#babe wake up new james art just dropped

[ei-encora]

Explosion family photo, early 1980s

[heronchild-haven]

screaming crying hyperventilating

art by imjenndove on ig

[barnesandrogersfanfics]

Home - Part 5

It had been a couple of weeks since Jack had turned up out of the blue, i had stayed with Bucky and the kids for a week while Bucky had a restraining order sorted out. I was back home now but not before Bucky had arranged for a state of the art security system for the house (which Steve came round to install), i had tried to tell him a standard alarm system would be fine but he insisted that i had this one.....I would even get alerts on my phone if anyone was detected approaching the property.

It had definitely put my mind at ease about being home alone.

Thursday night i was at the Barnes residence later than expected, Bucky had been held up on a case he was working. Allie had been unusually quiet tonight, every time i asked if she was okay she just nodded and after dinner she took herself up to bed.

It was nearing midnight when Bucky finally got home, i had been asleep in the armchair with the chunky blanket over me but woke up hearing the front door close. Bucky walked in looking exhausted but still gave me a smile when he locked eyes with me.

"Hey doll, I'm sorry its so late. You didn't have to wait up you should have gone to bed"

"I was going to but i wanted to talk to you about Allie" i told him rubbing my eyes trying to wake up.

"She okay?" He asked looking worried, i nodded quickly as he sat on the table in front of the armchair i was in.

"She's just not been herself since i picked them up from school. She's been so quiet all evening Bucky and thats just not like her..... she had dinner then took herself to bed. I tried asking if she was okay and all i got was a nod"

"That does sound odd for Allie, i'll talk to her in the morning"

"Okay, well i'll just do their lunches then I'm gonna turn in for night" i said throwing the blanket off and getting up.

"I'll help you with that, get it done quicker".

I made the sandwiches while Bucky grabbed the fruit packs and juice boxes.

He zipped up the lunch bags after adding the sandwiches i made and put them into the girls school bags. I was wiping down the side when i heard Bucky mumble "shit" under his breath.

"Everything okay?"

"I think i know whats got Allie acting like she is..." he said handing me a sheet of paper from Allie's bag.

'Mother Daughter Picnic' was written at the top of the page signed by Ms Harper for tomorrow!

"Is this a yearly thing?"

"No, they've never had one of these before"

"This woman is crazy! She doing this because you turned her down?"

"I have no idea" he run a hand through his hair "i'll just keep Allie home from school if you dont mind having her?"

"I dont mind at all Bucky you know that. Or i could go with Allie?" I shrugged, this woman was really pissing me off!

"You'd do that?"

"Of course! Ms Harper already thinks we're married so why not" i chuckled rolling my eyes "i dont want her thinking she's got one over on you either"

"Im sure Allie would love having you there with her Y/N" Bucky smiled.

"Do you think Steve could watch Rosie while i do the picnic with Allie?"

"Yeah not a problem, i'll call him in the morning get him to swing by"

"Sounds good, well I'm gonna go get some sleep...good night Buck" i smiled before turning to head up to my room, he grabbed my hand stopping me as i passed him and pulled me in for a hug.

"Thank you doll, you dont know how much this means to us. Your amazing" he kissed the top of my head and took a step back "goodnight Y/N"

"Goodnight" i replied quickly feeling my cheeks burn and went up to my room before he had a chance to see the effect he had on me!

"Allie, baby i saw a letter in your bag about a Mother Daughter picnic at school today" Bucky said at breakfast the next day, she nodded sadly not looking at any of us.

"What would you say if Y/N went with you?"

She looked up with wide eyes at me then Bucky "really?"

"If thats okay with you sweetheart, i'd love to come to a picnic with you" i smiled at her, she broke out in a huge smile climbing down from her chair and running over to me.

"Thank you Y/N" she squeezed me tightly back to the happy Allie we were used to.

She leaned back and placed her little hands either side of my face and smiled "I love you!"

If it was possible my heart would have melted right there!

"Awww Allie! I love you too sweetheart" i smiled at her.

"I love you too Y/N!" Brooke added not wanting to be left out, i chuckled before smiling over at her.

"I love you too Brooklyn James, i love you all"

I caught Bucky smiling at his girls then at me, i quickly returned his smile.

"Okay, i gotta go my girls" he got up pulling on his suit jacket "Steve will be here at 11am to watch Rosie"

"Great"

"How about i swing by the school and pick you girls up today?" Bucky suddenly added like it was the best idea he'd ever had.

"You having a early day?" I asked sounding surprised.

"Yeah, i'll be there to pick you and the girls up" he smiled kissing Rosie and Brooke on the head then coming over to where Allie was still in my lap to kiss her, he surprised me when he kissed my head too.

"See you girls later, love you" he called leaving the dining room, and with that he was gone.

"Okay, lets get you guys to school".

Steve was at the house at 11am as promised, i didn't have to be at the school til 12 so we sat and had a coffee and a chat while we waited. When i told Steve id have to walk to the school because Bucky had insisted on picking us up afterwards, he offered to drop me there instead saying he didn't want me wandering alone.

"So, Mother daughter picnics huh?" Steve said teasingly and wriggling his eyebrows as he drove me to the school.

"Yep looks like it" i nodded " i love the girls, id do anything for them.... even going to mother daughter picnics organised by bitter old bitches"

"Ms Harper definitely fits the bitter old bitch title" Steve laughed "she's liked Buck since high school! You'd think she'd get over him already.... i mean his not even that great" He rolled his eyes playfully making me laugh.

"Thats a lie and you know it, your both great guys"

"Aw thanks Y/N!"

"Shut up Steve, dont make me take it back"

"Oh no you can't take it back now"

"Fine!"

"But in all seriousness, you and Bucky seem to be getting along well...."

"Yeah of course, it'd be kinda awkward if we didn't being as I'm there with kids all day" i scoffed.

"Seems like a little more than a work relationship though"

"Well its not" i shook my head looking to Steve "do you think im sleeping with him or something?"

"No! no of course not..... are you? I mean it'd be totally okay of you were..."

"Im not! God Steve...." i huffed as he pulled up out the front of the school "i can't believe you would ask me that"

"Why? Its not such a crazy thought! I think your good together, and i haven't seen him this happy in a very long time....I think a lot of that has to do with you"

"Your crazy!"

"Tell me you dont have feelings for him then..."

"Shut up Steve" i threw the door open "im late now! Thanks!" I turned to check on Rosie she was still fast asleep in the back seat "dont be bringing this shit up to Bucky!" I closed the door and marched into the school.

I followed the signs for the picnic around the outside of the building that then led onto the playing field where benches had been set out. All the benches were filled with moms and smiling little girls, then i spotted Allie standing on her own away from everyone with Ms Harper! I jogged over only to hear Ms Harper make a comment to Allie about having no mom and that she shouldn't here at the picnic!!

I saw red!! The anger was raging through me, but i knew i couldnt make a scene here infront of everyone.

"Allie!" I called to her so she knew i was there and hadnt let her down! Her little face lit up and she flew into my arms.

"Im so sorry I'm late babe, you can blame Uncle Steve for driving like an old woman" i smiled at her before turning to look at Ms Harper.

"Ms Harper, id like to say its nice to see you again but i dont like to lie infront of my kids" i felt some semblance of pleasure from the worried look on the womans face.

"Allie why dont you go find us a seat, i'll be right there"

"Okay" she said happily running off towards the benches. Once she was far enough away i turned my attention to Ms Harper.

"I heard what you said to Allie you spiteful bitch! I get your not happy that Bucky isn't interested in you but guess what? You dont always get what you want!! And you cannot say that shit to a five year old!"

"I was only telling her the truth! Her moms dead! Why should she be here?"

"Shes got a mom you stupid fuck! Im her mom got it??! I already warned you about messing with my kid.... your lucky theres people here because god help me you would be on your fucking ass by now if they weren't!"

I turned to go find Allie but stopped to look back at Ms Harper "oh and you should probably start looking for a new job, I'm not letting this go and I'm sure my husband wont either when i tell him the vile shit coming out of your mouth"

"But i....." she started to say with wide eyes.

"Have a good afternoon Ms Harper" i called back in an over the top happy voice as i approached the benches and found Allie.

The picnic was lovely, we were sat with some of Allie's friends and their moms who Allie introduced as Josie and her mom Kylie, Emma and her mom Rachel and then Nell and her mom Nessa.

They were all lovely and very welcoming, the afternoon flew by and playdates were arranged, I'm sure Bucky would love that!

2:45 came around and the picnic was over, i took Allie's hand and we made our way out front to wait for Bucky. To our surprise he was already outside waiting for us leaning against the side of his car, he greeted us both with a smile.

"Hey girls"

"Hey yourself" i smiled at him as he scooped Allie up into one arm and draped the other over my shoulders placing a kiss on the side of my head.

"How'd it go?"

"It was so much fun daddy! Y/N met my friends!" Allie told him sounding so happy at how the afternoon went.

"She did?" He asked matching her tone and smiling. I spotted Ms Harper hovering over near the gates looking towards us and frowned.

"You okay doll? You look like your ready to murder someone" Bucky asked as his arm slipped down to wrap around my waist.

"Maybe because i am! I need to talk to you about Ms Harper....."

