#cinema under the sky

[adanethel]

end of summer

8/09/2024, Lubiewo

[gregor-samsung]

すばらしき世界 [Under the Open Sky] (Miwa Nishikawa - 2020)

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Vyjayanthimala (Madhumati, Amrapali, Sangam, Devdas)—Strong contender for /the/ OG queen of Indian cinema for over 2 straight decades. Her Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award came not a moment too soon with 62 movies under her belt. Singer, dancer, actor, and also has the most expressive set of eyes known to man

Audrey Hepburn (My Fair Lady, Sabrina, Roman Holiday)—Growing up, Audrey Hepburn desperately wanting to be a professional ballerina, but she was starved during WWII and couldn't pursue her dream due to the effects of malnourishment. After she was cast in Roman Holiday, she skyrocketed to fame, and appeared in classics like My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's. She's gorgeous, and mixes humor and class in all of her performances. After the majority of her acting career came to close, she became a UNICEF ambassador.

This is round 6 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Vyjayanthimala:

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Audrey Hepburn:

"She may be a wispy, thin little thing, but when you see that girl, you know you're really in the presence of something. In that league there's only ever been Garbo, and the other Hepburn, and maybe Bergman. It's a rare quality, but boy, do you know when you've found it." - Billy Wilder

Raised money for the resistance in nazi occupied Hungary. Became a humanitarian after retiring. Two very sexy things to do!

where to begin......... i wont her so bad. i literally dont know what to say.

My dude. The big doe eyes, the cheekbones, the voice. The flawless way she carried herself. She was never in a movie where she wasn't drop dead gorgeous. Oh, also the fact she raised funds against the Nazis doing BALLET and she won the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian work.

"It’s as if she dropped out of the sky into the ’50s, half wood-nymph, half princess, and then disappeared in her golden coach, wearing her glass slippers and leaving no footprints." - Molly Haskell

"All I want for Christmas is to make another movie with Audrey Hepburn." - Cary Grant

I know people nowadays are probably sick of seeing her with all the beauty and fashion merch around that depicts her and/or Marilyn Monroe but she is considered a classic Hollywood beauty for a reason. Ironically in her day she was more of the alternative beauty when compared to many of her contemporaries. She always came off with such elegance and grace, and she was so charming. Apparently she was a delight to work with considering how many of her co-stars had wonderful things to say about her. Outside of her beauty and acting ability she was immensely kind. She helped raise funds for the Dutch resistance during WWII by putting on underground dance performances as well as volunteering at hospitals and other small things to help the resistance. During her Hollywood career and later years she worked with UNICEF a lot. Just an all around beautiful person both inside and out.

No one could wear clothes in this era like she could. She was every major designer's favorite star and as such her films are time capsules of high fashion at the time. But beyond that, she had such an elegance in her screen presence that belied a broad range of ability. From a naive princess, to a confused widow, to a loving and mischievous daughter, she could play it all.

Look at that woman's neck. Don't you want to bite it?

[lavandulawrites]

Request

Trying to have a romantic date with Mr Reca but he doesn’t stop explaining/complaining about the movie you just saw together.

Little Mister Critique

Mr Reca x reader

I decided to keep this nice and simple as I have a lot of requests I need to finish:) Mr Reca is so fucking underrated it’s absolutely insane. (Let me know if anyone wanna be apart of my taglist).

Masterlist

The restaurants atmosphere was cozy and romantic. Multiple candles were littered around in a fashionable sense. You and your beloved boyfriend was sitting in a both in a private corner on the second floor of the luxurious restaurant. The giant windows looked out over the city. The city lights glittered like the stars in the darl sky. It was truly a breathless sight. The sound of cutlery against porcelain filled sounded like wind chimes.

The men in front of you cut into his lasagna before he brought it to his lips. He chewed with a delighted hum. After swallowing he hummed again “My my, this restaurant truly is delightful, is it not? I think I should make one of the scenes in my new movie take place here…”

You nodded. “Yeah, the food and the atmosphere are truly something” you have the brunette a soft smile. His eyes twinkled like red stars as his lips retuned your smile.

“So what woul-”

“God that movie we just watched was truly a disgrace to the cinematic arts” Reca interrupted you. He shook his head in great disappointment as he recalled the movie.

You raised your brow as you sighed. Here we go again.

“I don’t think it was that bad” you shrugged. “You are overreacting. Now eat your food.”

“Of course it was bad! The cinematography was horrendous, the colours obnoxious, the costumes extremely cheap” he waved his hands in a dramatic manner. “Ugh and don’t even get me started on the acting and script! It should be illegal to produce such garbage. It’s a disgrace to directors and the audience to witness such filth” he scoffed. Reva’s handsome face was twisted in annoyance. “I should have asked for a refund” he muttered under his breath as he took a sip of his red wine.

“Reca” your stern voice broke him out of his theatrics. He swallowed as he glanced down on the plate. He looked like a guilty puppy and you but your tongue as to not laugh out loud.

“You have been complaining about that goddamn movie on the whole way from the cinema and till we got our food. I finally thought you would have gotten it out of your mind when you got your food, but I guess I was wrong” you sighed. “But I do agree with you, it was bad, but don’t let it ruin our date. Okay?” you stroke his hand gently.

His charming smile returned to his lips as he nodded firmly. “You are naturally right, my dear. I shall refrain from talking about that garbage” he lifted his wine glass. Your glasses clicked together. “Let us have a date that even the best romantic films of the cosmos won’t even dream to compare with.”

[darth-mortem]

Here is a sad snippet that @amikoroyaiart masterpiece inspired me to do. 636 words.

“Talk to me, Ghost".

Riley didn’t answer. It seemed as if he hadn't heard the words spoken to him at all over the noise of the downpour and the waves rolling over the large stones at the shore. They stood on the pier, and the sharp, cold wind blew in relentless gusts, penetrating their equipment, clothing, and skin, making their bodies freeze to the bone.

Soap didn't call out to Ghost again. He knew that on days like this, when the terrible shadows of the past surround Simon and bind his soul with icy chains, he needed time to return to reality. MacTavish just reached out, lightly touching Riley's shoulder, and then lit a cigarette, covering it from the rain. A minute passed, then another, and then Ghost moved and slowly turned his head toward Soap.

“What about?” He asked vaguely, as if the question had been asked of him only a second ago.

“I dinnae know.” Johnny shrugged and smiled. “Let's talk about cinema! Do you like action movies?”

