#centeralized exchange script

[hivelance]

Can I Make a Crypto Exchange in 1 Week?

Creating a cryptocurrency exchange and trading platform within a week is an ambitious goal, but it's possible with the right tools and resources. Using a ready-made cryptocurrency exchange script, like the one offered by Hivelance, can significantly accelerate the process. Hivelance's cryptocurrency exchange script is ready-made software solutions that provide the core functionality needed to run a crypto exchange, including user registration, wallet management, transaction processing, and security features.

Steps to Create a Crypto Exchange in 1 Week: Day 1: Planning and Requirements Define the Scope: Choose what functionalities your exchange should have. Determine which cryptocurrencies to support, whether to integrate fiat currencies, and whether to include any unique features. Legal Compliance: Look into the legal requirements for running a cryptocurrency exchange in your target regions. This could include gaining licenses and implementing KYC/AML procedures. Day 2-3: Choosing and Acquiring the Script Evaluate Ready-Made Solutions: Explore Hivelance's cryptocurrency exchange script features, customizability, security, and support. Buy and Get: After you're satisfied, buy the script. Make sure you can get technical help for the configuration and customization technique. Day 4-5: Customization and Setup customize the Framework: Change the script to meet your needs. This can involve changing the UI/UX, including features that are added or removed, and incorporating third-party providers. Configure the Server: Establish the environment for your server. Select a dependable hosting provider with strong security features and the capacity to manage heavy traffic. Day 6: Testing Test thoroughly: Make sure every feature is properly tested. This covers the processes for initiating deposits and withdrawals, carrying out transactions, and setting up security measures. To make sure the platform can handle large amounts of traffic and transactions, make sure to test it under load. Day 7: Launch and Marketing Soft Launch: To get early feedback and find any ongoing problems, think about doing a soft launch with a small user base.

Marketing: Begin your marketing efforts. To draw users to your platform, make use of social media, cryptocurrency forums, and other platforms. Using content marketing and SEO to promote your exchange can also be successful tactics. Security: Your first concern should be security. Verify that the script's security features have been enabled, and take into account extra measures like encryption of sensitive data and two-factor authentication (2FA). Support and Maintenance: Be ready to provide continuous support and maintenance. This includes responding to user support inquiries, implementing new features, and updating the program. Scalability: Make sure the system can accommodate an increase in users as it grows. Increasing server capacity or performance-enhancing codebase optimization may be necessary for this. Using a Hivelance's ready-made cryptocurrency exchange script can drastically reduce the development time and cost associated with launching a cryptocurrency exchange in the market. However, the success of your crypto exchange will depend on thorough planning, diligent testing, and effective marketing, as well as maintaining a secure and user-friendly platform. Want to create a fully functional and secure crypto exchange within a week with unlimited features? Hivelance, a cryptocurrency exchange development company, offers effective and market-ready cryptocurrency exchange script for enhanced ROI. Get our 100% customizable and bug-free cryptocurrency exchange script, like cryptocurrency trading script, ready within a week to kickstart your cryptocurrency exchange and trading business in 1 week.

[flawseer]

Jade Mountain Academy students

#7 - Rainwing chapter

Ah yes, the Rainwings, a.k.a. "the ones where my friends will disown me if I get them wrong". I ended up making some changes here; particularly with Coconut, who is depicted as green in the graphic novels but described as lavender in the books. I tried to do something with elements from both. This had a bit of a knock-on effect on Siamang, because having two purples in the set seemed a bit lame for a group that's supposed to be really vibrant and colorful, so I went a bit off-script there. This is the result; I hope it is palatable.

Also, that makes 36. 36 dragons.

Kinkajou

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Jade

Color - Saffron yellow and pink (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Moonwatcher (Nightwing), Carnelian (Skywing)

Favorite subject - "All of them"

Least fav. subject - did not disclose

Physical characteristics - kinked horns; triangular patterns along neck, torso, and tail; venom scars on right wing membrane; small size, slight build

Other characteristics - very energetic; good work ethic; has signed up for every extracurricular activity available (commendable, but maybe monitor, encourage proper rest); currently displays no immediate signs of post-traumatic stress, but continue monitoring on suggestion of Queen Glory (make aware of counseling options)

Tamarin

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Gold

Color - Cobalt blue and yellow (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Onyx (Sandwing)

Favorite subject - Anatomy

Least fav. subject - Literacy

Physical characteristics - light, oval-shaped patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; medium to heavy scarring along ventral neck and torso; hatched blind, eyes are a milky blue; smallish size, plump

Other characteristics - good work ethic; inclined towards care of plants; appears capable of navigating premises by herself, has requested not to be offered aid unsolicited; has suggested a class/seminar about medicinal plants

Boto

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Silver

Color - Lime green and light gray (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Changbai (Icewing), Thrush (Skywing)

Favorite subject - Homeroom

Least fav. subject - Anatomy

Physical characteristics - splotchy patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; freckles; average size, average build

Other characteristics - appears to have integrated well; average work ethic; no particular issues to report

Coconut

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Copper

Color - Lavender and green (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Marsh (Mudwing)

Favorite subject - Cultural Exchange

Least fav. subject - Exercise

Physical characteristics - circular patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; smallish size, plump

Other characteristics - tends to forget about assignments often; falls asleep in class and hallway; appears to have trouble acclimatizing to academy life and school rules (currently in counseling, consider pulling from student body if behavior cannot be improved)

Siamang

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Quartz

Color - Autumn leaves (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Arid (Sandwing), Garnet (Skywing)

Favorite subject - Cultural Exchange

Least fav. subject - Science

Physical characteristics - long, bent horns; dark patch on ventral side of neck; semi-circular patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; small horn-like thorns protruding from center of forehead; tall size, slight frame

Other characteristics - mellow, seems to get along with most dragons; interested in locally available fruit; appears to enjoy experimenting with fruit juice to create drinks (encourage, make space available, but also monitor)

[gloomlet]

Gloomlet’s TS4 Script, Gameplay & Replacement Mods

So I decided to compile a list of all the script/gameplay mods that i use or have used in my game. This was mainly made for my personal use, but i’m sure it could be helpful to other people too!

UPDATE! PLEASE READ!! This list is no longer up to date - use the Google Doc! - 04/25/24

Basic & Recommended!

TS4 Mod Manager ui cheats extension mc command center Carl's Sims 4 Gameplay Overhaul Relationship & Pregnancy Overhaul Wonderful Whims The Mood Pack Mod First Impressions Contextual Social Interactions Simulation Lag Fix Teleport Any Sim Better Exceptions

CAS Mods

Stand still in CAS More Traits in CAS Tidy details in CAS More CAS columns Lifetime Aspirations Child Aspirations Set Housewife - Aspiration Unlimited Likes + Dislikes Preferences Plus Homebody - Preferences 100+ CAS Traits Resized Facial Piercings

Replacements & Retextures

Fan Art Maps Map Replacements Overhaul Clean UI Sims 1 & 2 Font LIS Fonts Fluffy Clouds (Ghibli Clouds) Feet replacement Hand replacement Bra + Panty Default Replacement better babies + bottle replacement Another baby bottle replacement Default Cutlery! Cute Kitchenware Replacement Boxing Gloves Aquarium Fish Recolor Ceiling replacement paint it up mod A brighter mop Selfie Override

Objects Phone Replacement Smaller dollhouses Switch Controller + console Game controller PS1 console pc game override Remote control sponge & spray override Another Sponge & Spray override

Electric Toothbrush Razor Bassinet override infant rug +  infant tub child drawing replacement weather controller Cats & Dogs Fireplace Headphone/earbud override Old-fashioned Suitcase The slightly nicer Tree House Fireplace Lil Campers Light

Replaced + more Interactions Bed Cuddles Better Woohoo Reactions Realistic Reactions Brush Teeth From Toothbrush Holders Wake-up animation Greetings

Visuals & effects No overhead effects No zzz No object highlight no plumbob please Smaller Mosaic Minimalist CC Icon More Holiday icons

Gameplay!