"Okay" he nodded then turned to strap Allie into her booster seat while we waited for Brooke to come out. Once he was done he closed the car door and turned me to face him so i had my back to Ms Harper the super bitch!! He held one hand against the side of my face making me look up at him, it would look pretty intimate to anyone watching and that was the whole point.... right?

"What happened?" He asked calmly and i couldn't help but wonder how long he'd keep that calm look about him once i told him what she had said.

"I was a little late getting here because Steve was driving like an old woman..." i started to say, i wasn't about to tell Bucky i was late because Steve was questioning mine and Bucky's relationship!

"When i got here Ms Harper was standing away from the picnic with Allie.... as i got closer i heard her telling Allie she shouldn't be at the picnic because she doesn't have a mom!" I closed my eyes trying to fight back the anger once again "how could someone say that Buck!"

I could feel the anger vibrating through Bucky but he just pulled me into his arms, my arms wrapping around his waist.

"I think we should report her Bucky, she cant get away with saying these things to Allie!"

"I agree doll, this has to stop. I'll make an appointment to see the principal”

"I can come with you if you want? Tell him what I've heard her say..."

"Yeah okay, id like that"

"I should tell you now, i threatened to knock her on her ass.... i kinda lost my shit with her" i admitted and Bucky just chuckled dropping his head to my shoulder.

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[theplaid-wearingmoose]

Found You Again Part 2 ~Sirius Black x Reader~

Requested part 2 of “Found You Again”

Part 1

Your name: submit What is this?

In the days following Sirius’ arrival, Y/N had never felt so happy. Her and Sirius spent nearly every minute together. Of course, going outside meant that she had to pretend to be walking her new pet dog, but she and Sirius didn’t mind much at all. Y/N couldn’t help feeling a bit paranoid at first. She had awoken one morning to find Sirius not beside her in bed. She sat up groggily, looking around the bedroom. “Sirius?” She called out. She spotted his wand laying on the nightstand and dread filled her. “Sirius!” She called out again. Hearing no response, she leapt out of bed, throwing on her nightgown and hurtling down the stairs.

“Sirius?!” She screamed, frantically. She gasped loudly as he came around the corner, causing her to crash into his chest. He quickly grabbed her to steady her and she threw her arms around his neck, tears springing to her eyes. “Woah there, hey, calm down. I’m right here, love. What’s happened?” He asked, softly. He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face to meet her eyes. “What’s wrong, angel?” He questioned, his voice calm and deep. Y/N sniffled and tried to speak through the lump in her throat. “Y-you weren’t in bed..I w-woke up..y-you were g-gone. I thought....I thought s-something b-bad had happened to you again.” She sobbed. Sirius pulled her against his chest, gently shushing her. “I was just making breakfast, sweetheart. You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t want to wake you. I’m sorry for scaring you, angel.” His fingers brushed through her hair as he tried to calm her down. “Look at me, love. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.” He took Y/N’s face in his hands and kissed her softly. “I promise I’ll never leave you again.”

Since then Y/N was reluctant to leave Sirius alone while she went to work. Y/N had taken over the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley after working there for a few years and studying Magizoology quite extensively. She was tempted to bring Sirius with her and just have him stay in dog form the whole time but ultimately the two of them decided it might be too risky for Sirius to be surrounded by that many wizards with little escape if something happened. So he stayed home and tried to amuse himself as best he could.

The first couple days were spent re-exploring the house, enjoying the memories that came back to him as he walked through each room. He found Y/N’s Celestina Warbeck records in the study and found himself trying to learn the words to “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me”. Y/N giggled when she caught him humming it to himself one day. “I didn’t know you liked Celestina, darling.” She teased. Sirius huffed and looked away, slightly embarrassed. “I was just trying to find something to do.” Y/N grinned at him. “I’m only teasing you, Padfoot. I think it’s cute. Plus, that’s my favorite song so I’m glad you like it.” Sirius grinned and took her hands in his and pulled her to him, dancing as Celestina’s voice filled the room.

'Cause, you charmed the heart right out of me!

But I need a heart for loving thee

So give it back, together we

Can love till forever!

You may have not played fair

But, frankly, I don't care

'Cause without you I despair

Lost in misery!

Oh, babe, you charmed the heart right out of —

It's the one thing I've no doubt of

Babe, you charmed the heart right out of me!

Right out of me!

“That’s a nice thing you did for Moony, love.” Sirius said as they were getting ready for bed one night. “Well I just can’t stand to see him like this. He’s had a hard time of it since James and Lily....and then with you right after...” she trailed off, a lump forming in her throat. Sirius held her hand tight. “Hey..it’s alright, love.” Y/N looked at him, tears beginning to form in her eyes. “It’s just been so difficult for both of us, Sirius.” Sirius took her face in his hands, staring deeply into her eyes. “I know, darling. But I’m here now. I promised I wouldn’t ever leave you again, didn’t I?.” Y/N smiled and nodded, quickly wiping her eyes. “It’s a good thing I’ve got Moony to work there now. The girl that works there already is a bit dim. Never manages to make a sale by herself unless someone really needs something. Surprisingly she managed to sell a cat and some rat tonic in one day once. Not too long ago.” Sirius hummed as he laid back on the pillow. He was just about to close his eyes when there was a tapping noise on the window. He looked over and immediately jumped out of bed. “Hedwig!” He exclaimed. “What?” Y/N asked, confused. “Hedwig! This is Harry’s owl. She must have his reply to my letter about you.” Y/N sat up quickly as Sirius retrieved the letter from Hedwig, who nipped gently at Sirius’ finger.

Y/N giggled as Sirius twirled her around the room, singing along with the music. He dipped her as the song ended, bending down and kissing her softly. The two of them were interrupted by a knock at the door. Sirius quickly pulled Y/N up and crouched down, transforming into a large black dog. Y/N straightened up and answered the door. She was greeted by an exhausted looking Remus Lupin. “Moony!” She exclaimed. He gave her a tired smile and let her pull him into a hug. Sirius barked behind her and Remus looked at him. “Hello, old friend.” He greeted Sirius. Y/N stepped aside to let Remus in so Sirius could properly say hello. As soon as the door closed, Sirius stood back up, a human once again. The two friends embraced and Y/N offered Remus tea which he accepted gratefully.

They spent hours catching up,Sirius telling Remus of life on the run and Remus filling them in on his life since resigning from Hogwarts. Halfway through his story, Y/N gasped and clapped her hand on her forehead. “What’s the matter, love?” Sirius asked, concerned. “Remus, I can’t believe I never thought of this before! Why don’t you come work with me?? I own the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley and you’re so knowledgeable about magical creatures! I’ve only got one other person working for me and she only comes in every other day. If you like, you could just come in on the days she doesn’t work.” Sirius clapped Remus on the back. “That’s a great idea, Moony! You love that stuff!” Remus smiled at Y/N, his exhausted face showing gratitude. “That’d be wonderful, Y/N. Thank you.”

Y/N and Sirius persuaded Remus to stay for a few days until he had to leave the week his werewolf cycle began. Y/N assured him he could come into work when he felt up to it.

