#he torments himself with it. he sees the seconds counting down and cant do anything about it.

[badgerclawsaresharp]

bdubs called his clock “a handcuff” in his commercial break today and i cannot get over the implications

[xxwritemeastoryxx]

Wrong Move

Author: xxwritemeastoryxx

Pairings: Elijah Mikaelson x reader

Word Count: 1500

Warnings: Kidnapping, slight mentions of drug and physicall abuse (If you squint, but lets just be cautious, shall we?)

Author’s Note: I am once again killing two birds with one stone. This was submitted by the lovely @emmice9 for my 1500 follower challenge. And I’ll be using this for @hellotvshowtrash ​‘s #february2021promptchallenge. I would also like to say that this is A BRIEF LOOK into a new series that will be coming later on in this year. All because my brain cant keep ideas to one shots. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy. 

Feedback gives me life and motivation for future things. 

The world has changed drastically over the centuries. The world people used to know had changed when the creatures that roamed the darkness had come out of hiding. Vampires became the superior species, creating a completely different hierarchy within the world. Those that came from money were free from the torment and slavery of the Vampires. Werewolves and witches were far and few between. And when they emerged they were a force to be reckoned with that the vampires let them be. So long as they weren't attacked, they never retaliated and stuck to their own.

For the L/N family, they had come from money. Their wealth bought their freedom from the vampires. For the two children in the family they'd never have to fear being human. For the eldest, Alexander, he wished to continue their bloodline to ensure there was a truce between the vampires and the humans of their family. But for the youngest, Y/N, she wished to become a vampire and when she was younger, her parents made a deal with the Mikaelsons to ensure her status would carry over as a Vampire.

While most girls in her age dreamed of becoming something of themselves in the world that was created around them, Y/N wanted nothing more than to be a vampire. One that wanted to change things for the better. And the way the L/Ns had it, their children were going to mend bridges.

Unfortunately, the matriarchs of the L/Ns were killed in an accident that left them as orphans. Alexander being the eldest was given the burden of being the head of household and he uncovered his parents' secrets. Before their death, his parents made a deal with another Vampire. And with their death, it broke the deal between them. It left them on the verge of bankruptcy and being tossed in with the other humans.

Y/N stood outside the double wooden doors as she listened to the muffled sounds of her brother arguing with a vampire. Alexander was in there for more than an hour speaking with the vampire that held the deal with their parents. Seeing as it was a matter for the head of house, Y/N couldn’t be in the room. But where she stood she could pick up on her fair share of things.

Most of it had been about money, or the lack thereof. Being in debt to a vampire left any human feeling unease and Alexander was no different. Especially as he looked across the table at Tristan De Martel. If there was one thing they learned, the De Martels were the downgrades of the Mikaelsons. Where the Mikaelsons held their deals in good faith, the De Martels could find a loophole within the contract to work in their favor. And that was what happened with their parents.

Y/N’s heart dropped when she heard her name being brought up in the conversation. While She couldn’t hear what was being said, she knew it had upset her brother. His voice had raised while the vampire’s remained calm. The longer her brother yelled, the more worry filled her. And the words she picked up on hadn’t made anything easier.

When the doors opened, a chill ran through Y/N as she looked over at her brother, attempting to ignore the way Tristan had gazed at her as he walked passed. The look on her brother’s face had told her this wasn’t the end of things. That the conversation he just had wasn’t an easy one and he was left with hardly any choices.

“Were you able to come to an agreement?” She asked as soon as she knew Tristian would be out of earshot, even for a vampire.

Alexander nodded as he ran his hand over his face. “One that I do not fully agree on.”

“Well?” She asked after a moment of her brother not saying anything. While she may have been able to pick up on bits and pieces of the conversation, it wasn’t everything she needed to know. And when her brother hesitated once more fear filled her.

“What did you promise the De Martels?” She asked as she took a step towards him. He didn’t know how to answer her. Not when it had to do with her. But the guilt she saw written on his face had told her everything, causing her to shake her head. “No.”

“I’m sorry Y/N.” He said as he kept his eyes on hers, even as they filled with tears.

Y/N took a step back in disbelief. “No.” She repeated. “Please tell me you didn’t.”

“I had no other choice.” He said as he watched the tears form in her eyes.

“I have a deal with the Mikaelsons, you can’t just go and make a deal with the De Martels to hand me over.”

“If it means keeping our family name in good standing, I’ll do what is needed.” He regretted the words the moment they left his mouth. But they had been true. Tristan had offered a deal and Alexander jumped on it. Tristan would clear the family’s debt and void out his parents contract if he got Y/N in return.

“You’ve sentenced me to die.” Anger began building within her. “Tristian’s humans never last.”

“You were going to die anyway.” He responded quickly, earning a hard slap across his face.

“On my terms!” She yelled. “Not by the hands of a vampire that keeps his own psychotic sister locked up! When Elijah finds out-”

“Your ties with Elijah no longer matter. Yes he gave our parents his word that you would join them. Your infatuation with each other sealing that deal. But this decision can’t be easily taken back and you know that.”

While they both know going against either families was a risk. But with the De Martels, there was a deadline that was fast approaching them. Y/N ran her hand along her face and shook her head as she turned away from her brother. She couldn’t handle this.

“Elijah might know how to get-” Before Y/N could even finish her sentence, her brother knocked her over the head with the nearest object he could reach, leaving her unconscious.

"I'm sorry, Y/N." He said as he crouched down beside her. "But I refuse to become one of them."

_____

The De Martels knew what Y/N would ment to the Mikaelsons. She was to be their saving grace. A chance to mend the world with siblings as a Vampire and her Human brother. She was also Elijah’s soon to be wife. Tristan knew he was playing a dangerous game. And because he knew her worth, he kept her hidden, away from any prying eyes that could possibly leak where she was.

Much like the other humans in De Martel's care, she had been drugged, used and abused by those within Tristan's circle. As she laid in the dark damp cell, all she wanted was to die. Her colorful dreams of the future faded to black and white wishes of death and peace as time passed.

Anger had filled Elijah the moment he stopped by to see Y/N and Alexander told him what happened. While furious with her brother he knew he'd always keep his word to Y/N to not ever harm him. It took him over a month to find Y/N's whereabouts. The moment he had her location there was no stopping him.

Elijah stormed through the De Martel home. Anyone that dared to stand against him had their hearts ripped out in a split of a second. Bodies and hearts had been left in his wake as he made his way through. Each one brought him closer to finding Y/N.

When the door keeping her in was forced open, Y/N whimpered in fear at the sound, unable to see who walked in from her position. She hadn't even begun to heal from the last time that door opened. But even as the footsteps neared, she couldn't get herself to move, her body too weak to try. Panic filled her as the footsteps ceased right next to her.

"Shh, shh," Elijah began, trying to keep Y/N calm. "It's me."

As he did, it wasn't hard to see how beaten and bruised she had been. Bite marks covered her body in several places. He had never felt so much anger before at seeing her injuries.

"'Lijah." It had been a whisper, but he heard it loud and clear.

"I got you. I promise I'm going to take care of you, okay?" He had every intention of never letting her leave his sight. He even made the promise to himself that he'd kill the De Martels with his own two hands.

But before the comfort and relief of being free set in, Y/N was rudely awakened by the sound of the door opening and shutting by the unwelcome guest.

Always and Forever Tags:

@taylordrunkonwhiskey @thewolf-and-thesheep @wayward-dan @neeadinghugs @fafulous @kenmen02 @elizamonet @dora-the-grownup @mschellehitt @xanderling @fandom-princess-forevermore @buckysarm4 @hi-my-name-is-riley @helenasingers @alka16555 @hellotvshowtrash @dpaccione @dumble-daddy @theactressstaringinyourbaddream @maldita-world @nikmikaelsonswife

Stag Tag:

@elejah-wonderland @xxsovereignsarayaxx @asiaaisa77 @astudyoftimeywimeystuff @marvel-at-stucky

The Originals Tag:

@zillahvathek @obsessedwithvampires @mikaelson-emma

Bold tags mean for one reason or another I cannot tag you in this. If you would like to be added or taken off the Tag list please do so here

[storysofmyown]

Seven stages of love Chapter 4: Pragma

Summary: Ever since the Celestial War, since they all fell, Asmodeus has  dedicated himself to his sin. Not caring about anything else, but  drowning himself in the pleasure and ecstasy of it all. But not anymore,  now he cant even handle the idea of it. But, what else is there to want? After so long of having indulged in his sin, what is there than  Asmodeus is looking for, something that will fill him, and that wont  drive him to destruction? Perhaps his brothers can help him with that. Warnings will appear in each chapter.   

Trigger Warning: Anger, insults, alludes to intimate moments.

Word count: 3079

Read on ao3

“…okay that’s it!”

Mammon’s voice echoed in the dining room as he slammed his hands on the table. A small, and yet determined glare on his face as he starred at Asmodeus. His sudden reaction making the younger demon jump, as Belphegor kept napping like nothing had happened. Asmodeus looked almost uninterested at his older brother, raising an eyebrow as he placed his cup down before sighing.

“Mammon don’t be so loud. I barely got any sleep last night.” He stated, fixing his gaze to be back on the cup. He was beyond tired. He hadn’t been sleeping or eating well, his head was a mess, confusion, doubt, and strange feelings deep inside of him. And like always, he wasn’t step closer to figuring anything out.

Every time he took a step it felt like whatever answered was bestowed upon him made him walk five back. He didn’t know what to do…what he needed. Another term got in the way, a contradiction that put everything on another angle, it was never-ending, it was soffocating. First it was Belphegor, then Leviathan, and the most recent being Satan. His head was a total mess that kept him awake at night. And even if he tried to sleep at night, the voices that came along with the long lasting feelings; the visions on his mind just made it utterly impossible to get even a second of rest. If it wasn’t because Beel had forced him to come down to eat something, he wouldn’t have left his room today at all either. He was thankful that they had the decency to not be all on the dining room at once. But then again, they had left him with the loudest of his brothers, and he already knew this day was going to be anything but peaceful.

“Don’t be so loud my ass. You have been acting like Leviathan lately, which is totally freaky. So,” Mammon, smirking, slammed his hands on the table again, getting him a glare from Asmodeus. “I am taking you out tonight. And be grateful, little brother, your favorite big bro will be paying!” Mammon had an almost satisfied smirk at his declaration, making Asmodeus raise an eyebrow.

“…you didn’t say anything about Lucifer joining as well.” Asmo teases, which merely gets him a glare from Mammon.

“I meant me and you know it!” He hisses, before shaking his head. “That’s beyond the point. Get ready, tonight we are going somewhere, and I will NOT take a no for an answer!” Mammon pointed his finger at Asmodeus, making him sigh yet again, letting his head rest on his palm as his elbow rested on the table, a distant expression in his eyes.

If Mammon had proposed that at least a month ago, Asmodeus would have jumped on the opportunity immediately. It was rare for his brothers to join him, and while he used to have a lot of fun, their presence just made it better. Correction: he thought he had lots of fun. Now…well, he wasn’t so sure. Could that be considered fun? The dancing, the touching, the loud music, the screaming, his skin burning as some stranger pulled him away from the entire night… He didn’t want that again. At least not at the moment. He wasn’t sure if in the future he would be able to go those places again, experience the same euphoria he felt the after falling; but right now he would rather stay where no one could bother him.

He understood Levi a little better now. In his room…he could just be. No other soul to bother his solace, as he could keep digging deeper into those thought that slowly intoxicated and even suffocated him. The feelings of loneliness and that hatred that made its home into the demon’s mind, just kept growing as every day passes…no, ‘days’ was a large stretch, from the moment Asmodeus sat down to this very second, he already had sunk far deeper into the silent desperate pleas the unknown made to him. Asmodeus starred for a second more at Mammon before shaking his head, only for his sight to fall on the table, making his older brother frown. They were worried, and he had thought maybe coercing Asmodeus to go out would cheer him up a bit, it used to be his whole life after all. But now…it seemed like he had just made things worse.

“…I’m tired. I don’t want to leave the house.” He stated, getting up from the table, leaving his glass forgotten, Mammon merely frowned before sighing. There must be a way to make Asmodeus feel better, somehow. “Oh, and Mammon?” Once he looked up, he saw Asmodeus had stopped just in front of the door, his face still turned in the direction of the hallway, only for him to give Mammon a side look as he smiled for what could be the first time in a while. “…it’s you and I, not me and you.”

“…why you little-! If ya have enough energy to make fun of me then ya should use it elsewhere!”

