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deesseshesca · 2 months ago

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PAC: How can you deepen the bond with your partner ?

There must be something cynical about being on your period and wanting a baby ... orrrrr.... nahhhh.... I am a maneater until the day i di-

Good afternoon pretty soul ! I am so excited ... IS OFFICIALLY KINKTOBER ! DAY : 10-11

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Your future lover (LAST DAY 15/10)| SEX Douala =SALE READING

PILE 1

Even though you may feel disconnected from the relationship right now and have contemplated walking away, your partner’s decision to change signals a pivotal moment. Their renewed focus on the relationship is genuine, and this could be the fresh start you both need. However, rebuilding trust and connection won’t happen overnight, especially with the emotional distance that has crept in.

You might feel uncertain, like your instincts are a bit off or you’re struggling to trust their efforts, but try to approach this phase with an open mind. Take things slow, and give yourself permission to feel both doubt and hope at the same time. It's okay to be cautious, but recognize their effort for what it is—a true attempt to make things right.

Communication will be key. Even though there might have been a breakdown in how you both express your emotions, make space for honest conversations. Talk about your fears, disappointments, and what you need moving forward. They seem committed to focusing on the relationship, but they will need guidance to understand how to nurture it in a way that feels meaningful to you. Don't be afraid to express what hasn't worked in the past and what you want to see differently.

Your partner’s willingness to change is a sign of their dedication, but for the relationship to truly move forward, both of you will need to find a balance between emotional vulnerability and action. This is a chance to rebuild from a stronger, more honest foundation, but it will require patience and effort from both sides. Trust the process, even if it feels rocky right now, and allow the transformation to unfold naturally.

*** BONUS ***

This relationship is newly official but you guys have been messing with each other for a hot minute. They finally let go of their ego. Y’all thought they did not want to be with you because of your looks. I feel like it’s a cut in 2. One side is different race, maybe the person is white and you are black living in a more white neighborhood. Others are the size, you are medium size and bigger and that person is conventionally good looking. Others are culture, I’m hearing : Mexican and Arabic. So since both cultures have similarities but when holding differences it is polar opposite. But actually they did not cuff you because of their ego, I don’t really know the root of the problem but it has nothing to do with you (also like mention on other PAC or collective reading, if we do not give me permission, I don’t dig). They took a hit in their life and realized that you were the only real one. I don ‘t think their hit was public since everything look good from the outside but everyone close to them, even their ‘’friends’’ know that they fuck up. Don’t worry they saw the way you transform. The way you are embarrassing everything that people use against you, whether it be your weight, your curly hair and darker skin tone, your tradition… you are loving it all and glowing. But even though they change and hold to all their promises, there’s still a need to address the big elephant in the motherfucking room … Why did it take you so long to grow some balls ? That feeling of uneasiness you feel, chérie d’amour… I feel it 2 ! Like on the card everything is perfect but my intuition is ticking not because they are doing something sneaky behind your back instead is about their fucking intention. Almost like I'm being played… but I have yet to capture the king (final evidence) to scream CHECKMATE ! So I am waiting and sharing the bonus message that spirit allows me to have. Because babe, if they did not give me the signal to shuffle for more, I would have send you you merry way because they had me fucking convince. Lastly you are personally so close to complete fulfillment don’t let anyone or anything hinder that for you.

💌 : What's making me tik, is they went from avoiding you to completely being immerse in your energy. Almost like they know you crave touch and is feeding you the only thing that can't make you think deeper into what's really going on. Chile chérie d'amour, if you want to know how to deepen your sexual chemistry, is half the price this time. You can unlock all the extended content.

PILE 2

To deepen your bond with your partner, it's important to be patient and understanding of the emotional battles they are facing. They may feel vulnerable and unsure about sharing their struggles fully, so it's crucial that you create a safe space where they feel comfortable opening up without fear of judgment. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and let them know that you're here to support them, no matter how difficult it may seem.

Your partner is someone who has been through immense pain and may still be carrying that weight, but they are determined to hold on because of their deep care for you. They might resist letting go of past hurt, but your consistent love and gentle reassurance can help them find the strength to move forward. Instead of pushing them to "get better," focus on being a steady source of support, reminding them that their worth goes beyond their struggles.

You both can build a solid foundation together by acknowledging the difficult moments while staying committed to a brighter future. Find small ways to celebrate victories, even if they seem minor, and remind them of the life you are creating together, filled with love, stability, and shared dreams.

Lastly, make sure to take care of yourself too. It's easy to pour all your energy into helping someone you love, but maintaining your own emotional well-being will ensure you both can grow stronger together. Stay hopeful, and keep the vision of a fulfilling future in mind. Your bond can weather this storm as long as you continue to meet them with understanding, compassion, and the strength they need right now.

Extra: I need to write this white on black ... YOU WILL NOT ATTEND THEIR FUNERAL (they use to deal with suicidal thoughts. Mes chéries d'amour when you they say that they ARE better and working hard mentally (because I feel like they already work very hard at school and work ) for y'all future, they are doing it !

💌 : If you want to know how to deepen your sexual chemistry, is half the price this time. You can unlock all the extended content.

PILE 3

To deepen your emotional bond with your partner, it’s essential to continue honoring the healthy boundaries you’ve established while also allowing space for more vulnerability and connection. You’ve done the inner work, understanding that in order to love fully, you need to prioritize your own well-being. Now, it's about balancing this self-care with a deeper level of emotional intimacy.

Your partner may sense that you're more independent and focused on your personal growth, and while this is incredibly healthy, it’s important to make sure they don’t feel shut out. Sharing your thoughts, dreams, and fears—without compromising the time you need for yourself—will help strengthen your bond. Being open about where you are emotionally will encourage them to do the same, building mutual trust.

At times, you might feel the urge to retreat or protect yourself out of habit, but don’t shy away from those moments when connection calls for more openness. You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore; your partner is someone who can walk with you on this journey.

Bringing passion into the relationship through spontaneity and excitement will also create deeper ties. Whether it’s going on a new adventure together or rekindling the playful, passionate side of your connection, these moments will help balance the self-reflection with joy and lightness. Your ability to nurture both the connection you have with yourself and the relationship will strengthen your emotional bond with your partner.

Ultimately, deepening your bond comes from maintaining those boundaries you’ve set, but also learning when to let them soften, allowing your partner to share in your emotional world. This mutual exchange of support and love will bring you both closer, as long as you continue pouring into both cups—yours and theirs.

💌 : If you want to know how to deepen your sexual chemistry, is half the price this time. You can unlock all the extended content.

PILE 4

You’ve finally found the love you deserve after going through so much healing and learning to truly love yourself. Even though this relationship brings you happiness, you might still feel the remnants of your past—old fears or doubts that occasionally surface. Those walls you built to protect yourself are still standing, but now they no longer serve you. It's okay to acknowledge that you've been hurt before, but it's also important to recognize that you're no longer that person who was unsure or hesitant.

Your partner, the one you were once shy about, has helped you step out of your comfort zone and realize that taking that chance was worth it. The joy you feel now is a result of your growth, and while it’s easy to fall back into old patterns of guarding yourself, there’s no need for that in this relationship. You are with someone who appreciates you for who you are, and the bond between you two is strong and fulfilling.

Sometimes, the intensity of this love might scare you, or you might worry about losing it. But instead of letting fear dictate your actions, lean into the trust and happiness you’ve built. Take time to rest, reflect, and remind yourself that you’ve done the work to be here. You’ve moved past those heavy emotional barriers, and now it’s about enjoying the connection without overthinking it.

Allow yourself to continue embracing the love you’ve found, without letting old anxieties take away from the beauty of the present moment. You’ve earned this happiness through your self-love and healing journey, and there’s no reason to hold back now. Trust yourself, trust your partner, and savor the love you’ve created together.

💌 : Babe they are going to put a ring on it !!!!! I feel like is all new. Y'all just started dating but is only the beginning of a lovely love journey !!!! If you want to know how to deepen your sexual chemistry, is half the price this time. You can unlock all the extended content.

#tarot #tarot reading #tarotcommunity #pac #pick a card #tarot cards #divination #pick a picture #pick a pile #kinktober #paid tarot reading #paid readings #paid tarot readings #paid services #love reading

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inkmonster21 · 3 months ago

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Hearts Across the Divide

16.) Trapped

Noa x Fem!Human!Reader

Series Masterlist

~oOo~

Noa pulls and prying at the metal bars. His hand is blistering, and his arms are weak, but he doesn’t stop. His groans of exhaustion and desperation ring through the camp.

Loui speaks up, his voice filled with a despairing tone. "We're not getting out of here," he declares, the reality of their predicament settling in. The finality of his words hangs heavily in the air, casting a shadow over the small group. The realization that they're trapped – no hope, no escape – hits hard, a sense of helplessness washing over everyone in the cage.

Noa's voice cuts through the despair, a spark of determination flaring within him. "Yes, we are," he counters firmly. There's an ironclad resolve in his tone, a refusal to accept defeat. Despite the dire circumstances, Noa clings to an unwavering belief that they will find a way out.

Loui responds with a cynical chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "No wonder she gave everything away for you," he remarks sarcastically. There's a hint of bitterness in his voice, a thinly veiled jab at Noa's devotion. The implication hangs heavy in the air, stirring up tensions within the group.

Noa turns towards Loui, his expression hardening into a scowl. The sarcasm does not escape him, and it only serves to stoke the flame of his anger. Noa's eyes narrow, the tension between the two chimps growing more pronounced with each passing moment.

Loui's voice fills with sarcastic bitterness as he continues to taunt. "Always dreaming… always with her nose in a book… here you are… playing the hero… trying to save her. A perfect match… aren’t you?" Loui's words are laced with resentment, the barb cutting deep into Noa's heart. The group is on edge, the tension palpable.

Noa's face contorts with anger, the hurt from Loui's words stinging deep. He struggles to keep his voice steady as he responds, "You don't know… what you are talking about!"

Loui shoots back, his voice laced with anger and blame. "This is all her fault! Both of you... should have known better!" The accusation in his tone is clear, his frustration overflowing.

Noa's anger flares, his patience reaching its limit. "Don't DARE blame her!" he snaps, his voice rising in volume.

Noa's eyes flare, his temper flaring further as Loui challenges him. "Or what, Noa?" The words hang heavy in the air, a gauntlet thrown down. Noa's muscles tense, his fists clenching as he glares back at Loui. The silence in the cage is thick with anticipation, as the two simians stand off, their conflict reaching a breaking point.

Noa can no longer contain his anger and lunges towards Loui. With a powerful charge, he rams into Loui, knocking him off balance and sending both crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs. The other chimps in the cage watching in shocked silence, the brawl happening so suddenly.

The two chimpanzees struggle on the ground, their bodies writhing as they try to gain the upper hand in their heated fight. Noa's anger has boiled over, fueling his struggle against Loui.

A sudden shock of cold water hits Noa and Loui, drenching them and breaking up their struggle. Noa gasps as the cold water washes over him, the fight between him and Loui suddenly coming to a halt. Both chimps splutter, taken off guard by the unexpected and sudden shower.

A human stands outside the cage, holding an empty bucket. His tone is firm and authoritative as he barks out, "Quit the damn fighting." The unexpected intervention and cold water seem to have quelled the tension, at least for the moment.

Sunrise breaks in the camp, its warm rays illuminating the area with a soft, golden light. You exit your tent, your fatigue is evident in your movements, but a sense of curiosity gnawing at you.