Sirius read through the letter quickly and gave Y/N an excited look. “He says he’d love to visit! And he can’t wait to meet you! Oh this is wonderful, love!” Y/N let out an excited gasp and jumped out of bed. “Oh Sirius, that’s wonderful! I can’t wait!”

~~~~

Harry was due to arrive any minute. He was going to be staying for Christmas and Remus had agreed to pick him up at King’s Cross. Y/N was nervously fidgeting about and couldn’t stop herself from adjusting things that didn’t even need adjusting. “Sweetheart, you’re making me dizzy with all your pacing.” Sirius commented, finding her panicking to be quite adorable. “But Sirius, what if he doesn’t like it here? What if he doesn’t like me? What if-” Sirius stood up and took her face in his hands. “He will love you, my darling. Stop worrying.” He assured her, smiling gently. Y/N took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right.” Sirius chuckled and shrugged. “I always am, love.” Y/N giggled as Sirius kissed her on the tip of her nose.

A knock on the door caused Y/N to jump slightly. “Oh! He’s here! Sirius, he’s here!” Y/N exclaimed. Sirius laughed and proceeded to the door. He glanced once through the peephole just to be sure, then pulled the door open to reveal Remus. “Hello, Moony. Thanks for picking up Harry.” “No trouble at all, my friend. Harry and I had a wonderful discussion about his Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons on the way here.” Remus moved inside, giving Y/N a warm smile. Y/N looked over at Sirius who had pulled Harry into a hug. Sirius released Harry and turned towards Y/N. “Harry I’d like to introduce you to your godmother. Y/N, Harry. Harry, Y/N.”

Y/N stood frozen as she took in the sight of her godson. He had been just over a year old since she had last seen him. So young, so small. Now here he was, the spitting image of James. “Oh Sirius....it’s like seeing James all over again.” Y/N said in a whisper. Harry smiled nervously. “Yeah I..get that a lot.” He replied, scratching the back of his head. Y/N smiled and tried to hold back tears. She moved closer to him, unsure if he would allow her to hug him. “Those are Lily’s eyes alright.” She breathed. Harry smiled and dropped his trunk on the ground, allowing Y/N to sweep him up in a near-crushing hug. Y/N couldn’t stop herself as tears flowed freely from her eyes. “Oh Harry, I’ve missed you so much. I know you don’t remember me but your mother was the best friend I ever had. I have so many stories to tell you and pictures I can show you!” She exclaimed, releasing him. “Oh, but first, let’s get you unpacked and I’m sure you’re hungry. Moony, thank you so much for bringing him.” Y/N swept over to Remus and pressed a teary kiss to his cheek. Remus laughed, his ears slightly red. “No problem at all, Y/N.” Sirius cleared his throat loudly. “Hey now, I’m right here.” Harry laughed as Y/N waved Sirius away.

After Harry was all squared away, the four of them settled down for dinner. The three adults regaled Harry with stories of his parents and their days at school. “Is that how you two got together?” Harry asked. Sirius reached for Y/N’s hand across the table and smiled at her. “We actually got together before James and Lily even thought of getting together.” “You mean before Lily thought about getting together with James.” Y/N corrected him, a sly smile on her face. “I can still hear her complaining about him. ‘Potter thinks he’s so cool, playing with that Snitch, pranking people, messing up his hair all the time’.” Remus and Sirius laughed loudly at that. “I’d forgotten he used to do that.” Remus remarked. “All the time. Especially when Lily was around” Sirius agreed. “Well Y/N and Lily were always together and she was always with you and you were always around James.” Remus said. Y/N grinned and winked at Harry as he laughed into his butterbeer. “Harry, I hear you like chocolate cake.” Y/N said. Harry’s eyes lit up as he nodded. Y/N grinned and flicked her wand. “I made this for you earlier.” The fridge door opened and a large chocolate cake floated out. “Consider it as a very late birthday cake.” Y/N joked.

After dinner and cake, Remus announced he had to leave as his moon cycle was due to start soon. Harry, Y/N, and Sirius stayed up for a long while looking through old photos Y/N had pulled out. There was a whole photo album for Harry, from when he was born to just after his first birthday. Y/N even had a letter from Lily thanking her and Sirius for Harry’s first broom. Harry laughed as he looked at the picture of himself as a baby, zooming by a tiny broomstick, a pair of legs chasing after him. “That’s James. Lily told me he fully expected you to land a spot on your house quidditch team. Which Dumbledore tells me you have. Seeker, Harry that’s amazing. And in your first year at Hogwarts too!” Harry’s ears turned pink as he blushed. “James and Lily would be so proud of you, Harry. Sirius and I are so proud of you too. I’m so glad you agreed to come here and meet me, Harry. And I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you this whole time. I promised Lily I’d take care of you if anything happened to her. She was like a sister to me.” Y/N said, beginning to tear up. “It’s okay, Aunt Y/N.” She gasped softly at Harry calling her “Aunt”. He must’ve noticed her surprise and pushed a photo towards her. It was of Y/N with him sitting on her lap, a giggling happy baby. The Y/N in the picture bounced baby Harry on her knee before lifting him up and turning him towards her to nuzzle his nose with hers, causing him to giggle more. There was a scribble on the back of it written in Lily’s handwriting. Harry with his Auntie Y/N.

Y/N smiled, tears in her eyes. She remembered that day so well. She pulled Harry to her in another crushing hug. “Hold on, how come I was never ‘Uncle Sirius’?” Sirius interrupted, pretending to be offended. Harry laughed as Y/N rolled her eyes. “Oh hush, Sirius. You were never ‘Uncle Sirius’ because Harry called you “Pa’foo”, remember? He’d heard James call you Padfoot and that’s all he could manage.” Y/N replied, laughing. Harry chuckled, wishing he could remember calling Sirius that. Sirius sighed and nodded, grinning. “Yes, I remember that now. Very adorable, Harry.”

Soon it was time for bed and after saying goodnight to Harry, Y/N and Sirius proceeded to their bedroom. As they got ready for bed, Sirius looked across the room at Y/N. “Y/N, sweetheart. I want to ask you something.” Y/N turned to him. “What is it. my love?” She questioned. Sirius hesitated. “Do you think...you’d want to be a mother?” Y/N was taken aback by his question. “I...don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it in a long time. I knew I didn’t want to be with anyone else after you. You always held my heart, Sirius, and with you in Azkaban I guess it wasn’t something I wanted to dwell on. Before everything happened I figured we were going to get married and go from there.” Sirius looked at her, a bit taken aback as well. He knew he had always wanted to marry her but a little insecure part of him told him that she would reject him if he proposed. “You..you wanted to marry me?” Y/N smiled warmly. “Of course, Sirius. I still do. I love you.” Sirius’ face lit up and he rushed towards Y/N, pulling her into a kiss. “Then let’s do it!” He exclaimed. Y/N giggled. “What??” Sirius kissed her again. “Marry me, Y/N.” He murmured against her lips.

Y/N almost began to cry again as Sirius pulled away and got on his knees in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Y/N? Will you marry me?” Y/N nodded and embraced Sirius, kissing him. Overjoyed, Sirius lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed. He began to press kisses all over her face and neck. Y/N playfully smacked his chest. “Sirius, Harry’s here, remember?” Sirius sat up, grinning smugly. “Oh right.” He quickly pointed his wand at the door. “Muffliato.” He muttered. Y/N rolled her eyes, grinning. “You’re terrible.” She sighed. Sirius turned back to her, pulling his shirt over his head. “And you look lovely right now. The future Mrs. Black.” He said, lowering his head to her neck once more.

~~~~

As Y/N drifted off to sleep, Sirius snoring softly beside her, she imagined what their wedding would look like. She also thought about what Sirius had asked her. “Do you think you’d want to be a mother?” As she thought about it, she turned her head to look at the man she loved. “We’ll see, my darling...we’ll see.”

[goingoverthegardenwall]

Chapter 8: Babes in the Wood

In this last hurrah of explicit homages to animation of the past, the most obvious discussion point is Merrie Melodies and its ilk: Babes in the Wood is essentially a full-episode reference to the bouncing musical shorts of yore, where everything can sing’n’dance and the villain is a blustery bozo who’s defeated with a sight gag. If we expand to children’s entertainment in general, as we did with Greg’s Beatrix Potter episode, then The Wizard of Oz is our logical next step: the song welcoming him to Cloud City owes everything to Dorothy’s introduction to Munchkinland, complete with the fact that our hero has just entered a dream.

And look, there’s nothing wrong with talking about the obvious. But as we near the end, I think it’s a little more interesting to instead explore the very beginning. So let’s go back to a newspaper cartoonist in New York—the one who inspired fellow New York newspaper cartoonist John Randolph Bray to become an animator, which in turn led fellow New York newspaper cartoonist Max Fleischer to become an animator, because it turns out that just like the birth of superhero comics a few decades later, the birth of American animation hinged on print artists who dreamed big in the city that never sleeps. 

A boy named Zenas was born in Michigan on September 26, 1871. Or maybe he was born there in 1869. Or maybe he was born in Canada in 1867. He said one thing, and a biographer said another, and census data says another, and I wasn’t there. It’s similarly unclear when or why he started going by his middle name, but by the time he took his first job at age 21 (or 19 or 17) as a billboard and poster artist in Chicago, he was calling himself Winsor McCay. They sure did know how to name ‘em in the 19th century.

McCay began his newspaper career as a freelancer, but moved to New York in 1903 to work for the New York Herald, where he wrote a variety of comics before hitting it big with Little Sammy Sneeze. McCay’s art was always brilliant, but his gag work was formulaic to a fault: the joke for Sammy Sneeze was always the same, he would sneeze and ruin everything right before the last panel. That devotion to formula would continue in his second big comic Dream of the Rarebit Fiend, where a fantastical events would occur for ever-changing characters before the lead woke up in the last panel, revealing it was a dream.

That second formula was the basis of McCay’s masterpiece. Already a successful cartoonist in the two short years since he’d moved to New York, his fame skyrocketed with Little Nemo in Slumberland, which used the same “wake up at the end” formula but with recurring characters and a running story. He toyed with the medium like none had before, playing with panel arrangement and innovating the portrayal of motion in comics, and his art skills only improved with this full-color strip. His success led to the vaudeville circuit, where he turned the act of drawing into a performance, and this combination of stage entertainment and his continuing comic work led him to seek new ways to dazzle the crowds.

By 1910, the earliest animated shorts had already started to emerge, and McCay was inspired by pioneers like James Stuart Blackton and Émile Cohl to try animating the characters of Little Nemo. Under Blackton’s direction, McCay singlehandedly drew around four thousand fully colored frames to produce his first animated cartoon, presented at the tail end of a filmed short about said cartoon in 1911. As mentioned, animated shorts were already a thing. But none of them looked anything like this. (If you’re concerned that there might be racist caricatures in it, don’t worry, there definitely are, McCay had a lot of strengths but overcoming garbage prejudices was not one of them).

The sheer quality of his work, continuing with the legendary Gertie the Dinosaur, directly led to the invention of the rotoscope as a means to mass-produce cartoons of similar finesse. The influence of Winsor McCay over animation as we know it is hard to overstate (and let’s stress again that this was his side gig, and he was just as influential over comic art): as crazy as it sounds, it’s safe to say that Over the Garden Wall would not exist if not for a story about the whimsical adventures of a little boy who traveled across a land of dreams from his bed. 

