#dark!Clive is so sexy

[evilphrog]

Heath Miller didn’t have to make Clive sound THAT gravelly and dangerous when he was under the influence of his territories, but he did it anyways, and I will forever be grateful.

[baldurs-writers-3]

This week, our theme is Hurt/Comfort! Check under the cut for 8 fics that include a lot of emotional and/or physical anguish chased by that sweet sweet comfort! And as always, comment and kudos if you like them!

Be Worth Something by Masterangst12 (4445,Not Rated) Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Pairings: Astarion/Tav

Tav (named Axel) gives Astarion a present, a thoughtful gesture and Astarion sucks it up and returns the kindness by learning to comfort someone else for once.

Reccer says: Handles the drop of emotional hurt well, and the hike of soft comfort afterwards perfectly

do you think you'd manage? by ApatheticRobots (4233,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Blurg/Omeluum

After the Iron Throne, Omeluum is doing fine. Blurg can't help but be skeptical. But maybe he's just projecting.

Reccer says: I am so soft for the research husbands and this fic captures them wonderfully

Clive by QueenOfCats135 (868,General) Warnings: Grieving, death of a parent Pairings: Karlach & Arabella

Karlach and Clive the teddy bear comfort Arabella after her parents’ deaths.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Roll for sex: Natural one - critical failure by Gally (4596,Mature) Warnings: CW vague discussions of past abuse Pairings: Astarion/Karlach (Baldur's Gate)

Astarion's PTSD gets in the way of wanted sexy times with Karlach. He is a mopey self hating brat about it.

Reccer says: I liked it!

blood like wine by fingonsradharp (3637,Teen) Warnings: general warnings for both astarion and durge Pairings: Astarion/the Dark Urge, Astarion & the Dark Urge

Astarion’s hunger overcomes him and he tries to bite the dark urge. It immediately backfires and then is somehow not as bad as he thought it would be.

Reccer says: I liked it!

On Mortals and Immortals by countconiine (2368,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Gale & Isobel, Isobel/Dame Aylin

Gale is trying hard to understand what went wrong with him and Mystra, and Isobel has some words to comfort him.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Stranger to Myself by CloverElf (1125,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Wyll & Tav

The morning after Wyll's transformation, he's trying to convince himself it's no big deal. Avani, a wood elf fighter, reveals she knows a little something about feeling like your body isn't your own.

Reccer says: I love any fic that explores the emotional fall out of Wyll's transformation, but having a trans Tav talk to him about her experiences makes this fic even better

And then we have two recs for A Harlot's Rest by CestPasDuBaudelaire (67371,Explicit) Warnings: Rape, past abuse mentions Pairings: Astarion & Halsin, Astarion & Everyone

Astarion is raped on the road before they get to Baldur's gate. He is 100% fine and not traumatized this or anything else that ever happened to him ever.

Reccer #1 says: A really detailed and sad view of how Astarion would respond to a past trauma visiting him in his new free life, without taking away what makes him Astarion. If you just focus on his actions and not the storm inside of him he still is as snarky and all as ever. Reccer #2 says: Would you like an achingly realistic and authentic exploration of unpacking years of chronic trauma and all of the messy thoughts and actions that come with it? Would you like to then have the comfort of seeing it handled lovingly and patiently by some incredibly written found family? Lastly, would you like to cry a lot (affectionate)? If yes, read this!

The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! 

Next week, we’ll be back with Angst Fics!

[kianaflame23]

Final Fantasy XVI men x f!reader SFW AND N*SW headcanons ☆

Cidolfus Telamon, Barnabas Tharmr and Dion Lesage

NO MINORS! ONLY 🔞 SO I WILL BLOCK YOU IF YOU DO NOT SHOW YOUR AGE IN YOUR BIO!

Summary: I don't see enough FFXVI men x reader here so I decided to write some headcanons for them! Hope you enjoy reading this and have a nice morning/day/night! ✨️

Cidolfus 💜

Definitely a sweet talker. Always knows how to make you blush. Sometimes, he'll tease you in front of Clive and Jill. Saying that you are his lady and how sexy you are to him~ making you blush furiously as you hear your friends' laughter.

He'll call you: my honey, my dear, my sweetheart. If Cid feels romantic, he will tell you "my only wife". You are his lover and he would still call you "his wife". Bonus if you are married with him and you called him "my sexy husband"

Give him a hickey in his neck and you won't be walking for days! Expect him to carry you in his arms throughout the journey. Hearing Clive and Jill's loud laughter as they continue to make jokes about you and Cid....It seems that your Cid doesn't care and smirks at you, making you blush even more. Refusing to talk to anyone....

Yes, he will tell you that he used to be with Benedikta and how he left her all alone.... you can tell that he blames himself. You reminded Cid that you'll still love him no matter what. You do agree that Barnabas only uses Cidolfus and you are very glad that he isn't with that dark king anymore

You REALLY love his voice! You can stare at him and listen to his talking. You don't care if he is talking to himself, YOU LOVE IT SO MUCH! Cid will get worried if you don't respond to him. However, he will use his sexy voice when you are alone with him. Having a "fun" time together 😏

Kisses your forehead more than twice a day. Want a kiss from him? Better prepare yourself because you might feel his tongue in your mouth while kissing you~

You once asks Cidolfus if you can ride him as both you and Cid make love together, you'll think that he is glaring at you. He is just imagining on how GOOD your pussy will feel as you bounce on his cock 🤭

CID LOVES YOUR MOANS SO YOU NEED TO MOAN MORE LOUDLY IF YOU WANT TO HEAR HIS SEXY GRUNTS. Maybe you'll hear his moans. You just need to hear it VERY well though.

French kissing with Cid? HEAVEN!! Depending on how Cidolfus feels but he'll still kiss you as he thrusts deeper in your sweet flower.

You want to start a family with him, You REALLY need to convince Cid because he most likely not ready because of his past and his revenge journey with Clive and the group. Cidolfus did promised Clive to help him so perhaps wait until it is over....

When that time comes, knowing that you are safe and you are okay. No war...no more killing..... then you and Cid can live together. Away from everyone... Clive, Jill and Torgal can visit you and your handsome husband. Cid smiled to himself as he looks at your beautiful face. You truly make him happy and hope you'll be with him forever.

"Yes, I'll stay with you...forever until we grow old, Cidolfus Telamon", you smiled at him, hugging him as you and Cid kissed passionately. Praying to Eikons that you won't see your lover suffer again.....

Barnabas 🖤

You are going to be his queen. PERIOD.

You will be his only queen, no question about it! Barnabas doesn't care if you don't love him, he'll come to your ear and tell you this...

"You will be MINE, (Y/N). I know you'll feel the same. I will be waiting for you when you realized how much you want me.", he whispers to your red ear, smirking as he hears your small gasp. He KNOWS you will be craving for his muscular body~

Expect him to be touchy-touchy with you as you and Barnabas walked together through his castle. He will only make love in private though. Doesn't want anyone to see you naked.

Facial kink. He'll cum in your face or chest. Barnabas does not mind if you want him to cum in your mouth~

He's into breeding and WILL MAKE YOU ARE FILLED UP WITH HIS CUM. HE WANTS TO START A FAMILY SO HOPE YOUR BODY IS READY FOR HIM! 😩

Nicknames for you: my queen, my sweet darling and my love

Nicknames for him: my dark king, my husband if he doesn't mind it, edgy king if you DARED TO CALL HIM IN FRONT OF EVERYONE (you'll get your "punishment" once everyone is out and Barnabas pulls your arm, pissed off as he takes you to the bedroom), and honey

Suck him really good while you are under the table, hiding from everyone as he talks with his knights. Sitting down in his chair, trying his best to NOT thrust his cock in your mouth. Try not to make noises if you don't want to get caught~

Mating press? Y E S !! Yours legs over his shoulders as Barnabas goes beast mode on you! Thrusting more deeper, feeling your tight pussy squeezing him. Grunting while telling you that you are his and ONLY HIM CAN HAVE YOU. NO ONE ELSE. HE WILL KILL FOR YOU.

"You are mine, (Y/N)! I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO TRIES TO TOUCH YOU OR EVEN LOOK AT YOU!

Repeating "mine" over and over until he releases his cum in your sweet flower

Oh! Shows his true self as you notices on how much he smiles at you and looks at you with such love and care....

Want a kiss from him? You don't need to tell him twice as he embraces you. Kissing you softly, dancing slowly in his castle. No one interrupting you and Barnabas there...

After all, Barnabas is tired from being alone and wants you to be his only loving queen.... if you ever die from his enemies or someone who is stronger than him, then Barnabas would rather die with you than continue living. You are his light....only woman who motivate him....of course, you'll do the same. You love him so much...

At least, you told him that you are pregnant. Knowing that Barnabas will be thrilled to hear those words, a small genuine smile appears in his face as he hugs you. Kissing your forehand, you know that he is crying. Vowing to protect you and your future child.

Dion 🤍

WHAT A CUTE CHARMING PRINCE?!

You love his smile so much! You would do anything to make him smile! You'll act like a fool so you can hear his laughter!

'Oh Eikons....his laughter is so cute! I need to hear it again....'

You are happy to know that Dion is loved by everyone and people depends on him if there's troubles in Sanbreque. He is the dominant of Eikons Bahamut! You know he is strong enough to protect his people.

You have a feeling that he has a complex relationship with his father....Telling Dion that you will always be there for him.

If he wants to vent his problems, then you'll whisper to his ear and say this...

"My prince, you can use your frustration on me. Use my body....I don't care if you want to have rough sex with me...", your seductive voice looked at you with such lust, craving to fuck you until he is no longer frustrated....

Thighs kink? Yup, Dion will use your thighs as he places his cock between your pussy. Thrusting slowly as you can his small moans, feeling yourself wet as your hands on your mouth. You REALLY love feeling his shaft

Depending if you are low class or perhaps royalty, Dion will treat you like a princess. He cares and loves you so much!

You and Dion running away from his Sanbreque and his father....that idea sounds wonderful for him....

