest, a barrel or under a bucket. For as long as they got rid of that maniac, everything was fine.

She let out a sigh when only the clown's head remained intact, now laughing pitifully. Zoro bent down and grabbed the head, locking it into a box and putting a rock on top of it.

"Let's get the hell out of here."

A/N: Thank you so much for the comments and the support <3

Tag list: @emelia07 @dimplewonie @tfamidoingwithmylife @murnsondock @the-skys-musical-echo @conspiracy-crows @hallow33nz @ramae17 @gaslysainz @bunntsu @katt58

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sulfurousdreamscapes · 3 months ago

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How I Hacked My Short Story Brain into Developing a Novel

I promised I'd make this post, so here it is, but with a proper title and everything so that it'll be more generally helpful to other writers.

Regulars of this blog have probably noticed that I've struggled a lot with long-form fiction over the years, despite having churned out a library's worth of short fiction.

This time though, things are coming together, and it's because I've got a technique down that plays to my strengths as a short story writer.

Step 1: Outline and Draft Something

After writing and abandoning several outlines for my WIP Last Night, New Body, I finally set one in stone and wrote a draft for it this January.

The rough, first, skeleton draft was 30,000 words long - far from ideal, but better than nothing. It was tough, but I got it done in two months.

Step 2: Read Through and Take Notes

Next, I read through the draft and took notes on how I thought the novel could be improved. This included notes on plot, characters, and setting. The notes were all taken in a spread sheet in the following format:

Page Number -> Note Title -> Description -> Category

The 'Note Title' could be something witty or referential, but it has to be short, like the name of an achievement in a video game. So for example, it could be:

23 -> Enemy at the Gates -> Why does Nadia shut the door when she sees that Rhea has come to visit? -> Character

I took these notes freely, writing down any point that I thought could be changed, expanded, removed, or otherwise mused.

Once I was done with these notes, the question arose: what the hell do I do with these notes?

Step 3: Treat the Notes As Writing Prompts

This step is in-progress at the moment, but I'm halfway through it already! The idea is to take each note and write 500 words for it.

This comes naturally to me because I've written hundreds upon hundreds of flash fiction pieces for my blog, each one targetted for 500 words. This means I'm now developing the novel 500 words at a time, based on the notes I took while reading through the skeleton draft.

The process has been beautifully productive so far, and I've come up with so much detail, so many new scenes, and better developed characters. My next draft will be assuredly be much longer than the 30k words I got down before.

So how long will this take? That depends on how many notes you take. I initially took 72 notes, but I've found that as the story develops and changes, I've had to "delete" many notes because they became redundant or irrelevant. I say delete in quotes because I've actually moved them to a 'recycle bin' sheet of sorts, so that I can retrieve them later if I deem them important after all.

Next Steps? Outline and Draft the Thing

I'm generating a lot of meat for the skeleton draft, and I'm dying to put that meat on the bones. To do that, I plan on first constructing a very detailed outline, including as much detail from the expanded notes (the 500-word pieces) as possible.

This done, I'll write the 'flesh draft' while referencing both this outline and the skeleton draft. As excited as I am for this, I do anticipate this process to be difficult, so I might find a way to divide it into small, short story sized chunks as well.

Then come the edits and everything else. We'll cross those bridges when we get there.

#writing #writeblr #fiction #creative writing #writing advice #writing tips

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noahsartt · 10 months ago

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My reservations with the 2022 Interview with the Vampire tv series:

My thoughts on amc’s Interview with the Vampire (2022) tv series compared to the 1976 source material and what I liked about the 1994 movie.

Some reflections before the second season airs. I watched the series as it was coming out in 2022, so these thoughts have been sitting for over a year.

This is a subjective critique of the show, not me hating on it. I liked the show a lot & watched it twice. Many of the key changes were extremely creative ways of exploring those characters from new perspectives, instead of just pointlessly remaking something that's been done before. Distinct creative change should be the basis of every remake, no point is making something 'new' if there's nothing new about it. This show knew that, and the changes for the most part were written beautifully. ...But the movie is still my favourite despite its many flaws. Camp classic right there.

Issues with the show:

Making it take place 100 years later, it ruins the specific aesthetic of the book for me. (But I understand they had to in order to re-write Louis & Claudia as black).

Aging up Claudia. The way Bailey Bass played Claudia was amazing, no notes at all for her. I just wish they kept her younger because that was a very symbolic part of what made Claudia’s original character so tragic. She suffers in an entirely different way to Louis because of her age. New Claudia is supposed to be in the body of a 14 year old, but the actress was 18/19 so she looks much older already, and no matter how well she played it, the age factor can’t be helped. Being stuck eternally in the body of a 5 year old (book) is so different to a 14 year old, who looks much older (tv show). Kirsten Dunst who was 10 in the movie, was able to play the little child - adult vampire progression a lot better. People say Claudia's original age is too 'disturbing' to see on screen... but that's the character...

Daniel being old… WHY?? Just so they could tie together the storyline or him meeting Armand multiple decades before ???? I only read IWTV and some of the TVL so I don't know everything that happens down the line for him, or what amc plans for the character in the show... but I don't understand the aging up except for 'diversity' reasons. Which, ok, but just to check a box? Louis and Claudia's race change make sense as a creative decision. But the Daniel in the book and film is a 20-something year old which is why he's so fascinated by Louis' 'gift', and doesn't understand the message Louis is sending, instead wanting to become a vampire too. Why would old Daniel want those same things? Changing Daniel's age is such an inherent thing... it's like if they didn't make Lestat blond. Eric Bogosian plays him funny though, I will say that. Christian Slater kind of just sat there.

Louis having no money and needing Lestat's financial support for his business ventures????? When it’s supposed to be Lestat leeching off Louis' estate … WHY. Why did they change something so fundamental about their dynamic. Lestat moves in because he needs wealth and Louis has it. And then he starts acting like it's both of theirs and Louis just lets him. Funniest thing ever. But in the show Louis moves in with him instead. That's just wrong.

Louis asking (basically begging) Lestat to make Claudia when Lestat is supposed to be the one to do it in order to ensure Louis doesn't leave him. Another fundamental part of their relationship that just got flipped around completely... and for what? Why did it change the things it didn't need to?

Antoinette... girl why are you there... we don't need more characters. Go away.

The guy that Louis gets with to make Lestat jealous …. why is he there either? In the book they don't need to bring other people in to irritate each other.

One of the most perfect scenes from the film was when Lestat was tormenting that girl and trying to get Louis to kill her. The show’s version with the opera singer wasn’t the same. The original scene is such a good depiction of their dynamic with each other: Lestat's eccentric killing methods and Louis’ shame and guilt. The show’s version didn’t live up to it. That scene was so excellent in what it set out to do. It captured their back and forth in such a simple way. That dynamic follows them forever, even as Louis begins to accept his nature, that spark of annoyance towards Lestat is ready to become a full fire at any moment. That scene is enough to be a full character study. The show has little bits here and there which capture something similar. But they should have recreated that scene at least.