Playable Pets Slower infant needs Expanded Mermaids Who's Knocking More Visitors No Bad Microwave Buffs Memory Panel Smarter Pie Menu: Searchable Smart Sim Randomizer Play Chess on any computer Strangerville Story toggle

Careers & Jobs Career Overhaul New Careers Simdeed Recruitment Services Flex Part-Time Recruitment Agency Game Developer Career Ultimate Nursing Career Modeling Career Tumbling Tots Daycare Career Shear Brilliance - Cosmetology Seasonal Odd Jobs - Autumn Odd Job Overhaul Modeling and Makeup Odd Jobs Babysitting Gigs Freelance Chef

Education Uni Tweaks Education Overhaul Uni Application Overhaul University costs more Choose Your Roommate Long Distance Learning No Uni Housing Restrictions Uni Aspirations School Lunch Override Longer or Shorter Degree Requirements

Cooking + Food Food Retexture Pack 1, Pack 2, Pack 3 Breakfast Retextures Pizza Retexture Grannies Cookbook Chef Buffet S’more Options Srsly's Complete Cooking Overhaul Dine Out Reloaded Delivery Services Sims Eat and Drink Faster Porto Luminoso Market Cutouts Buyable Cakes Functional Mixer HCH Mixer & Cookbook Functional Air fryer Functional Blender Functional Cookie jar Another Cookie Jar Functional Toaster Functional Cake Stand Functional Rice cooker Functional Pressure Cooker Boba Tea Add-ons Functional Beer Functional Frozen Ice Cart

Pregnancy Realistic Pregnancy Cherished Moments - Pregnancy Science Baby Tweak

Services & Apps Sim National Bank “SimDa” Dating App Exchange Store

Interactions Meaningful Stories Cute Romance Drama Mod Autonomous Go Steady and Propose Autonomous Break Up and Divorce Dynamic Teen Life Parent-Child Relationships Let's Get Fit Modpack Sumba Fitness

Functional Items Playful Toddler Pack Toddler Play Telephone Little Chef’s Toy Kitchen Void Critter Tablet Functional Pool Slide

Functional Toy Bin Functional Hopscotch Functional Broom Functional Paper Sketchpad Functional Drumkit Functional Spiral Staircases In Your Safe Piggy Banks Film Reaper Movie Theater Left End Counter Dishwaser

Random Small mods

Loading and CAS screens

Free Sims 4, Free Loading Screen Bonehilda Loading Screen Custom Color loading screens Lights Out Loading Screen The Blues Collection Loading Screen Lin Sims Loading Screens San Sequoia Loading Screens Abstract Art + Landscape Loading Screens H-O-B & Sulani Loading Screens Autumn Loading Screens Pink Kitten Animated Loading Screen Life is Strange Loading Screens Cloudy TS2 CAS Background Ocean Waves CAS Room Old School - CAS Room Modern Minimalism CAS Room Plumbob replacements Crystal Loading Screens

lighting mods

sunblind lighting + installation Milk Thistle Better in-game lighting Gentle CAS lighting

[kitsuga]

Accidents Happen. {Mammon x Reader/MC}

Description: 

A fic in which Mammon sucks MC into another attempt to make money and have to run from Lucifer; accidental confessions are involved

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Tags: fluff, accidental confessions, mammon and his money making schemes again..., reader is mc in this one!, wrote this based on base game mammon not nightbringer, not beta'd, not edited, gender neutral reader, mammon x reader/mc, obey me! x reader/mc, obey me!/obm/om, mammon

Word Count: 1,212

A/N: Written on: June 26, 2021 

Hes so CUTE I had to write this, there was no stopping my hand 

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

“Calm down, calm down—we have enough photos for everybody!”  

“Mammon, we’ve got another one asking if we have any of ‘Lucifer sneezing’. Why are they so specific?” 

“It’s funny, and he’s vulnerable; the perfect photo!” 

“Do you... have one?” 

“Nope! Tell ‘em to think bigger!” 

Mammon lost MC in the crowd again as succubus and demon both surrounded him, looking to get their hands on exclusive photos of his brothers. He was all smiles, laying his charm on thick to get as much money as he could out of all the suckers—30,000 grimm for a photo of Satan asleep on a garden bench? 500,000 grimm for a photo of Asmo in a face mask? These people were fools and he was ready for the bountiful gold harvest. 

Luckily, MC agreed to help him. They said they were only in it so long as they got a cut of the profits, but Mammon knew better; they were always the person he turned to for shenanigans because they were the only one willing to jump head-first into anything with him. He scanned the crowd for them again, his smile growing even wider when he caught sight of them smiling with another demon, a devilish glint in their eyes as they exchanged a photo for cash.  

All was going well—they were almost out of photos and they had made an absolute killing; Mammon even had a card reader for his D.D.D. where that direct deposit tasted so sweet. Even better—not a brother of his in sight! No Lucifer, not even a Diavolo! He looked over at MC who gave him a knowing smirk and a thumbs up. Mammon felt as though he were surrounded by the sun, the comfort of finally winning wrapping around him like a blanket—it didn’t last long. 

With a crowd this big, it was sure to draw attention sometime; despite its size and the large amount of people pushing and shoving to get to the center, Mammon could still pick out the ever-authoritative Lucifer among them all. His fever dream snapped and started crumbling within seconds; he called out to MC. 

“Shops closed! Thanks fer comin’! Time to book it, MC!” 

Hopping off of his makeshift pedestal, MC met up with him; he grabbed their wrist and started to hightail it out of the crowd, pushing, shoving, squeezing through people as he told them off when they complained. He could hear people behind the two of them complain more about being shoved and others squealing over the appearance of Lucifer. For a split second, Mammon considered staying within the confines of the crowd, just running in circles between people to keep the distance between the two of them and the ball of fury that was on his way—it was a short-lived plan as he realized Lucifer was starting to disperse the crowd; what was he supposed to do? What was he going to do? He nervously called out to MC. 

“Hey uh, got any ideas?” 

They clicked their tongue and flipped the script, grabbing onto his wrist and pulling him along instead. 

“Follow me and keep your head down!”  

They lead him in a zig-zag motion through the people before bursting out of the crowd straight into an alleyway where they ran as fast as they could. They made their way through various streets, alleys, anywhere they thought they could get away from Lucifer; whenever they thought they were far enough, they ducked into one last alleyway and hid behind some stray boxes and trash cans. They both collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily and lounging as though they were about to fall over completely and pass out at any moment. Once they both caught most of their breath, they finally looked at one another and started in a fit of giggles, steadily growing to a stomach-aching laughter. MC started to settle down first, wiping away a few stray tears while Mammon worked on slowing down back to giggles. 

“You know,” MC started, pausing to take a few breaths, “Lucifer’s going to make us give all that money back.” 

“Yeah,” Mammon could hardly get out through his laughter. 

“We’ll probably be punished severely.” 

“Yeah.” 

“I’ll just blame it on you.” 

“Hey!” Mammon pointed an accusatory finger in their direction. “You were in on it too! Don’t leave me hangin’ like that!” 

“Every person for themselves,” they stuck their tongue out and bit it, a smirk on their lips. 

Mammon glared at them, though it wouldn’t be for long since their smile turned to a shit-eating grin and he couldn’t help but reciprocate. They moved closer to him, tapping his chest with a fire in their eyes. 

“Besides, he won’t know about the money on Goldie if we don’t tell him!” 

Mammon’s smile grew from ear to ear, a warmth growing in his chest like a ripple with each tap of their finger. He didn’t realize they had moved so close, but he felt so warm and comfortable, he couldn’t help but look at them with a soft, loving look in his eyes. He spoke before he could think. 

“See? This is why I fell in love with ya, MC.” 

Their widened eyes staring back at him snapped him out of his love drunk gaze. He could feel his face heat up along with his chest this time, his eyebrows drawing together in false anger in an attempt to backtrack what he had said. His eyes darted around, looking everywhere except into MC’s, biting his tongue a lot as he tried to stammer through a few words, a few excuses, none of which were successful. He kept trying to turn his face away from them, but they simply followed his gaze, an evil smirk following his eyes around. 

“Quit it, will ya?” He closed his eyes and turned his face away again, “Forget it.” 

“Oh, come on Mammon, tell me what you said.” 

“I said nothin’!” 

“Something about falling in love with me?” 

“No!”  

Mammon stopped his back and forth arguing with them after they put a hand over his, leaning in dangerously close to his face. MC pushed his sunglasses up, taking a good look at him; he swallowed hard and found it almost impossible to look into their eyes, but pushed himself to do so anyways, even when they leaned all the way in and gave his lips a gentle kiss. 

Starstruck, lovestruck, whatever kind of struck he was, he couldn’t move. He couldn’t close his eyes, he couldn’t kiss back, he just sat there with wide eyes and his face as dark as it could go. MC didn’t stay long, pulling away with an innocent smile this time, reaching up to grab his chin gently and shake his face back and forth. 

“Well, you’ll have to love me later. Right now, I think we gotta get going.” 

They stood quickly and pulled him to his feet, taking off without him, laughing at him whenever he called out for them to wait. He sighed, both exasperated and in longing, and watched them as they went; maybe he’d take this money of his and take them out to a nice dinner for once. 

“Mammon...” A booming voice came from right behind him. 

Or... maybe not. 

[fushizhuo]

Happier Than Ever

Y/N, the youngest member of NewJeans, doesn’t seem to fit in. Her groupmates think she’s distant and always trying to outshine them. But during one performance, she steps forward with an unplanned solo, revealing a side of her that no one saw coming. As the truth comes out, everything changes, and Y/N is forced to take a choice she never chose.

Pairing — NewJeans x F! Reader (platonic)

Genre — Angst and a bit of fluff if u squint

Warnings — Mentions of trauma and abuse

WC — 8.6k words

Y/N had always been the outlier in NewJeans. The maknae, the sassy one, the one who never seemed to care. At least, that’s what the others thought. From the moment she joined the group, she was distant, never quite fitting into their easy camaraderie. The way she threw herself into practice, trying to outdo everyone, the sharp remarks, the cold demeanor—it was enough to make them think she was just trying to steal the spotlight.