His favorite sex position is doggy style or cowgirl. If you REALLY want Dion to be rough on you and fuck you until you can't feel your legs, then he'll do it. You're his princess, soon to be his wife if things goes well. If his father doesn't accept you, then he might ask you if he can murder his own murder. Afraid that you'll leave him and never want to see him... In the end, you kissed him as you told that you'll support his decision and staying with him. Loving Dion until you are dead... He is NOT letting you die on him, he will use Bahamut to kill anyone. You are the reason why he is continuing to protect his people, hoping he'll become a king. To have you as his wonderful queen.

Smack his ass and you will receive a cute reaction from Dion. Seeing him blush as he stuttered his words, trying to look angry or at least you like his reaction! You don't mind a "punishment" from him. It doesn't matter if you get "it"outside from the castle or in his room~

YOU WANT HIM TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU IN HIS GARDEN?! Smirking at you as you closed your eyes in ecstasy! Fucking you really good as he cums in you. Unless you want Dion to cum in your chest or stomach

Definitely into creampie! I am sure you want to start a family with your charming prince~

IDK WHAT I WROTE BUT HOPE YOU LIKE IT! PLEASE IGNORE MY GRAMMAR! I'll edit this FF16 men headcanons whenever I'm free!

[pinkkittysaw]

MY STAR

paring: clive rosfield x f!reader

summary: in a fit of restlessness one night, you come to clive’s aid

word count: 2k

content: (18+ only please!) established relationship, sex is mentioned but not in detail, a smidgen of angst, selfship coded heh heh heh um (//∇//)

a/n: was toying around with the idea of singing clive to sleep but couldn’t figure out a concept for it. the concept is so intimate and romantic to meeee :) THERE’S NO DENYING THE LOVER GIRL ALLEGATIONS!!!! i listened to this song from the soundtrack and- clive and i make sweet sexy love to this every night ummmm anyway, the song is what the title is based on ^_^ be careful looking it up on youtube though cause there are in game spoilers. the song made me bawl and continues to do so. square enix we have some words to exchange!!!!

dividers by @/saradika

It's a calm evening, a slight breeze passes through your bedroom. The stars shine brightly outside, while remnants of burning embers flicker inside the fireplace.

You and Clive are in bed, sweaty, and spent after an intense love-making session. He’s on his side, facing away from you, while you're on your back, sprawled out as far as you can next to his huge form.

The moonlight peaks through the gaps in the wall, reflecting off the love bites left on the peaks of your breasts, and if the sheet that was covering your waist was pulled any lower, a matching set of marks would be found on your inner thighs. A familiar ache lingers between them, but the feeling is a welcomed one. 

Clive isn't faring any better. A set of scratch marks line the hard muscle of his back, followed by divot marks from your nails on his shoulders and a few haphazard love bites of his own, scattered throughout his chest where you often displayed your affections.

You’re resting in a peaceful slumber before being roused awake by your lover tossing and turning in bed. He huffs, unable to find a comfortable position, settling to face you once more, admiring the peaceful expression on your face.

Though you don’t open your eyes, your voice cuts through the open air. "Can’t sleep?"

You can’t see his face, but you can hear the frown forming on his features when he speaks. "I didn’t mean to wake you," he states, bringing a hand out to caress the skin below your rib.

"It’s alright," you reassure him, turning to your side so you'd both be facing each other. Your eyes are open now, and even though you can't quite make out his expression amongst the darkness, you reach out to him anyway. "Want me to sing to you?"

The first time Clive heard you sing was in the infirmary. He'd been confined there on Tarja's authority after returning with a severe injury from one of his outings.

You had developed a close friendship at that point. After being sent on numerous assignments together, you had grown a fondness for each other, though the lines of your relationship grew blurrier each day.

It was late in the evening when you returned, the moon taking its rightful place amidst the stars. You had scurried over to the infirmary, practically begging Tarja on your hands and knees to let you see Clive after having not been able to visit during the day. She took one look at your pitiful state, and with a heavy sigh, she caved, giving you permission on the premise that you wouldn't disturb the other patients. You nodded enthusiastically in agreement before turning and opening the door to the infirmary.

A few bearers were scattered amongst the rows of beds, with Clive all the way on the other side of the room, closest to the window. You skittered across the room to his bed, taking care not to disturb the others. Kneeling by his side, you make note of his condition. He'd been heavily sedated due to the severity of his injury, fading in and out of consciousness. You couldn't tell when he was awake and when he wasn't.

Taking hold of his hand, you press his knuckles to your lips. "Please be alright," you whisper, clasping his hand in between your own. Bringing your interwoven hands to your forehead, you recite a silent prayer in hopes of his recovery. You were able to maintain some semblance of faith; he was stronger than any other man you knew after all, but seeing him here, like this, in such a fragile state, you wavered. Calling upon the gods to keep him safe from harm, to let you hear his voice once more, and for him to live another day.

You lay his hand back down on the bed once you've finished before recounting your day. "Sorry, I'm so late today," you whisper, "I was sent out early this morning for resource hunting. It was laborious and boring as always."

"I wish you were there. You always make even the blandest of assignments more tolerable," you smile down at him, both your silhouettes bathed in moonlight. "Torgal kept me company, though, so I wasn't too lonely."

The exhaustion from the day's work catches up with you, a yawn escaping you in the midst of your tale. "I guess I should get some rest then."

"I'll visit you again in the morning."

You get up to leave when Clive becomes restless in his sleep, discomfort etching itself across his face. His hand twitches around yours, tightening his grasp. You're quick to kneel beside him once more. "Shhhhh, it's alright," you murmur, "I'm right here."

Against your better judgment, you climb into bed with him, both of your bodies smushed together on the small mattress. Making sure to keep your voice low, you sang him a lullaby from your childhood, one that your mother would use to ward off bad dreams in the night. When the song ends, you decide to stay by his side and watch over him.

It's early the next day when Tarja finds you and Clive curled up together. She smirks to herself, shaking her head in amusement before starting her morning rounds.

The first time you sing him to sleep occurs shortly after you first start seeing each other.

He was fidgeting, panting, and shivering in his sleep, tossing and turning, trying to escape the terror of his dreams. You were beside him in bed, his movements disrupting your sleep. You peer over at him, checking on the commotion. Seeing his state, you reach out and caress his shoulder, shaking him slightly. It takes a while, but he finally awakens with a sharp inhale, as if he's been starved of air. He sits up wide-eyed, taking in his surroundings, sweat covering his brow as he heaves for oxygen. You reach up from your position on the bed to stroke his back delicately, the muscles continuing to rise and fall under your ministrations.

"Are you alright?" you mumble against the pillows.

He gives a short nod in response: "It was just a bad dream, nothing you need concern yourself with."

You let out a simple "hm" before opening your arms up for him to crawl into. "Come," you beckon. Despite his earlier reluctance, he does little to resist your request, all hesitance melting from his body as he falls into the comfort of your loving embrace. His head comes to rest on your shoulder, and strands of inky black hair tickle your face. Your hand strokes up and down on his shoulder while cocooned in the silence of night.

He's already dozing off when you begin singing. Your voice soft and raspy due to the sleep that's still present. He's cradled in the sea of your warm, dulcet tones, similar to the night spent in the infirmary many moons ago. 

The two of you had fallen into a little routine. Though less frequent since the two of you got together, Clive had been plagued with nightmares, sometimes so terrifying that he'd go nights without sleeping. He'd do anything to forget that dreadful night—anything to forget the look on his brother's face as he was torn apart by the dark eikon right in front of his very eyes.

His eyes flit over your form in the present, the scattered beams of moonlight illuminating your features. He feels a pang of guilt whenever he needs your comfort to sleep. The more he takes in your love, the more selfish he feels for doing so, as if allowing himself to indulge himself in the warmth you provide is somehow a sin. He cups the side of your face as his thumb strokes your cheek. "You don't have to, love."

"That wasn't what I asked, was it?" You tease, poking the tip of his nose before attempting to pull him closer. "Come, lay against me." Though he hesitates for a moment, he ultimately relents, unable to deny himself of you.

He rests his head on your breast, placing a few miscellaneous kisses on the lightly bruised skin, his hand caressing the soft flesh of your hip.

"I have a new song for you tonight,"

"Oh really?"

"Mhm, I kept this one close to my heart, but since you're so special to me, I've decided to share it with you as well."

"I'm honored," he mumbles, closing his eyes to fully rest against you.

Most of the songs you knew were ones you learned from other bearers during your time in the hideaway, save for the lullaby your mother sang to you as a young girl, but there was another song, one that always brought so much emotion out of you whenever you sang it. It was one from your home village, and you were blessed to have heard its enchanting lyrics performed by your mother before everything turned to ruin. Your home overrun by blight.

Starlight, say goodnight

Star bright, where have you fallen?

Starlight, say goodnight

Star bright, I hear you calling

Fire, a fire that filled the night

Fire that warmed-

You take his hand in yours and turn it so that his palm faces upward; Ifrit's flame set ablaze from his flesh. It's small while flickering in the breeze, illuminating you both with its warm glow. The flame is not too dissimilar to the one he's managed to set in your heart.

-and brightened my life

The flame is extinguished as you slide your hand up his forearm and into his palm, interlocking your fingers. The lingering warmth from his skin seeps into yours.

My guiding light, On high, my hearth, my beacon, and my hope

Clive flushes at this point, realizing that he's the subject of this song. He's the flame, the guiding light, the beacon of hope, and for once, the fire that's consumed him, made a home in his body, is associated with something good—with love and tenderness instead of destruction.

He lifts himself to press a tender kiss on your lips. "I love you," he whispers from above "I love you too." You meet each other's eyes, lovesick expressions on both your faces. He cups the back of your neck to pull you in for another kiss. One that's more passionate than the last, pouring in all the love he has for you.

On a different night, at a different time, perhaps he'd try to argue that you were more fitting of terms like hope and guiding light, saying that you had done more for him than he'd ever be able to repay you for. Instead, he indulges himself in the softness of your lips, the gentleness of your caress, and the warmth of your skin.

