#and then this followed by watsons story on the train I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

[thesylverlining]

Replaying Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened and STILL so utterly fucked up that we DO see Jon in this game, but it's. DOWN THERE. on the THING. all. LIKE THAT. Like thanks, they could not have stabbed me in the heart any more effectively unless they Actually did that

(AND THEN WATSON. HEARING "JON!" AND THINKING SHERLOCK IS CALLING FOR HIM i think that was the moment when my brain made the Switch from 'loves this thing intensely' to 'IS COMPLETELY FUCKING ABNORMAL ABOUT THIS THING AND *THEM* OH GOD OH GOD'

[contact-guy]

Hi! I’ve been following your Sherlock art via the newsletter and it made me wonder: do you have thoughts on good places to start to get into Sherlock and Watson?

I’ve only seen the Cumberbatch version but I would like to join the hyperfixation… Specific adaptations? The original stories? By best I’m thinking fun but also, let’s be real, gayest.

Thank you! (And if you don’t answer asks—idk yet, I just stumbled across your blog—a general hi and thanks for the great stories/art.)

Hello you found me! I really love the original stories and HIGHLY recommend them, so funny and charming and readable and sprinkled with details that made me scream and throw the book across the room multiple times…but I must confess that I first caught the brainworm from the Guy Ritchie films. They’re very gay in a textual and delightfully toxic way (Holmes dresses as a woman and tussles homoerotically with Watson! He throws Watson’s wife out of a train and calls him repressed! They dance together!!!). Now that I’ve read the Doyle stories I think they’re a creative and spicy adaptation (what if Watson hated Holmes as much as he loved him), but if you’re looking for accuracy…

I’m also watching the 80s Granada adaptation with Jeremy Brett (you can find them on YouTube) and really loving them. They’re very accurate to the Doyle stories so I recommend reading those first!

Also I’ve been checking out Elementary, which is a pretty different vibe from what I like about the stories (I’m partial to that Victorian yearning) but it has a really fun friend dynamic and Lucy Liu is a treasure.

[intermundia]

I think Jude Watson’s (almost wrote jude law ansdjkgmgm lol) novels have informed fanon for obi-wan’s youth so that he’s very angsty, has a thirst to prove himself / to prove he’s worthy of his place in the jedi order etc etc.

What do you think his canon youth was like? Because in canon he was chosen very young as a padawan right?

What youth do you think fits him best? How would write his youth if you could?

yeah a lot of the jedi apprentice books can really be explained within the context of the genre and target audience, and reflects more how YA stories with child heroes need negligent guardians in order to go on wildly dangerous adventures of their own. it also distorts the personality of obi-wan to fit inside that context and increase his relatable and vulnerable traits for insecure kids. i think even the novel padawan by white maintains this distortion, though it is more subtle.

how would i write it? i'd extrapolate from the phantom menace where obi-wan is said explicitly to focus on his anxieties (still learning to balance living in the present with planning the future) and shown to be eager for approval from the council. i would write him as very bright and earnest in his desire to do good and become a good jedi knight. he is not alienated from the order or at risk of being cast aside, he has the security of knowing his place among his family is not in danger of rejection. he wants to live up to the order.

basically, i think his sense of duty comes not out of fear, but out of love. that's the heart of him. he loves the order and loves the force, and he always has. he felts at home in the temple, had friends and went on adventures, confident enough in being safe that he felt comfortable to break rules. he trusted his guardians and his guardians took care of him. they were his family as much as they were his role models for a good life.

extrapolating back from his elder personality means drawing back a curtain of maturity and equanimity to a more raw and emotional child, less wise and more dramatic. i can see him being mischievous and always looking for adventure, bright, dramatic, and creative. i think there's a reason yoda was quite fond of him. i suspect he rebelled against qui-gon's rule breaking by becoming overly rule following for a period in his teens, but it was not in his nature since birth to be like that.

i'd drain off some of the YA melodrama and make him more a part of the order that raised him, connected and secure enough to be a bit rebellious and impetuous. he wanted to be a great knight, and trained hard and practiced hard to be the best he could be, but not out of insecurity that he's not good enough, as much as out of conviction he could do good and well. his friction with qui-gon arose from him trying to figure out how to think for himself, and know when rules are to be followed and when they are to be broken, not from qui-gon's negligence. there'd just be less angst in general, i think haha.

[thetimemoves]

ao3 stats game

Thank you for tagging me, @discordantwords! 

Rules: Give us the links to your wonderful words with the most hits, most kudos, most comments, most bookmarks, most words, and least words.

These are all BBC Sherlock and if not outright Johnlock, it’s implied. Confessions, developing relationships, and first kisses are common tags in my stories, just sayin’.

Most Hits/Kudos/Comments/Bookmarks: Never Trust to General Impressions, a 5+1 in which John uncovers hidden facets of Sherlock as he gets to know the man and moves from fascination to fondness, and ultimately love. He discovers he doesn’t know everything, however, but Sherlock is there to show him what he's missed. Follows canon up to TRF, then veers sharply away.

Fourth Most Kudos (love this!): Forth They Went Together, my take on the “trapped in a snowstorm” trope with a bit of Christmas flair tossed in. Set post-canon, Sherlock and John find themselves stuck on a train during a blizzard. In an effort to pass the time, they tell stories about their pasts that evolve into their hopes for the(ir) future. 

Most Words: Metamorphosis is my longest fic to date (11,351 words). This is a very loose retelling of ACD’s A Case of Identity. This is set post-TGG and John and Sherlock are struggling after Moriarty’s games, unable to see eye-to-eye. In comes Mary Sutherland, whose case brings a familiar (and loathed) person back into their lives. I like to think this version is more of a fix-it for Mary, not to mention some delicious payback, and in the end, a much-needed reconnection.

Least Words: Of the 20 works I’ve posted so far on A03, 10 are 221b ficlets, a format I’ve fallen hard for. My most recent one is bitter, sweet (not a drop of angst, I promise). Outside of the 221bs, my shortest fic is Resetting the Break (999 words). Mycroft Holmes hates legwork, but he loves his brother. When he decides to knock on John Watson’s door after Sherlock’s return, what happens next surprises them both.

Tagging @clevermanka @educatedinyellow @saki101 @raina-at @arwamachine @the-sign-of-tea @notagarroter and anyone else who wants to do this! I tag you all!

[animehouse-moe]

Undead Girl Murder Farce Episode 8: The Banquet

God. Let me say that one more time. God. This episode isn't focused on mystery, or even so much action, but rather story. Exposing the inner workings, piecing together this very unique world and its circumstances, and it does that with the absolute maximum amount of visual creativity possible. I could talk about it all day, so let's just get to it.

Just to clear the air a little bit, our two little insurance agents end up in the chapel alongside Tsugaru, Lupin, and even Erik. We quickly desert them though for Shizuku vs Carmilla, which is amazing.

Not so much in the combat (though it is great), but how they approach the fight. They leave the writing on the wall, wherever possible they point out the fact that Shizuku has Carmilla's blood on her hand.

A subtle yet incredibly great detail to set the stage for Carmilla's venom to set in. And the visual for that? It's incredible. Carmilla's history and recognition as a sapphic vampire is perfectly conveyed as the art style shifts through this sequence and those strands/tendrils that originate from her lips wrap around a helpless Shizuku.

The moment certainly hits the nail on the head with its air of eroticism, but also tries quite hard to assert the control that Carmilla exhibits through it all.

And then there's Aleister vs Holmes and Watson. Clearly, it's far more fun and playful until it nears the end of the fight, as we get scenes like Watson knocking Aleister's tophat off and it landing atop a statue in the background.

In terms of more interesting things though, we get to see Holmes Baritsu (if only for a little bit). However, it's quickly cut short by the appearance of Moriarty, which gave rise to this incredible sequence. I love every bit of it: the camera angle, the loop/repeat, how they replaced specifically the white tiles because of the color matching, and how it perfectly represents Holmes' shock in realizing that Moriarty is still alive.

And then there's this sequence, the long awaited arrival of Jack The Ripper. They absolutely nailed it. The tension, the weight, the feeling of drowning in the weight of his presence, it's incredibly well depicted. And the soundtrack just adds to that in spades. What a reveal.

I just wish they could get away with more. Jack completely decimates Fatima, and while the carnage can't be displayed, the approach is equally terrifying. How he simply caresses Fatima with his hand yet tears her completely to shreds.

Also, really really love the effort placed into continually giving viewers the upper hand/ability in solving the mystery. We get this scene here of Jack holding the diamond up to the light, which becomes important later on in the episode.

More than that though is this incredible piece. Forget a two in one, it seems like it's actually a three in one. It's not just Jack looking at the diamond, it's the viewers looking through the diamond to see Tsguaru grabbing Fatima's heart, and it's showing viewers that Jack is still keeping his gaze trained on Tsugaru behind him. Truly incredible stuff, the storyboards for this series has been out of this world.

Following this we get a very tense fight scene between Tsgugaru and Jack, and I'll just say it's worth every moment. The choreography and planning in regards to the combat is just stellar. The use of environment and space remains such a core tenet to how they approach fights in this series, and I really can't get enough of it.

Anyways, here's a cool visual used as Moriarty explains his motives and purpose.

Also also, super cool parallel between Aya and Tsugaru. Both have been caged by the hands of Moriarty.

Continuing the comparisons and fusion of Aya and Tsugaru's experiences, when Jack questions why Tsugaru's all the way out here, it's in the puddle of his blood that he discovers his reason: Aya. Whether romantic or not, the relationship is undeniably there between the two of them, and is a large step forward for Tsugaru's character. I also feel like with the boarding and direction, it elicits the idea of his motivation existing in the present, whereas the reasons that Jack list are all done via flashbacks which is more associated with the past.

Now, Moriarty's Banquet has left the building with the diamond "in hand", the safe is missing, and all seems lost for the defenders of this night. But before we go any further, this funny moment with Tsugaru and Shizuku.

They're so sibling like it's hilarious. Shizuku is in tatters and has a bit of skin showing, and without a word Tsugaru antagonizes her into being self-conscious about it. A really fun little piece to bring the humor back into focus.

And now, to the most fun part: Tsugaru's reveal. I wouldn't say I was fully confident in it, but I'd also not say I didn't believe. Tsugaru is all about show, sleight of hand, misdirection. Everything he does is an act, a farce. This was reinforced by his earlier fight against Lupin, and you can totally see how it plays into this one. One the backpedal once more, Tsguaru finds a way to exploit his opponent and take advantage of it in a way that has them believe they won. As for how I guessed it? Jack doesn't take out the diamond after that first instance, and it made me feel like something was off.

Finally, at the end of today's episode, we have our new direction: the forest of fangs. The group uncovers the whereabouts of the elusive werewolves, and is now stuck in a race to get there before the Banquet does.

Definitely not what I was expecting, but it 100% did more than just meet my expectations. Each of these episodes goes above and beyond in every facet, and you can truly feel it with each cut and scene. Now, rather than chasing the ghost of a mystery, our detective duo + one is engaged in a race against Moriarty, the death defying man himself, and will most likely be forced to struggle with that monster hating insurance agency. This show always keeps me on my toes, and at this point I expect nothing less than greatness out of these last few episodes. It's really gunning for the top mystery spot in my list of favorites. Though only time will tell if it makes it there.

[missamyshay]

what gravitated you towards peter & mj, what is about their relationship and characters that make you want to write them so often?

also i literally love everything that you write i didn’t think it was possible to love everything someone posts but here we are 🤭

Oooooo Anon, you have made The Ultimate Mistake of asking me The Perfect Question. I hope you have time on your hands…

Let’s start with Peter.

This might seem like a detour (I promise it isn’t), but I grew up watching Dr Who (if you’ve never seen/heard of it a quick Google search would be fun—it’s a very weird, very English show). And a lot of the same things I love about The Doctor are the same things I love about Peter Parker. There’s something so captivating about following the journey of this person who is at once both an invaluable hero and an absolute menace to society lol. A person who creates half of the problems that they solve and who is completely unhinged and often reckless but is also the one person you’d want around in a dire situation. A person who has probably seen a little too much, lived through a little too much, and still somehow has the ability to possess all the whimsy of a child and such a lust for life. A person who is so deliciously flawed. I love the undercurrent of grief that sets the foundation for what these characters choose to do with their lives, but also the abounding message that There Is Always Hope.

Although I have my issues with Far From Home as a story, it contains, in my opinion, one of the best Spider-Man moments across all the movies: in which he gets hit by a high speed train, wakes up in the middle of nowhere…and just fucking walks it off 🤣 That’s peak main character energy and such a great example of what makes him so freakin’ annoying (awesome).

And now, to the beloved MJ Watson.

MJ, in my humble opinion, is canonically Built Different. Being beside Peter Parker is simultaneously the safest place and the most dangerous place to be all at once. It’s both the most fun and most frustrating place to be. And MJ navigates that with such finesse. She’s her own person who forges her own path (many different ones) and doesn’t let Peter consume or dwarf her. She has a complex and intricate life of her own, and yet is still able to find enough space in her heart to love, unconditionally, this guy who is not just one person but two people in one. I think she’s one of the few people who understand the entirety of what it means to be Peter Parker, and that’s a really big thing.

I think there’s a reason why writers—both in the comics and in fan fiction—can’t seem to keep them apart. As evidenced by their history across the comics—the inevitable tragedy of them, the loss, the suffering, the reconciliation, the passion—they’re two characters who are destined to orbit each other forever.

As for why I write them—

It’s something I only really started doing in the last couple of years. I’m definitely not a veteran here lol. For a long time I was just a reader, mainly because I didn’t think I had the capacity to take on these characters and stories that are so well loved—especially when there are so many other people who do it so much better than I ever could. I read some of the comics growing up (but have to admit that I was more interested in the art than the plots at the time), and like many readers rediscovered my love of the characters through their few iterations on film. These films, and many of the fics I’ve read over the years, have led me back to the comics I grew up with and perhaps didn’t appreciate as well as I should have. So, in short (but actually quite long), me writing them is me showing appreciation for them. For the complexities of the characters as they were created, BUT also the possibilities of seeing them in new lights informed by my own experiences and writerly whims.

I’m sure this is a hell of a lot more than you bargained for, dear Anon, but if you made it to the end of this near-nonsensical ramble, then thank you very much for your time lol.

And thank you, so much, for reading my work, and loving my work. You have no idea how much it means to me. 🫶🏾

[10moonymhrivertam]

*cracks knucles*

Okay gotta admit I do not remember what I followed you for so what might already be familiar to you but I'm gonna aim for a smorgasbord here and hope I hit some new stuff for you. I was trying to skip around for variety but I know I repeated some stuff :P I've got more fandoms on offer and I'm coming up on 2k bookmarks total, so let me know if you want more of anything specific or just. More in general lol

The Stars Move Still by BeautifulFiction

(BBC Sherlock)

"What could I want so desperately that would make me sell my soul? What could possibly compel me to surrender the part of myself that makes me who I am: the source of my magic, my self-control, everything?" Magic has been a part of Sherlock's life for as long as he can remember. Most people view his abilities with suspicion, their own power pale in comparison to what he can do. Jealous rumours dog his footsteps: accusations that he sold his soul in exchange for his talents. Then John Watson enters his life, all ease and acceptance, and Sherlock will do anything – will pay any price – to ensure nothing brings him to harm.

10moonymhrivertam's note: The one with the souls where Anderson is a dick and gets burned for his trouble. (There’s much more to it than that, but that was a personal note to help me keep it straight for rereading - that part stands out)

Skeletons by flawedamythyst

(BBC Sherlock, ✨Mystery✨)

Sherlock's refusal to talk about his past hides far more skeletons than John could ever have guessed at. Halloween-esque AU. Now complete. Actually a fusion with another (well-known) fandom, but I feel that knowing which in advance spoils some of the story, so I have put it behind a spoiler-cut in the End Note. I don't feel it's necessary to have knowledge of that fandom to read this fic. 10moonymhrivertam's note: I love this fic to death - the fusion is well done and aims in a direction that I think most of us wouldn’t aim for (I know I certainly haven’t when writing crossovers of the same fandoms), which just makes it harder to guess in the best way.

I'm a Doctor, Dammit, Not Casper the Friendly Ghost by Bethalous

(Star Trek: TOS)

Leonard McCoy is dead. Don't worry, he's fine with it. But after over 200 years, Earth starts to get a bit boring so it's time for an adventure. And what better place than the USS Enterprise? It's got a cute Captain, a dashing First Officer, and plenty of opportunities for pranks. So what if something is always going wrong? He's dead; nothing's going to affect him. No note from me yet, but I should reread it and leave one.

Consequences by LizaGreen

(A:TLA)

Sokka and Master Piandao sit and talk over cups of tea. Sokka gets a revelation too many that makes him rethink his perspective on the Royal Family. 10moonymhrivertam's notes: A really cool piece with lots of Piandao subtl[t]y - and I always forget to think about what Zuko would've been trained in while fourth-in-line. Assassin is a really really cool choice

Brave New World by MoonFox

(Merlin, SG-1, Doctor Who)

1500 years after Camlann: Merlin has made a life for himself when a surprising twist of fate and alien technology brings him face to face with friends he thought he lost. Gwaine is saved unexpectedly by his own past and future. 10moonymhrivertam's notes: Oh, hello, this is the fic that made me interested in Stargate!! I still haven't figured out where to start despite the fact that I've had this bookmark for a while XD This is a really sick fic, though, I love the whole Gwaine time travel thing. [I should add this to the AO3 note, but it's definitely readable with no Stargate knowledge, though I will admit there was a big feeling of 'oh I am for sure missing stuff', I still followed it and really enjoyed it. I still-still don't know anything about Stargate XD]

the reactions of a dead man by agloeian

(Thor, MCU)

One second, Loki is fading out of consciousness, and the next he’s staring at the ceiling of Asgard’s great hall with air in his lungs. --- Loki wakes up in the past with all the knowledge he needs to stop Thanos ever coming to power in the first place. This somehow doesn't stop him from getting into trouble. A Post-Infinity War Time Travel Fix-it Fic. [No 10moony notes]

Because Designation: Roxanne Ritchi Asked by setepenre_set

(Megamind)

The evolution of Megamind and Roxanne's relationship, as told through brainbot code updates. 10moonymhrivertam's notes: Terribly, terribly cute 💙💙💙

Happy Endings Verse by Della19

(series bookmark, Doctor Who & Star Trek: AOS)

(Because it's a series bookmark, it has no summary, but my note was: The title is exactly the reason I bookmarked this ^_^)

Salvage by MuffinLance

(A:TLA)

Mid-Season-One Zuko is held for ransom by Chief Hakoda. Ozai's replies to the Water Tribe's demands are A+ Parenting. Hakoda is… deeply concerned, for this son that isn't his, and who might be safer among enemies than with his own father. [No 10moony note]

Live Through The Rain by Dont_call_me_Carrie

(MCU, Iron Man, WTNV)

Maria Carbonell was born and raised in a friendly desert community where the sun was hot, the moon was beautiful, and mysterious lights passed overhead on a regular basis. This...changes things. 10moonymhrivertam's notes: I go feral for this fic! It has such interesting things to say about Night Vale and the rest of the world, does some cool stuff with the Avengers side of it…somewhere in my google docs is self-indulgent recursive fic for this because djdjjwjxjejwjshddh it just ends so neatly and opens itself up to furthering of the story.

dream to me by weatheredlaw

(GOmens)

“You know, angel. Sometimes I think we’ve been bearing witness to a very great love affair, and we didn’t even notice.” or: an angel and a demon fall in love. but a bookshop and a bentley do it first. 10moonymhrivertam's notes: Oh I will definitely be using these ingredients to bake my own cake sometime, if that metaphor makes any sense.