Asmodeus let out a soft chuckle as he walked away from his brother, who had woken up Belphegor and was now facing the consequences of such a deed. Consequences… Was that it? Is that the reason why he was feeling so tormented? Why he no longer could stand the thought of someone setting their eyes upon him? Had he gone so long misbehaving in ways that utterly destroyed his mind and body, but he kept pushing them down on that thin layer of narcissism, and it had finally broken open…Was that it? Was he facing the consequences of all he had put himself through, of everything he forced himself to do? If so, then no wonder his body had started to tense up whenever a memory of a touch slipped his mind. The whisper of a name made him ache. And if the moments ever came to him in dreams, then all he could do was cry himself awake, in a position so still one might mistake him for a corpse, if not for the cries.

Like the one that happened that night. The memories, the cries, the phantom touches, it was all too real. But now, instead of feeling the intense desire he had felt those nights, it all felt like needles poking in his skin, making him regret his mere existence. He could feel the hair pull all too vividly, the bites so harsh he could have sworn if he touched the spot they would be there. He didn’t know when, but he had woken up at some point, and had noticed how his nails were the ones digging on his own skin to the point blood was pouring out. Yet he couldn’t move or do anything about it. All he could do, was keep crying. The nightmares were always like this, they incapacitated him, the only thing he had left, the control over his own body, over his own pain, was taken away. And all that was left was the sobbing mess of a demon. Who could only wonder how had he left himself fall even further.

The worst was…the doubting, the confusion, the wondering. The way no one could explain it to him, the fact that all they did was make him even more confused. Levi and Satan…they could have chosen to just keep quiet, to not answer his question, to ignore him! Belphegor could have kept walking, had he not come inside his room to make such a claim, a claim that now had him wondering and asking himself about everything. They should have just let him stay on that path he had already chosen! He had gotten used to being a demon, he had gotten used to all of it, if they had just kept quiet then he would be back to his normal self now, not caring about that stupid word and what it all meant! He wasn’t supposed to be anything else from just lust, he didn’t need anything else!

The next thing Asmodeus knew, he had barged into Mammon’s room, his older brother looking at him with a startled expression as he had not even bothered to knock. One half serious look at the younger demon’s face told Mammon all he needed to know. His brother wasn’t okay, and he was forcing himself to be. Perhaps it was the way the younger demon looked lost like he had looked that morning on the dining table, or maybe it was that look that screamed for some type of…of catalyst. Perhaps the same one they all expected to be coming soon. Was it now? Mammon could only stay silent as he starred at his brother, not knowing if he should talk or if he should wait for the demon to speak first. After all, he was the one that had barged in, and Mammon could only determine so much from his expression.

“…let’s go.”

“Huh? What-?”

“Let’s go! Now! Just like you said earlier! I changed my mind!” Asmodeus took a few steps towards Mammon, slamming the door behind him. His actions painting a frown on the avatar of greed as he watched his brother closely.

“…you changed your mind?” This was…wrong. Just a few hours ago Asmodeus was more than determined to NOT go out at all. Even to the point where the mere thought and the proposal made him retreat to his room like a scared animal looking for shelter in the middle of a storm.

Then again, perhaps that’s how Asmodeus felt. Like a lost animal who was passing right through the eye of the hurricane. The past few weeks had been the first stage, it was bad, it was bad because it had hit Asmodeus with no warning, it came and hit him with a force Asmodeus had not ever prepared for, stripping him from all the walls he had built around himself to protect the fragility that inhibited in the body of a weak and broken demon. The first stage had just passed. And right now, as Asmodeus glared at Mammon, wearing some party clothes and that pain he could still see in the eyes of his brother, Mammon knew the eye of the storm had just arrived. And with it, the calm…the calm that only announced the arrival of the worst to come. Faster winds that instead of stripping the poor demon from all what he was they were going to make him crumble.

“…no.” They had to be there for Asmo, and he knew this was the last thing Asmodeus needed. Asmodeus had said it before, and although he wasn’t aware what made him change his mind, he was right…He knew that now, and he was seeing just how badly Asmodeus wanted to deny it.

He wanted the Asmodeus they all knew back. The happy brother that was quick to compliment any of them and had no regards for personal space, the one that always had a smile…but that wasn’t Asmodeus. That’s a veil he had put on that was being kept on from the moment he crafted that personality to merely weeks ago, the one who was standing right now in front of him, was not Asmodeus either. It was the shreds from that veil trying to get back to that balance that he had managed to escape from. The real Asmodeus…no one knew him. Not even the demon standing right in front of Mammon. The demon needed to know who he was and understand whatever it was bothering him before he should be allowed to go back out there. And as much as Mammon wanted to keep the peace and wanted his brother to be okay, it would be nothing but cruel, submitting him to the very thing that had broken him in the very first place.  

“…no?” Asmodeus blinked. “Seriously? You are saying no now?! Mammon, I know you like being annoying, but this is going too far!” Asmodeus stomped his feet, he felt like a child throwing a tantrum, almost as if he wasn’t in control of his own words. But here he was, glaring at his older brother as he crossed his arms and glared. How dare he act like he knew what was going on in Asmodeus head and what he needed? What he needed was to go back to who he was and stop with those feelings that had taken root in his being.

“Oi! I’m only trying to help here! I ain’t taking ya there, aight?! I thought it might have helped earlier but giving how you are now I doubt so! Someone could do something to you and you wouldn’t even know what is happening-”

“That’s the point!” Asmodeus shouted, glaring at Mammon worse than before. “That is exactly what I want! What I need! I want to just forget everything and go back to how I was before! I just need to stop all those insane thoughts and go back to the care of the world! S-So! D-Don’t tell me no now!”

“Asmo…listen to me now.” Mammon walked closer to his agitated brother, noticing how desperate and how hurt the younger demon was. It hurt all of them seeing him like this, but if he went out now, as Asmodeus wanted, or as he thought he wanted, it would only make it worse “…what you need, ya ain’t gonna find in a club or anything.”

“Then what is it that I need, then?! If it isn’t to try and go back to my old life…if it isn’t forgetting everything that just happened and try to be who I am supposed to be, then what do I need? What should I do? I am tired of feeling so bad, I don’t want to care about anything else! I just want to go back and forget all of those new feelings! All that Levi and Satan said! I don’t understand it, and the more I try to understand it the less I do! I just want to go back out there, and maybe, just maybe, finally be okay once more.”

Mammon starred at his brother as the pleas and begs left him, eyes closed tightly as the Avatar of Lust held back the tears. It was all wrong, seeing him like this, this desperation rooted inside of him as he didn’t give himself time to think about everything, to think about himself! But…he kind of understood Asmodeus. Back when they all arrived, when they were all scared and didn’t understand anything about themselves, he was so confused and scared of those new desires of his, but he took time to understand them. Asmodeus hadn’t, the moment he recuperated from the fall it was like the angel they had all known once had vanished. But right now, although broken and sad and utterly desperate…he was asking for help, and Mammon was going to be right there for him. Slowly, the demon walked over to his brother, and before Asmodeus could even ask anything else, he was engulfed in a tight hug.

“…Listen, there is lots of stuff that I don’t know, that’s a given, and there are even more that I don’t understand, but I know how you are feeling…how lost you feel. But Asmo, what you need, isn’t out there.”

Asmodeus hesitated, not daring to hug his brother back as he held back tears, hiding his face on the demons neck for a moment. Shaky breaths that Mammon could feel as he hugged him even tighter, hoping that it just might help to keep him together long enough until he was ready to rebuild himself. But the way his younger brother hand suddenly grasped at his shirt, and the way his trembling voice came out…he knew that no matter how tightly he held him, the demon was already crumbling.

“…I s-still don’t understand. I don’t know…I don’t know what I need…” Mammon chuckled a little sadly as he kissed Asmodeus forehead, pulling away and grabbing him by the shoulders.

“Oi, that of course is for someone to truly care about ya. Asmo, ya don’t need people to constantly praise you or to pull you away from the world. You need someone that cares so deeply for you, they are willing to make you happy, someone…someone that understands you, someone that truly **** you”

…again with that word. Asmodeus couldn’t do anything but stare at Mammon for a few seconds, before the dam broke, and the water started spilling from his eyes like nothing could stop it. One would think he had not cried in years by the way he was now sobbing and clinging to his brother. With Levi it was one thing, as well as with Satan, and now with Mammon. They had mentioned such different thing, unique sentiments, yet they had used the exact same word. Was it…that perhaps it was all of those at once? But at the same time neither? And if so, how could Asmo tell which was that he truly needed? Asmo said it was for someone to understand him, but he wasn’t so sure. How could someone else understand him when he couldn’t even understand himself?

“…that’s the exact opposite of what Satan said!” Asmodeus exclaimed, he refused to believe that there could be so many aspects to it all.

“W-well…that’s because he is an idiot, aight?! Just listen to me, I am your bug brother, after all.” Mammon sighed, still embracing Asmodeus. “…Asmo, I know its hard to understand, but you don’t need someone to pass the night with, okay? Its…different, you don’t need something that can vanish and its just superficial. Its meant to be deep and last, and they are supposed to make you feel the best anyone has ever!”

Understanding, playfulness, friendship…all or none, maybe a mix? No…none of them felt quite right. But…what felt right was the fact that he could cry feeling in his brothers arms, just like he had done so a while ago when Belphegor found him. Even if he hated showing anyone this side of his, and even thought his entire being was in a total disarray of concepts and all, it felt right. And he wondered if this was yet another definition for that word. One rooted in the comings of the broken family they were.

Pragma: Commitment, compromise, understanding, long term rooted love. Eros can turn to Pragma with time.

Hello! Here is the next chapter in this little fic of mine! I truly hope you all had enjoyed it even though I think that this one turned out a little different than the last few. But either way, i will once more post the next chapter on Saturday, until then!

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[ryujin-zanba]

Breathless

anything for you beyoncé 😩❤️

Sometimes you wonder if Julian’s plan to reach the Hanged Man’s realm had ulterior motives~

Rating: Explicit Words: 1,300 Tags: Smut, Fluff, Aftercare, Teasing, Flirting, Crying, Choking, Asphyxiation Kink, Praise Kink, Submissive Julian Pairings: Reader x Julian

“Show me where it feels good, baby,” you purr, running your hands up and down Julian’s chest as your nails drag against the skin.

 He responds with a wilting sound, his lips trembling with need as he guides your hands up to his neck.

 “Here~” he lilts, “I need you here, my darling~”

 “I had a feeling,” you smirk, not the least bit surprised that Julian’s weaknesses all seem to end up in this spot.

 His Adam’s apple sinks low in his throat and then bobs up again as you press down with your thumb for a moment or two before letting go.

 “Little bird,” you tut, “this desire to be hurt all the time… don’t you want something more gentle tonight?”

 Though his eyes remain closed, that dogged smile appears, revealing his horsey teeth and warning you that he’s about to say something wry.

 “Alright, alright,” you interrupt him before he can have the satisfaction. Whatever awful, embarrassing line he’s going to pull, you don’t want to hear it.

 All his smugness leaves him the minute your grip tightens around his neck; pressure closing in slowly but surely until the skin is bulging just a little bit between your fingers.

 You hold for a full fifteen seconds, not too tight and not for too long just yet. It’s still enough to have Julian panting softly though, his face a furious red and his eyes a little dewy.

 “T-too gentle,” he criticises, donning a smirk despite the state of him.

 “Too bad,” you say with a harmless sneer as you lean in to kiss him between the eyes. “You’ll get choked ‘til your heart’s content, just have some patience and behave yourself, slut.”

 There wasn’t an ounce of venom or derogation in your tone, but just that word alone has Julian’s cock straining against his undergarments, and you shaking your head at his predictability only has him getting more aroused.

 “Y-yes, my love,” he concedes meekly, “I’ll be a good boy.”

 “Yes, you will,” you purr, leaning down to nip his earlobe as you affix one of his long, stalk-like legs at your hip and grind up against him between his hairy thighs.

 Julian bites his lip to stifle a squeak and nods obediently; fully prepared to just hand himself over to you and let you do as you wish with him.

 You put both hands round his neck again then and close the pressure in a second time, no harder than before but for a little while longer, then again, this time for thirty seconds and with a grip tight enough to leave impressions on his skin that stay for at least ten.

 Julian is fully hard already; it never does take much with him, but his cock will be ignored until you see fit to relieve him.

 Your focus is solely on this right now, tormenting him with such a steady build up and making his impatience grow. That’s the aim of course, but actually Julian is so hungry for you to touch him in any way at all, that you could stop right now and he’d be satisfied just for that little bit of attention.

 “Alright, kitten,” you croon, content with that warm-up and gripping his neck this time like you mean to wring the life out of him.

 Julian’s eyes fill with tears and he squawks almost as piercingly as Malak, but his hands don’t even twitch toward your arms to pull them away.