He rests against you once more, fully laying himself on top of you. His back faces the ceiling as he wraps you in his embrace, protecting you as a true shield should. His cheek rests on your sternum while his eyes flutter closed.

The song picks up again after he gets comfortable, his steady breaths cascading across your skin while your hand strokes his back.

A sky of scattered tears

A thousand years apart

Should they fade, I will not be afraid of the dark

For your flame still burns inside me, deep within my heart

Showing me a new tomorrow. Never too far

And when I cannot bear the pain,

I'll look up to the sky and pray-

Tears well up in your waterline, the lyrics ultimately getting to you. You recall the night in the infirmary, holding Clive's hand, fearing for his life, praying for his safety, his health, and for the gods not to steal him away from you too soon.

Your eyes skim down to his face, noticing that he's fast asleep against you. He's relaxed and peaceful, and you're thankful, as selfish as it may be, not wanting to explain why you've suddenly become so weepy.

You whisper the final lyrics in a wobbly voice, allowing the tears to stream down your face without fear. Admiring his sleeping expression, the love you have for him swallows you whole, consuming you, knowing that he's the one who’ll hold your heart for all time.

- That though our night is over, you shall always remain

Forever my treasure

My star

[godshounds]

i think i've finally found something to fill the gaping hole that's been aching inside me since 2015 where h**** p***** used to live and its the gory sexy deranged fantasies of clive barker

i've wanted to love something this hard again & i think ive finally found the thing that really yanks at the core parts of me in the right ways. his horror is great but so far i've liked cabal and weaveworld best, both of which are more dark fantasy

i think weaveworld like, lit something up inside me. cabal did too in a big way, but weaveworld's put together just right and it's just the right amount of rich.

[silverglass83]

Title: Forever, My Treasure, My Star Category: M/F, M/M Pairing: Clive Rosfield/Jill Warrick , Dion Lesage/Terence , Joshua Rosfield & Jote    Fandom: Final Fantasy XVI Rating: Mature (May change)

Summary:

Valisthea continues to crumble under the weight of the expanding Blight, and those who remain after Origin's Mothercrystal fell from the sky are forced to find a way to survive in a land now bereft of magic. Jill saw it herself: the fires of Metia have gone out. The red star, the embodiment of hopes and wishes, is no more. And with it dies her heart. However, what if Metia's star didn't grant wishes? Rather, what if it was a beacon in which all of Valisthea's hopes and dreams coalesced – a powerful spell not unlike what Ultima had planned. But unlike Ultima's schemes, this power would herald the dawning of a bright, new age upon the world. ...If only its hero can find his way home... *** I'm still in the early stages of writing so tags will change. I haven't decided on Rating yet, so it's Mature for now. There might be sexy scenes later, but idk. I just want everyone to live and be happy, so we'll see where this goes!

Tags: Alternate Ending | Fix-it | Headcanon | Takes place after the end of the game | Spoilers | Contains original female character as Leviathan the Lost | Grief/Mourning | Suicidal Thoughts | Jill's in a Dark Place | But who can blame her | Returning Home | My headcanon to explain the mysteries unsolved in the game | And tying them all together in a neat little bow | Happy Ending | Loss of Powers | Loss of Magic | Reunions | All the Feels | Bring Everyone Home | Tags may change

[inkykeiji]

I have been a mess playing Clive. He’s suppose to be so dark and broody but he’s so baby girl 🥹 also cid??? Pls. This is the hottest FF version of him yet. The voice ??? Drooling

hahahaha i mean atm i see him as daddy as hell but like,,, a sweet daddy, a soft daddy, a good daddy who’s only gonna get strict with u if he thinks you truly deserve it and will benefit from it,, maaaaybe if you’re crafty n cute you might be able to wiggle ur way out of certain punishments with him but uhhhh yeah those are my feelings rn!!!

cid is def v sexy and i squealed when i first saw him hehehe <3 he is also daddy as hell thank u very much (◡‿◡✿)

[femmmie]

You asked and you shall receive lol

Damien feeling self conscious and Anthony showing him how beautiful and sexy he is

ooooh I love this. I hope you like what I did with this prompt!

I'm yours

The doorbell rang.

Damien scuttled to get his coat, his bag and his keys. He kissed his cats goodnight and opened the door.

"Oh, but this isn't fair..." went through Damien's head. It was like his entire world was spinning. He couldn't compare to THAT!

read on ao3

"Antonio! I'm so stoked you're coming with to Quadcon! Do you wanna travel alone or shall I pick u up? My jeep is already packed w all my gear haha! Please lmk?"

Anthony smiled at the text. Damien was so into cosplay and took gaming so seriously, it was cute. Really cute. Anthony smiled widely while closing his eyes. A bridal fantasy played in his mind; him and Damien walking through an adoring crowd of lesser larp-ers, all cheering and clapping.

It was close to midnight and Anthony was still scrolling through Instagram in his bed.

"Yes, your jeep will do just fine, thanks!"

He couldn't believe he got to go with Damien, and only Damien. He was so bad at group interactions. But one-on-one, they'd have so much fun, and bond more than they already had. Hopefully Damien would like him.

Damien was so interesting to Anthony. He was like this dark prince, with a vast body of knowledge he didn't flaunt about with. But sometimes he'd say something implying pools of wisdom Anthony couldn't wait to jump into with him.

Anthony really hoped Damien would like him! And not think he was soo extreme or something. He knew he could be a bit 'much'. But as much as he tried to temper his intense personality, however many therapy sessions he booked... he couldn't help it.

Anthony also knew that Damien had something of a 'manual' so he hoped that they could trade off their quirks and come away somewhat even.

"Oh, Damien..." Anthony thought before he fell asleep.

~

Damien looked in the mirror. His simple looking but actually intricately and carefully made white vest fit him. Maybe, maybe it was a tad tight around the waist. But around his neck it was nice and loose, and the stings were neatly strung through the holes, but not 'too' neatly. His white silver hair styled to look messy, his dark roots matching the dark circles under his eyes.

He was Astarion.

The doorbell rang.

Damien scuttled to get his coat, his bag and his keys. He kissed his cats goodnight and opened the door.

Clive stood there. "Oh, but this isn't fair..." went through Damien's head. It was like his entire world was spinning. He couldn't compare to THAT!

"Hey, you look great! But, are you okay, Damien?"

Clive, or a somehow hotter version of Clive was looking at him with slight concern. How was this possible? Anthony had straightened his hair into a shiny Anime style. The leather pants FIT him, like they were made for his legs and his legs alone. The tattered cloak looked so well constructed... Anthony looked out of this world beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you sick, that makes you want to vanish, that makes you want to get away from it but you can't because you're mesmerized.

"You look so fucking hot, Anthony."

Anthony giggled. Thank god, that snapped Damien out of it.

"Why thanks, you look hot yourself!" Anthony was lucky he was so bad at fake-flirting. His pathetic swagger and negative charisma made up for his insanely good looks.

"Well, I guess Astarion's the side-kick tonight."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't compare to you, look at yourself! It's like you're the brand name and I'm the Dollar Store rip-off version."

"What? What are you talking about, look at your hot open vest, like the vampire vibes are strong, man! Women can't resist a good vampire."

"Let's be honest though, they won't even look at me if I walk next to you. I'm not attractive like you. Let's just get to my car."

~

Anthony kept giving Damien side-glances on their way to the convention. It made him even more self-conscious. He had to refuel so he stopped the car at an otherwise abandoned gas station. Anthony kept looking at him, but didn't say anything.

Damien quickly got out and took a deep breath. As long as Anthony didn't speak, Damien was beyond attracted to him. He even got goosebumps. Or was that the cool night breeze? He paid the machine and wanted to get back into his car, but saw Anthony wasn't inside anymore.

Damien turned around, and there Anthony stood, much closer than Damien was used to or comfortable with. But he was exhilarated by it now. Anthony's black eyes had a red glow to them, even though it was probably Damien's car lights. His red shirt somehow showing his abs. And now Anthony's hands grazed Damien's waist.

It was exactly the area Damien worried about. His belly, he didn't have abs like Anthony. But Anthony rubbed him up and down, massaging with his thumbs. They both parted their lips and Damien whimpered something- but whatever it was, we will never know because Anthony locked him into a kiss.

Damien took a step back but Anthony took one forward. They bumped into Damien's jeep and Anthony grabbed Damien's wrists and pushed them against the metal.

"Don't you ever dare to tell me that you're not attractive, Damien," he growled. Then he licked Damien's neck and bit, rough and hard, and Damien moaned just a bit loud. Luckily, nobody was there.

Anthony pushed his leg between Damien's legs, forcing Damien to reveal he had a hard-on. He smirked and pulled Damien's hand down to his crotch. Anthony was hard too.

Were they really doing this?

"So, do you want to fuck me?" Anthony asked, panting, right next to Damien's elf-shaped ears.

Damien didn't give an answer but grabbed Anthony's slender torso and pushed him against the car instead. He had him pinned with his back to him now. Anthony laughed. "That's more like it! Take control, Damien!"

Damien unbuckled his and Anthony's pants, and massaged Anthony's ass. "Yeah, that feels so good, Damien! Now, fuck me!"

Damien's pre-cum acted as lube and he slid into Anthony, thrusting into him, and it really worked. He felt more secure, more sure of his own looks.

"Whose are you?" He asked Anthony.

"Yours, Damien! I'm - argh - I'm yours!"

The jeep wobbled as they kept pushing against it. But Damien didn't notice. He only noticed Anthony. He reveled in the experience of Anthony - THIS closely, just his straightened dark hair and his muscled arms in sight, zooming into a blurred vision each thrust. It was something Damien had never thought he'd do. He couldn't believe he was here with Anthony and Anthony alone.

"I'm gonna cum, oh god!"

Both Anthony and Damien were panting. Damien exited him and he turned around. His face as aggravatingly pretty as ever. They kissed, tenderly.