“No.” Simon shook his head and lit up a cigarette too. “I have enough ‘action movies’ in my life.”

“Then what?” Soap tilted his head in interest.

Ghost was silent, looking off into the distance, where the cold, foggy sea merged with the equally cold, leaden sky. MacTavish touched his shoulder again and squeezed it lightly, letting him know that he could speak frankly and not be afraid of ridicule or condemnation.

“I like movies about animals.” Simon finally answered. “Only those with a good ending.”

Johnny smiled gently, realizing once again that despite all the suffering, there was a kind heart underneath the frightening image of Ghost.

“Ye know, I like them too.” Soap said. “Dinnae tell anyone, but when I watched ‘Lassie’, I cried like a baby, and I was fifteen years old.”

Ghost looked at him warily at first, but then, realizing that Johnny wasn't mocking him, he took off his rain-dripping sunglasses and smiled weakly under his balaclava. Soap realized this when he saw Riley’s sad blue eyes squint.

“I heard there was a movie about whales recently.” Simon said that and was silent for a few seconds, remembering the title. “It's called ‘The Big Miracle’. Maybe we can watch it together when we have a leave.”

“I'd love to!” Soap smiled again and put his arm around Ghost's shoulders. “Now, can we go inside? Ye know there's no need to stand guard ‘ere. And I think thir's some Bourbon left in the kitchen.”

Simon nodded, and they walked down the pier to the small cabin that 141 used as his safehouse.

***

“Talk to me, Ghost.”

Riley didn’t answer. He would never answer again: his life taken by a traitorous bullet, his body burned in hellish flames, and his scarred and maimed soul... MacTavish didn’t know what had happened to it. He had once believed in God as a child, but then he saw so much evil that he could no longer. However, he hoped that if there is a heaven, Simon is there now, next to his mother, brother, and little nephew Joseph; that his scars are gone, his old wounds no longer hurt; and that he doesn’t need his skull balaclava. Also, Johnny secretly hoped that when his life was cut short by a bullet, a knife, or maybe a grenade, he too would be in that wonderful place, next to Simon, whom he loved with all his heart and continued to love no matter what.

A heavy hand rested on MacTavish's shoulder, and he flinched in surprise, though he knew it could only be Captain Price.

“Time to go, son.” He said, staying a little behind Johnny. “Aye.” Soap nodded, quickly ran his sleeve over his face, wiping away his tears, and they walked together to the helicopter.

[yurinaa-world]

Could you do Gallagher, Argenti, and Boothill with an actress reader who’s considered the silver screen queen of Penacony, the Robin of film, inspo of Judy Garland and Audrey Hepburn.

“𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇”

💫𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈: Gallagher, Argenti, & Boothill x Female reader

💫𝒮𝓎𝓃𝑜𝓅𝓈𝒾𝓈: with a reader who’s considered the silver screen queen of Penacony

💫𝒲𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈: Fluff, & Spelling Mistakes

💫𝒟𝑒𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Silver screen queen = "silver screen" refers to the appearance of the movie screen in the early days of cinema. It often had a slightly reflective, silver-like look. So, a "silver screen queen" is a star who shines brightly on this "silver screen."

💫𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝒶𝑔𝒽𝑒𝓇 "𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒸𝓊𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓎 𝒪𝒻𝒻𝒾𝒸𝑒𝓇 𝒪𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑜𝒹𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝐹𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎"

He remembers you from the start to the glory days, and still to this day you remain glorious since then. There is never anyone in Penacony who doesn’t know your name or face unless they have literally been under a rock their entire life, your face is plastered on every poster in Penacony (Usually it’s always to upcoming movies that all release on the same week).

The rookies at the security office love raving about how good you looked in your new blockbuster movie, even making popularity polls on the bulletin board about which one of your movies you look the most attractive in (spoiler: he rips it off completely and gives those rooks a nice hit).

You always make sure to come and visit him in the after-hours, he usually gets annoyed that anyone shows up or stays past the closing time but he’ll make an exception for you, any drink you like, on the house. Just stay a bit longer, it’s been a while since you last saw each other.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

“Should star like you really be drinking this late.”

He worries quite a bit about you, every time you show up, you always drink pretty heavy drinks as if you don’t have a stomach. How do you deal with headaches in the morning? “People drink all the time in Penacony, I’m just the only one in a bar.” Pushing your cup forward motion for another drink from him, which he takes with a huff.

“And who’s the one staying open for you.” 

“I could just drink somewhere else if it bothers you.” he could’ve just closed down for the rest of the day, but of course, you know he’s worried, just what might happen if people see Penacony’s ‘sliver queen’ walking around drunk.

 “And who would take care of you, who knows what creeps are around if you went somewhere else,” he groans while gently handing your 4th, or 5th drink? Who knows, it’s not like anyone’s counting. “If you’re going to drink at least do it at your ‘luxurious’ beach house.”

“It's not fun, I would rather spend all my free time with you.” He just froze at your words, staring down at the little smile you give him, lucky you said that while you were drunk—at least he has something to tease with now—yet he wished for you to say that while you were sober.

“Does anyone even know you’re here?”

 “Not at all.” Seriously, your managers sound more like strict parents, with how you're running out in a blue moon to come and drink. “I should get going before they find out,” groaning loudly while you just chug down your last drink in a single breath, getting off your bar stool before going into your pocket to retrieve your wallet. “It’s on the house…They haven’t started calling yet so you should stay a bit longer,”

“It’s been a while, who knows when I might see you again.”

💫𝒜𝓇𝑔𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒾 "𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒦𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝐵𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝓎"

Have mercy on him, this knight of beauty, he sees the shining stars in the night sky but they can't even come close to the epitome of beauty you are. The way you’re beloved by so many in Penacony, it’s truly a beautiful sight to see (even though he doesn’t understand the dazzling entertainment you provide but it’s a beautiful sight to be able to gaze at.)

He can’t help himself but love every part of you and more, you grace him with your love for him and he shall repay it tenfold like the nimble knight of yours he is.

Small things he may do, a hard day for you, feet sore and slightly injured from the heels you wear (no matter how much padding you wear it still doesn’t help). May he be your assistant, allow him to do everything for you. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Imagen him not wearing his armour

“Is your foot alright, my dear?”

Your day felt like one of those days where everything was just slow, along with the counter of your heel just eating away at you with how much pain it was causing your heel bone throughout the day. 

You just grit your teeth under your smile while the counter of the heel wedges into the back of your foot, leaving a nasty red mark that you didn’t have the chance to take care of, just wincing at the feeling whenever you move your foot.

