#and you know Cornelius probably did that because he remembers his parents bringing him to the lab for the first time

[zipzapzopzoop]

It took me 17 years to notice this

[mrsrcbinscn]

Wilbur Is Not Amused || The Robinsons

@wilbur-robinson​, @mrrcbinson​

Tl;DR: Franny and Cornelius tell Wilbur about the baby. It does not go well.

Date: August 23rd, 2020

 FRANNY:

 So about telling Cornelius she felt fine...turns out that was a lie. Once she got to her ninth week the morning (and noon, and night) sickness began. It got to the point she made excuses to be out during dinner time because she didn’t want to tell the family she was pregnant yet, but she couldn’t actually keep food down. Water and crackers were all that was on the menu these days. Even the foods she was craving she couldn’t actually enjoy! It was frustrating, but overall she was thrilled. 

 Due to her age and her history of miscarriages her doctor wanted weekly ultrasounds to keep an eye on the baby. Now at eleven weeks pregnant and rapidly approaching the second trimester, everything looked great. The baby had a strong heartbeat according to her doctor and that was all Franny had really hoped for. While eleven weeks wasn’t fully out of the danger zone for the most common window for miscarriage, she realized she couldn’t hide it much longer. They’d almost gotten caught already! 

 When Tallulah offered her a glass of wine at Wilbur’s birthday party — the fake one, the one with the family that they always did — she made up an excuse about being on a drinking hiatus to lose weight. Franny hoped her hands hadn’t instinctively gone to touch her abdomen like her brain had been telling her to do. 

 Eleven weeks with a strong heartbeat was already more than she had expected. It seemed like the right time to tell their family and Cornelius as ever took her lead on this. They told his parents first and Lucille squeezed Franny’s hand and reminded her that by loving their son, she’d already fulfilled all of their wishes for their family, and giving them Wilbur was just a pleasant bonus. Franny of course cried. What else could she do? Lucille was sometimes too ridiculously good to her. 

 Next it was Wilbur, and after Franny had stopped crying courtesy of Lucille being too damn wonderful, they called him into their bedroom to talk. Being on her feet was getting tiring, so talking at the window seat in their bedroom just felt more practical than sitting Wilbur down in his room. It was nap time right after this for the pregnant lady. 

 “Why am I nervous? Are you nervous? Am I freaking out again?” She leaned over to catch Cornelius in a kiss and tangled her fingers with his. 

 CORNELIUS:

 Cornelius was still in shock. He partly couldn’t believe it. Almost didn’t if it weren’t for Franny growing sicker and her weekly doctor appointments. It was weird to imagine that at their age - they might be parents again. Just as Wilbur was on the verge of graduation…

He had been caught up in these thoughts all day. Every time he saw Franny now, actually. But especially today because they were telling everyone. His mother had cried. Actually cried. And then hugged him tight while his father made a science pun about atoms - his mother’s crying in his ears had drowned out the rest, to be honest.

 But the kiss and her touch alone broke him out of his thoughts and he looked to Franny. “Oh! I - more like...well, I don’t know,” He admitted. “I mean, Wilbur’s almost an adult. Legally, at least. I know he can act childish sometimes, but he’s a good kid. I think he’ll be excited. He’ll probably teach them to be like his little sidekick and turn them against us at the age of two.”

 He laughed a little at the joke, honestly believing it to an extent though. But he could get where Franny was coming from. Still, he wasn’t nervous himself. 

 Not until Wilbur came in.

 “Hey, kiddo. Come have a seat, will you?”

 WILBUR:

 Wilbur and his parents didn’t really sit down for important talks often. There were a couple times when he was younger (like when they sat him down to say he might be a big brother, or when they sat him down and said actually no he wouldn’t be and his mum would cry). There were other memorable occasions of course, the last one being a dead relative.

 He started going down a list of relatives that could have kicked the bucket, because there were of course some older ones. But could he play guess who? Or was that entirely inappropriate? Wilbur wandered into his parents room with eyebrows furrowed, debating over whether tact was good or bad in this case?

 Wilbur eyed his mum first and then his dad, debating over who would spill the beans first. Then he shrugged and sat down in one of their chairs. “Okay what’s going on? Who died?”

 FRANNY:

 “What?”

 Franny had a brief spiel loosely prepared but Wilbur’s comment threw her off track. Died, huh? No this was the opposite hopefully. Next week would mark the longest she’d stayed pregnant and her OB/GYN said especially considering her risk factors, her pregnancy was healthy. She couldn’t believe her luck at last after nearly twenty years of marriage. 

 A decade and a half of trying to grow their family, until a few years ago, when Franny’s broken hearts couldn’t take it anymore. Cornelius had always been so good, so understanding, and never once blamed her. She couldn’t say the same for herself. 

 It felt too good to be true and too perfect but yet, here they were. Wilbur was going to (most likely, very likely, it seemed) be a big brother. He’d be so much older than his baby brother or sister but he’d be their superhero and the thought of that made Franny’s eyes prick with tears so she took care not to go there right now. 

 “No, your father and I just have to share some exciting news.” Franny began, tightening just barely her grip on one of Cornelius’s hands. “Wilbur, your father and I found out I’m pregnant. At our age, I know, I thought it was a mistake too but I really am. Twelve weeks; in March you’ll have a little minion to teach to get into trouble. Around your father’s birthday, too...everything looks good this time around. Looks perfect.”

 Franny’s grin almost hopped off her face, it was so wide! She reached for one of Wilbur’s hands and squeezed. “Isn’t that exciting?”

 WILBUR:

 There were a few different things Wilbur would have imagined that they’d have to say. Maybe some Great Uncle bit the dust, or they were planning another trip and they wanted him to give them input. Or maybe they were rethinking his request for a horse. You never knew. Wilbur was willing to be imaginative.

 But then his mum started talking, and Wilbur could feel his heart sink. Not sink, maybe it just fell right out of his body and fell into the sea. The bemused look changed so swiftly, any hint of a smile gone from his face as he paled. He could remember the last time his mum had told him she was pregnant. It was years ago, and Wilbur had just assumed (like an idiot apparently) that they wouldn’t try again.

 Why wasn’t he enough for them anyway?

 Wilbur sucked in a breath and let it out again, forcing himself to try not to blow up. He wanted to. He wanted to so badly, because his parents really didn’t think about him at all did they? Wilbur immediately tugged his hand away from his mother, arms wrapping around himself defensively as he glanced between Franny and Cornelius. He was still waiting for one of them to say ‘just kidding’ but...well his parents wouldn’t pull that kind of a stunt with him.

 Which meant no matter how improbable, no matter how horrible, it must be the truth. “Are you serious? Why would I be excited about this? In what world does ‘my mum could possibly kill herself again trying to have a real baby’ sound exciting?” Okay, maybe he couldn’t contain it.

 CORNELIUS:

 Of all reactions, Cornelius didn’t expect this one from Wilbur. Especially faced with the beaming face of his mother right now. But the moment his face changed, he knew something was wrong. And - 

 Real baby? What did that even…

 “Wilbur, what do you by real baby? You’re our real son,” Cornelius began slowly, his mind trying to process everything. Something that was so exciting and joyous suddenly turned sour and was about to become a fight. One that would not be easily fixed either. “Its….you’re not be replaced, if that’s what you’re getting at. Or forgotten or any of that.”

 Considering both of them were orphans, he could put himself in Wilbur’s mindset in a way. But not much. Because this reaction was just - shocking. Were they being selfish though? Were they bad parents to bring this up at Wilbur’s age? He turned to look at Franny, his brows coming together in concern.

 FRANNY:

 Franny first felt white hot anger at her son’s reaction. It was as if for a brief moment she resented him as much as she’d ever loved him. 

 (And briefly, she was angry at Cornelius for not at least gently chastising him for yelling at his mother, but she reminded herself that Cornelius was a better person than she was. He heard Wilbur’s hurt first, whereas Franny first tuned into the anger. Thank god Cornelius was here. She would have shouted right back if not for him.)

 How dare he, she thought though. Now, she expected her son to make a joke about how old she was. She wasn’t stupid enough to think Wilbur, a happy only child, would be thrilled. She expected, however, a quick ‘oh? Cool. Anyway is that all?’

 What she didn’t expect was such a reaction. 

 How dare he, in one instant, rob her of her joy. Franny’s heart sank as she thought to herself this is a mistake. 

 And as quickly as her anger appeared, it subsided, as it always did when she was angry with Wilbur. His words cut but after feeling the impact of those words it was as if she pressed pause on her hurt to instead focus on Wilbur’s, because that’s what moms are supposed to do. 

 She could cry to Cornelius later or perhaps her mother, but who could Wilbur go to? He usually sought her out for comfort but who now?

 “Wilbur…what are you saying?” Franny said quietly as her face fell, before for once in her obnoxious life, she struggled to find words. “You’re not...it...it was an accident, we didn’t mean—“ wait. Was she about to apologize for being pregnant? She sighed and her hand flinched to reach forward and hold Wilbur’s hand, play with his hair, anything, but he’d batted her hand away not a moment ago. “Wilbur, honey. You are our real baby. There is nothing we love more than you and being your parents. Nothing, honey.”

 WILBUR: 

 Honestly, Wilbur thought it was pretty clear what he meant. He was being replaced. By a younger model that would probably be nicer than Wilbur and more likeable than Wilbur because they wouldn’t be as bratty as he could be. They’d probably “try to get it right” this time, and where would that leave Wilbur? Miserable.

 “Really?” He asked, and he couldn’t help but snort. Of course he’d be forgotten. A baby would demand all their attention, and when Wilbur would need them for college things or anything else, he’d probably get ignored. His whole family would probably coo at the baby and focus on what it wanted and needed and he’d be pushed by the wayside. Wilbur wasn’t stupid. He knew babies needed a ton of attention.

 “Why would you still care about having another baby? That’s what I just don’t get! Mum was always so messed up by this shit, and yet that’s always been it. ‘Why can’t I have a real baby to take care of?’ You didn’t say it in as many words, but the implication is pretty fucking clear.” So what if Wilbur was a bit spoiled? Who were the people that had spoiled him in the first place? Oh yeah, it was them.

 He didn’t look forward to watching the way his mum would try to do things differently so this baby, their actual biological one wouldn’t turn out like him. He hated it. He hated it he hated it. He was going to be sick. “I can’t believe you’d do this now! What, I’m going to go off to college soon so it doesn’t matter what I think? That’s great really. Have fun with your new family.” He stumbled to his feet. He needed to get out of here. He wanted to cry, but he was nothing if not determined to do that in the comfort of his own space, without the people who hurt him around.

 FRANNY:

 “Wilbur!” Franny exclaimed, springing out of her seat but not advancing toward her son. She wouldn’t force him to stay but he wasn’t going to storm out without one final attempt to reach him. 

 And, yeah, maybe she said his name in the ‘I’m gonna kick your ass’ tone but with the way he was speaking to his parents right now did he expect any different? His words were hurtful not only to her as his mother, but as a person in general. Franny kept her composure enough to keep from well and truly yelling at Wilbur but under the far too consistent volume of her voice was boiling anger.

 “What do you mean ‘new family?’ For once would it kill you to not be so over-dramatic. Like I just. I just wanna know. You know damn well, Wilbur, that plenty of families have more than one child in them. We wanted a big family because we just did, okay? We just did. There’s no other explanation. We just wanted that. But your father -” 

 Never slowed down. Never could press pause so we could adopt again so I had to try the old-fashioned way even though my body kept telling me I couldn’t do it.

 “- and I just kind of shelved that for the most part. We stopped tryin’ years ago, I didn’t get pregnant to piss you off. Believe it or not, the world doesn’t revolve around Wilbur Robinson. Sometimes it just happens. What was I supposed to do when I found out I was pregnant, huh? What would have made you happy?”

 A beat, and Franny pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. 

 “Get out. Go to bed. Or don’t, I don’t care, just get out.”

 WILBUR:

 So the world didn’t revolve around Wilbur. He knew that already. His mum made it even more clear that he wasn’t that special. He wasn’t enough for them. He’d never been enough for them. If he had, then his parents wouldn’t have cared about a big or a small family. They would have just let that baby stuff be and loved him. 

 Why did mum think he was overdramatic? It wasn’t overdramatic to realize he was being replaced! It would be different if they’d adopted or had another kid when he was still little, when it was a normal thing to do. This wasn’t normal. He’d never felt so unappreciated in his life, and he’d had his moments of doubt. 

 “Oh I know the world doesn’t revolve around me. And it never will, because that new baby’s just going to replace me and that’s just great. I’m glad you get a do over to have a better kid.” And since he was already in it, and he’d clearly already pissed off his mum too, Wilbur headed out, both middle fingers waving at them as he made his way out. He’d break down once he was alone. He wouldn’t cave until then.

[mydearsaddiary]

Speakeasy Tonight Neil Season 3 Fanfic

Neil Season 3- Chapter 3

Hello! For those of you who don’t know Im writing a fanfic on how I’d imagine Neil Season 3 to go! This is chapter 3, here’s a link with all the chapters: https://mydearsaddiary.tumblr.com/NeilSeason3Fanfic

Little Curiosity notes: Because this chapter is all about the high society of BAHS-ton, there’s some currency involved! I put the amount in 1926 dollars, in parenthesis I adjusted it according to inflation on how much it’s cost today!

WARNING: LOTS OF ANGST AND DRAMA. LIKE SO MUCH DRAMA.

Chapter 3- Ghosts Are Alive in a Haunted Night

1926

The way to Boston was long. The anticipation built was driving me over the edge. I’ve been around the upper crust of Chicago, but even so most of them seemed like new money. Extravagant women who just got their hands on dough and bought everything they could. The upper crusts I met in Chicago weren’t elegant, they just had money in their hands. Even so I felt like an imposter amongst them.