Damien's semen had dripped out of Anthony's ass, all over their costumes. They cleaned it up with some spare cloths Damien had in the back of the jeep. They got back into the car.

"That... that was... incredible?"

"Yeah, it was. I didn't know you wanted me like that."

"I have, ever since we met. I have tried to keep away from you a bit. Keep a distance. Because it would be too obvious I'm down bad for you, Anthony."

"You're so hot, Damien, so handsome. It felt so good giving in to you."

"Are you ready to go to the con?"

"Yeah, I am. Let's go."

Damien looked at Anthony with a new found love. When he wasn't acting, and was totally himself, he was such a sweet soul. Ugh. Hot AND kind. But Damien didn't feel self-conscious anymore. "That hottie over there? Mine!" Damien smiled.

[monstermaster13]

TftW: Transformative Torture.

Angelique (Hellraiser) TG.

Sometimes fanbases can give you hell and the Changed fanbase is one such fanbase, Mel never understood why some people in the transformation loved that game because she basically just described it as ‘transformation torture porn’ due to how Collin was always getting involuntarily transformed and losing his humanity almost every single time. One afternoon Mel posted a comment about Changed on a Changed related Deviantart picture and got a rather arrogant two-faced reply from someone who made her pissed off enough to complain back about it. ‘Dude, dude let them be what they’re in it, if they jerk off to it and don’t harm anyone, I couldn’t care less.’

‘Are you a moron or something? I’m a woman and also…eeew, the fact the fanbase makes it out to be this cute and doesn’t get that it is NOT a game to be romanticized. I cannot believe you have the gal to say you hate Changed yet you sound like you’re defending it, I cannot believe anyone would defend that torture porn fest of a game.’ ‘I am just saying.’ ‘I think your reason is a bullshit excuse at worst/best and we all know Changed only exists because some people think goo transformations are hot. That game is to transformations what Twilight is to vampires. An insult.’

It was obvious that the person (named Beastman or BM for short) wouldn’t listen to me…’Well maybe.’ ‘Maybe you should keep quiet and listen to me, you should learn the difference between actually hating something and sounding like you are kissing the creator’s ass.’ ‘I wasn’t kissing Dragonsnow’s ass, i’m against his overrated shitty game.’ ‘No you’re not, you kinkshamed me for saying I don’t like the game. I like tfs as much as the next koala but come on, you can’t tell me that some people honestly want to have sexual fantasies about what is essentially transformation torture porn.’ ‘Well..’

“You have no right to speak the things you speak.”

Mel’s eyes gave off a supernatural glow as her voice became deeper and demonic sounding…’What’s going on?’ ‘If you wish to see transformation torture that isn’t sexy and shouldn’t be sexy, then you are going down….’ She hissed as she turned into a demon-like version of herself and a swirling portal materialized on the floor of BM’s room, she dragged hm into the portal and pulled him down.

The portal spun around and around until it stopped and the two of them were dropped into what appeared to be a dark, hellish nightclub setting. BM couldn’t believe what was happening, he saw dancers that looked like possessed Robert Palmer girls, one of them looked like the actress/model on the Ultimate Sin album by Ozzy Osborne. ‘This is the Dismembered Bodies club, where the party doesn’t stop until the bodies hit the floor.’

“Why did you bring me here?”

“To teach you that forced transformations aren’t sexy.”

Mel smirked as she showed BM why she despised Changed so much, explaining that force transformations weren’t sexy in the slightest and that is when she showed him the spot in the nightclub known as the gallery of horrors which showed some really graphic forced transformations. One transformation showed a man who was turning into a grotesque Tim Burtonesque demon, another showed someone who was turning into a were-snake with his skin shedding to reveal scales underneath.

One transformation featured a woman in a swimsuit going for a swim only to turn into a monstrous fish-creature resembling a humanoid anglerfish, then Mel showed him to a special spot that was reserved just for him. ‘This one is just for you, it’s the Clive Barker special.’ ‘What’s the Clive Barker special?’

Before he could ask any further questions, a pair of invisible needles were jabbed into his arm, causing both arms to slowly lose mass and become pale in skintone as his hands shrank and his fingernails lengthened, in addition to this a pair of hooks dug into his chest and stomach, which caused it to slim down in the process. His clothing slowly turning into what was considered a sexy feminine variant of the typical cenobite attire. A pair of what was commonly known as breasts developed on his chest.

‘You see my dear BM, if that is what you call yourself, Changed fetishizes involuntary transformations and that shall not do. Fetishizing something that shouldn’t be fetishized is wrong and is very much just missing the point of what the transformation was for. You don’t see people simping over Brundlefly do you? Of course not.’ ‘This is torture, please stop.’ ‘Maybe you should have stopped bitching to me about my opinion on Changed then, if you truly hated it you wouldn’t act like an adamant defender of it.’

His hips flared out as his legs lengthened and his feet shrank down as well, his privates retracted as he yelped out in shock, his shoulders shrank inward as his back arched, his neckline lengthened while his hair slowly began to fall out, leaving him bald, the top of his scalp was peeled back a bit to show a bit of his cranium as his brows also fell out.

In addition to this eyelashes blossomed around his eyes, dark eyeliner was applied around both eyes as his nose shrank and his features contorted and feminized, he even gained some cenobite-like piercings as he realized he was indeed becoming a cenobite, but not just any…Angelique, the female cenobite from Hellraiser: Bloodline. His voice shot up several octaves and also became feminine, as his transformation completed, he realized what he did wrong and he was sorry.

“I’m sorry.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

Mel freed him or rather ‘her’ and told her it was okay and hugged her. Angelique realized that some people have different tastes in transformations and not everyone has the exact same tastes.

[chrancecriber]

Radio NET Bulgaria (November 25, 2022)