 You let go after a count of twenty, but with the increased compression it feels a lot longer to Julian, and he’s gasping for breath during the minute’s reprieve you give him; precum staining the front of his underwear.

 “M-more… again,” he huffs, surrendering himself and throwing his arms out to grip the sheets in preparation.

 “Harder or longer?” you ask with a devilish smirk.

 Julian swallows thickly, the impressions sticking around for a good thirty seconds after their initial creation and the ache lingering just as long.

 “Harder,” Julian rasps, assuring that with a firm nod.

 You feel how he goes taut like a bowstring the instant your hands are on his skin now; afraid and anticipating and deliciously aroused, all at the same time.

 He grits his teeth and cants his head back a little in preparation, and a long, groaning sound escapes him as he breathes out through his nose the more your fingers enclose him and cut off his air.

 You can see him edging, and you can’t help it; the temptation is too great, and the satisfaction even greater when, for a split second you let go, see the betrayal on his face at having been denied the full pleasure, and then the shock when you return your grasp just as he attempts to take a breath, preventing him from having it.

 You know the minute he bucks like that he’s about to cum from it, so you keep on squeezing, maintaining the pressure as Julian fights for oxygen, and then he fights you; convulsing in your lap as his eyes roll up into his head and he makes a strangled, yearning sound before — just at the right moment — you release him completely… in more ways than one.

 Cum soaks into his underwear; hot and dark at the front of them, and Julian gasps dramatically, coming down panting and wheezing as his eyes roll forward but offer him no sight when they’re full to the brim with tears.

 “Good boy,” you hush, assuring him he’s not alone and that he’s safe to feel whatever he’s feeling after such an intense orgasm.

 He makes a helpless whimpering sound as he scrubs at his eyes with the back of his wrist and reaches out for you.

 “Good boy, I’m here,” you reassure him, “you’re alright.”

 You gather him into your lap fully then and cuddle him, rubbing his back to aid his breathing while you pull the blanket over and drape it around his shoulders.

 “You’re alright, sweetheart. You did really well,” you continue, kissing his shoulder affectionately as he sags against you, hiccupping.

 “S-sorry,” he sniffles, “I-I’m sorry, I’m not crying because I’m h-hurt.”

 He seems desperate to assure you of that, but you already know that’s not why he’s overwhelmed, and you gently stroke his hair as you tuck the comforter around him more securely and rock him a little.

 “I know, pumpkin. You were so good, you did really well for me, didn’t you?” you praise him in a gentle, loving voice that feels to Julian like being enveloped in warm, steamy water. “My good boy,” you hush, kissing away his tears after leaning back to regard him for a moment.

 Julian hiccups a laugh, smiling through the tears as he sinks into the safe, soothing space you’re creating for him.

 “Do you need anything, little love?” you ask once his crying has dwindled to soft little sniffles and he’s just resting his cheek on your shoulder as you hold him.

 Julian inevitably shakes his head; too insensible to ask for water when it means having to get out of your lap to receive it.

 You’re not insensible though, so you take initiative and gently lay him down, disentangling yourself from him and kissing his forehead.

 “I’ll be right back, little bird,” you smile, stroking his hair out of his face as you admire him for a moment before disappearing to fetch him a drink.

 You might not be able to convince Julian to take a gentle pounding or a night missing masochism, but you can sure as hell have it your way when it comes to aftercare, and to this, Julian wouldn’t protest in the slightest. It’s always worth it.

  In fact, the tenderness that comes after the torture may well be his favourite part…

if you enjoyed this consider buying me a kofi ♡

[partypetes]

TUA Creator’s Bingo: Hazel

Summary: An old friend stops by. Certain people don’t appreciate this.

Pairings/Characters: Klaus Hargreeves, Ben Hargreeves, Five Hargreeves, Hazel

Word Count: 1054

Square Filled: Hazel

Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence, Bentacles

A/N: look i like hazel A LOT as a character but he cant just waltz back in here with no consequences. i was originally going to have dave in here, but someone Just wrote the perfect fic of dave decking hazel and it was too beautiful to top, so i went for the next best thing.

AO3 Link(soon? i dont know how i feel about this one)

Klaus was pretty sure the mansion was empty. He was doing a lot of aimless wandering as he talked to himself and nobody at all for lack of interesting company.

But the universe seemed to realize how bored he was, and how desperate he was for a distraction. Idle hands, and all that.

Now, usually when someone was at the door, it was Grace or Pogo’s job to answer and ward off any unpleasant customers trying to hound the Academy. But Klaus was already in the living room, and when he heard the knock he couldn’t help the way his feet carried him. He wanted a something to do and couldn’t stand to be alone in his room, so dealing with whoever was gracing their front door seemed like a fantastic idea. With any luck, it was someone more interesting than a random fan.

He opened the door with a flourish, “Welcome to Casa De Hargreeves, home of the world’s saddest superh-oly fuck!” He immediately slammed the door and pressed his back up against it after seeing who it was, his heart hammering.

After a moment, there was another patient knock. It rattled him out of some of his shock. “Hey!” The man called, “I’m sorry about the torture, okay? I’ve just gotta talk to your brother and then I’ll go.”

At the mention of brother, Klaus tugged on the ever present feeling in his chest. “Sure, fine! Sure! I’ll get on that!” He shouted, a hysteric edge to his voice. Ben appeared in front of him with a confused frown at being summoned so suddenly, looking like he was mid-chapter in his ever present book.

“..Klaus?” Ben asked slowly, noticing how pale and weird he looked.

“There’s someone at the door for one of my brothers.” Klaus said with a hysteric giggle, then clapped his hand over his mouth as another knock came, his eyes wide. He scrambled away from the door and backed up, trying not to trip over himself. Was he shaking? When did he start shaking?

Ben furrowed his brow and stuck his ghostly head out the door. He must’ve been visible for some reason, because he heard Hazel give an undignified shriek. Most people did that when Ben decided to stick his head through doors unannounced.

“Klaus,” He said, head back inside as he turned to glare at his brother. “Make me corporeal.” With that, he stepped out the door.

Unfortunately for Hazel, Klaus was beginning to have a pretty good grasp on his Ben-related powers. And his powers were more often than not fueled by fear, so. Ben seemed to know what he was talking about like always, and got what he wanted.

“What- who the fuck are you?” He heard a muffled voice ask, “What are you?”

“Klaus’ brother.” Ben replied darkly. There was a moment of silence.

Hazel screamed.

Klaus was stuck to the marble floor, his body freezing as his powers flooded through him and mingled with his ice cold fear. The shouting and threatening from outside was enough to summon Five, at least. He took one look at a terrified Klaus with his vibrant, glowing hands and swore.

Five flung the front door open for both to see an ethereal Ben with his hoodie pulled up, two tentacles suspending his former coworker high up in the air. Ben had a dark, dark look in his eye as they writhed and tightened around the man.

“Five!” Hazel yelled, “Do something, please!”

“Ben!” Five shouted even as he took a step back, because the sight of The Horror in full form was still enough to rattle even the most ruthless of pint-sized assassins. “Drop him!”

“He hurt Klaus.” Ben hissed, his voice… not right, “He tortured Klaus, they tortured him, hours, days--”

“We’re even, Ben! He fixed it!”

Ben’s dark eyes turned on Five, and Five took a sharp breath. “Fixed it?” He replied coolly, “Fixed the hours of trauma and torment a master assassin inflicted on our brother?” He raised his voice, but it wasn’t quite his voice anymore. “On Klaus?”

“Let him down and we’ll- I’ll explain everything.” Five finally gathered himself enough to take a few steps forward. “Come on Ben, this isn’t you.”

“He hurt Klaus.” They snarled.

Hazel was just doing a bunch of pleading and begging, and Five cast a worried, if not somewhat disdainful look at him. “He redeemed himself and he needs a second chance, just like we do.”

“Not for this.” The tentacles tightened a fraction. Hazel stopped making anything more than choked, gasping sounds. They were on a time crunch now. “Never for this.”

“Ben,” Five implored, eyes wide and frantic, “Are- are you helping Klaus right now? Are you really helping?” He looked back towards the sheet-white and glowing blue Klaus, frozen in the doorway. Ben followed his gaze, and then he and Five made eye contact again.

Ben shuddered, casting one last look of pure malice towards Hazel before the tentacles retreated in seconds.

Hazel fell to the ground with an audible thump, and Five winced. He was at least a few yards in the air when Ben dropped him like a sack of bricks.

Striding past Five, Ben wrapped an arm around his fear-frozen brother. Usually it was Klaus initiating all the affection between the brothers, but this was a special occasion where Klaus’s arms were clamped over his ribs in a death grip on himself. Ben had to take the initiative, obviously. He gently jostled Klaus, searching his face intently.

“Klaus. Listen, Klaus, you’re safe, okay?” He said, his voice firm and even, “You’re at the Academy, and I’ll kick Hazel’s ass again if he even steps towards you. You’re safe with me. I won’t let him touch you.”

Klaus sucked in a shuddery breath, and then another, and then another. “Thanks, Benny.” He mumbled, still fixated on Hazel even as Ben gently tried to walk them back towards the stairs. “Thank you. Thanks.”

“Any time.” Ben replied, “Believe me. Any time.”

“Fucking hell.” Five breathed out. “Forget Klaus’ powers, we’re working on yours next.”

“I know what I’m doing.” Ben said ominously, looking over his shoulder. “You weren’t there, Five.” There was a hint of blame in his voice.

“..I know, Ben.” Five sighed. “We’ll fix it, though. We always do.”

[fandomfanfics12]

We Are A Family-part 20

Title: We Are A Family. Pairings: Steve x tony, Peter x Wade, Nat x Clint, Sam x Bucky. Part: 20/? Warnings: swearing, fluff, angst, eventual smut, slowburn. Summary: When Nat comes into the avengers tower with baby Peter Parker, the avengers didn’t know what they were getting themselves into. But now that Peter is here,Steve and Tony both feel protective over him. It doesn’t help that Peter hates everyone other than Steve and tony. But as Steve and tony raise Peter, they start to fall for one another. Will this superfamily work out or will it all turn to hell? A/N: lol here comes the angst train and a half decent plot we’ve all been waiting for. also, time skips will be involved in the next couple parts.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19

Six years tony had been married to Steve, six blissfully happy years. Tony was grateul for his time with Steve and Peter, being able to share a life with them. He watched as Wade and Peter only grew closer with age, their friendship bound those two together for life. Wherever Peter was, Wade was likely somewhere close by. But like all good things, this happy period had to come to an end. Tony hadn’t known when that end would approach, but it seemed to have already arrived. It was Tony’s fault, he and Bruce had created Ultron, it was their fault that all those people died. Tony couldn’t stop blaming himself, he’d lost count of the amount of nightmares Steve had woken him up from. But they weren’t the only nightmares Tony couldn’t escape from.

“Tony?” it was Steve’s voice at the doorway, and Tony knew he should look up from his work, smile at his husband and go home. It was getting pretty late. Yet Tony continued working on the new captain America suit, unable to stop.

“What’s up?” Tony asked, frowning slightly as he tried to concentrate. He could tell Steve was mad, this was the sixteenth night in a row where Steve had found Tony like this.

“enough is enough.” Steve said and Tony jumped at how close he was.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Tony lied and then wondered when had he started lying to Steve? He decided that this little lie was okay, afterall, it was what would save Steve’s life.

“yes you do. You don’t need to keep building me new suits. I don’t need to be surrounded in bubble wrap.” Steve said gently, but Tony could barely hear him. After seeing the image of Steve dead, hearing Steve blame Tony for the deaths of all the avengers, for Peter’s death… Tony couldn’t stop building new suits.

“I have to prevent this, I have to protect you.” Tony mumbled and Steve let out a frustrated sigh.

“Tony you know that Wanda wasn’t showing you the future but merely something that would torment you for the rest of your life.” Steve said it so gently, and Tony almost listened.

“but it could become my future, and I can’t allow that to happen.” Steve groaned.

“Come home with me.” Steve kissed the top of Tony’s head. Tony paused, allowed himself to indulge in the feeling of Steve’s hands on his shoulders, his lips on the top of his head. He allowed himself to drown in the comfort that was his husband. He allowed it for a second.

“I’m going to stay here tonight, can you make sure Peter and Wade get to school alright?” Tony asked and Steve pulled away instantly.

“fine.” His voice was tight and Tony almost winced.

“Thanks.”

“Anything else?”

“Nope.”

“fine.” He listened as Steve walked away and squeezed his eyes shut. he needed to protect Steve, this was the only way.

Steve didn’t know how to stop Tony from working himself so hard. Usually Tony would listen to Steve, usually he’d slow down. It was scaring Peter. Peter who was finding more and more excuses to be around Wade, and less excuses to be at home. Peter was staying over at Wade and Al’s apartment tonight, which is why Steve ended up at Bucky’s door.