I had a perception Neil’s family would be different. They were the true high society. Money was in their roots and they’ve never lived without it. For generations and generations I imagined most of them never worked, but increased their riches by letting others do the work for them.

I noticed when Lucille wrote to Neil, she always signed “Lucille Dresner of Boston”. Only the wealthy referred to themselves with their hometown attached to their name like “The Dresners of Boston”. They measured each other by how prominent of a family they were. For the first time I didn’t think of Neil as just Neil. I imagined him as “Cornelius Dresner of Boston” or “Cornelius of the house Dresner from Boston” or some fancy Jane Austen society title I could never imagine myself belonging to.

I knew Neil was living in an apartment in Chicago, living the same economic life as I did right now by choice, but that didn’t change where he was from or who his family was. For the first time I also realized that you could notice the high class in Neil in his personality.

There was just something in him that distanced him from people like Cliff or Vince who’d come from nothing or even me, who came from some but not as much. I thought of the elegancy, the way he never let himself look like a fool, the fact that he was highly educated, enjoyed chess like no other, the fact that it was easy to look at him and respect him. He had the air of being classier than most. He had his troubles and he wasn’t some snob who thinks he is better than everyone, but something in me said I needed to step up to the gentry, who breathed old money and who would judge me as middle class.

I looked down at the dress I chose for the trip. It was a delicate red. I always thought it was a good color on me, but it wasn’t the best dress (or the best shoes) I could be wearing

I looked at Neil who looked so calm he could have no idea of the internal battle that was happening in my mind. However, I felt guilty for struggling so much. Neil hadn’t seen his family in years, they’d probably be talking and paying so much attention to him that they wouldn’t even have time to look at what I was wearing

Nevertheless when we stepped out of the train in Boston I felt trapped. When I first got to Chicago, it seemed like the city was bursting, it was like my world had expanded and there was no seeing its end. In Boston I got a different feeling. The elegancy, tall buildings and the cold air engulfed you in its atmosphere and urged you to climb the social ladder. It seemed to tell you if you didn’t, you were bound to fail

-Hey…-It was the first time I said something in at least half an hour- I’ve been dying to see the fashion stores in Boston. Whaddya say you take me to see one, just to look around the city for a bit before we go?-I held his arm firmly

-Is the calm and steady Miss Granger nervous to meet my parents?- He got back at me from what I said in Columbus

-Alright, alright, this point goes to you!- I giggled nervously more than playful- I am, alright. Nothing calms my nerves better than shopping for a new outfit

-There’s a store nearby Lucille loved when she was younger. Can’t make any promises it’s still open.

-Doesn’t hurt to try!-I followed him around

It took a little while for Neil to remember the exact spot of the store and kept saying “It’s somewhere along this street”. While I followed him I looked around with interest. The city was full of cars and people. Constructions happened all around and every building was glued to the next one. Two words to describe it were: Completely packed. It seemed like the whole New England lived there. People were moved fast like all of them were in a hurry and it contrasted Columbus in a way it did make me feel like I came from the middle of nowhere. Among the cars there was a policemen on horseback flying by, it struck me as one more thing engulfed by the modernization and craziness that I found myself in. Chicago’s population surpassed Boston’s by a lot, but it was funny how I felt lost in that new city in front of me. Maybe I’d gotten used to Chicago so it didn’t seem that big anymore

And I thought I was ready for Boston

-Was Boston always this full?- I walked holding him tightly, afraid I could lose him in the crowd.

-Full of buildings and people? Yeah, it always was. Although before the war there used to be less cars, floor-length dresses and high hats- He pulled me in into a building, inside it was revealed a store as huge as Menken’s- Here it is, still open

The store was cream-colored with eccentric chandeliers around. I could see at least two floors. I never managed to bring Neil shopping with me before, so I might as well enjoy it.

I took a look around at different dresses. Something had gotten to me though. Look at the price of those dresses! I could buy at least ten dresses at Menken’s for the price of some of these!

If it was Lucille’s favorite store, at least before, then of course everything would be expensive. I swear I found a dress that was $300 (~$4300)! You could buy a new car nowadays with that kind of money. However, my expression remained calm. I looked at Neil sometimes but he didn’t even mention anything about the prices. I felt myself in the obligation to act like it was all normal to me

I remembered some conversations me and Neil had in the past: “Act like you’re entitled to the world”, “You positively grow with middle-class respectability”, “You’re not gonna wear sables and diamonds and be rude to the help, are you?”, “They’ll know you’re not one of them. But you’ll never notice when they’re looking down on you, that’s how people in high society treat people like you and Charlie”. I sighed in despair

-What is it? Nothing matches your photoplay dream?-He said sarcastically behind me and I noticed I had been staring at a dress for too long, lost in my own anxiety- I thought you said shopping lifted your spirits.

-Oh, nothing!-I looked at him- I was just thinking about the Ice Box that’s all, I was worried that-

-MC, I know you’re deeply infatuated with your illegal activities, but there’s nothing you can do from Boston

-I know- I let it go, it was just an excuse anyway. I was excited about the vacation and I couldn’t let the whole pressure just make me crumble. I had to prove to Neil that I was able to deal with whatever life threw my way. We were going to work this out together

-Say, why don’t you keep shopping? I’ll wait outside, all this glitter is hurting my eyes

-Alright, yea, I shouldn’t take long- I gave him a quick peck before he went out, I could see him grabbing a cigarette before turning my attention to the dresses

Alright, MC, you need to choose something classy enough but that won’t burn your pockets. Now, where do I find something that’s doesn’t cost more than $15 (~200)? I could spare that, it’s a special occasion.

Wishing I could have some gin in me right this second I went through the embarrassment of asking if they had anything around the price range I wanted. My luck was that there was a dress that was worth $100 (~1450) that was about to be thrown away because the zipper was broken. When I looked at the dress I didn’t understand why they’d throw it in the can.

It was beautiful. It was this pale pink color with a V-neck. The sleeved has the same gold details as the dress, but otherwise it was transparent. The details on the pale pink went down in waves until right below the knees. I smiled at it, it was perfect for the event of meeting Neil’s parents, and I’ve never worn anything like that.

I asked her if I could have it and she shrugged in a manner like she didn’t understand why I was even there. I couldn’t blame her, I didn’t know either. I got the dress for $20 (~280), it was more than I could at the moment, but I was just happy to have found something I could afford and still look ritzy in

Due to the extra money spent I couldn’t really go looking for shoes or accessories, but I wasn’t worried. What I had would work for this.

-Alright!- I caught Neil outside- I’m ready, first impressions are everything! Now I just need somewhere to put this stuff on!

Yes… Like the back of a rental car in a dark alley…

-It’s so convenient nowadays, you know, they started renting cars and everything right- I said huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf in the back seat getting my dress off and the new one on- So you can change in the middle of the road too

-I thought this way we could go places without having to use one of my family’s cars- Neil waited in the driver’s seat

-What’s wrong with your family’s cars, huh? Not ritzy enough for ya?-I put on the dress to realize it didn’t close in the back. Shoot! I forgot to ask what happened to the zipper. Think, think, think!

-It’s the contrary- Neil responded- If I remember well from back then, I always felt like I was in a circus truck, doubt they changed the way they do things- He seemed to hear me struggling- Do you need help back there?

-No! Nope! I am just fine- I said putting a pin on the zipper so this way it wasn’t broken anymore. It closed all the way up! The only thing was the pin showing a little bit on the top, which looked a little tacky, but with all the details in the dress it could be overlooked

-Let’s hurry then, I told them we should be there for lunch. With your little shopping going on, we’re late

-Sorry!- I put on my rhinestone tiara and went through my bag to find my golden pair of heels that matched the details on the dress, then I hurried up to the front seat- I’m ready, let’s scram!

Neil started to drive, I could feel him a little tense as he drove. I put on my hand on his leg squeezing it- Are you excited?

-When I left Boston I was twenty-four. I haven’t been back since

-Neil- I calmed my voice- They’ll be happy to see you, they’ll be thrilled. Especially Lucille, I really can’t wait to meet her. How old is she?

-We’re about ten years apart, she’s the youngest. So she should be about twenty-two right now. Damn…-He went quiet for a few seconds- When I left she was fourteen, now she’s a woman, married and is about to have a baby.

-Oh, little Cornelia- I smiled thinking about it

-Don’t remind me, I still feel for the kid

-Can it, Neil! It’s sweet. I can’t imagine how she must have felt when she got a letter in the mail from you

-I can’t believe I let you convince me to go through with this-He shook his head

-Hey, pal, I didn’t say anything! You wrote the letter to her yourself

Neil smiled, as if there was something in his thoughts he didn’t want to say out loud- I know.

We pulled up to a narrow street full of four stories apartments- I didn’t know they lived in a flat- I said, a little confused. I expected it-

-They’re not flats-Neil responded- They’re houses

My eyes widened looking again at the row of houses with my new perspective. It was pure Boston Brahmin. The houses were glued to one another, only separated by color, each of them were massive once I understood the four stories were for each family. Rows of fancy cars were parked in front of each designated house and U.S. flags stood in front of each one.

Neil parked in front of an elegant brick house, it was full of organized windows and one big wooden door stood right in the middle of the ground floor.

-Is this where you grew up?- I opened the car door on my side

-No, this is just the city house. I’d spend a lot of time here, but usually we’d be down by the estate

-Estate?- I turned to him, wondering if my ears heard right- Your family owns a estate?

-About 15 miles out of the city- He said like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I focused on my breathing not to let myself get too nervous. “Act like I’m entitled to the world” is what I kept playing in my head. I went around to meet Neil and then I noticed his look was distant

-Neil?-I shook him a little bit and he looked down at me, his face was not upset, but the usual mask wasn’t there either- What’s the matter?

He hesitated a little bit. Being back here must be hard. It’s still not easy for him to open up, so I appreciate it even more when he does- That house right there- he pointed. I looked back at the white magnificence across the road, just as beautiful as the one that belonged to Neil’s family. It had a black door instead of a wooden-colored one. No cars were in front of it, so it looked solemn, distant and different from the rest- It’s the Hasting house.

I looked back at him squeezing his hand- Alton…

-Yeah… Alton- He replied

I didn’t know what to say, I never knew what to say when Neil mentioned his past. But he said all he needed me to do was listen. I gave him a kiss on his cheek, hoping to comfort him. I was glad to see it got a smile out of him- Ready?

He breathed profoundly, turning his head back to the wooden door- Yes, I’m ready- He knocked on the door

----

It creaked as it opened, it was like seconds got transformed into hours. Once it was open a servant smiled. Some kind of butler? Gee, this is something else. However that only added to the moment. He positioned himself by the door, looking into an area in front of him I could only imagine it was the living room. He stuffed his chest like it was the most important thing he was going to say in his life to the ones who waited

-Cornelius Dresner is home

I nodded to Neil, letting him walk in first. He took his hat off as he walked, each step seemed to hold anticipation in them. I walked in right after, but staying away from him. I understood this was a precious moment, so my eyes turned to watch instead.

The silence was so expansive you could hear if cotton balls fell on the ground. When Neil stood there, a second set of steps started. My eyes turned to a very visibly pregnant woman, who could be due anytime soon. She had bright icy blue eyes, her blonde bob fell elegantly on her face. She had the posture of a porcelain doll and her face resembled Neil’s.

She stopped right in front of him looking up at his face, like she was examining every detail, her serious face was beautiful in that light. I assumed that was Lucille, the one who never gave up on him. They now held this very serious starting contest, I almost thought no one was going to say anything

-You got old- Her melodic voice let out and Neil burst into laughter at the same time she did. He hugged her carefully but tightly

-And you grew big, in more ways than one- He joked with her but then turned serious- Lucille, I’m sorry…

-Oh, forget that! You’re here now…

Others walked up to them, I counted them in my head and assumed mother, father, Maude and Warren. I let them have their moment. It was so intimate I stepped back not wanting to hear much. It was like Neil had gone off to a war, survived and now was home once more. In a way, that’s what had happened. Neil had won, or at least started to win, his internal battles and now he had made it back there. I smiled watching the scene. He didn’t reserve any smiles and his family seemed to be everything but mad at him. They relented.

I couldn’t help but think how proud I was of him

A few minutes passed, they started pulling him to the living room to “sit, relax and update them on everything that’s been going on”, then he looked at me and stopped them in their tracks

-Wait- He walked over to me and then looked at them. This was the first time they noticed I was there. I didn’t blame them, Neil had all their attention- This is Mary

The older woman, I’m assuming Neil’s mother walked over and I felt the chills down my spine. She had cold eyes but a warm face. You could watch her and feel that she was judging you and it made you wonder if she considered you worthy of her time. She was the image of classiness, the peak of the upper class. She was one of those wealthy people you see walking by and wonder how they must live. She walked like she had books piled up on top of her head. More charm than Vera Peters, that was for sure, but I felt bad that her aura reminded me of the former mayor’s wife. After all, I wanted to attribute her to someone nice

-Of course- She smiled- Miss Granger, right?

-That’s me! - I smiled- It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am- I was going to say something about how beautiful her house are and introduce myself to the others, but she turned her eyes somewhere else

-Please collect their bags, you can put Neil’s in his room-She said to the servant- And Miss Granger’s bags can take to the spare room downstairs

-Mother- Neil interrupted her- I’d like Mary to stay in the guest room upstairs- He said in an imposing a tone. If there was a guest room upstairs, I got a weird feeling about her asking for me to sleep downstairs in what I could safely assume was an underground floor.