“Where’s Greg, Wirt?”

Babes in the Wood is delightful and goofy and lighthearted exactly once.

In the same way our fourth-to-last episode mirrored our fourth, this third-to-last episode mirrors our third: Chapters 4 and 7 focus on Wirt, but 3 and 8 are Greg’s. It’s not simply a matter of who the main character is, but what these episodes are about: Greg’s love of fun clashing with his drive to help others. Both times he's spurred by the desire to help others to go off on his own, both times he gets distracted by whimsical wonders involving funny animals and physical humor, and both times he ends up deciding to help out anyway. But despite switching his goal from making the whole world a better place to just helping his brother, the stakes are actually far higher now, so the fun has to be that much more fun if we want the full horror of the ending to sink in.

There’s no tonal shift in the series that’s more devastating than Greg falling prey to the Beast after nearly ten minutes of goofiness in Cloud City. It turns a moment of welcome relief from the growing tension of Wirt’s despair into a dagger in the heart, and the knife is twisted when we learn in our next episode what the Unknown truly is.

That despair is evident well before Wirt explicitly gives up. We get our second opening in a row featuring Beatrice in a hopeless search, and things aren’t much better for the boys. All sense of progression from the first episode feels lost, with Wirt reverting to mumbling poetry and Greg reverting to Rock Facts. Their boat is an outhouse and Greg uses a guitar as an oar, because (if you’ll pardon my French) they’re up shit creek without a paddle. When they land, Greg’s victorious bugle is a ridiculous sign of hope, but he soon drops it in the same way he abandons the guitar: in Schooltown Follies he takes instruments to help others, but this time he loses them.

Wirt’s frustration with Greg threatened to boil over in The Ringing of the Bell, only to be cooled when the Woodsman interrupts them. This time there’s no such interruption, so after Greg’s total failure to read the room gets to be too much, his brother finally snaps. It crucially isn’t entirely unjustified, as Greg’s antics might be funny to us but have not been appreciated by Wirt, and despite Greg’s age excusing his lack of emotional intelligence, it’s still gotta be frustrating for a teen to deal with that behavior nonstop. And Wirt’s “tirade” reflects his depression, because he doesn’t even seem that angry: he doesn’t shout or rave, he’s just openly irritated as he argues that they’ll be lost forever. This is apathy and fatigue, because he’s lost the energy to be furious.

But the most chilling part of the exchange isn’t Wirt cruelly blaming Greg for their mess, or abandoning their search. It’s when, after Wirt asks if they can give up, Greg responds with a chipper “You can do anything if you set your mind to it!”, a sentiment that the Beast will fiendishly repeat verbatim while tricking Greg. It’s such a generic positive expression that Greg hangs a lampshade on it, but it shows the darker side of the power our minds have over our well-being. Sure, it’s a great lesson that focus and dedication can help us achieve our dreams, but if we use that focus and dedication towards self-destructive behavior, there’s no limit to how badly we can hurt ourselves. 

After a goofy sort of prayer (incorporating lines from the classic Trick or Treat poem, which will become super relevant an episode from now), Greg is whisked away by so-creepy-it’s-funny cherubim to the score of a so-overwrought-it’s-funny song. His flight aboard the bed/cart pulled by a donkey across the sky feels legitimately magical, but we soon switch to the surreal world of 1930′s songs and physics.

Cloud City is such a stark contrast to the tone of the episode so far that it instantly feels delightful, and such a stark contrast to the tone of the entire series that it lends a special sort of wonder to Greg’s dreamland. References to old cartoons are everywhere in Over the Garden Wall, and before we delve into the tension of our last two episodes, we get one last gigantic celebration of the past with a sequence straight from the golden age of animation. 

The transition alone is enough to make this scene hilarious, but the actual jokes help quite a bit: Greg’s growing impatience with the numerous Wizard of Oz reception committees is my favorite gag of the night. Everything is cute to the point of being cloying, including our three angels that look and sound an awful lot like Greg, and the parade that he leads seems like such a fun and peaceful affair after so much time wandering alone. It’s easy to get as roped into it as Greg when we first watch it. But considering the events of our next episode, the scene destroys me every time I rewatch it, because there’s a very specific place Greg is being welcomed to.

Babes in the Wood gets a lot less cute when it becomes clear that it’s a welcoming committee for a dying child. Greg and Wirt are drowning, and this is the episode where the shock wears off and the cold sets in and the younger and weaker of the two looks into a bright light. Greg’s near-death experience is hammered in when we get to The Unknown, but for now it’s being rationalized in a way that brings him comfort.

The cold is Greg’s enemy, and the same childish tone is used to show that he’s willing to fight for his life: thus, the North Wind segment is ironically more hopeful to me than the parade’s warm welcome of death. This third song sounds enough like a Randy Newman number that I’m honestly still convinced it’s an uncredited Randy Newman performance, and it jolts us back to reality for a moment as we see the effect this bitter wind has on our babes in the woods. The boys are starting to freeze, and we again see Beatrice searching for them, getting so close before an owl that looks remarkably like the one we saw in our first episode scares her off. The episode doesn’t want to lose us completely to the sky, and this grounding helps keep the stakes clear as we complete Greg’s dream.

The Popeye-esque battle between Greg and Ol’ Windbag is a hoot, between the latter’s grumbling anger and the former rolling up his sleeve to get back into the brawl. Its conclusion is hidden from us, so we have no idea how Greg gets him in a bottle, but that fits right in with the weird logic of this throwback and allows us to meet the Queen of the Clouds.

I ought to bring up the theory that everything we see here is an illusion created by the Beast, even though I don’t really subscribe to it myself. The most obvious “hint” is that this sequence directly leads to Greg deciding to join the Beast with an off-screen promise, but we also have the old man in the welcoming march wearing an outfit just like Wirt’s and holding a lantern, perhaps a reference to the Beast’s intended fate for Greg’s brother. Plus there’s lines in the songs that seem like they’re luring Greg in, especially the assurance that the wonders of Cloud City “ain’t gonna lie,” which sounds a lot like what a liar would say. Both the Queen of the Clouds and the Beast pointedly call him Gregory instead of Greg, but so does Old Lady Mrs. Daniels (and Wirt when introducing him in Songs of the Dark Lantern). 

While it’s a neat enough idea, I think the Queen of Clouds is pretty clearly on Greg’s side for real: she seems upset at his fate in a way that doesn’t make much sense for an ally of the Beast. I also think it’s more meaningful for Greg to truly have the choice between happiness and responsibility, between the possible peace of rest and the definite struggle of life, and for him to choose the latter right as his brother is giving in. But I’ve got no beef with folks whose interpretation of the show is enhanced by this theory, so believe what you want to believe about this ambiguous situation.

Either way, we cut back to Wirt instead of Greg when the dream ends, and he’s still annoyed as he’s trying to sleep. Greg’s strange new seriousness is already cause for concern, and asking Wirt to take care of the frog is even more alarming, but even that doesn’t compare the horror of realizing where he’s actually going. Or rather, with whom.

This is another reason why I think the Queen is an ally: while it’s obviously dangerous for Greg to go with the Beast, that’s what it takes for Wirt to snap out of his funk. It’s a hell of a gambit, but as soon as he starts to awaken, he’s immediately concerned for Greg’s safety despite whatever anger or resentment he had, sparing no time or thought to the branches creeping over him as he runs after his brother. 

The quiet distortion as we follow his frantic search is soon met by the Beast’s song, but even as he blames himself for Greg’s plight, Wirt is no longer content to wallow in despair. Because it turns out that these brothers are more similar than they seem, and neither is truly capable of letting the other suffer. In the folk tale for which this episode is named, two children abandoned in the woods eventually die and are covered in leaves by small birds (with some versions seeing them enter heaven), but as we’ll see in our next episode, this isn’t a folk tale.

The thrumming noise intensifies as Wirt slips on the ice, then we add visual distortion as he plummets into the freezing water. He’s saved, but this isn’t water that sees him reborn: the distortion finally breaks as Beatrice asks the episode’s terrible question, and we’re left in the cold.

Every even-numbered episode of Over the Garden Wall, perhaps by virtue of airing twice per night, ends in a mood-setting cliffhanger that grows tenser and tenser with every iteration (or at least it does until the end). First we got a leaf symbolically caught in a fence, then the Beast’s introduction, then the fallout of Adelaide, and now the capture of Greg. Getting trapped has always been a threat for these roving heroes, but the greatest threat of all, that of Wirt trapping himself, has been handled. Things look bleaker than they ever have, but despite the glee of Greg’s dream contrasting with the harshness of reality, Wirt’s ability to climb out of the pit of despair keeps hope alive: even in absence, Greg’s influence looms large.

Rock Factsheet

Dinosaurs had big ears, but everyone forgot because dinosaur ears don’t have bones.

Where have we come, and where shall we end?

Most of these were mentioned in the main analysis, but it’s great that we hear Wirt’s description of Into the Unknown right before the episode itself shows us what happened.