Claudia and Lestat's relationship evolving from enjoying each others company and similarities, to detesting each other and competing for Louis’ affection. They didn’t spend enough time on Lestat and Claudia’s relationship in the show to fully demonstrate that, only a few scenes of them driving together and hunting together at the beginning. Even the two hour movie found a way to intergrade that better. Their relationship and the way Claudia is so starkly similar to Lestat when they move to Paris, is one of the my favourite parts of the book to analyse. Louis leaving Lestat and moving all the way across the ocean, only to be reminded of him in everything Claudia did. The show did have some purposeful parallels between Lestat and Claudia in the dialogue which I appreciate, I hope that continues in season 2.

Louis being in on Claudia's plan to kill Lestat and even being the one to finish off Lestat when it’s supposed to be Claudia’s idea on her own...?? Lestat's death is supposed to be an "ok, I guess that was necessary, time to move on with our lives now," moment for Louis. But he wasn't supposed to have the courage or the want to be the one to do it himself. He was hesitant and regretful in the show, but he still slit his throat... it was supposed to be Claudia alone. Credit where credit is due, the scene was beautifully filmed, the red blood on white cloth looked incredible and the entire scene captured the tone of devastation that the movie didn't. It was all very quick and emotionless in the movie.

Even though I hate Br*d Pitt's acting, his Louis was way more accurate to the book Louis. He basically was the embodiment of book Louis. Just sad and whiny the entire time. New Louis had more to him, I think Jacob Anderson even said in an interview that it was a purposeful decision to give Louis more grit. It's not a change I appreciated because it alters the original character too much. You can't change something that fundamental. Just ugh. In the show, Louis is more angry than pathetically sad, it’s very different to how the character was originally written.

Sam Reid’s Lestat is pretty on the nose but still more serious than the original Lestat & Tom Cruise’s portrayal which was the perfect level of camp and eccentric. Tom cruise was playing Lestat from just IWTV but Sam Reid is playing him with the baggage of his entire life as written in the other books, maybe that's why he is different. Maybe his performance is even better because of it. I haven't read the other books so I can't really say.

I won't say anything about Armand (yet) because he hasn’t had his time to shine. We’ll see after season 2. I loved Antonio Banderas as Armand, and even though he was very different from how book Armand was, it was a change I liked. New Armand is going to be more accurate to the books I believe, but i didn’t like how Armand was there the entire time Louis was being interviewed… why...

Maybe I am one of the few that doesn't overtly appreciate the 'fresh' take of this story. Many of the things that draw me to the book and the movie have been taken away in this adaptation.

---

I recommend this fan fiction that explores the idea of Louis being a person of colour in the context of the original book's 1700s timeline. It explores the intersectionality of Louis' struggle with vampirism, queerness & race while still being authentic to the book. Go read it.

In the Author's words: This is NOT a rewrite of the AMC TV show, nor does it intend to be. This is us making one (subtextually plausible) change to canon in order to 1) explore underlying issues with the source material and 2) see how it affects the way the events of IWTV played out.

Ok that's it. Will maybe add to this when the second season airs. For months, this was just for me in my notes app but what is tumblr for if not to air out my locked away ideas.

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toodleoorblx · 3 months ago

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**SPOILERS AHEAD BEWARE**

Agatha All Along just came out, heres what I think about it.

So, starting off with the cinematic factors of it, I loved it. it was exactly what I was expecting, nothing less. I was very surprised with the plot though. It was so so funny, I had watched it with one of my friends and she loved it as well. Props to all who were apart of Agatha all along. The references of witchy movies, like the trap door and Snow White? I loved that Easter egg, I probably sound crazy but I swear it’s there.

I loved how dramatic Agatha was, her sarcasm, her impaticnce, her wickedness, spot on, even her haterd for Wanda. Agatha has lots of emotions, as much as I can tell. She just conceals them so much. She looks conflicted and angry when she sees Rio, she seems playful and antagonizing with Jen, laid back with Lilia, dismissive with Alice, impatient with Ms. Davis, and genuinely irritated and annoyed with Teen. She seems much more open on the show, less… distant and cruel? Maybe it’s the many many fics I’ve read that’s clouding my judgement but I was surprised to say the least. But it wasn’t a bad one. I love Agatha in this, there’s so much to tell about her her life, and I’m hyped to find out what’s up.

(Side note, one of my predictions was right! Rio's magic is in fact not something that can be taken. That was one of the few predictions I had made, and I'm so glad that that little detail was right.)

And Rio?! Oh my goodness, she's just as cryptc and lore filled as I imagined her. Her harshness with an underlined gentleness is killing me! And her licking Agatha’s hand better? Oh my that had me in a chokehold, so many golden ideas portrayed beautifully. And I have reason to believe that Agatha sacrificed Nicholas. The first sign is the childhood bedroom from episode one, Agnes being upset about it, two, the jab that Jen made, and three, when Rio mentioned the Darkhold, and its darkness, theres definitely some lore there, and I think it’s something that Agatha caused. Also does anyone have any clues as to what Rio says when she makes her dramatic exits? I only know some Spanish, but I’m not fluent 😭

Anywho, let’s talk about Teen. So when I first saw him I was fairly surprised. I didn’t expect him to try and steal something, nor did I know that it was an illusion of some sort? Maybe? Whatever it was, I know that Teen is not to be underestimated. He has some powerful qualities, even if it’s not as flashy as Agatha or Wanda’s. I love his perkiness and how he’s just happy to be there, even if it is as Agatha’s ‘pet’.

My next victim is Lilia. I had originally thought that she couldn’t use her magic or, predictions freely, only when vision came. But I was happily wrong. I don’t think she can use it whenever though. I love her style as well, such a level of grace and colorfulness really brings her character together. Patti did a fantastic job of portraying someone as kooky as Lilia.

Now we have Jen. I knew that they had some history because if something Kathryn had said on an interview, but I don’t think it was a lot. But clearly something went down to make Jen have a level of hatred towards her. But besides that, I get aesthetic, the pinks, the candles, the jewelry? It’s all so beautiful, I especially loved the septum piercing. It was a cute touch. Anyways, moving on from that, Agatha had mentioned that Jennifer is magic bound because of some curse? I wonder what that’s about. Over all, I adore Jen’s personality, I love how she knows what she’s worth and that she seems to always know what to say. She’s very confident of herself which is something I live to see. And I can see how Jen’s sarcasm and Agatha’s sarcasm may clash from time to time.

Moving on, we have Alice to discuss. Now I have written a little about how I portrayed her in my fic Natural Order, and I think I got her pretty well. I surprised myself I’m gonna be honest. I was half expecting her to be the exact opposite, but that’s a happy accident I guess. Anywho, I love her style as well, I wish we got to see more if the ship she had formally worked at, it was such a cozy and spooky place, I wouldn’t mind working there myself. The designers outdid themselves truly. Alice is very dismissive, and is always one step ahead, I love that about her (so far). She seems to be pretty laid back, while also being very vigilant as well.