-Fine, yes. Take hers to one of the guest rooms- She said and the servant started moving according to orders

When I turned around, Lucille was walking up to me and Neil. She in turn had kinder eyes, and I could see them a little wet. The pregnancy probably added to the emotion of her beloved brother coming home

-Miss Granger, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My brother spoke highly of you in his letter- I didn’t know whether to pay attention to her eyes or the diamonds she wore

-He must have flattered me too much- I said shyly. She wasn’t much older than me, but she spoke clearly and no slangs were in sight

-I only speak the truth- He said behind me

-I’m sure- she replied- I understand it’s you I must thank for having him write me

-I may have pushed him a little bit- I squeezed his hand- But he made the decision on his own

Neil introduced me to rest of his family. His father seemed a tad quiet just like him, his other younger siblings greeted me well, and he reintroduced me to his mother who was next to talk again

-It’s so nice of you to wear something so simple to come see us. I did hope you felt at home- She mentioned I could feel my face getting hot- Why don’t we all sit down, there’s much to talk about!

I was more nervous now than when I first walked, but I didn’t want to let on everything was getting to me.

The living room was mainly white, so white it was like staring at snow in the sun. The couches were the most comfortable seat I had ever felt. In this place where comfort was displayed all around, I felt all the eyes and social pressure of high society that made me feel like it was the most uncomfortable place in the world. What calmed me was Neil sitting next to me and his hand on my waist.

-How’s life in Chicago?- Lucille asked- I tried asking Drummond when you wouldn’t reply but he always told me you weren’t working for him anymore

-Yes, I only worked with him for a few years- He continued, and I was sure he was going to give them the clean version of the story- Turns out we didn’t get along so well. I moved to this neighborhood where I met this man called Charles Granger. He in very involved with the city’s anti-saloon league and involved in the politics and he takes care of the neighborhood he lives in, it turns out they were in need of a doctor. So he offered me a job and I accepted, worked with him ever since. He helped me get settled, I do owe him a lot

-Well, we’ll be sure to send Mr. Granger our regards for taking care of you- His mom gave a forced smile. I’m sure she had questions but it was noticeable she was trying to be on Neil’s good side, afraid he might escape again

-So my life was settled there. A few years later he announced to me and his associates that his niece was coming from Ohio to live with him. She helps him out at work and that’s how we met, through Charlie

-And now you’re seeing each other- His mother continued

He smiled softly- MC and I are engaged, mother. I mentioned in the letters

-Oh yes, Lucille told us the news- Her tone seemed like… Disappointment? No, I’m just reading too much into it

I had to do something to break the ice- We were planning for it to happen in late April, early May, wait until the cold passes by

-Yes, it’s smart to wait a while-She smiled at me- A lot can happen in those months, things might end up different

I held my breath, I couldn’t pretend to be dumb to myself. She was definitely unhappy with Neil’s choice. For the first time I felt a sting in my chest. It wasn’t embarrassment or anxiety. It was… Insecurity. I usually never lacked confidence and I was sure that I could take everything and anyone. However, being on the receiving side of the looks from Neil’s mother made me feel like a pin in a haystack. Tiny and lost.

-We weren’t planning on waiting too long- Neil said. Even he acted different around his family, but his tone was firmer. I knew it was him sticking up for me in the ritziest way there was. So I appreciated in silence.

-I hope you don’t mind that we organized a ball for your return- She said excited, changing the subject- We invited the Hastings, the neighbors, just close people to spend the night with us

-Oh mother, you know I always loved the balls you gave- He said in a sarcastic tone but she ignored it, Lucille did giggle though

-Get up and get ready-She said- Do you need me to send the valet upstairs?

-No! No... I can manage myself- He said walking towards the stairs and taking me with him

She then spoke to me before we left- Oh dear, you’ll want to wear something a little bit more elegant for tonight

Once we were in the second floor I couldn’t help but look around. There was a piano room and then a corridor of doors, I assumed they were bedrooms. It seemed kind of oddly placed, surely nobody would like to sleep while the piano is being played right outside their doors. However, everything inside was so white the black piano was a welcoming contrast.

-So… I’m guessing balls are a normal thing in the upper class

-It’s traditional, not my thing if you ask me- He lowered his voice to say the last part

-I’d imagine not

I didn’t have much time to admire the guest room, even though I did notice that its grandiosity made it hard to imagine that it was a room that didn’t belong to anyone. I sat on the bed stressed, wondering how I was going to find something in my bag that would fit the expectations of Momma Dresner. The fanciest dress I could find didn’t impress her, and now I had to step up my game for an official “welcome home Neil” ball

In the middle of my mind’s perturbations, a knock on the door got my attention. When I opened the door, Lucille was standing there smiling

-Mrs. Branford!- I started

-Lucille is fine, if I can call you Mary

-MC- I stepped out of the way to let her in- What can I do for you?

-My mother, she is… Traditional- She sat on the loveseat by the window- I’m not going to lie. People like her, they are not easily impressed by… People like you

-People like me, you mean middle-class

She nodded- Yes, it’s in her ways. The Dresners, they come from very old money. Me, Neil and our siblings, we’re more used to the ways things are nowadays. But our mother never really spent much time with people who didn’t have as much money as she did. So she always looks down on them- She looked back at me- And she always expected Neil to marry an indoor, wealthy girl if you know what I mean

I must’ve made a face, because the look of sympathy rested on her eyes- She doesn’t think I’m worthy of Neil

-Yes, MC, but you must understand it’s old thinking. She thinks that solely based on money. Besides, it’s a little tougher on Neil because he is the oldest of us. That makes him have to marry the perfect woman in her eyes.

I looked at her- The oldest… So…

-Neil is the heir of our estate. Of our parents fortune.

My eyes went wide. It must’ve been obvious, but I just realized that- I never thought of it that way.

-Listen, MC. When Neil left Boston, after Alton passed away… He was not just unhappy. He was lost, his eyes were haunted. He was cold and it seemed like all life from him was just gone. He had this hard edge, and he estranged himself from all of us- She looked at nothing, but I could see pain in her eyes- When he came back from France I convinced myself I would never see the Neil I use to know before the war again, I knew some of his troubles. Then a few years after he left I started to convince myself I’d never see him again- She turned her eyes to me- And then a few months after knowing you he writes back, and then he comes home. On top of it, although there’s still a hard edge on him, I can see it in his eyes that you make him happy. I can see the old Neil in him. That’s why I know you’re more than worthy to be with my brother, you brought him back from the darkness he lived in

Wow. I was so caught up in what she said. It was nice knowing she was on my side- Lucille, I didn’t really do much… I

-No humbleness. Just take some credit for it. I can see you care for him very much

I nodded exaggeratedly- I love Neil.

-And you can see it in his eyes he loves you-She got up this time, going to a dresser in the room- My brother will be happy with you, and I’m so excited to have you as my new sister. However, convincing my parents require a different approach- She pulled out a dress. A beautiful and obviously expensive dress

It was a salmon color, a soft V-neck that was more of an U and graceful short sleeves. While the looseness of the dress was there, it’d flatter whoever’s waist it was on with a slight inward curve, going down in a soft A-line. The dress ended right below the knees. The pattern on it was two colors. One the color of the dress, only visible if you really paid attention to it, the other was white and in the shape of leaves, like a garden going around and forming a heart around the chest area, small flower-like drawings of the same color elegantly finished the dress.

-Oh Lucille, it’s beautiful, but I couldn’t-

-Yes, you can. It doesn’t fit me anymore and it’d help you impress everybody, plus I’m sure Neil would love to see you in it. C’mon, put it on

I hesitantly did so, and once I saw myself in the mirror with it, it made it a lot easier to accept it. I loved it- Thank you, Lucille

-We’re not done. It’s not just the dress- She said pulling some accessories out. First she fixed my curls, like she watched people doing hers enough times to know how. Then she placed a white headband on my head. It had a details on the side, I didn’t dare ask if they were diamonds or something else. A pearl necklace was put around my neck, I asked myself if they were real pearls. Lastly she brought in beautiful heels. They were white as well, clasped in the middle of my feet, and closed in a salmon bow.

When I finished putting them on I looked myself in the mirror again. Oh boy, Momma would pass out if she saw me like this. Poppa would finally consider me his pride. I was all dolled-up. That sensation that I was an imposter grew in me, but then I was only human. I felt confident again- What do you think? - I asked her

-I think you’re ready to face them. Now, I have to go get dressed myself

-For sure, yes- I smiled to her- Thank you Lucille, really

-You brought my brother home back to us… It’s the least I could’ve done- She hugged me tight- Remind me to properly introduce you to Michael at the ball

I agreed laughing lowly and feeling a lot better

A little while after I heard another knock on my door, when I opened it, I was more than happy to see it was Neil. He seemed surprised at my get-up at first, then he smiled

-I see you’ve had some help

-Well, your sister came in and-

-You look beautiful- he offered me his hand and I took it. I was going to say something smart, but the look in his eyes was so sincere I didn’t want to ruin the moment

-Thanks- I said instead- Did everyone already leave?

-Well, lucky for me, I’m the reason of this party- He said it in a sarcastic tone- So I get to come in late and be the center of attention, I’m hoping their curiosity about you takes some of it away from me.

-Neil Dresner is back home, and he brought a low-class girl with him and he’s saying he’s gonna marry her?-I raised my voice to sound like upper-crust gossip- My oh my, Doctor Dresner, quite a scandal

He gave me that warm smile that went all the way up to his eyes. The one that always makes me feel the jitters in a good way

However I wasn’t done- They’ll probably think you’ve gone crazy and send you to a psych ward or think you’ve knocked me up and now you’re stuck with me- I pretended to hold a fan imitating the rich older women- Disgraceful, truly disgraceful

This time he let out a laugh, a harsh laugh, but a long one that sounded like melody to me. For a second I thought he wouldn’t stop laughing, and then I started up laughing too. We walked all the way to the car like that

-People will think I’ve gone soft if I spend too much time with you- He said

-You agreed to spend the rest of your life with me. You’ll be the biggest softie the United States has ever seen

He let out a harsh chuckle this time, as if he told me he wouldn’t ever let that happen. Then the servant from before opened the back door of a fancy car, it had a long hood and it was half black and half white, a wheel sat on its side. I could also see a chauffeur in the front

-Wow, you’re getting the whole ritzy treatment today- I said getting into the car and we were on our way

-You get used to this kind of stuff- He mentioned and then turned to me- You will…- Before I could ask what he meant, he kept going- You know, during these balls we were required to attend, me and Alton would usually spend the entire time together. He didn’t use to be a fan of it either. Having him there… It always made it feel better, it always made it fun somehow- Then he turned to look at me- Having you there, it’s going to make it feel better

I smiled, filled with emotion, but I had to say something- You’re definitely turning soft on me

He rolled his eyes-I should’ve known better than being nice with you, Granger

Our verbal sparring continued until we stopped in front of a big house, the doors were open to reveal a ball room at the bottom of the stairs. I’ve done this before. They’ll announce us and we’ll go down and I’ll act like I’m entitled to the world

So we did just that. The servant opened the car door and Neil took my hand to help me out of the car. Then, I took his arm and we walked in to the top of the stars. People there looked at Neil like he was a rare diamond, like the king of England just walked in. I could feel his tenseness with the looks, but the preparedness for it in his eyes, he whispered to the announcer and then held my arm tighter

-Mr. Cornelius Dresner of Boston and his fiancée Miss Granger

-C’mon- I said lowly and he followed, so we both went down the stairs.

At the bottom of it his family came over again, and soon I could see people looking and gossiping. It was a good hour of walking around and talking to his family and everyone Neil once used to know and introducing me. I felt like I was in one of those old periods of time when the upper crust used to announce engagements.

After a while I was talking to Lucille while Neil talked to some of the other men. Then she looked behind me and got closer to whisper something- Look, Momma just took Neil to talk to Lillie and left them alone

I looked around feeling my heart jump, at first I felt was surprised. I remember who Lillie was, Lucille’s best friend and… Neil’s ex-fiancée. I remember feeling pity for her because Neil left her, but the pangs of jealousy struck me once I saw her.

She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, for the second time that day I felt insecurity, but this made me feel much tinier. Because I knew Neil’s mother approved of her, because she was part of the high society and she grew up in it. Her pale skin, her green eyes, her dark smooth hair. She was tall and charming, she was the figure of elegancy. I also knew Neil found her attractive, that he was romantically involved with her once. If he used to love her, how can I be sure all those feelings are gone? No… It’s just the atmosphere and everything, it’s just all throwing me off.

I must’ve been so shaken up I felt paralyzed. Lucille shook me- Hey… Hey! They walked outside. We can spy on them from over in that room- She said pulling me along, I wasn’t even paying attention until I was already there. It was a dark room, looked like an office? Lucille brought us to a window, the drapes were almost closed so you couldn’t see us, but we could spy on them

-I have missed you, Neil- She looked up to him, and her eyes were shining. I knew what that look was… She was still in love with him- I haven’t courted anyone else- She showed him her hand- I’m still wearing the ring you picked out for me.

-I didn’t really pick it out, Lillie it was…

-Yeah, your grandmother’s. You told me remember? You got it when you were fourteen. It was to keep it to the woman you loved the most, to the woman you wished to spend the rest of your life with, whom you’ll always love and that woman shall always love you- She held his hands this time and I felt my stomach sink- You told me that you would always love me if I always loved you back-She got closer to him, this time placing her hand on his face- Here I am, still loving you. Can you say everything was washed away?

He took a few steps back, his confusion could be seen on his face. I wondered what he had to be confused about- Nothing is ever just washed away, Lillie. You of all people should know that.