I haven't read fic before bed in a while and that directly corresponds with my life satisfaction. I want fic recs of ppls absolute favorite fics. I've read the same fics over and over it's time to expand

[inevitably-johnlocked]

((my account is @mymiddlenameslove tumblr is still being weird lol)) do you have any fics where john and sherlock hold hands for the first time? i just love the build up/panic that leads to some good fluff thank you (*´∇｀*)

Hi Lovely!!!

Bah, sorry about Tumblr being dumb!!!!

What a fun fic req!! I know for SURE I’ve missed a lot, so these are either fics I remember have hand-holding, are tagged with it, or I’ve just re-read and found it in there :D Hope you Enjoy!!

HAND HOLDING / for COMFORT

The Four Incidents by TheGirlWithRedHair22 (K+, 1,064 w., 1 Ch. || S1 Compliant, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, John Whump, Accident, John POV, Hand Holding, Worried Sherlock, Sherlock’s Self Esteem) – The first time John was present when someone insulted Sherlock, he brushed it off as a strange coincidence.

Peacock by ClassyGirlsWearPearls (T, 1,189 w., 1 Ch. || Romance, Cranky Sherlock, Soft John, Hand Holding, Soft Sherlock) – A study in Sherlock and John.

Here to Stay by MockJayPhoenix12 (K, 1,574 w., 1 Ch. || Post Reunion, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Headache, Bed Sharing, Care Taker Sherlock, Hand Holding, Fluff) – On Sherlock's first day home, John wakes with a migraine.

Random Numbers by songlin (T, 1,671 w., 1 Ch. || Ace Sherlock / Straight John, Cuddling / Snuggling, Massage, Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Post-TRF, Slice of Life) – A collection of moments in the relationship of asexual!Sherlock and straight!John.

Giveaway Fic #9 - Angsty Sick Fic/Sherlock is Sick by ConsultingPurplePants (T, 1,734 w., 1 Ch. || Sick Fic, Hypothermia) – The next time he awakens is even more chaotic. Two doctors are shouting at each other in the corner, and John is holding his hand so tightly Sherlock is worried he’ll break it. Part 9 of 1000 Tumblr Followers Giveaway Fics

Once is Enough by Jominerva (T, 3,030 w., 1 Ch. || Love Confessions, Domestic Fluff, Whump) – Just as the earth rises to meet the sun at every mountain crest, John reaches out for Sherlock and takes his hand in his own."Tell me it won't end like this," he says, blue eyes holding grey while he laces their fingers together. Sherlock lets out a shaky laugh and shakes his head. "I wish I could."

holding steady by darcylindbergh (E, 12,724 w., 4 Ch. || Post S4, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Growing Old, Gone Fishing, Mood without Plot, Soft Sherlock, Caring Sherlock, POV John Third Person, Anxious Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Touching, Feeling Old, Sherlock Worship, Crying Sherlock, Cuddles, Comforting, Introspection, Retirement, Hand Holding, Forehead Kisses, Caring John, Bed Sharing, Emotional Love Making) – Sitting on a thick wool blanket at the end of a rickety dock side-by-side, legs dangling over the edge, a styrofoam container of wet, dark dirt between them, they’re fishing. John knows what this is about. This is about finally figuring it out.

A Gossamer Dream by CarmillaCarmine (E, 15,985 w., 4 Ch. || Writer/Teacher AU || First Meetings, Friends to Lovers, Writer John / Teacher Sherlock, Fluff, London, Holding Hands, Online Friendship / Romance, Phone Sex, Anal Sex, Happy Ending, Alternating POV, Scottish John, Online Relationship, Internalized Homophobia, Hand Holding, Forehead Touching, First Kiss/Time, Texting/Sexting, Rimming, Toplock, Sherlock Speaks French) – Sherlock had never realised one could care so much about someone they'd never met in person. Now he is about to meet the friend with whom he's been chatting online for months and his anticipation is reaching a crescendo.

How To Unfold a Heart by elwinglyre (E, 25,477 w., 7 Ch. || Post S4 Fix It, BAMF John, Mentioned Eurus, POV First Person Sherlock, Case Fic, Fluff, Slow Burn Topping from the Bottom, 3 Yr Old Rosie, Introspection, Sexual Fantasies, John Worship, Ogling, Hand Holding, Kidnapping, Domesticity, Sherlock Whump, First Kiss/Time, Doctor John, Caring John, Soft Sherlock, Sensuality, Touching, Crying, Love Confessions, Anxious Sherlock, Rimming, Toplock, Fingering, Bossy Bottom John) – To Sherlock’s dismay, John’s return to Baker Street with Rosie is only temporary. Sherlock’s daily visits to Regent Park with John and Rosie illuminate his lost childhood memories and missed opportunities. But with each trip to the park, Sherlock also feels a growing sense of hope. That is until the past horrors return unexpectedly in a cryptic note folded in the shape of a heart. To decipher the message, Sherlock must uncover the nature of the hearts around him, including his own.

Insanity in the Middle by DotyTakeThisDown (E, 28,010 w., 8 Ch. || Equestrian Sports AU || Alternate First Meeting, POV John, Pining John, Bottomlock, Clueless Sherlock, First Kiss/Time, Passionate Kisses, Hand Holding, Caught Making Out, Bed Sharing, Spooning, Blow Job) – John is a world-class eventing rider with a gold medal and several four-star wins to his credit, but he's never won at Rolex. Sherlock is an up-and-coming rider taking the sport by storm.

Lucifer's Gardens by ampersand_ch (E, 32,679 w., 12 Ch. || GERMAN VERSION || Romance, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Murder, Poison / Drugging, Mystery, John Undercover, Academic Club, Therapy, Rituals, Jungian Archetypes, Doctors & Physicians, Grief/Mourning, Esotericism, Hospitals, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, John Falls In Love With Another Man, Jealous Sherlock, Crying, Doctor John, Hand Holding, First Kiss/Time, Mysticism, Hugging, Touching) – John goes undercover for an investigation as a favour to Lestrade in a village in Suffolk. The events surrounding the case awaken deep-seated fears in Sherlock. While John begins to come to a realisation of what he needs in Lucifer's Gardens, Sherlock tries to find a way to reach John – in more ways than one.

A Promise Made to Be Broken by PlantsAreNeat (E, 37,018 w., 7 Ch. || Fake Relationship, Pining, Slow Burn, RST, Eventual Relationship, POV Sherlock) – A young John makes an ‘if we’re still single at 40, we’ll get together’ pledge to a woman who ends up all wrong for him. She keeps reminding him of the promise, and won’t let go of it. John asks Sherlock to pose as his boyfriend at a family wedding, so as to dash her hopes permanently. Sherlock, who has at last acknowledged his feelings for John, reluctantly agrees despite knowing how painful it will be to ‘have’ John, but not keep him.

A Love with No Name Series by aceofhearts61 (G to M, 49,955 w. across 20 stories || Asexual Sherlock / Straight John, Est. Rel, Queerplatonic Relationship, Romance, Cuddling, Fluff, Platonic Romance, Domestics, Rape/Non-Con) – In which Asexual!Sherlock and Straight!John are platonically in love life partners.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by SilentAuror (E, 50,635 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S4/S4 Divergence, Case Fic, For a Case / Reverse Fake-Relationship, Conferences, Marriage Equality, Travelling / New York, Pride, Homophobia, Bottomlock, Marriage Proposal, John POV, Sexuality, Love Confessions, Emotional Love Making, Public Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Passionate Kissing, Needy/Clingy Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Touching / Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Little Spoon Sherlock, Intense Orgasms) – John and Sherlock go to New York to attend a conference run by the National Defence of Traditional Marriage Coalition in order to investigate the potential bombing of the annual Manhattan Pride parade. As the conference unfolds, John finds himself repulsed by the toxic ideology being presented, which becomes relevent to his own unacknowledged issues and his friendship with Sherlock...

Repairing the Broken Things by BakerTumblings (M, 75,252 w., 15 Ch. || S4 Compliant, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Medical Trauma, Hospitals, Big Brother Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Realizations, Severe Accident, John Whump, Pneumonia, Medical Procedures, Bed Sharing, First Time, Healing, Happy Ending) – "I'm calling today to notify you that there's been an accident."

Not Broken, Just Bent by Schmiezi (E, 87,585 w., 43 Ch. || Pining, Love Confessions, Rape/Sexual Assault, Torture, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Villain!Mary, Suicidal Ideations, Main Character Death, Sherlock First Person POV, Parentlock, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Grief/Mourning, Emotional Love Making, Possessiveness, Depression, PTSD, Kidnapping, Virgin Sherlock, Eventual Happy Ending) – "For a second, I allow myself to remember teaching John how to waltz. There is a special room in my mind palace for it. A big one, with a proper parquet dance floor. For a second, I go there. I remember holding him, closer than the World Dance Council asks for, excusing it with the fact that we are training for a wedding, not for a competition. For a second, I feel his hand on mine again, smell his sweat, hear the song we used. For a second, I allow myself to love him deeply. For a second, only a second, that love reflects on my face." Fix-it for S3, starting at the end of TSoT. Evil Mary.

Northwest Passage by Kryptaria (E, 95,157 w., 27 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Canadian AU ||  BAMF!John, Canadian John, PTSD, Anal / Oral Sex, Rimming, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Drug Rehab, Falling in Love, Pining Sherlock, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Violin, Panic Attacks, Switching, Anxious / Protective Sherlock, Hugs for Comfort, Suicide Mentions, Healing Each Other) – Seven years ago, Captain John Watson of the Canadian Forces Medical Service withdrew from society, seeking a simple, isolated life in the distant northern wilderness of Canada. Though he survives from one day to the next, he doesn't truly live until someone from his dark past calls in a favor and turns his world upside-down with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes." Part 1 of Tales from the Northwest

The Lost Special: Family Matters (As Do Relationships) by ShirleyCarlton  (M, 144,688 w., 40 Ch. || S4 Fix It Fic / Meta Fic, Unreliable Narrator, John’s Mind Bungalow, Friends to Lovers, Happy Ending, Demisexual Sherlock, Holmes Family, John Whump, Gay Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Drug Addiction, Parenting, TFP is a Nightmare, Virgin Sherlock, Slow Burn, Minor Character Death, Switchlock, John’s Past, Sherlock’s Past, Eurus, Love Confessions) – Sherrinford is not really the name of some high security prison. That was just a figment of John’s frantic coma dream. And Eurus is not actually Sherlock’s sister. That’s just something random she said to John before shooting him. Sherlock and John were never actually estranged. That was just their act to cover up what really happened to Mary – or Rosamund Moran, as her real name has turned out to be. Sherlock does have a secret sibling, though, and his name is Sherrinford. After finally eliminating Moran – though in a rather dramatically different way than they had envisioned – and exposing the truth about Eurus, John encourages Sherlock to delve into his past and to find out whether the reasons to keep Sherrinford away from Sherlock were the right ones, and to discover what really happened in 1981. Along the way, Sherlock and John gradually, finally, stop keeping each other at a distance, and eventually become a proper family of their own.

Against the Rest of the World by SilentAuror (E, 151,714 w., 20 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Hiatus Fic, POV First Person Sherlock, Present Tense, First Kiss/Time, Big Brother Mycroft, Escaping from Capture, Soft Sherlock, Toplock, Insecurity, Infidelity, Travelling, Introspection, Pining Sherlock, Depression, Fantasies, Yearning for the Past, PTSD Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation) – Sherlock has been away from London for nine hundred and twelve days and counting, and has no idea what sort of reception to expect when he finally returns.

Unkissed Series by 221b_hound (T to E, 184,100 w. across 45 works || Established Relationship, Ace Sherlock) – Sherlock returned from the dead a year ago. John returned to Baker Street six months ago. They've been in a couple since then. or at least, not NOT a couple. For two smart men, they sure can be dumb. Luckily, an art thief tries to drown Sherlock, Sherlock has a fever dream and things are about to change.

[eldritchlittleblackdragon]

Alice van Zieks in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Part 1

(Or, What Happens to her During and Post-Canon)

Follow Up to My Post I originally made about Alice Here, which included some of her basic stats and pre-canon lore. Image made with this Picrew. Warning! Contains Spoilers for The Great Ace Attorney Adventures (Cases 1+2), as well as some spoilers related to Kazuma Asogi’s character.

This is the first of five parts.

Tagging: @curiousobsession101 and @scarlettjskipper

Previously, in Alice’s story...

Alice had been living in Japan attending Imperial Yumei University for the past three years after separating from her husband, Barok van Zieks. During that time she made friends with the Mikotoba siblings (Susato Mikotoba and Kazuma Asogi), being first introduced to them through her father and Professor Mikotoba. She also befriended Ryunosuke Naruhodo, and encouraged him to participate in the speech tournament that led to him being introduced to and befriending Kazuma. She became especially close with Ryunosuke and Kazuma, although with Kazuma this also included romantic feelings taking root within her (which unbeknownst to her at first, were very much reciprocated).

While she initially had no intention of acting on these feelings for Kazuma, she was persuaded to try and divorce her husband in order to be with him. And this then in turn motivated Kazuma to take action of his own in the hopes the two of them might one day be able to be together as a couple. (This included gifting her a bouquet of flowers that served as a confession of love that he couldn’t say allowed. And she sent him back flowers to give her reply.)

Unfortunately, her husband challenged her petition to the courts, and as a result it was necessary for her to return to Britain sooner than she would have otherwise. As it happened, she would be departing around the same time as Kazuma for his study tour, and thus made arrangements to secure passage on the same ship, the SS Burya.

And Just Before The First Case of DGS1...

In order to provide a temporary reprieve from matters, Alice’s father decided to take her to a western style restaurant, Le Carnival, for meal out together. The conversation was mostly relaxing (discussion of forensics and the end to her training/education, fun recent events/happenings), but Alice found her mind wandering back to thoughts surrounding her current state of affairs. Her father wasn’t the best at comforting others, but he tried to reassure her and reiterated she has his full support. Which she deeply appreciated.

During the meal, she spotted Kazuma and Ryunosuke at another table, and with her father’s blessing/supervision, briefly got up to say hello to the two of them. She confessed that she wished Ryunosuke could be in Britain with both her and Kazuma, which Kazuma was in very enthusiastic agreement with. Having both of her best friends there would be wonderful. Kazuma said that he was trying his best to persuade him, but Ryunosuke wasn’t so sure how he would make that work. Alice hoped it could.

She wished them well before returning to her seat. The meal passed by uneventfully, although she noticed Kazuma left at one point, leaving Ryunosuke alone at their table. Her father then proceeded to take up her attention by asking her about topics he hoped would distract her from more grim matters. It seemed to work well enough, although she found her gaze drifting momentarily (and ever so slightly) to see that Ryunosuke had gone over, seeming to have noticed a gun lying on the floor. It seemed to be near the table of Dr. Watson (a professor in her department) and Jezaille Brett, one of her classmates, the two of whom happened to be dining together. Had Dr. Watson dropped his gun?

She looked away for only a moment when her father asked what she was looking at, when suddenly she heard gunfire.

Events took a sudden and terrifying turn. When she looked back, Dr. Watson was dead with a bullet would in his chest, and all eyes were on Ryunosuke who still had the gun in his hand. Oh no, She thought. Had some sort of terrible accident taken place? Alice squinted, trying to look for signs that the gun in Ryunosuke’s hand was the one fired. She got up from the table, hoping to question Ryunosuke about what happened. She couldn’t see any residue from where she was that indicated it.

So what had happened? She looked up, and noticed that Jezaille Brett was suddenly absent from the scene. And now the waiter was rushing in and forcibly taking Ryunosuke away. No, this was wrong. This was very wrong!

Eventually the waiter returned, revealing himself to be a police officer, and asked everyone else present to serve as witnesses.  Initially she agreed, willing to give whatever testimony she could. She even put forth her credentials, and said she would be willing to lend her expertise if needed. But, he instructed they were not to mention Jezaille Brett was present in any testimony given in the case against Ryunosuke. Alice flatly refused this, and questioned the reason for this. The officer tried to take her aside, saying it was a delicate diplomatic matter. She was still opposed to it, and tried to argue about it. The more she talked to the officer, the more she was convinced Ryunosuke was being set up to take the fall for this as murder. And she refused to believe he was capable of such a thing. As she didn’t seem to be able to be convinced, The officer released her, saying that she would be called upon when needed. Based on what was said, it seemed the intention was that she would be benched as a witness. It was a similar situation with her father.

She ran to find Kazuma as soon as she could, and told him the news of what had happened. She pleaded with him to defend Ryunosuke, as he was able to practice law in spite of still being a student. It wasn’t a thing she needed to ask, however. Of course Kazuma was more than happy to help defend his friend. And with her telling him about it so quickly, he had time to prepare for the trial. But, Professor Mikotoba (would learned of things shortly thereafter) would fear how this trial might ruin Kazuma’s chance to go to England if he lost, so the professor had other plans in mind.

And now, onto canon!