Lastly, but certainly not least, Ms. Davis. I find her absolutely darling, she was so sweet and I had a good laugh when she came on screen. I love her obliviousness and utter happiness to be included, similar to Teen in that way. I hope she sticks around, u trying so, there’s not a bone in my body that doesn’t like her, she’s such a good ‘temporary’ addition to the coven.

The Salem seven seem to be like… the witch police? Maybe? I’m excited to see more of them.

Honorable mention: Senor Scratchy serving as always.🫡

A little treat I took:

(Also, height difference??!!! Loved that shot.)

#marvel #mcu #agatha harkness #agatha harkness x rio vidal #rio vidal #agatha all along #agatha cast #kathryn hahn #aubrey plaza #sasheer zamata #ali ahn #patti lupone #debra jo rupp #joe locke

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stuffnonsenseandotherthings · 4 months ago

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August has mainly been consumed by moving country, moving job, and moving house so I've not really had any free time to do anything or have any thoughts other than panicked screaming.

That being said, there were plenty of dramas I was looking forward to due to air in August and, luckily for me, most of them did not disappoint! So without further ado, let's take a look at which dramas got me through the mountains of paperwork and stress (and which didn't).

The Trainee 🇹🇭 👨‍❤️‍👨👩‍❤️‍👨(👩‍❤️‍👩) [10/12]

I'm going to be so sad when this show ends.

It has met and matched all my expectations so far and in terms of its narrative arcs it's absolutely fantastic (as are the characters and their relationships).

This is a show that does have romance in it but which isn't about romance, choosing to focus instead on character development both within and outside of the characters' various relationships. It's done a great job of showcasing the complex period of transition between young adulthood and working adulthood and while I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, it's definitely mine. Slow-burn, character centred, slice-of-life.... Perfection 😘👌

I started watching these next few dramas after I started moving and so really don't have any other capacity for thoughts other than "like" and "don't like". There's not going to be much commentary, just vibes.

Love Next Door 🇰🇷👩‍❤️‍👨 [5/16]

I was looking forward to this one and it's making me very happy so far. I love the bickering, I like the hints at deeper relationship issues and I'm just plain looking forward to whenever a new episode airs.

I'd say the only thing that's giving me pause so far is the second couple, especially Mo-Eun because wtf do you mean "the 5 year old child I just met is actually my new friend"? I don't care that she meant it innocently, that's still a damn weird thing to say.

Romance in the House 🇰🇷👩‍❤️‍👨 [5/12]

Korea has been really knocking it out of the house with mother daughter dramas recently, I want to know what lit the spark now.

Again, I'm enjoying each episode as it comes and I'm looking forward to each new episode so it's a yes from me so far. It's definitely giving me Not Others vibes but given I really like that drama, that's not a criticism.

(Also the award for most complicated family tree goes to Romance in the House but it also manages to make it work?)

Cinderella at 2AM 🇰🇷👩‍❤️‍👨 [2/10]

I saw someone say that a drama where the leads are already together at the start of the drama is lazy but I'm inclined to disagree.

Pretty much every romance has the leads fall in love and get together as the show progresses, there's a tried and tested route map for that (heck there's loads of route maps for that). On the other hand, I can't think of many that start with the couple 2 years into the relationship and, as such, there's probably a lot more work involved in working out how to successfully pull the romance off.

So far I have no complaints and I'm intrigued about where it's actually going to go. It's not particularly deep but it is cute and Shin Hyun Bean is who I'm here for anyway.

My Sweet Mobster 🇰🇷👩‍❤️‍👨

This was a very cute, very funny watch that still somehow managed to tackle a serious topic with as much care as it could. Could it have delved even further into the topic of restorative criminal justice and rehabilitation? Yes, but not without completely changing the mood. Could it have subverted the "knew each other from childhood" trope and done something new? Yes, but this show wasn't going for reinventing the wheel, it was going for doing the wheel well.

The characters were very likeable, the relationships between them were beautifully written and it was a nice easy watch that I'll probably pick up again some time in the future if I need something fun.

⭐ rating: 8/10

Concrete Utopia 🇰🇷📽️

I watched this with family friends after they very kindly let me stay with them for a week and wanted to watch something with me they thought I'd enjoy. I had never heard of the film before so had no expectations whatsoever but it was a surprisingly deep and timely watch.

It spends a lot of time examining the effects of "othering" as well as asking how much people are willing to excuse, ignore or even participate in in the name of self preservation and there were definitely some scenes that felt barely exaggerated given what's been on the news in recent months.

I wouldn't call it an enjoyable watch (because the consequences of post-apocalyptic dystopias are hardly enjoyable) but it was an interesting one and I'd probably recommend it to a friend looking for a film to watch.

⭐ rating: 7.5

Knock Knock Boys! 🇹🇭👨‍❤️‍👨

I was late picking up Knock Knock Boys! but, once I did, I binged it without any regrets. This was another show that was just cute and fun and very, very good at handling the topics it chose to tackle.

Latte is a new favourite character and Almond, Thanwa, Peak and all the rest all have a little space in my heart now (Jane especially). If anyone wants a comedy/slice of life BL to watch then I'd definitely point them in this dramas direction and them watch them watch it 😋

(also I don't know how but I somehow managed to miss the infamous poo scene everyone was talking about... Which is probably just as well because I don't deal well with scatological humour).

⭐ rating: 7.5/10

Century of Love 🇹🇭👨‍❤️‍👨 [Dropped]

I'm sad about this one because I was looking forward to catching up with it after I got distracted by Knock Knock Boys but now I'm very grateful for being made to stray. This show had such a promising start but, judging by everything I saw in passing, it dropped the ball hard in the second half.

Given everything else going on right now and the fact that my drama quota is pretty much full up right now, I'm not really interested in investing time in a show that doesn't meet its own potential.

Monster Next Door 🇹🇭👨‍❤️‍👨 [Dropped]

This had the weirdest pacing of a first episode I've seen in a while and it really threw me off. I just couldn't connect with anything or anyone after the multiple false starts and I wasn't curious to keep trying.

(Also the tortoise tank made me wince every time it was on screen)

(Also yes I know I said I was hyped for this one but I think the idea appealed far more than the reality of it).

Battle of the Writers 🇹🇭👨‍❤️‍👨 [Dropped]

Just a no from me to be honest. I don't think it checked any of the boxes of things I usually enjoy and that's okay.

4Minutes 🇹🇭👨‍❤️‍👨 [On Hold] [4/8]

Don't get me wrong!!! I have loved everything I've seen so far of this drama (I'm up to episode 4). The only reason 4Minutes is here instead of in the "Currently Watching" section is because I wasn't able to keep up with it while I was travelling and I want to give it the right amount of time and attention when I catch up with it.