My heart hurt, what did he mean by that, did he mean his feelings for her were still there?

She smiled softly-Neil… You never gave me closure. You never ended our engagement. One day you were just gone. People kept telling me that you were gone for good-She looked away at the stars, it was a well moonlit light. It was perfectly romantic, but that didn’t fit me one bit in that moment. I hated the romanticism of the stars and the shine that it gave on her face. I hated that it made her look more beautiful- But me and Lucille we knew you’d come back to us. That you’d come back to me. And you were so troubled when you left…

-Lillie…-He looked at the stars now too- I’m sorry for what I’ve done in the past. There’s a lot of stuff I’ve done that I can’t fix and I have to live with it. But I got a second chance to make things better. I’m not the same man who proposed to you back then

-Then how is it I look in your eyes and I see him? I see my Neil

I don’t know if I was feeling anger, sadness or disbelief. It could’ve been all of those together. Lillie knows Neil is engaged to me, she must know, we were announced together. You’d think she’d have some respect

-You see what you want to see, Lillie. You think you love me but you don’t

-I went after you! I went to Chicago-He looked at her with interest, she was caught up in her emotions, crying now- Mr. Drummond told me how you were troubled, lost in… Morphine, was it? I looked for you all around the city, and I couldn’t find you. I’m fighting for you Neil. I can’t give up on us

He breathed funny- Lillie-

Before he could say anything else she hugged him, and he hugged her back for my surprise. When was it that Neil hugged any girl like that?

-Seemed you two form quite the spies- A voice behind us said- Me and Lillie jumped. It was Neil’s mother, and she seemed satisfied from what she saw outside, seeing as she was the facilitator in the situation- You see, Miss Granger. Neil belongs back here, in Boston. And you belong is whatever infested middle-class house you came from with your people. You will never be worthy of my son, and of course it only took the right girl to pull him back into his senses.

-Mother��!- Lucille started

-I’ve had enough of it, Lucille! The little gal needs to know her place. Did you think you could ever make your way into OUR family?

I didn’t say anything. This was so far away from my reality at the Ice Box, my family or everything that I’d ever done before. I couldn’t… I can’t handle this.

-I have to go- It was the only thing I could say before flying out of there. I got back in the car asking for the driver to take me back to the town house, once I was in I couldn’t stop my racing thoughts until I was in the guest room, packing my bags.

But then I stopped. Neil… I can’t just leave him like this. I was so mad at him, I was so mad at all of this, I… I want to go back to Chicago. I looked in the mirror again, all dressed up in fancy things, this isn’t who I am. I surprised myself by ripping it all out of me, putting on my favorite green dress and hat, the ones I wore all the time. Once I was back in clothes that made me recognize myself I swore I’d never again try to be somebody I wasn’t. C’mon MC, you always knew you didn’t have to prove anything to anybody.

But I let my stupid wandering thoughts continue. Neil knelt down in front of Lillie once and asked her to marry him. He asked her to marry him, not me. She had a ring on her finger, not me.

I don’t know how much time had passed by when I heard people in the house.

-MC!- I heard Neil’s voice from downstairs- MC!- He didn’t knock on my door, just walked in- Lucille, she told me you listened to me and Lillie talk

-Yeah, I heard it, alright

-I…-He was going to say something when he saw the bag I started to pack, then he looked at me, visibly mad- You were leaving? Without me?

-No! Not without you. I was gonna wait for you- I walked until him- Let’s go back to Chicago

-We’ve only been here a day

-I can’t be here anymore, Neil. Please, let’s leave

-I haven’t been back in years. You convince me to write to my sister, convince me to come over here, we’re here less than 24 hours and you want me to leave? I just got the courage to be here

-Neil, today has been the most stressful day of my life! I have been dressing up like a paper doll, I have been trying to impress your mother and all I’ve been hearing is how much I’m not worthy, how I won’t fit in, how I’m way in over my head! I have been feeling nothing but insecure, down and I’ve been trying to do everything for you, but I can’t- I was rambling on and tears had begun falling from my eyes, but I didn’t even care- I’ve been keeping a stone face all day trying to make you happy because I know this is huge, but it’s tiring! It’s tiring feeling so out of place, and then hearing your mother say all those things, and then I walked out there to the ball and you go in a secluded area with your beautiful ex-fiancée to exchange words of love under the moonlight?!

-I didn’t say any words of love!- He raised his voice, more than I’ve ever heard him raise it before- I was feeling bad for Lillie, I left her and never came back after promising her a married life! I gave her time because I was trying to fix what I did wrong in the past, with everyone!

I didn’t know what to say or think- Neil, let’s just please, go!

-Yes, I think it’s time you went back to Chicago, if you’re going to behave like this the whole trip you should go!

I looked back at him wide-eyed- You don’t mean…!

-I thought I saw a woman, MC. But how could I, you’re nineteen! I’m thirty-two. You’re the same kid I saw the first night you came to Chicago.

I looked right at him as I wiped my tears off my face, then I grabbed my bag I had packed. Neil called Lillie a ghost back in Chicago, but he was wrong. Lillie wasn’t a ghost, nothing back in Boston or his past life had anything to go with ghosts, ghosts terrify you, but he seemed just fine where he was. Maybe this is where Neil belongs after all. But it’s sure not where I belong.

That night for me was the true ghostly aura. A memory that’d haunt me forever. I left Boston, alone, under the beautiful moonlight that would have enchanted me otherwise. I left with only one certainty: I’ll be dead before somebody ever mentions the name Neil Dresner to me ever again!

1933

-Alright, ready?- I asked and the kids all agreed. Neil wasn’t one to make a big deal out of his birthday, but after a few ones together he knew there was no point in fighting against it. I’d always want it to make it a special day, so we settled on a cake and some candles. Just me, him and the kids- One, two, three!

The kids along with me started our little choir, for that man that was so special to all of us- Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear daddy! Happy birthday to you!

-Do we really need to do this every year?-He asked, cynically, but with a little smile on his face

-Alright, mister doom and gloom! We have this discussion every year!- I kissed him in the cheek

We all had our piece of cake. After putting the kids to bed, I walked outside, the moon was shining in the sky and it was a cold January night. Neil soon joined me- One more year close to death- He said raising his glass, then proceeding to drink the bourbon inside it

-You always know how to lighten up the mood-I pulled him in for a hug and along with it a long kiss

-You’re something else, MC, you know that?

-I’ve been told-I smiled up to him, mischievously

-You can never have any idea of how much I love you- He played with my hair, moving it out of my face

-I have some

He chuckled very softly, almost inaudibly- I just ask one thing of you, MC Granger… Never change who you are

----

Little curiosities: DRAAAAAMA. I thought they deserved a little fight and angst. Well, next chapter we’ll be back in Chicago and it’s time for the Ice Box to shine again! Woo Woo, Prohibition stuuuff!

Thanks so much for reading this chapter, guys! Hope you enjoyed it!

Chapter 4 is already on its way!

-Candy, My Dear Diary (5/24/2020)

[tony-luvv]

CAN YOU WRITE MORE PREGNANT TONY PL e ASE !??

Would You Rather

Link to Ao3 and Fanfiction

Some would say it was dangerous for Tony and Loki had somedown time. If you asked them, they’d laugh. Tony with down time normally meantat least one explosion. Loki with too much time on his hands meant trouble foranyone within a ten mile radius.

Today, most of the team had plans, things to do in town,people to see. Tony and Loki, they had each other and an empty mansion. Sittingon the floor with scattered pillows and blankets, they sipped at spiked hotchocolate and kept warm by the fire place.

“Would you rather be hit by a car or take a bullet?” Tonywatched the whip cream sink into the chocolatey goodness of his drink. When hetook a sip he couldn’t tell if it was the heat of the drink or the burn of thebourbon that warmed him up inside.

“Hit by a car.” Loki answers lazily.

“Really, but what if it isn’t a love tap but a full on hitand run.” Tony pointed out, “I mean think about it. A single bullet is onlygoing to affect one area. It could be a graze, through and through, or a cleanhead shot. A car though … ? Depending on the hit, you could survive and ifit was a bad hit, concussion, broken limbs, broken bones, bumps and bruises.Don’t get me started on the legal fight. Getting shot, his ass is going tojail.”

“I’ll heal.”

Tony glared for a moment, “fucking Asgardian. Fine! Go, it’syour turn.”

“Start life over from birth, or lose the next five years ofyour life.”

Tony sipped at his drink while he contemplated the answer,“Shit, well what do you mean by lose?”

Loki’s finger rubs the side of his cup, “Imagine you waketomorrow and the year is 2023. You’re five years older, maybe you wake in bedand your partner is not I but another. They are your wife and you have achild.”

“So kind of like amnesia?” Damn that’s hard.” He set his cupdown and starts really analyzing the scenario.

“Okay so obviously I’m not going to get those five years ofmemory. That means I have to relearn all my inventions. It also seems like noone realizes I don’t remember so when they find out there’s going to be somepity partying. Great … or I can hit the restart button. When I restart do Iretain all my current memories and knowledge or really start over like a newborn baby?

If I’m aware it might be nice to cheat the system … butit could also be annoying.”

Loki leaned back against the couch, bringing the big, softthrow blanket closer around him, “Having the mind of an adult but trapped inthe body of a child … and being treated as such.”

“What would you pick Lokes?”

“I’m not sure I’m very fond of living with ignorance, evenif it is only five years. A lot could happen in such amount of time and I wouldnever truly know.”

“I think I agree.”

The ‘game’ if that’s what you want to call it was a suddenthing. They were enjoying a snowy night in when Tony had thrown a randomscenario at Loki.

Of course the god was confused but he played along to humorhis lover. And he’s quite happy he did. This ‘Would You Rather’ was simple inits context but it challenged your imagination. Loki also liked to think ofthis as another opportunity to get to know more about his mortal lover.

“Okay then Lo-kitty, burn alive or freeze to death?”

“Burn alive.” His answer was fast and said with suchconviction.

“Why?”

“To some I am the god of mischief, to others the god offire. My being embraces fire like the sun embraces the horizon. I assume youthink otherwise?”

“Well yeah, I’m not a god of anything. To me burning alivewould be awful. Screaming and flailing as my flesh is burned from my bones.Freezing on the other hand, I don’t mind the cold. I’ll probably shiver untilmy body goes numb to the cold. Then I’d lose consciousness and pass away in mysleep as everything shuts down. So definitely freeze over burn.”

“I see,” Loki thought of another scenario, Tony watched him.Enjoying the way the light of the fire played across his pale skin, “find outyou’re pregnant tomorrow or never be able to have a child.”

“Pregnant tomorrow.”

Loki turned wide eyes onto his lover. He hadn’t expectedthat. Almost every scenario presented Tony started with an analysis and thendebated his options and possible outcomes.

The god quietly observed his love before gently nudging theman, “Care to explain your reasoning?”

Tony blushed and ducked his head, hands nervously fiddlingin his lap.

“It probably wouldn’t happen, one I’m a guy and can’t getpregnant. Two I’m not getting any younger, but if we’re being honest, if Icould have a kid of my own I wouldn’t pass up the chance. I might not have alot of it, but I still have time.” Tony’s hands fiddled with his cup. This wasactually something he had fought himself over for years. With the influence ofHoward, he figured he would never been a good dad growing up, terrified hewould become like his own father and mistreat his child. But as time passed hefound himself thinking about it again. Having a kid. Of course it would beterrifying, any parent would say it’s terrifying. But even though there’s somuch room for error and messing up, Tony knows he’d do his absolute best tocare for and raise his child to the best of his ability.

Loki smiled at Anthony, “I agree.”

Tony smiled back, love reflecting back at the god as theywatched one another … and then the genius promptly ruined the moment, “Igot one! Never eat meat again or prepare every meal for the rest of your life?”

Loki sighed, sometimes his lover could be quite childishhimself, “Every meal or anything I desire to eat?”

Tony laughed, “I’ll be nice and say meal. So breakfast,lunch, and dinner, snacks and desserts excluded.”

“Well then …”

*a month later*

“LOKI!” A high pitched shrill yell resonated in the mansionbefore the studies door banged open. With the force of it Loki would besurprised if Anthony hadn’t dented the wall (although the man did have all thewalls reinforced.)

“Yes Anth-” Loki was cut short when calloused hands latchedonto his shoulders and shook him.

“What did you do!? How is this possible?? I shouldn’t-”

“Anthony.”

“I’m pregnant!”

There was a stilted silence, “Pardon?”

“Pardon? Pardon!?” Anthony screeched indignantly, “What doyou mean ‘pardon?’ I’M PREGNANT!”

Tony stopped shaking the god, his wild eyes staredimploringly into those shocking greens irises of his lover. “Why do you saysuch things?” Loki was very careful not to say ‘think’ knowing his lover wellenough that if he said it differently the other man would take his questioningmuch worse.

“Why! Because I kept getting sick and Bruce couldn’t findanything wrong so I caved and called a real doctor. A mornings worth of testsand one ultra sound later I get a very scandalized doctor with heavily detailedpatient/doctor confidentiality agreements sighed and this picture.” At thisLoki would swear that Tony magically materialized a photograph from thin air.But as real as he and Anthony are, there was an ultra sound picture with a dotbeing highlighted for him. “Loki …” the whisper of his name snapped hisgaze from the photograph to the defeated look of his lover. “What happened?”

Loki jumped from his seat and wrapped the smaller man in hisarms. “Anthony, I promise you that I did not plan this. I would never takeadvantage or do something without your consent. I will figure this out. Iwill.”

Three days of spell casting, soul searching, and a visitfrom Frigga later and Loki came to Tony with his answer.