“She’s so full of herself,” Hyein had muttered one day, rubbing her sore shoulders after another long practice session. “Yeah, I don’t get why she tries so hard,” Danielle added, her tone frustrated.

“It’s like she thinks she has to be perfect all the time.” Haerin hummed. “She probably just wants to be the center of attention,” Minji sighed. “I don’t know. She’s always got this attitude. It’s like she doesn’t care about us.”

What they didn’t know was that Y/N was fighting a battle none of them could see. Her father, a man who had never supported her dream of becoming an idol, was the force behind her relentless drive.

To him, anything less than perfection was a failure. And failure wasn’t an option. “If you don’t stay at the top, you’re done,” he had told her, his voice harsh. “I’ll pull you out of that group and make sure you do something worthwhile. Doctor. Lawyer. Something respectable.”

She had no choice but to push herself harder than anyone else, even if it meant alienating her members. They didn’t understand. They couldn’t.

That night, the arena was packed. Thousands of fans waved their lightsticks, cheering as the stage lights dimmed for the next performance. Backstage, NewJeans were preparing for their set, but Y/N felt a knot in her stomach that wouldn’t go away.

Tonight, she had to break free.

Before the others could ask what was wrong, Y/N stepped forward, holding her microphone tightly. Her heart raced as she looked at Minji, her voice trembling. “I need to sing a solo.”

“What?” Minji frowned, confused. “We don’t have time for that, Y/N. It’s not part of the plan.”

“I'm sorry, but please.” Y/N said quietly, her eyes avoiding theirs. “I have to do this.”

The others exchanged glances, their frustration evident. What was she thinking? They had worked so hard to prepare for tonight’s show, and now Y/N was going off-script? But in the end they agreed. She never begs, nor apologizes. This must be important.

“Fine,” Minji finally said, exasperated. “But this better be quick.”

Y/N nodded and walked toward the stage, her steps heavy. As she stepped into the spotlight, she caught sight of her father sitting in the front row. His face was blank, emotionless, but Y/N knew better. She could feel his judgment, the pressure that had been suffocating her for years.

She grabs her guitar with her, playing the chords softly, and Y/N took a deep breath. This was it.

She was going to let everything out.

"When I’m away from you, I’m happier than ever…"

Her voice was soft at first, almost fragile, but the weight of the words echoed through the arena. The fans quieted, sensing something was different. Backstage, the other members stared in confusion, unsure of what was happening.

"Wish I could explain it better, I wish it wasn’t true…"

Y/N’s voice cracked slightly, but she kept going. The memories of her father’s cruel words, his impossible demands, played over and over in her mind. This wasn’t just a performance anymore—it was her story.

"You called me again, drunk in your benz, driving home under the influence…"

As the next verse flowed out, Minji’s eyes widened in realization. This wasn’t just some random song choice. Y/N was singing about something real. Something painful.

"You scared me to death, but I’m wasting my breath, ‘cause you only listen to your fucking friends…"

Tears welled up in Y/N’s eyes as she sang. She could feel her father’s cold gaze on her from the audience, and it made her chest tighten. She had spent so long trying to please him, trying to be perfect, but it was never enough.

"I don’t relate to you, I don’t relate to you, no, ‘cause I’d never treat me this shitty, you made me hate this city…"

Haerin gasped softly, finally understanding. Y/N wasn’t some brat trying to outshine them. She was fighting for her life, for her dream. And she had been doing it all alone.

"And I don’t talk shit about you on the internet, never told anyone anything bad, ‘cause that shit's embarrassing, you were my everything, and all that you did was make me fucking sad…"

The pain in Y/N’s voice was raw, unfiltered. Every word cut deeper, every note a release of all the emotions she had buried for years. The fans were in shock, many of them wiping away tears, while backstage, the members watched, hearts breaking.

"So don’t waste the time I don’t have, don’t try to make me feel bad..."

Y/N’s voice grew louder, more intense. The anger she had kept hidden for so long was finally spilling out. She wasn’t just singing for herself—she was fighting for her freedom, for her right to choose her own life.

"I could talk about every time that you showed up on time, but I’d have an empty line, ‘cause you never did…"

Her hands trembled as she gripped the microphone, her voice carrying the weight of years of disappointment. Her father had never been there when she needed him, never supported her when she struggled, and now she was finally telling the world.

"Never paid any mind to my mother or friends, so I shut ‘em all out for you ‘cause I was a kid…"

The lights on stage seemed to dim around her as the final words fell from her lips. The room was silent, the audience stunned, unsure of how to react to the raw honesty they had just witnessed.

Backstage, the other members could only stand in shock, tears streaming down their faces. Y/N had been fighting a battle none of them had seen, a battle they had misunderstood. She wasn’t trying to be better than them. She was trying to survive.

"You ruined everything good, always said you were misunderstood, made all my moments your own..

just fucking leave me alone!"

By the end of the song, Y/N’s voice was shaking, her body trembling from the emotional toll. She stood there, tears rolling down her cheeks, staring out into the darkened crowd, knowing her father was there, watching.

Then, as the final note faded, the silence was broken by slow, hesitant applause. It started with one person, then another, until the entire stadium erupted into cheers. The fans understood. They had felt her pain, and they were with her.

Y/N didn’t move. Her eyes were locked on the figure of her father sitting in the front row. His face was cold, unfeeling, as if her words hadn’t touched him at all. And in that moment, she knew—he would never change. He would never let her be free.

As the rest of NewJeans rushed onto the stage to comfort her, Y/N felt her father’s presence like a dark cloud looming over her. Her members hugged her tightly, whispering apologies, telling her they were there for her now. But Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling of dread.

“I’m so sorry,” Minji whispered, holding Y/N’s shaking form. “We didn’t know… We didn’t understand.”

“We should’ve seen it,” Hanni added, her voice thick with guilt. “You didn’t have to go through this alone.”

Y/N’s tears fell faster, but she couldn’t bring herself to respond. Her father’s eyes bored into her from across the stage, and she knew this wasn’t over. It wasn’t up to her anymore.

Suddenly, a figure began moving toward the stage. It was her father, pushing his way through the crowd, his face stone-cold with fury. The members of NewJeans noticed him at the same time, their protectiveness flaring up as they closed in around Y/N.

“What does he want?” Danielle asked, her voice trembling with anger.

Y/N didn’t answer. She couldn’t. She just stood there, frozen in place, as her father reached the edge of the stage and motioned for her to come down. His hand gestured sharply, a silent command.

“Y/N…” Minji started, her voice full of concern.

But Y/N knew she had no choice. She wiped her tears and stepped back from her groupmates, avoiding their eyes as she walked toward the stairs. The crowd’s cheers faded as confusion spread through the arena.

“Where is she going?” Hyein whispered, panic creeping into her voice.

Her father grabbed her arm as soon as she reached him, pulling her away from the stage. The grip was tight, unforgiving. Y/N winced but didn’t fight back. She was too drained, too scared. Her dream was slipping away before her eyes, and there was nothing she could do.

“No,” Minji said firmly, stepping forward. “She doesn’t have to go with you.”

But Y/N’s father shot them a cold glare. “This is none of your business. She’s my daughter. And she’s done with this ridiculous idol nonsense.”

Danielle’s fists clenched in anger. “You can’t do that to her. She’s not your puppet.”

Y/N shook her head slightly, signaling to her members that it was no use. This was her reality. Her father’s control over her life was too strong, and no matter how much they cared for her now, it wasn’t enough to change that.

“I’m sorry,” Y/N whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’m so sorry…”

Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Hyein and Haerin stood helplessly as Y/N was led away, her figure disappearing into the crowd. The fans, confused and heartbroken, watched as the youngest member of NewJeans was taken from the stage, her future with the group slipping away with every step.

As the doors to the backstage area closed behind her, Y/N felt her father’s control settling over her once again. The dream she had worked so hard for, the friendships she had finally started to build—it was all slipping through her fingers.

She had sung her truth. She had shown the world who she really was.

But it wasn’t enough.

Her father’s voice was low and cold as they left the venue. “That’s it. You’re done with this idol nonsense. Tomorrow, we’ll start making plans for your future. A real future.”

Y/N didn’t respond. She had nothing left to say.

As the car drove away from the arena, leaving the lights and cheers behind, Y/N stared out the window, her heart heavy with the realization that her dream was over.

She was no longer a part of NewJeans.

And in that cold night, she knew she would never be happier than ever again.

[sidsinning]

In terms of equivalent exchange Gabe used his life to heal Nathalie and his wife who were both TECHNICALLY not dead so it works out

Unless despite the scripts and storyboards, this ends up being Amelie after all

In that case he just healed Nathalie with his leftover time before his inevitable death succumbing to the cataclysm

(Side note: another case against this being Amelie besides the script and storyboards- why would Amelie be at the center of this scene when she's just Felix's mom, instead of Nathalie who just got revived from the brink of death and is way more significant to the show?? artistically it doesn't really add up but if this is Amelie I guess its just poor staging wsdjswsed; "it was to hoodwink the viewers" what is the purpose of this we just gonna find out next season anyways LOL)

[thetirisfaltheatretroupe]

Coming October 18th: The TTT's DOUBLE FEATURE at the Dance of the Dead!