“Steve?” Bucky asked and Steve smiled softly.

“Hey Buck.”

“Where’s Tony?” Bucky asked as he let Steve in.

“Working.” Steve admitted and he saw Bucky shake his head.

“Have you told him about your vision yet? The real one?” Steve frowned but shook his head. He had meant to tell Tony, but somehow he had found himself lying.

“What did you see?” Tony mumbled into Steve’s chest. Steve thought about the vision of the titan who was three times as tall as Steve. With pale skin and a deep voice which had rattled Steve’s bones. He thought of the words the titan had spoken of, and it had shaken Steve to his core. Yet he choked on the words when he went to tell Tony.

“I saw Peggy.” Steve lied and Tony looked up at him. So Steve conjured up a lie about Peggy wanting her last dance.

“It’s like every time I try…” Steve trailed off and Bucky nodded his head.

“it’s like you cant get the words out?” Steve squeezed his eyes shut.

“Am I a bad husband?” he asked and Bucky groaned.

“No, you are a good husband. Tony will come around, it will just take time. You can’t blame the guy from trying to protect his husband.” Bucky said and Steve sighed. He just wanted things to go back to the way they were before Ultron. Things were easy then, so simple. So unproblematic.

“then why can’t I tell him the truth? Why was it so easy to tell you, yet I can’t even tell my own

husband

?” Steve wondered and Bucky shrugged. Steve began pacing then, he suddenly found it impossible to sit still. It should be easy to tell tony, tony would listen. He would help.

Or he would spiral like he’s already spiralling, he’d freak out and I’d lose him

. Steve didn’t know what do to anymore, he didn’t know how to fix this.

Peter wished he could just simply go and live with Wade. Things were too tense at home. His dad’s hadn’t exactly admitted to themselves that they were fighting but Peter knew they were fighting. That was why Tony stayed at the workshop all the time and why Steve was always with uncle Bucky. For days this silent war occurred at home, where his dads would speak in harsh whispers and glare at one another over the top of Peter’s head. Peter had been debating telling Aunt May about everything going on at home but had decided not to. So he told Wade. Wade was Peter’s only outlet, his only source of relief. Wade was also Peter’s only friend.

“it’ll blow over.” Wade assured Peter and Peter desperately wanted to believe him. It would be easy to believe Wade, he was so trustworthy and charismatic that everyone believed Wade. Every kid in school wanted to sit next to Peter’s best friend at lunch time. No one wanted to sit next to Peter. Sometimes Peter wondered if Wade pitied Peter and if that was the only reason they were still friends.

“I just don’t want them to break up.” Peter whispered and Wade laughed.

“Your dads are not going to break up Peter.” Wade assured him. Peter studied his brown eyes and his messy brown hair. Usually Wade had his hair trimmed short, but he was trying it long at the moment. Peter felt an urge to run his hands through Wade’s hair but managed to refrain from doing so.

“But what if it happens? So many other kids have parents who are divorced, what if I’m shipped back and forth between the two of them?” Peter asked and Wade pulled Peter into a tight hug.

“Your dads love each other too much to break up. It’s like it’s something from a movie. They’re not going to break up. They’re eternal, just like us.” Peter pulled back and furrowed his brows.

“Like us?” his heart was pounding in his chest and Wade gave him his dopey smile.

“yeah, you and me. Best friends forever.” Best friends.

“Right, best friends forever.” Peter forced a smile and despite himself, felt a little better.

“May is worried.” Steve announced and Tony looked up. This was one of the rare occasions where Tony was home these days.

“Worried?” Tony’s brows furrowed and Steve nodded.

“apparently you’re not as comfortable with me hanging out with Bucky as you’re pretending to be.” Tony shrugged.

“I don’t want to be jealous Steve, but I don’t see you much anymore.”

“because you lock yourself away in your workshop!” Steve shouted and Tony flinched.

“you know why I’m in there. I’m protecting you!”

“I don’t need protection! I need my husband!” Steve sounded so exasperated and Tony could see how exhausted his husband was.

“can we just pause this argument for a second?” Tony asked and Steve nodded. They both took a deep breath and allowed themselves a moment to calm down.

“I just miss you, I never see you anymore and I understand that you’re scared but you don’t need to be.” Steve whispered and Tony sighed.

“I just can’t lose you. But I will cut back, I’ll make sure I spend more time with you. How about we go out once a week?”

“Like a date night?” Steve asked with a raised brow, but Tony could see the corners of his mouth tilting upwards.

“Yes! A date night! Just you and me. Like the old times?” Tony had missed Steve too and he knew that their marriage needed this if it was going to survive.

“Alright, a date night.” Tony relaxed and then crossed the room. He wrapped his arms around Steve and Steve hugged him back. They held onto each other tightly, enjoying each other’s warmth.

“We’ll be okay.” Tony whispered and Steve kissed the top of his head.

“Of course we will, it’s you and me.” Steve sounded so confident but deep in Tony’s gut, there was a flicker of doubt.

[chimswae]

Chapter 18

Foreword:

Some stories are better left unsaid.I couldn’t change anything for the world, although the fame part of this industry is tough to handle.Do i have a life? Yes I have my fans.Do i have friends? Yes the members that I cherish. Do i have love? No I have to let go.Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow. But do i have any tomorrow?

Pairing: Jimin x OC (Other characters: BTS, OCs, Lee Taehwan)

Genre: Idolau, Fluff, Romance

Word Count: 2,890

Author Note: I crosspost this story from my Asianfanfic account. Mind you, clicheness OVERLOADS

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Chapter 18:  Insecurities can be super loud

“Taehwan, marry me”

 He almost choked on his food after hearing such a blunt and ridiculous request from the girl in front of him. What got into that thick head of hers? Was she crazy after all the torment from the medias and Bangtan’s fans?

 “ARE YOU CRAZY? Stop fooling around that is not funny”

 “I am dead serious, marry me” he felt Yeoul’s hard stare on his face penetrating his soul and it mortified him. What on earth was that? Did he hear it right or was him having a bad dream from his nap?

Taehwan eyed the desperate girl with a glint of fear plus anger, it was a stupid request. No matter how much he loved Yeoul, he would never give in to such request. There must be something bothering her and he was about to find out.

 “Listen Na-ssi, I flew all over from Busan to Japan not to hear this crap from you. What is bothering you woman. Tell me right now” crossing his arms, Taehwan leaned back in his seat watching her fidgeting in her seats.

Yeoul seemed disturbed and distorted. He was well aware, she’s under pressure by medias and Bangtan’s fans but that didn’t mean she allowed herself to propose a man like himself to marry her right way. Crazy as it sound, but Yeoul really did it few minutes ago.

 Taehwan almost fell for it. If it weren’t for the thought of Minyeol and Jimin, he would say yes without doubt.

 “I cant do this anymore” Yeoul exhaled a heavy sigh as she facepalmed.

 He kept his mouth shut giving her space to continue “ I…am ruining Bangtan’s life, each of them” her eyes watered.

 “And why do you think that?” he raised one of his eyebrows out of habit.

 As if like a cue, her tear cascaded like a sudden downpour of rain “ They are at the verge of losing their important jobs, some company tried to cut ties with them. There were even riots in front of their office building as a protest and Jimin is losing his fans one by one. It is me to blame, the boys are the victim. It sounded crazy but I don’t want to risk Jimin and the whole group losing the title that they have worked so hard!” she exclaimed with a sob.

 Her body was shaking uncontrollably causing Taehwan to automatically embraced her close to him “Na Yeoul you fool. Stop blaming yourself. Reality sucks I know, but this is life. We cant stop people because we have different heart and intention. As for Bangtan, you are not responsible for everything happen to them. In fact, this situation helped them to see who’s the real people who have their back and who’s not” he caressed her back.

 “Cant you see. Business who backed out from the contract is just another peasant who seek for better opportunity to widen their business. They are being a businessman, it is the life circle. These people will eventually come to seek for Bangtan once everything settled, I bet on it” he shook his head.

 “Speaking of the fans. Those who left are not even real Armys, do you think if you genuinely love a person you will simply leave them over a petty problems like this? Normally what you will do is that to sit down and hear it out from both side. Now, even after Jimin has told everyone everything don’t you think he deserves the chance to be forgiven. Since, the fans have heard it all.. if they still are leaving meaning, their love for Bangtan is not genuine” he tried to comfort Yeoul whom seemed had calm down a little after listening to Taehwan reasonable pep talk.

 Taehwan rubbed the tears that stained her cheeks with a genuine smile “Now come again, why are you proposing to me what it is on your mind?” she mewled suddenly became embarrassed of her sudden outburst.

 “I thought.. by proving to public that I am with someone else that will help to return back his image as it was” she reasoned.

 Humming softly, Taehwan tapped the bridge of her nose “That is silly. The whole world knows he loves you, if you suddenly married to me Jimin will receive harsher critique from public. You don’t want to ruin him don’t you?” the girl frantically shook her head with a sniff.

 “What should I do Tae?” her eyes were full with fear and regret. She wasn’t on he right mind when she said those words to him, now her mind was totally blank. What else could she do to help Jimin?

 “I think Jimin knows what he’s doing. He’s already feeling so down don’t add the pain. He needs you and Minyeol, that’s all he got. Please don’t ever think of trying to propose another man” he frowned and pushed her forehead lightly with his knuckles.

 Her lips twitched into a slight pout “I am sorry, wasn’t in the right mind. Kind of grateful you didn’t say yes, that would be so mess up if you did” she joked.

 “Dream on woman. I am trying to move on please don’t encourage me even further” she chuckled at sulky Taehwan. If it weren’t for Taehwan who kicked the sense back in her, she had zero idea what would happen to her. She kept on repeating the same mistakes all over again. It was about time to learn how to think without involving emotion in it because the outcomes were different.

 It’s definitely wise to mend her emotions before coming out with a solutions just in case it was a vice versa, things could turn out awfully mess up.

 ------------------

 “Appa…” Minyeol tackled his sleeping dad into a hug as he showered Jimin’s face with kisses, “Wakey wakey appa wakey” he urged.

 Jimin crack a wide grin with his eyes still close “Hmmm two minutes baby” he wounded his arm around the boy, pulling him to lay with him together on bed. Minyeol presence here really helped him emotionally to cope with problems that he currently facing. This innocent child was a true miracle for him and Yeoul.

 He was beyond happy that Bang PD really brought Minyeol back in their arms minus the part Taehwan was coming along to accompany Minyeol. No hard feelings but still that guy was crushing on his girl. Jimin was alarmed.

 Nonetheless, thanks to Taehwan again for looking after Yeoul and Minyeol when he wasn’t be able to physically be there for them. Jimin tried to be friendly with him for the sake of Minyeol at least. He knew how his son favored his Taehwan samchon.

 Minyeol squealed in delight as he felt Jimin lips tickle his cheeks “Appa no… Omma said you have to get up in 1, 2 3..” the latter then continued to count but come to an end earlier than he planned when Jimin attacked him with kisses and tickle.

 His laughter echoed in the room but thankfully they got the room to himself not worrying it might  annoy any sleeping souls especially Min Yoongi, if he ever heard something this loud ruining his precious sleep-sleep time.

 Yeoul came out with a bathrobe to be welcomed with Jimin and Minyeol sparring on the bed “I am babysitting two babies, I believe” she chuckled to herself.

 “OMMAAA~~ APPA BITES YEOLLIE TUMTUM” he shrieked adorably.

 Not caring and did not even have any intention to lend her hand for a help, Yeoul only walked pass them to put on her clothes. Her steps came to a halt when Jimin wrapped his hand around her wrist, tugging her down which she ended up sinking in bed together with them.

 “You are not going anywhere” a playful smug played across his lips.

 Minyeol then took the chance of distracted Jimin, straight to Yeoul arm complaining about his tumtum being bitten by his daddy. Chuckling away, Yeoul rubbed his tummy while blowing softly sending the pain away.

 On the other hand, Jimin was lying by his side witnessing this beautiful scene in front of him. He sure had missed a lot of things but seeing how Yeoul handle their son sent butterflies in his own tumtum. Jimin kept on chanting in his head how lucky he was to have Yeoul back in his life. No regrets, happiness started to consume him.

 Feeling his gaze on her, her head perked up to Jimin’s direction after pampering the younger boy “Good morning handsome” she leaned in for a quick smooch on his lips that snapped him out of his trance.

 The corner of his lips pulled into a charming smile. How endearing.

 “Morning , love” his voice brittle in most sexy way most probably because he just woke up.

 “Breakfast in 10 minutes. Jin oppa came few minutes ago, he asked you to come down” tapping his nose softly, she giggled.