I'm a little sad I can't join in with the theories but I'm really looking forward to getting back to it when I'm ready!

(Also I finally own a TV after 10 years of not having one and I'm mentally preparing myself for watching it on a big screen, something the first 3 episodes have indicated is a high risk manoeuvre that may involve drawn curtains and a finger on the volume button to avoid questions from my neighbours).

Midnight Romance in Hagwon 🇰🇷👩‍❤️‍👨 [On Hold] [4/16]

Like 4Minutes, this isn't a matter of not enjoying it, this is a matter of time and focus. I couldn't watch it while I was traveling and now I am way too stressed, and thus easily distracted, to give this show the thought and attention it deserves.

It has been a fantastic watch so far though, and the level of detail in each scene was so ridiculously impressive to the point where I was frequently going back to check I hadn't missed any of the nuance 👌

I barely know what's up now, let alone next so I can't really do this section. That being said, I know I'm hyped for Love In the Big City (🇰🇷👨‍❤️‍👨) and that's airing in October so that's all the really matters at the moment. If anything else comes up that I want to watch, that's a nice little bonus.

(There are other dramas I'm looking forward to - like Kidnap (🇹🇭👨‍❤️‍👨) - but I have no clue when they're airing and I don't have the brain power to check and make a calendar so I'm just going to be pleasantly surprised when they start rather than actively anticipating their release).

#august wrap up #concrete Utopia #knock knock boys #my sweet mobster #battle of the writers #monster next door #4minutes the series #midnight romance in hagwon #century of love #the trainee series #love next door #romance in the house #cinderella at 2am #i nearly didn't post this but if I want to make it a habit then I have to commit 💪

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sae1549 · 8 months ago

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Tags: fluff, established relationship, after events of the final fight, Gale x female reader

Word count: 865

I have not written in a long time, but I wanted to write something sweet. I’m sorry if it is terrible. I also couldn’t get it out of my head that Gale would call his partner “Goddess”

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After the events of the elder brain, you and Gale settle down in Baldur’s gate. There was a large portion of time where Gale had never seen you so relaxed. When he would get home from work and would see you curled up with Tara while you were practicing your incantations. He adored watching you working so hard on something he also loved. He tried not to interrupt you while you were working. Quietly slipping off into the bedroom, to get into something more suitable for home activities. He hears soft whirring sounds and the words “Amicus Animalis” you say softly. Tara gives a soft hum.

“You look so similar to Gale when you do this.” She states. While Gale returns to you in the lounge. You raise your head to smile at the man.

“Hello goddess, how have your afternoon activities come along?” He asks while leaning down to pick up one of the many books lying about on the floor in front of where you sat.

“It’s been alright, I was reading over some Latin terms in that book to help pronounce my spells more accurately.” You answered truthfully to the wizard who stands before you.

“Ah, tricky sometimes. But with practice you will get the hang of things.” He smiled softly looking through the pages, dog earring a few of them to be looked through later. Tara standing up and stretching, before walking to the balcony to bask in the sunlight. You smiled, and slowly took the blanket that had been a soft bedding for Tara off your lap, folding it and setting it onto the sofa next to you.

“How was teaching today?” You asked, finally standing and stepping your way around the elaborate maze of books on the floor.

“Many of my students are coming along in their studies, a few are having trouble channeling the weave. But, nothing that time and effort will not fix.” He sets his hands on your sides as you hug him gently feeling the warmth of his body on your skin. He gently moved a few strands of hair away from your face placing a kiss onto your forehead. You take a step back, looking at him once more.

“Well it is getting late, how about we start to make something to eat?” He asked while taking your hand and leading you to the kitchen.

“And how about for some practice you conjure a helping hand?” He asked, he did enjoy helping you practice. Even if it was small things, so you could get acquainted with conjuring.

“I can try, but no laughing at me this time.” You say with a pout on your face. The last time you did this the hand dissipated within moments after lifting a bowl. Causing it to smash on the floor. He chuckles while opening the cabinet taking out a few different pans.

“Well, I didn't mean to have you hear me laugh that time to be completely fair.” He said while you held your hand out concentrating.

“Veniam luva me” you spoke, small blue sparks shot out of your fingers moments later mage hand appeared through a blue mist. The hand moves, opening the fridge, taking a bowl out of the fridge. You were able to hold it out longer than last time, at least making it until Gale no longer needed help.

“Goddess, you did beautifully.” He complimented, you sighed as mage hand dissipated into the same blue mist. He set a bowl down in front of you before he sat down next to you.

“That is a lot harder than it looks, I cannot believe how easy you make it look to do more complicated spells.” You complimented back as you both enjoyed the dinner that he had made for the both of you. Tara came back into the lounge once the sun had set. As it had started to become darker within the house. You turned to look at the fireplace. Small sparks had started to flow from your fingers as you got up and lit a small piece of branch on fire, setting it into the fireplace with the dried logs. The fire caught onto the rest of the wood.

“Wonderful, you have gotten quite good with that spell.” Gale spoke gently while he cleaned up after your dinner. You went around the lounge picking up the books that you had been reading much earlier in the day.

“What would you like to read tonight?” You asked, scanning through the countless books that were stacked on the floor and shelves.

“Hmm, I think I shall read The Annals of Karsus.” He responded after finishing with the dishes. You nodded, grabbing it from one of the higher shelves and setting it down on his side of the couch. You grabbed a different book from the shelves and sat down onto your side of the couch. He sat down beside you while he grabbed the book. You cuddled up next to him while Tara hopped up onto your lap and made herself comfortable. The rest of the night was spent reading and soft whispers and him showing you different passages as you did as well.

#gale of waterdeep #gale dekarios #bg3 #bg3 gale #gale x tav #gale fluff #baldurs gate gale

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darlingshane · 1 year ago

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After Carmy leaves the pantry, Mikey breaks down in tears and slaps himself in the face. Was that on the page?

A lot of it was scripted. It’s a real testament to Chris, who wrote the episode. When he leaves him there, 99.9 shows out of 100, as soon as Carmy leaves that pantry, you go with Carmy. To stay on Mikey and be with him, it defies so much of how we do television, in terms of perspective and whose point of view we’re really looking at. It’s a private moment with this character that we know doesn’t exist. They give him two — the moment that he’s sitting there waiting for him, suggesting that he’s feeling the buzz of the pills that he just took, but more importantly, afterward: They leave him there to sit in that pain, and to show it. That moment was understanding that this dream was never going to happen, this was never going to work because he knew where he was headed. He knew where he was going.

Opportunities like that are so unbelievably rare to give characters that private moment. I do think Chris wrote the slap. It was just so, so beautifully written and makes it makes the job super easy.

How did you create that tension with Bob Odenkirk, and what conversations were had before that?