“Anthony.” Said mortal was seated it one of his comfortablechairs when his godly lover came to kneel before him. “Anthony, I am so sorry.”With tears in his eyes Loki explained how during their night of ‘Would YouRather’ his body and mind had unknowingly entered a state of meditation that henormally enters when he’s connecting with his magic.

So when they had that discussion about children his magichad latched onto the notion.

It didn’t help that the scenario’s took on a sexual themethat lead to a night of passion in the bedroom.

Unknowingly to either of them his magic was crafting insideTony so he would be able to conceive and carry a child.

“Anthony, I am so, so sorry.” His eyes were glistening butthe tears never fell. Tony looked into those anguished green eyes that he lovedso much. He could see the question that wasn’t being asked, Will you forgive me?

Even though Loki couldn’t voice it the billionaire stillanswered him, “I forgive you.” Relief washed over Loki but Tony quicklycontinued, “But!” Loki froze, “I’m still very mad at you. Knowingly or not, youknocked me up. So for the next two weeks you’ll become very familiar with theliving room couch because that’s where you’ll be sleeping.”

Loki jerked back as if he’d been slapped, “You can’t beseri-”

“AHH! Nope, male,” he pointed down at his crotch and then abit higher, “pregnant. Couch, two weeks.”

For the next 8 months things were complicated to put thingslightly. As the situation was Tony had bad days but they worked through ittogether.

Loki did live the first two weeks on the couch but his exiledidn’t deter him from being the support beam Tony needed.

But after all the ups and downs Leo Cornelius Liesmith wasborn.

Tony woke to any empty spot beside him and checked theclock. It was very early.

He contemplated going back to sleep but ended up decidingagainst it. Slipping on something comfortable he padded out of the room. Aquick look into the baby room told him that he’d find his boys in the kitchen.

He walked into the open kitchen to see his tiny totblabbering nonsense to his lover while the trickster nodded along as if theywere having a real discussion.

“What are you two up too so early in the morning?” Leoturned at his voice in his high chair and squealed excitedly. “Hey cornflake.”He picked his baby up and kissed his chubby cheeks.

“We were just readying breakfast.” Loki watched Anthony rockand coo at their child. A devilish smirk took hold of his face, “Also debatingif Leo would rather have a brother or sister.”

Without even turning or stopping what he was doing, “Eternalbanishment to the couch.” Loki laughed nervously but didn’t broach the subjectagain.

It wasn’t until they were sitting at the table, breakfast infront of them and Tony working smashed food into Leo’s mouth when he spoke up.

“Maybe …” Loki’s attention snapped to Anthony watchinghis lover give him a small smile, “We’ll talk about it.” The god positivelybeamed at his love, happiness brightening the room.

He didn’t think anything could top this moment until Leoclapped his little hands and said, “Dada.”

If someone asked Loki if he wanted to change anything abouthis life he’d tell them he’d rather die than leave this moment and the life hewas building with Anthony.

[aidanchaser]

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Everyone Lives AU

Table of Contents beta’d by @ageofzero

Chapter Three The Knight Bus

Harry didn’t look back, and he didn’t hear Sirius following him. He only kept walking until he realized he had no idea where he was. The trouble with Apparating between places, he wasn’t at all sure how the world connected. He realized he was stranded, quite alone, in the dark Muggle world.

He could go back the way he came. He could apologize to Sirius, but he didn’t know what he had to apologize for. He could talk to Remus, but he figured Remus will simply scold him for being so rash. He could try to find his parents, but his heart sank into his stomach as he realized he only just barely got off being in trouble for all the things he did at school last year, and when his parents found out he ran away from Sirius’s flat, he’d never ride a broom again.

Harry looked around and saw that he’d wandered out of the collection of flats where Sirius lived and into a different neighborhood entirely. He could tell it was different because the buildings were painted a mint-green instead of the dusty blue of Sirius’s complex. It also had a nice park adjacent to it, which Harry knew Sirius’s building did not have. Harry sat down next to the entrance to the park and turned his wand over in his hands.

It was clear at some point he would have to apologize for running away. But he was still so angry at Sirius for burning the book that he wasn’t sure he was ready to apologize. Not even to Remus. He didn’t know how to make anyone understand how frustrated he was with Sirius and his parents and everything that was wrong this week.

Before Harry could decide where to go, the bushes next to him rustled. He scrambled to his feet and tightened his grip on his wand. It was probably just a stray cat, but it could be Sirius sniffing him out. He did not need Sirius to bite his sleeve and drag him back home.

Harry squinted through the dim light, trying to make out the shape of a large black dog in the bushes, but the light was not enough. He put his wand out, but didn’t dare use Lumos and have the Trace catch him.

Then a stray cat shot out of the bushes like an Every Flavor Bean from Peeves’s nose and darted across the street. Startled, Harry fell over onto his trunk and there was a loud bang and a blinding light. Harry opened his eyes to a large, bright purple bus with three levels and gold lettering that read The Knight Bus.

Harry hadn’t meant to stick his wand out over the street, but maybe this bus was his ticket away from Sirius.

The door opened and the conductor, a young boy, not much older than Harry, stepped out.

“Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this even —” He suddenly noticed Harry, still collapsed over his trunk and frowned. “What’re you doin’ down there?”

Harry quickly scrambled to his feet and grabbed his trunk. He also flattened his bangs over his forehead. “Fell over.”

“‘Choo fall over for?”

“I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Stan Shunpike did not look very impressed with Harry’s story and said, “Woss your name?”

Harry said the first name that popped into his head — “Neville Longbottom.”

“Longbottom? You better get in then. Don’t want that Black catchin’ you. Come on, come on.” Stan grabbed Harry’s trunk from him and led him inside. The inside of the bus had no seats, only tall brass beds from front to back. Stan put Harry’s trunk under a bed near the driver. “Where you headed?” he asked.

Harry pulled out one of the Gallons he’d gotten for his birthday. “The Leaky Cauldron, please.” He could stay there at least one night and owl his parents that he was not going to spend another minute with Sirius and they should take him home immediately, or let him stay at the Leaky Cauldron.

“Choo want hot ‘ot chocolate? Four more sickles for that and a ‘ot water bottle an’ a toofbrush in the color of your choice.”

“Hot chocolate would be great,” Harry said, and took back the sickles Stan handed him as change.

Harry sat down on the bed as Stan introduced him to the driver, Ernie Prang. Harry self-consciously flattened his bangs as Ernie looked him over, but he didn’t have to worry for long that the driver or Stan might recognize his scar. The bus took off with a bang and Harry was thrown flat against his bed.

Harry adjusted to the speed and gratefully took hot chocolate from Stan. He sipped at it quietly while they dropped off another passenger. Between stops, Stan was reading the Daily Prophet and Harry saw the same article that Remus had sent him a few days before, about Regulus Black.

While Stan led Madam Marsh — a small witch who looked green from the Knight Bus’s speed — off the bus, Harry picked up the newspaper and looked at the article.

“What did Regulus Black do, exactly?” Harry asked. “The article is a bit vague, isn’t it?”

“Wha’ choo mean, you don’ know?” Stan frowned at Harry. “Though’ choo said your name was Longbottom.”

Goosebumps prickled on Harry’s arms as he looked at the picture of Regulus Black on the front page. “Er — I’m not close with my family,” Harry said. The resemblance to Sirius was striking, but Regulus was far thinner, and his eyes seemed dark in a completely different way. The sallow look of his skin reminded Harry of Uncle Remus’s vampire friends.

He felt a small pang of guilt about running away from Remus. But the guilt wasn’t bad enough to ask Stan to turn the Knight Bus around.

“You know Black woz a big supporter of You-Know-’Oo. Second-in-command, they say. An’ when little ‘Arry Potter got the better of You-Know-’Oo —”

Harry flattened his bangs.

“— they say Black when mad with rage. The fing is, no one ‘ad seen ‘im in years. He’d been skulking around doin’ wha’ever You-Know-’Oo wanted done, and then suddenly ‘is master’s jus’ gone. So he turns up outta no’ere, probably wanted to go after the Potters’ since they’re the ones tha’ killed You-Know-’Oo, but they were in hidin’ by then, so he wen’ after the Aurors that hid them, Frank and Alice Longbottom. You related to ‘em and you don’ know the story?”

“Distant relations,” Harry said, and thought it was probably true anyway, since his father and Neville’s parents were all purebloods.

“Well, Black is no reasonable man. He an’ his friends, other supporters of You-Know-’Oo tortured the Longbottoms. It took three more Aurors to bring ‘im in. Laughin’ as they dragged him off to Azkaban. He’s mad as anyfink, innee, Ern?”

Harry looked over to the driver, who shivered in his seat.

“If he weren’t when he went to Azkaban, he will be now,” said Ern in a slow voice. “I’d blow meself up before I set foot in that place. Serves him right, mind you… after what he did….”

“An’ now ‘e’s out,” said Stan, and he took the picture back from Harry. He looked over Regulus Black’s face again. “Never been a breakout from Azkaban before, ‘as there, Ern? Beats me ‘ow ‘e did it. Frightenin’ eh? Mind, I don’ fancy ‘is chances against them Azkaban guards, eh, Ern?”

Ernie shivered. “Talk about summat else, Stan, there’s a good lad. Them Azkaban guards give me the collywobbles.”

Harry knew a bit about Dementors. There were horror stories that said they sucked your soul from your body and kept it in lanterns that they used to light the halls of Azkaban. He didn’t know how true those stories were, but he did remember how Hagrid had looked when he came back from Azkaban. Hagrid had been in Azkaban less than a month, and he came back with a distant and haunted look in his eyes. He’d cheered up during the celebrations that evening, but something about him was still different.

Harry had no desire to ever find out what Dementors were really like.

Ern stopped the bus in front of the Leaky Cauldron and Harry stepped out. Stan grabbed his trunk.

Harry stood on the sidewalk and reached back for his trunk. “Thanks for the chocolate —”

But Stan wasn’t paying attention to him. He was staring wide-eyed at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

“There you are, Neville!” a voice said, and before Harry could even turn around and correct the person, there was a hand on his shoulder.

Harry looked up and saw Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic himself. Cornelius looked down at him, startled. “Goodness! You’re not Neville at all!”

“No, sir, I’m not,” Harry said. He didn’t understand why the Minister of Magic would be looking for Neville of all people.

“You’re not Neville?” Stan said, still goggling at the Minister.

“This is Harry Potter,” the Minister said, “who is also not supposed to be running around London without supervision. I thought you sent a message saying Neville Longbottom was on the Knight Bus.”

“I told Ern this was Neville Longbottom. Ern musta sent the message on ahead. Didn’ think it was smart for a boy named Longbottom to be out this time o’ night.”

“Yes, very, er, wise,” the Minister said. “Well, thank you very much, and have a wonderful evening.”

Harry couldn’t imagine how all this was about Neville, and he really wished the Minister would leave and go find Neville instead of taking him home, but he really didn’t know how to protest as Fudge led him inside the pub.

Tom, the old landlord and bartender, brought them a pot of tea, and Fudge anxiously checked his watch.

“I suppose you know who I am,” Fudge said as he poured the tea for himself and Harry.

“Yessir.” Harry didn’t think it wise to mention he’d seen Cornelius Fudge at Hogwarts last year, when Hagrid had been taken to Azkaban, but he had definitely seen Fudge in the Daily Prophet.

“Do your parents know where you are, Harry?”

“No, sir.” Harry sipped at the hot tea. “I was going to send them an owl when I got here, honest.”

“Where do they think you are?” Fudge continued to check his watch.

Harry wondered what he was waiting for. “With my godfather. See, they’re staying with Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom and —”

“Yes, I know where your parents are. I asked them to stay with the Longbottoms.” He snapped his watch closed. He cleared his throat and turned all his attention onto Harry. Harry realized he liked it better when Fudge was looking at his watch.

“Harry, listen, you need to be more careful. What with criminals running loose, there’s no telling what sort of danger is out there. We are doing everything we can to catch Black, but he’s —”

Harry suddenly put together what he had overheard from Nymphadora, his conversation with Sirius, and what Stan had told him. And the pieces that didn’t make sense — like why Harry and Neville could not stay with their parents this week — suddenly came together. “You’re using my parents as bait. And he’s not taking it.”

Fudge looked startled at the interruption. “No, no of course not. We just thought that he might go after your parents or Neville’s, or even you or Neville, so we made sure you two were safe first, of course, and decided it would be easier to protect your parents if they were all together.”

But Harry had grown up with four very excellent liars, and Fudge was not even close to being an excellent liar. “Protect our parents? What sort of protection are you giving them if it’s not safe for me and Neville?”

Cleared his throat. “Excuse me, while I notify your parents you arrived. We were quite sure you were safe, and now we’re not sure where Neville Longbottom is — well, I’m sure Neville is absolutely fine. Excuse me, one moment. Have a biscuit.”

He shoved the bread towards Harry, but Harry was quite full from cake, cocoa, and tea. He watched the Minister disappear to a room separate from the main bar and close the door behind him. Harry nudged his trunk with his foot and pushed a spoon around in his cup of tea. So much for his night away from Sirius. He’d be sent right back any minute.

But he did like that he’d learned something, and he did understand why his parents had kept the reason for staying with the Longbottoms a secret. Of course they wouldn’t want him to worry that mad Regulus Black was going to come after them. And surely, even though they were bait to catch him, they’d agreed to it. They knew the plan. They just hadn’t told him. And Harry understood why, but he was still upset about it, and he was absolutely going to tell them how upset he was.

There were four sharp cracks outside the pub, and then the door burst open. Lily, James, Sirius, and Remus all rushed in and immediately over to him.