 Jimin pouted “Cant we have breakfast on bed instead?” he tucked strand of hair behind her ears with a playful wink.

 “Your breakfast in bed is an unhealthy one not that food kind of breakfast. Now chop chop, stop flirting and shower!” she squished his cheeks together.

 “CHOP CHOP QUICKIE SHOWER!” Minyeol mimicked his mother with a happy clap.

 Pulling Minyeol into a tight hug, he rubbed their face together “Lets shower stinky boy” Yeoul watched their figure disappeared behind the door and quickly changed into a comfortable outfit.

 She promised to bring Minyeol to sightseeing with Taehwan today while Jimin insisted to tag along, Yeoul turned down his offer without mercy. He must join their concert rehearsal since Sapporo would be their very last stop before taking a break from touring.

 Not long after, there came a frantic knock at the door. Yeoul tilted her head in confusion and quickly opened the door only to be greeted by a panic Jungkook. He was out of breath, did he actually run to reach here? She thought their room was at the same level but different at different wings.

 Dropping the formality between them, Jungkook wasted no time to ask her a favor “Yeoul! Do you know how to do a first aid?” his already round eyes widened even more.

 “Mmm..kind of? But depends on the situation. What is wrong Kkuk? Did someone get hurt?”

 The younger boy blurted “Namjoon hyung! He stubbed his toes on one of the chairs. Sejin hyung was out with Jin hyung so Hobi hyung and I have no idea what to do. Please help us” his lips was subconsciously curled up into a slight pout.

 Yeoul gasped “Oh my god that is bad! Lets go!” she closed the door behind her and mindlessly followed Jungkook to the east.

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

 “OWWWW JUNG FRIGGIN HOSEOK THAT HURTS LIKE HELL. FUCK” Namjoon cussed in English which seemed foreign to Hope’s ears, but he understood the last part and quickly removed his hand from damaging their leader’s toes.

 “I am sorry. I googled this and they said to press it like this” he blinked innocently.

 “YAH! THAT IS FOR SPRAINED ANKLE! NOT FOR THIS” he continued to hiss in pain. Gritting his teeth together, Namjoon clutched his pain trying to calm down his nerve. Why was he so clumsy?

 Both Jungkook and Yeoul strutted inside the room with a panic look, Namjoon heaved a relief sigh upon seeing Yeoul. Finally someone that he could trust.

”Thank god you came! One more minute, Hope unprofessional treatment will cost me life” he whined like a little kid. Hoseok decided to sulk at the corner while glaring at Namjoon’s way, feeling unappreciated.

 Yeoul shook her head with an apologetic smile “ It is alright oppa, Hobi oppa tried to help you even though it is a little too much for him” she shot Hoseok a     quick wink causing the older boy to pout even more.

 “Okay let me fix this” she knelt down before Namjoon, propping his injured legs up on a stack of pillows with Jungkook’s help. She carefully examined the injured toe to find any broken or misplaced nail. As if in cue, Namjoon whine got louder and she assumed he probably had a fracture or sprain in his toe and foot.

 “Oppa, I think you need to see doctor. While waiting for you to be transferred there, I will disinfect this cut first” He only nodded as his teeth ground together trying to withstand the pain.

 Yeoul turned to Jungkook “Kkuk can you call your manager oppa and let him know Namjoon oppa needs to see doctor?”

 “Alright I will give hyung a call again”

 As soon as she noticed the abrasions on his toes, she requested Hoseok to assist her in getting materials that she needed to disinfect Namjoon’s cut. Hoseok watched Yeoul gently cleaned the toes with soap and warm water. After making sure it is all cleaned, she dried his toe carefully not to hurt Namjoon with a clean cloth, and applying anti-bacterial cream onto it before wrapping it up with a clean bandage.

 “Now stay still until your manager come to get your injury checked” she patted his knees with a warm smile.

 “Thank you Yeoul-ah…” ruffling her hair softly, Yeoul arose to her feet and his ears were greeted with Jimin and Minyeol voice. Maknae must have told him about Namjoon, considering that they were here already.

 -------------------

 “It is really okay you don’t need to push yourself”

“But it is our last concert”

 “Yes it is, so what? Do you want to be it the last concert in your life or the last concert of our Wings Tour”

 “That sounds harsher!”

 “SO LISTEN TO ME! Stop moving around, you can just sit a the back and rap your line”

 “You are not doctor I am not listening to you”

 “KIM NAMJOON!”

 “KIM SEOKJIN”

 Yeoul slipped between the two breaking their staring game “Guys seriously, this is no time to fight. You have to be on stage in few minutes” Jin scoffed, rolling his eyes in annoyance. He was pissed off how stubborn Namjoon could be no matter how hard he tried to nail that brain of his, he just loved to talk back.

 “And you…You are not allowed to move around, the doctor said your foot need rest. Don’t blame Jin oppa, he is worried of you” she patted his shoulder with a concern look.

 Namjoon sighed “I know, but I don’t want to disappoint Armys”

 “You wont! In fact, they are proud of you” she cut him off.

 “How I wish Yeoul is Bangtan’s 7th member instead, tsk tsk Rap Monster behave now will you?” he poked his long finger on his forehead. She diverted her attention to Jimin whom already in his full makeup walking towards her with a cute smile.

 “Baby do I look okay?” pressing his lips together, he blinked cutely.

 “When was the last time you look ugly? You are dashing Jiminie” she soothed his collar and moved her finger to stroke the strand of his hair.

 “Now you are all ready! Go rock your last stage. Minyeol and I will be watching you from the audience seat” she whispered softly.

 He frowned “Will you be okay? To sit in such a huge crowd?”

 “Taehwan will be there so don’t worry. Do what you are best at, and we will enjoy your concert” Jimin wounded his arm around Yeoul small body, recharging himself before the concert starts. Whistles could be heard from every corner from the staffs and of course Sonyeodan boys teasing the lovebirds who seemed not to care with people surround them.

  ---------------

 Bangtan’s final concert in Sapporo went pretty well and it was finally the time to bid farewell to Armys embarking their last Wings Tour after months traveling around the globe. Overwhelmed by the response, the members stood still in the middle of the stage gazing every corner of arena. They had achieved so much to reach here together.

 They could feel their eyes watered to watch happy faces everywhere who enjoyed music that they created. They wished to come back with a stronger music and image. They promised to stay together until the end with Armys.

After each of the members bid their farewell individually, they were set to leave the stage but to their surprise someone ran up to the stage. The boys looked baffled since they assumed it was one of the floor managers, but she was charging to Jimin’s direction instead.

 Mortified, they could see securities running from different direction towards the stage. What on earth just happened? Fans in the arena were buzzing in curiosity as they tried to get a better view of the mystery girl on stage.

 SMACK!

 Jimin could feel his cheeks sting from the sudden attack, not once but twice.

 “JIMIN!” Seokjin screamed in agony.

 “WHAT THE HELL” Yoongi cussed as he quickly pulled Jimin behind him and eyed the girl dangerously close with anger.

 “WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?” he scowled. Other members reached confused Jimin, making sure he was protected and not being harassed even further.

 “Tae ah! Lets head to backstage! What just happened?” Yeoul stood in her seat and picked Minyeol up. The three of them squished between the crowd who seemed as confused as them and making their way to the backstage.

Previous | Next

This work belongs to  Chimswae © 2019. All Rights Reserved

[imaginesfordayss]

If I had a 100 years.

Summary: Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time Word count: 1842 Warnings: Angst, sad things bc Kai cant catch a break

*I saw a trailer for a movie that was very sad and cute and it had a quote in it that made me immediately want to write this* (anyway here I am 5 months later finishing it)

Diagnosis: Stage 4 pancreatic cancer

In other words, you were screwed and everybody knew it. In the days after getting the results back, you wondered if you should have taken Damon up on his offer to turn into a vampire way back when, of course now it wouldn’t do any good.

You knew they pitied you, the way Elena’s sad eyes followed you around the Salvatore house when you had the energy to leave bed. The truth was, you weren’t scared to die. You were scared that you hadn’t done enough, hadn’t lived. Hadn’t loved.

___________

If I had a 100 years we could travel the world. Italy Paris Japan We could go anywhere

____________

“Yum, cupcakes!” The unfamiliar voice exclaimed behind you successfully causing the half iced chocolate cupcake to fall out of your fingers and onto your shoes.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” You groaned, staring at the mess. You ignored the intruder, grabbing napkins to wipe off the goop on your now ruined shoes. You heard someone clear their throat, now irritated you turned to said intruder. “Did you need something?”

“Jeez, what does a guy have to do around here to get some attention?” He joked. You rolled your eyes turning back around to dispose the dirtied napkins into the trash. The approaching foot steps indicated that this guy clearly did not get the hint, turning back towards him you were again surprised to find him now mere inches away from you. He didn’t speak, opting to stare with an arrogant smirk on his face.

“Again, need something?”

“Oh sorry, manners, I’m Kai.” He held his hand out, yet again receiving no response from you. Subconsciously, you were definitely attracted to him but at the moment, you wanted nothing to do with him or his cheery attitude. You wanted to be alone.

_____________

If I had a 100 years we could start a family A girl Maybe a boy We could have the white picket fence   And grow old by each other’s side

____________

“There she is! The moody one.” His voice rung out, aggravating the already pulsing migraine you had going. You kept your hand over your eyes blocking out the light in the room hoping that if you ignored him, he’d just go away. Now if you had asked Damon, you would have known Kai doesn’t just go away. You did, however, learn a bit about Kai after his last visit and yet, somehow you weren’t afraid of him. “Tell me something, you’re human right? Why do you live in a house full of vamps?”

“Don’t you have other people to torment?”

“She speaks!” He stared at him through narrowed eyes. “As much as I enjoy making your friend’s lives hell, you’re more interesting. In that dark and broody kind of way.”

“Yeah well cancer will do that to you.” When you looked up again, his brow was furrowed and the way he looked at you, it almost made you laugh. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to feel bad for me, they already do enough of that when you’re not here.” He didn’t reply instead walking over to the couch to sit across from you. It was quiet for a while, uncharacteristic for Kai but you didn’t mind it, the quiet gave you a chance to let your head stop aching.

“Don’t they have like, treatment for that?” He spoke quietly, the gentleness in his voice surprised you, if anything you expected him to have stabbed you in the stomach by now, at least that’s the impression you got from anyone who’d spoken about him.

“We tried a lot of things, it’s, i’m a lost cause.”

_____________

If I had 100 years we could have a story worth telling Go on adventures Be spontaneous Be reckless and in love We could do anything and everything

______________

It’s not like you expected him to stick around, but he did. It was strange how quickly Kai changed after you told him you were sick. Frankly you weren’t sure why he cared at all but he showed up increasingly more over the weeks. And over the same course of time, you felt your body continue to rot away.

You didn’t bother to go to the doctors appointments anymore, opting to lounge around the living room with Kai instead. He was good company when he wasn’t trying to murder people. You taught him all about modern technology and daily movie binges kept him up to speed with today's pop culture.

You kept your sickness away from him, leaving the room whenever you noticed blood on your hands after sneezing or the sudden tiredness in your bones for no apparent reason. You didn’t want him to treat you like a sick girl. But sometimes, you couldn’t help it.

“Kai, you know I can’t do that.”

“Come on, I’ll make sure you don’t fall. Come on, it’ll be fun.” You gave in eventually unable to resist his boyish charm. He took your fragile hand in his, lifting you up until he was sure you could stand on your own two feet. He walked away from you, turning back and holding his arms out. “Okay so you just run and jump and I’ll lift you up.”

“If you drop me, I’ll burn your dirty dancing dvd, Kai.” He laughed urging you to run forward. For a moment, you almost thought you could do it, it was a split second before you jumped and then your vision blurred and you found yourself moving down instead of up. You heard him calling your name but all you could do was fade out.

You woke sometime later in your own bed, an anxious Kai sitting beside you vigorously running his hand through his hair. He noticed your staring, automatically pulling you towards him.

“I’m sorry.” He breathed into your hair, you could swear you heard his voice shaking as he said it.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m just, not as capable as I used to be.” Kai pulled away putting his hands on either side of your face lifting your chin to look at you. You searched his eyes waiting for him to say something.

Instead, he closed the gap between you, pressing his mouth lightly over yours.

____________

If I had a 100 years I could learn every little thing about you How you like your coffee Which side of the bed you prefer Hell, even your favorite color I’d want to know it all

____________

You weren’t sure when or how it had even happened, one day Kai was only a person in your life and the next he was the only person you wanted in your life.

Maybe that was the worst part, he was just starting his new life while you were nearing the end of yours. You were afraid of leaving him behind. You were angry that there was this entire live you wanted to live and you couldn’t have it. Not like Elena and Damon.