The power of an ensemble, like the power of theater, is you look around that table and everybody is just a thoroughbred. The tension is created in the room. Every time we went and did it, it was completely different — a new person sort of popped up and did this new bubble of intensity or dread. It was super fucking tense in there, because everybody came to play and everybody really knows what they’re doing. And the material is so gorgeous.

With Bob, I’m such a huge fan of his. I thought it was just such a perfect choice. He was so down to come at me, and vice versa! When you have an environment like that, everyone is willing to be a little bit dangerous, because there’s so much trust. There’s so much love and everybody’s so dedicated. The goal starts to then be, OK, how can I shock this person? How can I scare this person? How can I do something that they’ll never expect? How can I lose myself within this? When you create an atmosphere that’s that unbelievably creative and that unbelievably safe, danger is not a hard thing to find. It was really fun! It was like great theater work, and it’s really rare.

How many times did you film that scene? I imagine it may be a bit exhausting.

I would do that all day. I don’t really get exhausted, that’s like a thrill for me. The show moves unbelievably fast. It’s a real testament to what this group has found: the conglomeration, the alchemy of these great artists with this great material. Last year, I had to shoot my stuff basically on my lunch break. They flew out to L.A. for me to shoot that scene. And they told me, “We move so fast.” I don’t think there was a single day that we were there for more than six hours. [Chris Storer] gets what he wants. He shoots it the right way. The crew is as good as I’ve ever worked with. Everyone is so unbelievably dialed in. The cameras are always moving. They’re totally alive.

You said every take was different. How much improv was there — was the table flip scripted? And what type of forks were you using?

They were kind of like plastic forks? Oh, the table flip definitely wasn’t scripted. But it’s still a testament to Chris. I was like, “Hey, man, you gotta let me kind of go crazy at least once!” I do a lot of action stuff and I’m aware of how big of a reset that it is, where the food is meticulously laid out and it’s so specific and is a character within itself. He definitely gave me the green light. It’s funny when you work with directors, especially in TV, because sometimes they’ll give you the green light, but then be like, “Just maybe save it ’til the end.” Chris was like, “Go do you.” I think the funnest thing for me really, in that scene, was to be off camera and just to keep that intensity, keep that fight going with Bob and see everybody else’s reaction. It was just such a joy to do.

I put on subtitles for some of my second watch, especially the scene with you, Ebon and Jeremy talking about Claire. Your one-liners were cracking me up. Did you say she’s a “basket of biscuits”?

Yeah, “all that and a basket of biscuits” is a Jon Bernthal D.C. line for me. That was definitely one that I threw in. When Chris is behind the monitor, they’re cheering you on, sometimes they’re yelling lines from behind the monitors. It’s this comedic, super dark, really, really authentic and honest world. There’s this air of anything can happen and let’s push it, come up with stuff and be really, really creative. And honor the moment. It really is the best way to work. And with Ebon, it’s such a natural conversation for us. We really found that scene on the day.

#must read #jon bernthal #the bear #the bear fx #i teared up reading some of his answers #and i'm totally stealing 'basket of biscuits' for my next fic

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aziraphales-library · 1 year ago

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Lost Fic #158

1. Hello - I read a fic I absolutely adored shortly after season 1 came out that was mature and focused on how crowley observed Aziraphale eat, which turned to Aziraphale teaching Crowley about pleasure. It was slow, sweet, and praise kink/service top oriented. I cant find it now 😫 if you could help I'd greatly appreciate it. It was one of the most beautifully written fics! - anon

2. I have been looking for a fic for ages but haven't been able to find it, I would greatly appreciate your help. After the apocalypse, Crowley and Aziraphale move into a town protected by a forcefield and Aziraphale starts loosing he memory. They try to savour their time and talk a lot about living like humans and savoring their days together. The only other details I can remember are that Anathema did not burn the book and gives them prophecies and I am fairly certain it had a major character death tag. Thanks for your time! - anon

3. Hello! I am looking for a specific fic I read a while ago and it would be great if you could help me find it again! Crowley and Aziraphale were in a platonic relationship until Adam turned them partly human. I think Crowley went to latin america at some point and was later joined by Aziraphale. Sorry for the lack of detail (blurry memory) and many thanks for your help! - anon

4. Hello to the most wonderful resource for all of the Good Omens fans! I cannot begin to explain how much you do for me and for all of us. Of course I’m looking for a fic. In it, there’s a small cat/dragon/something who is invisible to anyone but Aziraphale that’s connected to Crowley - it disappears when he discorporates, for example. I think it eventually ends up kind of living in the bookshop? I feel like there’s some sort of connection in which Aziraphale touches it and Crowley can feel it, but that might be made up or conflated from another fic. As always, you are all literal angels on earth and thank you for your hard work!! - anon

5. NSFW: Can you help me find a fic? I've been looking for it for days. Basically it's after the not-pocalypse and Crowley has been living at Aziraphale's place for months and thinks that Aziraphale is tolerating him being there. So there's a scene where Aziraphale asks Crowley to come over to the sofa and he's gonna blow him but instead Aziraphale said instead they're going to switch positions and they do and Crowley cries I think.

If you know any of these fics please include the number in your reply! Thank you :)

- Mod D

#good omens #lost fic #ineffable husbands #mod d

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aspoonfuloffiction · 2 years ago

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Do you know other fredwina shippers who make good content?

Not a lot…finding positive Edwina fans is hard I mostly stick to my circle but for you nonny I’ve come up with a veritable list. I’m sure your probably already read/seen much of it but I hope you find something new on the list!

The good folks at @edwinadaily are constantly creating pretty fredwina things-check out their tag here

(I mean look how pretty!!! Giving us what the show can’t😪)

@minim236 writes a lot of great fredwina stuff and a lot of great Edwina in general her entire page is worth a glance but my favorite of her fredwina fics is price tag can’t recommend it enough I love a good 5+1 fic

@phantomphaeton’s all the bright places is an absolutely gorgeous fic and my personal canon for fredwina so many great character dynamics and a beautiful exploration of what Edwina might be dealing with after 1814

the scariest part is letting go by @vexthejester of my OG favorite fredwina fics though not strictly fredwina it’s more the Sharma sisters and Frederick trying to get into Kate’s good graces I loved it

@lizzibennet’s don’t be unkind is not strictly fredwina but it features in a really sweet way! The fic is more about Anthony and Edwina and how they move on after S2 and its done really gracefully (also one of the tags on the fic is ‘a fic written with the sole purpose of having edwina be as mean to anthony as she likes lmao’ so like…)

And because I live to peddle this fic as if it were my own (it’s not I could never write anything this beautifully) if you like Edwina Only You Always is so so so so worth reading. It’s not fredwina but I promise you will love Lucas-it’s hot it’s fun it’s angsty and it’s just one of my favorite fanfics seriously go check it out besties

#bridgerton #edwina sharma #prince friedrich #fic recs

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rachelsnotebook · 1 year ago

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A Look Back At The Games of 2023

There's always too many games and not enough hours in a year, but I refuse to let that stop me from celebrating the games that were important to me over the course of 2023.