Your mind is troubled, still reeling from the events of the night before. The memory of the kiss from the ape lingers in your thoughts. You can't shake the feeling of its unexpected intensity, leaving you conflicted and dazed.

As you move through the camp, going through your usual tasks, your eyes fall upon the six apes in the cage. A pang of sympathy and concern washes over you as you observe the captured chimpanzees. The sight of their confinement is a stark reminder of the situation you find yourself in.

You meet the gaze of the ape, his eyes holding yours. A jolt of recognition and realization floods through you, the memory of his unexpected kiss still fresh in your mind. His eyes hold a warm intensity, sending a shiver down your spine. The tingle of excitement mixes with the lingering doubt within you.

The ape's gaze locks with yours, the connection between you undeniable. The memory of the kiss resurfaces, sending a shiver down your spine. Yet doubt lingers, adding a sense of unease to your swirling emotions. You try to shake it off, resuming your tasks in the camp, but the chimp's intense look follows you, leaving you increasingly conflicted.

Jack approaches you, drawing your attention away from the chimp in the cage. His presence momentarily distracts you from the ape's intense gaze.

Jack addresses you, his voice cutting through your thoughts. "Hey, you want to head out soon?" His question snaps you out of your current stupor. You gather your thoughts and answer, “Yeah, sure.”

You remember your previous agreement to patrol the camp with Jack today. Proximus suggested that exploring familiar places might help jog your memory and possibly cure your amnesia. This seems logical given that places can hold strong connections to specific memories.

You stay behind Jack as you walk beside him, your footsteps crunching on the ground below. Your mind drifts to the chimp in the cage, the feeling of his gaze on you intense and impossible to shake. Despite your efforts to focus on the task at hand, something about the chimp's unwavering stare keeps drawing your attention.

Noa watches silently as you follow Jack, a mix of emotions within him. His gaze follows your every step, his eyes locked on you until you disappear from view. The sight of you leaving with Jack, the human male, fills him with a conflicted mixture of worry and regret.

Noa experiences a tangle of emotions as he watches you walk away with Jack. Frustration, insecurity, and regret intermingle within him. He is unable to shake the feeling of powerlessness and a deep ache of longing. Noa wishes he could join you, protect you, and be by your side. But instead, he remains trapped, his gaze filled with a mixture of anger, helplessness, and heartache.

Proximus approaches the cage where the six apes are held captive. His presence casts a shadow over the group, their eyes following his movements with a mix of hostility and resignation.

Soona and Keli remain under Anaya's protective embrace, while Teko and Loui stand in front of the group with defiance. Noa, a fierce determination in his gaze, steps closer to the bars, his intense eyes fixed on Proximus.

Proximus motions to a male, the same one who had drenched them in water before, indicating to the seed-filled bucket. Rudy opens the cage gate just long enough to spill the seeds inside. Proximus smirks, his voice mocking as he addresses Noa, "I am... a generous king." The mocking tone grates on Noa's nerves, his eyes flash at the insult.

Noa meets Proximus's gaze with a steely glare, his voice filled with a dangerous edge. "You will be... a dead king." The words hang in the air, a promise and a warning, as Noa's eyes burn with determination and defiance.

Proximus responds to Noa's threat with a booming laugh, the sound echoing through the camp. The laughter only seems to stoke Noa's anger further, his rage and frustration feeding off the mocking response.

Noa's reaction is swift and impulsive, seizing Proximus by the head and forcefully ramming him into the bars of the cage. The impact is forceful and loud, eliciting a gasp from some nearby humans and apes alike. Noa's adrenaline and fury drive his actions, his emotions getting the best of him in this heated moment.

The unexpected attack leaves Proximus reeling, blood trickling from a cut above his brow. He staggers back, taken off guard by Noa's sudden display of violence. The humans nearby scramble, their shock giving way to a mixture of disbelief and alarm.

Despite the pain and surprise from Noa's attack, Proximus musters a menacing chuckle. His voice holds a chilling certainty as he asserts, "You... will learn, Noa." The threat behind his words is ominous, a promise of further consequences for Noa's defiance.

Proximus gives a cold order, his voice low and dangerous. "Trank him." The command hangs in the air, leaving no room for doubt or disobedience.

Rudy lifts his tranquilizer gun, his aim steady as he fires the dart straight through the bars of the cage. The tranquilizer dart pierces Noa's arm, delivering the sedative into his system in an instant.

The effects of the tranquilizer dart take immediate hold, causing Noa to sway on his feet. He stumbles backward, his body growing heavy and sluggish as the tranquilizer begins to take effect. He attempts to stay upright, but the drug is too powerful, and he succumbs to the sedative.

Proximus turns his gaze on the other apes in the cage, his smirk widening as he addresses them. "See what happens?" The message is clear: disobedience and rebellion will not be tolerated. The tone is both a warning and a show of dominance, as Proximus revels in the moment of triumph over Noa's defiance.

The other apes remain silent, their eyes fixed on Proximus with a mix of fear and resentment. They are too intimidated to challenge him, well aware of the consequences that would likely follow.

Proximus turns to his left, motioning for two apes from his loyal following to step forward. His voice is commanding as he issues the order. "Take this one... lock him up alone." The apes obey without question, moving swiftly to Noa's fallen form and lifting him off the ground.

You continue your patrol through the woods alongside Jack, your footsteps crunching on the forest floor. The surroundings feel foreign and unfamiliar, the woods failing to spark any sense of recognition for you. You navigate the dense foliage in silence, the quiet broken only by the occasional tweet of a nearby bird or the rustle of leaves underfoot.

Your mind drifts to the moment of the unexpected kiss, the memory replaying in your mind. It is the only thing that seems familiar, a fleeting yet powerful sensation that beckons to the locked recesses of your memory. You struggle to make sense of this strange feeling, wondering why this one encounter feels so significant when everything else seems like a blurry haze.

Jack breaks the silence, his voice cutting through your thoughts. "Are you feeling better today?" His question catches you off guard, causing you to snap back to reality. You ponder his question for a moment, considering how to respond.

Your response is honest. "I..." you begin, but the words trail off as you consider your situation. "Not really," you finally admit, your tone reflecting the truth of your circumstance. Nothing had improved, and if anything, things seemed to have grown more complicated and distressing.

Jack nods understandingly, his expression sympathetic. He knows your memory loss is a difficult obstacle to contend with. "I’m sorry to hear that," he replies, his voice gentle yet filled with concern.

Jack tenderly picks a flower from the ground, the petals soft and delicate. He hands it to you with a gentle smile, the gesture small yet significant. "Here," he says, his voice softer than usual. You accept the flower, your fingers gently wrapping around the stem. The touch of the petals is light and delicate, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the world around you. "Thank you," you say quietly, touched by the simple yet thoughtful gesture.

The next stop on your patrol route leads you to a beautiful lake. The water is still, the surface reflecting the surrounding trees like a mirror. The sight is serene, a small oasis of tranquility in the otherwise chaotic world.

You gaze at the water of the lake, a pang of desire within you. It has been a long since you had a proper bath, and the idea of washing away the accumulated dirt and sweat is quite appealing.

Jack's voice interrupts your thoughts, a small smile on his face. "You want to go in?" He gestures towards the lake as if reading your mind. The suggestion is tempting, a chance to cool off and freshen up. You respond with a nod and a smile. The idea of bathing in the cool waters of the lake is too enticing to resist. Jack notices your eagerness and chuckles, clearly amused by your reaction.

Jack swiftly peels off his shirt, followed by his pants, revealing his bare upper torso. Your eyes widen in surprise at the unexpected sight, your cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Quickly, you turn away, your heart beating faster in your chest. It takes a moment for you to regain your composure.

Jack's chuckle breaks the tense moment, his voice light and playful. "Come on, now. It's nothing you haven't seen before," he teases, a sly grin on his face. Your cheeks feel hot with embarrassment, but his carefree attitude helps dispel some of the awkwardness.

Your mind ponders his statement, trying to discern the truth in his words. Have you seen a man bare-chested before? The memory dances just out of reach, a frustratingly elusive fragment of your past. The image is distasteful.

You tentatively dip your toes into the water of the lake, the warmth enveloping your skin. The sensation is soothing, a welcome contrast to the hot and humid days of late summer. The sun is still bright in the sky, but the end of the season is evident, a subtle coolness in the air signaling the approach of autumn.

You take a step further into the water, the cool liquid licking at your ankles and then your legs. The sensation is refreshing, a small sigh escaping your lips as the water soaks into your dress, causing the fabric to cling to your body.

You fully submerge your upper body in the water, letting the liquid envelop you. You take this opportunity to wash your hair and scrub your skin, relishing the chance to feel clean once again. The water gently laps at your skin, cleaning away the dirt and grime of the past several days.

Jack stands nearby, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches you bathe in the lake. His gaze is warm and amused, his eyes drinking in the sight of you in the water. The situation feels oddly intimate, the proximity of his gaze sending a flutter of emotions through you.

Jack moves through the water, approaching you with leisurely strokes. His body cuts through the water with ease, the muscles in his arms and chest flexing with each movement. As he nears you, the water laps at your sides, the movement causing small ripples to spread out in all directions.

Jack stops a few feet away from you, his smile widening as he takes in the sight of you in the water. The distance between you feels charged with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. His eyes roam over your water-soaked dress, the fabric clinging to your frame, emphasizing your curves.

“You look…” Jack trails off, his voice low and rough. His eyes continue to roam over you, taking in the sight of your wet hair and clinging dress. The expression on his face is a mix of admiration and desire, his usual casual demeanor replaced by something more intense. “Beautiful,” he finally finishes, his voice barely above a whisper. The word hangs in the air, a simple yet powerful declaration. The way he looks at you, the longing in his eyes, betrays his true feelings.

You feel a mix of emotions stir within you at his words. A flutter of pleasure at the compliment tinged with a hint of embarrassment and uncertainty. The situation seems to have shifted from a moment of playful banter to something more serious, more real. The weight of Jack's gaze and the vulnerability of your situation in the water create a strange and intoxicating mix.

A sense of wrongness settles over you as you grapple with the emotions swirling within. The pleasure at Jack's compliment is tainted by a sense of guilt and discomfort. Your heart burns with uncertainty and something else, a feeling that this moment, as intimate and charged as it is, doesn't feel entirely right. Your head shakes involuntarily as if trying to deny or reject the conflicting feelings inside.

Jack reaches out, his hand moving through the water to gently take hold of yours. The touch is gentle yet firm, a silent plea for connection. His fingers wrap around yours, his palm feeling warm and rough against your skin. Jack's grip tightens slightly as he pulls you closer, closing the distance between your bodies. The water laps around you both, the ripples created by your combined movement a subtle reminder of the situation you find yourselves in. His gaze remains fixed on you, searching for any sign of reciprocation or rejection.

Your curiosity gets the better of you, and your hand moves down instinctively, tracing a path along the smooth expanse of Jack's bare chest. The sensation of his warm, wet skin under your fingertips sends a jolt through you, mixing with the strange mixture of emotions already coursing through your mind. You can feel the hard plane of his muscles, the strength, and power just beneath the surface.

Jack's skin responds to your touch, his body tensing slightly in response. His breath hitches, the sound barely perceptible above the gentle lapping of the water around you. He remains still, allowing you to explore the planes and contours of his chest, almost as if he's holding his breath.