“If you could do anything, what would you do?” You asked him, resting your head on his chest listening to the steady beats of his heart. He was quiet for a long while, you thought he may have actually fallen asleep but when you stared up at him, you found his watery eyes glued to you.

“I would heal you.”

____________

If I had a 100 years I could map out every inch of you I’d know the exact shade of your eyes Every scar and how you got it Every freckle that dots your skin The best places to kiss you

_____________

You couldn’t remember the last time you laughed like this, or the last time you felt this alive. Kai watched you from across the dimly lit bar, your smile motivating him to keep going. He knew he was awful at karaoke but anything to see that smile, it was worth it.

He made it back to your table, wrapping an arm over your shoulder and brushing his lips against your temple. “Wasn’t that the best singing you’ve ever heard?” You smacked his shoulder holding in another fit of laughter at the sight of him prancing around the stage in an off pitch rendition of ‘Don’t go breaking my heart’.

“Yeah definitely, the best. Kai, are you sure you’re not tone deaf?” You joked. You watched others go on stage and give it a try, Kai occasionally making fun of the awful song choices beside you. You closed your eyes, taking in the moment, feeling the warmth and happiness surge through your body.

You didn’t realize this was what they meant when they talked about the last ‘good’ day.

____________

If I had a 100 years I could show you who I am What I love What I hate All my stories All my dreams

_____________

You smiled at his teary eyed face. You’d never seen him this way before, hell, you weren’t even sure it was possible. Kai holds you in his arms, his fingers lightly tracing your face, brushing over your lips and down your chin. You can see he’s holding back, he’ll wait to fall apart when you can’t see him. Truth be told you were never supposed to love him but loving him had become the best part of your life, the most bearable part of it all. It’s like when you looked at him the stars aligned, when you kissed him, you hardly noticed the burning sensation that pervaded your body.

“Maybe there’s a way, I’m a gemini, maybe I can, a spell or something-” You lifted a hand to his face silencing his rambling. There was no use in hypotheticals.

“You remember when we met?”

“I remember the cupcakes, I was on my way there to kill all of you..but I couldn’t do it.” You mustered up a smile at the thought. He was so different then, all sarcasm and anger. You saw good in him, something light that he himself hadn’t realized was there.

“I think maybe, you should have. It would be easier than saying goodbye to you.” You heard the sharp inhale from beside him, looking away to let him compose himself. You weren’t even sure how you were holding it together. Maybe for him, maybe because the searing pain in your lungs kept you from crying. You were tired, you were so tired.

“I don’t want to say goodbye to you. I want more time.”

“I wish I had a 100 years…. a 100 years I could give to you, Kai.” He leans down, laying his head in the crook of your neck, inhaling the familiar scent of you. You run your hand through his hair until the drowsiness takes over, you let your eyes fall shut to the sound of Kai’s unsteady breath beside you.

_____________

If I had a 100 years I would love you The way that you deserved to be loved And I would find every possible way in the universe To make sure you knew it

_

[pilindiel]

The Promise of the World Pt. 3 |AO3|

Pairing: Victuuri

Rating: T

Word Count: 3697

Excerpt:

After a certain point it stops being disgusting and starts being a determination.  Yuuri doesn't care how pruned his fingers are or how blistered his hands get.  The ache in his arms and legs don't matter when the musty smell starts to fade and the grime in the wood grain gets brushed out with scalding, soapy water.

Hours pass.  The sun outside rises high and shadows grow stout and short before nearly disappearing, and Yuuri is just getting started.

The task before him is daunting, but Yuuri spent the majority of the morning after breakfast deciding where to begin.  Yurio sits in a corner by the fire, pretending to pour his attention into a large, leather-bond book that barely covers his knobby knees, but Yuuri can feel his and Christophe's eyes on him as he surveys the mess before them.

They're probably just as concerned as he is where he should start.  God knows it's not going to be easy.

He hasn't dealt with worse, but cleaning is something Yuuri knows he's good at, and he takes a breath.

Yuuri turns, broom in hand, and stomps over to the window.  It's been beaten down and weathered, dark paint peeling along the frame and the stool, and Yuuri grimaces.  Still, a little bit of fresh air may make things more palatable, and with a grunt he manages to dislodge the rusted lock.  The window whines in protest as he shoves it open, but the gust of air is welcomed and Yuuri tries to ignore the myriad of dead spiders and bugs that float down from the glass.

Even with the windows wide open and the warm, sea breeze billowing through the curtains, the dust sticks. It's coated every inch of furniture and the deeper Yuuri digs, the more appalled he gets.  

The sheer amount of trash that Yuuri finds is sickening.  Old food is almost a relief compared to the absolute crap he's found.  There are discarded jackets, torn through with all manner of cuts and burns, left in long shreds over a chair.  He finds unmarked pages of parchment in a heavy, leaded box with a crusted over lock.  A shoe, clearly discarded and moth eaten, is under the sink.  There are boxes of prunes, half full of dust and unrecognizable spheres that tumble out of a drawer when Yuuri opens it.

He wonders, after throwing several things down the stairs of the entryway, whether any of this stuff is actually worth keeping.  The parchment seems useful, but as Yuuri starts setting the fourth lonely shoe aside, he decides that none of it can be this important.

The books he finds are nestled comfortably in a shelf by the stairs and several stacks of paper are slipped into drawers, but everything else goes.

After a certain point it stops being disgusting and starts being a determination.  Yuuri doesn't care how pruned his fingers are or how blistered his hands get.  The ache in his arms and legs don't matter when the musty smell starts to fade and the grime in the wood grain gets brushed out with scalding, soapy water.

Hours pass.  The sun outside rises high and shadows grow stout and short before nearly disappearing, and Yuuri is just getting started.

It almost becomes automatic.  He sections off the first floor in his mind: kitchen, dining room, bookcase, fireplace.  The sink gets cleared.  The laundry gets washed.  Trash is thrown.  Yuuri curses for what feels like the millionth time, voice clipped and rough as he rubs a stubborn spot in the floor.

Slowly, surely, the smell fades.

Either that or Yuuri has gotten so used to it that his nostrils are forever burned, but he takes it as a good sign.

When he sees the grain of the wood, polished and sparkling and free of gunk, he feels a little more relaxed.

Victor's castle, he realizes, is actually quite beautiful when you can actually see it.

The light from the window shines a lot more brightly when not smeared with dust and the stone walls, though mostly bare, are warm and inviting.  The floor glitters when polished and Yuuri is surprised to find how soft the whole place looks now. Magical, but in a simple way.  Like how you can feel a cool breeze kiss your cheek on an early morning.

Yuuri shifts his attention with a gentle hum to the fireplace, hefting a roll of muslin in his arms.

Christophe splutters, tiny tendrils clinging to a single, half-eaten log.  “I'm going out, Yuuri!” he whines, “Get some firewood, quick!”

Yuuri tries not to roll his eyes as he lays down the fabric, grabbing a pair of fire tongs in his gnarled hands.  Adding this on top of the scandalized gasps he received from his audience throughout the course of the day, he figured this would be the least of everyone's problems.  Shouldn't they be congratulating him?  Didn't they see the garbage he had to clean? Why was everyone in this household so dramatic?

“You'll be fine,” Yuuri says, tenderly picking Christophe's log with his tools, “I'm just cleaning out the ashes.”

“No I'm not fine!” the fire coughs petulantly, tiny arms flailing as Yuuri sets him aside, “Please, please Yuuri.”

With a sigh, Yuuri hefts the iron ash shovel in his hands, using its long pole to scrape the mountainous pile of ashes into the waiting arms of the cloth on the floor.  It chokes the air as it falls, sticking to the inside of Yuuri's throat, but he toughs through his violent coughs, ignoring Christophe's feeble protests as he continues his task.

“Calm down,” Yuuri tuts as he ties the fabric off and drags it over his shoulder, “I'll be right back.”  Yuuri's stumpy legs feel every step as he trudges down the small set of stairs and his back creaks when he dumps the ashes unceremoniously with the rest of the rubbish on the other side of the door.

He pauses a moment outside the castle to breathe.  The ocean air is warm but not overpowering, and the gentle wind rustles his gray hairs.  He can tell the market is bustling still – the smell of fish is rank through the street and he can hear distant, jovial chatter.  It's comforting.  Homely.

Yuuri's throat tightens and he blinks rapidly.  For a second it sits heavy in his chest, coils around his lungs and threatens to topple him to the cobbles.  

He swallows hard, sniffs, and wipes the sweat off his brow.

Later, Yuuri.  You still have work to do.

When Yuuri tromps back up the stairs, his quite certain his heart stutters to a stop.

Victor, smile warm and soft, is standing before the fire in all his glory.  His blond hair, more visible in the sunlight, practically sparkles as he turns.  Victor's eyes meet Yuuri's without hesitation and the hatter has no time to avert them.

Yuuri wonders if his gasp is as loud as it feels escaping his chest.

“I'd appreciate if you didn't torment my friend,” Victor says with a small chuckle, stepping closer into Yuuri's space.  Christophe hums in agreement, but all Yuuri can muster is a curt nod, eyes scanning Victor's face.

His neck burns and Yuuri is certain it's not from the work of his cleaning expedition.  Victor is so close Yuuri can see the crinkle in the corner of his eyes as he smiles, the different shades of blue.  Yuuri wants to bask in it. Drown in it.  He feels the breath leave his lungs and grabs the back of the chair by the fire to steady himself.

Christophe makes a snide comment, though whether it's related to the cleaning or Yuuri's reactions he isn't sure – he cant hear anything over the thudding of his heart. All he is sure of is the puff of smoke suddenly in the air and the way it sticks like tar in his lungs.

Yuuri's eyes blur and he cant stop the hacking of his lungs; the stuttered intake of breath and the rough coughing that ensues.  Victor is no better off – and his breathes come in sharp gasps as he coughs and grips the back of the chair by the fireplace in support.

Yuuri's not sure what prompts it: what makes the question bubble up before he can stop it.  He's not sure whether it's seeing Victor's carefully held composure fall or his own underlying need to tease someone who clearly isn't as inhuman as he's seemed, but he can't help it.  “Is everyone around you this dramatic?” Yuuri wheezes, wiping tears from his eyes.  The smile he gets in response is better than anything Yuuri could have expected.

It pulls at Victor's lips, lights up his face, and he's so close Yuuri can pin-point the exact place the gradient in his eyes change from dark to light blue.  “Only if they live with me,” Victor replies, trying to clear his throat.  Yuuri smiles back and tries not to think too hard about the rapid beating of his heart.

“Well, I better step up my game if I'm going to fit in,” Yuuri responds.

Victor's expression softens and Yuuri's gaze flies down to their hands, barely centimeters apart on the back of the chair.  The wood does little to hold him steady, and Yuuri is certain he'll tumble to the ground if so much as the wind passes between them.  Victor's slender pinkie pokes Yuuri's thumb and Yuuri swears he must have shocked him with some sort of magic to get his heart to speed up that fast.  Yuuri can't stop staring at the way words form so perfectly around Victor's lips, the way his mouth almost forms a heart. “I think you're fitting in just fine.”

Yuuri wonders, momentarily, what it would be like to lean forward, to get further into Victor's space and bask in the sunlight he seems to radiate, but he stills.  Holds. Waits for Victor to move.

Yuuri tries to swallow and Victor follows the bobbing of his Adam's Apple with his eyes before dragging them back up to Yuuri's face.

The clomp of feet on the stairs startles both of them and Victor steps back, pulling his coat more securely around his shoulder.  Yurio takes the steps two at a time as he clambers down the stairs, smile alight.

“Victor, I just finished this one,” he says triumphantly, holding up a frayed, red leather-bound book, “Where's the next?”  Victor's smile is there but Yuuri notices there's no pinch to the corner of his eyes, no light to his gaze. Still, the wizard waves his hand and another volume floats off the shelf, this one doted with purples and golds.  Yurio grins and bounds over to it, plucking it out of the air with ease and treasuring it close to his chest.

Victor, however, heads towards the door.

“Leaving already?” Christophe wonders and Yuuri definitely catches the concern in his voice when Victor turns the knob.  The darkness is deep, all-encompassing.  A shiver crawls up Yuuri's spine as he stares out, the hairs rising on the back of his neck.

“Make sure our housekeeper doesn't get carried away while I'm gone,” Victor says over his shoulder before stepping out into the void.  The door closes behind him with a deafening clunk and the three of them are left in silence.

Yurio's eye-roll is so exaggerated it's almost audible.  “Yuuri,” he complains, “What did you do now?”

“Oh simple,” Christophe says with a sigh, adding to the theatrics, “I was almost smothered to death, subsequently killing Victor in the process.”