(Original background from Quince Media via Pixabay, free-for-use license terms apply) An all too familiar chill is in the air, and the dead rise again to march in solidarity with their brethren. The Dance of the Dead, an event hosted for many, many years by the Undercity Nexus crew over in Caer Darrow, has returned once more this year! Last year, the Tirisfal Theatre was proud to perform on stage for them, and we return once more this year with gusto! Join us on October 18th over on the blood-soaked isle of Caer Darrow, and come to the burned down house across from the fountain at the town's center as we take you on a haunted house tour you won't soon forget with two tales of horrific homes gone wrong! That's right, it'll be like HGTV - but with affordable property! Our first offering of the evening is our delightful horror comedy show based on a chilling song by Jonathan Coulton, where an aspiring real-estate investor attempts to flip his first property. As he is fixing the place up to be sold for a pretty copper, he soon realizes it came with a resident already inside - and it's happy to see him! A little too happy... Will our everyman find a way to make his fortune on this old home? Or will he decide to throw it all away and destroy everything he worked for?

My guess is the latter... Find out, as we explore the horror of the creepy doll in...

THE HOUSE ON RAVEN HILL!

Then, stick around for a story that will chill you to the bone, as we go back in time to an era long ago. A wealthy Lord, known for his benevolence and generosity, gives everything he has to the people of town and is adored in return. But when he takes in a stranger cloaked in mystery and lies, he may find that he has given far too much in exchange for nothing. As the days go by, he may find that his world will change considerably, and not for the better.

Join us as we delve into the mind of a man who has much to give, and everything to lose, and discover this cautionary tale in one of our few non-comedic scripts, the tragic and suspenseful tale of...

THE ALTRUIST!

As we progress through the night, the troupe may stop for brief Q&A segments, put on a few surprise short skits for everyone, and have much ado at the theatre! For those taking part in the Dance of the Dead's D20 competition, pop in and enjoy our show while you wait for your matches! Or if you got your proverbial rear-end handed to you, heal your wounds with laughter and sorrow! The Tirisfal Theatre is pulling out all the stops to make this evening one to remember for all at the Dance of the Dead! So seek out a Moon Guard anchor, come on over to this frightful locale, and join us for a night like no other - only at the Dance of the Dead!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Dance of the Dead is a large Forsaken-themed event hosted every year on Moon Guard server! Despite it being a Moon Guard event, anchors are available to pull you in from other servers to enjoy!

Our performances utilize player characters from both factions. As such, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you have Elixir of Tongues and TRP to follow and enjoy the show! Typically people will sell these or give them away before and during the show, but try to have some on hand!

As with any of these night-time events, Inky Black Potions are also recommended for maximum immersion!

There will be a brief intermission of 10-15 minutes between shows to allow our crew to take breaks! The total runtime of both plays should be about an hour and a half at maximum, but it may run over depending on technical difficulties.

We cannot host parties or anchor once the show begins! Remember that this will be taking place on the Moon Guard shard of the game. As we find out more information about how anchors are being handled, we'll be certain to edit this information!

Remember, the show starts at 7 Central / 5 Wyrmrest Accord time on October 18th

Below is a map of the performing area! The blue marked area is where the audience should sit as to not interfere with the cast and crew, as well as to be able to see and hear the entire show! If you sit in the white area, or the 'nosebleed section' as we call it, you may be unable to hear a lot of what happens on stage!

We hope to see you all in the audience, and please be sure to check out all the information on the Dance of the Dead, happening October 18th and 19th on Moon Guard server! TL:DR SUMMARY WHO: The Tirsfal Theatre Troupe (Along with the Undercity Nexus and Dance of the Dead staff and crew!) WHAT: Double Feature at the Dance of the Dead! Two spooky plays written and performed by the Tirisfal Theatre Troupe WHERE: Caer Darrow, Western Plaguelands (Moon Guard shard, non-War Mode) WHEN: October 18th WHY: BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!

A HUGE and grateful thank-you to Banshih and the crew of the Dance of the Dead! We're honored to return this year and perform for you all! This post will be updated as more information becomes available to us! Keep an eye out for any potential changes or new info!

[neointeractives]

Dialogue Jam

Let's Get Talking!

The Dialogue Jam is a month-long unranked jam all about communication between characters. Whether through verbal dialogue or written correspondence, this jam aims to bring discussions forward.

Constraints and Rules:

Your Entry must be centered around an exchange between characters. No description allowed!

This could take the form of a dialogue (even monologue!), script, or letters.

Elements like stage direction or dialogue tags can be used, though they should be kept to a minimum.

The Jam is open to any program/medium, as long as the piece can be considered Interactive Fiction (i.e. the game is interactive, and its focus is on the text).

The Jam is open to any language.

You can submit up to 3 entries!

You should aim for 15-30 minutes maximum gameplay.

Entries can have NSFW content, as long as you indicate it in your submission.

Entries should not include any generated AI content.

Spam or hateful content will not be accepted.

Come talk with us!

Join the Neo-Interactive Discord 

[enchanted-lightning-aes]

Writeblr Re-Intro

[ID: a banner with red-yellow gradient with floral banners at each side, a splatter of gold at the middle left, an open elaborate book floating at the lower middle, a dark cloud at the center, a golden filigree beneath it, three green crystals at the lower right, three flasks floating at the middle right, a quill below it with yellow text that reads 'Enchanted Lightning Writeblr Re-Intro (Take 4)' / finish ID]

*trumpet fanfare*

basic info: enchant | they/them | early twenties | asian | aroace | follows from princessfairysparkle (i’d change the url except i’m too attached, lmao) | writes any genre of the T-rated and sorta above sort

heyo, enchant over here! i’m a writer who writes original stuff and fanfics! it’s been a long while since my previous re-intro, and i decided for a new one. just the same basics, just a new post.^^

i’m a hybrid sort of writeblr and a semi-fandom blog. however, i tag appropriately as much as possible. whether it’s salty or positive. i try writing as much as i can! yet i also take breaks when necessary. my motto in general about storytelling is: write what you want to read. and i write any concept stuck in my mind.

my main fandoms are adaptations of marvel comics and dc comics. a big fan of characters who don’t get enough appreciation (whether from fandom or canon). i love canon divergence and AUs bc it gives me more freedom. i enjoy them yet i’m also aware of their problems especially with the former.

top-tier tropes to me are: chaotic found family, enemies to friends to lovers, subverted expectations, reluctant allies to best friends to lovers, exhausted™ protagonists, strong friendships, find recovery after all the pain, morally grey characters, and self-discovery.^^

i have some active original stories listed below.

Blasted Scorn: A group of pirates somewhat succeed in their latest quest, only for knights to be their accidental stowaways. They’re assigned to search for a missing princess who’s been captured. Dread Pirate Titanarin strikes a deal with them in exchange for valuables. Along the way and dozens of broken bones, this team contemplates on whether this was their worst decision or not.

True Devotion that Remains Constant: A ballet dancer encounters difficulties while trying to find her own path. A painter is only trying to thrive after escaping a difficult situation. An awkward circumstance leads them to meet in college where they slowly learn about each other.

Lines of A Script to Ignore: An unemployed graduate struggles on getting a job as she adjusts from getting back from abroad. A scriptwriter slash theatre actor seeks to share her story while dealing with setbacks. They reconnect as they see each other, forming a bargain that’ll provide help for both of them.

other than all this, to know what’s posted on this blog, here’s another guide. so you can avoid tags, you don’t want to see. and here’s a list of stuff i shared: enchant starter kit guide.

and when i’m a fan of someone’s writing, you will see it reflected throughout here. just in case you needed to know. ✨✨✨️

[soullessjack]

okay but like. cogs turning .. last holiday truthing cwt maxxing… the sheer difference in dialogue between the script and the episode is killing me. the deliberate choices made to change said dialogue and even the ending…

like am I alone in thinking that this whole exchange in the dungeon was very oddly disjointed? very “nobody fucking talks like that” core. they just say shit but it doesn’t land with the other’s response.

and especially when you compare it to the draft:

for some reason or another, the writers deliberately cut out jack’s lamentation that he is still dangerous, that mrs butters is right to be doing what she’s doing, and that nothing has been the same between him and the Winchesters since he’s come back. they deliberately cut out dean saying “you’re one of us, and you have a chance to make it right.”

there’s also the glaring difference between how sam and dean defend jack in the episode vs the draft. in the draft, they say this:

D: “You said you didn’t want to destroy this family, but Jack is our family.”

S: “You hurt him, you hurt us.”

Mrs B: “No, he’s infected you. I have to keep you safe.”

D: “By trying to kill the people we care about?”

Mrs B: “No, he’s a monster!”

D: “Aren’t we all?”