Jack leans down, closing the distance between you, his head moving towards yours with deliberate slowness. The anticipation hangs in the air, suspended like the ripples on the water's surface. His eyes hold yours for a moment longer, a mixture of hesitation and longing, before he finally cups your chin and captures your lips in a tender, tentative kiss.

The kiss is soft and gentle, a cautious exploration of the connection between you. Jack's lips move against yours carefully, his fingers caressing your skin as if you were a precious and fragile thing. The sensation is both familiar and unfamiliar, stirring feelings and memories that are just beyond your reach.

You grapple with the unfamiliar feeling and fragments of memories that float just out of reach. The touch of Jack's lips, the gentle caress of his fingers, trigger something within you, a sense of familiarity and a hint of familiarity. But as hard as you search your mind, the source of these feelings remains elusive, just beyond the grasp of your conscious thought.

You slowly pull away from the kiss, your words breaking the moment of intimacy and connection. "We should get back soon," you say quietly, a note of finality in your voice. Jack's expression falters for a moment at your words, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features before he turns his face into a neutral mask.

Jack nods in agreement, silently acknowledging your suggestion to return. You wring out the water from your soaked dress, the fabric clinging even more tightly to your body as a result. Jack quickly dresses himself, his movements swift and efficient, covering up the expanse of his bare torso once more.

You and Jack continue the rest of the patrol in a heavy silence. The once-comfortable atmosphere is now tainted by an awkward tension that hangs in the air like a thick fog. The distance between you feels both immense and stifling at the same time, the unspoken words and emotions weighing heavily on both of your minds.

The cold air seems to cut through the fabric of your damp dress, and you let out a small shiver, your body reacting to the temperature change. Jack notices the motion, his gaze flickering over your shivering frame with a frown.

Jack notices your shiver and immediately wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to him in a gesture of warmth and comfort. "We've got some extra pants and shirts from a whole bag of women's clothes," he says, referring to the cache of clothes his camp had found. The thought of a change of dry clothes is comforting, especially as you feel the chill seep into your bones.

You respond with a grateful nod, expressing your agreement. The thought of changing into dry, warm clothes is appealing, a welcome relief from the damp and cold of your current attire.

Jack guides you towards the camp, his arm still around your shoulders in a protective manner, shielding you from the worst of the chill.

As you pass through the camp, your attention is caught by a small cage tucked away in the corner. Within, you see an ape, his face contorted in a scowl, staring fixedly at the ground. The sight is disconcerting and pitiful, the animal's discontentment evident in his demeanor.

As you follow Jack into a nearby tent, you are unaware of the intense emotions that the caged ape is experiencing. Noa looks up as you pass by, his eyes tracking your every movement. The anger and jealousy that churn within his chest are palpable, a stark contrast to the calm and collected demeanor he typically strives to maintain.

As you exit the tent, fresh and clean in your new clothes, Noa's eyes remain fixated on you. His body tenses as he takes in the sight of you, clothed in new human garments. The thought of another male witnessing your unclothed form fuels the anger and jealousy that already burn within him. Noa's mind begins to race with thoughts of violence and retribution, his primal instincts taking over.

You smile warmly at Jack, gratitude clear in your expression. "I'll see you at dinner,” you say, bidding him farewell for the moment. Jack returns your smile, his eyes lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary before he nods and turns away, heading back toward his tent.

As Jack moves to enter his tent, he is stopped by Noa's voice from the nearby cage. Noa's guttural voice cuts through the air, a possessive and primal claim. "She is... mine," he growls, the words spoken with a mixture of anger and certainty.

Jack pauses, turning to face the ape. His expression remains neutral, betraying no hint of surprise or intimidation. "That so?" he replies coolly, his calm facade belied by the slight tensing of his muscles.

Noa's voice drops to a dangerous growl, his eyes narrowing in a fierce glare. "Yes... and if you take what is mine... I will rip your throat out," he threatens, the warning clear in his tone. Jack holds his ground, refusing to show any fear or weakness in the face of Noa's aggression.

Jack remains undeterred, his expression cool and composed. His response is almost casually mocking. "Pretty big threat for some monkey who's in a cage," he retorts, raising an eyebrow at the caged ape.

Noa’s furious roar fills the air, the sound a guttural, primal display of anger and frustration. He pounds against the sides of the cage, the metal bars creaking under the force of his blows. Jack watches Noa's display with a mix of fascination and caution. He remains standing just a few feet away from the cage, his neutral expression giving no hint of his thoughts. Noa's rage and ferocity are almost palpable, the raw power and emotion almost feral in nature.

Despite the intimidating and potentially dangerous situation, Jack remains unflinching, standing his ground with a cool demeanor. "Quite the temper you've got there," he remarks dryly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. As Jack starts to walk away, his words hang in the air, a taunting taunt. "Might send Rudy over here with another bucket," he says with a smirk. Jack's laughter only seems to enrage Noa further, the ape thrashing against the bars of the cage with renewed ferocity.

Noa’s roar echoes loudly through the camp, the fierce cry of a territorial ape who feels his claim challenged. "MINE!" he growls, the words a primal declaration of ownership and possession.

Jack remains unruffled, continuing to calmly walk away from the cage. The ape's possessive claims and threats have little effect on him, his cool demeanor a stark contrast to Noa's feral rage.

Loui, Teko, Anaya, Soona, and Keli sit quietly in their respective cage, their attention focused on Noa's furious display. They watch the ape with a mixture of fascination, concern, and perhaps a hint of sympathy.

The apes in the cage are disheartened and desperate, their spirits broken by their powerlessness. They sit quietly, contemplating their predicament. Without weapons or any means to fight back, they feel utterly defenseless against their human captors.

As the ape carrying the food enters the cage, the animals within look up eagerly. However, their hope is quickly dashed as the ape quickly sets the food down and hastily moves to leave. The other apes in the camp offer no assistance or sympathy, their fear and helplessness keeping them from interfering.

You approach the large bonfire crackling in the center of the camp, the flames casting a warm glow over the area. You see a group of ape women preparing the evening meal, their hands moving skillfully over the food as they chop and season. They greet you with smiles and nods, happy to have the extra help.

As you work beside the ape women, preparing the meal, your thoughts keep returning to the lone ape in the cage. The image of him, so isolated and desperate, resonates with you on some level, stirring feelings of sympathy and guilt. Despite the camaraderie of the apes around you, you can’t help but feel a twinge of longing and curiosity about the solitary ape.

You share a meal with the humans and apes in the camp, and the atmosphere comfortable and friendly. Despite the kindness and inclusiveness of the community, you can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. Something or someone is missing, a vital piece to the puzzle that leaves you with an odd sense of emptiness.

A woman in the camp suddenly interrupts the conversation, excitedly announcing that she found something. “Look what I found!” She produces an old, dusty record, placing it on the player as it begins to spin. The soft scratch of the needle against the vinyl is followed by music beginning to fill the air, old, forgotten melodies coming back to life.

The music, though old and slightly worn by time, brings a feeling of nostalgia to the camp. Some of the apes sit quietly, their eyes closed as they listen, while others begin to sway or move to the rhythm. It is a moment of shared joy and reminiscing, a brief respite from the darker realities of the camp.

A large hand of Proximus appears in your line of sight, extended toward you in invitation. His eyes, dark and intense, are fixed on you, a glimmer of mischief in their depths. His voice, deep and commanding, utters a simple request. "Dance... with me."

The sudden request surprises you, the command-like quality of his voice causing your heart to flutter in your chest. You glance around, noticing the curious gazes of the others before your eyes settle back on Proximus. The combination of his imposing presence and the silent challenge in his gaze makes it difficult to decline.

Your hand meets his, the feeling of his large, rough palm against your own. Proximus smirks, his gaze darting towards the darkened corner of the camp, where the cage housing the solitary ape is located. The motion is subtle, a sly glance meant only for his prisoner.

Proximus pulls you through various moves and spins, his strong arms guiding you expertly as you both move to the beat of the music. As you dance, a feeling of familiarity washes over you. The song, while old and dusty, triggers something within you, a sense of recognition that you can't quite place.

As the song comes to an end, you find yourself panting and slightly breathless, still caught up in the dance and the wave of emotions and memories that it stirred within you. You stand, momentarily disoriented, the echoes of the music still ringing in your ears while your mind tries to make sense of the conflicting and confusing images racing through your head.

Your eyes drift towards the large cage, your heart heavy with a sense of guilt and responsibility. You wonder if the apes imprisoned there have been fed, if they are well and safe. The thought of them, cramped and helpless, weighs on your consciousness, a nagging reminder of the harsh realities of the situation.

You gather up some berries, nuts, and scraps of meat from the supper leftovers, carefully wrapping them up and stuffing them in the pocket of your pants. You're determined to do what you can to make sure the apes in the cage are fed and cared for, even in this small way.

With the camp settling down for the night, you quietly slip out of your tent and head towards the large cage where the apes are being held. As you approach, Keli is the first to notice your presence, her dark eyes peering out at you through the bars.

"Hi," you reply, your voice soft and tinged with sadness. You approach the bars of the cage, your eyes meeting Keli's gaze with a mixture of pity and concern. "Have they fed you?" you repeat, unable to bear the thought of them going hungry and cold.

Keli nods in response to your question, her eyes reflecting a hint of resignation. "We were given a small offering of seeds," she tells you, her voice quiet but clear. "We are fine," she adds, though the words seem more like a dutiful response than a genuine assurance.

Keli turns to glance behind her, her eyes falling on the other apes inside the cage. Her expression softens slightly as she looks at them, a mixture of protectiveness and worry on her face.

Keli turns back to you, her dark eyes searching your face. Your question hangs in the air, the weight of it heavy. She seems to contemplate her answer for a moment, her gaze lowering as she focuses on the floor of the cage. Finally, she looks up, her expression serious.

"Do you remember any of us?" she repeats your question, her words a mix of vulnerability and curiosity.

Your furrowed brow betrays your confusion and frustration. Keli's question has brought back the now-familiar sense of amnesia. Shaking your head, you express your inability to recall anything, the frustration and helplessness evident in your expression.

Keli sighs as she looks at you, her eyes now distant with memory. Her voice is soft as she tells you, "We grew up together, far from here." The words carry a weight of nostalgia and longing, a hint of the bond that had previously tied you together.

Your words trail off as a wave of confusion washes over you. The contradiction between what Keli is saying and your reality feels overwhelming. "I live here… At least I thought I did..." you murmur, the uncertainty clear in your voice as you grapple with the conflicting pieces of information.

Loui lets out an exasperated sigh from the back of the cage. "It's no use, Keli," he says, his words tinged with resignation. There is a hint of irritation in his tone as if he's had this conversation before and knows the futile nature of it. The words hit you like a dagger, the bitter truth of them seeping into your chest. You feel a pang of hurt and humiliation, the directness of Loui's glare only emphasizing the message he's trying to deliver. "She's gone," Loui repeats, the finality of his statement hanging in the air.

The bluntness of Loui's statement hits you hard, stirring up a mix of emotions within you. You huff in frustration, your irritation at the situation becoming more evident. Without another word, you turn on your heel and start to walk away, leaving the cage and its inhabitants behind.

As you approach your tent, the tears begin to fall, the emotions you've been holding in finally breaking through. The weight of your confusion and frustration is like a physical force upon you, causing the tears to roll down your cheeks in a silent, steady stream.