--------

The Trial of Ryunosuke Naruhodo

This goes much the same as in canon, for the most part. However, there is an additional point of contention. When Ryunosuke defends himself at trial (with Kazuma aiding him, rather than being his lawyer), he discovers the Prosecution has no plans to call Alice as a witness in spite of the fact she was there. It is confirmed they were originally planning on calling her as a witness, but they felt her ‘biases’ muddled the reliability of her testimony. Once Ryunosuke is able to prove Jezaille Brett’s presence by other means however (and discovers it’s not bias but a refusal to lie in her testimony that benched Alice), Alice is brought in as a corroborating witness for the defense. She confirms Brett was present.

When Brett arrives Alice acts as an additional witness on the stand for a brief period, serving as an additional point with which Ryunosuke counters and dismantles Brett’s testimony. (She is excused however during the final part of the trial when the soldier and the antiques dealer are called back to the stand.)

After the trial, Alice comes to congratulate Ryunosuke on his victory and express relief that he is alright. She is impressed with her friend’s ability in spite of having no legal training, and wonders aloud if maybe he might do well switching fields of study. Kazuma’s laughs and says he agrees that Ryunosuke has the makings of a great attorney. From here, things go much the same as canon with hearing what has become of Brett, and what will happen going forward. Alice is frustrated that after all the trouble of proving her guilty, she’s simply being whisked away and may not face justice.

As in canon, Officer Hosonaga recommends the group dine at Le Carnival. But Alice thinks that may not be a good idea, especially with the murder of Dr. Watson fresh in everyone’s minds. Instead, she offers that everyone could come have dinner with her family (which her dad is cool with). She thanks Hosonaga for the offer, and for coming forward and doing what he could to bring the truth to light after he admitted to concealing Brett’s presence. She’s not so sure about the whole ‘keeping evidence in his house’ part of things, but she were it not for that, the truth might not have come to light.

As everyone is leaving, Alice talks with her friends about the upcoming voyage, and expresses that while she’s happy she’ll have Kazuma and Susato, she really does wish she could have all of her friends with her. And Ryunosuke expresses how grateful he is to have best friends like Alice and Kazuma, and thanks them for their help in the trial.

Between 1-1 and 1-2 - Close and Yet So Far

The time for their departure from Japan arrives. Alice boards the SS Burya, and stays in the First Class cabin across the hall from Kazuma (Cabin 3). Unbeknownst to her, Kazuma has smuggled Ryunosuke aboard in his luggage, and hides him in his room (or his wardrobe when others are in the room). He keeps Ryunosuke’s presence a secret from Alice, much for the same reason he doesn’t tell Susato about his presence. He doesn’t want to make either of them complicit in his doing.

For the weeks of the trip leading up to the second case, Kazuma and Alice have the most freedom to associate and unfettered access to one another that they’ve ever had. They visit each other frequently. But, with such an abundance of freedom to interact with one another unsupervised, it becomes tempting to be more open with one another than they’ve been able to be previously.

The two of them find their hands searching for each other’s, their fingers intertwined. A light touch or hand on the shoulder here, a comforting embrace there. And perhaps those touches are allowed to linger longer than they used to. Their words skirt close to the edge, stopping right before saying plainly what they know they can’t. At least not yet. 

There is one night where they almost are pushed over the edge, to do something they know they shouldn’t. Emotions run high with talk of heavy subjects. About things that are known and not known. Alice tries to ask him about things he hasn’t elaborated on (his ‘mission’ in particular). But he doesn’t feel at liberty to tell her any more than he’s told Ryunosuke or Susato, or anyone else for that matter. She’s tempted to assure him with ‘you know you can tell me anything right’? The words leave her lips before she can stop herself.

“I wish it were the case. But there are some things I can’t tell you about. Not yet,” he says. “But I will in time. I ask for your understanding... and your trust.”

She says she trusts him. And for a moment, the two of them are facing each other, so tantalizingly close. For a moment, they forget themselves. Kazuma leans in with the intention to kiss her. Alice leans slightly forward. She’s not entirely sure if a kiss is his intention, or if she’s misinterpreting his action. Either way, she stops short, remembering herself. She opens her mouth to speak, to tell him that they shouldn’t be doing this. But a sudden noise from outside interrupts them, and that instead bring Kazuma back to reality and he remembers himself, withdrawing from her space.

The moment etches itself into her mind. It tempts her with thoughts of what could be. But also it also serves to give her a picture of what she has to give up if she isn’t successful in her endeavors in London. It pains her to think she might not be able to be with Kazuma romantically. But, all she can do is try. And even if she doesn’t succeed, she will have him as her dear friend. Her dear friend that she loves with all her heart.

The ‘Death’ of Kazuma Asogi

Alice is awoken by a commotion outside. She goes across the hall to Kazuma’s cabin to see what’s going on (as it seems like all the activity is coming from there). She is shocked to discover that Ryunosuke is in the room, clapped in irons, with Susato looking at him with a determined fury in her eyes. And also present in the room is someone Alice didn’t expect to see - an old friend of hers from London, a detective by the name of Sherlock Holmes. (Side Note: The Escapade Episode on the Burya happens as it does in canon, although Alice isn’t in her cabin at the time and is in fact visiting with Susato, and thus avoided the whole encounter/finding out Sherlock was present. Kazuma was going to tell her about it before the whole... ‘death’ thing happened.)

She panics and asks Ryonosuke if he’s hurt, why is he clapped in irons, etc. He says he’s a suspect for murder once again. Alice looks around in a panic, and then the next words out of her mouth are ‘Where’s Kazuma?’ But then looking around at the room, and seeing how everyone’s mood suddenly shifts, a horrid realization starts to set in. As Susato begins to explain, Alice can feel her heart starting to shatter inside of her.

Kazuma is dead.

“Please tell me this is some sort of cruel joke.”

But Sherlock explains that it is no joke. He looked over Kazuma himself and confirmed the man was dead before handing his body over to the ship’s doctor. Alice shakes her head, continuing to sputter out words of denial. Sherlock tries to counter her denial, to get her to use reason to accept the reality of the situation. But this doesn’t work at all, and only serves to push her into a sudden meltdown. She snaps at him, demanding to be taken to where they’re keeping the body and examine it herself. Besides, she’s more qualified than any ship doctor to perform an autopsy.

Sherlock refuses the idea outright. As qualified as she is, she is not the person who should be performing Kazuma’s autopsy. Especially if her behavior is any indication of her current emotional state. She barks back at him, telling him he’s being stupid and demands again to see Kazuma. Once again he refuses. She then derides Sherlock as it was his word that led Ryunosuke to be accused of being the murderer. There was no way he would ever kill his best friend. Yes, the door was locked, but there must be something else at work. It can’t be that simple.

But it’s not just about being certain her friend is innocent. She also is terrified of losing both of her best friends in short order.

Eventually, it is Ryunosuke who manages to calm Alice down. And although she is unable to examine the body (because Sherlock knows she’d be able to tell Kazuma is actually... not in fact dead) she is allowed to help Ryunosuke and Susato investigate. They are all shaken up, but at least doing an investigation around the room and the first class rooms nearby doesn’t require the steady hand and mind that an autopsy does (according to Sherlock’s reasoning).

So, Alice assists Ryunosuke and Susato during the case, and serves as a point to provide extra clues as to what might have befallen Kazuma. The trail leads to Nikolina Pavlova and they discover that it was through a misunderstanding and accident that Kazuma lost his life. Alice finds it hard to be hard on Nikolina, especially because she was trying to escape a bad situation and find a better life. That she desired freedom and feared that freedom being taken away. (She basically finds herself relating to her a bit because of her fear of being trapped in her marriage to Lord van Zieks and ultimately trapped from making decisions according to her own aspirations and desires.)

During the investigation, they happen upon a box among Kazuma’s things that comes with a letter, both of which are addressed to Alice. She is allowed to take the letter and the contents of the box, as it is clear Kazuma intended these for her. The letter plainly confesses his feelings to her and his wishes for the future, and the box contains a pair of twin lockets, both of a classic oval design with a detailed floral pattern etched into the metal. One was to be worn by her (according to the letter), and the other by Kazuma, so that they would always be together in some form, even when apart.

Alice takes one of the lockets, and puts it on, wearing it under her clothes. The other, she requests of the crew of the Burya to be left with Kazuma’s remains so that the locket might be buried with him. She snips a lock of her hair, and puts it within that locket, literally giving Kazuma a piece of herself to take with him in death.

Ryunosuke is given Karuma (Kazuma’s sword) for safekeeping, as well as his red hachimaki. And Susato gives Alice Kazuma’s journal, on the condition she not read anything beyond what they had to to solve his murder. (She entrusts Ryunosuke with Kazuma’s soul, and Alice with Kazuma’s mind.) Susato herself will take and care for his books, taking care of the knowledge he took with him to keep on hand for his studies.

And she would need them for the days ahead. With Kazuma dead, a replacement is needed for the exchange program. Ryunosuke steps up to the plate to carry on in Kazuma’s place (albeit with no knowledge of his mission, only knowing he was to study law while in Britain). Susato intends to train him until they arrive, and asks Alice to help her. Alice is not a lawyer or a judicial assistant, but her training and education could prove helpful. Alice is more than willing to help, and has the additional experience of having taught things to Ryunosuke before (when she was a teaching assistant in one of his English classes). So she can help Susato figure out the best way to teach Ryunosuke in what little time they have.

Between 1-2 and 1-3 - Arriving in London

Much of Alice’s time on the rest of the journey overseas is devoted to helping Susato give Ryunosuke a crash course on British law. She doesn’t allow herself as much time to grieve as she ought to at first, feeling she needs to focus on helping her friends. She tries to be source of support for them in their own grief, but struggles with hers. She is also plagued by nightmares born of her frustration and guilt with not being able to examine Kazuma herself. With feeling like she is being punished by the cosmos for loving someone she wasn’t supposed to.

She is eventually questioned by Sherlock about her situation, and after a tense discussion, they catch up with one another about what’s happened to each of them in the last three years since they’ve last seen each other.

Eventually, Susato is the one to get Alice to come out of her shell regarding her grief, and they have a heart to heart.

She then later has one with Ryunosuke as well, in which they promise to look out for each other in London. They’re best friends, and it’s also what Kazuma would have wanted. She also winds up warning him about some of the things he can expect to face in London. She tells him to be wary of Lord Stronghart. And she gives him advice on a couple of the other prosecutors she thinks he might face, as also tells him to be prepared. He may be treated unkindly by others because of being Japanese. (It isn’t right or fair, but it’s unfortunately a very common sentiment in London. Prejudice against many people and cultures abounds there, including those from Japan.)

Since she believes her husband (Lord van Zieks) is still retired at this point, she doesn’t expect her friend will be running into him much if at all. She’s spoken of her husband a little before this, but not in much detail. She mentions her husband’s fearsome reputation and how it’s affected him (and her, at least in terms of her having to watch her back in London). Ryunosuke might not run into him, but if he does, he ought to be aware of some things.

Eventually they reach Britain, and take the train from Dover into London. Ryunosuke and Susato part ways from Alice. She goes to meet her friend Agnes Ward and her husband William. Alice had no intention of staying with her husband as she was in the process of trying to divorce him. But she couldn’t stay with her Aunt and Uncle who live in London as they are against the divorce and have threatened to disinherit her if she doesn’t change her mind.

So instead, she’s staying with Agnes (whom she ironically met through her Aunt and Uncle originally, as Agnes used to work for Alice’s Uncle) and her family. Agnes will have her stay in their spare bedroom. She apologizes in advance as she has a pair of young children (twins), who can be a bit rambunctious. But Alice loves children and assures her friend it won’t be a problem. She’s even willing to help with them if Agnes needs it.

Agnes and Alice at first head to Agnes’ home to drop off Alice’s luggage. But then Agnes says that Alice might not want to get comfortable and start settling in just yet. Alice looks at her friend nervously and asks what she means by that.

And it turns out, Agnes has some serious and startling news to give her.

It would seem that her husband has come out of retirement, and he will be the Prosecuting Attorney for a trial being held that very day.

Alice asks when, and if it would be possible to hail a carriage to see in time. Agnes suspected she might be wanting to go see the trial, and says if they leave now, they can make it on time.

And so, they waste no time, and soon, they’re out on the streets again, hailing a carriage to the Old Bailey. And Alice is sure to cover her face so she’s not recognized, not only for her safety, but because she’s not emotionally prepared to meet with her husband again just yet. She intends to let him know she’s arrived in London safely of course, but she hopes to have a day or two to gain her bearings before she meets with him again.

Perhaps this trial will serve as a glimpse of how much he has changed or not in the three years she’s been gone.

Little does she knows she’s in for a rather startling discovery about the trial when she arrives. Particularly pertaining to who the opposing defense attorney will be.

Next:

The Trial of Magnus McGilded, The Two Soseki Natsume Trials, and Between Natsume and Lestrade (Part 2)

The Trial of Gina Lestrade, between Games, and During the Initial Two cases of the Second Game (Part 3)

The Trial of Albert Harebrayne and The 8 Days of Hell (Part 4)

The Trial of Barok Van Zieks and Post Game Ideas (Part 5)

[raimispiderman]

From the booklet which comes with the Spider-Man Trilogy Limited Edition Collection blu-ray!

This talks about the making of Spider-Man 3, here’s the bit about the first Spider-Man movie and here’s the bit about Spider-Man 2.

Click for a transcript:

OLD FRIENDS… AND NEW FACES

“The heart of the Spider-Man films has always been the depth of the characters and their interconnected lives. Peter’s love of Mary Jane Watson and his friendship with Harry Osborn have always been the richest parts of our stories,” said director Sam Raimi.

In Spider-Man 3, Peter Parker faces his biggest challenge to date – and the greatest battle of all is the battle within himself.

“We wanted to explore the darker side of Peter’s character,” said producer Laura Ziskin. “When his suit turns black, it enhances and emphasizes characteristics that are already in the host. In this case, it makes him stronger and quicker, but also more prideful and aggressive.”

“When I read the script I was really excited about the different direction we were going with Peter Parker and the other characters and storylines,” said Tobey Maguire, who returned to the role of Peter Parker. “We are covering a lot of new ground here, with a fresh take on the story while maintaining the continuity of the characters from the previous two films.”

In Spider-Man 3, Spider-Man takes on two classic villains: Sandman, who first made his appearance in the fourth issue of “The Amazing Spider-Man” and Venom, one of the comic book’s most memorable villains.

“Marvel comic books – and especially the Spider-Man books – have always had a great bunch of villains to choose from,” noted Raimi. “So many great Marvel artists and writers developed these characters. It was a very easy task to pick up these wonderful tales and images and develop our story from them.”

Thomas Haden Church played Flint Marko, a man haunted by the mistakes of his past, who is caught in a physics experiment gone wrong. “I consider it an honor, really,” said Church, an Academy Award nominee for his role in Sideway, on joining the franchise. “The Spider-Man films stand tall in the pantheon of superhero movies. Many are called, few are chosen, and I’m proud to be one of the few.”

“Flint Marko becomes Sandman when he stumbles into a radioactive test site where they’re performing a molecular fusion experiment and he accidentally becomes fused with sand,” Church added. “As a result, he can change his shape and adapt to his environment. He can be 10, 30, 80 feet tall. He can form giant sand fists, hammers, a mace. He can shift into a sand tornado, or sift into sand. He is as malevolent and menacing as any villain can be.”

Church spent over a year preparing for the role, with a physical training and diet regimen which led to his gaining about 20 pounds of muscle before shooting began. “In the comic book, Sandman was a bulky-muscled guy – he looked like a guy out of the WWF,” said the actor, “For the movie, we decided on a leaner look – street hardened, like Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront.”

Topher Grace joined the cast as Eddie Brock, a character in some ways similar to Peter Parker, who transforms into Venom – Spider-Man’s arch-nemesis. “When I was first talking about the movie, Sam asked me if I knew what ‘arch-nemesis’ meant. I thought it meant a huge villain, but Sam pointed out that it really means a villain who has the same powers and abilities as the hero, but uses them for evil,” said Grace. “Sam has gone to great lengths to make this character Spider-Man’s equal and opposite. You might say that Eddie is the guy that Peter would have been if he didn’t have the good fortune of having Aunt May and Uncle Ben to bring him up.”

Grace, a self-described “skinny guy,” put on about 15 to 20 pounds for the role, working out during the several months before shooting began. During pre-production, Grace was subjected to body scans and motion capture data analysis for use by the costume and visual effects departments.

“They were doing a scan of my body, and someone mentioned that the scan would be really helpful for making my action figure. My action figure!” recalled Grace. “It hadn’t even occurred to me that I would become an action figure! It was very exciting.”

“The Spider-Man books have probably the greatest rogues’ gallery of any superhero comic – there are so many memorable villains throughout the books,” said executive producer and Marvel’s president of production Kevin Feige. “With the villains in Spider-Man 3, we wanted to continue the tradition – following the Green Goblin and Doc Ock – of presenting villains that not only provide spectacle and a physical challenge to Spider-Man’s abilities, but characters that are multi-layered and conflicted.”

“At the beginning of Spider-Man 3, we find Peter Parker pretty much where we left him at the end of the second Spider-Man story,” said director Sam Raimi. “He is coming to terms with what it means to be a hero and the sacrifices he has to make to do the right thing. Peter has never had anyone look up to him as someone they admire. Certainly, he’s never had anyone cheer for him before. This has an unexpected effect on Peter: it stirs up his prideful self. This is the beginning of a movement toward his dark side in this film.”

That dark side is brought to the forefront when he comes into contact with a black substance that attaches itself to Peter’s Spider-Man suit. When the substance turns his suit black, he finds he has greater strength and agility than ever before… but also the substance brings out his pride and his vengefulness. “In the climax, Peter has to put aside his prideful self. He must put aside his desire for vengeance,” Raimi continues. “He has to learn that we are all sinners and that none of us can hold ourselves above another. In this story, he has to learn forgiveness.”

Another fan favorite, Gwen Stacy, made her film debut in Spider-Man 3. Well known to fans of the comic books, Gwen made her first appearance in December 1965 “The Amazing Spider-Man #31” and quickly became Peter Parker’s first love. Bryce Dallas Howard took on the role. Despite the differences between the comic book and screen versions of her character, Howard was able to use the comic book as inspiration in bringing Gwen Stacy to life. “There was a very deep relationship built into the comic books – that became my foundation,” said the actress. “This a person who, had things been different, could have been a good mate for him. Because her father is a police captain, she’s accustomed to someone leaving and putting his life in jeopardy every day and loving him unconditionally. I was able to build on that, to play the character that was written in the comic book.”