•••

not only do sam and dean say that jack is their family and someone they care about, but they also explicitly hold themselves on the same monster totem mrs butters holds jack to (much like what dean said in tombstone, “we’ve all done things, so if you’re a monster then we are too,”

…which all then gets cut and turned into “He can save the world.” no, don’t kill jack, he’s our family and we care about him and he is good despite his mistakes -> no, don’t kill jack, he can save the world.

the explicit choice to center jack’s worth on his usefulness rather than his inherent value as the winchesters’ family and even just as a person, rlly speaks so much to the way he’s essentially narratively doomed to be dehumanized as a tool/weapon/device.

and the fact that this is all eventually preceded by Cas saying “you never needed absolution from sam or dean or me. we don’t care about you because you’re useful or because you fit into some grand design. we care about you because you’re you,” (which in turn is preceded by jack fitting into a grand design and fucking off to the raindrops forever), makes it seem either a painful inconsistency or some weird twisted inside joke between the writers (cough season 16 cough cough puke).

I haven’t posted about it a lot but I truly think there’s some vast trapped-in-the-narrative horror working around jack constantly being dehumanized both within the show as a living weapon and by the writers themselves as a plot device.

shits wack I guess

[qilingxiong]

i'm intrigued by how, along with li xiangyi and di feisheng's interactions speaking for themselves in depicting a much more familiar bond than one might initially think, mysterious lotus casebook is also actively highlighting the importance and nature of that relationship— to di feisheng at least— by comparing/contrasting it to his dynamic with jiao liqiao in multiple ways.

on a couple different occasions (up to episode 31 as that's as far as i've watched scenes from at this point), these two relationships are framed in dialogue as being equal and therefore vying for attention. in episode 16, you have jiao liqiao giving a speech about how di feisheng ignores her, rejects her romantic/sexual advances, actively seems to despise her, and the reason she finds for all this is li xiangyi. she views however di feisheng sees li xiangyi as being rival to her feelings, something to compete against. it's brought up again in episode 27, where she complains about how di feisheng was obsessed with duelling li xiangyi to the point that he cared about nothing else, and that obsession with him apparently hasn't changed in the present.

jiao liqiao is thoroughly obsessed with di feisheng herself, deeply possessive/defensive of him, which extends to her declaring to the as-yet-unnamed man in the hood (again in episode 27) that di feisheng is hers and no one else is allowed to touch or hurt him. later in episode 31, going off of the preview trailer, di feisheng tells his henchman to tell the wansheng clan that li lianhua/xiangyi's life is his. the wording of both lines is similar and gets across the same message, phrased as a threat: this person belongs to me, and everyone else is hands off. the two relationships involved are being understood by the script here as being similar in sentiment.

aside from dialogue, there's some other events that come up where these dynamics interact in comparable settings, but the details mark them with vastly different emotions. take the meal between di feisheng and jiao liqiao in episode 19. in my opinion it's a very smart scene that's absolutely horrible to watch, because di feisheng and jiao liqiao's relationship is so off— neither of them trust each other and never will! their conversation and interactions are poking at the power dynamics of status and knowledge and it's a very, very uneasy back and forth. there's horror movie-esque violin sawing in the background throughout. the scene ends with di feisheng telling jiao liqiao she doesn't belong at his side, but under his sword with the other traitors he's killed. no one comes out of this scene feeling good, including the viewer.

a singular episode later and we have another meal, this time centered on fang duobing, li xiangyi, and a-fei, newly woken up without his memories. despite the natural wariness a-fei currently carries, this entire sequence is far more lighthearted and easy-going for him. he's squabbling over food with fang duobing before the latter storms off, and then it's just a-fei and li xiangyi. their conversation, too, is far more honest and earnest than any exchange di feisheng has had with jiao liqiao, and rather than his part ending with threatening to kill someone, the most significant thing a-fei says is that although he doesn't believe everything li xiangyi has told him, he believes his past self wanted li xiangyi to live. it's the only thing he believes for certain.

another contrasting component of these two scenes is eating behaviour. throughout the show di feisheng treats food in a very deliberate way, and he does not eat around other people. or when he does, such as in episode 8 while sitting with fang duobing, it's very hurriedly (i know it's played for laughs, but where/why do you think di feisheng learned to eat like someone was going to take his food away from him?). even without recalling past experiences, a-fei tends to separate himself from others during meals; he walks by and takes fang duobing's rice before eating by himself outside lianhualou in episode 20, and in the girls' mansion, while li xiangyi, fang duobing, and qing'er/zhaoling discuss the case around a meal, a-fei sits by himself at another table. as late as shishou village in episode 26 he still prefers to stand guard by the door, instead of being seated at dinner with li xiangyi, fang duobing, and the village elder.

this is a pattern that endures during di feisheng and jiao liqiao's meal. i don't know that they actually got to the food given the weight of their conversation, and the scene cuts before we see the end. given how unhappy di feisheng looks at the sight of the laid-out table (and her), and how close she presses to him when they sit down, i'm inclined to think he wouldn't have been comfortable enough to eat. we only see them both drink wine. as far as i can recall, there are only two occasions in the show so far where we see di feisheng eat with both contentment and while taking his time, and the earlier one is this first meal he has as a-fei. he's bantering and smiling and seems genuinely happy where he is, sitting with li xiangyi. (the second instance is in shishou village when he's alone with fang duobing and they swap bread and water. but that's for a different time.) within the environments of these two meals there's a massive contrast in how trusting di feisheng is around the other person he's with, shown in both dialogue and uncommented-on behaviour. with li xiangyi he seems to feel far more safe.

in all these different moments throughout the show, there are parallels between di feisheng's relationships with jiao liqiao and li xiangyi. although the feisheng/xiangyi relationship cannot be said to be explicitly romantic, this pattern compares it to a dynamic that does have romance involved (albeit in one-sidedly). in relation to that dynamic, feisheng and xiangyi's interactions are seen as either equal to it in intensity, or even stronger in trust. this all works as a way of indirectly coding these two as having a romantic relationship, or at least you can read it as such. at the very least, it shows that di feisheng holds his relationship with li xiangyi as more meaningful or significant to him than any other prospect of romance presented to him in the show. good job, lotus casebook. i'm blowing the writing team a kiss

[scribbling-punk]

A Bad Idea

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" 

Lena's eyes narrow with skepticism as she peers over Andrea's shoulder at the ancient, yellowed page in the old book.

The text is written in a script that looks more like chicken scratches to her untrained eye and her stomach roils with discomfort. Something just  feels strangely  off about the whole thing and, honestly, she’d rather have gone to the L-Corp Halloween party with all of her annoying interns instead of going ahead with this.

“Of course!” Andrea grins, her excitement barely contained. “It’s just a little fun and it’s not like it’s real, right? It’s just a little pretend hocus pocus.”

Kara, who had been flipping through a different book from the pile on the table, looks up.

“These are real rituals,” she shakes her head, “people didn’t believe in this stuff for centuries for no reason. I mean, what do we do if something actually happens?”

“Nothing’s gonna happen,” Andrea dismissively waves her hand, “it’s just for fun, babe. Come on, live a little, huh?” She looks up and offers an angelic smile, “besides, I really wanna try this.” She bats her eyelashes at Kara, causing her to violently roll her eyes, but smile nonetheless. Andrea pouts, glancing between both of her girlfriends, “come on, pleeeeeease. It’s Halloween, let’s enjoy it!”

Lena and Kara both sigh, Lena crossing her arms as she shoots Kara a questioning raise of her brow. Kara merely shrugs, accepting that Andrea’s gonna get her own way—just like always.

“Fine,” Kara groans, “but, if anything goes wrong, I’m blaming you.”

"Perfect!” Andrea grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Okay,” she claps her hands together, “so, we need some candles, salt, and a few other things. Oh, and don't forget the mirror, Kara. The one from the living room will be fine.”

Kara and Lena exchange wary glances, but follow Andrea's lead as she gathers the necessary items from around their shared apartment. They set them up in the center of the floor, arranging them according to the instructions on the parchment, both making a solid effort to ignore Andrea’s impatient tone if only to avoid an argument during their so-called “fun” Halloween evening.

Lena shakes her head and secretly rolls her eyes, though, once she’s alone in the kitchen.

They really need to start saying no to Andrea more often.

“Salt, Lena!” Andrea calls from the bedroom, “vamos! We don’t have all night!”

Read A Bad Idea early on Patreon.

[welcome-to-neighborhood-park]

Wally Darling and Home

Playfellow Engineering prides itself on the accuracy of Neighborhood Park's cast! Meaning few changes were made to the characters' original designs. Wally's only noticeable differences are his height and small apple details. Home is life size replica of the original source.

Characters Information Below

Ah Wally Darling, the main character and very face of Welcome Home! He's kind and easy-going, and the friendliest neighbor around. He's always excited to show visitors around the Neighborhood and would love to join you in seeing all his friends!