Noa, trapped in his cage, watches you as you walk back to your tent, his keen eyes picking up the sight of the tears on your cheeks. He feels a pang of sympathy in his chest, his heart clenching at the sight of your distress. He wants to call out to you, to comfort you, but the bars of his cage keep him from doing so.

Noa's voice breaks the silence, his question soft and quiet but still reaching your ears. "Are you hurt?" he asks, a hint of concern in his deep rumble of a voice. You are surprised that you heard him, so you turn in his direction, your tear-streaked face catching his gaze.

As you face Noa's cage, you take in the sight of him, his large frame constricted within the small space. The sight of his cramped surroundings only adds to your sense of sorrow, the unfairness of his predicament is clear to see.

You approach the large cage, the sight of Noa captured within it causing a pang of sadness to rise in your chest. You kneel, bringing yourself closer to him, your eyes meeting his through the bars.

You study Noa intently, taking in every detail of his appearance. His powerful frame is contrasted by a certain gentleness in his dark eyes. As you study him, you realize that looking at him and listening to his voice, brings a strange sort of comfort to your mind, a brief respite from the whirlwind of confusion that usually clouds your thoughts.

“You… you’re the one that… kissed me,” you state to Noa. Noa's eyes widen slightly at your words, the memory of the kiss coming back to him instantly. He looks at you, the surprise mixing with a hint of guilt.

"Yes...." He replies, his voice quiet but honest. “Why?”

Noa looks back at you, catching the edge of your gaze. He understands the question behind your simple "why," and the demand for an explanation. "Why did I kiss you?" He finally questions, his eyes never leaving yours.

Noa takes a moment to collect himself, his eyes dropping to the floor of the cage before they rise to meet yours once more.

"I kissed you... because I could not help myself." He admits, his voice low and sincere, the honesty in his words clear and unguarded.

Noa's admission hangs in the air between you for a moment, the raw honesty of it causing a small shiver to run through you. He holds your gaze, his dark eyes locking with yours as he continues, his words soft but direct.

"I kissed you... because I wanted to. Because I couldn't deny the... pull I felt towards you."

Noa begs you silently.

Remember me. Remember me. Remember me, please.

As you look into Noa's eyes, you feel it. A strange, magnetic pull that seems to draw you closer to him, a deep, primal desire to reach out and touch his skin, to feel the heat of his body under your fingertips. Your breath hitches in your chest, the feeling powerful and overwhelming.

You reach into your pocket, pulling out the small bundle of food you had set aside for them, the offering of scraps and berries that the others had neglected. You hold it up to show Noa, the realization that they had not fed them filling you with a pang of anger and sympathy.

"They didn't feed you," you say, the words more of a statement than a question as you hold out the food.

Noa's eyes widen at the sight of the food you hold in your hands, a mixture of surprise and relief on his face as he realizes what you've brought. He moves closer to the bars of the cage, his large hand reaching out through one of the gaps to take the offering from you. His fingers brush against yours, the brief contact sending a jolt of electricity through your skin.

As Noa's hand touches yours, a shiver runs down your spine. The feel of his skin, his warmth, is intoxicating, awakening something within you that you can't quite identify. You watch as he takes the food, his grip gentle yet firm. "Thank you," he murmurs, his voice gruff but filled with sincere gratitude.

Noa looks down at the food in his hand for a moment, a small sense of relief washing over him. He then raises his gaze to meet yours again, a hint of a smile on his lips. He looks at you for a moment, the connection between you feeling both intense and tender.

You are jolted out of the moment as a shuffling sound comes from nearby, causing you to straighten up abruptly and scan the darkness warily. You are reminded of the dangers that lurk all around, the constant threat of being discovered looming over you both.

You reluctantly tear yourself away from Noa, the connection between you feeling strangely unfinished yet tinged with danger. You step back, putting some distance between the two of you, and head towards your tent. You slip into the canvas walls, the shelter offering some relief as you settle down, your mind still filled with thoughts of him and the strange feelings he stirs within you.

You sink onto your cot, a dazed grin spreading across your face as you remember the feeling of Noa's touch on your hand. The brief contact has left a lingering heat in your palm, a strange and foreign sensation that you can't seem to shake. You continue to sit there, reliving the moment in your mind, your thoughts consumed by him.

The memories of his eyes, his face, and his touch, replay in your mind as you drift into sleep. His green gaze is the last thing that flickers through your thoughts before you finally surrender to your dreams, your subconscious mind dancing with the image of the ape and the strange pull you feel towards him.

In your dreams, the melody of the song from earlier floats through the air, the sweet and soothing notes taking on a dreamlike quality. You find yourself in a blurry and shifting landscape, the memories and emotions of the day playing out like fragments blending.

In the dreamlike state, the sound of rushing water fills your hearing, the sound both soothing and familiar. The noise seems to echo around you, the gentle sound of the river blending with the melody of the song that still plays in the background of your mind.

You feel a warm, rough hand cup your cheek, the touch shockingly gentle. It contrasts with the hardened feel of the skin, the callouses on the fingers adding a layer of texture to your delicate skin. The touch is familiar and yet slightly foreign, the sensation both soothing and exciting.

As the fingers of the hand caress your cheek, you feel the light, ghost-like touch of lips moving over your own. It is a whisper of a kiss, a soft brush of skin against skin that sends an instant spark of sensation through your body. The touch, while subtle, is electrifying, leaving you feeling strangely vulnerable yet yearning for more at the same time.

In the dream, you find yourself reaching out towards the source of the touch, the primal desire to bridge the gap between you and the one caressing your cheek too strong to resist. Your hand moves without conscious thought, as if by instinct, as you reach towards the presence that kisses you.

Your hands brush against the course fur, your fingers tracing up the broad shoulders to the wide back, your mind begins to clear and the image comes into focus. "Noa." You murmur, the name slipping from your lips in a whisper. His face comes into view, the familiar features of his face making your heart flutter in your chest.

You bolt upright in your cot, your mind racing with questions. How did you know his name? Was it just a strange coincidence that it had come to you in your dream? Or was there something deeper at play, something that you couldn't quite understand? Your heart beats wildly in your chest, you try to make sense of the dream and the feelings it has stirred within you.

#noa x human reader #noa x reader #pota noa #noa planet of the apes #noa pota #kingdom of the planet of the apes #noa #owen teague #planet of the apes #noa series #noa kotpota #planet of the apes x reader #kotpota #pota series #pota fanfic #pota x reader

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mr-celestial-writings · 2 months ago

Text

Problems

Pairing: Timothy "Tim" Drake x GN! Reader

Summary: You and Tim couldn't be more different. You both had your problems. Together, though, you some how made it work.

Problems By Mother Mother

DC Masterlist!

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You and me, we're not the same

Tim couldn't believe how different you were from him. You were smart, and you could fight sure. But you were cheerful, optimistic. You were like sunshine after a week of straight rain.

He was surprised when Bruce introduced you as an ally. You were just... so not from Gotham with your energy.

I am a sinner, you are a saint

Surprisingly, Tim and you got along great! You're optimism balanced out his cynicism. His realism helped keep you grounded, especially in the rare moments where you feel hopeless.

When we get to the pearly gates, you'll get the green light-

You were good. A Good person, a Good fighter. A Good friend. For Tim, he fell first and hard. How could he not? You were just... so amazing.

Sometimes, Tim felt like shit. He felt like he was wrong for loving you. Not in terms of anything internalized! He's comfortable with his identity.

It was more so in the terms that you were so bright, You were so happy. You were sunshine. Tim felt like he would ruin your light. Tim felt like he would only hurt you.

I'll get an old door in the face, Doo-Doo-Doo

Right now, you two were just hanging out. You and Tim were in his room at the manor, watching some conspiracy videos.

You two normally did this after a patrol. It was your ways of unwinding.

Tim couldn't take his eyes off of you though. He knows he's been staring at you a lot more. He couldn't help it though! You were just... wow.

I'm a Loser, a Disgrace! Yeah!

"So... [Name]...." No time like the present! Tim could do this. He could ask you out.

You looked at Tim, a soft smiles on your lips, "What's up, Tim?" You asked cheerfully.

I found love in the strangest place

Tim took a deep breath. He sat up. He could do this. He had to do this.

Rejection would have hurt, but it would have been better than keeping these things to himself. Emotions have never been his strong suit...

Tim felt like he had to do this.

Tied Up and Branded, locked in a cage.

"Would... you- Would you like to go out with me, sometime?" Tim asked, squeezing his eyes shut. He was prepared for rejection.

He was prepared to hear no.

I say I'm gonna stage a great escape.

You took a moment, stunned. You heart was pounding. Your cheeks felt warm.

Your fall for Tim was slow, a lot less harsh. Hell until a couple weeks ago you didn't even realize you had a crush on Tim.

Let loose and love all, pent up but painfully out of place.

"S-Sure! Sure!" You finally answered.

Tim's eyes shot open, and his cheeks quickly turned red.

"Really?" He asked. Tim fell off his bed, next to you on the floor.

"You really want to go out with me?" Tim's eyes were wide and full of hope.

You nodded, "Y-Yeah! I was working up the guts to ask you out myself," You answered with a shy laugh.

Tim grinned, wide and bright. He pulled you into a hug, laughing. You returned the hug.

This was just perfect!

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a/n: song fic, hell yeah. I love Mother Mother! I also wanted to give Timmy some love.

#fanfic #fanfiction #dc comics #dc universe #batfam #x reader #x gender neutral reader #x gn reader #gn reader #timothy drake #time drake #dc robin #dc red robin

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asherlockstudy · 2 months ago

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I was watching the newest podcast and it was a little bit like a cold shower in terms of how I (and I suppose fandom in general) tends to romanticize certain aspects of their creative process and how it plays into their relationship. For example, I was taken aback with how much they emphasized the collaborative spirit and their team's contribution to Wonderhole and how being part of that whole team was one of their filming highlights, as well as the fact that the idea for the second episode (and their living together 200 years into the future) was suggested by their team because of an opportune festival. It made me think that I tend to romanticize and exaggerate in my mind the intimacy their creative process has, and although, obviously, shipping is one thing and reality can eb quite another another, I still found it a bit disappointing. Do you ever have moments when something they say or do contradicts ideas you have firmly in your mind about them (your head canon basically)?

Yes and no. This is a great question. There are definitely a lot of moments when I tend to romanticize things and then I have to go back and reevaluate, which is unpleasant if we're being honest. At the same time, I also tend to be a cynic and quite a few times I have believed something bleaker or more emotionally removed than other fans / shippers. As a result, I feel like my conclusions balance out each other. But to others I may look like a rollercoaster lol

I want to explain how I feel and what I think in relation to what you are asking about Wonderhole and any of the scripted videos but in order to do this I think I will have to do some analysis of their latest EB discussion. I hope this is okay with you because at times I might inevitably diverge a bit from your specific question. Also I have reasons to add this answer to my One Story masterlist, if that's okay with you.

On the making of Wonderhole

The main point I will try to make here is that the key so that you can always be one step ahead and not get too disillusioned is to tell apart the things that you have to believe without question from the things that you can question and the ones that are not untrue but are not giving the full picture either. (Rhett and Link usually fall in the third category.) Okay I realise I sound like some self-proclaimed guru but I am just explaining what I try to do, I am not saying I am perfect at doing it.

So, one thing we should never forget is that everything Mythical produces is part of the business, it needs a lot of technical interventions, it needs budget and production, it needs editing, it certainly needs things Rhett and Link can't or won't do on their own.