[wipbigbang]

Art Claims Round 4

Fourth and last round of story claims are up. At the time of this posting, 47 stories are left. These are all really fantastic stories that deserve an awesome artist. Please look into your hearts and see if you want to claim any of these. Also, PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS. Bribe them with smiles and candy. I've just checked with my lawyer and it's perfectly acceptable to grab your artist friends and stuff them in a sack and bring them over here*. *Actually, my lawyer's words were more like "Don't do that." This year, art claims are working a little differently than in years past. We are using a google form to streamline things, which should make things easier both for you as participants and us mods. To claim a story, the form requires email, check in ID, and the identifying number of your first choice of story. Putting your top three choices is best in case your first or second has already been chosen. Your check in ID should be different from any fic you signed up for or any previous art claim. Please be sure you've read the FAQ before claiming.

Click here to claim a story.

Stories are listed by fandom in alphabetical order and then by the story name, with a number identifying that story (for our records).

Stories are first come, first serve

. I'll update this post as stories are claimed. Official posting dates begin on July 27th. Once all stories are claimed and all artists/authors have been notified, I will put up a sign-up sheet so authors and artists can choose their posting dates.

Authors, if something is wrong with the info for your stories, please let me know ASAP here or via email at wipbigbang@gmail.com.

See all fandoms in a google doc.