Wally doesn’t have his own attraction other than his Apple Picking Ride, rather he free roams the park itself and interacts with everyone. The Neighborhood is his attraction! He’s also known to leave drawings scattered about the park. We don’t know how he reaches the roof of Eddie’s tour truck, but if you look up you might see the little vandal’s work! Wally always carries extra crayons and will happily give you a pack if you ask nicely.

Wally’s The Most Apple Picking Ride is exactly what you think it is! Visitors get to take a ride through a small apple orchard on decorated Apple Picking Baskets. During the ride, the baskets slow down to a snail’s pace to allow taller riders to reach out and pick apples on nearby branches, without leaving their seats of course! [Picked apples are not edible. Picked apples are exchanged for 1 edible apple at the end of the ride.]

Height: 48 inches with hair. Top of head is 42 inches. Eye Color: Black Age: mid 20s Additional Details: apple shaped buttons on cardigan, pants pockets, embroidered apple on one end of necktie

Sentient. Aware.

Home is in the center of the neighborhood and certainly the liveliest house around! Home has agreed to hold the showcase of all things Welcome Home. Home is not just Wally’s house, but also a museum showcasing the original show and park's history. He guides visitors through the tour with the help of a translator as he opens doors and waves his curtains!

Original records, scripts, merchandise, and more carry all the memories from the show and is truly the Heart of the neighborhood! All the props on display were lovingly donated to the museum by the owner, such as Eddie donating his original mailbag, he always keeps a spare after all! [There are no puppets in the museum. Strange.]

Height: 13 feet Eye Color: Black

Sentient. Aware.

[kayleighwinchester]

Pilot (Part 1)

Alright! I was debating waiting a little while to post this, since I only posted that first little drabble last night, but this portion is finished, so I figured I would post it anyway. This is part one of my rewrite of the Pilot; I'm very slowly working my way through the vast majority of the series! Like the drabbles, these will be tagged by season, and will be posted in order. I think it's important to note that I changed out a portion of the dialogue for the exchange in the original script; I personally think it flows a lot better, and I prefer it far and above what we got onscreen!

Thank you guys for the support I got on the drabble - it means a lot! <3

There were a lot of things Dean Winchester expected when he shimmied open the front window to Sammy's Stanford apartment - and there were a lot of things that surprised him. It was far nicer than he might have expected from a college kid; even one in on scholarships and maybe a part time job. It looked like it was most certainly lived in by more than one person - a few odd touches here and there that were distinctly more feminine. More than anything, though, he most certainly was not expecting the slow, low click of a loading gun, the sound of the safety clicking off, a sound he had never quite gotten used to - and he wasn't expecting to find himself staring down the barrel of a very, very familiar Glock.

"What the fuck are you doin’ here, Winchester?"

Kayleigh Evans's voice made his heart stop in his chest, his eyes finding hers in the darkness. She was a healthier weight than he remembered from high school, from those four years that John had dragged her all over god’s green earth right there with him and Sammy - she’d filled out a bit, no longer almost concerningly thin - her hair was a bit longer, falling in messy curls down her shoulders and back, her eyes foggy with interrupted sleep - but she looked pissed. Even as angry as she was, he half-expected her to lower the gun - at least to point at center mass and not directly between his damn eyes - but there was no such luck. Apparently, seeing that he wasn’t a robber wasn’t reassuring her in the least, and did nothing to assuage her displeasure. If anything, it might have pissed her off even more.

"Whoa. Easy, Leigh. Put the gun down, and let's talk about this for a second." Dean said slowly, his hands raised in surrender. While he might have trusted Sam to be willing to have a semi-civil conversation, that wasn’t necessarily a risk he was willing to take with Kayleigh - not after how they’d left things, not with how he knew her temper, and certainly not with the fact that her first instinct upon seeing him, apparently, was to point what he could only safely assume was a loaded gun in his face.   

"What the fuck are you doin’ here?" She repeated, louder now - she didn’t seem to be trying not to wake Sam up - her eyes flashing back toward the rest of the apartment only briefly as she heard footsteps. Her posture didn’t ease, and the gun didn’t lower, however, even as her eyes met Sam’s, as the youngest Winchester finally came padding into the room.

"Sam, you wanna call off the attack dog here?" Dean demanded, though he clearly didn't think it was a particularly smart idea to move - not with the gun he'd given Kayleigh for her fourteenth birthday still pointed firmly between his eyes at point-blank range with no signs of lowering any time soon.

And to his immense frustration, Sam repeated, essentially, the same thing Kayleigh had said - albeit with distinctly more confusion, and one less loaded gun. "Dean? What the hell are you doing here?"

"Well, I was lookin’ for a beer." Dean said, sounding more than a little exasperated by the entire situation. "Can we please get the gun out of my face, huh?" 

"Kay, it's fine." Sam finally said, maybe a bit reluctantly, as he stepped further into the room. Her eyes flashed to his, and slowly, slowly, the safety was back on with a low, soft 'click', and she was brushing past Sam a bit too roughly - more roughly than Dean had ever seen her be with the younger Winchester, damn near shoulder-checking him to show her displeasure - back toward the futon. And then his eyes were back on Dean, voice low, mildly impatient, as if he were speaking to a defiant child, not his older brother. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Okay, alright. We gotta talk.” Dean said simply, opening his arms in mock surrender. Sam stared at his brother for a beat, before dryly suggesting,

“The phone?” Dean’s expression soured just slightly. “If I’d’a called, would you have picked up?” He demanded. Sam hesitated briefly, and he finally relented with a roll of his eyes. 

"Sam?" A fourth voice joined the mix, the lights flicking on, flooding the living room with warm, bright light. For the first time, Dean could see around the room clearly - could see the futon Kayleigh was seated on, a duffel bag shoved beneath it, the painfully familiar sewn-over-and-over-again teddy bear that, even at twenty-six, Kayleigh appeared to have no problem carrying with her - the poor thing was practically more thread than it was ‘bear’ anymore, patched up by various hunters’ wives over the course of their childhood. "Kay?" And Dean's eyes finally flashed toward her, toward the pretty, slim blonde in the doorway. She was leaning against the doorframe, squinting just slightly, her eyes struggling to adjust to the light, and Sam turned sharply.

"Jess. Hey." He breathed out, as if she was all that mattered in that moment - as if seeing her was a relief that nothing else could possibly bring, a single ounce of normalcy in this whole, shitty moment. "Dean, this is my girlfriend, Jessica." He finally said as he turned back to Dean - and, surprisingly, Jessica's face lit up.

"Your brother Dean?" She asked Sam, not seeming to notice - or maybe willfully ignoring - Dean's gaze on her. He wasn’t expecting that, somehow - that she’d know him, or know of him. He’d almost expected that he would have been relegated to some dark, secret corner, someone that Sam never spoke of. It was, admittedly, a pleasant surprise to know he was wrong.

Dean sauntered forward a step or two, encouraged, at least, by the gun no longer pointed at his face and Jessica's welcoming smile. "I love the Smurfs," He observed, motioning vaguely to Jessica's shirt. "Man, I gotta tell you, you are completely out of my brother's league."

"Let me just go put something on." The smile had fallen from Jessica’s face as quickly as it had come, and her eyes darted to Kayleigh on the futon, to Sam at her side. Kayleigh just rolled her eyes and nodded - something even Dean could read as an unspoken ‘yep, that’s him alright’. 

"No, no, no, no - I wouldn't dream of it. Seriously." Dean said quickly - a little too quickly for Kayleigh's taste, if her expression was any indication - and she pointedly shifted herself to the edge of the futon, digging through her duffel briefly, before she started cleaning the damn gun, like an absolute cliche, her eyes not leaving his face. "Anyway, I gotta borrow your boyfriend here, talk about some private family business, but, uh - nice meeting you." His grin grew, and he gave a wink. Kayleigh's expression soured further, and Jess's grew mildly uncomfortable.

"No - no. Anything you wanna say, you can say it in front of her." Sam said firmly, and Kayleigh's eyes flashed to his, a look of distinct pride on her face.

"Okay." Dean said simply, as if the idea didn’t bother him at all - truth be told, it didn’t. "Dad hasn't been home in a few days." He didn't miss the derisive snort that Kayleigh let out, his jaw working briefly. "You got somethin' you wanna say, Leigh?" He bit out, though his eyes didn’t leave Sam - as if he didn’t trust his own temper if he let himself look at Kayleigh for too long, her attitude quickly beginning to grate on his already frayed nerves.

"So your jackass Dad's workin’ overtime on a Miller Time shift. I'm sure he'll stumble back in sooner or later." Kayleigh said lightly, not looking up from her gun. Sam fought to bite back a smile, even as a soft snort escaped, even as Jessica looked between the three like they'd gone nuts.

"Dad's on a hunting trip," Dean clarified, his voice cold, as his eyes flitted briefly to Kayleigh, and then shifted back to Sam. "And he hasn't been home in a few days." He let himself look back to Kayleigh, to take in the expression on her face. He could see the gears turning, see where her mind went - exactly where he’d intended. Her own father, slumped down in the passenger side of the Impala, his father driving - he didn’t have it in him to offer any kind word to soften that particular blow, even as he saw her expression change, her jaw work, her eyes dart back down to the gun in her lap.