Perhaps you remember that I expected more "significant" things to happen in it before it aired. You know the moment I realised I was romanticising stuff? When they presented their Wonderhole product line in the Mythical Store. Then I realised it wouldn't be anywhere near as risky or groundbreaking as I deemed possible because I thought they woudn't risk making a product line for that. (Then again, never underestimate Rhett and Link's determination to milk everything but regardless if this was a right reasoning or not, this is when I realised we were getting something mild.)

We should also remember that they sustain a huge company of 100 employees. No matter how much they say they pursue creativity and expression, you can hear it in their words that they dedicate an artistically unacceptable amount of consideration to the algorithms and the baiting youtubey titles, to the point that they and their employees committed some surprisingly juvenile and enormous mistakes in the way they promoted their show. I have never worked in the entertainment industry and yet I could tell that the mistakes they did, putting a hole in the office in the trailer, promising a series with a cohesive premise were absolutely crazy coming from people working in this industry for so many years. And even though they did not admit that, this means there was also serious half-bakedness in the way they made the show.

This must feel now to you like a massive impersonal project that kind of lost its focus due to all those people meddling and not a deeply driven vulnerable work made by Rhett and Link in earnest. I get it but I believe this is not correct either. Rhett and Link do want to do exactly that but at the same time the necessity or desire to also make something technically professional and profitable inevitably forces them to compromise hugely. There are ways to tell that there is indeed something deeper beneath the surface that does not get effectively channelled.

A great telling sign for this was something that was discussed last year when they were analyzing the Digging a Hole video. They had already gathered this small team which works for them only for the scripted videos. So one employee offered the idea of Rhett and Link digging a hole. Meanwhile, Rhett claimed he coincidentally had seen a dream about digging holes around that time and it gave him the very same idea for the video. When he heard the employee who was unaware of Rhett's dream suggesting this, he was mystified and approved of it. But here's the interesting bit; Rhett suddenly sounded irritated and defensive when he said that he didn't know what possibly triggered this idea in the employee's mind and "he didn't care / want to know". I am not conveying this very well but it seemed like there was something bothering him about it, even though he did approve of the idea. In other words, I think he had this idea that he knew it was a good allegory for his message but he was concerned that a seemingly unaware outsider came up with the same idea for them. Like "Okay I have my reasons I came up with this but what is it that you think you know about us that makes you also suggest this?". But like he said, he decided he did not want to know.

This was proof that there is a deeper intent that Rhett and Link are not sharing exactly with their team. Also, notice how they have said multiple times that this team is "tiny" and separate from the rest of the crew. Maybe this is partly because they don't want to employ too many people in a financially risky project but I can't help but think it is also for reasons of confidentiality in case the project becomes vulnerable. Whether these employees suspect something or not, nothing is uttered openly. I think Rhett and Link ask them for ideas for premises and settings and then they themselves know how to adjust the idea so they can put inside what they care to add. In short, the very core, the essential meaning is theirs but they ask for more and more new ideas to apply it in. That's what the employees offer but because Rhett and Link do not share their deeper intent for this show and they don't make the employees' job easy, this inescapably leads the final work to seem a little "lost in translation".

The "lost in translation" element was obvious even in the podcast. Link admitted they did not have a premise to share, to the point he had to lie in actual promo interviews about it. All that despite saying for one year that it will be one show with one story coming in episodes that will make everything (including the old videos) fall into place. Another huge mistake. The problem is there is one thing that brings this all together (ahem ONE STORY PLUG -> also insinuated in the final multiverse reel in the last episode) but they haven't even shared it with their trusted team it seems, let alone the audience. That's recipe for disaster. They ask from the audience to "get" something they refuse to disclose openly.

You can usually detect what is made by Rhett and Link and what the additions of their team are by what truly matters and what not. They said it themselves; all of the work is fictional but there were moments and plot points which changed as they went or that had unexpected consequences but they always knew where this was supposed to head. For example, the Rhett and Link gummies did not matter, the destruction of the truck mattered. The red and blue experiment methods did not matter, what Rhett and Link ended up doing because of it mattered. Anything in the futuristic scenario and the treasure hunt did not really matter, Rhett and Link's merging of the consciousness and kept secret in a box forever mattered. Anything in the flight simulation did not matter but the fact that they ended up all alone in an island and what they did there mattered.

Speaking of which, I am curious what was the breaker in the first episode that had Rhett change it drastically, because he was so uneager to share it. He said: "there's no need for you to know everything". Why? How bad could it be to know? For him to not want to share what that apparently huge flaw was, perhaps it was not something minor like a technical issue but rather something contextual, either something that would give away the plot (what plot?) or something vulnerable that would give away the deeper intent. Don't forget that the first episode was already heavy in implications and imagery...... Unless it was a technical issue that could have legal consequences and Rhett realised it, I don't know. That's the truth, we have to consider everything, even the boring cold possibilities.

Rhett nailed something; his evaluation of Link's versus his own acting in the futuristic scenes, especially towards the end, when they fight and then Link dies and Rhett grieves. Rhett says Link did some fantastic acting there while he cringed with his own. He's totally right. These were my exact feelings when I watched this episode. Aside from the fact that Link is overall a better actor, do you know why Link was that good and Rhett was that bad? For the same exact reason: it was deeply personal and it hit too close to home. Link shines in such occasions because he is a person who wants to express himself desperately. The fight they had, they have such fights, especially THIS fight, where they have opposite opinions on "which direction to follow", those were real frustrations Link is actually experiencing. On the other hand, Rhett is so scared of expressing himself. He could not bring himself to be as vulnerable and real as he should be in order to act convincingly like he had just lost Link. This is another piece of evidence that no matter how many other people are involved, you can tell it is a very personal, very real project for them when Link brings out his raw self but Rhett struggles and fails to.

All in all, as you see, just because other people are involved or there is a strict protocol about how they work, it doesn't mean necessarily you are wrong about certain ideas you may be entertaining. Remember, for everything they choose to share, there is just as much or more that they do not. You just have to weigh in everything they say because they are not all equally significant or equally truthful.

*I wanted to talk a bit about the truck segment too but this would diverge too much and I will include it in the post I will eventually make about the last Wonderhole episode.

**Can't believe I made a huge post about this EB episode and I did not find an opportunity to mention the alternative title "Rhett and Link are doing it" (which albeit being funny and baity, it was also very consistent to the ultimate point of Wonderhole.... as if Wonderhole itself is less sexual but anyway..)

One Story Masterlist

#rhett and link #rhink #randl #wonderhole #r&l #rhett and link's wonderhole #one story #it has always been one story #curiousser #ask #long text #tw long

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lurkingshan · 11 months ago

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For the trope ask game: 5, 9 and 13

Second Chance Romance

Giving it up for my darling Our Dating Sim. This was a second chance romance in its purest form--a failed confession, a long separation, and a determination on half the pair's fault to address the pain and not miss their chance again. This show is such a perfect distillation of the angst and joy of this trope when done right, and it did it all so efficiently. Everyone go rewatch it right now!

Fake Dating

This show is far from perfect (like, FAR), but man did it get this trope right. Maybe the most faithful version of the fake dating trope we've ever had in genre, and certainly the most successful. And I don't care what anyone says, Sarawat is a forever fav and I feel his frustrated yearning in my soul. The key to doing this trope well is that the fake dating should hurt--the pretending should blend into real feeling and there should be confusion and misalignment on that between the pair. That's the main narrative of the first 2/3 of 2G in a nutshell, so I will give them their flowers and pretend the rest didn't happen.

Grumpy/Sunshine

Perhaps an out of the box choice given the tragedy at the core of Eternal Yesterday, but I think the way Koichi's uncomplicated optimism and hope spoke to Mitsuru's more cynical, dour personality was crucial to this story, even more so after Koichi's death. It was both a positive, in that it helped pull Mitsuru out of his dark place, but also a negative in that it caused communication problems because their very different personalities resulted in them sometimes misinterpreting each other in crucial moments. Ultimately, I think Mitsuru needed Koichi for balance, and that he had to find a way to go on without him just adds to the tragedy of their end.

Send me a number and I’ll post the best and/or my fave show that uses that trope

#our dating sim #2gether #eternal yesterday #ask game #shan answers

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juniperhillpatient · 5 months ago

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talk to me about bojack horseman! Specifically your most unpopular opinions. I was on the Diane Defender Team for a long time and I remember a lot of men hated me for that lol. Luckily tumblr was cool.

Oh god how I love Bojack Horseman! It’s one of those very few shows that I would just….highly highly recommend to anyone & everyone to watch from start to finish & that I have very very few criticisms of like. It just had a perfect arc & every character was explored so thoughtfully & the ending hit every note I could’ve ever wanted. One of my top favorite shows of all time.

It’s SO hard to know what opinions I have that are unpopular given the lack of “fandom” the show has - which makes sense, it’s not really the type of show I’d read fanfic or “ship” characters in so like. I GET it but I also don’t know what opinions I have that are unpopular because I’m not familiar with the fandom opinions lol!

Like. People hate my best friend Diane??? I’ve heard it said that she’s hated before & I’ve watched a LOT of “in defense of Diane Nguyen” type video essays but I’ve also (thankfully) not seen people hating on her. I’m sorry I hate to be that person because subjective taste is a thing but I’m sorry if you hate Diane you’ve entirely missed the point? She’s so integral! Diane’s arc is so important!

Diane is the kind of character that a lesser show would make the “good kind feminist counterpart to BJ” but that Bojack Horseman (the show not necessarily always the character) recognized as a real messy flawed three dimensional human who YES calls Bojack on his shit but is often accidentally awful to both Bojack & everyone else in her mission to be a “good” person.

Diane is the picture of what idealism in a cynical world can lead to in a negative way. She wants to be this bold feminist with strong beliefs that will fight for what’s right but she often forgets the people around her in the frenzy of her fight to do what she perceives as “good.” And her arc!!!! I get so emotional thinking about Diane’s arc - about her relationship with Princess Carolyne & how Carolyn advised her to just write the schlocky detective books that made her happy because it’s the kind of stuff she’d want her daughter to get to read & about how she realizes that she doesn’t have to make her trauma beautiful she doesn’t have to make it her whole personality she can just write & have fun! And like. We see her give up on some of her ambitions & gain weight & accept that she needs to let go of her incredibly toxic friendship with Bojack & that’s okay & doesn’t have to mean she hates him or that either of them are evil - her arc is so incredibly real & relatable & unlike anything we typically see on TV & I love it.

Okay that wasn’t an unpopular opinion(or maybe it was? I hope not) it was just me rambling about how much I love Diane Nguyen but like. I really really do.

Bojack Horseman depicts so many things - generational trauma & toxic friendships & romantic & familial relationships & the way we traumatize other people because of our own trauma & the ability of ANYONE to grow & change even the most toxic horrible person you can imagine even if it takes decades to get there - that you just don’t see on regular tv. And it does it through funny talking cartoon animals so it’s not boring & it never feels pretentious just like it’s telling a story. And while it CAN be depressing it knows how to perfectly balance the vibe of comedy & absurdity so it’s not just painful to watch like it would be in live action or with human characters without the absurdist comedy aspect & it just perfectly balances entertainment with hard hitting themes.

Anyway. I don’t know what the popular & unpopular opinions are this just turned into me rambling about my love for the show. Thank you for coming to my ted talk & thank you for sending an ask 🫶🫶🫶

#bojack horseman #tv tag #fave shows #mutuals #asks #answered #ty for the ask <3

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paracosmicparadox · 2 years ago

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So I've been seeing a lot of Nicky hate lately and I'm not a fan of it, so Nicky hype post here we go.