“It’s wonderful to bring new actors into the series because, although you have an existing set of rules and storylines you want to adhere to, at the same time you need to shake it up, bringing new voices and energies to the film that we haven’t experiences before, “noted Raimi. “It gives the audience a new experience, with the characters they love, but with a new energy dynamic, with those new faces on screen with them.”

“In terms of logistics and scope, Spider-Man 3 is by far the largest of the three films,” said Ziskin. “Sam has really upped the ante for this film, in terms of action sequences and visual effects involving Sandman and Venom, so it is a gigantic endeavor, with over 1,000 people working towards that goal.”

During production, Raimi relied on key members of his filmmaking team to bring to life before the cameras as much of Peter Parker’s story as possible. “Whenever it’s safe and practical, I like to capture the action in camera,” said Raimi. “Visual effects are an amazing tool for action that human beings can’t do – but if a human being can do it, let’s do it.”

The talented team of stuntmen was ready, but so was the cast. Bryce Dallas Howard, especially, surprised the filmmakers by being game for anything they could throw at her. At one point, the actress found herself hanging from a harness.

After performing several portions of the sequence on soundstages in Los Angeles, Howard was eager to get in the harness again to fly with Spider-Man over Sixth Avenue. “What’s so great about movies is you get to really experience these crazy, crazy stunts, things that you would never emerge from alive in real life,” says Howard. “I knew I would be 100% safe because Sam and the stunt team really protect the actors. So I tried to do as many things as possible, because it’s really fun and a great adrenaline rush!”

Thomas Haden Church was also up to the challenge – in fact, even more so. Whether it was being yanked five feet in the air so he could do a face-plant in the mud, or being chased (and caught) by dogs, or dangling off the side of a set, or falling onto train tracks, or having his face smashed into a pane of Plexiglas, the actor found himself bruised and battered repeatedly, but was ready for anything. According to producer Grant Curtis, “It wasn’t intentional, but it seemed sometimes like if any actor was required to get beat up in any way, Thomas was always drawing that short straw.”

Two members of the production team that played key roles in ensuring that these action sequences were both as safe and as spectacular as possible were special effects supervisor John R. Frazier (who previously served in the same capacity on the first two Spider-Man films) and second unit director Dan Bradley (a veteran of Spider-Man 2). “Working with Sam is like going back to school,” said Frazier. “You have that moment where you say, ‘Oh, this is going to be really, really hard, but a lot of fun.’ It’s  not unusual for me to be on a movie like Spider-Man 3 for nine months, from the beginning planning stages through production.”

One scene that highlights their work is the Subway Drain portion of an elaborate fight sequence between Spider-Man and Sandman. Raimi worked closely with Frazier, Bradley and visual effects supervisor Scott Stokdyk on the sequence, in which Sandman is blasted by the force of a burst water pipe and, quite literally, goes down the drain. Sam wanted Sandman to melt away, in essence, during this sequence.

“This is the largest water gag for one shot I’ve ever done for a film,” recalled Frazier, who had previously supervised the special effects for Poseidon. “We used 50,000 gallons of water, shooting out of a pipe which blasted the rear of the set fifty feet away. When you see this sequence, the water appears to be a six-foot-thick column of water; however, we made the center of the pipe hollow, and used a restrictor plate to control the size of the column of water. The water is recirculated using pumps, which are able to pump 3,000 gallons a minute. We can fill both tanks in about five minutes, so that we are ready for another take.”

The sequence was covered using eight cameras, according to Stokdyk. “This sequence is where Spider-Man discovers Sandman’s weakness – water. We had to put a CG Sandman in here because the velocity of the water is too great to have Thomas Haden Church or a stuntman perform portions of the sequence. Water is a huge challenge for visual effects, especially on a large scale, so our goal here was to seamlessly integrate the elements for the sequence between practical and CG.”

Bradley and Frazier’s work is also on display in an action sequence during a bank heist, in which a security guard (played by none other than producer Grant Curtis) falls victim to Sandman’s wreath. “As a producer, Grant is uniquely qualified for guarding money,” laughed Bradley, “so Sam typecast him and invited him to spend a lot of time on set being buried underneath tons of sand as one of the armored car guards.”

Apprehensive as he might have been about performing the stunt, Curtis says that it would have been pointless to argue. “I’ve worked with Sam for ten years, so I know that once a decision’s been made, he’s going to get his way,” he said.

The sequence begins spectacularly, when Sandman smashes into the top of the armored call with his fist – which, in reality, Frazier’s team made of polyurethane foam. It was eight feet tall, six feet wide, and weighed over 500 pounds. Then, debris – sand – came flying at Curtis. “On the first take, I anticipated the crash and reacted too early,” he remembered. After an adjustment, he nailed the second take.

At the end of the sequence, the guard is buried in sand. To film the scene, the armored car was lifted and tilted at a 50-degree angle so that the sand could be dumped in and fill the car but with a fraction of the pressure on Curtis. The producer soon found himself beneath 4,000 pounds of ground corncob – the filmmakers’ ingenious substitute for sand.

The idea of using ground corncob as a double for sand did not come immediately to the filmmakers. The first man charged with investigating what kind of sand would make Sandman or solving any number of other costuming challenges, Acheson’s motto was: when in doubt, go back to the original text. “We derive our inspiration, as always, from the comic,” he said. “Sandman is one of those remarkable characters who can change shape, dissolve, disappear, grow, or become mud or concrete. We designed various stages and different scales of Sandman’s evolution, working with wonderful sculptors to create maquettes, small statues of Sandman in his various appearances.”

As much as Sandman required each of the departments to step up their game, so, too, did Venom – Spider-Man’s equal and opposite. Acheson and his team created various stages of Venom’s look, working with Raimi to create a tension in the sculpting of the suit. “It was important to Sam and to James that we keep the suit really sharp and aggressive, as with the tendrils that crawl across Venom’s face at points,” said head specialty costumer Shownee Smith, whose company Frontline Design worked under Acheson’s direction to manufacture the specialty costumes for the film.

For scenes where Brock transitions into Venom, Grace spent an hour being placed into the suit, which added between 120 and 140 pounds to his weight. The actor then spent an additional four and a half hours in makeup for the addition of appliances, including special sets of teeth worn by Grace to give the character the illusion of a larger, more menacing mouth. The filmmakers also attached monofilament to the skin on Grace’s face so that they could pull and distort the character as he makes his transformation.

“At one point while shooting the transition scenes, I thought, ‘What have I signed up for?!’” Grace laughed. “I had black goo poured all over me, wires attached to my face that people with fishing poles were pulling up, and other people below me were pulling down… When you see my character in pain, well, there wasn’t a whole lot of acting required.”

Also interacting with each of the departments was production designer J. Michael Riva, the member of the team responsible for bringing Raimi’s stylish vision to life. Riva was especially proud of his work in cresting the construction site that serves as the arena for the film’s final battle. “Making a construction site doesn’t sound very difficult, but if you have only eight weeks to design and build, it’s practically impossible,” he said. “We used over 20 tons of steel, 100 welders, and 200 carpenters working around the clock, seven days a week to get it done! But we all did it.”

The set took six weeks to complete, using tons of steel from a cancelled building project. A construction elevator, complete with operator, transported cast and crew to the various levels of the elaborate set. For the extensive lighting and electrical needs required for the sequence, a labyrinth of connections was designed and installed 80 feet above the stage floor, using over four miles of electrical cable. By the time the set was ready for shooting, Stage 27 was outfitted with approximately 21,000 amps, enough power to service over 200 homes.

“The great thing about a construction site is that it’s a very dangerous place. First, besides the implied height of the set, you have a lot of steel and rebar lying around at such a site. You can always rely on Sam to see opportunities and come up with an effective way to use these set elements to enhance the danger in a scene,” said Riva. “Second, it was an open structure, pretending to be 50 stories high, open on all sides. It offered Sam a jungle gym of possibilities to web up and down, to do a chase all over the face of the steel structure. The higher they go fighting their way up the building, the more the danger and tensions increase. It’s a long way to fall if you’re not Spider-Man!”

For visual effects supervisor Scott Stokdyk – the man charged with bringing the visual effects to the screen – those words were the beginning of a two-year process to develop the technology that would make Spider-Man 3 the most visually stunning film in the series so far. “When we began the pre-production process, the computer programs had not yet been developed which could achieve the look of Sandman and his capabilities that Sam wanted to see,” recalled producer Grant Curtis. “However, Scott Stokdyk and his team created new technology to manipulate every piece of sand on our character. The existing technology allowed management of thousands of particles at once – but to animate Sandman the way Sam wanted to, we would have to be able to render billions of particles. In the end, the new software they wrote required ten man-years to code.”

Stokdyk says that he and his team prepared for the challenge by first observing how sand moves in the real world. “One of the first things we did was to organize a sand shoot with Sam and Bill Pope, the difrector ofg photographer,” Stokdyk continued. “We shot footage of sand every way we would need it – thrown up, thrown against blue screen, over black screen. John Frazier, the special effects supervisor, shot it out of an aero can at a stuntman. Anything we could imagine sand doing in the film, we shot.”

“There’s a character the, emoting, but it’s just a pile of sand,” said Stotdyk. “If we’ve pulled together enough grains of sand to make feel something, then we’ve pulled it off.”

In the end, the artists were all extremely proud of their creation. “Sony Pictures Imageworks delivered on Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, but for Spider-Man 3 it changed the industry standard,” said Curtis.

Sandman, of course, was not the only character that posed a considerable challenge for Spencer Cook; animating the black-suited Spider-Man required subtle changed to reflect the character’s more aggressive personality, “He’ll move a little quicker here and there, hunch his shoulders a little more, put his elbows up a little higher when he’s stuck to a wall. We tried to find poses that the classic Spider-Man would not do – where the red-suited Spider-Man was graceful and elegant in his motions, black-suited Spider-Man is more blunt, rough, and reckless.”

In creating Venom, Stokdyk notes that the character has at least three different stages. First, of course, is the initial transformation, in which Topher Grace’s skin is pulled away from his body and tendrils of goo cross his face until they completely envelop him. “As he gets angrier, he turns into more of a monster, more of a beast,” Stokdyk noted. First, he becomes a kind of double for Spider-Man, played by Grace. By the very end of the film, he becomes an entirely CG character – the classic Venom from the comic books, with a menacing, unhinged jaw and a full mouth of very sharp teeth. “Everything is alive on ‘comic-book Venom,’” Stokdyk continued. “The challenge was to make a character that was monsterous, very detailed, very kinetic – but not delicate. Despite all the detail, he’s still menacing.

Stokdyk was also determined to break new ground in terms of live-action integration with the visual effects. The supervisor was on hand during production so that he could be ready to take the ball as soon as the scenes were filmed. “It was important to Sam and me to incorporate as much live-action into the CG as possible,” he said. “The typical reason a shot is animated is because a person can’t do all of it. We wanted to find a way to have an actor or stunt person do part of the action, and synthesize the rest. The goal was to find a balance between keeping the shot real and making it exciting and cinematic.”

One dramatic example of this idea comes early in the film, as Peter Parker finds himself ambushed by the New Goblin – his friend, Harry Osborn. “It was Sam’s idea to show Peter fighting as Peter not as Spider-Man,” said producer Avi Arad. “It’s a terrific amount, because it brings home what a personal battle this is for Peter when you can see his face.”

Tobey Maguire and James Franco completed much of the aerial stunt sequence themselves, doing wire work suspended high above the stage floor. “Tobey is really handy with stunt situations, and he picks it up really quickly,” said stunt coordinator Scott Rogers. “James is also terrific – he’s got a great attitude. Both actors are used to the type of physicality required for their roles, and they excelled.”

For Stokdyk, achieving such great heights would not have been possible without the contribution from his team at Sony Pictures Imageworks, assembling, in the end, between 200 and 250 people to complete more than 900 effects shots. “You live and die by your team,” said Stokdyk. “They were always ready to respond, always on their toes. That’s bit of the process of working with Sam, you have to be flexible and ready to deliver.”

“When developing this third installment, we asked ourselves, ‘What does this young man still have to learn?’” said director Sam Raimi. “We placed him in situations where he’d be forced to confront his absences of character – obstacles that, in previous stories, he might not have been able to surmount. In this way, he would either be defeated or grow into the heroic person who might be capable of overcoming these obstacles. As the depth of our characters grow, they become richer human beings and can achieve more than in the previous films.”

[eurodynesass-moved]

Happy Birthday

It is Viktor's birthday. V, Jackie and Misty drag him out to celebrate, promising a surprise to come. 

Ao3

— — — — —

There was something about the way she got out of the car that really had Viktor stuck in place. At first, all he saw were her dark metallic heels, followed by long, freckled, sun-kissed legs. The heels had long straps that were wrapped a few inches up her calf, a glorious braid of black against her smooth skin. When she finally stepped out from behind the door, it was as though Viktor had been punched in the gut.

V wore a silky black blouse that overlapped in a v-shape at the front, dipping rather low between her breasts. It was tucked into a black leather belt that stopped just short of her skirt—a deep magenta fabric that flowed and danced around her legs graciously. As if that weren't enough, her lips were a dark shade of pink that only complimented her skin, with eyes shaded as dark as night.

"Well, well," she beamed at him, taking a few steps out to greet him on the sidewalk. "If it isn't the birthday boy."

Whatever reservations Viktor felt about going out with the trio, it all went away the moment V gently kissed his cheek. She cooed a word or two about leaving a mark, her thumb brushing away a bit of lipstick from his face.

"Hey, Doc!" Jackie called from the driver's seat, "Misty on her way?"

"Uh, yeah," he replied, finally ripping his eyes off V to look at his friend. "She'll be out in a minute."

"We'll be sitting in the back," V told him, then took one good look at him and nodded approvingly. "Lookin' real good, Doc."

Vik shifted his weight from one leg to the other at her comment. In his eyes, all he'd worn was an unbuttoned suit jacket over a white button-up, slightly neater black pants and the fanciest shoes he owned—he hadn't dressed up like this in a long time. A few straps around his wrist, his gauges still in, his glasses on as usual—he thought he looked normal, and yet her words made him feel as though he stood out.

"Not as good as you-both," he quickly added, not catching the little smirk she gave him. He then cleared his throat, about to say something when another voice pitched in from behind him.

"Hey, you're both here!" Misty called, heavy heels sounding with each step. Misty had gone for a dark purple top and darker jeans, fitting her theme of low tones. She wore a thinner choker this time, a small silver rune dangling from the center, and heeled boots to finish it all off.

There was a whistle coming from the car as Jackie adjusted the collar of his own shirt. "Amigo," he called to Viktor, "I think these ladies are way too good for us."

"Oh, stop it," Misty replied, walking around the car to meet him as Jackie stepped out. He gave her a quick kiss before adjusting the seat so that she could hop in the back.

Vik, on the other hand, had looked back at V, Jackie's words still playing in his mind. "Come on," she motioned him to follow, walking ahead to move the passenger seat. He would have been a liar if he said that he did not catch the view of V climbing into the back. Of course, he looked away as soon as he caught himself staring, but the image certainly burned his cheeks.

Once they were all finally strapped in, Jackie started driving and they began talking. The whole evening was planned, according to him, with a surprise at the end for Viktor. He hadn't felt that sense of anticipation in his gut in a while, but he was excited. It had been years since the company around him saw it fit to celebrate—well, anything, let alone a birthday.

Ever since Jackie and Misty met, the atmosphere around the Esoterica had become livelier. Ever since Jackie introduced them both to V... even more so. Whatever quiet life he had been building was slowly crumbling away, but that wasn't a bad thing. Not even in the slightest.

"So, what's this surprise?" Vik asked at one point.

Misty leaned over from the back, poking him in the bicep. "If we told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. Trust me, you're gonna love it."

V chuckled beside her, "Yeah, so hush up and let us spoil you today. You deserve it."

"Especially after lettin' V's tab get so big," Jackie snorted.

V jabbed a hard knuckle into his arm, earning a scold about not bothering the driver.

—

After a short drive, they had arrived at a restaurant that looked rather pricey. It wasn't exactly far from Watson, but it did not look like the average street diner, that was for certain. The exterior was lined with cool neons and synth plants, and the interior was more of the same.

Having walked in, Jackie mumbled to a woman about a reservation, the four of them being lead to a table shortly after. The restaurant was lit in cool hues of blue and pink, the booths separated nicely and rather clean. Jackie and Misty immediately sat down beside each other, leaving Viktor to motion V to sit down first.

She gave him a sweet smile and thanked him for it, making his heart jump a little. Since when was he so susceptible to the little gestures from a pretty woman? Ah, who was he kidding? Even if some of the clients he had were not too bad on the eyes, none of them could compare to the sweetness and kindness that V possessed. He had to stop thinking about it, he was tuning out of the conversation far too much.

—

The dinner itself had been very pleasant. A variation of synth meat stews and dishes, all paid for by the three of them, thankfully passing on any birthday-specific services. They spent just over an hour, eating, drinking and talking. Their conversations spanned from things in their daily lives to funny stories each of them had to share—a lot of the ones from V and Jackie involved being scolded or patched up by Viktor.

Then, there were the moments where Jackie tried to convince Viktor to tell V and Misty about certain boxing stories that he had told him during their training. Whenever Viktor would be modest, Jackie embellished. While the ladies listened to them both, Misty was the only one at that table that noticed the way that V's eyes were locked onto Viktor, how she had propped her head up with her hand and listened closely to every detail, always asking for more. How her smile grew in tiny fractions at every bit of excitement.

It only made her even more excited for the grand finale of the evening—but that was still a ways off. After they were done, Misty raised her hands in the middle of conversation, catching everyone's attention.

"Alright, alright. Now for one of the reasons we've come here tonight. Your gifts," she told Viktor as she reached into her purse. From it, she pulled out a small, soft object wrapped in pretty metallics. A moment later, she also handed him a small, box-shaped gift that was wrapped in reds and golds.

Viktor gave them a sheepish smile, shaking his head. "You've all already done enough."

"Just open them!" V told him, nudging him softly with her elbow.

Starting with the first gift, Vik unwrapped it, revealing a small, blue velvet bag. As he opened it, he pulled out two objects from within—a pale white crystal and a worn coin of intricate design and a hole in the middle.