Yuuri lifts his chin, lips pressed in a thin line.  “You're fine,” he replies hotly, picking up his discarded broom, “Now quit bothering me.  I've got work to do.”

He begins to ascend the stairs, only to be stopped by a shaky grip on the back of his shirt.  Yurio, flushed and wide-eyed, stares up at him.

“W-Wait!” he blurts out, “You cant go up there!”

Yuuri can't stop his grin or the way one of his eyebrows quirks.  “Whatever you don't want me to clean, better hide it now.”

Yurio pales, glances up at the darkness above, then frantically crawls up the steps, slipping on the third before gaining momentum.  “Save my room for last!” he shouts. Yuuri waits a moment, for the inevitable frantic slamming of a door, before finally letting out a laugh.  Honestly, these little outbursts must be giving him some energy because he feels much lighter than before.

He still takes the stairs slowly, the creaks echoing softly through the castle.

When he finally reaches the landing and gets a better view of the hallway, he can't stop the pinching of his brow.  It's like the first floor all over again, dust and grime and foul odors burning his nose.  The only window he can see is far too high up to open and Yuuri rubs his temples.

Well, this is going to be a pain.

He jiggles the closest door, knob brassy and warm to the touch, and Yuuri's not sure what knocks him back more – the colors or the smell.

The humid air hits him in a wall, steam rolling out of the room endlessly.  Yuuri's glasses fog immediately and he glowers as he takes a step back, batting the blur away from his sight.

Yuuri crinkles his nose when his eyes finally adjust.  Ah, he thinks, The bathroom. It's much brighter in the bathroom than the hall, but it is in almost a worse state than the rest of the house.  Water drips slowly from the faucet, leaving a terrible ring of rust around the drain of the sink and there are discarded towels and bowls all over the ground, but Yuuri could almost deal with that if it weren't for the...paint?  The stains that decorate the walls are far too vibrant and colourful to be normal, and for a moment Yuuri wonders if he'll break some sort of spell if he so much as steps inside.  Splatters of green, pink, blue and orange litter the walls, the sink, the toilet, the tub.  

Dear God, the tub.

It's still full of steaming murky water, perfume bottles and oils strewn along the edges.  In fact, unmarked bottles and bath salts are spilled over the floor and, of course, there are books piled here too, on a lone stool by the sorry excuse for a toilet.  The smell is at least welcomed – overly sweet, overly flowery, with a headiness that makes Yuuri a little dizzy – but Yuuri is more sympathetic to it than the dry, sooty smell he's been dealing with all day.

With a huff he stomps over to the window and shoves it open, marveling as the wind blows him back.  His hair is a frantic mess and when the steam clears once more from his frames, he's in awe.  The castle clanks and shakes, metal clanging and banging relentlessly, and for the first time since he got here Yuuri seems to realize:

He is in a castle.  He is in a castle that moves.  He is staying in a castle that moves and is full of magic that no normal person has ever been able to witness before.

Giddy, childlike excitement floods through his veins and Yuuri turns, yelling down the stairs.  “Chris! Christophe!”  He feels breathless and he takes the first couple of steps, stooping down to stare at the fire through the gaps in the railing.  “Are you the one moving the castle?”

Christophe smirks, hazel eyes alight. “So you've finally realized it?”

Yuuri can't still his enthusiasm, practically bouncing in place.  “I am thoroughly impressed!  You're a first class fire-demon, I like your spark!”  Yuuri winks, but he's certain he sees the tiniest bit of blue rise to Christophe's cheeks before he disappears.

Yuuri trudges up the stairs as fast as his stocky legs can carry him, all the way up the second set to the top floor.  He wrestles with the door outside, ignoring Yurio's surprised shriek, and smiles as the gust of wind rustles his clothes. He steps out onto the balcony and leans over the railing, letting the wooded air engulf him.

The mountains were always this distant backdrop to his hometown.  A looming, silent protector of his little city and their little lives.  Isolating, but in a comforting way – like a parent or guardian who wants to defend their loved ones from the outside world.  

It's different being this close, where the snow on their peaks isn't just a smattering of colour, but a very clear distinction of rock and trees, shades and hues.  There are trees all around, something Yuuri wasn't expecting.  It's not heavily forested, but they are sturdy and tall – spruces that bring a faint piney scent and make the ache in Yuuri's bones a little more bearable.  The short grasses have small sprouts of yellow and white flowers and in the distance, reflecting it all, is a lake that takes Yuuri's breath away.

The water is undisturbed like glass, like a painting, covered with shades of the deepest, clearest blue Yuuri has ever seen.  It stretches on for miles, endless and elegant, and Yuuri looks wistfully on, wondering where the far distant shore ends.

Yurio joins him at the railing after a moment, pudgy arms crossed.

“It's beautiful,” Yuuri sighs, despite beautiful barely scraping the surface of what he feels.

Yurio doesn't take the opportunity to be petulant for once and instead he nods solemnly.  “It's called Star Lake.”  Before Yuuri can ask more, a banging startles both of them and Yurio leans over the railing to get a better look.

“Hey, what's that stick doing in there?” he wonders.  Yuuri catches sight of long, brightly colored wood and sighs.

“Help me with this, Yurio,” he requests, reaching out to wrap his crooked fingers around the branch. Yurio nods and holds on and Yuuri sucks in a breath and pulls. The clothes pop up first as they start to wiggle the stick free and they're just as Yuuri remembers: light blue sparkling along long white sleeves with a dark blue scarf and a top hat that sits lopsidedly against a tan, knobby covered face.  One of the growths gets stuck along one of the sides of the hole he's found himself in, but Yuuri shifts his weight and maneuvers him safely out, seeing those dark eyes and that painted on, borderline mischievous, smile.

“It's a scarecrow,” Yurio exclaims, making a face, “His head looks like a ginger root.”

“Yep,” Yuuri murmurs, wiping his sweating hands on his pants after they set the stick down, “He always seems to get stuck upside down.”

With a flourish the scarecrow jumps, spinning happily in place on one of the castle's many mechanical appendages.

Yuuri and Yurio watch him for a moment before Yuuri rubs the back of his neck.  “He keeps following me everywhere.  Seems to have taken a liking to me.”

Yurio eyes him suspiciously, his hum uncertain but teasing.  “Are you sure you're not a wizard, Yuuri?”

The hatter turns to his companion and waggles his eyebrows.  “Oh yes,” he says, voice gravely and menacing.  He leans down and grins maliciously as the corners of Yurio's mouth twitches, “I'm the worst kind of wizard ever, the kind that cleans.”  He pokes Yurio in the stomach and the laughter that bubbles between the two of them is light. Pleasant.

When the castle slows to a stop, Yuuri uses it as a perfect opportunity to air out the piles of laundry he accumulated in his endeavor, roping in his two companions to help while he sets things up for a quick lunch.

The scarecrow, affectionately named 'Root', stands proudly on top of the castle's nose, sequined arms glittering in the sun as he holds four lines of laundry in his stiff arms.

Yuuri and Yurio drag out a table and sit by the lake, enjoying the chirp of birds and the gentle lapping of the water against the banks as they nibble on spiced sausage and warm, sourdough bread.

Yuuri can't stop staring at the vastness of the lake as they sit, at the distant clouds and the crisp air.  At the splatter of tiny flowers at his feet and the beauty of the landscape.  He sinks into his chair, letting the mug of tea in his hands spread warmth through his skin, and lets his mind wander.  

“I think he likes doing the laundry,” Yurio comments, looking back up at the scarecrow.

Yuuri hums, barely listening.  “I bet he'll have it dry in no time.”

“I bet he's some sort of demon,” Yurio pipes up again, with the singular attention only a child can have, “Christophe doesn't seem to mind him at all.”

“You're right, he probably is a demon,” Yuuri mumbles, feeling a smile tug at his lips, “But he lead me here, so maybe he's the good kind.”

After several moments of silence Yurio leaves him to his tea, and Yuuri sits quietly, watching the breeze flutter the reflections of the water.

It makes things a little easier, a little more heartening.  If he wasn't cursed, he would have never left his home.  Would have never seen this beautiful castle or this beautiful lake.  He would have never felt this peace.

Then again the monotony was safe, familiar.  He would have never had to feel this peace, because he wouldn't have needed the reprieve.

It stirs in him heavily, sits in his chest and coils around his lungs, suffocating him.  He wants to solve Victor's problems, but he knows he can't.  He wants to fix his own curse, but he knows he can't.  

He wants to go home, but he knows he can't.  

Yuuri leans back hard against the wood of the chair, chest tight.  The press against his skin is grounding in a way, but the serenity of the lake before him is no longer as calming.  It's a reminder of where he is and how he got here; of the problems he's faced and the trials he knows are still to come.  The distant clouds, which at first were calming, almost feel like they're mocking him now – a constant noise and darkness whenever he finds quiet.  

It's almost a relief when Yurio calls him inside and helps him carry in his chair – he wasn't sure how much longer he could be left with his thoughts.

Peace can only last so long when your mind constantly prepares for chaos.

[jimdsmith34]

WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Fargo

The transition from big-screen to small-screen isnt an easy one to navigate. For decades, television networks have attempted to cash in on the name-recognition of hit movies to create a “sure thing” television series. Few have been successful. For every M*A*S*H or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there are far more Ferris Buellers Day Offs, Gung Hos, or Casablancas. Fargo is an exception to the rule.

Created by Noah Hawley, who is executive producing FX’s X-Men series Legion, the anthology show is the ultimate tribute to Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique style of storytelling in that it contains dozens of nods and references that Coen aficionados will instantly recognize, yet easily stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind accomplishment. Like much of the Coens’ work, including Fargo itself, the series is best described as a black comedy, but its also got elements of horror, drama, and sci-fimaking it a space where anything can happen.

Populated by the same oddly accented, seemingly-good-but-perhaps-slightly-simple kind of characters that made the movie Fargo so memorable, and quotable, both seasons of the TV show have focused on what happens when an everyday person accidentally stumbles on a crime. In Season 1, that everyday person is pretty much anyone who walks into the path of Lorne MalvoBilly Bob Thorntons pitch-perfect sociopath who might be fun to have a beer with. In Season 2, its a young coupleEd and Peggy Blumquist, played by Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunstwho get embroiled in a crime war when they try to cover up what any normal person would consider an accident.

Because the show is so densely packed with nuance, storylines, and characters (not to mention a dream list of actors, including Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Adam Goldberg, Glenn Howerton, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Stephen Root, Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Bokeem Woodbine, Brad Garrett, Nick Offerman, Kieran Culkin, and Bruce Campbell as Ronald Reagan), its hard to give much detail without giving too much away. It’s better you watch for yourself, particularly before Season 3which features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Carrie Coon, David Thewlis, Michael Stulhbarg, Jim Gaffigan, and Ewan McGregor playing two charactersdrops in the spring. Heres how to binge-watch Fargo. (Go Bears!)

Fargo

Number of Seasons: 2 (20 episodes)

Time Requirements: While dedicated binge-watchers could easily complete both seasons in a single weekend, Fargo is the kind of show that deserves a digestion period. Its so nuanced and layered that it can sometimes take a minute to connect the dots of the storyand because of that, watching just one to two episodes per night is ideal. Stick to a single hour, and youll be done in less than three weeks. Opt for two episodes per night, and 10 days will have you caught up and ready for Season 3.

Where to Get Your Fix: Hulu (Season 1), Amazon, iTunes

Best Character to Follow: Because it’s an anthology series, theres little character crossover from Season 1 to Season 2. As such, were going to cheat a little here and give you two charactersone for each season. Though Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman) does Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson proud as an eagle-eyed detective, its sociopath Lorne Malvo (Thornton) in Season 1 that makes the story tick. Hes very much a nod to No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh, in that youre never quite sure what his motivation isif theres any motivation at all. Hes brilliant and calculating, but can change personas in a flash and, even when hes acting psychotic, theres something oddly charming about him. It’s the kind of role that’s exactly in Thornton’s wheelhouse, and made more interesting because he embodies it.

When it comes to actors of a certain age, few can play the good guy as believably as Patrick Wilson, which allows his character, Lou Solverson, to bring a bit of calm into what is an out-of-control power struggleboth between two criminal enterprises and two competing law enforcement departments. But whereas Solversons character stays true to what we first see him to be, its Kirsten Dunsts Peggy Blumquist that gets to have all the fun (well, from an acting standpoint) in second season. Shes a young wife who is tired of living in the pastthough she doesn’t seem to live too much in reality, either. Still, flightiness and all, its hard to not to be charmed by her transformation from stuck-in-a-rut townie to self-actualized badass. Even though she makes all the wrong moves, shes still always able to see the positive. Both Dunst and Wilson received Golden Globe nominations for their rolesas did Thornton, Tolman, Freeman, and Hanks in Season 1and all for good reason.