I feel like people tend to forget that, just like every other person on the team, Nicky had it rough before (and even during!) his time with the Foxes. Like, the whole deal with growing up in a non-accepting and homophobic family and still, despite everything, LOVING them and hoping endlessly that they'll accept him eventually bc they RAISED him; it's not that simple to just count to ten and stop loving the people who gave you life, and he struggles with the psychological effects of that. It's rough trying to balance family and religion and love and logic all at once when they each seem hellbent on destroying each other---that's a heavy fuckin' load to carry for anyone.

ALSO! He KNOWS what it's like to hit rock bottom; to hit hopelessness and yet continue to put in effort, bc no matter what, he holds onto the hope of better days. He came close to killing himself in high school, but after flying out to Germany, leaving his home-turned-hell behind, and meeting Erik, who cared about him for who he was and showed him an easier way to carry his troubles and balance the turmoils in his life without letting them pull him under, he realized how much light in the world there truly was to live for.

And then there were his cousins. Once he got word of Aaron and Andrew's situation, he left his sanctuary in Germany behind to go and pitch in a helping hand. (And somewhere in the series he confesses guilt over the fact that he hesitated before flying back to the city that had raised him on fear!! Like, babe, you were under NO OBLIGATION to do what you did for your family, but you DID IT ANYWAY OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF YOUR HEART!! No guilt necessary!!) Nicky practically handled the drama of his cousins' early life without Tilda singlehandedly. The deal with Aaron's locked-in-the-bathroom sobriety, Andrew's apathy and cynicism, the duo's general assholery (I love them too and I say this with fondness in my heart), BUYING AN ENTIRE HOUSE AND WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS TO KEEP HIMSELF AND HIS COUSINS AFLOAT LIKE JESUS FUCK. He's willing to do SO. MUCH. for the people he cares about, and yeah, maybe sometimes he gets carried away and doesn't know when to back off, and yeah, the scene in Columbia with Neil and the drugs Happened and was all-around bad, but bro doesn't deserve to get shredded by this fandom for it. He's so good inside, and while that doesn't mean pure (broski DEFINITELY isn't some pure-of-heart sunshine wizard like some people depict him), it does mean he deserves to be so much more than his mistakes. He's not perfect, but neither are any of the rest of the Foxes.

#whoops this kinda turned into an essay sorry #Seeing so much Nicky hate is genuinely upsetting #I could rant about each of my Foxes for hours if you let me #aftg #foxhole court #the foxhole court #all for the game #the foxes #nicky hemmick #aftg foxes #nicky hype

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frannyzooey · 8 months ago

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okay LISTEN…I read SDLN all last week and it has stayed with me so much. i’m SUPER new to the joel miller fandom and it’s the first multi-part fic i’ve read. I have so much to gush about!!

first of all, I usually don’t love accidental pregnancy tropes, they’re just usually not my thing! but the way you used reader’s pregnancy to give the story real and gritty stakes…wow. I was floored at every corner. plus who doesn’t love a softer joel?!

second of all, the way you wrote sarah and joel’s relationship and his grief/love for her? wow. I mean. really! wow!!! the way he sees bits of her in everything that he loves, in everything that is beautiful. it’s so accurate. it’s so painfully delightful to read.

third of all, I feel like you stayed really true to joel’s character. yes he definitely softened by the end of the story, but even in the epilogue—he’s still a grumpy old man!! you don’t have to sacrifice soft!joel for grumpy!joel, the two can coexist and you wrote it beautifully.

i’ve been thinking about this story nonstop. I can’t stop thinking about it. I GUSHED to my boyfriend about it a few nights ago. literally curled up under my heated blanket with some mood lighting and read it like a bedtime story! really, it was the kind of story that I was reading whenever I had any spare moments. at a red light (oops), while washing my face, while waiting in line! it had me HOOOOOOKED.

not only is the story fantastic, but your writing is fantastic. every bit of dialogue? perfect. not too sappy, not too gloomy. the perfect balance of apocalyptic cynicism + blind faith. truly. your syntax, the way you immersed us in the story—it was simply a pleasure to read. wish I could erase it from my brain and read it again for the first time.

hope you’re well!!!! :-)

First of all, I am honored that you chose SDLN to read first? I'm not sure how you stumbled upon it with the endless options available to you, but I am immensely grateful nonetheless -- thank you for taking a chance on it, especially given that you don't normally like that trope. I can't tell you how much it means to me ❤

"the way he sees her in bits of everything that he loves, in everything that is beautiful" -- the way you get it, and put it in such beautiful words yourself. I can't imagine the amount of things in his life that would remind him of her, and it was such a cathartic thing to write him as using those reminders as something that heals, vs. something that haunts.

grumpy old man Joel is my beloved! I do think he is a grump and is hard, but we also see such sweetness in him: in the way his interactions evolve with Ellie, in the way he helps Bill & Frank, in the way he helps in KC, or looks out for Tess, in the way he's looking for his brother just to make sure he's alright -- the two can definitely coexist, and I am so beyond happy that you found that characterization in SDLN.

The way you describe being captivated by a story is the kind of experience a reader literally dreams of, and I am beyond words that something I wrote gifted that you to. Truly, honestly. Hiding under your covers, reading at a red light, telling someone else about it -- I wish you could see the blush on my cheeks right now knowing that you did those things with my words. Literally beyond grateful.

I have read this a couple times since you sent it, and I know I'll read it again. It gave me a dopey smile, the softest eyes and heart, and literally made me want to cry with happiness. You are amazingly thoughtful, kind and generous, and I am so very thankful that the universe brought you here ❤

Lastly, for you to mention those specific things about the writing: syntax, dialogue, etc -- as someone who is working constantly on their writing and also as someone who is always unsure about the quality of it - thank you. Thank you thank you thank you I'll never say thank you enough. ❤

Being super new to the fandom: welcome!! DM me if you wanna chat, clown, want some recs, or anything else - I hope you have fun exploring the treasure chest that is the talent that exists here, and feel the warm embrace of the community that exists here as well! ❤

THANK YOU ❤

#can you tell how grateful I was for this?#and how much I loved it?#and how much it made my day?#I hope so ❤#short days ask

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readitreviewit · 1 year ago

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Are you ready for a heartwarming read that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside? Look no further than Danielle Steel’s latest novel, “The Whittiers”. In this book, Steel tells the heartwarming story of a family who, after facing tragedy, must come together to support each other and find their way back to happiness. The Whittiers are a tight-knit family who have spent their lives together in a beautiful Manhattan mansion. With six children raised and nearly grown, the family has maintained a tradition of a romantic Wintermoon ski trip with just the parents. However, tragedy strikes during this year’s ski trip, and the adult children are forced to come together to cope with the loss of their parents. Lyle, the oldest of the siblings, is struggling with his marriage and must decide whether or not to divorce his wife. Gloria, who has focused on her career on Wall Street, is growing increasingly cynical and feeling the effects of being single at age 39. The twins, Caroline and Charlie, have a faltering fashion business and are facing financial difficulties. Benjie, who has special needs, is devastated by the loss of his parents and is in desperate need of his siblings’ support. And Annabelle, the youngest, has dropped out of college and is spiraling out of control. Despite their individual struggles, the siblings come together to support each other and their younger siblings. Selling their childhood home, full of memories and sentimental value, feels like another devastating loss. But, as the siblings band together, they realize there may be an unconventional solution that could keep their family together, even in the face of tragedy. Steel’s writing is engaging and will have you rooting for the Whittier family from start to finish. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to connect with each of them and understand their struggles. While the novel tackles heavy themes like loss, family dynamics, and financial struggles, it does so with a light touch and an overall feel-good message. Overall, “The Whittiers” is a touching read that will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired. Steel’s writing is a perfect balance between heartwarming and engaging, making it an ideal read for anyone looking for a positive and uplifting story. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, cozy up under a blanket, and dive into the world of the Whittier family – you won’t regret it. "Take the first step towards an unforgettable experience today! Click now to buy the book or get a 30-day free trial of Audible and lose yourself in the captivating world of literature. Don't miss out, start your journey now!" Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details)

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wonda-fhr · 1 year ago

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Hey! 🌾 for David 🌿 for Lia pretty please? :)

More snippets for the soft ask prompts. They're getting longer, I'm afraid. The idea of answering them in this way carries me away a bit. (But it's so much fun) 😅 Thanks for your ask 😘

🌾 Describe your OC through the eyes of someone absolutely head-over-heels in love with them. For David

"Ric, we have all these paperwork to fill out and these horrible reports to write, and we'll never get it done if you stare dreamily out the window after every other word, grinning like an idiot in love. Well, I know I'm going to regret this, but tell me what's going on now so we can get to work after this.

As soon as the conversation shifts from work, Ortega's feet land on the corner of his desk and his arms cross defiantly over his chest. "Do I have to apologize for being happy for once? But if you really want to know. We've become closer, much closer, and I'm happy about it."

"I'm happy for you too, for both of you. But are you sure he's still the same guy you fell in love with?" Instead of the expected rational conversation, the rose-tinted glasses jump back into Ric's face and turn his voice in romantic colors.

"He doesn't have to be. I'm not either. He doesn't need to be the same, as long as I know he's the one. And he's Chen."

Accepting that the paperwork will probably have to wait longer, Chen gradually puts down his pen and turns to his friend with a slight sigh. "I may have been too suspicious in the past, but I can't quite get rid of it. I still see someone with too many secrets, who is dismissive, scared and cynical, I didn't expect that this would make you happy".

"You don't know him, not really. There's a lot buried deep inside him, but the closer we get, the more of it comes to the surface. There's so much joy in him, so much empathy, caring. He takes care of me much better than he would admit in front of you, or who do you think took care of me the last time I had the flu? This time I didn't have to ask you to bring me something to eat, did I? I would have loved to stay sick longer.

Did you know how much he loves music? Probably not. You should hear him play the piano, as if he immersed himself in another world with you. That alone would be enough to captivate me forever. When we dance, it is not like in the past when we used to tease each other about who was the more gifted dancer. This is different. As soon as his hand is in mine, we become one, just flowing together and dancing. You can get lost with him in little perfect moments.

We haven't forgotten how to tease, of course, he can do it just like he used to, maybe a little more biting, but less vicious. Not as cynical as you think. It's as if we've found a balance in that as well, which makes us happy. You can have a lot of fun with him when he is in the right mood.

He's such a delicate being. So fragile. You're right, he's scared and that still paralyzes a lot of things in him. But a lightning should execute me if I do not protect him from what frightens him."

"I would feel better if we knew what he needed to be protected from."

"I don't care if it's the whole world. I'll get it done."

With hopes of a meaningful conversation about David's concerns dashed, Chen tosses a pen into Ric's lap. "Okay, wonderful, now take all your reality-free optimism and fill out these papers to make the world a better place."

-------------

🌿 What way does your OC show that they care without using words? What way do others show your OC that they’re cared about without using speech? For Lia Let's look through Luke's eyes during a conversation at lunch. He knows her a little better than the others.

"Why are you so sure you can trust her? I can understand her arguments, maybe even your cooperation. But why are you friends? She would work with me too, but I think she would hate me anyway. Why do you think she likes you?"