It’s gotten so bad to the point that even Argenti noticed the discomfort expression while looking at the foot, he couldn’t help but get on one of his knees to take a closer look at your foot—medkit beside him just in case you needed it, groaning in pain when he gently takes your foot, touching your burning bruise—he seemed pretty fixed on the bruise that looked at it for quite a while.

“Quite a gruesome bruise caused on your perfect skin,” He mutters, before quickly getting to work with a bandage to wrap around to put some compression onto it.

Just hearing you wincing and hiss in the slight pain when the bandages were pulled tight, he can’t help but want to comfort that horrendous pain. “My dear, may your pain be taken away quickly.” he smiles up at you while his hand gently squeezes your leg to comfort you.

“I’m grateful, but how will I move around my foot feels so numb?” you smile back down at him, not like you were serious just joking a little, but you should have known better since this Argenti.

He straight up picks you up with such ease and quickness leaving you in awe, while his arms under your legs, pushing you above him as you wrap your arms around his neck to be secure. 

“I shall carry you, wherever you need to go.”

💫𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓁𝓁 "𝑀𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒢𝒶𝓁𝒶𝓍𝓎 𝑅𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇𝓈"

Well, he’ll be damned, a total heartthrob lady like yourself, as his lady. If only he wasn’t a galaxy hunter, he’d have more time to spend with you and treat you better. Along with the fact your relationship is a complete secret from everyone in Penacony and those from the outside who come to turn to watch, which just makes things a bit difficult on both sides.

It’s hard for you to even meet up since everyone always seems to recognize either of you, Forget any type of date in a slightly populated area because it’s not going to work for the both of you, it just ends up with you wearing a full disguise, from clothes to makeup, the whole nine yards.

Sometimes he can’t even recognize himself whenever you show up at midnight for your small date to walk, scared him to death when you looked like that. Doesn’t matter at all though, he just wants to hold hands while you walk together taking in the view of everything when no one’s around.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

“I ain't interested.”

Boothill just brushes you off as if you were dirty, not even bothering to turn to look at you. Yet it shows: you did well with disguise if he can’t even recognize you.

“Only eyes set on me?” You laugh at him, just to turn around and look at you so confused, your voice matches but not your face.“It’s me, Boothill.” Gently smacking his shoulder while he looked relieved. You’ve gotten your disguise down to tea this time. Who knows what else those pretty hands could do?

“Fudge, I couldn’t even tell it was you.”

“I can’t let anyone recognize me,” 

His hand interwoven itself with yours, bringing your knuckles to his lips, and kissing it gently. “What can’t these pretty hands do?” He just starts gushing out compliments, he just feels a bit guilty for leaving you for so long without any contract with him while he was gone.

“Come on, got you somethin’.” Quickly taking you away as if you were both children running to a secret spot in the woods, when he said he had something to show he wasn't joking. It was a beautiful sight, rows of flower bushes, all different colours of roses; all Illuminated by lamps. You usually never have time to visit with it a popular sight to see.

“The roses look like you. I saw them an’ thought you liked them.” 

“I’m surprised you paid attention to your surroundings.” you can’t help but tease a little, he cares you tell under all that steel he’s made out of, even his heart is made out of steel but at least beating (it’s gotta count for something right?).

“I ain’t dumbaxe, I can remember my lover's favourite things.”

if you liked this, consider tipping me on ko-fi! it'd mean a lot!

[ore-ion]

Finally watched Transformers One! Here's me and my irls reaction to it, lol

Edit; I went home and hugged the only megatron figure I had and just sat on the bed lmao 💀 that emotional damage wasn't joking

[Under the cut, I'll minimalise spoilers but I suppose it's mostly pics and commentary.] Nothing is in chronological order btw :D

Before:

I'm the guy in a dark red / magenta shirt

Anddd after the emotional damage;

And for the commentary:

NUMBER. ONE. INHALEESSSS;;;

Sentinel, GOD YOU'RE SUCH AND ASSSSSSS 🔥💥💥💥💥💥💥 my professor is going to hear about you.

2. Yes I carried around a camera to the cinema for a photography project no I didn't get to capture myself cry in 4k HD unfortunately, as much as I wanted that to happen.

3. THE..MEGOP ARC....HURT. SO BAD. Us 3 had to hug each other across our seats it's SO GOOD. It hurts. Ouch 👍 I knew i how it ends but God...that stabbed a little close to home

4. Saying "oh. Oh that's gore of my comfort character " so often it feels surreal

5. At some point in D's arc, I went "fuck you, I'm in!" And my irls looked at me like 'no you are NOT. ' like I would join another riot (I would)

6. Bee reminds me so much of my own friend and hearing him yap was so fun, live laugh love for this little dude. I will cherish his existence as long as I'm alive.

7. SENTINELLLLLLL. How dare you.

8. This is our old man, this is the Alpha Trion, which is the best peepaw. Je t'adore, vieil homme, you are very awesome.

9. I will personally kick Sentinel in the face too, D. Just not that far–

10. The speeches and use of language here is so good, you can HEAR the arrogance, sarcasm, etc etc and the intonation of characters so clear its amazing.

11. The parallels make me want to jump and freedive into the sky goddammit ouch

12. "Walked in knowing they're exes, walked out knowing why he's everyone's ex"

13. I'm still not over the emotional bond of D and Pax I'm not okay about them 😔

14. ELITA IS SO COOLLLLL LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE HER SO MUCH OH MY GOD???

More silly Images:

The best feeling ever: fuck you, sentinel.

[moltengoldveins]

so we can all agree that the newest 2WEI song (take the crown) is the trailer song for an Antarctic Empires Emerald Duo pg14 movie where Techno is a gladiator who earned his freedom and has vowed to destroy the government that enslaved him and Philza is an old demigod banished to a solitary plane of existence for five decades after attempting to run a coup against the ruling class.

They meet on a battlefield, Techno having joined up as brute muscle and Phil having used some minor illusions to pass as a quirky avian and join the bombardment team. Combining some similar plot beats as Oceans 11 and Atlantis: The Lost Empire, they gather a specialized team of insurrectionists, anarchists, battle mages, and warriors to take down the imperium from the inside, eventually planning on restoring the nation to the democracy it was in Phil’s earliest memories. But will they manage it, or will their bloody pasts and violent present seat Technoblade on the throne as the Antarctic Emperor, with Philza as his right hand, the Angel of Death? (Spoiler, the second option. It’s the most controversial film finale decision of the decade.)