"That one's from me," Misty told him. "You were talking about your shop not feeling right, that it felt heavy for you at times. Selenite's supposed to cleanse your energy and that which surrounds you. It'll help the clinic feel a little more welcoming to you. The coin, I had to track down for weeks. There aren't many of them around anymore. It's an old, ancient symbol of luck, something we all could use a little of."

He held the objects in his hands, shutting his eyes briefly as a small chuckle rumbled from him. Vik looked back up at Misty with sincere gratitude. "I told you that a long damn time ago."

"And I never forgot," she winked at him. "Use them well, Vik."

"Thanks, Misty," he smiled, holding them close for a moment before securing them back in the back for safety. He tucked the bag in his jacket, giving it a small pat.

"Now open mine!" Jackie pointed at the little box.

Doing exactly that, he unwrapped the beautiful paper carefully, revealing a small, transparent plastic case with a figurine inside it. Viktor recognized it immediately and laughed, digging it out to place it on the table. V grinned as she saw the little cat with its bobbing arm, beautiful swirls and markings carved into its pristine ceramic surface.

"You can add that to your collection on your desk," Jackie suggested, grinning widely at the doc.

"You never miss a thing, do ya, Jack?" He looked up at his friend, holding out a hand for a quick clasp. "I'll put this one on the highest spot I can find."

"Damn right, mano," he chuckled.

Viktor nodded in appreciation, unable to hold back his amusement. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder and glanced to his left to look at V.

"As much as I'd love to have all the eddies I owe ya in hand right now," she joked, "my gift to you comes a little later. It's somewhere else, so we'll have to go there after."

"That the surprise?" he raised a brow.

"You'll see," she promised sweetly.

"You know you guys didn't have to do this, any of it, but... Thank you," he looked at each of them with sincerity, and a load of joy in his eyes that he tried to keep in check. "You've made this old man's day."

"Happy birthday, Viky," Jackie replied.

"You deserve every bit of it, for everything you've done for us," Misty added in, reaching out to squeeze Vik's arm gently. "Your day's not over yet though."

Something stirred within him, wondering just what in the world V could have planned.

He'd get his answer soon enough.

—

A couple of hours later, the four of them had gone back out to the street, walking toward the cars. Once they arrived, however, Jackie and Misty stood beside each other, hanging back a little.

"This is where we leave you," Jackie told them, wrapping his arm around Misty.

"You're not coming?" Vik asked them.

"This part's just you two," Misty winked at him, nudging her head toward V, who was walking around to the driver's side.

When Viktor looked at her, all she did was give him a knowing smile, something to tell him that this was all part of the plan. He raised a brow at her and she winked at him too, getting into the car without a word. Swallowing that lump in his throat alongside all the bubbling anticipation within, he turned to the other two and gave them one more nod. They bid each other good night and the couple started walking away, leaving Viktor to join V in the car.

What he hoped would be a conversation that would get him answers was a lot of V telling him to be patient and that he'd see what his gift was soon. On the road, they continued some of the conversations off from dinner, and somehow they managed to go right back to talking about his boxing experience.

They had just entered a highway that had been leading them away from the city, when V finally asked him. "So, am I ever going to see those boxing skills in action?"

"You see me train all the time," he pointed out.

"Well, not... all... the time..." She replied, her voice suddenly a touch softer.

That was the voice she'd have when feeling a little embarrassed. What on earth did she have to feel embarrassed about—

"But!" She broke the silence, catching his attention again. "If I can't see a proper fight, then I'm gonna have to eventually see some of those recordings of yours."

"What would you want with an old fighter like me?" he brushed off with a chuckle.

"Hey, it's either that or we spar and I get to see it in person."

He felt his breath catch, something in his core bursting at the thought of sparring with her. Not only would that have put him in such... compromising positions with her, but he would not want to hurt her. Though if she were to beat him up, he wasn't entirely sure he'd mind—

"We're here!" V suddenly spoke, excitement bubbling in her voice. She bounced in her seat once or twice before unbuckling her seat belt. "Come on!" She nudged him, hopping out of the car immediately. He could hear her rummage through the trunk quickly before walking off.

Viktor looked around to see where she had taken them. As far as he could see, they had taken a dirt path over to a flat outcropping just outside an old, abandoned store. There was a low wall surrounding what seemed to be a dusty, overgrown parking lot. It was a curious spot, to be sure, but none of all those little details mattered when Viktor finally stepped out of the car and spotted where V was headed.

In quite a similar fashion to the area on Misty's roof, there was an out-of-place shade that had been set up securely, under which was a little sitting area. As Vik moved closer, he looked at every little detail and just wondered if the three of them had to bring all of it over somehow. There was a rug, rather worn but far cleaner than the ground, under every bit of furniture. At the center was a makeshift table made with an old wooden cable spool. It was painted on with a design that could only come from Misty.

Facing out toward the open slope was a couch, worn down but covered with a colorful blanket. Beside it on the left was a small stack of wooden pallets with a few pots of synth plants on them, as well as a few, small portable lights. There were also two arm chairs, one of which seemed to have something on it. As he got closer, he realized it was a drink cooler.

He did not have much time to say anything about what he was looking at, as V fiddled with what looked to be a small radio that wasn't there before. Soon, a sweet and slow song began playing halfway through at a comfortable volume.

Turning it in, she put it down on the table, walked over to him and slipped an arm around his. "Before we say or do anything, come here," she said, leading him carefully over to the low wall. Standing there in the dim light, he looked out into the wide open space.

The city was far off in the distance, the buildings all stacked in wonderful dark silhouettes and bright neon lights. It cast a beautiful glow against the night sky, alongside the advert beams above. The outskirts were plain and scattered with old shops and stops, highways or dirt roads. Where they were was rather high up, and it could see almost everything.

"So..." V took a shaky breath, sounding rather nervous. "You said a while back that you wished you could get some fresh air for a while, away from the cramped up streets of the city. We put together this spot not only for tonight but... To always have that place to go to when the roof isn't enough."

Vik could no longer just stare at the city. His eyes were focused on her. "I told them not to tell you, because I wanted to surprise you with it here, today, like this." When he did not say anything, she shifted, arm pulling away as she motioned toward the seat behind them. "I also brought some drinks, some music..." V began to fiddle, wringing her hands together.

He was certain he had never seen her that nervous or restless.

"So... Surprise!" She exclaimed in a soft, quiet call, beaming a bright smile at him.

Vik let out a laugh, stepping closer to her. "You went through all this trouble just for me?"

"It was no trouble because it was for you," she admitted. "Not to say we won't be stealing this spot from time to time, too..."

"V, I... Sweetheart, I don't know what to say," he looked at her incredulously, unable to hold back the elation he felt. He stepped even closer, and she did not seem to mind.

"Say you'll have a drink with me?" V offered, closing the distance between them and placing her hand on his arm.

What the hell was he doing?

There he was, in a beautiful little spot that was so personal, with a gorgeous view, standing next to V. V. The woman he had not been able to stop thinking about for months. His heart hitched in his throat, his breath wavering, he could not think of a better way to try. A better way to show her how he felt.

"V..." He spoke, his voice unable to rise above a whisper. She looked at him with sweet adoration, a look he had always cherished. Viktor slowly cupped her cheek with his hand, waiting for her to brush him away or move, or tell him it was a misunderstanding. She just... Stood there, her smile growing. Surely she didn't—

She kissed him.

She went on the tip of her toes and kissed him.

His hands moved to her waist, pulling her in real close as he felt her soft lips move against his. V wrapped her arms around his shoulders, kissing him with such passion that he was sure the world would slip out from underneath him.

When they had a moment to pull away, he considered saying something, but there was a look she gave him. That look, he could not make heads or tails of. Her lids were dropped, her breath quick and unsteady, her lips slightly parted and her beautifully freckled cheeks were a faint shade of red.

He could not help but kiss her again, a small sound coming from her in response that sent tingles through his chest. Once V stroked her fingers along his neck to bury them in his hair, it was over for him. He pulled away just barely, sighing against her lips with his eyes shut. He leaned his forehead against hers and finally looked at her again.

She glanced between his lips and his eyes, her own smile growing. "I've been waiting to do that all day."

"Have you, now?" Viktor raised a brow, but his insides were not as cool and collected.

"I have," she winked at him. "If you hadn't kissed me, I decided I'd do it myself."

"I don't think I could have waited any longer if you hadn't," Vik laughed softly, his breath caressing her skin.

She let out a chuckle and moved in for another kiss. This time, her tongue grazed his lips and he gladly parted them, letting her in. He was reveling in her taste, in her sweet scent, in everything V. Something within him stirred as he felt her body pressed up against hers but he tried not to entertain the idea. Not yet, anyway.

He wanted this moment to last a bit longer.

As they pulled away, V placed one last kiss on his lips and looked up at him, gently swaying her body to the music that was playing—he couldn't help but do the same.

"Happy birthday, Viktor," she cooed.

"Probably the best one I've had in a while," he admitted, running a hand through her hair. "Thank you, sweetheart."

He noticed her smile grow wide at the word, her blush returning to her cheeks as she kissed him and made him wonder just how long she had been feeling that way about him. His heart did not remain still, and he didn't expect it would for a while yet, so he savored the feeling. Savored the music that swirls around them, the low lights and the beauty of the landscape. He savored her gentle touch and sweet words, unable to stop smiling.

It was the happiest he had felt in a long time.

[girlofthefandom]

Tales from the smp thoughts and random quotes I enjoy (essentially delayed live blogging) Part 1

I love all these npcs already

“Hurry up camera man!”

Yes! Gladiators! I remember seeing someone say that idea

Just some joes

Porkeous the 7th. Oh no I can see the fan girls now.

Yes! Punch em off!!

“Yeah same.”

“That’s good cause I don’t” “we build a new colosseum every time”

I can’t want to see the names of everyone’s characters. Especially Philz’

Stairs everyone’s worst enemy

Tubbo... sweet child

She disappeared!! Witch craft! Burn the witch!

Tubbo=Jacky (forced off streets)

Fundy=Laggius Maximus (I love this name so much with the spinning)

Please don’t kill both the boys in this fight. But also I’m cheating for Laggius.

Subbin Empire? Subbin to Technoblade!

Go Laggius! This is not going to go well... this is really not going to go well...

No I refuse to root for Jacky. I like Laggius the bit will be funnier later.

I want to know what happened to the last camera guy! Let us know!

Vertical feeling! Heaven forbid! Also look at them insulting TikTok

I love the background music. Feels magical.

A lovely jump

Surprises... well that’s ominous. And wait the first one!

Tower! Towers are always good.

We got our popcorn. Ready to watch this fight.

Laggius is... coming... maybe...

GG Jacky... he hasn’t won yet but gg.

Lava!!!! Hooray! Love us some good lava

Poor Laggius... he was burning too early

And Laggius is still lagging

Why isn’t Jacky burning?? He won???

Knocked unconscious in the lava. What is this a Pokémon game?

GG Jacky.

Nobody needs to know the way around here.

“Almost like a video game��� just break that fourth wall right down

Keeps looking at sapnaps character and talking about strong. How sweet. We love some fiancé’s.

Please don’t throw Laggius to the wolves

Jack Manifold = Bartholomew

Phil having to translate. I love it.

Watson = Phil

Good pun. Very good pun.

Nobody likes Punz. Gosh everyone’s so mean

We love Watson. Let’s go Watson.

Bartholomew with the drugs and Watson.

Crazy drunk man with fire resistance

I agree with Watson why did we come to this cousin.

Sapnap in a hole

Also I love the drinking age being 3

Let’s go Watson!!!

Where are my Pom poms? I’ve got a Watson to cheer for.

Execute those architects.

And their first Borns.

Watson! Watson! Watson!

“Welcome to the land of the living Bartholomew.”

I love the slow fight.

Come on Watson shoot em!

Oh no. Oh no. Come on Watson. You’re so close!

Noooooooooo.

Why Bartholomew???? I can’t spell that! I’ve been relying on autocorrect this whole time.

Watson would be so much easier to spell.

Still must go down the stairs.

Speed running life. That’s what I do.

No one dies. Just take them to nurse joy.

Poor Punz being so bullied

Punz=Levi

Levi? Really? Oh well I like the name. He won’t like but I like the name.

Also why does Levi have such a full backstory.

Has weapon hands with a horrible southern accent. I love it.

“Hmmm”

Who is Ol’ Sap?

Sapnap = John

And no creativity apparently.

Laggius had the best name for a gladiator. All the others are too boring.

Why are we beating up BBH

Hannah=Genevieve

Genevieve! I can spell that thanks to old Barbie movies!!

Go Genevieve! Trained her life! I love this woman!

Mostly women upstairs. I love it our fandom is so biased.

“Are you sure about that?”

Darlin? Really that’s not the right word.

Go Genevieve! I probably shouldn’t cheer for her since everyone I’ve cheered for has lost.

But still GO GENEVIEVE!!

Our empire is millions in dept

Let’s step up the battle! Let’s gooooo

“Ayyyyy!!!”

Go Genevieve! Levi hush up with your gills.

Jump in! Splish Splash!

Wait why are we listening to Mario Kart music? Wait I recognize this song.

Go Genevieve!!

YES FINALLY! I PICKED THE WINNER!

Levi hush. You done lost messed up southern boi.

Go Genevieve! I can actually spell your name!

I straight forgot Porkeous the 7ths name for a second and had to check my notes.

Stairs. Woop de doo.

“Pick the most handsome” wow

Ol’ Sap = John as I remember. And he’s sticking with it. Bold man sticking with it.

Ranboo = Ran

Just Ran and it’s just the enderman part of the skin. Haha. Very funny.

BBH = Edward

He went from strange voice to normal(ish) voice

I don’t like Edwards speech pattern. At the very least. Yucky.

John v. Edward letsa go

Go John!

Wait we renaming? This is going to get confusing.

Handsome. Can you two quit flirting (not really keeping going)

Alrighty then Ugly v. Edward

Go Ugly! (Sentence I never expected to type)

The seat thing

And saying king Julien. Sigh.

Just BRB real quick.

Thinking about buying things. Oh he meant ad.

Alright Ad 1/3 let’s go.

No I can’t even open chat to watch them instead of the ad. Boooo.

2/3 let’s get this done!

3/3

Snickers just loading for forever

Alrighty we survived.

And a crown really? Just wants his normal skin back.

Let’s go Ugly!

Bo-at battle! Let’s go!

Please don’t shoot Ugly.

Go Ugly!

“King Are you ok!”

I still hate Edwards speech pattern so much

Please. Just pretend to have a fair fight.

The rabbits???? Cant rabbits swim?

Hooray rabbits! I don’t what purpose they serve but I love them.

Edward or Edwardo? Did I miss something?

Ok it seems both.

Shooting a rabbit? Disowner on you disowner on your cow.

Killing pets reference? The references are so good.

YES UGLY!!!! Thank heavens!

I’m 2/4 for choosing the winner.

I hope ugly keeps on winning

“Colosseum Remote Control”

3 in 1 battle how did they not plan correctly for an even number

Nerds hold cameras you heard it here folks

I don’t want to hear deeper for some of these stories. All I want to see is Genevieves further story. She seems deep.

“Massive pigs growling at us. No offense”

Watson trying to clean the table.

We bringing in the Harmonika.

Harmonika fits the moment.

Yes name him handsome! Haha

Grievous is how I’m spelling that stupid sounding name. But it’s better than John and ugly.

I can’t get over the name Ran.

BE GONE LEVI!

I love Watson having to take care of Bartholomew. Translating for him and waking him up.

Phil just can’t resist playing the dad.

No no stopping just fighting.

Also I love Watson saying break it up. I wish Watson had won.

Genevieve sounds like such a lovely lady and she deserves to win.

As much as I love Grevious I want Genevieve to win.

Sapnap=Grevious good gracious this is hard to follow.

Ran is cool. I’m going to kill over listening to them just saying Ran.

Complicated backstory. Found the main character.

Ran is cool.

Wait this place is going down??? Pardon me???

Three person fight is...

Grevious v. Ran v. Bartholomew

Genevieve v. Jacky

Puns! Let’s go! And of course Levi likes Puns.

Everyone is so mean.

GO GENEVIEVE!

And Watson just babysitting Bartholomew

I’m going to get good at spelling Bartholomew. Because I was horrible at it before.

Empire of women!

Cages=Lava

“Mmm what smells good”

Battle star!!

“Boing Boing Boing”

Water dome?

Water Dome in Lava?

Well he tried zombies/bunnies

Lava in the water sphere?

Only fight at top of fishbowl got it.

GO GENEVIEVE!

Come on girl you’ve got this!

No Genevieve babe please don’t lose.

“The boats going down.” “It’s yelling timber.” “Like that song that hasn’t been made yet.”

Hurry up and die. I love it.

NO GENEVIEVE!!!!!

Do do do do

That was a longer fight. But pretty good.

To the cellars! Not to the cellars!

No! The boat is gone!

That was close.

This feels like a funky Pokémon game.

Jacky is a finalist! Good for him. I’m not cheering for him but good for him.

TRIANGLE FORMATION

Who’s missing? Oh wait it’s Bartholomew

“Intense prison cosmetic surgery”

Rabbits! We love rabbits.

Oh no faceplant mode!

What is even happening?!?!

Thinking creatively.

Just don’t die. What a game.

Cant wait to watch the thinking creatively animatic.

In a boat to avoid floating.

Attack!

Go Ran!

Oh we’re lagging.

Disable the dive mode!

The zombies are a bit much. Oh everyone’s actually fighting.

Rats why weren’t there baby zombies when Watson was going. They even made a Phil reference.

No treaties.

Go Ran! Keep on running away.

I love Ran.

GO RAN! I love Grevious. But GO RAN

Faster Zombies. Zombies go zoom.

Oh Grevious won.

Wait why does Ran have grass and why do they see him again.

Placing more dirt to clean old dirt.

Poor Grevious.

I feel sorry for him now.

Stand on da dirt.

Put the rabbits in the cages!!!!

I cheer for Grevious.

And yes there are many a loser.

Everything is so spicy. As in lava is there.

You can’t kick your fiancé’s future descendent out of the gang.

A full inventory

Watson with the backup button!

Seriously all he can do is be a dad.

OH BOY LAGGIOUS IS BACK!

And he’s here for the picture.

And Watson is (still) bullying him!

Bartholomew is pure trouble.

Ooops. The root beer was on the brain.

Watson! Come get your drunk!