23:57 JEFF LORBER FUSION - Day One 23:53 PAUL TUVMAN - Something 23:48 JEANETTE HARRIS - Thankful (feat. Joel Bowers) 23:46 DR. SAXLOVE - Frost The Snowman 23:42 MARCIN NOWAKOWSKI - March On (Feat. Jeff Lorber) 23:39 DAVE KOZ - I'm Waiting For You 23:34 DAVID BENOIT - Floating 23:30 JODY MAYFIELD - Manhattan Cafe 23:25 PAUL BROWN - Wes' Coast Swing 23:20 AARON BING - The Christmas Song 23:16 NILS - Waiting on Hold 23:12 NAJEE - Face to Face 23:08 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Meant to Be 23:04 VINCENT INGALA - When I'm With You 23:00 MARCUS ANDERSON - Let The Praise 22:56 IIO - Rapture (Lametta Made 2 Chill Remix) 22:52 RADIO KILLER - Lonely Heart (Kenny Hayes Nitelite Mix) 22:48 OXYGENE - The Ocean (Goldtripp Remix) 22:44 THE FUSION, JANE MAXIMOVA - Behind Rain Waves (Chillout Mix) 22:40 G-SPLIFF - Won't Part 22:35 GROOVE THIEVERY - Killer 22:31 MATT DAREY, ERICA DRISCOLL - Too Far (Zetandel Chill Mix) 22:28 ROBERT NICKSON - Maybe Next Time (Chill Out Mix) 22:21 LA NUIT DEL MAR - Everybody (Luxury Lounge Cafe Mix) 22:15 LA CAINA - I Gotta Know Now 22:12 CHRIS REECE, ROMINA ANDREWS - Right Back (Album Mix) 22:08 C.CIL - Sunset 22:05 ANDAIN - Promises 22:00 E ONE, ARUNA - Still Holding On (Aruna vs. Conjure One Chill Mix Lounge Edit) 21:55 VARGO - You're Not Alone 21:49 MACIEJ LABUDA - Be Free 21:45 MARCELA MANGABEIRA - Don't Stop The Music (Lounge Version) 21:42 JOE SATRIANI - Always 21:38 JOHANNES HUPPERTZ - Freeee 21:33 AMEDEO BIANCHI - Spring Water 21:29 BLUE METHENEY - Don't Be So Shy (Sirius & Nyla Mix) 21:23 MARK WATSON - Submission 21:20 PUBLIC SYMPHONY - Wings 21:17 BENYA, PENNY NIXON - Serendipity (After Meridian & Dave Costa Remix) 21:13 DAVID TORT, NORMAN DORAY - Chase The Sun (Musica Feliz Ibiza Beat Remix) 21:09 PAT APPLETON - Crimson (Original Mix) 21:05 LATE NIGHT ALUMNI - This Is Why 21:00 RICHARD DURAND - Wide Awake (Zetandel Chill Remix) 20:55 SOLARIC INC - Children (Chill Mix) 20:50 RHEINGOLD ENSEMBLE - Deja Bo 20:45 SOLANOS - Get That Feeling 20:39 ANDY SOL & ECOLYTE - Ponse Passing (Original Mix) 20:34 CHRIS WONDERFUL - History (Original Mix) 20:28 ANGE - Some Day (Perception Of Sound Mix) 20:23 CIARAN McAULEY, ROLY, OONAGH - Forgotten (Ambient Mix) 20:16 SALTWATER - Chicane (Thrillseekers Ambient Mix) 20:12 CHRISTIAN BURNS, MARCO V - Frozen Heart (Acoustic Version) 20:08 MORGAN PAGE - In The Dark 20:02 JEAN MARE - Just Equality (Electro Downbeat Mix) 19:59 ERINYA MOON - On The Edge (Russian Vocal Mix) 19:55 WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS - Psychasthenia 19:52 SAMANTHA JADE - Everytime 19:48 AREA CODE 51 - Chillout In Paris 19:43 BISCAINE - Sunrise At Paradise Beach (Original Mix) 19:40 LEMON ICE - Hello 19:35 ARNEJ - People Come, People Go (Chillout Mix) 19:29 LEMONGRASS - Ocean Kisses (Original Mix) 19:26 ASHLEY WALLBRIDGE, ELLEAH - These Walls (Album Mix) 19:19 ASCESION - For A Lifetime (Chillout Mix) 19:14 SANGRE DE LA TIERRA - Antigua 19:09 DEEPER SUBLIME, AVO - Hypnotic 19:05 PIANOCHOCOLATE - Les Souvenirs (Original Mix) 19:01 SAMI COVER - Love You Like A Love Song (DjR Remix) 18:58 AUDIO BULLYS - Take You There 18:55 ATB. FLANDERS - Behind (ATB's Ambient Version) 18:50 RUE DU SOLEIL - In My Heart 18:45 RUSLAN-SET, POWERMS, V.RAY - Aspiration (Vocal Mix) 18:40 ANDY MOOR, SUE McLAREN - Fight The Fire (Masoud Chillout Mix) 18:37 CERF, MITISKA & JAREN, RANK 1 - Witness (Acoustic Mix) 18:33 LIQUID MOTION - Silent Running 18:27 CERF, MITISKA & JAREN - Beggin' You (Aeron Aether & Gorm Sorensen Remix) 18:22 BISSEN, THE CROSSOVER - Washout (Piano Mix) 18:19 BT & AQUALUNG - Surrounded (Tony Awake Remix) 18:16 BRIAN - Drowning (Acoustic Version) 18:10 SHERRIE LEA - No Ordinary Love (Arnold T Chill Mix) 18:06 SARAH MENESCAL - Don't Speak 18:00 SCHILLER, KATE HAVNEVIK - Don't Go 17:55 SHAUN ESCOFFERY - Into the Blue (Mark De Clive-Lowe Mix) 17:50 SCHWARZ, FUNK - Rainy Ibiza 17:45 SHARAM, DANIEL BEDINGFIELD - The One (Downtempo Mix) 17:41 SCROOGE - African Laundry (Original Mix) 17:38 SEAL - Ooh Baby Baby 17:32 SEXY LIYA, DEEMA - Chemistry Of Love (Dj Shved Remix) 17:27 SEBA - Painted Sky (Imagine Chill Out Remix) 17:24 SEVEN24, VLADIMIR LOBOV - Fable 17:21 SENSPROOF - Starflight (Alex Atmospheric Chillout Remix) 17:18 SEPTEMBER - Cry For You (Candlelight Remix) 17:13 SEVEN24 - Oasis (Original Mix) 17:07 R.I.B - I Look At Sea Horizon 17:03 HALEY - I Remember 17:00 ACTIVA, JULIE HARRINGTON - You Are Here (Ambient Mix) 16:57 JIM RICHTER - Peace III (feat. Michael Cornett & Jack Jones) 16:53 CHILLAXONIC - Quintessence 16:49 JEANETTE HARRIS - Away In A Manger 16:44 AL DEGREGORIS - Smooth It Out 16:40 ROB TARDIK - Christmas Morning (feat. Warren Hill) 16:37 ATTILA ZAVODI - Beetle By The Road 16:30 EUGE GROOVE - God Bless You 16:26 JACKIEM JOYNER - Let Me Love You 16:22 JODY MAYFIELD - Angels We Have Heard On High 16:18 NORMAN BROWN - Just Groovin' 16:13 GREGG KARUKAS - Believe in Me 16:09 GINO ROSARIA, MARCUS ANDERSON - Night Groove 16:04 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Diamond 16:00 PETER WHITE - Piece Of The City 15:57 RICHARD ELLIOT - Back to You 15:52 PAUL BROWN - The City 15:48 BRADLEY LEIGHTON - The First Noel 15:43 NILS - You've Got a Friend 15:39 QUINTIN GERARD W. - Cruisin' 0n Taxi Way 15:34 NAJEE - Bella Vista 15:29 JOY RIDE - Joy Ride 15:26 KEITH ANDREW - It's A Party 15:22 SHIN GIWON CHRISTMAS CAROL COLLECTION - Feliz Navidad 15:18 VASSAL BENFORD - Melody Man 15:14 JAZZ HOLDOUTS - April and May 15:09 VINCENT INGALA - K 15:05 DIRK K - It's On 15:00 FRANK PIOMBO - Luv Dat Smooth Latte (Nicos Theme) 14:58 BRAD ALEXANDER - Yearning for Your Love 14:54 BRIAN SIMPSON - So Many Ways 14:50 KIM WATERS - Hidden Treasure 14:47 STEVE OLIVER - Watching the Snowfall 14:43 PATRICK YANDALL - Let's Flow 14:39 THREESTYLE - Giant (feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl) 14:34 GREGORY GOODLOE - All the Way 14:30 DARREN MOTAMEDY - All About Love 14:24 EUGE GROOVE - Love, Passion, and Joy 14:21 I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (featuring India.Arie and Trombone Shorty) 14:17 JACKIEM JOYNER - Born to Fly 14:12 KIM SCOTT - Free To Be (Feat. Jazmin Ghent) 14:09 MARCUS ANDERSON - Your Cha' Cha' 14:04 NORMAN BROWN - The Feeling I Get 14:00 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - My Time 13:58 GREGG KARUKAS - Isabella 13:55 PETER WHITE - How Deep Is Your Love 13:50 JEFF KASHIWA - Back In The Day 13:46 JULIAN VAUGHN - Silent Night 13:42 RICHARD ELLIOT - Seven Sacred Pools 13:37 KEN NAVARRO - Pulse Point 13:33 PAUL BROWN - Ol' Skoolin' 13:29 NILS - Off to the Races 13:25 NAJEE - Speak Love! 13:21 SHAKATAK - Christmas Eve 13:17 ANDRE CAVOR - Heaven 13:13 KEITH ANDREW - Cielo (feat. Chris Standring) 13:08 ZOLBERT - Julia 13:04 TONY SAUNDERS - Summertime Love 13:00 VINCENT INGALA - Sunset On Marco 13:00 INCOGNITO - Selfishly 12:55 ISAAC BYRD JR. - Rebirth 12:51 J. WHITE - Spirit Walk 12:48 RICK HABANA - On My Way 12:45 JOYCE COOLING - The Holiday's On! 12:41 K'JON - Live, Love & Laughter 12:37 R.L. WALKER - Off The Corner 12:32 RAGAN WHITESIDE - Meu Amigo, Meu Amante 12:29 SHARON RAE NORTH - Heart of Mine 12:24 WAYMAN TISDALE - Rebound (feat. Dave Koz) 12:21 JAY ROWE - O Come, All Ye Faithful 12:17 VANN BURCHFIELD - Long Ago 12:13 ANDY SNITZER - On and On 12:09 LAWSON ROLLINS - Bossa Nova California 12:05 ROBERTO VAZQUEZ - Thinking of You 12:00 EUGE GROOVE - This Must Be For Real 11:59 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Foundation 11:55 JACKIEM JOYNER - Sweetness 11:50 MARCUS ANDERSON - With All My Heart 11:46 RHYTHM JETS - This Christmas 11:42 NORMAN BROWN - Ocean Breeze 11:38 GREGG KARUKAS - Speakeasy 11:33 PETER WHITE - My Prayer 11:29 RICHARD ELLIOT - Snapshot 11:25 DAN SIEGEL - Street Talk 11:20 BRIAN CULBERTSON - Joy To The World 11:16 KEN NAVARRO - Language Of Peace 11:12 PAUL BROWN - Feel The Love 11:08 NILS - Coast to Coast 11:04 NAJEE - Center of the Heart 11:00 KEITH ANDREW - Take It Slow 10:59 PHIL DENNY - Urban Troubadour 10:55 RANDY MULLER BOOM CHANG BANG - Sunnyside Up 10:51 DREW DAVIDSEN - Alexander's Dream 10:46 HANK BILAL - The Christmas Song 10:42 MARCO ALBANI - Freedom (feat. Martino Onorato, Umberto Vitiello) 10:38 VINCENT INGALA - Night Flight 10:33 ROBERTO RESTUCCIA - 1985 10:30 MARIUS BILLGOBENSON - Joy 10:25 TERENCE YOUNG - Still Here 10:21 MICHAEL LINGTON - Last Christmas (feat. Philippe Saisse) 10:17 RICK BRAUN - Notorius 10:13 ROBERT CHRISTA - Casa Romantica 10:08 PATRICK BRADLEY - Meant to Be (feat. Darren Rahn) 10:04 JACOB WEBB - With You Tonight 10:00 JOEL THIBAULT - Last Dream 09:58 JAEE LOGAN - You Can't Love Her 09:54 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Solitude 09:50 THREESTYLE, MAGDALENA CHOVANCOVA - Thank God It's Christmas 09:45 NICK COLLIONNE - What You Do To Me 09:40 CHRISTOPHE GOZE - We'll Meet Again (2022 Version) 09:37 BEN TANKARD, NICHOLAS COLE - Every Praise 09:32 EUGE GROOVE - Romeo & Juliet 09:27 JACKIEM JOYNER - Double Bass 09:25 HERB ALPERT - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 09:19 MARCUS ANDERSON - Your Will 09:15 NORMAN BROWN - My Window To Heaven 09:09 GREGG KARUKAS - Jamba Samba 09:05 PETER WHITE - If Only For You 09:00 RICHARD ELLIOT - Island Style 09:00 KEN NAVARRO - My Beautiful Girls 08:55 PAUL BROWN - The City (Instrumental) 08:51 NILS - Windsurfer 08:47 DREW DAVIDSEN - Angels We Have Heard 08:43 NAJEE - Better 08:39 KEITH ANDREW - East Peak 08:35 RICHARD SMITH - Groove Assets 08:31 BLAKE AARON - If You Were Mine 08:27 NICK COLIONNE - Uncle Nick 08:22 TONY CRADDOCK JR. - The First Noel 08:18 VINCENT INGALA - What's Option B 08:13 THE SMOOTH JAZZ ALLEY - Morning Jog 08:09 JAMES LLOYD - Within Reach 08:04 JAWANZA KOBIE - Let Me Lead 08:00 DR. DAVE, THE HOUSECALL BAND - G.B. Style (Revisited Version) 07:56 JAZMIN GHENT - Great Is Thy Faithfulness 07:52 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Destiny 07:48 JUSTIN YOUNG - I'll Be Home For Christmas 07:44 DARRON COOKIE - Back at It Again 07:40 FUNKTASTIC PLAYERS - Summer Winds 07:35 JEFF RYAN - Up and Up 07:31 RONNY SMITH - Laid Back (Remix) 07:27 PHIL CASAGRANDE - Love's Theme 07:23 K.VIO, TIM TONIC - Silent Night 07:18 EVERETT B WALTERS - Mom's Biscuits 07:13 JAZZ FUNK SOUL - Timmendorfer By The Sea 07:08 MEZZOFORTE - Sizzle 07:05 EUGE GROOVE - Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight 07:00 KIM SCOTT - People Make the World Go 'round 06:59 JACKIEM JOYNER - In Your Eyes 06:54 CHIELI MUNICCI - Kickin' It Hard 06:49 GREGG KARUKAS - Blue Touch 06:45 SYLVIA BENNETT - Wrap You up for Christmas (World Version) 06:42 NORMAN BROWN - Easy Livin' 06:38 PETER WHITE - Stormfront 06:33 KEN NAVARRO - In The Sky Today 06:29 NILS - Don't Hold Back 06:24 NICHOLAS COLE - Sugar 06:20 ANDRE DELANO - Do You Hear What I Hear 06:17 PAUL BROWN - End Of The Day 06:13 NICK COLIONNE - Call Me Love 06:09 VINCENT INGALA - Caught Me By Surprise 06:04 CINDY BRADLEY - Grey Area 06:00 PAT BELLIVEAU - Lakeview Drive 05:55 NELSON RANGELL - Far Away Day 05:51 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Tell Me 05:45 SMOOTH SOUL HOLIDAY - Angel's Serenade 05:41 MICHAEL HAGGINS - Gift To The World 05:37 MARION MEADOWS - Real Time 05:34 AL DEGREGORIS - After a Rain 05:30 MARK JAIMES - Evenin' (feat. OLI SILK) 05:24 CHRIS STANDRING - Out of the Blue 05:19 DAVID GARFIELD - White Christmas 05:15 JIM ADKINS - Turning Point 05:12 MICHAEL MANSON, BEN TANKARD - Right Turn Ahead 05:07 GREG MANNING - Grateful (feat. Judah Sealy) 05:03 DANIEL DOMENGE - Always to Run 05:00 MIKE PHILLIPS - Cruisin' On Sunset 04:56 EUGE GROOVE - Hey Boo 04:52 BYRON MILLER - Just a Feeling 04:49 DANA FIELDS - Feels Like Christmas 04:44 REZA KHAN - Painted Stories 04:39 KIM SCOTT - Treetops 04:35 JACKIEM JOYNER - Unforgiven 04:31 MARCUS ANDERSON - Cappuccino Strut 04:26 GREGG KARUKAS - Home To You 04:22 CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Ave Maria 04:18 NORMAN BROWN - Brighter My Light Shines 04:14 PETER WHITE - The Closer I Get To You 04:09 RICHARD ELLIOT - Adia 04:05 KEN NAVARRO - By My Side 04:00 NILS - Pacific Coast Highway 03:59 PAUL BROWN - Side Steppin' 03:55 NICK COLIONNE - Romantic Nites 03:51 NICHOLAS COLE - It Ain't Over 03:47 ERIC DARIUS - All I Want For Christmas Is You 03:43 BRENDAN ROTHWELL - Carmel 03:38 VINCENT INGALA - This Or That 03:33 BRIAN BROMBERG - The Anticipation 03:30 PHILLIP DOC MARTIN - It's U 03:25 TIM BOWMAN - Soul Dream 03:20 DR. SAXLOVE - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear 03:16 NAJEE - Bounce 03:12 MARION MEADOWS - Step to This 03:07 ALEXANDER ZONJIC - Night Crawler 03:03 DEE BROWN - Wake Up 03:00 DEON YATES - Love On Top 02:55 RHYTHM LOGIC - From the Hip 02:51 AL DEGREGORIS - Mauritius 02:47 JEANETTE HARRIS - My Favorite Things 02:43 JONATHAN FRITZEN - The Jungle 02:39 EUGE GROOVE - Hide And Seek 02:34 KAREN DEVROOP - Sunset in Koh Samui 02:30 KARLTON JONES - The Answer 02:25 496 WEST - Maputo 02:21 JODY MAYFIELD - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 02:18 DAMIEN ESCOBAR - Night Drive 02:13 KIM SCOTT - Billie Jean 02:08 JACKIEM JOYNER - Lil' Man Soul 02:04 MARCUS ANDERSON - No Time To Waste 02:00 GREGG KARUKAS - Green Hills 01:58 NORMAN BROWN - Feeling The Way 01:53 PETER WHITE - No Woman No Cry 01:49 RICHARD ELLIOT - Panamera 01:45 BRADLEY LEIGHTON - Winter Wonderland 01:41 KEN NAVARRO - Touch 01:37 NILS - We Got Love 01:33 PAUL BROWN - What About Bob 01:28 NICK COLIONNE - The Connection 01:23 NICHOLAS COLE - Endless Possibilities 01:21 SHIN GIWON CHRISTMAS CAROL COLLECTION - White Christmas 01:17 REZA KHAN, DAVID MANN - Under the Moon 01:13 VINCENT INGALA - Turkey Strut 01:09 PHILLIP DOC MARTIN - Pardon Me 01:05 TIM BOWMAN - Wanda Patrice 01:00 KIM WATERS - Swept Away 00:57 MARION MEADOWS - Invisible 00:53 BLAIR BRYANT - That Girl 00:49 STEVE OLIVER - Slingshot 00:46 JONATHAN BUTLER - Joy To The World 00:43 THE SAX PACK - The Sax Pack 00:38 KAYLA WATERS - Lil' Mustard Seed 00:34 AL DEGREGORIS - Into The Night, Al DeGregoris 00:28 EUGE GROOVE - Chillaxin 00:24 JOEL DEL ROSARIO - Delicious Vinyl Outro 00:21 PEGGY DUQUESNEL - Silent Night 00:17 DEE LUCAS - The Time Is Now 00:12 KEIKO MATSUI - Return To Eternity 00:08 ART RUPRECHT - Coast to Coast 00:04 RAINFOREST BAND - Gumbo Groove 00:00 3RD FORCE - Compassion Passion 00:00 KIM SCOTT - Landscapes