The movie is filmed in a style somewhere between Dune 1, the Prince of Egypt, and Topgun. (denis villeneuve is too busy and too expensive, but it’s clear they’re taking inspiration. Bold colors and lighting and a lot of shots of the sky, wildlife, architecture, or of characters’ hands.) It’s scored by an up and coming indie musician, working under the consultation of Ludwig Gorannson in his spare time as a pet project, though his association with the film doesn’t really come out until it Smashes the expected theatre income in the first two days of release and critics start Raving about it. Techno’s actor is nominated for an Oscar for one of the most compelling intricate portrayals of ptsd and platonic devotion in modern cinema, but doesn’t actually get the Oscar.

Tumblr is flooded with gif sets of Techno in the Obligatory No Armor After Gladiator Fight Scene and the Late Night Vibing With Phil In A Loose Poet Shirt scene (firelit, lots of closeups of his eyes, the film is obviously attempting to express his complex emotional state and his deep relationship with Phil, and is failing miserably at doing Anything but making him hot. The internet is ✨gay✨ about it, because when is the internet not?) Also most of the simps are calling Phil a dilf.

Fit MC is the fan-favorite side character, his four scenes and nine lines of dialogue are clipped and edited and giffed and memed into the dirt. (His armor and prosthetic, the makeup and costuming department say, were the hardest thing to do in the entire film, which is why he isn’t in too many shots.) Though, a close second is Niki, who is played by a woman built like a brick house who doesn’t wear sleeves, so…. Yeah. We all know what the response is there. The effects, including Phil’s wings, are almost entirely practical and the only real places it gets iffy is Steve, the giant war polar bear that’s pretty clearly clipping through a few snowbanks here and there. Nobody can agree on which characters are morally reprehensible.

Within a few years, very few people outside a dedicated fan base have seen it and a few assume it’s made up like Goncharov. It’s also, for some ungodly reason, been labeled a Christmas film. (most of the plot happens in the ice and snow, hence ‘Antarctic Empire.’) I guess nothing says ‘Christmas spirit’ quite like ‘unmitigated violence, platonic yearning, and overthrowing oppressors.’

[buddhamethods]

10 BL Characters I Would Hit With My Car

(I don't have a licence and can't drive so this is just for fun OBVIOUSLY)

LISTEN, I love these characters. They are complex, they are human, they are flawed and yet you can't help but root for them. Or they are just giant assholes.

Regadless, I think they would all benefit from getting hit by a car as a little treat.

Feel free to tag yourselves and participate in a bit of lighthearted negativity and media complaining.

1) Ben From Never Let Me Go (2022)

Of course he would be on this list. Mainly because how are you, a closeted gay in a coming of age bl drama, sitting down in front of a piano next to a beautiful boy and not just completely eat his face in a passionate life altering kiss? I understand that was the whole point of the scene, but personally I would rise above the narrative that was trapping me.

2) Dan from Not Me (2021)

Being a cop, killing Sean's father and selling NFTs is bad enough on it's own, I agree. But Dan's biggest sin was taking the cigarette out of Yok's mouth and depriving us of seeing sad First Kanaphan smoking near a body of water-THE queer cinema experience.

As it turns out, you can be gay and homophobic at the same time.

3) Kenji from My Dear Gangster Oppa (2023)

So you have funky hair and kawnty fashion sense? Oh, you partake in fun bathtub threesomes? What, you're a little unhinged and psychotic? Perfect! THEN WHY THE HELL YOU SUCK AT BEING A VILLAIN SO HARD HUH???

Kenji you better put your helmet on, I'm turning on the engine.

4) Kanghan from Dangerous Romance (2023)

Rich people don't deserve rights in general so Kang was already on thin ice to begin with. But being a bully on top of that? UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR YOU GO!

Also he is so attention starved on account of his father being a negligent asshole that he will jump in front of my car willingly just to get a drop of love from dad and Sailom.

5) Yu Xi Gu from HIStory3: Make Our Days Count (2019)

(I'm so so incredibly sorry but I HAD to okay you don't underst- *gets shot immediately*)

6) Mork from Fish Upon The Sky (2021)

I looked at Pond for 0.1 second and fell so embarrasingly in love that for the entirety of FUTS I saw no flaws in Mork's character at all. All he did made sense and I was blissfuly having a great time! So I'm pummeling him to the ground for my own sake I CAN'T KEEP BEING THIS STUPID ABOUT HIM HE IS OBJECTIVELY CREEPY!

7) Vee from Love Mechanics (2022)

Was he in my "I want them carnally" list? Yes. Do I find him beautiful and incredible? Double yes. Am I smearing him on asphalt like a squished bug for causing Mark so much unnecessary pain and heartbreak? More likely than you think.

8) Jiwoo from To My Star/ To My Star 2 (2021-22)

MY BEAUTIFUL BOY!! A crumb of healthy communication is all I'm asking for!

Jiwoo was so emotionally bricked up for the majority of both seasons that it caused ME damage. So me hitting him with my car is both a revenge plot and an attempt to let loose some of those pent up feelings of his.

(But also I'm dead meat if Seojoon finds out it was me behind the wheel. He loves that boy too much.)

9) Zee from Twins (2023-24)

I'm volunteering to do this as public service to keep Sprite and First together without any twins switch drama. One gremlin down, one successful volleyball couple UP!!

10) Winner from Pit Babe (2023-24)

I want to do it as an experiment. I feel like he would make a funny sound under the wheels, like when you sqeeze clown's nose or step on a rubber duck. I would also like to see how this will affect his character. Will he become even more annoying? Will it fix him completely? ONLY ONE WAY TO FIND OUT!!

(This was so fun I love inflicting imaginary violence on fictional men. If you read this far into this incoherent insanity, consider yourself tagged!💖)

[mangocustard16]

Starry Cinema Night💗💓

Jeon Wonwoo x reader

| synopsis: As stars lit the sky, a Wonwoo's and Y/N's first visit to a drive-in movie theater sparks a love story under the summer night.

| pairing: bf!wonwoo x gn!reader

| genre: fluff

| warnings: none

| w.c: 610

Wonwoo and Y/N had been dating for a few months now, and they were both eager to make new memories together. Tonight, they decided to go to a drive-in movie theater, something neither of them had experienced before. It was a warm summer evening, and the anticipation of the night ahead filled the car with excitement.

As they approached the drive-in, the neon sign flickered to life, casting a colorful glow over the area. The gravel crunched beneath the tires as they found their spot, nestled between rows of cars, each facing the large outdoor screen.