There is actually some concern in the Captain's otherwise confident voice. You know he doesn't trust Lia, but he trusts you, more and more since he understood that your lunch meetings are not necessary for a collaboration. The terrain of lunch is now familiar enough for him to ask you more personal questions.

"Lia is something more than a villain on the rampage, and I trust her completely. No, she doesn't go around pouring her heart out to everyone, giving them hugs, and telling them how great they are. She's not like that. There are other things that tell me that she cares about me. She never brings me the wrong coffee, she knows exactly which drink I prefer in the evening. I think she knows all my habits, but she doesn't judge any of them. She knows the names and the history of my whole family. And when I'm sad because something reminds me of my brother, she has the courage to ask me about it and relive the moment with me instead of just distracting me like my former friends would have tried to do.

We've been through a bit together now. I like to think of myself as a pretty down-to-earth person, nothing gets me upset easily. But when it does, her hand is in the small of my back before I even realize I could use some support. She protects me. Like a shield, she does it so subtly that I haven't noticed it for a long time. She walks through every door before holding it open for me. She takes a half-step in front of me when a situation becomes the least bit disturbing. But she also protects me from decisions that would weigh on my soul, she takes a lot on herself rather than leaving it to me. As a lawyer, you are used to a lot and you are never completely safe, but since she is here, I feel safer than ever.

But you know what the best part is? That almost everybody thinks like you. No one who meets her trusts her because they only see a small piece. I see much more. I am allowed to cuddle her when we are alone. Or hear her laugh and make silly jokes with her. I can even catch her when she falls. And afterwards, I get to have fun with her over stupid questions like yours that only prove you don't have the slightest idea who you're dealing with."

"Ouch, that was mean, but probably a little deserved. Maybe I should take a closer look. If I try to be less suspicious, would I also have a chance to be cuddled by you?" With a charming smile, Blaze strokes back his brown hair with its tantalizing honey sheen. The sight of him doesn't fail to have an effect on you, as the tingle in your body clearly shows, but it takes more than that to make your poker face waver. Unimpressed, you calmly look at your watch. Then you look deep into the eyes of your attractive interlocutor and send him directly onto the slippery ice with the remark, "It depends on whether two hours are enough for you."

#ask game #thanks a lot 💕#lia kingsley #david kingsley #luke reglan #it is so late that I have surely included mistakes #if something is not understandable feel free to ask #typos may be ignored 🫢

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gonturan0 · 2 years ago

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✍️ What’s your ideal writing setup?

💕 What is your favorite fic that you’ve written?

🦋 Which character is your favorite to write?

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write?

💘 Is it easier to write angst or fluff?

🚦What sort of endings do you prefer to write: ambiguous, bad, happily ever after, etc.?

💌 Is there a favorite trope you like to write?

thank you tanwyyyyyn ✍️ What’s your ideal writing setup? In a quiet room, without any distracting stuff going on or people around me. No food or snacks, and no music. That's the kind of environment where I can focus. 💕 What is your favorite fic that you’ve written? Hrm. Maybe TSMOT? it took 700 years to write but it's got space imagery, it's got characters doing nasty things they're gonna regret later, it's got some examination of why Spy is the way he is, I got to make my audience sympathize with a jerk without ever excusing his actions... It's not ~*~my amazing perfect special child~*~ but it has a lot of things in it that I like. 🦋 Which character is your favorite to write? It's either Spy, Medic, or maybe Scout. Spy is a wily character that lets me describe things poetically, and he plays mind games and he's terrible but also funny, and he's a convenient vessel to dump my issues into. Medic is insane and fun, so I can write about him doing really wild stuff, and he can be very cunning too, so I love writing those moments where you can't tell what he's thinking or what his motives are. Scout is easy to write and another Convenient Issues Vessel, but he loses points since it's difficult at times to balance his maturity and immaturity.

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write? Demo. IDK how to write his accent or come up with phrases he'd say, and I'm not as laidback and easygoing as he is. Engineer is probably the second most difficult character for the same reasons. 💘 Is it easier to write angst or fluff? Angst. It's easier to come up with worst case scenarios and draw out the flaws in characters than it is to get them to be nice in a believable way at times. 🚦What sort of endings do you prefer to write: ambiguous, bad, happily ever after, etc.? Bittersweet but hopeful. A lot of my story ending ideas are bittersweet but I want to put in a seed of hope so that even if things are difficult for my characters, they'll pull through past the end of the story.

💌 Is there a favorite trope you like to write? I've got multiple. Fake deaths, oblivious idiots in love who have a hard time admitting their feelings, a character's bleak, cynical worldview gets challenged and they have to learn to see things in a better way, and characters who have gone insane and it's reflected in runon sentences and worrying statements.

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jjorbles · 2 years ago

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My Favorite Movies & Shows of 2022

There were only really 8 movies that I saw and really loved that came out this year, so here they are in mostly no particular order.

Movies:

Glass Onion

This is the only entry I've actually rewatched so far. Rian Johnson's movies always reward repeat viewings, especially the Knives Out series. I love the characters and how much fun everyone seems to be having playing them. I hope Rian Johnson & Daniel Craig keep making these forever, and I hope this finally gets Janelle Monáe the recognition she deserves and we get many more lead roles in amazing movies from her.

Nope

This one has haunted me since I saw it. Jordan Peele's movies always give me a lot to think about, but something about this one cut deep into my core. It created the perfect monster to manifest all my fears, anxieties, and trauma about performing, existing as a spectacle, and the dehumanizing feeling of laying your soul bare to an audience, and the devil's bargain that that is. It's also the most invested I've ever been in the characters of a Jordan Peele movie, as the protagonists of his previous movies felt a little more like vehicles for the themes of the story than real people. I got really attached to OJ & Em, which made the horror much more effective. I wish I could've seen this in IMAX, even though I'm not sure I could've even handled that.

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

This movie is exactly what the title says, such a bizarre mishmash of tones and ideas that somehow comes together as a beautifully simple story of family. It grounds itself in honest optimism without it feeling forced. In times that feel so willfully overwhelming that they drive us towards nihilism, the unwavering optimism at the core of this movie was exactly what I needed.

Turning Red

I've always loved monsters as metaphors for the uncomfortable aspects of the human experience. Monsters as puberty metaphors have been done before, but usually only for boys, at least in media aimed at younger audiences. Female-coded versions are usually the exclusive domain of R-rated horror. A movie like this that uses the creative framework of a family of were-pandas to talk frankly about the coming of age of teen girls is long overdue, and this knocks it out of the park.

Violent Night

I was not expecting this to be as good as it was. We've had killer Santa's before, but never one that quite balanced the ironically violent premise with a genuinely sweet family Christmas story. David Harbour is perfect as a cynical, world-weary Santa who still has a heart of gold and just needs to be reminded of the spirit of the holidays...while also brutally murdering armed burglars like a Christmas themed Jason Voorhees. The conflicting tones shouldn't work as well as they do, but I enjoyed this thoroughly and will definitely be making it a yearly tradition.

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Pinocchio's always been a story about the temptations of boyhood but trust GDT to take that to dark places nobody's ever dared before. It's not just the usual moralizing about "stay in school" & "don't trust strangers". This goes hard into "beware of fascists" and "the church is using you". Pulls absolutely no punches and the animation and design works are hauntingly gorgeous. Easily my favorite Pinocchio ever.

Men

This one I haven't seen talked about much especially compared to the director's previous movies, but I haven't stopped thinking about it since it came out. An uncomfortable, tortuously brutal movie that manages to be about the self-inflicted hell of toxic masculinity without over-empathizing, acknowledging men's pain without ever shaming the female lead for not coddling them. The final few minutes are mind-blowing with a killer cut to the end credits that still sticks with me.

Prey

It took way too long to make good use of the Predator formula. They should've tried something like this years ago. Just pick any point in history, any group of people with survival skills, and sic a Predator on them. It's overdue, but well worth that wait. It's also refreshing to have a movie about Native Americans that doesn't feel the need to insert a token white guy as a crutch.

Movies that I meant to see but I haven't yet: X, Pearl, The Northman, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Wendell & Wild

If you don't see your favorites, either I didn't like it that much or I wasn't interested. 🤷

Shows:

Andor

It feel SO GOOD to finally be excited by Star Wars again. I thought my enthusiasm for anything outside of the occasional comic or novel had died after the backlash to TLJ (The best Star War ever, don't @ me) resulted in the two-hour backtracking apology to the most toxic parts of the fandom that was TROS, that any will to be creative or take risks had been banned from Lucasfilm. I liked most of the streaming shows fine, but they were the definition of safe bets. Then Andor comes outta nowhere and just blows away all my expectations. It gave us a genuinely great story in the original spirit of Lucas's anti-fascist space opera that relies on character development instead of nostalgia. The only show I immediately rewatched when it was done.

Peacemaker

In the middle of rewatching this one now. Wouldn't have been my first pick for a spinoff, much like Andor, but The Suicide Squad is probably my favorite superhero team movie ever, so I was down for wherever James Gunn wanted to go with it next. A character-driven, heartfelt satire of superheroes, masculinity, and American exceptionalism, that still had heart and made the characters feel real and human.

The Sandman

Neil Gaiman's Sandman was one of the comics thought unfilmable, so that it turned out as good as it did is a miracle. The cast was pretty much perfect, everything they changed made sense, and I can't wait for season 2.

Atlanta

I'm gonna miss this show. Often surreal and always thought provoking, Atlanta is like the stoner version of Jordan Peele's Twilight Zone. I love how unafraid it is to completely break formula and give the main cast a week off to, say, do a faux documentary about an imagined black Disney CEO and his vision for the Goofy Movie. They honestly could have kept it going forever as just an anthology show.

She-Hulk

Fuck the haters, this shit was perfect. Basically the best Marvel streaming show since WandaVision. I've been waiting for Tatiana Maslany's next role since Orphan Black. The 4th wall humor was 🔥, especially in the finale.

Harley Quinn

I did not think they could keep up the momentum after paying off Harlivy, but the latest season proved me wrong. This show continues to be the DC universe equivalent to Venture Bros. Some of the best Batman satire not to involve Legos.

So there's some random thoughts on my favorites of 2022. I've been out of practice writing, so figured this was a good a place as any to put my New Years resolution to write more into practice. You might have noticed no superhero movies made my list. I am a huge nerd, so I did see all of them, I just wasn't too blown away by any of them. A lot of good, not much great IMHO. I'll rank and give some thoughts of them in another entry maybe.