Lily threw her arms around him and then started to check him for injuries. “Harry, are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” and Harry didn’t sound as angry as he’d meant to. “Are… you okay?”

She laughed and his father hugged him and said, “We’re fine. When are you going to stop scaring us, huh?”

Harry laughed a little and hugged both his parents at once. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Well, maybe a little.

Fudge came out of the room and looked startled to see the pub so crowded all of a sudden, but he quickly regained his composure. “Mr. and Mrs. Potter.” He smiled widely at them, and Harry noticed the way he completely failed to acknowledge Sirius and Remus. “You arrived so quickly. As you can see, everything is perfectly fine, and I’d be happy to escort you back to the Longbottoms —”

“We’ll be going home,” Lily said without letting Harry go.

Fudge looked startled by this, then looked to James for some sort of explanation.

James only laughed. “What, am I supposed to say something different?”

Fudge spluttered for a moment. “But — the plan. How are we supposed to catch Black if —”

“The plan isn’t working,” Lily said sternly. “It’s been a week, and we’re no closer to catching Black. We are going home to spend time with our son before he goes to school.”

“Let me arrange to have some Azkaban guards stationed at your home.”

“Absolutely not,” James said.

Fudge looked like he wanted to argue, but wasn’t sure how. Harry didn’t blame him. His parents were difficult people to argue with. Especially when they agreed with each other.

“Perhaps a team of Aurors?” Fudge suggested weakly.

Lily said, “We’ll talk to Alastor about that personally, and I would prefer if the Ministry stayed out of it.”

Fudge took a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at his forehead. “Of course. And, you should be happy to hear, Neville is fine after all. It seems there was a bit of panic when we thought he was on the Knight Bus, but he’d merely gotten lost in his grandmother’s garden.”

“I’m glad he’s safe,” James said. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be taking Harry home. Have a pleasant evening, Minister.”

Harry was not very excited to leave. He had a feeling he was in for the biggest scolding of his life when they got home. He had never run away before, and he was pretty sure it was the worst thing he’d ever done. Even worse than sneaking off to the Forbidden Forest and nearly getting eaten by giant spiders.

But his father took his trunk, and they all apparated home.

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #122: Trapped in Outer Space!

April, 1974

Lil’ Vision is disgruntled that he doesn’t understand the symbolism of the Avengers bursting through a page of their own book.

Anyway, last times: Taurus assembles a new Zodiac to pull off a dastardly scheme! The death of every Gemini in Manhattan!

The Avengers foiled this craven plot but the Zodiac escaped by blasting the all empathetic mystery girl Mantis and running while the Avengers saved her from falling to her death.

But gadzooks! Unrest in the houses of Zodiac! Aries sways a good number of the Zodiac into backing his revolution against Taurus! He tries to get financier Van Lunt to back him too, not realizing Van Lunt is Taurus!

When the Avengers burst into the warehouse to capture Zodiac, they and the revolting members are blasted into space because the warehouse was secretly a spaceship!

This time: The final battle, I guess. Also, trapped in outer space with some pretty rad narration.

God, I love comics at times like this. It would probably have been more cost effective to just pack the warehouse with explosives and blow the place up. Thor and Vision may have survived but you’d pretty much guarantee the death of everyone else.

But Van Lunt decided to build a spaceship disguised as a warehouse and then launch it into space. Its so delightfully, stupidly supervillainous.

I also love the two page spread that follows the first splash page.

Thor explains the situation in his Asgardian vernacular: “Behold! The trap of Taurus for the members of Zodiac who did plot against his leadership hath been perfectly sprung... too perfectly for those of us who did combat their villainy!”

And then Pisces, I think, just shouts “Good lord! We’re in ORBIT!”

The juxtaposition gets me.

Anyway, inexplicably-white-for-a-panel-Aries is sure the heroes will save everyone but Iron Man is unsure. There’s a force field covering the exits. Which, thankfully, is what is letting them keep breathing.

Thor decides he wants to hit it with his hammer. It’s what he knows.

He throws Mjolnir hard enough that it bursts through the force field. Except, the space warehouse is in orbit. And Mjolnir is a bit dumber during this time. It boomerangs back to where it was thrown but the space warehouse has floated on.

And Thor belatedly realizes that he’s jumped the gun a bit and jumps behind some boxes so nobody sees him transform back into Don Blake.

Of course, the members of Zodiac aren’t complete idiots. They just dress like it. They figure out something is off about Thor and decide that now - while they’re trapped in space - is the best time to get ‘im!

So the Avengers have to beat up Zodiac some more to keep them from Thor (actually Don Blake).

Also, Aries apparently stole a handheld Star-Blazer because he blasts Vision and Iron Man with it before Vision blasts it out of his hands and yells logic at them.

Even if they learn Thor’s secret, it will be worthless if they have to carry it into their graves. Which will happen if they can’t work together and figure out a way to rescue themselves. BECAUSE THEY ARE TRAPPED IN OUTER SPACE!

“Don’t you understand that we are in space? Oxygen, food, warmth: all lie below us -- not here!”

Also, the space warehouse has a limited amount of oxygen and fighting will just use it up faster. Probably lost some too when Mjolnir breached the force field.

Meanwhile, we check in with the non-rebelling Zodiac. All... geez, only five of them? Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo, Gemini and Libra?

Anyway, Taurus is gloating about his space warehouse trap and about maybe it was lucky to catch the Avengers in on it but the rest was just great planning.

Libra feels that this is the best time to mention that he knew ahead of time about the revolt. And that he turned down the offer to join because he represent the balance and doesn’t choose sides.

For some reason, learning this doesn’t make Taurus happy. The fact that he controls the Star-Ship, built the Star-Blaster and most of Zodiac’s other weapons should be the reason not to rebel against him. Not because of neutrality.

In fact, GET OUT OF HIS FACE YOU LOYAL ZODIACS. THEY DON’T HAVE THE GUTS TO STAND UP TO HIM ANYWAY.

So they do. Gemini and Libra go off on a walk together. Gemini sympathizes with all the stresses Taurus must be under. He busted Gemini out of jail and kidnapped a man from under the Avengers’ noses so that he could have all the houses of Zodiac full for his big push and then it falls apart.

And then Libra starts beating up Gemini. For while Gemini has the strength of two men, Libra can see despite being blind. And no, he’s not Daredevil. The comic captions dismiss that possibility.

He’s just a guy that does what Daredevil do but evil and while wearing short shorts.

Having beaten up Gemini, Libra ties him up and finds the good Gemini twin (I wanna say Lawrence?) in the trance his brother forced him into.

He then slaps him awake.

It took all my strength not to crudely photoshop “MY PARENTS ARE DEAD” into that.

He asks the good Gemini twin to imitate his brother and keep Taurus occupied while Libra steals’ the Star-Ship for some mysterious reason.

Being the good twin, Lawrence? promises to try not to let Libra down.

BACK IN SPACE! Remember how Vision said that they needed to work together to get back to Earth? Well, the Avengers have changed their minds during the scene break. Now all they want is for Zodiac to not get in their way while they do all the work.

Vision will guard the pile of boxes Don Blake is hiding behind. Scarlet Witch will use her hex sphere to temporarily create a way through the force field. And Iron Man will fly outside to manually push the space warehouse back to Earth.

Because he has a self-enclosed oxygen supply and rocket boots. He’s the only man for the job.

And oh cool, he spots Mjolnir just floating in space.

Since they’re in micro gravity, Mjolnir is weightless and Iron Man can carry it without being worthy - a loophole that would anger many when Red Hulk used it down the line.

Of course, Iron Man is just loopholing to bring Mjolnir with them so its not stranded in orbit forever.

Anyway. The plan. Since the space warehouse is weightless, it should be no trouble for him to use the propulsion of his foot-jets to push the building rocket back to Earth. If his air supply doesn’t run out. And if his power supply doesn’t run out. And if the strain doesn’t cause problems with his heart.

Yup. No trouble at all.

Although the trouble comes from a different direction that Iron Man should really have seen coming.

When they get closer to Earth, Mjolnir becomes more affected by Earth’s gravity and Iron Man can no longer lift it when it pins his wrist against the top of the space warehouse.

Which means he’s trapped and can’t move around to slow the ship’s descent. Which means that they’re going to burn up in reentry. All because Tony wanted to be a good bro and fetch his bro’s enchanted croquet mallet.

Common courtesy will be our deaths, time after time.

But not this time because something suddenly slows down the space warehouse - making everyone inside comically slam to the floor.

Libra in the Zodiac Star-Cruiser (I thought it was Star-Ship?) has caught the space warehouse in a secondary force field and lowers it safely to the ground.

But why?

You’re going to have to wait for that because we need to check in on Mantis and Swordsman.

Swordsman is feeling pretty shitty. He wasn’t there when she got hurt and now all he can do is sit at her bedside and hope that being beside her will help. And think secret doubts that she would rather the Vision be at her side. And that Vision himself might be into her.

Insecure paranoia is not helped when Mantis bolts to awareness and proclaims “Vision! He’s in trouble! This one must help!”

And then she runs out of the room.

Swordsman tries to stop her and have her rest longer but he collapses, still too weak from his own injuries. Just falling to the floor and thinking sad thoughts about how she is going to Vision.

And now we check back in with Zodiac HQ where Taurus is having an intimate conversation with who he thinks is Gemini.

See, Gemini is the only one of the non-revolting Zodiac who knows that Taurus is secretly Zodiac’s financier Cornelius Van Lunt.

Good Twin Lawrence? tries to bluff that their friendship has seen them through a lot but Van Lunt only showed his face to Joshua Link the previous day when he visited him in jail.

And like a person uncomfortable that they just had a personal conversation with the wrong person, Van Lunt punches the fake Gemini out and bellows in rage.

Capricorn and Virgo show up to find out what the dealio and Taurus tells them to spread out and find Libra and the real Gemini. Someone is playing funny business and they’re dead when Taurus gets his hands on them.

Except not. Because the Star-Cruiser-Ship lands and there’s Libra. Also the renegade houses of Zodiac and the Avengers.

But Taurus didn’t get to be the leader of Zodiac and a highly successful amoral businessman without some leadership abilities.

With barely any effort he convinces the renegade houses to side with him and kill the Avengers. After all, the best they can hope for with the Avengers is to be thrown in jail at the end of this anyway.

And yeah. This is reasonable enough. In answer, Aries blasts Thor with the Star-Blazer blaster.

And is there much to say? Straight up fights between the Avengers and Zodiac tend to be a stomp, one way or another. And this is an issue with ‘final battle’ on the cover and there’s only three pages left.

So. Yeah.

The Avengers kick butts. Scarlet Witch even gets back at Virgo for wanging her in the noggin. And the whole time, the Avengers are saying stuff like “their faithlessness must needs be ruthlessly met!” and “‘Never switch horses in midstream’ -- especially twice!”

Vision and Van Lunt Taurus have a sort of face off. Vision dodges a Star-Blazer blast and solar beams Taurus into a pool of water.

And then he quips. Twice!

“Your solar power can’t match my stellar energy!” “If you read that in your stars, Van Lunt, you need a new horoscope!”

“Perhaps the water of your pool will cool your temper”

Although, that one is spoiled somewhat when Van Lunt instantly starts drowning. The guy cannot swim at all. Him escaping the flood that seemingly killed him in issue #81 was apparently a fluke of luck.

But Vision hesitates instead of jumping in to save the drowning supervillain.

And then Mantis out of nowhere jumps into the pool to save the drowning Van Lunt.

And Thor is really disappointed in Vision over this. “We have won our battle, Avenger -- but thine actions rob the deed of any honor!”

Scarlet Witch begs him to tell her why he froze up (the second time after the quicksand when they fought Dormammu).

And Vision... just does not know! He half-remembers a thing but its just replaced by fear that his computer brain is malfunctioning. Clearly this will be unpacked further going forward. And later retconned.

Since Vision can’t explain his actions, Thor goes for the runner up and demands Libra explain himself.

Libra admits that saving the Avengers was a mistake.

“You see, I thought Mantis had been trapped with you -- and I am her father!”

DUN DUN DUN!!!

Clearly that will be unpacked further going forward! Like, the very next issue.

But since we’re still on this issue, let’s talk about Zodiac.

Boy are they disappointing. They’re all top crime bosses. The top of their respective organizations. But most of the times, they all happily play henchmen to whoever the boss is - Scorpio or Aries or Taurus.

So they all have unique costumes but they mostly play mook.

Its not even clear whether they have their own powers.

Gemini does - having the strength of two men and being able to psychically possess his twin.

Taurus evidentally has some kind of superstrength - he beat Aries in a headbutt contest and he was able to hold his own against Red Wolf, a pretty buff young man with his own vague powers.

Sagittarius was supposedly the weapon designer but then it was revealed that Taurus designed most of their weaponry.

Libra is blind but has Daredevilian senses (and later demonstrates a sort of scales-themed power).

But the most of them are just people in weird costumes who exist to have their asses kicked by the Avengers. Not even sure why crime bosses would be fighting the Avengers on their own. Don’t they have crime organizations to call on for mooks and stuff?

Zodiac could be a really cool group if more was done to flesh out and differentiate the members. You could get a really good long story arc out of revealing information about the Zodiac organization little by little. Having the members show up and be tough guys one by one.

They’re not just strong people. They’re twelve people that scraped and clawed their way to the top. Zodiac is twelve peers who have pooled the resources of twelve powerful criminal organizations for plots that could threaten the world.

On a good day.

There’s so much you could do with the Zodiac theme in terms of personality and goals and abilities.