Y/N couldn't contain her excitement. "I've always wanted to do this," she said, turning to Wonwoo with a wide grin.

He smiled back, his eyes holding a hint of amusement. "I can tell. You look like a kid in a candy store."

She playfully nudged him, causing both of them to laugh. "Well, I've heard drive-ins are a classic American experience. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on it."

Wonwoo nodded in agreement. "It's one of those things that never goes out of style."

With the car engine off and the windows down, they settled into their seats, ready for the show to begin. The screen flickered to life, and the opening credits of the movie rolled. The atmosphere was different from a regular theater; it was more intimate, like they had their own private cinema under the starry sky.

Wonwoo reached over to take Y/N's hand, their fingers entwining naturally. She leaned her head on his shoulder as the movie started. It was a romantic comedy, the kind Y/N secretly loved, and Wonwoo knew it.

As the plot unfolded on the screen, Wonwoo couldn't help but steal glances at Y/N. Her eyes were fixed on the movie, but there was a soft smile on her lips, and her face occasionally lit up with laughter at the witty dialogues and humorous situations. Wonwoo found himself getting lost in the way her hair danced in the breeze, the softness of her laughter, and the warmth of her hand in his.

During one particularly heartwarming scene, Y/N turned to Wonwoo, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "This is so lovely, Wonwoo," she whispered.

He squeezed her hand gently. "Just like you."

She blushed at his words, and he couldn't resist leaning in to kiss her cheek. The moment was sweet and tender, the kind that made their hearts race just a little bit faster.

As the movie progressed, the night air grew cooler, and Wonwoo reached into the backseat to grab a blanket he had brought along. He draped it over Y/N's shoulders, tucking it snugly around her. She smiled up at him, grateful for his thoughtfulness.

The movie neared its climax, and so did the evening. The tension in the plot mirrored the feelings bubbling between Wonwoo and Y/N. They shared stolen glances, their fingers intertwined tightly, neither wanting to break the spell of the moment.

Finally, as the credits rolled and the screen went dark, Y/N turned to Wonwoo with a contented sigh. "That was amazing," she said.

Wonwoo nodded, his gaze fixed on her. "It was."

Their faces drew closer, and they shared a sweet, lingering kiss. It was the kind of kiss that spoke of shared moments and unspoken promises. The kind of kiss that made them both feel like they were on the brink of something beautiful.

As they leaned back into their seats, Wonwoo said, "This was a perfect night."

Y/N nestled her head on his shoulder again, her fingers tracing small patterns on the back of his hand. "It really was. Thanks for bringing me here, Wonwoo."

He kissed the top of her head. "Anytime, Y/N."

The drive-in movie had been a simple yet magical experience, one that had deepened the connection between them. Under the starry sky, with the soft hum of the car engine and the memory of the movie still fresh in their minds, they knew they had created a beautiful memory together. And as they sat there, hand in hand, they couldn't wait to create many more in the future.

i want someone to do this with me pls

date inspo for future

[ricciardosheart]

Starry Serenade on the Riviera - cl16

pairings: Charles Leclerc X female (gf! reader)

Charles, with a sparkle in his eyes, entered their home holding a bouquet of (Y/N)'s favorite flowers. The room seemed to brighten as he approached her, a playful grin dancing on his lips. "Hey there, beautiful," he whispered, presenting the flowers.

The Mediterranean sunbathed Monaco in a warm embrace as (Y/N) nestled into the comforts of their shared home. The gentle hum of the waves drifted through the open windows, providing a harmonious soundtrack to her peaceful afternoon. Little did she know, Charles Leclerc, the Formula 1 sensation and her adoring boyfriend, was orchestrating a surprise that would transform this ordinary day into an enchanting tale.

A gasp of delight escaped (Y/N)'s lips as she accepted the bouquet. "Charles! What's all this?"

"I thought we could use a little break," he revealed, his voice laced with excitement. "How about a special date on a yacht?"

Her eyes widened with anticipation. "A yacht? Seriously?"

Charles nodded, the mischievous glint in his eyes intensifying. "I thought we could spend the day cruising along the French Riviera, just you and me."

A radiant smile adorned (Y/N)'s face. "That sounds amazing!"

The next scene unfolded on the deck of a sleek yacht, elegantly cutting through the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds, casting a golden glow that danced on the waves. The couple stepped aboard, greeted warmly by the captain, who saluted Charles with a knowing smile.

The yacht set sail, leaving the coastline of Monaco behind. Charles and (Y/N) found themselves alone, surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea. The air was imbued with a sense of adventure and romance as the yacht gracefully sailed along the French Riviera.

On the deck, a table awaited them, adorned with fine linens, silverware, and crystal glasses. A private chef, part of Charles's meticulous plan, stood ready to craft a culinary masterpiece. The couple indulged in a feast of fresh seafood, delicate flavors dancing on their palates, while the sea breeze carried the scent of the ocean.

As the day unfolded, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Charles and (Y/N) settled into plush lounge chairs on the yacht's deck, wrapped in blankets against the cooling breeze. The sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of colors, a testament to nature's artistry.

Charles, ever the thoughtful planner, produced a tablet for a private movie screening. The yacht became their own floating cinema, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the sea. Laughter and the soft murmur of waves intertwined as they enjoyed their favorite film, the screen competing with the mesmerizing spectacle of the sunset.

The atmosphere was nothing short of magical as the yacht sailed through the twilight waters. The couple, lost in the beauty of the moment, reveled in the serenity of the French Riviera at dusk.

With the movie credits rolling, Charles suggested a change of scenery. "How about lying down to enjoy the stars?" he proposed, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. They found a cozy spot on the yacht's deck, blankets pulled tight around them, and looked up at the night sky.

The stars above sparkled like diamonds, casting a celestial glow over the couple. Charles pointed out constellations, weaving stories in the night sky. (Y/N)'s heart swelled with gratitude for the extraordinary day and the extraordinary man beside her.

"I've never experienced anything like this," she confessed, her eyes reflecting the luminous beauty around them.

Charles, his gaze fixed on the twinkling stars, replied, "There's nothing more special than sharing moments like these with you."

Under the cosmic embrace of the French Riviera's night, Charles and (Y/N) lay hand in hand, creating memories that transcended time. The yacht sailed on, leaving a trail of stardust on the Mediterranean, etching their love story into the fabric of the universe.