Oh wait he actually did! I love this so much.

Petition for more Phil in Tales.

Only Genevieve voting for Jacky

Some people refusing to vote.

I’m sorry who asked if Laggius is ok.

He is always (not) ok

He is fine. See.

I love Laggius’ character the most.

Go winners!

Reformed kinda. If that doesn’t sum up the whole of the smp.

All the grass in the cage.

And Laggius being his slow self.

Nothing v. General

I love how it went from King to Emperor to King

And there is Laggius.

I don’t know how anyone else is spelling Laggius but I like this way and refuse to edit it if it actually spelled different.

Oh we’re getting more ads.

1/3 let’s go

[zpetlovesglitter]

The Wicked Powers Theories

The Wicked Powers has recently been getting me excited WAY too much - which says a lot about how weird I am since Cassie hasn’t even started on it yet (LOL).

aND, so, I kind of thought it’d be nice to jot down some predictions and theories on how the series might go and maybe some thoughts on THE SHIPS (that really do be the real TEA).

So.Here we go.And do let me know about any thoughts you have on this topic as well - I read anything about TWP like a crazed creature these days istg.

1)The POV has already been envisioned to be from Ty, Dru and Kit. I absolutely love this settlement since they are all very intriguing characters. Ty is an interesting person and his actions are always unpredictable, so we might enjoy this one. And,I believe he is at The Scholomance while the story progresses, followed by Livvy (Ghost Livvy, I mean).It’s still unclear what Livvy’s situation is, so I can’t wait to know more about that - it’s bound to be something unexpected. And, as for Dru, it’s kinda obvious. We all know that WE HAVE A LOVE TRIANGLE COMING UP. But, other than that, we also know she attends The Academy and finally starts to makes some friends and even has that really close Italian (..or was it Spanish???) Shadowhunter friend who’s her age and Cassie also revealed that the two are really tight indeed. And I will be honing in on the Love Triangle soon - I told you I’ll be trying to spill whatever tea I’m guessing at.  And, as for the last character WE HAVE KIT! OMFG YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE OLDER BROTHER KIT.LIKE GOSH DARN IT HE IS SO ADORABLE AND MINA IS SO EFFING CUTE I CAN’T EVEN-                          AND KIT’S TRAINING WITH JEM AND HE IS GOING TO BE A WELL-TRAINED SHADOWHUNTER IN TWP, SO YAYYYY!! And, I absolutely CANNOT wait for MinaXKit interactions, they are the cutest siblings ever and I absolutely know that Mina grows up to be sarcastic. I can’t wait for the possible sarcastic arguments between Kit and 4-year old Mina. YOU THINK I FORGOT ABOUT KITxTY? NOPE.THE REAL SHET’S COMING UP.

2)Now,we know that the storyline is going to have something to do with that Faerie Heirloom that was from the Rosales Family. And, Cassie also said it was going to be kind of an Arthurian Legend-ish story. If you don’t know the Arthurian Legend, I suggest you read on it. I’m not sure if Cassie meant the characters and LOVE Aspect of it or the LEGEND aspect of it as in the stuff about Excalibur and all. But, for now we’ll view it in both and examine it, shall we?

King Arthur's reign ends after his wife and best knight have an affair.

This is the drama in the legend.But, there are no relationships with the MCs yet. So idk. I’m clueless. Like, maybe Dru has a relationship?? Okay I’m clutching at practically nothingness so don’t judge me. :/

So,it’s obviously something to do with the LEGEND.

I am afraid I cannot say too much about it, since I have never read too deeply about it. But, here’s some of the basics:

-He managed to pull out Excalibur from the rock it was stuck in.

-He wielded Excalibur for the people and not for his own self-interest.

-He gets help from a wizard named Merlin.

-The peeps go on a quest.

And I have this reference from a website..I’ll hit u with the link as well, if you’d like to read more on it like I did

Arthurian legend, the body of stories and medieval romances, known as the matter of Britain, centring on the legendary king Arthur. Medieval writers, especially the French, variously treated stories of Arthur’s birth, the adventures of his knights, and the adulterous love between his knight Sir Lancelot and his queen, Guinevere. This last situation and the quest for the Holy Grail (the vessel used by Christ at the Last Supper and given to Joseph of Arimathea) brought about the dissolution of the knightly fellowship, the death of Arthur, and the destruction of his kingdom.

(I’ve linked it with the text above.)

So,now I thought this was interesting- the destruction part. After all, it’s something I’m expecting about the Shadowhunters. Will the Clave maybe be destroyed? Or maybe Faerie will be destroyed? So,there were three things that brought on this uh Destruction.FIRST, his wife and his best buddy were going behind his back and doing them lovey-dovey stuff. And they all go on some quest to retrieve something important to them. So, this sounds like something plausible to be the plot of TWP. Maybe the Heirloom’s missing? And who goes on the quest though? Maybe they venture through Faerie? BLAH MY HEAD HURTS SOME THINGS ARE BETTER TO BE SURPRISED WITH ;)

-----I kinda scrolled back up while writing about Janus down there and remembered CLARY MIGHT BE TAKEN HOSTAGE LIKE YESS AND THEY GO FIND HER MAYBE?

3)We will defo see Christina, Mark and Kieran at some point- no worries, Emma and Julian too. Happy Couples! XD

4)So,then we can look forward to Dru and Jaime’s interactions. I am absolutely excited for this the most, as a shipper of the two. If you remember, we saw Jaime ignoring her for a while back there at the end of QOAAD and then he says “See ya at the Academy soon ig”. I really do hope they meet and hang out as friends, at least. I am excited to see what kind of trope it’s gonna be tho. Like, do they ignore each other and remain awkward until they start the adventure stuff in the book where they eventually have to talk to each other after years or smth. Or, maybe they’re really good friends rn. But, what I’ll warn y’all shippers is that they might not end up together, and could wind up as brother-sister-ish kind of best buddies. Which is equally cute a relationship imo. It’s a really sweet thing to be, really. I lowkey hope Cassie spins something beautiful for their relationship like a sibling-like best friends kind of thing. But, I feel like they might have feelings for each other in secret. Or maybe they date. Or maybe they suppress their secret-feelings for the sake of friendship later on in the book and end up having that really sweet friendship I was talking about.There are SO many options and that is precisely why I am so freaking excited.

5)JAIME ROCIO ROSALES.       Like, I have this gut feeling that he might end up being my fave male protagonist character in TSC. He’s got it ALL. Like, the sense of humour, the looks, the bubbly yet brooding personality, the quirks and OFC THE FRICKING NAME ITSELF IS CUTE AF LIKE BRUH I CANNOT WAIT TO READ ABOUT HIM.I have so much to say about Jaime but I’d rather we let ourselves simply wait for the crumbs Cassie might give us or maybe reread all his parts in TDA like I do everyday or just wait for the book to come out rather than simp for someone we know nothing about yet....

6)Ash Morgenstern.         He’s a cute lil bean.        That was random and untrue lmao. He’s not a ‘lil bean’. He’s totally badass with dem wings and all, but we know he’s soft inside for Janus and ofc Dru, I believe. I find him the most intriguing character, honestly. I would love to know what goes through his head. He’s actually, like, the one character in TSC that I don’t have all figured out. He gon surprise us all for sure tho. He is awesome. That’s all I have to say for now. And he looks up to Janus which is SO GODDAMN SWEET AHHHH. And THE WINGS I CANNOT WAIT TO READ MORE ABOUT THE WINGS IT SOUNDED SO BADASS ISTG I LITERALLY CANNOT WAIT GOSH DARN IT. But he really do be a cute lil bean lowkey tho.

7)Kit and Ty LOL. I have no words really. But lemme tell you how it might go. There is definitely going to be some kind of reunion. AND THEN THAT’S WHERE IT GETS CUTE. They could either be awkward and we know what tension that gets us-perhaps some whisperings of My Watson...(?  ;) and maybe they go all sad and brooding with dem looks later OR, they could be the sweetie-pies they were before and be happy and all HIII BUDDDYYYY MISSED YAAA LESS GO BE DETECTIVES YAY BURN IT UP MAH BUDDY!! Either way it’s going to be cute af and we know it . TRUST IN CASSIE Y’ALL.I trust Cassie to let this ship sail the seven seas and seven more like it deserves.

8)Ash and Dru So, Ash has a strange lil fixation on Dru and I believe he even thought she was ‘pretty’ or something. It was definitely a good adjective, but I think he said ‘pretty’. idk but we know he likes her. and I can imagine a nice relationship. I can picture them with her hair flying in the wind and they meet for the first time or smth. IHNI WHAT IM SAYING. But, there will be DRAMA. They are going to be real cute with each other YOU CAN BET ON THAT.And, by cute I do not necessarily mean ‘Oh, you have the loveliest eyes’ or some shet like that. I have a feeling it’s going to be a case of ‘Well,that’s not weird or anything YOU WEIRDO - NO U - NO U - NO U’ However this relationship is going to go, I know that it’ll be a sweet one.And, for all you shippers of these two, I have no assurances that HE IS THE ONE or anything but he is definitely a candidate. Jaime is going to be some competition I can tell. So, idk. It depends on the Jaime x Dru ship to decide things for Ash x Dru ship imo, since it might be a no-brainer if the two have feelings for each other- I mean,Jaime is an actually perfect love interest in TSC, while Ash is strong potential Best-Friend material, so it’s ONLY if Jaime and Dru don’t like each other that way that Ash could make it as a love interest. So, if y’all wanna find out what’s in it for you guys, ask Cassie maybe about how the Jaime x Dru ship might go, the next time u wanna ask her ;)

9)Tavvy and maybe the kid Helen and Aline might have had We were getting hints of another baby, so HERE WE GO.Tavvy might have a playmate. :D. YAYYYYYYYYYY

10)Janus  I’m honestly worried about him. He is a worrisome character. I hate empathising with the antagonist, personally. AAAAHHHH . I hope we see some character development in him. I really don’t want to see him as an antagonist in the story. He’s sweet and feels cheated, but he should realise that it ain’t Jace’s fault but SEBASTIAN’S fault. I would like for him to make amends with Jace :( And, also, he might get the story started in TWP tho idk. But, seriously tho, when he went home in that short story and Ash asked, “I thought you were gone forever?” or something of that sort and he shook his head sadly and Ash went soft for him. Like, that fricking broke my heart. I love this relationship tho. And, i hope Clary and him can be good friends. But, I feel like he might end up dying to save her or smth and make us all cry . T_T

11)WHAT TF IS GOING ON WITH THE SHADOWHUNTER POLITICS RN THO?HOW AND WHERE ARE THEY ALL SURVIVING TOGETHER WHAT IS THEIR SYSTEM AND STUFF THIS IS NOT A POINT WITH POTENTIAL THEORIES COZ HONESTLY I WANT TO BE SURPRISED BUT I THINK THEY MIGHT ALL JUST BE IN HIDING AND THEN IN TWP THEY MIGHT HAVE TO COME OUT FOR A QUEST OR SMTH AND WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE SHADOWHUNTERS AT THE CLIMAX OF THIS WHOLE SERIES??? IT IS THE END OF TSC SO IM SCARED AND KINDA SAD TOO :(((((((

12)Thule We might learn more about the Thule world and maybe they restore it or maybe the Quest is in Thule. idk. we don’t know much, but Thule will most probably be explored a lot. Cassie wouldn’t have opened up Thule for no reason.

13)Zara and Emma  Showdown? Befriend e/o ? What’s in store for these two? If it’s a showdown we get to see CORTANA YAY I AM OBSESSED WITH CORTANA NOW BECAUSE OF CORDELIA AND HER OBSESSION GOSH DARN IT WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME

14)BIG WAR I see a huge war coming I just know it. It’s a climax so there MUST be a big war and so I cannot wait! Feel like there’s gonna be some deaths as well. Lowkey feel like Jia might die. I can feel it. :(

15)The best-friend shadowhunter of Dru is a nice thing to look forward to! I can’t wait to read about the two! And I love the fact that Dru is finally exposed to new people. And, for anyone who’s confused as to how she goes to the Academy, in QOAAD she only said she’ll have some maturity done AFTER some years .  Those years are over and she at the Academy now hecc yeah I BELIEVE THE BFF IS CALLED THAI AND SHE’S FROM THE SPANISH INSTITUTE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG???

16)Magnus Bane He is literally everywhere. He gon be here too. No worries for all the Magnus Bane stans. He’ll make it here without a doubt!  Good for you :).  and the entire community of shadowhunters they literally always need him  17)THE MAIN MAIN PLOT THE SHADOWHUNTERS SHOWDOWN IS OBVIOUSLY GOING TO ALSO BE RELATED TO THE PRINCES OF HELL COMING TOGETHER AND I AM TOO SCARED TO LOOK TOO INTO IT BUT WE KNOW SHIZ COMING GNJODIFPEDWEFHUGBJ VM

18)THIS IS KINDA RANDOM BUT I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SELF-ESTEEM GROWTH IN DRU LIKE PLEASE SHE QUEEN MWAH

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

Coffee Outing Gone Terribly Wrong - Life in the ER Newsies Series

The RedFinch meeting from this story that you’ve been waiting for!  There is cursing in this section! Also, there are some mentions of stitches and blood in this one.

June 2016

It was a perfect Spring day. The temperatures were finally warming up and the sunshine was peaking through a couple of stray clouds. It was also the perfect day for Albert and Race to meet up for their weekly best friend date. But what Albert didn’t anticipate was Race’s new skateboard. 

“You’re telling me that Spot, the nurse, got you that for your birthday?” Albert asked, raising an eyebrow at his best friend. “You’re a walking disaster, why would he aid in your hazards?” 

Race grinned happily. “He didn’t exactly get this for me. He told me to pick anything out and I picked this out.” 

“But you’ve been known to trip over air. Why would you add wheels to that tripping hazard?” Albert looked over at him, shaking his head. 

His best friend’s face fell a little. “I’m hurt that you don’t have confidence in me, Albie.” 

“Need I remind you about the many times you’ve visited Kat, Spot, and myself in the Emergency Room?” He looked at Race. “Do you know how many times our hearts have stopped when either you or Jack show up hurt?” 

Race grinned. “But this isn’t going to be one of those times. Spottie got me a helmet and pads as well. He almost bought a roll of bubble wrap but didn’t at the last moment.”

“You need a giant bubble ball.” Albert mumbled under his breath as he watched Race put a tentative foot on the skateboard before pushing off, actually balancing on the board. 

Albert jogged to keep up with him as they maneuvered the streets. Albert was glad that he was a runner by nature, easily being able to keep up with his best friend. Stopping at a crosswalk, he looked at Race. “Stop for coffee up ahead?” 

Race nodded, skating across the street with a gleeful yell. Albert shook his head, jogging to keep up, only stopping at the coffee shop. Hopping off the board, Race stuck his tongue out at Albert with a laugh. “What was that for?” 

“For having such little faith that I wouldn’t be able to do that without hurting myself.” Race said with a laugh, picking up the board before walking into the shop. 

Albert followed behind him. “The afternoon is still young. Spottie working today?” 

“Yeah, him and Kat are working until midnight. I kinda hate that they work nights.” Race admitted, scratching the back of his neck as he looked at Albert. 

Shrugging, Al nodded. “I feel you. They moved me to days a few weeks ago and though I love it, it’s an adjustment. Besides, days are much calmer than nights were.” 

“Huh, I would’ve thought days would be crazier than nights.” Race said stepping up to order his coffee, giving a glance at Albert, letting him know he was picking up the tab. 

Albert shook his head, placing his order, looking at Race. “Nah, nights are much crazier; people do weird shit in the middle of the night, knowing the ERs don’t close their doors.” 

“That’s true.” Race nodded, moving down the line to wait for their coffees. “Ever thought about moving on from Emergency Medicine?” 

Their names were soon called as they grabbed their drinks before heading outside to a table. Race dropped his board so that it was under the table before looking at Albie, his questions still hung in the air. “No, I think I would be bored if I moved on from Emergency Medicine. Though it’s crazy, there’s never a dull moment.” 

“You, Kat, and Spottie all have that in common.” Race said, sipping on his coffee. “Damn that’s good.” 

Albert chuckled, taking a sip of his own. “That is good. You done for the summer?” 

“Yeah, exams were given last week and I spent the weekend grading them so I’m free.” Race grinned. “Driver’s training starts up in two weeks so I’ll be busy with that but it’ll be good.” 

Albert couldn’t say anything at that moment because Race’s skateboard had been pushed out slightly from under the table that a (incredibly good looking) stranger slipped on it as he was walking by, effectively spilling his coffee as he fell to the ground.  Pushing back from the table, Albert rushed to the ground, looking over the stranger. “Are you okay?” 

“Damn that was a wicked fall.” Race commented, kneeling on the ground next to Albie, giving his friend a wide eyed look. 

The stranger slowly opened his eyes, groaning at the fall before carefully pushing himself to a seated position. “What the hell happened?” 

“You slipped on a skateboard, falling to the ground, spilling your coffee everywhere.” Race supplied. 

Albert gave him a look. “Will you get the gloves out of my bag?” 

The guy’s eyes went wide, looking over at Albert, who just smiled. “The name’s Albert and I’m a nurse, do you mind if I check you for injuries? You hit your head pretty hard. That idiot is my best friend, Race. What’s your name?”

“I’m Finch.” He said, grimacing at the pain. 

Albert took notice, giving him a look. “What hurts?” 

“The back of my head and my arm.” Finch said as Race handed a pair of purple gloves to Albert. 

He quickly looked over Finch’s arm but didn’t see anything worrisome. It wasn’t until he felt the back of his head that Albert started to worry. Taking a look, he saw the cut along with the blood. “It seems as if you’ve cut open the back of your head, it doesn’t look too bad but you will need stitches.” 

Finch groaned but nodded at Albert’s assessment. “My car is right over if you want to drive me to the hospital.” 

Albert nodded, looking over at Race. “Grab the shirt out of my bag and we’ll use it to keep pressure on the wound. Race, text Spottie and tell him we’re coming in.” 

“He’s going to kill me Albie.” Race whined, giving his best friend a look as he handed him the shirt. 

Albert shrugged, pressing the shirt to Finch’s head. “That’s your problem; I wanna give him a heads up.” 

Finch watched the two with wide eyes. “Why do I feel like I’m missing something?” 