Not gonna lie though. Zodiac is pretty great if you read them as a doofy bunch of criminal larpers who take the premise super seriously while they also conduct crimes.

Maybe Zodiac is better in other books. But in the Avengers’ book, they’ve always been a bit lackluster.

But hey! Mantis backstory next time! If the first panel of next issue doesn’t have Mantis screaming “That’s not true! That’s impossible!” I may quit.

But hey! Consider following @essential-avengers. I’ve been cleaning up older posts and archiving them there. Via reblogs.

[mezereum]

Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked

How do these yuletide bad guys hold up under actual scrutiny? Are they really bad or just Christmas-special bad? Who is the naughtiest on the naughty list? We took a look at the villains from 5 classic animated Christmas specials to see how they stack up. Spoiler Alert: These cartoons are WAY darker than you remember. You have been warned.

Since we’re maximizing on holiday spirit, we’ll be judging these villains by their naughtiness on a five-lump-of-coal scale.

So, this means bad news.

Five lumps means the worst of the worst and one means they’re really not so bad after all. Alright, let’s go!

The Abominable Snow Monster

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The Abominable Snow Monster of the North is characterized as mean, nasty, and “hating everything to do with Christmas.” But who ever actually asked the snow monster about his holiday feelings? How do we know about his supposed hatred of Christmas? Did he trample of a few Christmas trees one time? Or some toys? Maybe he’s just a giant snow monster with big feet? Snow monsters trample things sometimes, you guys.

To be fair, he DOES try to eat a bunch of the reindeer at one point, but what else is an apex predator to do? As the story goes, the snow monster is eventually “reformed”, but what that actually means is that Yukon Cornelius PULLS ALL HIS TEETH OUT. Yipes.

The real monster.

One it’s revealed that he can be a gentle giant, the snow monster’s story is meant to show that he was unjustly judged on outward appearance—kind of like every other character in this darker-than-we-remembered classic. Rudolph’s parents even shun him until he covers his shiny nose. Think that’s bad? SANTA shuns him too. So the real villain? Unrealistic beauty standards. And maybe that elf who wants to be a dentist. (Just kidding.)

How many lumps?

While fearsome at first, I would argue that Bumble is really a victim here. Poor guy gets his teeth pulled out!

The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Obviously a big pattern with all of these villains is them coming around and becoming good in the end—but let’s not forget to look at who was the biggest jerk along the way. The Grinch is 100% up there.

Look at Cindy Loo. Look at that face! How can you steal from that face? Not only does the Grinch not like Christmas, he also wants to make sure NO ONE ELSE enjoys Christmas. He even steals their feast. You do NOT mess with someone’s feast. It’s just not done.

Also, hanging Christmas lights can be pretty frustrating, and he undoes all that hard work at every house in the whole neighborhood. Perhaps the most villainous act of all.

How many lumps?

The Grinch has an adorable dog named Max, which shows that he’s really been a big softy all along. He just didn’t know it.

Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

As the original utterer of “Bah Humbug” it’s hard to beat Ebeneezer Scrooge as a Christmas villain. But what about Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck? Don’t worry. He wears the name well.

First he only gives Bob Cratchit (aka Mickey Mouse) a half a day off on Christmas, then he super sarcastically turns down Donald’s dinner invitation. If you don’t like Christmas that’s fine, but who doesn’t like dinner?

This classic-in-its-own-right interpretation of A Christmas Carol is pretty true to the original story, so you get the idea. Scrooge, of course, comes around just in time for Christmas morning.

How many lumps?

Ebeneezer Scrooge is pretty much where Christmas villains began! Webbed feet don’t make him any less of and old grump.

Hinkle the Magician

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

You guys, Professor Hinkle is the literal worst before Frosty even comes to town. He’s a bad magician and he’s mean to his rabbit, Hocus Pocus, who is totally justified in just wanting to hop the hell away from him at all times. Also…professor? Professor of what? It’s unclear and therefore all the more disturbing.

Also, dude throws his hat away, it brings a snowman to life, and then he tries to steal it back because he thinks it will improve his act—which, by the way, nothing will.

Probably the most deplorable moment is when he shows up in the middle of the forest to extinguish a fire that’s keeping a freezing little girl alive. Also, apparently he has dragon breath because he blows out a campfire in one breath. Why not take that talent on the road, Hinkle? It’s better than any of your magic tricks.

How many lumps?

For being the WORST in all respects.

Honorable Mention: The Sun

While Hinkle is almost too absent-minded to be an effective villain, Frosty’s real and relentless archenemy is the sun. You can’t run from the sun.

How many lumps?

The sun is pretty relentless, but apparently you can just hop a train to the North Pole!

Bullying

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1969)

How do you get to 5/5 lumps of coal? Bullying. That’s how. Charlie Brown is feeling down during the holiday season, so Lucy suggests he direct the Christmas play to get in the spirit and build his confidence. What follows is a barrage of insults and criticisms thrown Charlie’s way about how he “can’t do anything right” and how all of this so-called friends just “knew he’d mess it up.”

Charlie finds some peace when he walks out on his jerk friends’ play with the little Christmas tree he found. That’s when he’s able to feel the true meaning of Christmas—the ultimate goal in all of these classic specials.

Alright, alright, I guess his friends redeem themselves a little bit by decorating his tree and singing for him. Also Snoopy and Linus are cool to Charlie so they get a pass. Next time, friends of Charlie Brown, take a cue from Linus and be a better listener when your friend is feeling blue.

How many lumps?

We have a no tolerance outlook on bullying! That even goes for Peanuts characters.

Did we miss any? What are your favorite Christmas special bad guys? The animated ones are our favorites, of course!

Want to learn from professional animators?

Start your journey by learning with professional animators from a variety of major studios and career paths! Get more information about Animation Mentor’s Character Animation Courses.

Get More Information

The post Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked appeared first on The Official Animation Mentor Blog.

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[just-ateenage-dirtbag]

Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked

How do these yuletide bad guys hold up under actual scrutiny? Are they really bad or just Christmas-special bad? Who is the naughtiest on the naughty list? We took a look at the villains from 5 classic animated Christmas specials to see how they stack up. Spoiler Alert: These cartoons are WAY darker than you remember. You have been warned.

Since we’re maximizing on holiday spirit, we’ll be judging these villains by their naughtiness on a five-lump-of-coal scale.

So, this means bad news.

Five lumps means the worst of the worst and one means they’re really not so bad after all. Alright, let’s go!

The Abominable Snow Monster

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The Abominable Snow Monster of the North is characterized as mean, nasty, and “hating everything to do with Christmas.” But who ever actually asked the snow monster about his holiday feelings? How do we know about his supposed hatred of Christmas? Did he trample of a few Christmas trees one time? Or some toys? Maybe he’s just a giant snow monster with big feet? Snow monsters trample things sometimes, you guys.

To be fair, he DOES try to eat a bunch of the reindeer at one point, but what else is an apex predator to do? As the story goes, the snow monster is eventually “reformed”, but what that actually means is that Yukon Cornelius PULLS ALL HIS TEETH OUT. Yipes.

The real monster.

One it’s revealed that he can be a gentle giant, the snow monster’s story is meant to show that he was unjustly judged on outward appearance—kind of like every other character in this darker-than-we-remembered classic. Rudolph’s parents even shun him until he covers his shiny nose. Think that’s bad? SANTA shuns him too. So the real villain? Unrealistic beauty standards. And maybe that elf who wants to be a dentist. (Just kidding.)

How many lumps?

While fearsome at first, I would argue that Bumble is really a victim here. Poor guy gets his teeth pulled out!

The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Obviously a big pattern with all of these villains is them coming around and becoming good in the end—but let’s not forget to look at who was the biggest jerk along the way. The Grinch is 100% up there.

Look at Cindy Loo. Look at that face! How can you steal from that face? Not only does the Grinch not like Christmas, he also wants to make sure NO ONE ELSE enjoys Christmas. He even steals their feast. You do NOT mess with someone’s feast. It’s just not done.

Also, hanging Christmas lights can be pretty frustrating, and he undoes all that hard work at every house in the whole neighborhood. Perhaps the most villainous act of all.

How many lumps?

The Grinch has an adorable dog named Max, which shows that he’s really been a big softy all along. He just didn’t know it.

Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

As the original utterer of “Bah Humbug” it’s hard to beat Ebeneezer Scrooge as a Christmas villain. But what about Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck? Don’t worry. He wears the name well.

First he only gives Bob Cratchit (aka Mickey Mouse) a half a day off on Christmas, then he super sarcastically turns down Donald’s dinner invitation. If you don’t like Christmas that’s fine, but who doesn’t like dinner?

This classic-in-its-own-right interpretation of A Christmas Carol is pretty true to the original story, so you get the idea. Scrooge, of course, comes around just in time for Christmas morning.

How many lumps?

Ebeneezer Scrooge is pretty much where Christmas villains began! Webbed feet don’t make him any less of and old grump.

Hinkle the Magician

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

You guys, Professor Hinkle is the literal worst before Frosty even comes to town. He’s a bad magician and he’s mean to his rabbit, Hocus Pocus, who is totally justified in just wanting to hop the hell away from him at all times. Also…professor? Professor of what? It’s unclear and therefore all the more disturbing.

Also, dude throws his hat away, it brings a snowman to life, and then he tries to steal it back because he thinks it will improve his act—which, by the way, nothing will.

Probably the most deplorable moment is when he shows up in the middle of the forest to extinguish a fire that’s keeping a freezing little girl alive. Also, apparently he has dragon breath because he blows out a campfire in one breath. Why not take that talent on the road, Hinkle? It’s better than any of your magic tricks.

How many lumps?

For being the WORST in all respects.

Honorable Mention: The Sun

While Hinkle is almost too absent-minded to be an effective villain, Frosty’s real and relentless archenemy is the sun. You can’t run from the sun.

How many lumps?

The sun is pretty relentless, but apparently you can just hop a train to the North Pole!

Bullying

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1969)

How do you get to 5/5 lumps of coal? Bullying. That’s how. Charlie Brown is feeling down during the holiday season, so Lucy suggests he direct the Christmas play to get in the spirit and build his confidence. What follows is a barrage of insults and criticisms thrown Charlie’s way about how he “can’t do anything right” and how all of this so-called friends just “knew he’d mess it up.”

Charlie finds some peace when he walks out on his jerk friends’ play with the little Christmas tree he found. That’s when he’s able to feel the true meaning of Christmas—the ultimate goal in all of these classic specials.

Alright, alright, I guess his friends redeem themselves a little bit by decorating his tree and singing for him. Also Snoopy and Linus are cool to Charlie so they get a pass. Next time, friends of Charlie Brown, take a cue from Linus and be a better listener when your friend is feeling blue.

How many lumps?

We have a no tolerance outlook on bullying! That even goes for Peanuts characters.

Did we miss any? What are your favorite Christmas special bad guys? The animated ones are our favorites, of course!

Want to learn from professional animators?

Start your journey by learning with professional animators from a variety of major studios and career paths! Get more information about Animation Mentor’s Character Animation Courses.

Get More Information

The post Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked appeared first on The Official Animation Mentor Blog.

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[keepingquietishard]

Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked

How do these yuletide bad guys hold up under actual scrutiny? Are they really bad or just Christmas-special bad? Who is the naughtiest on the naughty list? We took a look at the villains from 5 classic animated Christmas specials to see how they stack up. Spoiler Alert: These cartoons are WAY darker than you remember. You have been warned.

Since we’re maximizing on holiday spirit, we’ll be judging these villains by their naughtiness on a five-lump-of-coal scale.

So, this means bad news.

Five lumps means the worst of the worst and one means they’re really not so bad after all. Alright, let’s go!

The Abominable Snow Monster

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The Abominable Snow Monster of the North is characterized as mean, nasty, and “hating everything to do with Christmas.” But who ever actually asked the snow monster about his holiday feelings? How do we know about his supposed hatred of Christmas? Did he trample of a few Christmas trees one time? Or some toys? Maybe he’s just a giant snow monster with big feet? Snow monsters trample things sometimes, you guys.

To be fair, he DOES try to eat a bunch of the reindeer at one point, but what else is an apex predator to do? As the story goes, the snow monster is eventually “reformed”, but what that actually means is that Yukon Cornelius PULLS ALL HIS TEETH OUT. Yipes.

The real monster.

One it’s revealed that he can be a gentle giant, the snow monster’s story is meant to show that he was unjustly judged on outward appearance—kind of like every other character in this darker-than-we-remembered classic. Rudolph’s parents even shun him until he covers his shiny nose. Think that’s bad? SANTA shuns him too. So the real villain? Unrealistic beauty standards. And maybe that elf who wants to be a dentist. (Just kidding.)

How many lumps?

While fearsome at first, I would argue that Bumble is really a victim here. Poor guy gets his teeth pulled out!

The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Obviously a big pattern with all of these villains is them coming around and becoming good in the end—but let’s not forget to look at who was the biggest jerk along the way. The Grinch is 100% up there.

Look at Cindy Loo. Look at that face! How can you steal from that face? Not only does the Grinch not like Christmas, he also wants to make sure NO ONE ELSE enjoys Christmas. He even steals their feast. You do NOT mess with someone’s feast. It’s just not done.

Also, hanging Christmas lights can be pretty frustrating, and he undoes all that hard work at every house in the whole neighborhood. Perhaps the most villainous act of all.

How many lumps?

The Grinch has an adorable dog named Max, which shows that he’s really been a big softy all along. He just didn’t know it.

Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

As the original utterer of “Bah Humbug” it’s hard to beat Ebeneezer Scrooge as a Christmas villain. But what about Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck? Don’t worry. He wears the name well.