BBC Sherlock #6 Story Title: ...And All The Men And Women Merely Players Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade, Mary Morstan/John Watson, Eurus Holmes/Jim Moriarty; Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Molly Hooper, Greg Lestrade, John Watson, Mary Morstan, Anthea, Janine, Eurus Holmes, Jim Moriarty, Original Child Character(s), Mummy Holmes, Siger Holmes Rating: Mature | M Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: Mycroft Holmes is not-so-subtly trying to make sure there's a reconciliation between his youngest sibling Sherlock and his ex-wife, Molly Hooper, by forcing them to work together on a theatre project. But it isn't all smooth sailing when his and Sherlock's sister comes back from the States with a boyfriend who is the devil incarnate...and all hell is about to break loose. #7 Story Title: A Boon For You, A Boon For Me Pairings, Characters: Mycroft Holmes/Molly Hooper; Molly Hooper, Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, Eurus Holmes, James Moriarty, Siger Holmes, Mummy Holmes Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: When Molly saves the life of a fairy prince, she’s given the chance to ask for whatever her heart most desires, and since what she wants to do most is help others, she’s given the ability to grant boons by the prince’s eldest brother. Little does she imagine such a simple and generous wish will change her life forever... #8 Story Title: A Merry Christmas After All Pairings, Characters: Mycroft Holmes/Sally Donovan; Sally Donovan, Mycroft Holmes, Anthea, brief appearance by Sherlock Holmes and Molly Hooper Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: Sally and Mycroft make an arrangement to have a pretend relationship together, culminating in a spectacular break-up at a destination wedding in Hawaii. But what they intend to have happen doesn't go according to plan when pesky feelings decide to get involved. #12 Story Title: Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, Mycroft Holmes/Anthea, Mr. & Mrs. Holmes, OC pairings; Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, Mycroft HOlmes, Anthea, Mummy HOlmes, Siger Holmes, OC Holmes Brother, assorted OFCs and OMCs Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: It all begins with an invitation to Mycroft's wedding to his PA and seven days at a resort in Jamaica, with the assumption that Molly pretends to be his girlfriend that his mother might be under the impression that he's going to propose to sooner rather than later. It ends up being so much more than that... #13 Story Title: Ever Changing, Ever Growing Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, background Mycroft Holmes/OC and John Watson/Mary Morstan Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Major Character Death Summary: They make the arrangement to present what society wants from them to the world as husband and wife, but childhood friends Sherlock Holmes and Margaret Hooper agree that their lives are their own. But with the death of Sherlock's brother and an unexpected scandal, their marriage of convenience is shaken. Will their friendship remain intact as their marriage falls apart, or will they decide that it is in their best interest to make this a true marriage between partners instead? #19 Story Title: Neither Living Dead Nor Fully Living Pairings, Characters: Sebastian Moran/Molly Hooper, past Sebastian Moran/James Moriarty and James Moriarty/Molly Hooper; Sebastian Moran, Molly Hooper, Sherlock Holmes, OCs Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Major Character Death, Character death is temporary, as character is turned into a vampire Summary: When Sebastian Moran inherits a building, a business and a servant from James Moriarty, he tries to live as normal a life as he can. But when Molly Hooper does the unthinkable and falls in love with him, he finds himself fighting a battle he'd never imagined he'd be in. #21 Story Title: Nothing's Changed That Matters Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, past Mycroft Holmes/Anthea; Sherlock Holmes. Molly Hooper, John Watson, Eurus Holmes, Greg Lestrade Rating: Teen | T Warnings: Major Character Death Summary: When Sherlock comes to Molly in Oxford ten years after their divorce with a favour to ask, she agrees to help. While a lot has changed some things remain very much the same...including the love that Sherlock and Molly once shared. #22 Story Title: Old Books & New Flames Pairings, Characters: Sebastian Moran/Molly Hooper, Greg Lestrade/Sally Donovan, John Watson/Mary Morstan; Molly Hooper, Sebastian Moran, Mary Morstan, Sally Donovan, Greg Lestrade, John Watson, Jim Moriarty Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: When Sebastian Moran asks local bookstore owner Molly Hooper for a job, all he wants is a second chance to live the life he should have been living before prison. What Molly gets is more than a loyal employee and good friend. What she ends up with is what she had always wanted her entire life: happiness. #24 Story Title: Rectifying Past Mistakes Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Mary Morstan; Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Anthea, Mary Morstan, John Watson, Mrs. Hudson, Molly Hooper, Greg Lestrade, Sebastian Moran Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: When Mycroft gets Sherlock out of Serbia, he drops a bombshell on him he isn't quite prepared for: after years of being gone out of his life, Sherlock's ex-wife Elizabeth has reappeared, under the name Mary Morstan. While he was off taking care of Moriarty's mess she was protecting those he cared about and helping his brother, for reasons, he finds, that she is keeping close to the vest. But when they're forced to stay in close quarters at Baker Street both secrets and old wounds come to light and, perhaps, things might turn out for the best after all. #25 Story Title: The Babe On The Doorstep Pairings, Characters: Mycroft Holmes/Anthea; Mycroft Holmes, Anthea, Greg Lestrade, OCs Rating: General | G Warnings: Child Abandonment Summary: One morning an infant is left on Mycroft’s doorstep with a note, signed by a woman named Laura. As Mycroft tries to find out who would entrust a child into his care he slowly opens his heart to the infant and lets the other people in his life that he’s kept at arms length in more, bit by bit. #28 Story Title: The Head Knows What The Heart Wants Pairings, Characters: Sebastian Moran/Molly Hooper, background John Watson/Mary Morstan; Sebastian Moran, Molly Hooper, Sherlock Holmes, Mary Morstan, Mycroft Holmes, Eurus Holmes, OCs Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Mild violence Summary: After the revelation that there had been some plotting between Moriarty and Eurus before his death, Sebastian Moran had decided to do whatever it took to keep Molly safe...even if that meant ruining whatever the results of his ex-lover's collusion with the Holmes sister were. But after enough time had gone by, things changed, and that was when Eurus decided to strike. That was when Sebastian couldn't deny the truth any longer: Molly Hooper had become the most important person in his life...and he would do whatever it took to make sure she was safe. #29 Story Title: The Pesky Virginity Issue Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, John Watson/Mary Morstan, past Tom/Molly Hooper; Molly Hooper, Mary Morstan, John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Tom, OCs Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: After Molly's engagement ends she decides she wants to rid herself of her virginity since that was a major cause of the dissolution of her relationship with her ex. When her friend Mary suggests she knows the perfect person, things don't go quite according to any sort of plan she may have had in her head...but it has a pleasantly surprising result nonetheless. #30 Story Title: To Live Again Pairings, Characters: Pre-Mycroft Holmes/Mary Morstan, background Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, past John Watson/Mary Morstan;Mary Morstan, Mycroft Holmes, Molly Hooper Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: After the events at the aquarium which leaves most of the world thinking Mary Watson is dead, Mary deals with conflicting feelings and moving on in the wake of knowing her marriage is, for all intents and purposes, over. #31 Story Title: What Could Have Been, What Will Be In Its Stead Pairings, Characters: Mycroft Holmes/Molly Hooper, past Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, mentioned Anthea/Kate and Mr & Mrs. Holmes; Mycroft Holmes, Molly Hooper, Siger Holmes, Mummy Holmes, Greg Lestrade, Anthea, OCs Rating: Teen | T Warnings: Major Character Death Summary: When Sherlock dies, he leaves behind a woman he planned to marry and a child he did not know about. Mycroft is determined to take care of them both in his brother's stead, but nothing is ever as easy as one plans. That is the true Holmes legacy. BBC Sherlock/Doctor Who #32 Story Title: The Detective And The Hound Pairings, Characters: Sherlock Holmes/Amy Pond, background John Watson/Lorna Bucket; Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Amy Pond, Henry Knight; other Sherlock characters in"The Hounds of Baskerville" Rating: Teen | T Warnings: Unconcensual drug use Summary: Sherlock and John get given a case from Henry Knight, who believes his father was killed years prior by a hound in the moors. But what starts as a much needed break from the tedium that Sherlock is experiencing turns into a case that has him questioning many things and feeling something he has not felt in a long time: the type of fear that leaves you with a chill in your bones. BBC Sherlock/Marvel Cinematic Universe #34 Story Title: A Potential Loophole To Exploit Pairings, Characters: Thor Odinson/Jane Foster, Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, implied Loki Laufeyson/Darcy Lewis, Phil Coulson/Melinda May, Antoine Triplett/Daisy Johnson, Jemma Simmons/Leo Fitz and Clint Barton/Natasha Romanoff; Thor Odinson, Loki Laufeyson, Frigga, Phil Coulson, Molly Hooper, Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Tony Stark, Clint Barton, Jane Foster, Melinda May, Jemma Simmons, Leo Fitz, Antoine Triplett, Daisy Johnson, Darcy Lewis, Sif, Heimdall, OCs Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: After Thor and Loki leave a meeting with their mother, they start to talk about what can be done to stave off the foretold arrival of their sister, Hela, and begin to make plans. BBC Sherlock/Midsomer Murders #37 Story Title: Every English Village Has Its Secrets Pairings, Characters: Past/Unrequited Mycroft Holmes/Gregory Lestrade, Tom Barnaby/Joyce Barnaby, Sally Donovan/OMC; Greg Lestrade, Sally Donovan, Mycroft Holmes, Tom Barnaby, Gavin Troy, OCs Rating: Teen | T Warnings: Summary: When Greg and Sally get called to Midsomer County for a case, right from the start Greg knows it will be a headache when Mycroft offers him lodging (so long as he's alright with his former lover being his housemate for his time there), and it doesn't get much better when he meets DCI Tom Barnaby and immediately their Detective Sergeants take an instant dislike to each other when Sally arrives the next evening. And that isn't even getting into the actual case itself and all the secrets hidden in the village of Elverton-cum-Latterley... Black Sails #39 Story Title: a tide of hope Pairings, Characters: Abigail Ashe/Billy Bones Rating: Mature | M Warnings: mild violence Summary: "My point being, unless my crew decides that they don’t want to give me up for dead, and if what you say is true and no one will come looking for you, then we are very much stranded on this island.” Abigail Ashe awakens to find herself shipwrecked on an island. However, she is not alone. Abigail Ashe/Billy Bones, post season 3. Boku No Hero Academia/Star Vs the Forces of Evil #40 Story Title: Princess' guide (title may be subject to change) Pairings, Characters: Star Butterfly/Tenya Iida Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: A Sequel to 'An Earthling's Guide to Dealing with Mewberty' Star was serious when she offered to take Iida on a multidimensional adventure as a thank you for helping her get through Mewberty, and after hearing about the Hero Killer's capture, and Iida's own encounter with Stain, Star is more sure than anything else, that her friend could use some uncomplicated fun. Code Geass #43 Story Title: World Enough and Time Pairings, Characters: Suzaku/Lelouch and Gino/Kallen (both minor) Rating: Teen | T Warnings: Graphic Violence Summary: Six months after Ragnarok, all Kallen wants to do is protect the people she loves, even if it means betraying everything in her heart to serve a Britannian prince. Suzaku wants to reverse a mistake he made but would never take back. Euphemia is willing to risk everything of herself in order to be a better person and find a cure. And Lelouch... Lelouch wants to make the world safe for his little sister, even if it means destroying everything in his path. (The AU where the royal family controls the elements through music instead of Geass, and the Ragnarok Connection united the living and dead... by bringing back the dead.) Critical Role Campaign One/Dragon Age Origins (Awakening) #44 Story Title: TBA Pairings, Characters: Vax'ildan/Keyleth; Vax'ildan, Percy, Vex'alia, Scanlan, Keyleth, M!Mahariel, probably others from both canons, Grey Wardens from Awakening Rating: No Rating Warnings: Chooses not to use Warnings Summary: Merging of the two canons, but mainly in the Dragon Age setting with some Critical Role characters. Vox Machina finds the ancient thaig containing the tomb of the Raven Queen's champion, but in the process Vax'ildan is infected with the Blight. Only Loral Mahariel, hero of Ferelden, can save Vax's life -- but will he be willing to pay the price? Crossing Lines/Grey's Anatomy/Hawaii Five-0/Marvel Cinematic Universe/The Sentinel/S.W.A.T. #45 Story Title: This is our sanctuary Pairings, Characters: Steve Rogers/Bucky Barnes/Tony Stark, Clint Barton/James Street, Natasha Romanov/Sam Wilson, Ellie Defont-Bogard/Sebastian Berger Rating: Mature | M Warnings: Graphic Violence Summary: Clint Barton and Jim Street have been together for about a month as Guide and Sentinel when Jimmy's mom is released from prison. Clint wants Jimmy to have nothing to do with his emotionally abusive, Hydra mother. But Jimmy feels he owes Karen Street too much to abandon her, and Clint loves Jimmy too much to break his Sentinel's heart. So despite Clint's misgivings, they go to Los Angeles to visit her. The idea is to spend a couple hours with Karen and then hopefully never see her again. But what not even Jimmy realizes is how much Karen hates Clint for being Jimmy's Guide instead of her. Or how far she'll go to get her son back. Because Karen Street will do anything to get her son back. The problem is, Clint and Jimmy might not survive it. CSI: NY/Law & Order #47 Story Title: Theraputic Pairings, Characters: Eventual Danny