“Because most people are when they meet us.” Albert said, helping him to his feet. “I work at the Memorial ER with Race’s boyfriend Spot. Race is giving Spot a heads up that we’re coming in . . . Race is somewhat accident prone so anytime he’s hurt a heads up is usually given.” 

Finch chuckled, hissing in the immediate pain that came shortly after. “How many stitches are we talking about?” 

Nearing the car, Albert pulled away the shirt, looking at the cut. “Probably five or so. You got lucky that it isn’t any bigger. Race, you coming?” 

The three quickly got into the car, Race driving as Albert held the shirt to Finch’s head. Before long, they were pulling up to the bay doors. Albert helped Finch out as Race went to park the car. Walking slowly, Albert glanced at Spot waiting at the doors with a gurney. After helping Finch onto the bed, Spot gave Albert a look.  “What happened?”

“Your idiot boyfriend’s skateboard was poking out from the table and Finch here, slipped on it, fell to the ground where he busted open his head. He’ll need stitches and was complaining about his arm but I didn’t see anything.” Albert said as Spot looked him over as they headed towards a room. 

Nodding at Al’s assessment, Spot gave Albert a look. “And where is said idiot boyfriend? Did you leave him for dead?” 

“Nah, he’s parking Finch’s car.” Albert stepped back, taking off his used gloves before grabbing another pair. “He feels really bad. But the bigger question is why did you go along with the skateboard?” 

Spot glanced at Albert. “Because the idiot wouldn’t shut up about it so I figured he got one, use it for a few times then lose interest in it.” 

“Brilliant deduction, dear Watson.” Albert mumbled as Finch chuckled at the two. 

Spot’s eyes went wide looking at Finch. “On a scale of 1-10, how much pain are you in?” 

“Like a 4.” Finch said as Spot nodded. 

The curtains were thrown open as Kat and Race joined the crew. “For once, I’m thankful Race isn’t in that bed. Al, isn’t it your day off?”

“Yeah Plums but I happened to be at the scene of the crime when it happened.” Albert grinned at his favorite coworker. “Finch, this is Katherine Plumber, Physician Assistant . . . she’ll take good care of you.” 

She stepped up closer to the bed, giving him a look. “Whatever happened, I apologize, especially since Race was involved. Now what hurts?” 

“Back of my head and my right arm.” Finch said, looking between the people within the room. He was definitely missing something, though he couldn’t tell what that was.

Taking a light out of her pocket, she looked at the back of his head before whistling. She quickly moved onto his arm. “Finch, you’ll need stitches, Albert can help you out with those. I want a scan of his arm, it doesn’t feel like anything’s broken but let’s rule it out. Also, Spot start an IV, I want a bag of saline in him before we discharge him. Do you have any questions, Finch?” 

“How long am I in here for?” Finch asked. 

Plums looked at the clock before smiling. “You’ll be out of here by 5 tonight . . . a couple of hours. As soon as the scan is done on your arm, I’ll take a look at it. If it’s broken or fractured, we’ll put a cast on it; if it’s just tender, we’ll put a brace on it. I’ll be around if you have any other questions but Albert and Spot will get you sorted out.” 

Snapping off her gloves she left the room with a grin and a pointed stare at Race, who sat in a chair in the corner. Watching Spot hook an IV up to him, Finch avoided looking at Albert who was gathering supplies for his stitches. “Do you need anything Finch? Some food, something to drink?” 

“Can I get some water?” Finch asked, looking over at Spot. 

“Sure I’ll get you some water and check in Radiology.” Spot nodded before looking at Albert. “You good for the stitches?” 

Nodding, Albert walked back over to the bed, dropping several things onto it. Holding a basin and a syringe full of saline, Albert smiled at him. “I’m going to clean the wound a little before numbing it up. Can you tilt your head forward?” 

Finch did as he requested, wincing at the coldness of the saline. “Sorry, I should've told you that it might be cold. I haven’t said it yet but I’m sorry about my friends.” 

“You all seem pretty close.” Finch commented, feeling Albert’s hands poke around the back of his head. 

Albert chuckled. “I went through high school and college with those idiots. Spot, Kat and I all had several classes together which made college easier. Race and Jack, Kat’s boyfriend, are teachers at the local high school so the five of us have always been really close.” 

“That’s really cool that you’ve maintained your friendship for so many years.” Finch commented.

Dropping the syringe into the basin, he placed it on the bed. “They can be a pain in the butt at times but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. This may sting a bit but I’m going to numb you up now.” 

Finch inhaled sharply at the needle pricking his skin but soon he didn’t feel anything on the back of his neck. “How many stitches?”

“Looks like maybe 7 but we’ll see when I tie it off.” Albert casually shrugged, thankful Finch couldn’t see the light blush on his face. “So what do you do with your life?” 

Finch chuckled. “I work for a project management company in the city. I’m in charge of building the new hospital across town currently. And I promise I don’t trip and fall over skateboards all the time.” 

Albert chuckled at his humor as Finch grinned at the sound of his laugh. “I’m sure that’s a lot of challenges but good rewards.” 

“It’s fun to work on a project six months to a year before moving onto another.” Finch smiled. “There’s definitely never a dull moment.” 

The door opened as Spot slipped in, handing Finch a cup of water with a straw in it. “Al, Radiology can take him in 15 minutes.” 

“Thanks Spot.” Albert nodded as he started stitching Finch’s head up as Spot wandered out of the room. “So the hospital is your latest project. Would I recognize anything else you’ve worked on?” 

Finch chuckled. “The coffee shop was one of my first projects after I graduated - they wanted something modern in the old building. To this day, that might be my favorite project.” 

“That’s really cool. So is your background in architecture or something else?” Albert said, continuing with the sutures and keeping Finch’s mind off what was happening. 

“It’s actually Architectural engineering. My entire family, outside of my mom, are engineers so it was just nature for me to go into engineering but architecture has always been fascinating to me.” Finch explained. 

Albert nodded. “That’s really cool. Big family then?”

“Two brothers and a sister. Both brothers and my dad are mechanical engineers while my sister is a biomedical engineer.” Finch explained. 

Albert whistled at his pedigree. “That’s quite impressive and really cool.”

Quietness fell on the room. “Hey Albert, I have a weird question for you.”

“Weird is in my daily dictionary.” Albert chuckled. “What’s up?”

“Can I have your number?” Finch asked as a blush flushed across his face. “You know, in case I have any questions about the stitches.” 

If Finch didn’t sound so sincere, Albert would’ve laughed. “Yes, you can have my number - give me your phone and I’ll put it in in a minute. Alright, your stitches are done - only had to put in 5. Do you want me to put a bandage over them or will you remember that you have them and not touch the back of your head?” 

“Better put a bandage over them.” Finch chuckled as Albert saluted him, walking over to the cabinet and grabbing gauze and some tape. 

Carefully, Albert put a bandage on it before pulling out his phone and texting Spot. Grabbing the phone Finch offered, Albert quickly put his number in before texting himself.  “Specs will be here in a few minutes to take you to Radiology. I’ll be around and will check up on you before they discharge you. Do you need anything?” 

“I think I’m good but thank you Albert.” Finch said, giving him a look, holding out his hand to shake.

Albert smiled. “You’re welcome but I think anyone would’ve done what I did. You just got lucky that I was in the right place at the right time.” 

Quickly washing his hands, Albert glanced at Finch once more before leaving the room, collapsing in a chair at the nurse’s desk with a sigh. “Is he doing okay?” 

“Yeah, stitches are in. Did you tell Specs he’s ready for Radiology?” Albert asked, hearing his phone ding as he looked at Spot. 

Spot nodded. “Specs said he would take him up.”

Albert grabbed his phone, opening up it to a text from Finch. Grinning, he quickly replied as he heard a chair slid across the floor. “So did you get his number?” 

Giving his best friend a look, Albert glanced between Spot and Race. “What are you talking about?” 

“Spot said you couldn’t keep your eyes off of Finch so I’m asking if you got his number.” Race said, leaning over the chair with his chin in his hand, batting his eyelashes in curiosity. 

Pushing Race’s head away from him, Albert rolled his eyes. “None of your business. Besides why are you still here? Thought Spottie would’ve kicked you to the curb by now.” 

“That’s just plain mean, Albie.” Race’s face fell before a grin slid across his face. “I wanted to make sure Finchie was okay. Besides, Spottie grounded me from the skateboard so that means I would’ve had to walk home.” 

“You’re still going to have to walk home due to neither of us having a car.” Alber gave Race a look. “Spot and Plums are working until midnight and I’m not planning on hanging around the emergency room longer than I need to. I have to be back here tomorrow at 7.” 

Spot continued to chart as Race and Albert talked quietly, Spot interjecting every now and then. Plums threw a chart on the counter with a sigh. “Albie, I just saw Finch’s scans. It’s not broken; he’ll just need a brace on it for a couple of weeks. You can remove the IV and he’s good to go.” 

“Can he drive?” Al looked at Plums, who bit her lip. 

“No he shouldn’t be driving.” She said, reviewing his chart. “You okay to get him home?” 

Nodding, Albert moved to slug Race, who had a shit eating grin on his face, as he stood from the chair, grabbing the discharge papers from the printer. “Just for that Racer, find your own damn way home.” 

“Love you Albie.” Race called as Albert waved his hand in the air. 

Making his way to Finch’s room, Albert slid open the door. “Hey, Finch. You’re free to go. You’ll need a brace for that arm but it’s not broken.”

“That’s some good news.” Finch chuckled. “Can I drive home?” 

Albert grabbed a pair of gloves, grimacing before shaking his head. “Due to the lidocaine, you can’t drive until it wears off which will be several hours.” 

“Sorry if this is a bit forward, but can you drive me home?” Finch asked as Albert came over to the side of the bed. 

Albert nodded. “I can if you want me to; don’t have anything else planned for the day. Sorry we didn’t ask earlier but are you squeamish with needles?” 

“No, just pull it out.” Finch sighed. “The sooner I’m out of here the better.” 

Albert nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with the statement. “So I probably should’ve asked you before I gave you my number but is there a significant other?” 

“Nah . . . I’ve been painfully single for the last year.” Finch chuckled. “Old boyfriend couldn’t handle my work schedule.” 

Albert knew that frustration only too well. “I can see that.” 

“You?” Finch asked, looking up at him as he pulled the IV out, grabbing a gauze pad to ward off any bleeding. Finch’s fingers brushed Albert’s as he held the gauze pad in place, allowing Albert to clean up the IV. 

Albert scoffed. “It’s not easy dating a nurse who’s schedule at times can be unpredictable. I’ve dated here and there but it’s been two years since my last serious relationship. Part of the reason why my friends can be a pain in the asses at times.” 

“We might have to change that.” Finch grinned, watching Albert throw the IV in the garbage before grabbing something from the cabinet, walking up to the side of the bed. He put a bandaid on the gauze pad before giving Finch a look. 

Handing him a stack of papers, Albert smiled. “These are your discharge papers. There’s instructions on how to care for your stitches - you’ll have to go to your primary care doctor in a few weeks to get them taken out. Let me grab a wheelchair and your keys from Race and you’ll be all set to go. Any questions?” 

“I don’t think so but thanks again Albert.” Finch grinned up at him as Albert nodded, leaving the room, hoping his heart would calm down. Finch’s smile was a dangerous thing and Albert didn’t know how he felt about that.

Grabbing a wheelchair, Albert stopped by the nurse’s desk, getting Race’s attention. “I need Finch’s keys. Where did you park it?” 

“How about I get it and bring it to the bay doors so you don’t have to go wandering through the lot to find it?” Race asked, raising an eyebrow as Albert nodded. “But first did you get his number?” 

Albert laughed. “How about you worry more about how the many ways Spot is going to kill you and worry less about my life?” 

“I just want you to be happy Albie!” Race cried, giving his best friend a look while hugging him. 

Giving Race a look, Albert shook his head. “No, you want to be the first with the gossip.” 

“True but all I want is for you to be happy, Albie.” Race said, giving him a sincere look. “I’ll go grab the car and bring it around. Meet you at the doors?”

Nodding, Albert pushed the wheelchair to Finch’s room, helping him off the bed and into the chair before scanning the room to make sure they had everything. Albert ignored the cat calls that came from the nurse’s desk, opting to throw a one-finger salute behind him as he pushed Finch to the exit. As promised, Race was waiting for them with the car, helping Finch to get in as Albert took a deep breath, willing his heart to calm the hell down.

With a pat on the back, Race slammed the door before walking back into the emergency room. Getting into the driver’s side, Albert smiled at Finch as Finch handed him his phone, directions to his home already pulled up. 

The drive was quiet and quick, which Albert was thankful for. Pulling into the driveway, Albert looked over at Finch with a smile. “I know this is crazy and preposterous of me, but do you want to come in for a bit? Just tell me if I’m reading this wrong.”

“I don’t think you’re reading this wrong and I’d love to come in for a bit.” Albert smiled, reaching over and squeezing his hand. “Let’s get you inside.” 

They made quick work getting Finch inside and laid up on the couch, giving Albert the opportunity to look around the modest dual floor condo. “This is homey.” 

“It’s nothing much but it’s home.” Finch groaned as the pillow hit his stitches. “Feel free to make yourself at home.” 

And so the afternoon went, them both taking turns to ask questions to get to know one another. After Finch had fallen asleep, Albert called an Uber and left the condo without another word. Several hours later, he got a text message as he was preparing for bed. 

Dinner and a movie tomorrow night? My treat? 

Albert grinned, shaking his head at how sweet and simple the message was from Finch. He simply replied name the time and place. 

So that’s how Albert met Finch! What did you think? Feedback would be wonderful! 

[hannibal-obsessed]

Why Not Spend Your Lock-Down with Dr. Hannibal Lecter?

By Shannon L. Christie

You are cordially invited to spend your lock-down, dining in the company of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Menu

Reception

Dr. Hannibal Lecter is one of thee most iconic fictional literary villains, created in the 20th Century; Hollywood films has cemented his iconic status and his transformation into the 21st Century, via network television, has been carefully crafted under the watchful eye of executive producer, Martha De Laurentiis.

Hannibal Lecter sprang from the mind of novelist Thomas Harris; Lecter has been in our lives for almost 40 years; introduced with the publication of Red Dragon in October 1981; he has never left our consciousness for too long.

So where does one start?

Do you read the 4 novels, watch the 5 movies or the TV Series?

Do I start at the beginning with Harris's novel, Red Dragon?

There are several ways to feast upon Hannibal Lecter: read Harris' novels first: watch the movies and then dine on the TV Series; read the novels, watch the corresponding movies and then the TV Series; watch the TV Series and then go back, watch the movies and read the novels. Whatever way you decide, you will not be disappointed at the end of your feast!

The following menu outline would be my suggestion for how to feast upon the sumptuous offerings of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Amuse-bouche

In this course we are served small bit-sized morsels of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Red Dragon: Thomas Harris, 1981

Will Graham, a former FBI Special Agent with an instinct for profiling, is sucked back into consulting for the FBI on their latest serial murder case; involving the Tooth Fairy. Will's been living a quiet life in Florida with his wife and son, when his former boss, Jack Crawford visits, enticing Graham back into the game. In order to get that old scent back; Graham needs to get into the mindset of a killer, so he visits Dr. Hannibal Lecter at The Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where Lecter is serving 9 consecutive life terms for murder. Graham was the FBI Agent who finally caught Hannibal and it almost cost him his life and sanity.

Interesting Fact: Harris attended portions of Ted Bundy's trial for the Chi Omega Murders in Florida. The Prosecutors in the Bundy trial used bite marks left on one of his victims as evidence. Dolarhyde left bite marks on Mrs. Leeds, which allowed forensics to create dental impressions, creating a sample of Dolarhyde's teeth.

Manhunter: Directed by Michael Mann, 1986

Manhunter was written and directed by Michael Mann; starring William Petersen (Will Graham), Dennis Farina (Jack Crawford), Tom Noonan (Francis Dollarhyde, film spelling/Red Dragon/Tooth Fairy), Joan Allen (Reba McClane) Brian Cox (Hannibal Lecktor, film spelling).

Manhunter is now considered a cult classic; at the time of it's original release it fared poorly at the box office and met with mixed reviews. It's cult status may be partially due to the continuing saga of Hannibal Lecter and William Petersen's success in CSI. The film touches on many of the important elements of the novel and also misses on quite a few. What is Dolarhyde's motive? The movie is dated with a definite 80's Michael Mann vibe; in spite of that it is definitely worth a watch for Noonan's performance.

Interesting Fact: Film Producer Dino De Laurentiis purchased the movie rights to the novel Red Dragon in 1983.

Red Dragon: Directed by Brett Ratner, 2002

This is where I'll skip ahead and talk about Manhunter's remake, Red Dragon. You can either choose to watch Red Dragon here or move it to after Hannibal to watch in order of release – entirely up to you.

Dino De Laurentiis passed on the movie rights to The Silence of the Lamb, due to the poor showing of Manhunter at the box office. So when The Silence of the Lambs was critically acclaimed by the critics; a huge box office success; winning the top 5 categories at the 1992 Oscars; Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay – Dino wanted another serving of Hannibal Lecter.

When Harris released his third Lecter novel, simply titled Hannibal, Dino De Laurentiis picked up the rights and saw this as an opportunity to remake Manhunter, this time using the book title, Red Dragon, especially considering the success of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter. In fact, Red Dragon was released in theatres a year after Hannibal.

Lecter's role was beefed up with a few added scenes; Lecter enjoying the symphony with the exception of the violinist; experiencing one of Lecter's sinfully delicious dinner parties of the music council with the violinist as the main course; seeing the tete-a-tete played out between Lecter and Graham (Edward Norton) that nearly cost them both their lives.

Dolarhyde's (Ralph Fiennes) abusive childhood is explored, the motivation for his heinous crimes against families. We see more of the relationship between Dolarhyde and Reba (Emily Watson) and Dolarhyde's struggle to keep the monster at bay. Ted Tally wrote the screenplay (he wrote The Silence of the Lambs screenplay and passed on the Hannibal screenplay); he has a great sense of what is essential to the narration of a well conceived movie, without loosing too much of the original story told by Thomas Harris.