The Games I LOVED in 2023:

(In no particular order)

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout (released September 26, 2019)

This game spoke to me on so many levels: the lonely childhood, the frustrations at home, the desire to prove myself, the dreams of adventure, a craving to learn, an enchantment with magic.

How could I not fall in love with these characters? I wish this game came into my life so much sooner.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (released October 12, 2001)

Now, this is a game series that missed me entirely. It wasn't until I was an adult with internet access that I was briefly introduced to Phoenix Wright. Right away I knew I liked the style of humor, but I still didn't feel compelled to give the series a try any time soon.

Flash forward to 2023... I picked up the available Ace Attorney games on the 3DS eshop before it died. So, when I found myself on an airplane for the first time I decided to keep the ball rolling. I booted up the first Ace Attorney, and I get it now. This game is an experience. And I love it dearly!

A Date with Death (Dec 7, 2023)

Now, an important note here is that I still haven't played the full game. I had planned on it by the time I finished getting this massive post written, but I put my focus into playing the other submissions in the Velox Turbo Jam.

The demo though... that I played. A lot. The concept, game mechanics, the art, everything is simply amazing to interact with. How do you not fall in love with this game? Grimmy is so funny (and HOT). I'm looking forward to exploring this game fully in the new year!

Sonic Frontiers (released November 8, 2022 & story dlc September 28, 2023)

I've been playing Sonic for as far back as I can remember, and Frontiers might be my personal favorite of the bunch. It was a joy to explore and experiment with the new mechanics. And I know it's far from perfect. I'm not blind, but I'm not heartless either. Sometimes all you can do is laugh and move on. Over the course of my experience playing, every mechanic and level was accessible. That journey was where I fell in love with Frontiers.

The story dlc was everything I wanted. I'm so happy we got to play as Amy, Tails, and Knuckles! The controls again, aren't perfect, but I'm grateful and thrilled that this content exists at all.

Xenoblade 3 DLC Future Redeemed (released April 25, 2023)

Future Redeemed is my personal game of the year. No question.

If you have a spare hour or two, I do highly recommend looking up on youtube the journey and evolution of the Xeno games. The story of creator, Tetsuya Takahashi, is really cool!

But in short: he kept striving to tell an incredibly complex RPG that would span several games and thousands of years of in game lore. He had a vision that publishers just didn't share. That led him to form his own studio, but he couldn't bring his original IP with him. He had to start again, and one more time after that when Nintendo finally acquired his studio.

The Xenoblade Trilogy is actually six games in disguise. The dlc story content for each game exists as it's own game. The campaigns are significantly shorter, but they're games that stand on their own, 100%.

Future Redeemed was released as the finale to the overarching plot (the Klaus Saga), and this marked the first time that Tetsuya Takahashi was able to bring one of his Xeno plots to a close on his own terms. Xenoblade is still going to continue, but this plot can rest easy.

For the most part. FR still left plays with tons of questions, but it did it's job beautifully. It honored the past games and looked to the future, and I loved every piece of it.

And most remarkably, it also kicked the door down for Tetsuya Takahashi's older IPs to return to the story. It's unclear right now how and when, but the future is so very bright for some incredible games to get another chance to shine.

Splatoon 3 (released September 9, 2022)

I spent a lot of time playing Splatoon this year. Am I good at it? No! But I love this game with my whole heart.

Intertwine (released July 2023)

Will I ever shut up about Intertwine? Hopefully no! I highly recommend checking out the post I made going into detail on this game.

Intertwine stole my heart. It's a fun game that feels deeply special. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and most of all... you'll fall in love with Van.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog (Mar 31, 2023)

A small team put this game together for April Fools and I owe them my life! This is one of my favorite things that happened this year.

If you missed it, for April Fools Sega dropped an entire Sonic the Hedgehog visual novel. And it's AMAZING.

Coral Island (Nov 14, 2023)

The children who grew up on Bokujō Monogatari are rapidly creating their own farming games. Stardew Valley is the most famous game to come from that group and it's inspiring even more people.

Now, as someone who has likely spent years of their life playing their favorite farming games again, and again... I tend to be picky about what I want from a farming game. I have a clear vision in mind for my dream game.

And Coral Island is really close to that dream! There's a ton of love and careful thought put into the art, the story, and the characters. I can't wait to keep playing and discovering new mechanics and secrets.

Suika game (December 9, 2021)

I love puzzle games! And I was sold on this game instantly.

I may have also bought it from the Japanese eshop some time before it was even announced for a North America release...

Titan Arum (released August 2023)

This game came into my life at a time when I badly needed a distraction. And Titan Arum delivered!

Titan Arum is a visual novel with three love interests, and nothing is as it seems. It's so incredibly cool, and I can't believe that I get to be friends with the devs. This game is a massive home run.

The art, the UI, the story... omg we could be here all day discussing everything. There's a ton to chew on and I don't want to spoil a single thing. Trust me on this, just play it.

Yakuza 0 (released March 12, 2015)

I'm still working my way through this one. Yakuza games are known for their length and I'm not interested in rushing any part of it.

My journey so far has been a ton of fun. There's so much detail injected into the world and the characters that I sometimes find it difficult to put the game down. I love the balance of seriousness and silliness. We need more of that in games.

I can't wait to keep on fighting with Kiryu in 2024.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (released May 12, 2023)

Tears of the Kingdom is easily one of the best games of 2023, and in general. The mechanics they got working are incredible! I'm perpetually in awe by my own puzzle solutions and the clips I've seen of others. It's a truly amazing game.

There's little I can say that others haven't. And to be honest I'm still after all these months, collecting my thoughts on this game. I love TOTK, but I do have a few issues with it. So stay tuned for that post in 2024...

Games that released / released a demo in 2023 that are on my RADAR:

Again, I wish on every star that I had more hours in a day so I could play every game that catches my eye. These are the ones I'm jumping on the opportunity as soon as possible!

-Baldur's Gate 3

Yominokuni

Slay the Princess

Curse Crackers: For Whom the Belle Toils

Thirsty Suitors

In Stars and Time

Dicentra

Little Goody Two Shoes

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - DLC 3

Other Game related media from 2023 that I want to acknowledge:

Sega has been really knocking it out of the park with their Sonic the Hedgehog content:

(There's too much to link to directly so I'm posting my personal favorites)

Tails Tube

Dr. Eggman takes over Lego

Sonic Symphony events

The added Frontiers content:

youtube

Sonic Superstars animated content

youtube

Sonic Dream Team animation

youtube

The incredible announcement for The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog

youtube

I also must emphasize this praise is for the hardworking teams at Sega. If you haven't been following their unionizing efforts I recommend checking this out:

The IDW Sonic Comics! They're a ton of fun and I look forward to them every month.