[evilphrog]

Starting with my most specialist guy Clive:

Clive Standish was rather tall, but his narrow frame and hunched posture made him seem lanky and awkward. He wore voluminous scholarly robes, possibly to make him seem less narrow, but they dangled off him like they’d been hung out to dry.  (Book 1, ch 42 p 238-239)

It was a tall, gangly fellow who looked a few years older than Jason. He had an iron-rank aura, so he was probably the age he looked. He was wearing robes that were a size too big, with the emblem of the Magic Society prominently placed.  (Book 1 ch 64  p 363)

Gone were the too-large robes, replaced with more practical wear for the delta, with sturdy-looking pants, shirt and vest. Jason spotted a bracelet on Clive’s wrist, identical to the one on his own. It was a cord looped through small blue stones, each with a hole in the middle.  (Book 1 ch 68 p. 393)

This is technically a description of Russel Clouns, but Jason later thinks of him as the “Older, more homeless version of Clive” so I included it

The man next to the priestess was in his mid-thirties, also in a robe. Where the priestess's garment draped down her body with grace and elegance, his looked like a sack held in place with a rope belt. He had stubble—not the sexy kind—and his hair was an unruly mess. Even then, Jason recognised the handsome bone structure underneath. He looked like the hapless man who gets a make-over from the love interest in act two.  (Book 1 ch 38 p 213)

He was a human in scholarly robes with a lopsided Magic Society official’s pin on his chest. He had an unruly mop of hair and an unkempt beard. His iron-rank aura meant his mid-thirties appearance was probably accurate. All in all, he looked like a slightly older, homeless version of Clive.   (Book 2 ch 24 p. 170)

Clive’s staff (post reaper trials)

The staff was carved from a dark coloured wood, engraved with magical symbols. On the end was a bass cap, with a large purple gemstone set into it. The wand was a blue metal rod with intricate lines worked into flowing patterns that ran down its length.   (Book 2 ch 51 p. 359)

Can’t include quotes for spoiler reasons, but I can tell you he canonically does not wear glasses.  It was specifically mentioned.  He also has dark brown hair.  Again, I cannot include quotes. 

I notice you take art requests. Do you by chance take art requests for hwfwm characters yet?

hmmm this is a good question. I wouldnt say i have an awesome grasp of how to draw them. Ig if u described them for me?? Cause i dont remember some of their features & im scared to look them up for fear of spoilers.

Like okay so jason is thin, leanly-muscled & pretty sharp around the face shape. Hes half-Japanese & has black hair that is luscious but idk if its straight or wavy (probably not curly? I feel like thatd be mentioned). Id probs go with straight for most of my designs.

Clive is lanky & looks like most Greenstone people i think. So dark olive skin & black wavy hair. But what length. I always picture him with glasses but actually his eyesight would be perfect (id probs give him magic ones cause he can use magic items even tho it doesnt say that within text.)

idk why i just started describing them. Thats not helpful for this ask 😭😭😭. Im so ramble based.

what im trying to say is that for most characters id need a description of them cause i dont remember what they look like very well. Especially hair types. If ur willing to provide that id be happy to draw them!

(also because this ask got me kind of in an art mood here are some preliminary designs for those who i had some sort of idea for)

Im kinda rusty sorry lol

[dearest-solitude]

dearest-solitude recs, part four

Anon asked:

If I enjoy Violaf fics, which other fics(and original works) could be to my taste?

Finally, original works! Thanks again for this ask, I had so much fun compiling all these.

General CW for all sorts of problematic content.