Messer/Lindsay Monroe; Danny Messer, Mac Taylor, Emil Skoda, Don Flack Jr., Lindsay Monroe, Lennie Briscoe Rating: Teen | T Warnings: Major Character Death, Character deaths are in the past, but they were characters from CSI: NY Danny knew Summary: In Danny's eyes, the hits just keep on coming...though this particular hit may turn out all right in the end. DC Extended Universe #49 Story Title: Pairings, Characters: Dick Grayson Rating: Mature | M Warnings: Graphic Violence Summary: After Superman dies, Dick Grayson reconnects with his father Doctor Who/St. Trinian's #51 Story Title: Adventures In Unexpected Places Pairings, Characters: Rory Williams/Amy Pond; Amy Pond, Camilla Fritton, Kelly Jones, Eleventh Doctor, Rory Williams, Mels Zucker Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: After being sent to the worst school in the whole of England, Amy meets up with the man whose fault it is that she’s there, and things go vastly more differently than anyone expected. Football RPF #54 Story Title: It's A Long Way Up When You Hit the Ground Pairings, Characters: Christian Eriksen/Vincent Janssen Rating: Mature | M Warnings: No Warnings Apply Summary: Vincent's future is still uncertain, but rather than dwell on it, all he wants to do is welcome Christian home from the World Cup and find a few moments of bliss in each other's company before the world comes along and sweeps them away again. Christian, however, isn't making things at all easy, and Vincent starts wondering if maybe he has other ideas. A story about moving in, uncertainty, finding true friendships, and questioning everything about your past, present, and future. Gilmore Girls #55 Story Title: The Thing He Carried Pairings, Characters: Rory Gilmore/Jess Mariano and Luke Danes/Lorelai Gilmore Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply, Minor violence Summary: This story is based on a post on Tumblr pertaining to what if Jess did not go to California. It is also based on 'The Things That He Carried' by Tim O'Brien, who also wrote an episode of 'This Is Us'. It's about growth and acceptance. it's about love and relationships. It's about rising above adversity. Hannibal #59 Story Title: The Art of Her Mind Pairings, Characters: Hannibal Lecter/Will Graham, Aralie/Travis Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Graphic Violence, Depiction of drug use Summary: A young girl was accused of murdering her entire family, but one clever psychologist got her to serve a five year sentence at a mental institution. The day she is released from the hospital, Aralie has to adjust to life beyond her past. Aralie finds that when her anxiety becomes to much she occupies her mind with sketching the world around her and losing herself in ballet. Harry Potter #61 Story Title: Lionhearted Girl Pairings, Characters: Regulus Black/Severus Snape (minor), no other pairings at this time, but future Female!Harry Potter/Neville Longbottom Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply, Forced Amnesia Summary: Roswitha Artemis Black had gone from orphan to heiress to daughter in remarkably short time frame, like a dream come true. Now starting her first year of Hogwarts, she faces challenges she is certain regular first years don't have to deal with -- like the castle talking to her and demanding she find and evict an artifact deep beneath the stone floors. Or how whispers of another girl, nameed Heather Potter, stir some strange dream within her. #62 Story Title: Pairings, Characters: OMC/Pansy Parkinson, Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy Rating: Warnings: Summary: Evan Potter grew up knowing two things were true: that he was the Boy Who Lived, and that because of that, it wasn't safe for his squib brother Harry to live in the magical world. He'd be an easy target for any angry Death Eater who wanted revenge. No matter how badly he wants to be an ordinary kid with an ordinary brother, his life is never going to work that way. Then it turns out that Harry isn't a squib after all. And when Evan follows him into Slytherin to protect him... well, maybe his life isn't as set in stone as he'd always thought it would be. Hetalia #63 Story Title: From Spacious Skies, To Perilous Fight Pairings, Characters: America (Hetalia); Canada (Hetalia); Germany (Hetalia); North Italy (Hetalia); England (Hetalia); France (Hetalia); Molossia (Hetalia); Additional micronations Rating: Mature | M Warnings: Graphic Violence, Invasive Medical Procedures Summary: America’s explosive appearance on the national stage sent ripples of shock throughout the world. As he grapples to find his place as the Personification of the United State of America, dark forces begin to stir once more. Sequel to"In Need of Representation". James Bond #65 Story Title: My Partner the Car Pairings, Characters: James Bond/Alec Trevelyan/Q Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply, Canon-Typical Violence Summary: James Bond's partner, Alec Trevelyan, recently died. When he goes to pick up Alec's old car, he discovers there's more to the Jaguar than he realized, and that Alec wasn't as dead as everyone thought. With the assistance of MI6's Quartermaster, James has to find Alec's body, and somehow return Alec's spirit to his body. It might be an impossible task for some, but not for MI6's best Double O's. Law & Order #66 Story Title: a moment of transition Pairings, Characters: Mike Logan/Elizabeth Olivet; Mike Logan (Chris Noth), Elizabeth Olivet (Carolyn McCormick), Caroline Olivet (I'm picturing Madeline Zima), Lucas de Motigny (OC, I'm picturing Tom Sturridge) Rating: Mature | M Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: Caroline Olivet starts her first semester at Yale. Les Miserables #67 Story Title: We’ll take a cup of kindness, yet Pairings, Characters: Minor/Background relationships. Grantaire, Enjolras, Courfeyrac, Combeferre, Joly, Musichetta, Bossuet, Bahorel, Bahorel’s laughing mistress, Feuilly, Jean"Jehan"Pouvoir, Eponine Thenardier, Marius Pontmercy; Cosette; Gavroche Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply, Alcohol, mentions of marijuana, Summary: They’re having some sort of winter holiday… thing. She’s never quite sure what to call these gatherings. They're not religious, and they’re not meetings; they have regular meetings and this is not one. But, it’s not quite a party, either. It could be if they decided on a theme or reason, beyond"its cold and we’re all busy and everyone else is getting together, so let’s eat food and enjoy each other."So, it’s a thing. That works right? They’re having a December Thing. In which R discovers Enjolras can cook, Cosette tricks Gavroche into eating vegetables, Bossuet both forgets and wins at White Elephant, and having close friends is just generally awesome. Marvel Cinematic Universe #71 Story Title: till human voices wake us Pairings, Characters: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Clint Barton, James"Bucky"Barnes, James"Rhodey"Rhodes, Rating: Mature | M Warnings: Chooses not to use Warnings Summary: Tony is called out on a rescue mission. Things deteriorate from there. [post-Civil War sort-of fix-it reconciliation fic, de-aging (kid!Steve), action/adventure, ensemble, eventual Steve/Tony] #73 Story Title: Whoops, I slipped Pairings, Characters: Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, and the rest of the Avengers in more of a supporting role Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: There's an explosion in the labs and Tony Stark finds himself in the body of a 3 or 4 year old. Unfortunately, his adult brain is calibrated for an adult body and all of the connections are scrambled, so he's in a bit a pickle. It's hard to let your teammates know that you're capable of rational thought when you can't even figure out how to operate the controls that enable you to walk and talk. Once Upon A Time #77 Story Title: The Stowaways Pairings, Characters: Ruby/Belle, Killian/Emma Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: On a much needed vacation, Emma and Killian find that they are not alone on the Jolly Roger. Original Works #78 Story Title: Taking Over Pairings, Characters: Original Male Character/Orc, Original Male Character/Original Male Character Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Graphic Violence, Major Character Death, Chooses not to use Warnings, Past abusive relationship, PWP that grew plot, Summary: The King is dead, long live the King... As king's consort, Teyrin had never expected any strife. Then the orcs attacked. Now Teyrin has found himself torn between two world: rebellion against the new King of Athary is brewing in Neith. However, stuck at the castle, Teyrin finds himself falling in love not just with the Orckish culture, but with their king as well. As the consequences get more dire, Teyrin finds the stakes increasing. It's no longer just his life that hangs in the balance. Peaky Blinders #80 Story Title: A Battle Joined Pairings, Characters: Esme Shelby/Tommy Shelby Rating: No Rating Warnings: Chooses not to use Warnings Summary: "Your wife is gone, Tommy. Does it matter how?" A sprawling tale of family and deceit, love and regret, anchored by Esme and Tommy's complicated arranged marriage. Primeval (BBC) #81 Story Title: untitled role reversal fic Pairings, Characters: Nick/Stephen, Ensemble Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: Nick emerges from an anomaly into a world where Stephen is still alive . . . and Nick is the person who betrayed the team by siding with Helen. Nick doesn't know if he could return to his own 'verse even if he wanted to, but finds that Stephen is reason enough to make him want to stay in this one. At first Nick is distrusted, especially by Claudia. Nick helps the ARC by pointing out the differences between his world and this one and helping them try to figure out what Helen's up to. Eventually he is allowed back on the team; this time with Stephen as the team leader. Connor and Abby welcome Nick back with open arms (even if he isn't ~their Nick) and the four of them hang out together as a team and as friends. Nick and Stephen rekindle their friendship and grow even closer until they admit that the relationship they want is far different from the one they had before. (If you're familiar with Primeval, this fic was started for the role reversal square for trope_bingo.) Star Wars Legends, X-Wing series #92 Story Title: Just Like That, Everything Changes Pairings, Characters: Wes Janson/Derek"Hobbie"Klivian, Wedge Antilles, Tycho Celchu, minor characters Rating: General | G Warnings: No Warnings apply Summary: After years of being"just friends", an imminent separation forces Wes and Hobbie to finally accept their feelings for the other, and in time, they may even admit this to each other. Supernatural #93 Story Title: Angel of the Morning Pairings, Characters: Gabriel/Christa(OFC) Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Chooses not to use Warnings Summary: slightly inspired by the Juice Newton song of the same name. sequel to Invisible Touch (OC Edition). Things don't go as planned for our golden-eyed Archangel (do they ever?) Not every human has an Angel as a soulmate, but every Angel has a human as a theirs. Will Christa be able to accept the truth when she finds out just how deep the bond between her and Gabriel goes? Or will she reject him forever? Can true love really conquer all? Transformers Generation One #98 Story Title: Pairings, Characters: Prowl & Barricade, Prowl & Bluestreak, Prowl & Bluestreak & Barricade, Prowl/Starscream, Prowl/Jazz, Codicil, First Aid, Lifeline, Nightstalker, Accord, Trailbreaker, Crosscut, Pulse, Incidental OCs Rating: Teen | T Warnings: No Warnings apply, Chooses not to use Warnings Summary: Prowl, a young single parent, manages raising his creation, the demands of his own neglectful former guardian, and seeks to enter into a relationship. TVXQ #99 Story Title: Digital Stockholm Pairings, Characters: Jung Yunho/Shim Changmin Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: mentions of suicide, stress induced anxiety, depression symptoms Summary: Yunho has no idea why there are concerning videos of Changmin on his laptop, but it might just unhinge the volatile and complicated relationship he’s maintained with Changmin for the last decade. Set at the end of 2014, a psycho-dramatic get-together fic. Voltron: Legendary Defender #101 Story Title: An Inconvenient Attachment Pairings, Characters: Keith/Pidge | Katie Holt, Ryan Kinkade/James Griffin (mentioned), past Pidge | Katie Holt/Original Male character, Pidge | Katie Holt Shiro (Voltron) Keith (Voltron) Iverson (Voltron) James Griffin (Voltron) Ryan Kinkade Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: No Warnings apply, Trans Female Pidge | Katie Holt, Accidental Voyeurism, Summary: In the aftermath of the failed Kerberos mission, Katie Holt descended into despair. No amount of skill would give her the information she wanted, especially after being banned from Garrison property by Commander Iverson. Thus there was only one solution in her mind. She had to infiltrate the Galaxy Garrison, to be close to the source and enable her to find what she needed to find to know the fate of her father and brother. Getting in was the easy part. Being able to stay? That was a little harder. Remaining unattached so she could focus entirely on finding her family? That was the hardest part, harder than she ever could expect after years of being brushed aside. #104 Story Title: show me what you're made of Pairings, Characters: Pidge | Katie Holt/Original Male Character, Pidge | Katie Holt/Ryou Shirogane, Pidge| Katie Holt, Ryou Shirogane Rating: Explicit | E Warnings: Underage Drinking, Dubcon, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Ryou is Shiro's twin brother, Trans female Pidge, Transphobia, trans slurs Summary: Katie Holt, graduate student at the Taylor-Keaton Institute of Technology, was proud of the work that her father and brother did at the Galaxy Garrison. Even knowing they were going to be gone for several months at the least going the furthest any manned mission had gone, filled her more with pride than with dread. Months passed, and then days passed without word from Matt. And then she saw the news. And her world crumbled apart. (A story in five parts about mourning, denial, and coming into adulthood by throwing oneself in the deep end and struggling to stay afloat.) Watch Dogs (Video Games) #105 Story Title: Hurricane Pairings, Characters: Aiden Pearce/Jordi Chin, Marcus Holloway/Wrench (Watch Dogs) Rating: Mature | M Warnings: Graphic Violence Summary: People keep going missing in downtown San Francisco, including a member of DedSec. When Marcus and the rest of the gang start to investigate, their mission runs face first into one that Aiden Pearce is involved in too—but this time, close and personal instead of from behind the safety of a camera and a drone. When all of that piles on top of a job Jordi Chin's on, Marcus begins to wonder if he's pissed off any unloving gods recently.