First he only gives Bob Cratchit (aka Mickey Mouse) a half a day off on Christmas, then he super sarcastically turns down Donald’s dinner invitation. If you don’t like Christmas that’s fine, but who doesn’t like dinner?

This classic-in-its-own-right interpretation of A Christmas Carol is pretty true to the original story, so you get the idea. Scrooge, of course, comes around just in time for Christmas morning.

How many lumps?

Ebeneezer Scrooge is pretty much where Christmas villains began! Webbed feet don’t make him any less of and old grump.

Hinkle the Magician

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

You guys, Professor Hinkle is the literal worst before Frosty even comes to town. He’s a bad magician and he’s mean to his rabbit, Hocus Pocus, who is totally justified in just wanting to hop the hell away from him at all times. Also…professor? Professor of what? It’s unclear and therefore all the more disturbing.

Also, dude throws his hat away, it brings a snowman to life, and then he tries to steal it back because he thinks it will improve his act—which, by the way, nothing will.

Probably the most deplorable moment is when he shows up in the middle of the forest to extinguish a fire that’s keeping a freezing little girl alive. Also, apparently he has dragon breath because he blows out a campfire in one breath. Why not take that talent on the road, Hinkle? It’s better than any of your magic tricks.

How many lumps?

For being the WORST in all respects.

Honorable Mention: The Sun

While Hinkle is almost too absent-minded to be an effective villain, Frosty’s real and relentless archenemy is the sun. You can’t run from the sun.

How many lumps?

The sun is pretty relentless, but apparently you can just hop a train to the North Pole!

Bullying

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1969)

How do you get to 5/5 lumps of coal? Bullying. That’s how. Charlie Brown is feeling down during the holiday season, so Lucy suggests he direct the Christmas play to get in the spirit and build his confidence. What follows is a barrage of insults and criticisms thrown Charlie’s way about how he “can’t do anything right” and how all of this so-called friends just “knew he’d mess it up.”

Charlie finds some peace when he walks out on his jerk friends’ play with the little Christmas tree he found. That’s when he’s able to feel the true meaning of Christmas—the ultimate goal in all of these classic specials.

Alright, alright, I guess his friends redeem themselves a little bit by decorating his tree and singing for him. Also Snoopy and Linus are cool to Charlie so they get a pass. Next time, friends of Charlie Brown, take a cue from Linus and be a better listener when your friend is feeling blue.

How many lumps?

We have a no tolerance outlook on bullying! That even goes for Peanuts characters.

Did we miss any? What are your favorite Christmas special bad guys? The animated ones are our favorites, of course!

Want to learn from professional animators?

Start your journey by learning with professional animators from a variety of major studios and career paths! Get more information about Animation Mentor’s Character Animation Courses.

Get More Information

The post Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked appeared first on The Official Animation Mentor Blog.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8265702 http://ift.tt/2AftrJi via IFTTT

[so-awkwardd]

Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked

How do these yuletide bad guys hold up under actual scrutiny? Are they really bad or just Christmas-special bad? Who is the naughtiest on the naughty list? We took a look at the villains from 5 classic animated Christmas specials to see how they stack up. Spoiler Alert: These cartoons are WAY darker than you remember. You have been warned.

Since we’re maximizing on holiday spirit, we’ll be judging these villains by their naughtiness on a five-lump-of-coal scale.

So, this means bad news.

Five lumps means the worst of the worst and one means they’re really not so bad after all. Alright, let’s go!

The Abominable Snow Monster

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The Abominable Snow Monster of the North is characterized as mean, nasty, and “hating everything to do with Christmas.” But who ever actually asked the snow monster about his holiday feelings? How do we know about his supposed hatred of Christmas? Did he trample of a few Christmas trees one time? Or some toys? Maybe he’s just a giant snow monster with big feet? Snow monsters trample things sometimes, you guys.

To be fair, he DOES try to eat a bunch of the reindeer at one point, but what else is an apex predator to do? As the story goes, the snow monster is eventually “reformed”, but what that actually means is that Yukon Cornelius PULLS ALL HIS TEETH OUT. Yipes.

The real monster.

One it’s revealed that he can be a gentle giant, the snow monster’s story is meant to show that he was unjustly judged on outward appearance—kind of like every other character in this darker-than-we-remembered classic. Rudolph’s parents even shun him until he covers his shiny nose. Think that’s bad? SANTA shuns him too. So the real villain? Unrealistic beauty standards. And maybe that elf who wants to be a dentist. (Just kidding.)

How many lumps?

While fearsome at first, I would argue that Bumble is really a victim here. Poor guy gets his teeth pulled out!

The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Obviously a big pattern with all of these villains is them coming around and becoming good in the end—but let’s not forget to look at who was the biggest jerk along the way. The Grinch is 100% up there.

Look at Cindy Loo. Look at that face! How can you steal from that face? Not only does the Grinch not like Christmas, he also wants to make sure NO ONE ELSE enjoys Christmas. He even steals their feast. You do NOT mess with someone’s feast. It’s just not done.

Also, hanging Christmas lights can be pretty frustrating, and he undoes all that hard work at every house in the whole neighborhood. Perhaps the most villainous act of all.

How many lumps?

The Grinch has an adorable dog named Max, which shows that he’s really been a big softy all along. He just didn’t know it.

Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

As the original utterer of “Bah Humbug” it’s hard to beat Ebeneezer Scrooge as a Christmas villain. But what about Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck? Don’t worry. He wears the name well.

First he only gives Bob Cratchit (aka Mickey Mouse) a half a day off on Christmas, then he super sarcastically turns down Donald’s dinner invitation. If you don’t like Christmas that’s fine, but who doesn’t like dinner?

This classic-in-its-own-right interpretation of A Christmas Carol is pretty true to the original story, so you get the idea. Scrooge, of course, comes around just in time for Christmas morning.

How many lumps?

Ebeneezer Scrooge is pretty much where Christmas villains began! Webbed feet don’t make him any less of and old grump.

Hinkle the Magician

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

You guys, Professor Hinkle is the literal worst before Frosty even comes to town. He’s a bad magician and he’s mean to his rabbit, Hocus Pocus, who is totally justified in just wanting to hop the hell away from him at all times. Also…professor? Professor of what? It’s unclear and therefore all the more disturbing.

Also, dude throws his hat away, it brings a snowman to life, and then he tries to steal it back because he thinks it will improve his act—which, by the way, nothing will.

Probably the most deplorable moment is when he shows up in the middle of the forest to extinguish a fire that’s keeping a freezing little girl alive. Also, apparently he has dragon breath because he blows out a campfire in one breath. Why not take that talent on the road, Hinkle? It’s better than any of your magic tricks.

How many lumps?

For being the WORST in all respects.

Honorable Mention: The Sun

While Hinkle is almost too absent-minded to be an effective villain, Frosty’s real and relentless archenemy is the sun. You can’t run from the sun.

How many lumps?

The sun is pretty relentless, but apparently you can just hop a train to the North Pole!

Bullying

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1969)

How do you get to 5/5 lumps of coal? Bullying. That’s how. Charlie Brown is feeling down during the holiday season, so Lucy suggests he direct the Christmas play to get in the spirit and build his confidence. What follows is a barrage of insults and criticisms thrown Charlie’s way about how he “can’t do anything right” and how all of this so-called friends just “knew he’d mess it up.”

Charlie finds some peace when he walks out on his jerk friends’ play with the little Christmas tree he found. That’s when he’s able to feel the true meaning of Christmas—the ultimate goal in all of these classic specials.

Alright, alright, I guess his friends redeem themselves a little bit by decorating his tree and singing for him. Also Snoopy and Linus are cool to Charlie so they get a pass. Next time, friends of Charlie Brown, take a cue from Linus and be a better listener when your friend is feeling blue.

How many lumps?

We have a no tolerance outlook on bullying! That even goes for Peanuts characters.

Did we miss any? What are your favorite Christmas special bad guys? The animated ones are our favorites, of course!

Want to learn from professional animators?

Start your journey by learning with professional animators from a variety of major studios and career paths! Get more information about Animation Mentor’s Character Animation Courses.

Get More Information

The post Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked appeared first on The Official Animation Mentor Blog.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8265702 http://ift.tt/2AftrJi via IFTTT

[innermovement2]

Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked

How do these yuletide bad guys hold up under actual scrutiny? Are they really bad or just Christmas-special bad? Who is the naughtiest on the naughty list? We took a look at the villains from 5 classic animated Christmas specials to see how they stack up. Spoiler Alert: These cartoons are WAY darker than you remember. You have been warned.

Since we’re maximizing on holiday spirit, we’ll be judging these villains by their naughtiness on a five-lump-of-coal scale.

So, this means bad news.

Five lumps means the worst of the worst and one means they’re really not so bad after all. Alright, let’s go!

The Abominable Snow Monster

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

The Abominable Snow Monster of the North is characterized as mean, nasty, and “hating everything to do with Christmas.” But who ever actually asked the snow monster about his holiday feelings? How do we know about his supposed hatred of Christmas? Did he trample of a few Christmas trees one time? Or some toys? Maybe he’s just a giant snow monster with big feet? Snow monsters trample things sometimes, you guys.

To be fair, he DOES try to eat a bunch of the reindeer at one point, but what else is an apex predator to do? As the story goes, the snow monster is eventually “reformed”, but what that actually means is that Yukon Cornelius PULLS ALL HIS TEETH OUT. Yipes.

The real monster.

One it’s revealed that he can be a gentle giant, the snow monster’s story is meant to show that he was unjustly judged on outward appearance—kind of like every other character in this darker-than-we-remembered classic. Rudolph’s parents even shun him until he covers his shiny nose. Think that’s bad? SANTA shuns him too. So the real villain? Unrealistic beauty standards. And maybe that elf who wants to be a dentist. (Just kidding.)

How many lumps?

While fearsome at first, I would argue that Bumble is really a victim here. Poor guy gets his teeth pulled out!

The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Obviously a big pattern with all of these villains is them coming around and becoming good in the end—but let’s not forget to look at who was the biggest jerk along the way. The Grinch is 100% up there.

Look at Cindy Loo. Look at that face! How can you steal from that face? Not only does the Grinch not like Christmas, he also wants to make sure NO ONE ELSE enjoys Christmas. He even steals their feast. You do NOT mess with someone’s feast. It’s just not done.

Also, hanging Christmas lights can be pretty frustrating, and he undoes all that hard work at every house in the whole neighborhood. Perhaps the most villainous act of all.

How many lumps?

The Grinch has an adorable dog named Max, which shows that he’s really been a big softy all along. He just didn’t know it.

Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

As the original utterer of “Bah Humbug” it’s hard to beat Ebeneezer Scrooge as a Christmas villain. But what about Ebeneezer Scrooge McDuck? Don’t worry. He wears the name well.

First he only gives Bob Cratchit (aka Mickey Mouse) a half a day off on Christmas, then he super sarcastically turns down Donald’s dinner invitation. If you don’t like Christmas that’s fine, but who doesn’t like dinner?

This classic-in-its-own-right interpretation of A Christmas Carol is pretty true to the original story, so you get the idea. Scrooge, of course, comes around just in time for Christmas morning.

How many lumps?

Ebeneezer Scrooge is pretty much where Christmas villains began! Webbed feet don’t make him any less of and old grump.

Hinkle the Magician

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

You guys, Professor Hinkle is the literal worst before Frosty even comes to town. He’s a bad magician and he’s mean to his rabbit, Hocus Pocus, who is totally justified in just wanting to hop the hell away from him at all times. Also…professor? Professor of what? It’s unclear and therefore all the more disturbing.

Also, dude throws his hat away, it brings a snowman to life, and then he tries to steal it back because he thinks it will improve his act—which, by the way, nothing will.

Probably the most deplorable moment is when he shows up in the middle of the forest to extinguish a fire that’s keeping a freezing little girl alive. Also, apparently he has dragon breath because he blows out a campfire in one breath. Why not take that talent on the road, Hinkle? It’s better than any of your magic tricks.

How many lumps?

For being the WORST in all respects.

Honorable Mention: The Sun

While Hinkle is almost too absent-minded to be an effective villain, Frosty’s real and relentless archenemy is the sun. You can’t run from the sun.

How many lumps?

The sun is pretty relentless, but apparently you can just hop a train to the North Pole!

Bullying

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1969)

How do you get to 5/5 lumps of coal? Bullying. That’s how. Charlie Brown is feeling down during the holiday season, so Lucy suggests he direct the Christmas play to get in the spirit and build his confidence. What follows is a barrage of insults and criticisms thrown Charlie’s way about how he “can’t do anything right” and how all of this so-called friends just “knew he’d mess it up.”

Charlie finds some peace when he walks out on his jerk friends’ play with the little Christmas tree he found. That’s when he’s able to feel the true meaning of Christmas—the ultimate goal in all of these classic specials.

Alright, alright, I guess his friends redeem themselves a little bit by decorating his tree and singing for him. Also Snoopy and Linus are cool to Charlie so they get a pass. Next time, friends of Charlie Brown, take a cue from Linus and be a better listener when your friend is feeling blue.

How many lumps?

We have a no tolerance outlook on bullying! That even goes for Peanuts characters.

Did we miss any? What are your favorite Christmas special bad guys? The animated ones are our favorites, of course!

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The post Classic Villains of Animated Christmas Specials: Ranked appeared first on The Official Animation Mentor Blog.

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[back-in-2037]

#and you know Cornelius probably did that because he remembers his parents bringing him to the lab for the first time

tags @zipzapzopzoop

FACTS.

This movie's script deserved an Oscar, I don't care what anybody says.

It took me 17 years to notice this