That caught Sam's attention, and for a beat, silence reigned in the small living room. "Jess, excuse us. We need to go outside." Sam said quietly. "Kay, c'mon." Dean stared at Sam for a moment, looking like he wanted to protest - but at the look on Sam's face, he just nodded. This time, Dean let Sam lead the way to the front door of the apartment, sparing a moment to cast a glance around one more time, taking in the quiet domesticity of it - something he’d never had. In spite of everything else, he felt a swell of pride - Sammy deserved as much - and then it was gone as they stepped out into the hallway, Kayleigh pulling the door closed behind them.

All three were silent until Sam nudged open a side door, the cool night air coming in a welcome, refreshing blast - something to clear Dean’s racing mind, even if it was only for a moment. He let Dean pass, falling into step behind him, Kayleigh remaining a few steps behind - it seemed she trusted her own temper around Dean about as far as he trusted his own.

“I mean, come on. You can't just break in, middle of the night, and expect me to hit the road with you.” Sam finally spoke, voice rather annoyed now as he made his way down the metal stairwell. He kept the volume just a bit quieter than he might have otherwise - maybe to avoid disturbing anyone sleeping above or below, or maybe to avoid drawing attention to, well, any of their conversation.

“You’re not hearin’ me, Sammy. Dad’s missing. I need you to help me find him.” Dean did his best to stay patient, to keep the quickly rising irritation out of his voice. He wasn’t sure he succeeded - the soft snort from Kayleigh several steps above him just confirmed as much.

“You remember the poltergeist in Amherst? Or the Devil's Gates in Clifton? He was missing then, too. He's always missing, and he's always fine.” The younger Winchester retorted, and, in spite of herself - maybe just to add a little fuel to the fire, Kayleigh finally spoke up.

“He’s always fine. The poor sons’a bitches he drags into it with him 'n anyone that trusts him usually aren’t, but… ‘S long as Dad’s okay, ‘s all good, right, Winchester?”

Dean stopped in his tracks, his boots clanking on the stairs as he turned to look back up at her, green eyes narrowing slightly. She stared right back, lips pursed into a thin line, as if daring him to argue, and Sam instinctively shifted, his shoulder just barely in front of Kayleigh’s chest on the step ahead of her, making a barrier between the two, just in case one of them made a move. Dean was silent for a long, long moment, his eyes fixed on Kayleigh’s. “That’s not what we meant, ‘n you know it, Leigh.” He bit out after a moment.

“No, but ‘s how it always goes down.” She retorted, and Sam drew in a deep breath, offering a quiet, ‘guys,’ as a halfhearted warning. Kayleigh ignored him, continuing. “Every time someone’s stupid enough to call John Winchester in to help, they get themselves killed instead. Sure as hell doesn’t make my dad or Jo’s dad the common fuckin’ denominator, Winchester. So why the hell d’you think anyone’s gonna wanna help? ‘N you wanna drag Sammy back into it?” 

His eyes fixed on hers, and he looked like he fully intended to continue arguing, before he finally appeared to choose to, just this once, be the bigger person, his eyes moving to Sam instead. He drew in a deep, steadying breath, his shoulders rising and falling slowly with the movement, and continued as though Leigh had never spoken up, glancing back up to Sam as he continued down the stairs, “He’s never gone for this long. Now are you gonna come with me, or not?”

“I’m not.” Sam said firmly, eyes fixing on Dean’s. “Look, whatever’s going on here, Dad can handle it.” He stopped dead in his tracks as Dean hit the last stair - abruptly enough that Kayleigh nearly slammed into him, reaching out for the banister to steady herself.

“What part’a this don’t you understand, Sammy? We have to find him. You have to help.” Dean forced himself not to sound as infuriated as he felt - instead, it came out a bit condescending, even to his own ears, like he was speaking to a child. He didn’t miss the way Kayleigh’s eyes flashed to his, a silent warning, so like the ones she’d given so many times when he’d come off too harsh on the little things - his little brother looking at colleges, trying out for a sports team instead of focusing on the job…

“...Why do you need my help?” Sam prompted, and Dean was growing more and more certain that he was being difficult on purpose.

“He’s our Dad. You’re his son. What more do you need? We’re supposed to be family here, Sam.” Dean’s jaw worked as he fought to keep his eyes on Sam, not to respond to the laugh that Kayleigh barked out, along with a soft ‘you gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me’.

“News to me.” Sam said simply, though he did glance up to Kayleigh as he spoke, and there was no way for Kayleigh to hide the smirk that tugged at her lips. It wasn’t funny - none of this was funny - but god, was she proud of Sam. It was written all over her face, and it pissed Dean off, more than a little.

“No way you’re bringing that up now.” He grit out, scrubbing a hand over his face, purposely ignoring the intrigued - fucking nosy, was what it was - look on Kayleigh’s face as she shifted to lean against the banister.

“He tossed me – and Kay, for that matter, out on our asses. And you practically locked the door behind me –”

“I seem to remember a few choice phrases coming out of your mouth that night –”

“– and I haven’t heard one word from you guys in, what, two years? That sound like family to you?” 

Dean couldn’t stop himself – he let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “You know, you’re even more of a selfish, stuck-up punk than I remember.”

“Oh, am I?” It almost, almost sounded like Sam was close to losing his temper - Kayleigh reached forward, grabbing a handful of the back of his shirt as he took one step down the stairs, one step closer to Dean.  

“Yeah. I mean, I know things have been rocky lately, but still... he’s Dad. And after everything he’s done for you…” 

“Everything he’s done for me?” As Sam spoke, his voice a mixture of incredulity and outrage, Dean opened his mouth like he was about to interrupt, but Sam continued on. “All he’s done for me - for us -” He motioned sharply between the three of them, “is set the land speed record for fucked up childhoods!” There was no mistaking the anger in his voice now - anger that even Kayleigh seemed wary of, if the tug she gave the fistful of tee-shirt was any indication. The younger Winchester brother paused, and, though it seemed like an afterthought, took a slow step backward, up to the step he’d previously vacated. 

“Don’t be overdramatic.” Dean scoffed out, determinedly avoiding the look on Kayleigh’s face. He wasn’t sure he could stand to look at it - to see the well-deserved agreement Sam’s words were getting. Even he couldn’t disagree - he really couldn’t.

“Dean,” Sam sounded exasperated now - back to the tone that reminded him so much of an impatient parent scolding a misbehaving kid. Like he was explaining all of this to a first-grader. “when I told him I was scared of the thing in my closet, he gave me a .45!”

“Well, what was he supposed to do?” Dean demanded, barely resisting the urge to cross his arms over his chest defensively, settling, instead, for shoving his hands into his pockets, staring up at Kayleigh and Sam defiantly. It was two against one - not good odds in a real fight, and not good odds in an argument. Not when Sam was as headstrong as John, and Kayleigh was just as stubborn as both of their fathers combined.

“He was supposed to say ‘ghost stories are just stories’! He was supposed to say ‘don’t be afraid of the dark’!” Sam couldn’t help the disbelief that had begun to slip into his tone. It felt so, so obvious. It should have been. 

“You should be.” Dean shot, any pretense of calm composure gone. “You know what’s out there in the dark. You should be freakin’ terrified.”

“I know. But still -” Sam started, only to be cut off.

“Sammy, should I be prepping for a point here anytime soon?” Dean couldn’t hide the exasperation beneath the anger in his tone - just for good measure, he cast a pointed glance down at his watch – which read well past two in the morning – and back at his younger brother.

“The point is... I never asked for it: the occult homework, and melting the silver into bullets, and the family road trips, hunting down all those freaky-ass things. I never wanted any of it, Dean.” 

“You can’t pick your family, Sam.” Dean shot, unable to keep the mild resentment from his voice now. 

“No, but I can live my own life. And all our gory dysfunction – I buried it, man. I swore I was done with it. For good.” The anger was fading from Sam’s tone, replaced with something Dean knew way better than he wanted to admit – a sort of exhausted resignation. He clearly knew that he wouldn’t be getting anywhere in this argument, wouldn’t be actually making any sort of point that Dean would ever agree with.

“You know as well as I do. Nothing stays buried.” Dean stared up at Sam and Kayleigh, his jaw working for a moment, before he quietly, reluctantly offered, “I can’t do this alone.” 

“Yes you can,” Sam protested, his brows furrowing. 

“Yeah, well, I don’t want to.” He muttered begrudgingly, not meeting Sam’s eyes this time - and certainly not meeting Kayleigh’s. He didn’t want to see the expression there. While Sam’s was reluctant, maybe a bit torn, he was sure he’d see something worse in hers - utter indifference being the best of several bad options. Hell, he was pretty sure, on a bad day - and this one was feeling pretty damn bad, so far - she may have just laughed in his face, told him where he and his Dad could shove it, and never spoken to him again, and, like it or not, it was seeming like Kayleigh and Sam were coming - or not coming, which was seeming far more likely than he wanted - as a package deal.