[gregor-samsung]

すばらしき世界 [Under the Open Sky] (Miwa Nishikawa - 2020)

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Lena Horne (Cabin in the Sky, Stormy Weather)— Incredibly talented biracial actress, singer, dancer, and activist (she did so much work towards integrating audiences). Because of the racism of the era, she rarely got to be the lead actress but filmmakers loved her so much that they would often create stand alone segments within a film to highlight her beautiful singing, knowing that these segments would ultimately be cut from the film by censors in areas that forbid films with Black performers. Also, she's just so wonderful in Cabin in the Sky as a gold-digger villain who is not the least bit subtle about her intentions. I would highly recommend checking out her work.

Ginger Rogers (Swing Time, Top Hat)—Look I’ll level with you, I’ve never seen her in a musical and I know that she’s an amazing dancer and she’ll be even hotter when I finally watch Top Hat but I’m not submitting her as a dancer I’m submitting her as an ACTRESS. Her comic timing is impeccable!!!!! She’s full to bursting with life and in every role she seems to be having FUN, you can practically feel the twinkle in her eye. With her natural warmth it’s like she’s letting you in on the joke, y’all get to have this fun together! Making me laugh is hot!!! [If you'd like to see Ginger dance, videos below the cut]

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Lena Horne:

64.media.tumblr.com

Black American powerhouse singer and actor who faced all the usual bullshit that any BIPOC faced in vintage Hollywood and achieved legendary status anyway. Also a Civil Rights movement icon.

She was a gem

She was so beautiful and those dimples are amazing! Truly depressing how badly Hollywood treated her because she was black. I would love to have seen what she really could have been if they didn’t cast her in so many yikes roles. She’s got gorgeous eyes and that body! Her joyful smile makes happiness sexy!

Civil rights actress, singer, dancer, actress, she's got the whole package

Lena Horne was a wonderful singer and actress who largely starred in black cast musicals. While she had a lot of main stream success, she ultimately lost the lead role in showboat (a role she had played on the stage) to a white actress due to hollywood's prejudices. She was also blacklisted during the HUAC hearings, but she still managed to be hot be hot as fuck and have a career spanning decades, working with more well-known stars like Judy Garland in musicals, and working on stage and releasing albums when her hollywood career began to suffer.

Miss Horne became famous during a period of time when Hollywood had very few meaningful roles for people of color. Although she is more so known as a performer, she starred in two successful all black productions (Cabin in the Sky & Stormy Weather). If that wasn't enough, she also guest starred on the Muppets (Season 1, Episode 11)

Ginger Rogers propaganda:

She needs no introduction! An undeniable powerhouse on the dancefloor, and no less talented an actress. I once watched a compilation of cinema's greatest dance scenes and one of her and Fred Astaire's dances was featured, and one of the talking heads said he pitied her for 'having to keep up with him' - or something to that effect. Bullshit, I cry. Ginger Rogers was his absolute equal, and underplaying her incredible skill is downright criminal. I want the 'Cheek to Cheek' sequence from Top Hat to be permanently burned into my memory.

"Backwards in high heels", as the saying goes (though the pedant in me must point out that she in fact spent her fair share of time leading or dancing side-by-side). One of the earliest twinkle-toed ladies of the silver screen, and in terms of acting/persona, her balance of wide-eyed cuteness and movie-star glamour has never quite been replicated.

we all know her beloved string of musicals with fred but ginger also has an extensive and varied non-fred filmography that she's great in! a few ginger moments that are important 2 me personally ginger singing “we’re in the money” in gold diggers of 1933, complete with a verse in pig latin bc this whole movie is kinda mocking the concept of anyone actually being in the money in 1933; ginger and una merkel singing a verse of “shuffle off to buffalo” in 42nd street, providing some statler & waldorf-esque commentary on newlyweds from the upper berth of a railway car (interesting that belly was apparently a risque word in 1933 - maybe its bc the lyric is innuendo-ing about out of wedlock pregnancies - and that panties was a term for men’s underthings!); a favorite fred & ginger number

Ginger Rogers could do everything! She could sing, dance and act. She was hilarious in comedies, moving in dramatic roles (she won an Oscar for Kitty Foyle in 1940) and absolutely gorgeous!

Listen, no shade to Fred Astaire at all, but she both kept up with him step for step and then later went on to WIN AN OSCAR FOR ACTING. (which he did not.) truly a double threat!!!

One of the best dancers in Hollywood! Her work with Fred Astaire is just incredible.

ONE LINE: "Everything Fred did, Ginger did backwards and in heels" AND THEYRE RIGHT! Rogers was a total dance badass, and a lot of movie buffs know the story, but the Never Gonna Dance number from Swing Time took almost 50 takes, and allegedly by the end of filming it her white shoes had been stained pink because her feet were bleeding. As a note, she looks crazy gorgeous in this number. Watching these two dance is insane. They match up to each other in a way my mom describes as "divine" and she's right. DANCE NUMBERS!

Let's Call The Whole Thing Off (Shall We Dance, 1937, dancing starts at 3:14, they're in ROLLERSKATES)

(Ginger Rogers is the hottest woman ever to live in this number. seeing this as a teenager altered my brain chemistry)

(also watch her feet and how she moves opposite Astaire in this one. We all know our boy Freddie had that precision demon but jesus christ Miss Rogers, let a girl live!)

Pick Yourself Up, Swing Time 1936 (Everyone's seen this one but by god you are going to see it AGAIN!)

Shall We Dance, 1937 (duet begins at 2:34)

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Roberta 1935 (There's just something about Ginger Rogers in a slick black dress man)

The Continental, The Gay Divorcee 1934

God she's MAGIC in this one.

Gay Divorcee's Ending Montage 1934

The infamous table and chairs spin happens at about 0:49. Pay CLOSE attention to her in this bc it looks like witchcraft and I feel lightheaded whenever I watch this movie bc shes THAT awesome.

She is a miracle to watch. Sorry for the sheer amount of clips. My entire family is like madly in love with Ginger Rogers.

[bogcreacher]

Disney's pretty much stripping Fox for parts at this point, including Blue Sky, seeing as they've also dated yet another Ice Age movie *for the cinemas*.

Ice Age went so completely off the rails after the third movie WHERE are they gonna go with a new one???? under Disney no less??????????

[missshinazugawa]

I BEG YOUR FINEST FUCKING PARDON???!

MY BABY GURL, MY DEAR HUSBAND IS SO FINE??