Books:

Lolita by Vladimir Nabakov - This one is sort of obvious. Daniel Handler loves Nabakov (and called Lolita sexy!) so I definitely recommend checking it out if you haven’t. I myself wouldn’t particularly consider Lolita to be a “sexy” story, but it is an excellent book, and basically a must read if you love exploring power imbalance due to age gaps.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russel - I finished this one recently, and really enjoyed it. It got a lot of hype when it came out, deservedly so. The story explores two timelines: a budding student/teacher relationship, and the aftermath twenty years later.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - This book doesn’t have anything remotely shippy in, but the the catalyst and first chapter of the story is the rape and murder of a fourteen year old girl by her middle-aged neighbor. I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as the above two, but it explores grief and tauma in an interesting way.

Abarat by Clive Barker - I think this series is YA but possibly it is middle grade. It is a series about a girl who gets called to a magical world and has to help save it. The plot isn’t super original, but it is a fun series to read, and the main villain of the first two books (a evil man named Christopher Carrion) tries multiples to kidnap and then to marry the teenage lead, Candy Quackenbush. My memory of it is a bit foggy since I read these sophomore year of high school, so no promises with this one.

The Lost Episodes of Revie Bryson by Bryan Furuness - I read this book on the recommendation of @s-softersoftest a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it! Again, nothing too shippy, but there is a storyline about a middle school boy who’s substitute teacher begins a relationship with him. Overall, I think Furuness did an awesome job of balancing some really serious topics while also staying realistically in the voice of a middle schooler.

//

Movies:

Buffalo 66 (1998) - I love this movie and I love Billy Brown and Layla. A summary would be “Freshly released from prison, man kidnaps local girl and forces her to be his pretend wife when meeting his parents.” I don’t know how old the characters are, but the lead actors (Christina Ricci and Vincent Gallo) were seventeen and thirty-seven when the movie was filmed. I believe it is online to watch for free if you are interested.

The Lover (1992) - A french 15 year old begins a steamy affair with a 32 year old chinese playboy in 1920’s french colonial Indochina (Vietnam). This movie has hot sex scenes, and a lot of them. It also made me cry.

//

Comics and Art:

@kmclaude’s work - Lots of power imbalances and advantage taking and truly lovely art. It’s real good stuff. I’m not sure how to summarize it all here, so aside from checking out the art on their blog, you can read up on their character’s here.

BeLoved by Jaelui - Comic follows 32 year old, Dr. Wei, after she realizes she hooked up with a (legal) 16 year old girl who she brought home from a club. This story is just like Violaf in the age gap aspect, everything that goes on in the story is legal, consensual, and it’s just a super cute love story. I’ve read it like six times.

The Double Agent -This is a newish webtoon, about a woman who is forced to be a spy, and who is immedeatly caught and subsequently psychologicaly tortured by the opposing side. Sexual tension is very high, and Sasha Laurent and Major General Johann von Willendorf quickly become obsessed with each other. This is possibly the darkest romance story I’ve seen on Webtoon.

part 1/2/3/4

[in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather]

And what a day I picked to check in! Are you really doing an Underworld AU? Those are some of my favorite movies! I think I love the first the most, then Rise of the Lycan’s with that great medieval setting, and then I was surprised by how much I liked Blood Wars too! God Silky, you would destroy an Underworld AU! It’s dark and sexy and perfect for your touch! You could do much better than the movies! Plus I’ve never seen another one and it’s unique! I hope you’re encouraged to write it!

Gaaah, that's so exciting!! 😍😍

I also love the first one the most, it really grabbed me when I saw it as a kid (and gave me this unquenchable thirst for impossible/forbidden romances 🥴) and the third one so good! I love a good origin story/prequel and that one, I think, did a great job of expanding the lore. I saw Blood Wars one time, at the cinema, I think I should give it a rewatch since I truly don't remember it.

But I'm so glad you think that AU could work and I could do it; I definitely like all the dark themes, the sensuality, the gore... There is a lot of fractured fairytale there and Clive Barker-ish twisted carnality that is a lot of fun to play with - I know we both love that 💕💕

Thank you so much for sending in this ask and getting me all stoked about it, I'm so happy when people are on board with an idea 😍😍

[kianaflame23]

Forgiveness ☆ Final Fantasy XVI Clive Rosfield x f!reader N*FW

Sequel to "Hidden Feelings"

NO MINORS! ONLY 🔞 SO I WILL BLOCK YOU IF YOU DO NOT SHOW YOUR AGE IN YOUR BIO!

You were sitting in a chair, looking at the moon as you wonder to yourself. You felt a chill as you didn't want to wear a sexy silk nightgown. Barnabas ordered you to wear it as he wants to make love with you....

'Why am I still with King Barnabas...?

Then, you remember.... you were only with Barnabas and his army because you don't want Clive and your friends to get killed....

'I hope Clive was able to get his revenge...'

You looked at your ring finger, seeing a dark blue with flower on that wedding ring. You sighed to yourself, then look at the chains on your hands and feets....you could use your magic and leave, however, those chains drains your magic. Not allowing you to protect yourself if you tried to escape.....

'At least, I am his fiancée......'

'Why?! I hate Barnabas! Trying to kiss me or even touch my body!', you thought to yourself as you felt disgusted.

You sighed heavily, getting up from the chair and slowly headed to your bed as you hope that Barnabas will forget you....but you are going to be his wife very soon...he waited for too long....

You pick up the soft blanket as you got yourself comfortable in your bed, closing your eyes. Mentally preparing yourself for the worst as you start to pray one last time before falling asleep....

".....(Y/N)......"

".....wake......"

".....up, my sweet angel..."

'.....why am I hearing Clive....voice...?'

You groans as you tried to awake from your slumber, you couldn't see clearly until you saw him.....Clive Rosfield....the sweet knight who broke your heart.....

"Clive?! Where am I....? Why are you here at Barnabas' castle?!"

"(Y/N), he's dead. I killed him. You don't need to worry about him anymore, my love....", you widened your eyes, barely noticing how different he looks....his hair got more fluffy. His bearer mark isn't there.... You caresses his left cheek, your thumb touches his scar gently. Clive leans on your hand as he sighs in relief. Feeling joy to see you safe...no longer having nightmares of you, being away from him.

"....what happened, Clive...?"

"Jill and Torgal protected you as I fought against Barnabas. It was not an easy battle but I won. We are in Cid's safe hub. You're sa--

"WHY ARE YOU SO NICE TO ME? I AM JUST A FRIEND TO YOU! YOU SEE ME AS A SISTER FIGURE, RIGHT?"

"P-please allow me to ex--"

"No! You should be with Jill Warrick, not me! You and Jill are meant to be toge--", You didn't finish your sentence as you felt his hands on your shoulders, pulling you to his chest as he embraces you tightly. Then, you felt small tears dripping down to your hair. Your heart drop, you couldn't believe your eyes....Clive is crying.....

".....I....Clive...."

"Forgive me....for making you think that I have feelings for Jill, (Y/N)."

"I always see you with Jill....after I told you my....love confession...."

"It's fine that you like her more than a fri--", you said to Clive, feeling yourself sad but you want him to be happy. He deserves to be with someone....who can always cheer him up, giving him love and affection....

You want to be his lover....his wife but imagining Clive and Jill being together....you were lost in your thoughts, Clive removed his hands from you, his blue eyes look at you for a moment. Hating himself for hurting you...Cidolfus was right....he was a coward for not telling you...that he loves you....

'I am going to prove her that I only want her, no one else....I'll do anything to see her smile again....'

He bends down on one knee, gaining your attention as you gasped. Covering your mouth as you began to panic.

'No...why is he proposing to me? I should tell h--', your thoughts were interrupted as you hear Clive's voice.

"That day, I was a coward and a huge idiot for walking away from your confession. I was stunned....didn't know how to react. Your beauty took my breathe away...Your smile made me flustered and I just don’t know what to say, I wanted to tell you that "I love you". I left you there...alone....I'm sorry for ignoring you....I thought you would come to me so I waited and waited until you talk to me....but you didn't....it should have been me....coming to you....begging you to forgive me....You don't need to worry about my revenge journey. I have something more important than my obsession with revenge. Well, "someone" very important...it's you, my love. I'll be your husband! I can wait for years if I have to! All I want is to see you cute smile and being happy....maybe we can have a family...rebuild our own kingdom! Please...forgive me...."

You want to say something, but words didn't come out from your mouth. You nervously answered to his speech.

"I-I don't know what to say...Clive....I wa--"

"Will you marry me, (F/N) (L/N)?", Clive said to you, showing you a beautiful red rose ring as you can see his whole body shakes in fear. Even you can see his hand shakily as Clive desperately look at you, to see if you still love him....

You sighs as you turned your body away from him, still in the bed as you thought to yourself for a second, then you

"Please tell me your answe--"

"Clive Rosfield! Close your eyes! Do it now!", you barked at poor Clive, making him flinch from your voice and closed his eyes. Feeling confused on what you are going to do, he doesn't want you to leave him....

You felt your cheeks burn, trying not to feel embarrassed as you took off your nightgown. Blushing even more, you shakily spoked to Clive, telling him that he can open his eyes.... covering your body as he stared at you, lust consume his whole body.

"Then, you want to be mi--"

"Prove to me....that you want me. If you truly love me and only me, then we'll get married....Clive.", you smiled nervously at your knight. Your hero.... you told him to take off his clothes, Clive didn’t need you to tell him twice. Exposing his buff chest to your face as your eyes widened in astonished, smiling weakly at Clive.

"Oh my! HE GOT MORE MUSCULAR?!"

As you were too distracted with your mind, Clive grabbed your hand, placing the beautiful ring on your delicate finger, your ring finger.....you snapped out of your thoughts and gasped.

"Clive?! I didn't said ye--", Clive didn’t waste time as he kissed your lips with lust and desire, kissing you passionately as you moan. Clive took his chance to deepen his kiss, you felt his tongue touch yours. Small tears appears in your eyes, not believing that you are going to make love with your darling knight. Pushing you gently towards the mattress as you blush, still kissing you as Clive starts to use his fingers on your sweet flower. Fingering you slowly before thrusting more deeper in you. Moaning as you closed your eyes in pleasure, enjoying his fingers as his thumb rubs yor clitoris rapidly. You warned Clive that you were going to climax on him....