Atelier Ryza had a big year of added content. The trilogy wrapped and I'm still emotional watching this video they released to visually recap the story.

youtube

Ryza also received an anime adaption of the first game. I'm in North America and I watched all of it on crunchyroll. It was a really well done adaption of the first part of the game. I hope it comes back for a season 2, because there's a ton more I want to see animated.

youtube

I'm a huge Fire Emblem Heroes addict and I'm always shocked how much original content in that mobile game flies under the radar. The movies for each new story milestone are often really cool.

[I hit an insert video limit so please copy and paste, and check that playlist out!]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5bIw5CyOLE&list=PLqP2A2xeRzdS3MjLNZvmZnWFYf_zwZqwq&ab_channel=NintendoMobile

I almost made it to the end before I hit the limit!

I can't thank you enough if you made it down to this point. This post spiraled out of control... and somehow this is still it reigned in.

It's almost 9pm on New Years Eve and I just want this post done. So if there are errors, I'm sorry. I tried. I fell into writing as if I'm talking to you directly and I like that level of comfort for a fun post like this one.

Have a Happy New Year!!!

#announcements #gaming thoughts

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ecklipzs · 9 months ago

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Let's Talk About Omori!

PART 1 - The 'Incident'

Honestly, I have no idea where to start as Omori and it's story is so beautifully complex and carefully written- and I want to be able to write and express my ideas about it without leaving out the small details that makes Omori what it is and mischaracterizing any of the unique characters. (which is extremely common in this fandom) Just know that I am not an expert in any way possible, I'm just a silly little omori fan wanting to write about their interests. TW: talk of death, suicide, and violence.

Mari & Sunny

To start this off, I think we should talk about the history behind Mari and Sunny. Using what we were shown in Final Duet and Basil's photo album, Mari was likely a leading role in Sunny's life- introducing him to music and his friends. Since it's obvious that Sunny doesn't speak a lot, Mari probably did most of the speaking for him. Despite not showing his emotions clearly, we can assume that Sunny cared for Mari and trusted her a lot. Multiple times in the game, Mari was described as having a 'bad knee'. If you go to the tree house in RW and interact with the baseball bat, it'll tell you about how Mari quit softball due to a leg injury. (i don't know if this is accurate i pulled this from the omori wiki) This makes me think that music might've been Mari's last resort, angry and upset with herself (as we can assume that she was a perfectionist) and devoting all of her time into music- eventually pulling Sunny in with her.

The Recital + Mari and Sunny's Stress

As I said before, Mari was probably a major perfectionist. When proposed with the (likely Mari's) idea of a recital, this stressed Sunny out- as I fully believe Sunny had some major stage fright- and caused him to lose focus, and make mistakes. This might've stressed Mari out a lot as well, trying not to be upset with Sunny though she wanted the piece to be perfect. This led Mari to overworking Sunny until he eventually couldn't take it any more.

The Incident

Finally, it happens. After what I think would be weeks of overworking, Sunny snapped on Mari. I think Sunny was likely extremely burnt out and ended up telling Mari about his stress and other feelings about the recital, to which Mari responded with offense and maybe even anger, causing Sunny to feel as if his feelings were being invalidated. This quickly escalated the situation, Sunny getting angrier as they began to argue- before walking out on her. At this point, Mari was probably PISSED, believing that Sunny was throwing away everything that she worked for. This became a lot more literal when Sunny threw his violin down the stairs, breaking it entirely. This likely sent Mari into a full on fit, leading her to lash out on Sunny. This is probably when it got messy, Sunny feeling invalidated and offended, and Mari feeling as if her dream was being taken away from her once again, just like softball. Now, I fully believe that Sunny didn't mean to push Mari anywhere but away from him- but whether or not that's true- we don't know. Maybe, Sunny meant to push her down the stairs, but I think that's very unlikely. And do you remember how I told you about that knee injury Mari had? I believe, this probably played a major role in Mari's death, as many people could've survived this fall- even if they did end up with extreme injuries. Moving on, I think Sunny most likely didn't even realize what happened for a few seconds, but when he did he was probably sent into a major shock. This would also explain some of his actions, such as dragging her to the bed as if she was asleep. (not sure if this is what really happened or not, but it was shown in the photos of the incidents) Though it could be that he didn't even know she was dead, I think he knew, and was just clinging on to the slim possibility of her being alive.

Basil's Role

Basil's role in this situation is a tricky thing to talk about- as we don't know a lot about what he was thinking or feeling. The only information we can pull from him is what we were shown. So, I'm gonna start off with just that. I think that Basil probably didn't see the argument that led up to Sunny pushing Mari, and only walked in when things began to escalate. His main goal at that moment was probably trying to keep Sunny calm, and safe- though a part of him was still concerned about Mari. (i'll go into a lot more depth abt this in my basil analysis i plan on writing) This could explain why instead of calling the ambulance, or the police, he decided to do what he did- staging Mari's suicide by hanging her in Sunny's backyard. I believe that Basil was driven by his abandonment issues and extreme fear of ever losing Sunny. (basil and sunny's relationship was definitely very codependent) Instead of focusing on Mari, he focused on Sunny- which led him to something he would regret.

The End

yippie!! i'm done!!! even though this is purely self indulgent i hope anyone who reads this enjoys this bc i spent way too much time thinking abt it. im praying that i'll have as much motivation i had when writing this when i go to write my basil analysis- anyways...

by the way this was NOT beta read

bye bye!

#i pulled this out of my ASS #lord give me patience #this was really fun #i love omori #basil my love #omori #omori game #omori sunny #omori mari #omori basil

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denndrawings · 2 years ago

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Thoughts on Frankenstein and the trans experience

Hi! So some months ago I finished my Final Degree Thesis on monsters and the theory behind why queer people tend to relate with them easier than with heroes on the pieces of media that features them and I've been sitting on my thoughts on Frankenstein and how it is a source of identification for both the trans feminine and the transmasculine experience.

My credentials are I'm trans (non binary)! and also I've been researching this for like. Four years. So if you want to read the part of my disertation about Frankenstein and gender (I also have a lot written about otherness, the concept of the monster, queer narratives and vampires but this is not the post for that) you can find it under the cut! (be warned its gonna be long because it's straight up copy-paste from the disertation)

If vampires are a mirror for sexuality, there is little doubt that the “monsters” that haunt gender are Frankenstein and his creature. That is hardly a stretch, since he is an Adam —he calls himself that at one point (Shelley, 1818, p.69), recognizing himself as the creature casted out of the Garden of Eden unfairly by Victor, who is at the same time a creator God and the Eve who rebelled against “natural order” making them both fall out of grace—in a stolen body made out of someone else’s expectations of what a “man” is supposed to look like, how he should act and think and move (how he should perform his gender, that Victor seems so utterly obsessed with, and then devastated about until he became the monster his creator wanted him to be); rejected by the one who created him, forced by society to stay hidden, unable to ever “pass” and misunderstood (Fox, 2017).