[kidsviral-blog]

A Definitive Ranking Of "Twenty-Four Italian Songs And Arias"

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/a-definitive-ranking-of-twenty-four-italian-songs-and-arias/

A Definitive Ranking Of "Twenty-Four Italian Songs And Arias"

Tu lo sigh.

24. “Alma del core” by Antonio Caldara

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-ajdlXM-XPI.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: I like you. I really like you. KISS ME.

From La constanza in amor vince l’inganno, this aria’s tepid melody manages to make the joyous emotions of love sound dreary and mundane. Caldara just confirms that pastoral relationships are a total snooze-fest.

23. “Non posso disperar” by Giovanni Battista Bononcini

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James Caldwall / Via britannica.com

What it means, basically: I know you said you’re not into me, but I like you so much it hurts.

This aria tries to worm its way into your heart with an interesting tune, but it’s creepy to the core. The eerie tone ensures most singers won’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.

22. “Vergin, tutto amor” by Francesco Durante

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calabriaonline.com

What it means, basically: Hey, Virgin Mary, please be chill about the sinners.

Not your best work, Durante. This song might get you into heaven, but it’s hard to win over even the most pious audience if they’re asleep before the second chord.

21. “Lasciatemi morire!” by Claudio Monteverdi

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Bernardo Strozzi / en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Let. Me. DIE.

Thank god this aria from “Ariana” is a one-pager. It’s not often that the audience wants to die, too.

20. “Come raggio di sol” by Antonio Caldara

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Dz7iRZ1TlIY.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: I might be smiling on the outside, but I am a HOT MESS on the inside.

While the lyrics might be relatable to some, this tune always ends up sounding like a total dirge. “Come raggio di sol” is the Debbie Downer of Italian art songs.

19. “Se Florindo è fedele” by Alessandro Scarlatti

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PiQ9tjHRWnQ.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: I’m hard to get, but if Florindo wants to be exclusive, I’m down.

This is a jolly aria, but since Scarlatti makes four appearances in this book, he’s competing against himself. This time, he loses.

18. “Le Violette” by Alessandro Scarlatti

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en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Don’t be so shy, babe. Let me hit on you.

This jaunty number has a great beat and delightful melody. It might have gotten higher marks if it didn’t rely on the cliché of equating women to flowers. That was tired even in 17th century.

17. “Pietà, Signore” by Alessandro Stradella

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en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Lord have mercy.

This is a dark, churchy song for the guiltiest of souls. It’s kind of a cosmic bummer. The next time you do something awful, like hooking up with your best friend’s ex, blast this and beg for forgiveness.

16. “Pur dicesti, o bocca bella” by Antonio Lotti

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classical.net

What it means, basically: Yeah, that sweet mouth finally said “yes”.

For one of the few pieces in the book about requited love, this song is awfully bashful. But that’s to be expected from a choir boy like Lotti. Still, it’s not bold enough for what could totally be your make out anthem.

15. “Il mio bel foco” by Francesco Bartolomeo Conti

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bdL6L0n1NwI.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: My love flame burns for you, and only you, babe.

It’s easy to get swept up in this seductive proclamation of love. It manages to be seductive and robust at the same time. The only thing holding it back is that fake-ass recitative at the beginning.

14. “Che fiero costume” by Giovanni Legrenzi

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en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Love is awesome, and totally not the blind baby everyone said it was.

This tune can really get your blood flowing and your hips shaking. Still, the whole weird blind baby metaphor keeps it from being the dance hit that it could be.

13. “Nel cor più non mi sento” by Giovanni Paisiello

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Marie Louise Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun / en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Love is literally making me crazy.

From L’amor contrastato, ossia La molinara, this darling aria is pretty cutesy for a song about insanity. It’s a little safe and sugary for a song about how loves bites, pinches, and pricks you.

12. “Nina” by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi

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en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Nina hasn’t gotten out of bed for three days. Someone blast this music and wake her the fuck up.

Poor, poor Nina. She can’t even hear this great song that was written for her. Pergolesi hits you right in the feels with this brooding tune. This is the quintessential rainy day art song.

11. “Sebben, crudele” by Antonio Caldara

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=vpyURWxU5jI.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: I’m gonna play the waiting game until you lower your standards.

This aria from La costanza in amor vince l’inganno is the ultimate anthem for unrequited love. Though it’s a little gloomy, Caldara brightens it up here and there to remind you to never give up hope.

10. “Amarilli mia bella” by Giulio Caccini

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allmusic.com

What it means, basically: Amarilli, babe, I totally love you. Seriously, rip open my chest, your name’s written on my heart.

Caccini set a new standard for musical orgasms by writing this sultry song that has the power to get anyone in the mood. Once you hear that final “amore” your panties practically drop themselves.

9. “O cessate di piagarmi” by Alessandro Scarlatti

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britannica.com

What it means, basically: You’re colder than ice and you make me want to die.

From Il Pompeo, this morose little aria perfectly captures overwhelming sadness without being a total drag. Play it when your crush doesn’t text you back and you need to let those tears out.

8. “Vittoria, mio core!” by Giacomo Carissimi

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en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Good job, heart. We’re finally over that bitch.

Love sucks, and everyone can relate to a good break-up song, especially one as cheerful as this. Carissimi truly had a timeless hit on his hands.

7. “Se tu m’ami, se sospiri” by Alessandro Parisotti

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aTwyTNIIIC0.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: It’s great that you like me, but if you think I’m going to give up other dudes, you’re sorely mistaken.

There’s some debate over whether this flirty tune is by Parisotti or Pergolesi, which gives this piece a seductive air of mystery. Who knew an Italian art song could be so coy?

6. “Già il sole dal Gange” by Alessandro Scarlatti

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en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: The sun makes things pretty.

This aria from L’honestà negli amori has a toe-tapping beat and a saccharine melody that will have you prancing with unicorns and vomiting rainbows in no time.

5. “O del mio dolce ardor” by Christoph Willibald Gluck

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Joseph Duplessis / en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: I’ll find someone, someday. Maybe.

Originally from Paride ed Elena, this aria loses a few authenticity points for being written by a non-Italian. Still, Gluck managed to capture the Italian musical spirit by writing a thrilling song about being a loveless loser.

4. “Danza, danza, fanciulla gentile” by Francesco Durante

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lel5Gyfqh2Y.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: Dance, girl. Dance to my singing.

This jig earns its high spot by being the most booty-shakin’ tune in the whole book. Durante’s had people gyrating in auditorium chairs for centuries.

3. “Per la gloria d’adorarvi” by Giovanni Battista Bononcini

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Pier Leone Ghezzi / en.wikipedia.org

What it means, basically: Those eyes, girl. Dayum.

From the opera Griselda to the stage of Jewel, this glorious aria set the bar high for songs about eyes. Van Morrison ain’t got nothin’ on Bononcini.

2. “Tu lo sai” by Giuseppe Torelli

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=UY-J8zzgUg8.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: You def know that I like you, so can we just be exclusive already?

Torelli truly delivered the drama with this piece. Never has there been a more gripping, heart-wrenching song about confronting your crush. Bring out the tissues!

1. “Caro mio ben” by Tommaso Giordani

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=hogFSGjXGPY.

youtube.com

What it means, basically: Bae, my heart’s sad without you.

“Caro mio ben” is the bread and butter of classical singers. Everyone’s done it, and everyone loves it. You may also recognize this tune from Raise Your Voice, further proof that this exquisite melody will continue to transcend genres for years to come.

Read more: http://www.buzzfeed.com/ninamohan/a-definitive-ranking-of-twenty-four-italian-songs-and-arias

[ei-encora]

i needed to draw some non-descript earlier era of pickles with short hair or else i was gonna go fucking crazy

[ei-encora]

the first frienderbender is usually the roughest, but you get used to 'em after a while

[ei-encora]

okay im gonna be fr here the rest of this is unfinished and totally based on a fic im writing rn where pickles drags nathan to wisconsin with him in the preklok/earlyklok era but it's just so good that i feel the need to post it

i started doing a blur effect with my lineart recently and its making my pieces look way more finished i feel so powerful

[ei-encora]

the hyyrynen brothers have pretty eyes im sorry i had to

[ei-encora]

young nate. you agree.

[ei-encora]

the metalocalypse hyperfix is in full swing and i was going to start gnawing on plywood if i didn't redraw this screenshot immediately

[ei-encora]

i wasn't originally gonna share this anywhere but i thought my posing-studies-turned-fanart would be appreciated now that i can actually. yk. draw without art block sapping my ability to

[ei-encora]

metalocalypse makes my brain vibrate. anyway here's a redraw of skwisgaar and toki's mugshots

[ei-encora]

followup to the skwisgaar and toki mugshot: i also just. drew pickles. for whatever reason