HIS HAND, HIS HAND WHEN HE JUMPS TO THE ROOFTOP, GAWD THE BACK VIEW OF HIM, IT SEEMS LIKE HE'S PROTECTING US 😔😔😔😔

HE SOUND SO HAWT, U COULD LITERALLY TELL HIS VOICE WOULD BE SO SOFT AND GENTLE ASF WHEN HE TALKS TO U WITH TIRED VOICE AND LOWER TONE

dayum the way the blood showered his body 😔

obviously, video's not mine, credit to @ktritmzilt_ on tiktok, i don't got no balls filming in cinema.

Bonus below

tw: mention of blood, spoilers, some curse words, oc x canon

trope: they currently still in friendzone 😔

The pale crescent moon shine like a silvery claw in the night sky. Under the moonlight, a white haired man just got back from his mission and is heading to the headquarter along the gravel road with blood soaking his whole body.

The Snow Hashira notice a man with blood all over his body before realizing it's the Wind Hashira Shinazugawa Sanemi.

“Nemi?” Yukino calls out to his nickname before rushing towards Sanemi. “Are you okay?! Are you hurt anywhere?!” She turns Sanemi around to check if there's any injuries on him, lifting his arms checking his side, or even cup his face to observe any possible wound with worried written all over her face as she frowns.

Suddenly, a hand full of scars grab Yukino's hand to stop her, “I'm fine, these are all demon's blood,” Sanemi put down her hand gently before looking into Yukino's heterochromia eyes. “For now, I suggest you do not touch me, or else the blood might stain your shirt or dirty your hands.”

“Glad you were unharmed. But I do need to remind you to throw this uniform away... because... obviously...” Yukino can't help but to look up and down Sanemi's entire figure with the crimson red spreading all over the fabric of his demon slayer uniform, especially the snow white haori that Sanemi is wearing. Sanemi did not answer as he simply stare at Yukino blankly.

After reporting to the headquarters, both of the hashiras decide to walk back to their mansion. Throughout the walk, both of them were silence, like the foosteps of the ants can be heard by them. Yukino's eyes moving left and right, up and down, pretending to look around her surroundings. On the other hand, Sanemi was thinking about the akwardness too, he glances at Yukino time to time. The walls between them is killing both of them.

Finally, they arrived at Sanemi's mansion gate, the walk feels like it has been long like iternity for them. Sanemi step before the threshold, saying goodbye to Yukino before closing the door when suddenly a hand stopped him from closing the door. “Can I...stay here for the night?”

They've been staying at each other's house ever since they became closer and closer as friends. The Wind Hashira's brows knitted in confusion, but his knitted brow got relaxed in second.“Come inside.” After letting Yukino in, he closes the door and head back inside his mansion. Yukino is happy that she get to stay in Sanemi's house once again.

“I'm going to take a shower. You know where to get your own futon right?” Sanemi turns to his back to ask Yukino if she remembers where to get extra futon. “Yep. It's in the cupboards right?” “Mhm.” Sanemi nodded before entering the bathroom.

After taking a shower Sanemi felt satisfied as he walk out of the bathroom, wiping his hair using a cloth with a towel wrapped around his waist. Throwing away his blood soaked uniform into a basket made of rattan, he slowly walk back to his room to get his clothes.

The door slides open, what appeared infront of Sanemi's purple eyes was Yukino patting her futon on the wooden floor, she seemed to has changed her uniform into a white kimono that she found in one of the drawers in Sanemi's room.

Hearing the door slid open, Yukino turns around to see Sanemi standing at the door with naked upper body. Seeing that makes Yukino quickly turns away to avoid looking at him.

Sanemi scoffed at her reaction, he slide the door close and head towards his wardrobe. Yukino'ss heartbeat gradually beat at a very fast speed, the sight of his muscular body could not leave her mind.

Sanemi takes out a forest green kimono from the drawer. “Turn around, I need to change.” He tells Yukino. “Oh, alright-” Yukino quickly turns around, making sure she would not see anything that is not appriopriate.

The sound of clothes rustling is loud in the room, Yukino's mind still could not get off the sight of Sanemi having wet hair and just fresh from getting a shower.

“Yuki?” Sanemi calls out her name.

“Yuki!” Sanemi finished dressing up and place the towel around his neck. The towel hanging on his neck as he slowly approaching Yukino that is sitting on her futon with her back facing him.

Seeing her did not respond to his call at all, he sit behind Yukino and proceed to place his head on her shoulder.

“Snowflake?”

“Ahhh!” Yukino lets out a small scream.

“The fuck are you doing?” Sanemi lift one of his eyebrow in confusion and worry as he stare at her while still placing his head on her shoulder. “Why are you screaming?”

“Oh my fucking god...Nemi...you scared me!” She lets out a sigh of relief and pat her chest, trying to calm the heart attack she received earlier.

“What? Did you do anything guilty? That's why you scared?” Sanemi teases her.

“No Nemi...” She gives him an unpleasant expression on her face as she rolls her eyes.

“What? Is there any posibility that you are blushing right now?”

“No- the fuck you're thinking-”

“Then what is it that makes you like this? I called your name two times and you still didn't respond until I place my head here on your shoulder.” Sanemi was curious what is Yukino embarassed about.

“Nothing.” Yukino tries to hide the truth. “Oh tell me,” Sanemi smirks, “Hmmmm....” He starts humming in question as he hug Yukino's waist from behind. “Is it because of my half naked body that you saw earlier?”

“HELL NO!” Yukino immediately deny his words in panic as she start pushing his arms away from her waist, trying to get out of his grip.

But Sanemi's arm would not budge, his grip is too firm but not to the point it hurts. Yukino is struggling to get off from his grip but she gives up anyway.

“You've seen my exposed muscles for years now...why still embarass about it?” Sanemi teases her again, making Yukino speechless. “You even touched it before.” Sanemi start cackling.

“Okay- Sh- shut up!!” Yukino's face starts to have redness spreading across her cheeks as she tries to cover Sanemi's mouth. “Come on, anyone saw my muscles because of my unbuttoned shirt.”

“That is because you're a whore!” Yukino says it out loud. “Oh yeah? Well you're getting punishment for saying that.” Suddenly, Sanemi starts tickling her waist, making Yukino immediately laughs at the tickleness. “Stop! HAHAHA- Nemi! Please! Hahahhahahaha!”

Sanemi finally stops tickling her after getting Yukino lying on her futon laughing while holding her stomach. Yukino shed tears for laughing too hard and Sanemi is grinning at the sight as he sit beside her futon.