There is something interesting about this book, and it is that different sources of identification for both transmasculine and transfeminine people’s experience with gender can be found within it.

On the one hand: the creature, an individual whose creator conceived as “male”. But then again, gender is a performance, gender is something taught (Preciado, 2018, p. 27) and nobody told the creature how to dance to that rhythm. Instead, the creature was explained how the world works through Safie’s feminine lens, listening to the lessons that were given to her about how to behave and understand everything. And then, looking at the image reflected in a pond, the creature realized they were not the same Other because, unlike in hers, beauty will not buy society’s acceptance in that case.

Still, there is an attempt at getting affirmation from the old man of the De Lacey family, the grandfather that, because of his blindness, is not able to see the creature and have prejudices based on the appearance that is offered but only on the words spoken and the kindness shown. But unfortunately, the other De Laceys are sighted individuals —although blind because of their prejudices—, and what they behold is someone far too big and too coarse. A threat.

That is very much the same risk transgender women face when going out as people who may or may not conform to society’s view of gender presentation, because as it has already been demonstrated, transgender people who are perceived as such face much more problems (like bigotry or unequal treatment among many others) than cis or cis-passing people (Dias et all, 2021, p.695), because, just like the creature, they are regarded as less than human, something unnatural and wretched.

On the other hand, Victor Frankenstein: pale, thin, dramatic, and beautifully at the verge of death at every point during the book (Cale, 2018). He would have been such a gorgeous lady of his time…if he had ever been one.

His resemblance to the transmasculine experience is even more tangible than the creature’s, from his obsession with the male figure to the “natural philosophy” that his father disapproved of and that helped him create, with the help of science, a “male” body that destroyed his conection with his family (as homophobic people threaten queernes does to people, being a threat to others, to the community and to oneself (Benshoff, 1997, p.1)).

Long story short, Victor Frankenstein’s inner struggle can be read as that of a transgender man who, facing the rejection of his family and his own internalized prejudices tries to come back and live his life as he normally would have done before realizing about his queerness, but the shadow of the man he has created —the man he is— follows him around throughout his life because as much as he tries to get rid of him, the creature will keep coming back as he is a part of him that he projects as unconnected to him because he refuses to accept it. That last point is clear at the end of the book, because it takes for Victor Frankenstein to die for the creature to do so too.

Bibliography quoted (in order of appearance):

Shelley, M. (1818) Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.

Fox, C. (2017) Why Frankenstein’s Monster Haunts Queer Art. Retrieved June 11, 2022 from New York Times Style Magazine at https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/13/t-magazine/art/frankenstein-monster-queer-art.html

Preciado, P. B. (2018) Countersexual Manifesto, Columbia University Press.

Dias, C. K., da Rocha, L. R. L., Tateo, L., & Marsico, G. (2021) “Passing” and its effects on Brazilian transgender people’s sense of belonging to society: A theoretical study. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 31(6), 609-702.

Cale, J. (2018) Drop Dead Gorgeous: 19th Century Beauty Tips for the Aspiring Consumptive. Retrieved June 12, 2022 at https://dirtysexyhistory.com/2018/05/16/drop-dead-gorgeous-19th-century-beauty-tips-for-the-aspiring-consumptive/

Benshoff, H. M. (1997) Monsters in the Closet: Homosexuality and the Horror Film, Manchester University Press.

#frankenstein #idk how to tag this #classic literature #frankenstein daily

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dundykelevesconte · 2 months ago

Note

hi teddy <3 arctic sundogs and franklin for the terror ask game :)

hiii ellie!! :D thank you for the ask!! <3 this got kind of long so answers under the cut

arctic - how would you cope on a victorian ship?

honestly a life at sea sounds equal parts ideal and terrifying to me, so any time not spent staring aimlessly into the ocean would DEF be filled with keeping a very detailed diary … i’d be writing down everything. mate i don’t like made a joke today i actually found funny. disgruntled about this. if i were some doomed explorer and they found my journal hundreds of years later with my remains they would be like my god this guy just never shut the hell up did they. reading and writing both i think is what would distract me the most

sundogs - talk about a moment in the show that interests you most

ohh gosh i could talk about SO many but the first one that comes to mind is hodgson’s papist church monologue in ep9. he’s been on my mind a lot lately and i paid quite close attention to him my recent watch through and he stands out to me more so than some of the other characters because he’s a character who doesn’t speak an incredible amount throughout the series (despite being terror’s certified yapper) but almost everything he says is actually really telling about his character. we learn he plays an instrument at home, in his final scene he speaks some french, and just about every instance in which he talks it’s almost like he’s doing so through a direct window to and from his humanity (asking hickey “who” the meat he offers him is, visibly upset to learn what became of neptune). then we get to this scene that comes after he’s partaken in cannibalism, a scene that (to me at least) seems kind of out of nowhere especially being not directly at the end of the episode, but somehow it still fits in perfectly. we come to the crux of hodgson’s characterization here because he finally gets the chance to speak with no holds barred and he’s very particular with every minute he has to do so. the way he delivers this speech, the slow cadence and tone of his voice and even the subject of it, is just as much for goodsir as it is for himself i think. even when goodsir is pretty much as good as unresponsive he carries on anyway which in and of itself is yet another tell for him. we get an idea of his own sense of self here too (“i was frightened for them. i was told they were doing some great, unforgivable thing” “i felt forgiven of every poor, weak, or selfish thing within my soul” “i pretended to be ill. they knew i was pretending. to this day i don’t know why i did it” “if i were a braver man… i would kill mr. hickey, though it would mean my death, too” and of COURSE “i am hungry and i want to live”) like this is just such a RICH source of characterization for a character we’ve really only seen glimpses of up until this point when it all comes to a head when he gets his own little arc re: his involvement with the mutineers (which is a whole other can of worms i could talk about forever LOL). ntm the monologue itself is just so beautifully written, the delivery is of course on point but the words themselves and the picture they paint are so visceral and moving. sorry for the essay HAHA i’m just very very interested in hodgson as a character and this fleeting moment we have alone with him is just so endlessly compelling to me. especially when you factor in that he’s been steadily consuming lead for years now and has ended up on the wrong side of what remains of their crew but still he takes this moment to be so unashamedly human regardless. anyway ……..

franklin - who’s an underrated character in your opinion?

SILNA. NO QUESTION i do feel obligated to give a cold boy answer as well though in which case i will say dundy. not only is he criminally underrated but also criminally underUSED being that he’s a very close friend to fitzjames from the beginning and is quickly the only remaining lieutenant on erebus i just feel like there’s so much there they could have explored in terms of his and even fitzjames’ characterization were it not for his curse as a minor side character … whatever. i’ll write The Dundy Show if nobody else will

#thank you so much for the asks…#the terror #george hodgson #teddy talks #ask game #answered

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