#my favorite movies #my favorite tv shows #2022 #stuff i wrote

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apologiesnope · 16 days ago

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Kennyth said, “I know that there are four of them staying at The Bear and Boar, and two more at the Grey Goose. I’ve seen them at the dock, the Arendell Bridge, and along the road into Fellcross. You must eliminate the threat they pose, but quietly.” “There’s another problem. I’ll have to wait until Ilforth’s army arrives and is ready to cross before I concern myself with the Guardsmen, otherwise we risk someone missing them.” Eamon’s lips lifted in fleeting mockery, “Even if there are only a dozen.” He paused and continued, “Have you considered the difficulty of killing that many men and hiding their bodies without me being seen? And once I begin, I must finish them all, else those that remain will become suspicious.” Kennyth sat back, feeling deflated as he considered this. “If you cannot hide them, then their bodies will certainly be discovered—almost immediately.” “Aye, and several dead Guardsmen means someone in the village will send a dispatch to Caliam,” said Eamon. Kennyth, feeling daunted, ran his hand around the back of his neck. What else could they do? He straightened. “Falin, the innkeeper at The Bear and Boar, has already agreed to aid us. He will keep quiet, no matter what he finds. Do you think we could bribe the innkeeper at the Grey Goose?” Eamon sat with narrowed eyes and a cynical half-smile as he said, “Murder and bribery, Brother Kennyth? I’d never before realized how much the Church had in common with the Black Falcons.” Kennyth felt the hot, dull color come into his face. Just as quickly, it faded, leaving him chilled. He met Eamon’s glittering gaze and said soberly, “I’m fully aware that what I’m doing is wrong, no matter that, ultimately, I believe it to be for the good of the realm. I can only hope that, when I stand before God and my deeds are weighed in the balance, the good is sufficient to save my soul. And yours.” Eamon’s expression did not change. “You needn’t trouble yourself on my account, Friar. If you but knew the deeds that lie behind me, you would know that my soul is beyond ransom. And if that is why you befriend Donan, you should know that you’ll not save him, either.” Kennyth blinked. Matter-of-fact and passionless, the bleak words and bland tone were the perfect match of the expression he had so often seen on Donan’s face. “I offered my friendship to Donan because he deserves it.”

Excerpt from "The Blood of Kings" by C.B. Hoffman. Provided with permission.

#medieval fantasy #creative writing

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the-holistic-goddess · 3 months ago

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Battling Burnout: Understanding and Addressing Life Exhaustion

In our fast-paced, high-pressure society, many individuals find themselves in a constant state of exhaustion and burnout. Often, these people are unfairly labeled as lazy or unmotivated. However, the reality is that they are experiencing severe dysregulation from being in a perpetual state of fight or flight. This chronic stress can wreak havoc on their mental and physical health, leading to a downward spiral of unregulated sleep patterns, hypervigilance, lack of interest, loss of ambition, severe depression, anxiety, frustration, and irritability.

The Vicious Cycle of Burnout

When the body is constantly on high alert due to stress, worry, fear, and anger, it struggles to return to homeostasis—a balanced and stable state. This prolonged dysregulation can result in a range of symptoms that are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Rather than being a sign of laziness, these symptoms reflect a deep-seated struggle to cope with overwhelming stress.

People suffering from burnout often find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle. The constant pressure and lack of relief lead to sleep disturbances and hypervigilance, further exacerbating feelings of anxiety and depression. As hope diminishes and the chaos seems never-ending, individuals may shut down and give up, feeling unable to face the relentless demands of life.

Societal and Life Factors Contributing to Burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness. It can stem from various aspects of life and society, creating a perfect storm of stressors that overwhelm an individual's capacity to cope. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing and mitigating burnout.

Workplace Stress

High Workload: Excessive workloads and unrealistic expectations can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Constantly feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet demands can drain an individual's energy and motivation.

Lack of Control: Having little control over one's work or lack of autonomy can contribute to feelings of helplessness and frustration, key components of burnout.

Inadequate Rewards: Insufficient recognition, financial compensation, and career advancement opportunities can make individuals feel undervalued and unappreciated, leading to burnout.

Poor Work-Life Balance: The inability to balance professional and personal life, often exacerbated by long hours and the blurring of boundaries due to technology, can result in chronic exhaustion.

Toxic Work Environment: A workplace characterized by poor communication, lack of support, conflict, and negative culture can significantly contribute to burnout.

Personal Life Stressors

Family Responsibilities: The demands of caring for children, aging parents, or other family members can be overwhelming, especially when combined with professional responsibilities.

Financial Strain: Ongoing financial difficulties and the pressure to make ends meet can create a constant undercurrent of stress and anxiety.

Health Issues: Chronic health conditions, either personal or within the family, can be a significant source of stress and contribute to feelings of burnout.

Relationship Problems: Strained or toxic relationships with partners, family, or friends can add emotional burdens that contribute to burnout.

Societal and Cultural Pressures

Societal Expectations: The pressure to conform to societal standards of success, beauty, and behavior can create constant stress and a sense of inadequacy.

Social Media: The pervasive presence of social media can lead to comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and a distorted sense of reality, all of which can contribute to burnout.

Economic Instability: Uncertain economic conditions, job insecurity, and the rising cost of living can create a persistent sense of instability and stress.

Discrimination and Inequality: Experiencing or witnessing discrimination, whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors, can lead to chronic stress and burnout.

Environmental Factors: Living in unsafe or unhealthy environments, whether due to crime, pollution, or lack of resources, can contribute to a constant state of stress.

Cultural and Societal Dynamics

High Achievement Culture: Societies that emphasize constant achievement and productivity without sufficient emphasis on rest and self-care can create a fertile ground for burnout.

Lack of Community Support: The erosion of community and social support networks can leave individuals feeling isolated and unsupported, exacerbating burnout.

Political Climate: Political instability, divisive rhetoric, and uncertainty can contribute to a pervasive sense of anxiety and stress.

When we consider how each of these aspects of our lives can be devastating on their own, the added pressure from society compounds the problem. Individuals are no longer just dealing with isolated stressors; they are facing a culmination of all these challenges simultaneously. This often makes individuals feel like they are in a constant chokehold that won't let up.

Combatting Burnout Holistically

Addressing burnout requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Here are some strategies that can help individuals combat burnout and regain a sense of balance and well-being:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace. These practices encourage a focus on the present moment, helping individuals break free from the cycle of worry and fear.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and energy levels. Even simple activities like walking, yoga, or stretching can make a significant difference.

Healthy Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports overall well-being. Avoiding excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods can also help regulate energy levels and mood.

Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing sleep is crucial for recovery. Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a restful environment, and practicing good sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality and help the body restore itself.

Therapeutic Support: Engaging in therapy or counseling can provide a safe space to explore and address the underlying causes of stress and burnout. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic modalities can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Community and Social Support: Building and maintaining supportive relationships is essential. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance.

The Reality of Living in Survival Mode

While holistic practices and lifestyle changes can significantly help in alleviating burnout, it is important to recognize the reality many individuals face: living in a state of permanent survival mode. This ongoing stress can make it incredibly difficult to implement self-care strategies, despite the desire to do so.

The Permanent Survival Mode

When individuals are in survival mode, they are perpetually on high alert. Their bodies are in a continuous state of fight or flight, which takes a toll on their physical and mental health.

Survival mode prioritizes immediate needs, such as food, shelter, and safety, over long-term wellness strategies. The urgent demands of daily life often overshadow the pursuit of holistic health practices.

The relentless stress of survival mode leads to emotional and mental exhaustion, making it hard to find the energy or motivation to engage in self-care activities.

Many individuals in survival mode face significant financial barriers that limit their access to wellness resources. Paying for therapy, healthy food, gym memberships, or even taking time off work for rest can be out of reach.

Unsafe or unstable living conditions contribute to a state of perpetual stress, further complicating efforts to return to homeostasis.

The Desire for Relief

Many individuals desperately want a break from the constant stress. They long for a moment to breathe, to focus on their well-being, and to feel secure enough to engage in self-care.

Despite knowing the benefits of holistic practices, the overwhelming nature of their circumstances can make it seem impossible to implement these strategies. The daily grind leaves little room for the "luxury" of self-care.

Acknowledging the Challenge

It is crucial to acknowledge and empathize with those in survival mode. Understanding their challenges can help tailor support systems to be more effective and accessible.

Addressing burnout on a societal level requires systemic changes. This includes advocating for better wages, affordable healthcare, accessible mental health services, and safe living environments.

Encouraging individuals to take small, manageable steps toward self-care can make a significant difference. Even minor changes, such as brief moments of mindfulness or small adjustments to their routine, can help.

Building strong community networks can provide essential support. Community programs, mutual aid groups, and local initiatives can offer practical help and a sense of solidarity.

Moving Towards Homeostasis

While it may seem daunting, moving towards a state of homeostasis is possible, even for those in survival mode. It requires a combination of personal effort, community support, and systemic change. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals in perpetual stress and advocating for more supportive environments, we can help create conditions that allow everyone to prioritize their well-being and return to a state of balance.

Challenges in Resource-Limited Communities

While these strategies can be effective, individuals in resource-limited communities often face significant barriers to accessing such support. Limited resources, lack of access to healthcare, and socio-economic challenges can make it difficult to implement these holistic approaches.

In many cases, the economic pressures of rising living costs and inadequate wages exacerbate the stress and burnout experienced by individuals. Additionally, systemic injustices and laws that exploit vulnerable populations can make life seem impossibly difficult, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Navigating the Economic and Societal Landscape

Addressing burnout in the context of economic and societal challenges requires a multi-faceted approach:

Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocating for fair wages, affordable healthcare, and social safety nets is crucial. Policies that support mental health services, affordable housing, and accessible education can alleviate some of the pressures contributing to burnout.

We must intentionally challenge the claims of corporations and organizations that assert they cannot pay their employees fair wages. At the same time, their executives earn millions, and in some cases, billions of dollars annually in salaries and bonuses. This inequality heavily impacts the very people who keep the company operational. To address this issue, we need to advocate for more equitable pay structures that ensure all employees receive livable wages and adequate health benefits. This will enable them to effectively manage their responsibilities both at home and at work.

Community Programs: Developing and supporting community-based programs that provide mental health services, wellness workshops, and support groups can offer accessible resources for those in need.

Access to proper services and resources is a right, not a privilege, and everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life. More funding should be directed towards programs designed to help people get back on their feet, rather than those that exacerbate already complex situations.

Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the realities of burnout and its root causes can help reduce stigma and promote understanding. Education campaigns can also inform individuals about available resources and coping strategies.

Many individuals are unaware that their chronic symptoms are not normal and are often indicators of a much bigger problem. Society has conditioned people and families to push through unnatural experiences, becoming desensitized to the reality that what they are dealing with is not normal. This desensitization stems from a lack of educational programs that help people recognize the signs of burnout before it becomes a chronic health condition. Additionally, there is insufficient information on available resources and options to combat burnout, as well as on healthy coping mechanisms. As a result, many turn to maladaptive behaviors that further worsen their situation.

Self-Compassion and Resilience: Encouraging self-compassion and resilience-building practices can empower individuals to navigate their challenges with greater strength and hope. Emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-advocacy can foster a sense of agency and control.

Society has conditioned us to believe that those who speak out against injustice and unfair systems are ungrateful complainers. We have been programmed to keep our heads down and suffer in silence, just as the generations before us have done. However, change cannot happen without addressing the problem, especially out loud. We must break the cycle of silence and suppression culture, creating safe spaces for people to speak the truth and advocate for change.

By allowing our concerns to be dismissed for so long, we have reached a point where the system seeks to punish and control those who dare to speak out. The threat of fines and imprisonment for circumstances created by a broken system is a clear attempt to regain control over people who feel too comfortable speaking out. This is why we must be more vocal than ever. If we allow them to silence us and continue to strip away our human rights to life, liberty, and happiness, we will become nothing more than chattel, waiting to be sent to the slaughterhouse.

Burnout is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires understanding, compassion, and a holistic approach to address effectively. As people of the United States, we are exhausted. Recognizing the deep impact of chronic stress and dysregulation on individuals' lives is the first step toward creating meaningful change. By combining personal strategies with broader societal efforts, we can build a society that allows everyone to reclaim their well-being and vitality.

#intentional living #harmonyoverdisparity #holisticwellness #mindbodyspirit #exhaustion #awareness #education

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