He was expecting cold, humorless laughter from Kayleigh, maybe a cold shoulder from Sam. He was expecting something, anything other than for Kayleigh to remain quiet and stone-faced, keeping pace as Sam came down the last step between them. “Fine.” Sam scrubbed his hands over his face, letting out a slow exhale. “What was he hunting?”

[aliveandfullofjoy]

Review: Unforgiven (Eastwood, 1992)

(I haven't posted a review on Tumblr in a hot minute -- I've been keeping those to Letterboxd -- but I tried to get a few words out about this movie and wanted to share here as well. I love it a lot. Those are always hard to write about for me. This is embarrassing. Thanks for reading. Or not! Consider watching Unforgiven if you haven't!)

"It's a hell of a thing, killing a man. You take away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have."

Unforgiven is just one of those movies for me. It hits me like a bolt of lightning every time I watch it. I first watched it when I was in high school, when I was first getting into movies by way of poring over Oscar history. I didn't think of myself as a westerns guy at the time -- I'm honestly not even sure how many I'd seen by that point -- but Unforgiven almost immediately made me fall in love with the genre as a whole. It was a little bit like discovering my first Stephen Sondheim musical: "Oh, that's what this can be?"

Admittedly, I've been way less rabid about consuming westerns than I have been with musical theatre (and I'm certainly not a Clint Eastwood megafan). Still, it's a genre I find endlessly fascinating, and it's almost entirely because of how deeply literary they often feel. More than any other genre, individual characters in westerns seem to represent so much more than just themselves. I'm sure there's a great thesis to be written about the ideologies represented in Unforgiven in just the characters of William Munny and Little Bill Daggett alone, to say nothing of Ned Logan or the Schofield Kid or Strawberry Alice or English Bob or W. W. Beauchamp or Delilah.

(My God, what a cast of characters. What a script.)

And then there's the beautiful prologue and epilogue, perfectly bookending the film -- the cruelty, the loss, the violence -- with a bittersweet sense of poetry. Maybe cinema was invented so Eastwood could match Jack N. Green's cinematography with David Webb Peoples' words and accompany them with an aching guitar (the gorgeous "Claudia's Theme," which Eastwood wrote himself). All I have to do is think about the final words of the epilogue, to visualize Mrs. Ansonia Feathers visiting her daughter's grave, and I feel my eyes begin to well up.

I think that love story is what keeps me coming back to Unforgiven. We never see Munny's wife, just like we never see Munny before his marriage, that "man of notoriously vicious and intemperate disposition." To us, he's just a widower -- an aging man with a surprising gentleness who can barely take care of his hogs. Eastwood, it should be said, gives a gorgeous performance.

I love everything about this movie, even the parts that make me feel queasy. I love the Munny/Ned dynamic (Morgan Freeman is great in his short screen time). I love how vile of a bad guy Little Bill is (Gene Hackman's second Oscar was well-earned). I love getting heady about it and thinking about it as a deconstruction and an elegy for the westerns of Eastwood's youth. I even love how almost fatalistic the film gets near the end ("I'll see you in Hell." "Yeah.").

But it's the entirely offscreen love story that lingers with me. On this watch, the following exchange Munny has with Delilah, the brutalized sex worker at the center of Unforgiven's conflict, caught me completely off-guard and made me start crying almost immediately. Munny's wife, a woman we never meet, is a symbol of hope and redemption in a vicious world. Their love for one another is the heart of the film.

"Is she back in Kansas?" "Yeah, she's watching over my young ones."

[consanguinitatum]

David Tennant's Plays: An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (1995)

I haven't done a thread on any of David's plays in a while, so I had some time yesterday to rustle one up about his 1995 play, An Experienced Woman Gives Advice. It premiered 28 years ago yesterday (which was why I chose to do a deeper dive about it) so let's get into it! An Experienced Woman Gives Advice (I'll use EW to refer to the play from here on out because what a long title!) would be David's first time performing onstage at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

Prior to winning his role in EW, the last play David had done was What The Butler Saw as Nicholas Beckett, a role he was warmly praised for. What The Butler Saw ran for two months at five different venues around England before closing its run at the Nottingham Theatre Royal in late May 1995.

EW's playwright, Iain Heggie, had seen phenomenal success with his 1987 tour-de-force, A Wholly Healthy Glasgow. But in the years afterwards, Heggie had produced only a few more plays before deciding he'd rather go back to teaching and let his writing commence at its own pace.

Originally written as a miniature sex comedy, EW was long in development, and received further script development workshops at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow in 1992, and at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 1993.

Its world premiere would see Heggie's return to the stage.

Initially, it might have seemed odd that EW - with its Glasgow setting, Scottish writer, and fully Scottish cast - didn't make its debut in Scotland. But because Heggie and the Royal Exchange had similar actor-centered outlooks and many of the artistic directors in Scotland preferred a more visual style, Heggie chose to work with the Royal Exchange (who liked his work anyway) and the play made its debut in Manchester.

Previews for EW began at the Royal Exchange Manchester on 21 November 1995, with an opening day of 23 November 1995. It had a small cast of five: Siobhan Redmond as Bella, David Tennant as Kenny, Jenny McCrindle as Nancy, Alastair Galbraith as Irving, and Alexander Morton as Stick. It was directed by Matthew Lloyd, and its assistant director was Marianne Elliott.

The set, which was designed by Laurie Dennett, was quite sparse - a communal back garden and garden shed of a block of Glasgow tenement flats. The music was composed by Paddy Cunneen, who fans will recognize from many other projects he did with David, some of which I've previously done deep dives into (like Sunburst Finish, The Pillowman and Bite).

The three-act play had a runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes, with two intervals - one 15 minutes in length, the other 10 minutes in length. It closed its run on 16 December 1995. Tickets were priced from £5.50 to £18, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The action takes place on two Sunday mornings and opens with Bella, who's a 39 year old teacher, gardening in her back garden. We learn she's in a three-year long relationship with a live-in toyboy lover, Kenny (DT) who's a former pupil and 15 years younger than her. And that he didn't come home the previous night.

Bella calls Kenny her "charming, fallible boy", and she treats him like one. Former lovers say he's "tall, kind of blond, with a lovely lean build" and "incredibly rich brown eyes." There’s "just no resisting him,” and he's "bastardly good looking.”

David in rehearsals as Kenny (from program of An Experienced Woman Gives Advice)

In a series of interruptions from people passing into the garden, Bella (Redmond) dispenses advice to the inquiring strangers Nancy and Irving (Galbraith), and learns Kenny spent the night with another woman...from the woman herself, Nancy (McCrindle), who doesn't realize who she's told. What Bella does with this information - and how her meticulously cultivated freedom of choice lifestyle shatters, especially given her first love, Stick (Morton) lives nearby - is what the rest of the play explores. We see love, lust, and lies play out as Bella makes her choices.

And there's a scene with Bella and Kenny...and sex behind the doors of a rocking, exploding garden shed!

I haven't been able to locate a production script of the play to see whether this scene was enacted onstage, but Heggie's published script book says this scene, where Bella strips Kenny of his clothes piece by piece before they go into the shed to have sex offstage, had some brief nudity. None of the play reviews I've been able to find mention any nudity, though one article about the play does state that due to "strong language and the sexual nature of the story, the play is not suitable for children under 15." (I don't know how much weight I should give this particular article, however, because it also calls the lead character "Maggie" rather than "Bella"!) Anyway, if this scene was included in the play, it would be the second known instance (the first being that now-infamous What The Butler Saw full frontal nude photograph) where DT was onstage in the buff!

Speaking of reviews, they were wildly different - some found it hilariously funny with barbed, sharp dialogue, while others found it fatiguing. David's "able portrayal" as Kenny was praised as part of an extremely talented cast, and his was called a "great performance".

David and Siobhan Redmond earned Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards (MENTA) nominations - Redmond for Best Actress, and David for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. They also earned British Regional Theatre Awards nominations; Redmond for Best Actress and David for Best Actor. The play itself was also awarded a MENTA nomination for Best New Play. Redmond won both her nominations; David and the play didn't.

Photos from the play are almost nonexistent. I haven't located any images housed in any archives anywhere...so far. That doesn't mean they're not out there, mind you, just I haven't found them yet! I did manage to find a few of horrible quality while digging around in newspaper archives (I'll refrain from venting here about the quality aspects of digitizing newspapers, as that's a rant for another day) but it's a damned shame. I mean, in one of these, David just looks like a David-shaped black hole with floating arms! Nevertheless, I'll leave them here.

Something else I found fascinating during my research was that, like many venues, the Royal Exchange had a tradition of scheduling at least one informal discussion with the director and members of the company for each of their productions. While I didn't find any information on whether a discussion of this sort occurred during EW's run, I have to assume it did. Ah, to be a fly on the wall for that!

And that, my friends, is pretty much the story of An Experienced Woman Gives Advice! I wish I knew much more about this play, but like many parts of David's theatre career, wide gaps in our knowledge remain. But I keep on looking.

Thanks for reading!