"A-ah! I'm going to cum, Clivey!", you stopped kissing him, getting closer to climax until Clive decided to take off his fingers. Pouting to yourself as you whined at him, wanting to release your cum on him.

"Clive! I wanted to cu--", he didn't gave you a chance to talk, opening your legs as he strokes his shaft before inserting it in your pussy. Closing your eyes in pain as you bit your lips, hoping to feel pleasure. As soon his cock is fully in your sweet flower, you felt Clive's tears falling to your face. You knew that Clive is crying again....he hugged you as you allow him to sob in your neck. Hugging him tightly as you decided to give his one last chance. To redeem himself, maybe you can be happy again. Happy with your hero....

"......(Y/N).....forgive me, my love...I'm so--", you stopped him with a soft kiss, surprising Clive as his blue eyes stares at yours. Smiling at him as you started to cry, his thumb wipes your tears. Asking you if you want to stop as you don't feel his cock in you, blaming himself for being selfish.

"We can make love tomorrow. You should re-"

"No, I'm going to ride you. You're mine!", you grinned at him, pushing Clive down as you're now in top of him.

"I want your cum in me. I hope you are ready, Clive Rosfield!"

Clive is so turned on by your bold words. Feeling your sweet flower on him sounds heaven to him. You and Clive continued your hot lovemaking until you're filled up with his cum. After all, he is yours and only yours. You're very happy to be with him. You don't need to worried about Barnabas anymore. You can enjoy your peaceful life with your knight. You snuggled with Clive, kissing him before closing your eyes. Immediately falling to slumber, smiling to yourself. No one can stop you from loving your hero.

The end ❤️‍🔥

[grigori77]

Summer 2021′s Movies - My Top Ten Favourite Films (Part 1)

The Runners-Up:

20.  LUCA – I’ll admit I really wasn’t sold on Disney/Pixar’s coming-of-age fantasy comedy, which revolves around a pair of young sea monsters living off the coast of the 1950s Italian Riviera, who discover they can assume human form when they dry out and go on land on a quest of discovery.  Thankfully the strong reviews convinced me to give it a chance – this is a frothy and irreverent romp through an exotically nostalgic world filled with Vespas, pasta-eating contests and found families that’s fun for kids of all ages.

19.  FAST & FURIOUS 9 – the high concept action franchise may be bursting under the ever-increasing weight of its own ludicrousness, but it’s still TONS of fun, packed with stunning over-the-top action, colourful globe-trotting and a loveable bunch of misfits we’ve grown incredibly fond of over the past TWENTY YEARS.  This time Dom (the irrepressible Vin Diesel) and the team are up against ruthless hi-tech mercenary Jakob (John Cena), a lethal jack-of-all-trades with a dark connection to the Toretto name.

18.  REMINISCENCE – Westworld co-creator Lisa Joy’s attempt to make it on the big screen looks set to go down as one of the biggest cinematic flops of 2021, which is a shame because the feature-debuting writer-director has crafted a genuinely fascinating speculative sci-fi noir detective thriller.  Set in a darkly dystopian future in which Global Warming has caused the sea levels to rise and society to start breaking down, it tells the story of Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a former soldier who ekes out a living using revolutionary tech to help the idle rich relive their fondest memories, until a life-changing mystery from his own past resurfaces, threatening to tear his whole world apart.  Frustratingly, it looks like most audiences are going to bypass this, which is a criminal loss.

17.  FREE GUY – after a seven year hiatus, Night at the Museum director Shawn Levy returns to the big screen in fine form with this deliriously inventive fantastical comedy adventure about Guy (a typically on-fire Ryan Reynolds), an NPC in an anarchic, Grand Theft Auto style MMORPG called Free City who discovers his own sentience after falling in love with Millie (Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer), a player with a hidden agenda that puts them both at odds with the game’s nefarious creator, Antwan (a thoroughly hilarious Taika Waititi).

16.  EVANGELION 3.0 + 1.01: THRICE UPON A TIME – visionary anime creator Hideaki Anno brings his long-running sci-fi saga to a close with this fourth instalment to his wildly ambitious cinematic “Rebuild” of cult TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion. It’s as frothy, melodramatic and bonkers as ever, packed full of weighty themes and crazy ideas, while the animation maintains this series’ ridiculously high levels of quality and the action is as explosive as ever, and Hideaki brings the whole mad mess to a climax that’s as rich, powerful and thoroughly befuddling as the saga deserves.

15.  THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD – Sicario writer Taylor Sheridan returns to the director’s chair (after impressive debut Wind River) with this intense and enthralling suspense thriller adapted by bestselling author Michael Koryta (along with Sheridan and Blood Diamond’s Charles Leavitt) from his own acclaimed novel. Angelina Jolie is (ahem) fiery but fallible as haunted smokejumper Hanna Faber, whose PTSD drives her to protect a desperate boy (Finn Little) who’s being hunted through the wilds of Montana by a pair of relentless assassins (Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult).

14.  CRUELLA – far from the clunky cash-in retcon many were predicting, Disney’s ambitious black comedy crime caper does a thoroughly admirable job in delivering this fascinating and deeply compelling reimagining of the story of rogue fashion designer Cruella de Vil (one of the best performances I’ve ever seen Emma Stone deliver, hands down), the dastardly villainess of 101 Dalmatians. She’s certainly far more complex here, no longer a raging monster, but far from a whitewashed PC apologist, either, much more of a morally grey antihero with a very wicked dark side – then again, with I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie at the helm it’s not really a surprise.  Richly designed and dripping in spectacularly adventurous period detail, this is an divine romp from start to finish.

13.  THE GREEN KNIGHT – the latest feature from writer director David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saits, Pete’s Dragon, The Old Man & the Gun) is as offbeat and unusual as you’d expect from a visionary filmmaker with such a wildly varied CV.  Adapting the fantastical chivalric romance Sir Gawain & the Green Knight, he’s crafted what’s surely destined to be remembered as the year’s STRANGEST film, but it’s a work of aching beauty and introspective imagination that sears itself into the memory and rewards the viewer’s patience despite its leisurely pace.  Dev Patel is unbearably sexy and wonderfully complex as Gawain, while Sean Harris delivers show-stopping support with stately charisma and world-weary integrity as King Arthur.  This film is sure to divide opinions as well as audiences, but I think it’s a bona fide masterpiece that must be seen to be believed.

12.  CANDYMAN – after watching this wildly imaginative and frequently gut-wrenching soft-reboot/sequel to Bernard Rose’s acclaimed adaptation of Clive Barker’s short story The Forbidden, I feel supremely confident about emerging writer-director Nia DaCosta’s coming MCU breakout with The Marvels.  Wisely papering over the clunky previous sequels, this streamlined trailblazing deep dive into the pure horror of the legend of the righteously mad spectral killer haunting the Chicago housing ghetto of Cabrini-Green sees a daring modern artist (Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) find his latest project turning into a dangerously self-destructive obsession. Writer-producer Jordan Peele’s fingerprints are all over this, but DaCosta clearly shows signs that she’s going to be a hell of a talent to watch in the future.

11.  THE WITCHER: NIGHTMARE OF THE WOLF – I wouldn’t normally shout about an animated spinoff to a TV series like this, but I was SO INSANELY IMPRESSED with this brilliant prequel to Netflix’ popular fantasy show (which clearly intends to lay some origin story groundwork for the impending second season) that I just can’t help myself. Recounting the backstory of Geralt of Rivia’s own Witcher mentor Vesemir, this beautifully expands on the already compelling universe the series has created, as well as delivering some breath-taking thrills and chills through some of the most exquisite cell animation I’ve ever seen outside of the greats of anime.  A must-see for Witcher fans, then, but one I’d also highly recommend to anyone who likes their animation a bit more grown-up and edgy.

[thistle-and-thorn]

3, 4, 5 of the new years ask?

ahhh thank you!!

3. Top Five Books--I had a really good reading year this year! This was hard!

1. Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis was my first read of the year and rec'd by the much better-read attonitos-gloria. It was a very profound reading experience for me? And it sparked a Lewissance this year--I read or re-read a lot of my man Clive Staples' work. He has been a longtime favorite writer of mine--he really is so, so good at expressing complicated thoughts in a creative and beautifully expressive way--and it was so interesting to read much of his work closely together.

2. The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter--Omg I loved this collection. So weird and sexy and disturbing. Also, I would let the Erl-King rail me. And I know that doesn't say great things about me as a person but it's my truth.

3. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel--These books are my only topic of conversation, I'm so sorry. If anyone reads these, DM me for the memes I have made about this series. I don't like much historical fiction because it feels so artificial but this felt *urgent* and *fresh.* I have a degree in European History and when something happens, stuff I know happens happens, it's done in a way that every time I'm left: *surprised pikachu face* TL;DR: He, Cromwell, holds my heart.

4. Atonement by Ian McEwan--Briony Tallis is the OG Bad Art Friend and should choke on an apple slice.

5. Accidentally Brave by Maddie Corman--I sobbed reading this. SOBBED. An elegy for love. What an incredible woman she is.

4. Top movies--ahh some of the movies I most want to see aren't out yettttt

1. tick...tick...BOOM: I loved this so much. It was so weird and meta. I loved it.

2. The Green Knight--I don't know if I liked this but it made me think and that's probably good for me.

3. Cruella--Haters don't want to see a girlboss winning. This movie was so deranged. I unironically loved it though.

4. The Book of Kells--Not new, but new to me. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

5. It's going to be Cyrano. why even pretend i'm going to assess this movie with any sort of objectivity. It's not even out yet but it's by my husband and my wife. I will accept no criticisms.

5. Top TV series you binged

1. The Vow--this was a problematic documentary but I BINGED this.

2. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend--Iconic on every level

3. Spinning Out--Imagine a dark Hallmark movie but 10 episodes.

4. The Crown--This season SLAPPED. Inject Olivia Colman into my veins.

5. The Queen's Gambit--I'm a basic bitch. But I loved this.