It took some time for Yukino to stop laughing and flip to her side to face Sanemi. “You don't have to do me like this.” Yukino pouts, feeling unsatisfied with the tickle punishment.

Seeing Yukino pouting, Sanemi decide to pull his futon and place it beside Yukino's futon before lay down with her. He lay on his side to look at Yukino.

The light outside the window cast a hazy soft light, creating some blue hue to the room, making the atmosphere feel calm and quiet that Sanemi and Yukino could hear each other's breathing.

What Sanemi see is that the moonlight behind him casted on Yukino's whole figure, highlighting her beauty, making his pupils dilates as he was captivated by her. Especially her blue and green eyes, Sanemi was not sure which eye to look first, overwhelming his feelings.

The silence is too loud, so Yukino wanted to start a conversation. “How's your mission earlier? Why do you have so many blood soaking your body?” Yukino genuinely curious about him being covered with blood earlier.

Sanemi did not respond, his eyes were still focusing on Yukino and his mind is in another world.

“Nemi?” Yukino calls out his name softly.

“Yes?” Sanemi was brought back to reality by her call. His pupil goes back to normal.

“Care to explain what happened during your mission earlier and why there's so many blood covering your whole body?”

“Oh yeah...me and Obanai was trying to chase a demon that was carrying a woman on his shoulder. But we notice there's so many demons gathered together in that one building he ran towards to. So meanwhile I'm trying to chase the demon, Obanai hold all the demons outside.” Sanemi explained calmly.

“So...did you catch that demon yet? Is the woman safe?” Yukino ask questions again while she pulls the blanket to cover herself, wanting to relax when Sanemi is telling her the mission's whole process.

“Well no, it sucks. But atleast we saved the woman, he literally threw her down and good thing Obanai caught her. Then we start chasing him again but we seem to fall into a strange looking dimension, I'm trying to slice that fucking demon but in a blink of an eye, the dimension comes back to normal and my sword hit the ground.”

Processing the story, Yukino's eyes look around the room and trying to imagine what did Sanemi just said. But she failed to do so as she frowns, she even starts to yawn trying to figure out what happened when Sanemi trying to slice the demon.

Seeing Yukino's confusion written all over her face, a smile twitched at the corner of Sanemi's mouth. His eyes softens as he reaches his scarred hand to boop Yukino's nose before pulling her close to his embrace.

Yukino's eyes widened in surprise, she does not quite understand why Sanemi wanted to hug her so sudden but she returns the hug to him. Yukino lets out a soft noise showing she feels relaxed in Sanemi's warmth.

Sanemi slid his hands into Yukino's gradiented hair, sending a spark of electricity down her spine. He gently combs through her hair.

They did not say anything. Slowly, their eyes starts to get heavier and heavier, before finally closing their eyes and sleep in each other's embrace.

For those who read it till the ned, hope you have both sides of your pillow being cold.

[weirdowithaquill]

Traintober 2024: Day 6 - Harmony

Rheneas and the Night Mail:

Rheneas yawned, lulled by the cool evening air. The sun had only just set, leaving only a few bright stars behind as the world slowed for the night. He smiled lazily back at his train, watching with interest as the porters buzzed about, dropping mailbags into his vans. A few passengers boarded the single coach added to Rheneas’ mail run, hoping to make it home to their mountain villages for the night. Murdoch clanked by on the standard gauge lines with a long, slow goods train bound for Tidmouth; the trucks banged together, steel wheels hissing against steel rails. The steady beat of Murdoch’s cylinders slowly retreated into the rapidly approaching gloom, a few more stars making their entrance to the infinite cinema that was the night sky.

The guard waved his green lantern, and Rheneas whistled cheerfully, blinking the drowsiness out of his eyes as his driver opened his regulator. He dug his wheels into the rails and heaved the mail train out of the station. He puffed gently by the sheds, watching with interest as Sir Handel and Duncan argued softly about some trivial thing, keeping quiet so as not to wake Duke – the old engine always pulled the first train in the morning, and needed his sleep. Skarloey winked at Rheneas as he passed by, before interrupting the argument with a comment that left both Sir Handel and Duncan speechless. Peter Sam barely kept himself from cackling with laughter; Ivo Hugh innocently asked Rusty for clarification which Rusty tried to wheedle out of giving. Fred just dozed on.

Duke shot a wink at Rheneas too, grinning knowingly. Rheneas wondered what ol’ Granpuff would do this time to straighten out his youngsters, and hoped that Skarloey would fill him in later.

With the sheds behind them, Rheneas’ driver eased open the regulator and accelerated out into the open countryside. This part of the island was made up of endless moors and distant rolling hills, the great mountains rising on the horizon. Cows snored in their fields, undisturbed by the single train rushing by. Rheneas’ headlamps rocked gently, illuminating the world ahead. A few stray sheep grazed lazily behind their fences on the lineside, only to be spooked by the beat of Rheneas’ cylinders and hurry on back to their barns. A few lonely trees broke up the monotony, leaving long shadows that tattooed themselves onto the moors. Rheneas took a deep breath, and let all the stress of the day fade away as he exhaled. The stars twinkled high above, the ballast vanished under his buffers, and Rheneas was at peace.

Rheneas sped through the first station, continuing on towards the Skarloey lake. There was always few if any letters heading between towns on the line, and many heading out beyond Crovan’s Gate or in from distant towns and cities; why stop more than once at each station? A sack or two filled with letters bound for other stations was hooked by one of the post staff with a shunter’s pole while Rheneas slowed down, the postman then quietly sorting the letters in his van.

Rheneas smiled softly as he got closer and closer to the lake loop. This part of the line was beautiful; it was one of those few spots that always caught Rheneas with just how beautiful it was. The line itself split right as the lake came into view, the trees parting for a moment to give the engines a glimpse of the lake twinkling dreamily in the moonlight. It looked like something out of a fairytale, a hidden gem glistening in the night, reflecting the stars like a great, crystal clear mirror with not even the hint of a wave breaking the illusion. Rheneas always felt as though just seeing the lake was enough to balance something deep inside him – his driver called it ‘finding harmony in nature’, but Rheneas preferred to just think of it as tranquil.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking,” murmured Rheneas to himself as the train finally began slowing for its first stop. “Did you say something?” asked Rheneas’ driver, poking his head out of the cab. Rheneas smirked to himself, his eyes gazing out over the lake, spotting a single sailboat bobbing by the pier, moored up for the night. “No, driver,” hummed Rheneas. “I’m just happy.”

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