I am partial to Red Dragon over Manhunter for that reason; I love Ralph Feinnes portrayal of Dolarhyde; he's creepy without being overtly creepy like Noonan is in Manhunter. Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecter beautifully as he always does. There are a few flaws in this version though, namely Edward Norton's portrayal of Will Graham. I love Norton – I just think he was wrong for the part and the bleached blonde hair drove me mad. I also have issue with Harvey Keitel as Jack Crawford, I just didn't get an FBI Special Agent in charge of the Behavioral Science Unit vibe from him. Keitel is the guy you bring in to rough up your suspect. On the plus side, the crime scenes are more graphic than in Manhunter, which I feel is essential to understanding the severity of the need to capture this fiend, because now he has a taste for it and he will not stop!

Interesting Fact: Dino De Laurentiis had to make a deal with MGM, so the shot of The Baltimore State Hospital building used in The Silence of the Lambs, could be used in Red Dragon, as the building had been demolished.

Dinner

Appetizer

In this course we are treated to petite, rich tasty morsels of Hannibal Lecter,

both of the hot and cold variety.

The Silence of the Lambs: Thomas Harris, 1988

The follow up novel to Red Dragon, Harris' third novel, Lecter was not a character Harris intended to use; he just showed up one day as Harris wrote. The Silence of the Lambs was the story of a young female FBI agent in training; female agents were a relatively new concept at Quantico. J. Edgar Hoover had died in 1972 and the FBI slowly started to drag itself into the modern age and out of the Mafia/Prohibition dark ages that it was founded on. Harris' story of Clarice Starling was an exploration of an agent in training along with a manhunt, headed by Jack Crawford, for a serial killer, only known as “Buffalo Bill”; who abducted girls, held them hostage for a few days; shot them in the heads, dumped their bodies in rivers; having partially skinned them post mortem. The FBI is stumped, they have no motive, no pattern and no connections between the victims. What should they do? Crawford sends Clarice Starling, an agent in training to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

The Silence of the Lambs: Directed by Jonathan Demme, 1991

As I previously mentioned, Dino de Laurentiis passed on acquiring the movie rights for The Silence of the Lambs; the rights ended up in the hands of Demme and Orion Films, without a fee paid to De Laurentiis. The screenplay was written by Ted Tally, who managed to highlight all the important aspects of the novel, creating a balanced story. The movie starred Jodie Foster (Clarice Starling), Glenn Scott (Jack Crawford), Anthony Heald (Dr, Frederick Chilton), Ted Levine (Jame Gumb/Buffalo Bill) and Anthony Hopkins (Hannibal Lecter),

Interesting Fact: Anthony Hopkins on screen performance of Hannibal Lecter, consisting of only sixteen minutes earned him an Oscar for Best Actor in 1992.

Entree

This course is a hearty and meaty dish of Hannibal Lecter, served with delicate red sauce.

Hannibal: Thomas Harris, 1999

Would Harris write another Lecter novel? As we eagerly waited to see – making us wait 10 long years, Harris' reward was Hannibal; a story centred around Dr. Hannibal Lecter. I think many people weren't prepared for the monster to be uncaged. It was bloodier and gorier than the previous two films and quite sadistic. Manhunter and The Silence of the Lambs were considered psychological thrillers with a dollop of horror. Hannibal was a full on horror novel with a dollop of psychological thriller. Dr. Hannibal Lecter was free of his cage, just in-time for the new millennium and some readers were not happy.

When the novel, Hannibal, was released, many critics and readers were appalled by the goriness of it (we are talking about a man who kills people and eats them). I guess once the layers of the onion were peeled away; culture, music, art, culinary skills, courteousness – they were horrified by the monster at the centre – that was the point. Serial killers show society a veneer of acceptable personality traits; they keep the monster hidden away, until he breaks through and comes out to play. In that sense, the novel Hannibal, is spot on. He's your neighbour, your friend, your husband, your father, your brother and sometimes your son (The majority of serial killers are male, sorry guys). He wears a symbolic mask in public, to prevent you from guessing how sick and perverted he truly is.

Harris' novel, Hannibal, was the perfect GOTCHA moment! Harris had led us into a false sense of security; either intentionally or unintentionally, with Lecter's intro in Red Dragon; sure he tells Francis Dolarhyde to kill Graham's family – In The Silence of the Lamb; Lecter is so helpful trying to advance Clarice Starling's career; sure he kills several people while escaping from custody; we'll just chalk that up to acceptable carnage.

We start to rationalize that Lecter can't be all bad; he must have some redeeming qualities: he's a man of sophisticated tastes; he's knowledgeable; an incredible chef; a great musician and artist. We don't even mind knowing that he dined on Dr. Chilton, upon his escape; possibly thinking Chilton had it coming.

Harris let us peek briefly behind the curtain in Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs and perhaps Harris was dismayed to learn that upon the popularity of Hopkins portrayal of Hannibal Lecter; he'd become a pop culture icon and somewhat of a hero. Hannibal shattered that illusion.

We find Clarice Starling, 10 years later, working as an FBI Special Agent, in a stagnate career. She can't advance; being blocked by Paul Krendler.

Hannibal has been living in Florence as the curator of the Palazzo Capponi as Dr. Norman Fell (the real Dr. Fell disappeared under mysterious circumstances). Florence, Italy, the ideal spot for Lecter, a true Renaissance man. We discover there has been a string of murders by the fiend, know as Il Mostro.

Meanwhile, Mason Verger, Lecter's 4th victim, is on the hunt for Dr. Lecter, who left Mason disfigured, although technically by Mason's own hand. Verger has offered a $3,000,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Interesting Fact: Thomas Harris attended the trial of The Monster of Florence, Pietro Pacciani, in 1994, incorporating some of the aspects of the crimes into his Hannibal novel and hinting that Hannibal himself was Il Mostro (The Monster of Florence).

Hannibal: Directed by Ridley Scott, 2001

If some readers were unhappy with the novel, there were those unhappy about the production of a movie in the same vain. Ted Tally didn't want to write the screenplay, Foster didn't want to reprise her role as Starling and Demme wasn't interested in directing. The consensus was it was too graphic and gory and they wanted no part of it; a complete turnaround; they initially were chomping at the bit to be involved in the follow-up to The Silence of the Lambs.

Interesting Fact: Dino De Laurentiis was under the impression that given a good story even he could play Clarice Starling.

The extra dinner course you never needed; you were already full.

Hannibal Rising: Thomas Harris, 2006

From all accounts that I've read, Harris was gently coerced into writing Hannibal Rising. Dino De Laurentiis wanted an origin story to turn into a film and he'd do it with or without Harris. Harris eventually caved and produced the fourth Lecter novel, Hannibal Rising.

Harris uses the hardships of WWII as the starting backdrop for the development of young Lecter's transformation into “Hannibal the Cannibal”. This is perhaps a story that never needed to be told. We were given glimpses in the novel Hannibal that never made it into the movie and perhaps that was a mistake; not seeing the humanity in Hannibal before events unfolded to create a monster and he is a monster, however refined his tastes are. It would have made a good contrast to the harshness of Lecter's grotesque and sadistic actions in Hannibal; that's where a good screenplay, might have made a difference. Francis Dolarhyde, Jame Gumb and Hannibal Lecter weren't born evil, they were shaped and moulded by their harsh experiences as young, innocent, impressionable children. Monsters aren't born, they are made – the moral of the stories. The difference being Hannibal always took responsibility for his actions, never placing the blame at someone else’s feet.

Hannibal Rising: Directed by Peter Webber, 2007

This time Harris would be involved, writing the screenplay for the Hannibal Rising movie. While I enjoyed Gaspard Ulliel as a young Hannibal, I felt that the story was unnecessary.

And just when you thought that was all and Hannibal Lecter's story had been narrated from beginning to end; Lecter was resurrected in 2013 for Bryan Fuller's TV Series, titled Hannibal, for three seasons on NBC.

Dessert

A delicate balance of psychiatry, culinary skills, food porn, relationships, sex, beauty, horror

and murder tableaus, like the layers of a sinful Double Chocolate Torte.

Hannibal TV Series: Developed by Bryan Fuller, 2013-2015

I know what you're going to say; there's no way I'm watching a Hannibal TV show without Hopkins on NBC! Whether your a Cox fan or a Hopkins fan; they both played the part in their own style and both performances are top notch. Hopkins had a little more to sink his teeth into with The Silence of the Lambs; as the screen time was slightly longer than in Manhunter.

I was stubborn too! I didn't watch Hannibal during the originally airing for season one or two. I remember catching a glimpse of an episode as I was on my way out to photograph a band; I was a live music photographer for around three years, so many of my Friday nights were spent in Toronto. It was the episode with the horse and the coffin-birth, which ultimately left an impression. So in January 2015 I binge watched season one and two (26 episodes) in only two days; I couldn't stop watching!

There's been a string of missing girls attributed to one person, known as “The Minnesota Shrike” and the FBI are struggling for leads. Upon the eighth girls disappearance, Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) walks into Will Graham's (Hugh Dancy) classroom to request his help. Graham has the unique ability to empathize with narcissits and sociopaths and as he states, it has less to do with a personality disorder and more to do with an active imagination. Dr. Bloom expresses her concerns to Jack Crawford about using Will Graham for his special gifts and recommends keeping an eye on him; suggesting a colleague of hers, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Bryan Fuller's adaption uses Red Dragon as the main source material, with additional material from Hannibal and Hannibal Rising; expanding characters stories and switching some genders to give it a less male dominated cast. Characters like Margot Verger, who were left out of the Hannibal movie are slotted back in to give the Mason Verger story more substance. Cordell, Verger's valet and cook, is far cheekier in the TV series. Dr. Alan Bloom is transformed into Dr. Alana Bloom and Freddy Lounds, once played by the amazing Philip Seymour Hoffman becomes Freddie Lounds played by Lara Jean Chorostecki, who plays her less sleazy and yet still despicable.

Interesting Fact: Bryan Fuller incorporated some of the forward written by Harris in Red Dragon about his experience writing the novel.

Whipped Fresh Creme & a Cherry On-top!

Hannibal Fan Fiction

Season 3 of Hannibal ends on a cliff hanger and unfortunately NBC cancelled the show without a resolution. Not to worry, there is a buffet of Hannibal Fan Fiction out there for you to sink your teeth into. Hannibal fan fiction spans the spectrum of General Audience to NC-17 to pornographic; there is something to suit everyone's taste. If you don't find anything pleasing; you can always write your own fan fiction!

Interesting Fact: Some of the cast members have read Hannibal fan fiction.

Hannibal Fan Art

The amazing thing about the Hannibal fandom, whether you're old school or new school; there is incredible artwork to explore created by incredibly talented artists.

Interesting Fact: Bryan Fuller and the De Laurentiis Company are not dicks about copyright infringement, when it comes to fan art and fan fiction.

Hannibal Conventions

Red Dragon Con by Starfury: An all Hannibal Con in London, England.

Fannibal Fest: An all Hannibal Con with location tours in Toronto, Canada.

Sofa-Con by Fannibal Fest: Due to the lock-down situation around the world because of Covid-19 all conventions were cancelled in 2020. Fannibal Fest set of some Zoom meetings with guests that starred or worked on Hannibal.

There are several Hannibal fandom groups all over different parts of the world; who meat-up to dine and discuss their favourite topic, Hannibal. I am part of a GTA Fannibal group that centres around Toronto, Canada and we’ve met several times.

So, as we finish our dining experience with Dr. Hannibal Lecter; we'll eagerly anticipate another invitation to Lecter's dinner table, as a guest or if you're unspeakably rude, perhaps you'll be the main course; either way I'll meet or eat you there!

Shannon L. Christie

aka Hannibal_Obsessed

[hb-writes]

Thank you for listening.

Inspired by my 101 lovely followers and  @love-me-a-good-prompt’s “THANK YOU IDEAS” prompt list.

Summary: SherlockBBC story (same universe as this one). A look at how Lucy Watson ended up living with her brother, John, and the famous Sherlock Holmes. 

Featuring: John Watson, Watson!Sister (Lucy)

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When John finally located his sister, the girl was settled comfortably on a bench, earbuds firmly in place. The music was clearly too loud coming through her headphones and she had a hardcover book placed open in her lap. 

John had no idea how many times he had warned the girl about being careful, especially with herself, and especially when in unfamiliar places. London was certainly not the same as the small, rural area where the Watson children had been raised, and his dear little sister would do well to pay better attention to her surroundings rather than tuning them out completely. John shook his head, mildly frustrated despite knowing that the girl was far beyond change at this point.

From a few feet away, John watched Lucy, noting the differences introduced since their last meeting. His sister was no longer a child, this observation evidenced by the subtle change in height and the way her face and choice of attire looked like more of that of a young woman than a young girl. Her lips were a shade or so darker than what he imagined them to be naturally. The waves of her hair fell longer now and she kept them loosely braided, falling over her left shoulder. A pair of brown, thick-framed glasses hung low on her nose as her head tilted down.

Lucy felt a presence beside her before she heard or saw anything and tried to glance up without being too obvious or inviting a conversation. She started at seeing that the presence sat beside her was her older brother, a knowing look settled upon his face.

She nearly shouted his name before grasping onto him, knocking the wind out of John a bit as she fastened herself around his chest. A breath of relief that John didn’t realize he had been holding escaped and he continued to hold his sister so long as she wished to be held, his hand gently cradling the head that had nestled up to the jumper under his jacket.

It had been a long while since they had last seen each other, far too long if John was being honest with himself. She had been his avid pen pal throughout his time away in the war, keeping him abreast of updates in her schooling and life with Harry, but nothing was as good as having the girl with him in person. Even if Lucy was only there on account of her own mischief, John was still happy to have her.

As he held her, John silently cursed himself. He should have gone to seen her the moment he returned to the country but seeing Lucy meant seeing Harry, and he simply hadn’t been ready to face that. He would at least need to speak to their sister now, what with their young ward running to him.

When Lucy finally pulled back, she wiped away some stray tears with the back of her hand. John ran a hand over her head, resting his hand on the back of her neck and kissing her forehead.

“That's enough. No more tears, sweetheart.”

Lucy smiled at the sentiment and leaned back against the bench. “I’ve missed you, John,” she said.

“And I’ve missed you,” he echoed.

“Well, that’s a relief as I’m certain that you’re quite angry regarding this whole thing and about to be unreasonably cross.”

“I don’t think it is by any means unreasonable should I choose to be cross with you,” John answered. He had pulled his little sister into his side and she rested her head against him. “Why are you here, sweetheart?” 

“I don’t want to stay with Harry any longer, especially not if Sara won’t be there and you’re staying here in London. Harry’s just downright insufferable and she doesn’t understand me. She is not a very adept parental figure, John. You never should have left me with her to begin with.”

“Now that will be enough of that,” he answered despite knowing that much of it was likely true.

“I just couldn’t stay there,” Lucy mumbled.

With Sara gone, their sister Harry had been different. She had been drinking more, angry and aggressive with her younger sister, and Lucy had had quite enough.

“And you thought the best way to alleviate the situation was to throw a tantrum, hopping on the next train to London by yourself?”

A blush crept into Lucy's cheeks. She had been away from the responsible childrearing of her brother for several years and had forgotten what his displeasure, even if only slight, felt like. Their sister was largely a ‘hands-off’ type of guardian, allowing Lucy to essentially do as she pleased, though as of late the two sisters had taken to considerable bickering and shouting matches. John, on the other hand, had never stood for the shouting or the arguments or the tantrums.

“She told me to get out of her sight, John,” Lucy defended. "I was only doing as I was told."

“And that was not alright for her to say though I’m sure you did something to provoke it.”

Lucy moved them along. She didn’t intend on getting into such details, at least not at the train station, not so soon after their reunion. Instead, she offered her big brother a troublesome little smile, the glint reaching her eyes.

“Well, you and Harry don’t ever talk anymore." She shrugged. "I had to get your attention somehow.”

“Good to know you are still a willful little terror.” he chided with a smile.

"I think that's a bit harsh, John."

“And I think you know of better ways I prefer for you to garner my attention,” John answered, eyebrows raised.

“I know, John. I do. And I’m terribly sorry, truly. You, sir, are looking at the very sorriest of little sisters. But please don’t be cross. I just missed you and I wanted to see you and it didn’t seem as though you had any intention of ever coming home to see me and I honestly believe if I hadn’t come here, you would be down a sister, though admittedly I am not sure which one of us you’d be missing.”

“This wasn’t about you, sweetheart. It has never been about you.”

“That’s what you both say, but I seem to be the one getting the continuous ‘shit-end’ of the stick.”

John raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry,” she muttered, though John didn't miss the eye roll. “Horrid, entirely unsuitable habit, I know. I just mean, well, you both tend to take your issues out on me, whether you intend to or not. I’m like a child of divorce now.”

“And I apologize it seems that way, but that’s no reason to go all stroppy and storm off without permission.”

“She knew precisely where I was going, John, and I called ahead to let you know that I was on my way.”

“Yes, you called to tell me to come collect you while you were already halfway along on your journey to London. By yourself. With. Out. Permission.” John punctuated his point by jabbing his sister in the shoulder with a finger after each word.

“Now who’s being the stroppy one?” she joked, nudging him.

“Well, it should go without saying that you, my dear sister, are confined to the flat until we sort this out. Grounded, actually.”

Lucy scrunched her face up. “What about playing tourist? I haven’t been to London in ages and I don’t get grounded anymore either,” she said.

“And how does our dear sister deal with your various indiscretions?”

“I don’t know. She doesn’t. Not that I have many. I'm a very well behaved, John.”

John tried not to scoff. He was far from surprised that Harry didn’t discipline their younger sister. She supposed that if any of that went on in their household, it would have been her partner’s doing. Sara had always been the sensible one in that relationship.

“Well, I wouldn't think it wise for you to expect things to continue in that manner while you’re here. You’ve always required a healthy dose of structure. You’re not to go out on your own. If you behave, I’ll consider taking you out myself.”

“Hmph.”

“Don’t ‘hmph’, me, Lucille Evangeline Watson.”

“That name is so bloody pretentious, John Hamish Watson," she mocked, sharpening her tone.

John rolled his eyes. “What in the world am I going to do with you?”

Lucy shrugged. “Maybe give me a proper hug and take me for some lunch?”

John nodded and she stood up beside him. He took Lucy into his arms, feeling her relax in his hold before taking one of her bags and stepping off, leaving her to manage the backpack.

"Thank you, John."

"For what?" he asked.

"For listening before shouting," Lucy answered. "Harry shouts first and listens never."

John sighed, pulling his sister in to his side. "No sense in shouting if we haven’t a need."

--

Sherlock BBC Masterlist