Seasons/Episodes You Can Skip: For shows with smaller episode counts, we often advise against skipping any… before pointing out the weakest one or two episodes. Fargo is that rare series that truly does not waver in its quality. Plus, each episode is packed with information and forward movement in terms of the narrative, so it also requires your full attention. Sure, there are a few episodes that we can (and, in just a second, will) point to as standouts, but there’s not a single episode you should skip.

Seasons/Episodes You Cant Skip: If you want to start with just a single season of Fargo, you can really start with either one and not be lost. (Though its good to start from the beginning.) Because its an anthology, each season is a self-contained unitthough the stories are connected. In fact, it’s one of the few series that makes going back and watching the whole thing a second time a great ideabecause youll pick up on references in both seasons that you hadnt noticed the first time around. Which is a long way of saying: Dont skip a single episodeespecially these…

Season 1: Episode 1, “The Crocodiles Dilemma” You simply cannot watch (or understand) the first season of Fargo without watching its first episode. It starts out very similarly to the moviecomplete with a (fake) disclaimer that the events depicted within the show are all truewith a long stretch of snowy highway and a death. It introduces us to the main antagonist, Lorne Malvo (Thornton), plus bored insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman), anxious police Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman), who is trying to figure out why a man wearing only boxers would be frozen to death in the middle of a field, and single dad/cop Gus Grimley (Hanks), whose frightening encounter with Malvo sets the story in motion.

Season 1: Episode 4, “Eating the Blame” A flashback gives us some insight into how Stavros Milos (Oliver Platt)who Malvo is protecting from being blackmailed but blackmailing at the same timebecame the Super Market king of Minnesota. Grimley, struggling with the fact that he made a huge mistake by letting Malvo go when they first met, comes face-to-face with him a second time and isnt about to make the same mistake again. At the same time, Malvo uses his one call from jail to continue his campaign against Milos, and has roped Don Chumph (Glenn Howerton), a personal trainer and wannabe blackmailer, into helping him.

Season 1: Episode 6, “Buridans Ass” Recent widower Lester Nygaard, who Solverson suspects of killing his wife, slips out of the hospital to point the finger in another direction, while Malvo continues to torment Milosgetting Chumph to do the dirty work, then finding a way to cut him out of the plan. Solverson and Grimley join forces to try to get to the bottom of whats going on, but find themselves lost in the midst of a white-out with near-fatal consequences.

Season 1: Episode 9, “A Fox, a Rabbit, and a Cabbage” Its not a year later and much has changed for the main characters, but Solverson still isnt satisfied as neither Nygaard nor Malvo is behind bars. A chance encounter leads Pepper (Key) and Budge (Peele)whose reputations have been sullied and now have a lot to proveto Solverson, who shares her theory of what happened the previous year and gains their trust and support. Meanwhile, Nygaard runs into Malvo in the most unexpected of places and, feeling emboldened by a new life, decides to grow a backbone. Bad move.

Season 2: Episode 1, “Waiting for Dutch” Season 2 takes us back to 1979 with what seems like an entirely new cast of characters, until we meet State Trooper Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), the father of Molly, who is a crossover character from Season 1 (where he owns a diner and is played by Keith Carradine). Here, he finds himself in the middle of a war between two crime syndicatesFargos Gerhardt family and a group of badasses (Woodbine and Garrett) from Kansas City. As in the first season, an everyday couplebutcher Ed (Plemons) and hair stylist Peggy Blumquist (Dunst)find themselves in the middle of this war when Peggy accidentally hits the youngest Gerhardt with her car and, rather than call the police, tries to hide the evidence.

Season 2: Episode 6, “Rhinoceros” The Blumquists many bad decisions have come back to haunt them, as Ed has a price put on his head and is nearly killed when his butcher shop burns down. But Peggy, who Sherriff Hank Larsson (Danson) suspects is “a little bit touched,” sees this tragedy as a chance to self-actualize and start a new life. Reality sets in when Ed is arrested, and a couple of Gerhardts show up at her house. Karl Weathers (Offerman), the towns only lawyer, arrives at the police station (barely standing) to help Ed out, but it turns into a standoff with the Gerhardts demanding the return of their man, and that Ed be sacrificed.

Season 2: Episode 8, “Loplop” Having captured the leader of the Gerhardt gang, Peggy seems to be adjustingand even enjoyinglife on the run, with a hostage in tow. But, much to Eds dismay, the Gerhardts dont seem all that concerned with getting their man back, so he makes a call to the Kansas City guys to see what he can do. At the same time, the police are on their trail.

Season 2: Episode 10, “Palindrome” One wouldnt necessarily say that either season of Fargo ends on a “happy” note, but after much bloodshedand at least one UFO sightingthe war between the two crime factions seems to have come to an end. And Solverson can come home to his wife, Betsy (Cristin Milioti, who is wonderful) and daughter Molly (here played by Raven Stewart) and contemplate the future. The one that, if you watched Season 1, you already know.

Why You Should Binge: With so many popular series currently in their tenth or more season (see: The Simpsons, Greys Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory), its nice to be reminded that economy can be a good thing. The TV-watching world is catching on to that, as anthology series like American Horror Story have been gaining in popularity. Bottom line: Why spend 266 hours watching all of Criminal Minds when you can watch one of televisions very best crime series in less than a week?

Best Scene”Pepper and Budge on the Scene”:

Given the huge cast of characters, plus the various storylines in each season, choosing a “best” scene is damn near impossible. Lorne Malvo transforming into Pastor Frank Peterson when he’s being questioned by the police is what makes Thornton a one-of-a-kind performer. But one of the things that makes Fargo different is the truly innovativeand cinematicapproach it brings to television. Yes, weve heard this “cinematic” argument for many other shows, many of them deserving of what might be the highest compliment. But Fargo takes it to the next level; its regular use of split screen gives the viewer a birds-eye-view on everything thats happening (one camera might show whats happening in the front of a house, while another shows the back) and also provides a visual metaphor for what’s happening in the story (a split in the screen might indicate a fracture in a relationship).

In one of Season 1s most breathtaking moments, what could have been a gore-filled scene instead took a more subtle turn where the violence is heard and fully understood, yet not seen, giving the viewers imagination a workout. Its bookended by the comedic influence of Key and Peeles FBI agents Pepper and Budge, who always seem to get distracted at the very moment their jobs require undivided attention.

The Takeaway:

Albert Camus was fond of pointing out the absurdity of life, and famously that, “Basically, at the very bottom of life, which seduces us all, there is only absurdity, and more absurdity. And maybe that’s what gives us our joy for living, because the only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity.” No, thats not a lazy way of ripping off another writer in an attempt to summarize the seriesbut it could very easily serve as the show’s tagline. In fact, Camus even gets a couple of direct shout-outs in Fargo, including a second season episode titled “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Anyone familiar with that 1942 essay knows that its essentially a metaphor for the futility of life and the lack of control we truly have over what happens to ourselves and the people around us. And that the only way to combat the seeming pointlessness of it all is to embrace whatever challenges come our way and accept them as the path thats been laid out for us.

In the land of Fargo, strange things happen. Bad things happen. Tragedy strikes. There are deaths, and there are births (though the former far outweighs the latter). There are moments of sadness, and laugh-inducing incidents. And through it all, the series enormous cast of characters weather the challenges and persevere (well, the ones who live to tell the story at least), as they move forward and prepare for whatever life has in store for them next. Stated more simply: Thats life.

If You Like Fargo, Youll Love: If you haven’t seen the 1996 Coen brothers’ movie upon which the series is based, that’s your first mistake: Fargo the series perfectly captures the darkly comedic tone of Fargo the movie, which was nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and won two (for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay). Its about a sad-sack car salesman who hires some guys to kidnap his wife in order to get some money from his father-in-lawand its small-screen sendup is full of subtle nods and references. (Jos Feliciano, anyone?)

On the small screen, its really not hyperbolic to say that Fargo has sort of created its own genre. Which isnt to say that it doesnt share elements with some other series: Like Breaking Bad, its a look at what happens when seemingly “good” people suddenly find themselves on the other side of the law; the two shows also share a very precise type of pacing where the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessingand watching. So it stands to reason that it shares a lot of the same characteristics (plus one Bob Odenkirk) with Better Call Saul, too.

For sheer strangeness and creating a world in which anything can happen, Twin Peaks is yet another kindred television spirit.

source http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/07/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo/ from All of Beer http://allofbeer.blogspot.com/2017/08/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo.html

[adambstingus]

WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Fargo

The transition from big-screen to small-screen isnt an easy one to navigate. For decades, television networks have attempted to cash in on the name-recognition of hit movies to create a “sure thing” television series. Few have been successful. For every M*A*S*H or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there are far more Ferris Buellers Day Offs, Gung Hos, or Casablancas. Fargo is an exception to the rule.

Created by Noah Hawley, who is executive producing FX’s X-Men series Legion, the anthology show is the ultimate tribute to Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique style of storytelling in that it contains dozens of nods and references that Coen aficionados will instantly recognize, yet easily stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind accomplishment. Like much of the Coens’ work, including Fargo itself, the series is best described as a black comedy, but its also got elements of horror, drama, and sci-fimaking it a space where anything can happen.

Populated by the same oddly accented, seemingly-good-but-perhaps-slightly-simple kind of characters that made the movie Fargo so memorable, and quotable, both seasons of the TV show have focused on what happens when an everyday person accidentally stumbles on a crime. In Season 1, that everyday person is pretty much anyone who walks into the path of Lorne MalvoBilly Bob Thorntons pitch-perfect sociopath who might be fun to have a beer with. In Season 2, its a young coupleEd and Peggy Blumquist, played by Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunstwho get embroiled in a crime war when they try to cover up what any normal person would consider an accident.

Because the show is so densely packed with nuance, storylines, and characters (not to mention a dream list of actors, including Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Adam Goldberg, Glenn Howerton, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Stephen Root, Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Bokeem Woodbine, Brad Garrett, Nick Offerman, Kieran Culkin, and Bruce Campbell as Ronald Reagan), its hard to give much detail without giving too much away. It’s better you watch for yourself, particularly before Season 3which features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Carrie Coon, David Thewlis, Michael Stulhbarg, Jim Gaffigan, and Ewan McGregor playing two charactersdrops in the spring. Heres how to binge-watch Fargo. (Go Bears!)

Fargo

Number of Seasons: 2 (20 episodes)

Time Requirements: While dedicated binge-watchers could easily complete both seasons in a single weekend, Fargo is the kind of show that deserves a digestion period. Its so nuanced and layered that it can sometimes take a minute to connect the dots of the storyand because of that, watching just one to two episodes per night is ideal. Stick to a single hour, and youll be done in less than three weeks. Opt for two episodes per night, and 10 days will have you caught up and ready for Season 3.

Where to Get Your Fix: Hulu (Season 1), Amazon, iTunes

Best Character to Follow: Because it’s an anthology series, theres little character crossover from Season 1 to Season 2. As such, were going to cheat a little here and give you two charactersone for each season. Though Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman) does Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson proud as an eagle-eyed detective, its sociopath Lorne Malvo (Thornton) in Season 1 that makes the story tick. Hes very much a nod to No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh, in that youre never quite sure what his motivation isif theres any motivation at all. Hes brilliant and calculating, but can change personas in a flash and, even when hes acting psychotic, theres something oddly charming about him. It’s the kind of role that’s exactly in Thornton’s wheelhouse, and made more interesting because he embodies it.

When it comes to actors of a certain age, few can play the good guy as believably as Patrick Wilson, which allows his character, Lou Solverson, to bring a bit of calm into what is an out-of-control power struggleboth between two criminal enterprises and two competing law enforcement departments. But whereas Solversons character stays true to what we first see him to be, its Kirsten Dunsts Peggy Blumquist that gets to have all the fun (well, from an acting standpoint) in second season. Shes a young wife who is tired of living in the pastthough she doesn’t seem to live too much in reality, either. Still, flightiness and all, its hard to not to be charmed by her transformation from stuck-in-a-rut townie to self-actualized badass. Even though she makes all the wrong moves, shes still always able to see the positive. Both Dunst and Wilson received Golden Globe nominations for their rolesas did Thornton, Tolman, Freeman, and Hanks in Season 1and all for good reason.

Seasons/Episodes You Can Skip: For shows with smaller episode counts, we often advise against skipping any… before pointing out the weakest one or two episodes. Fargo is that rare series that truly does not waver in its quality. Plus, each episode is packed with information and forward movement in terms of the narrative, so it also requires your full attention. Sure, there are a few episodes that we can (and, in just a second, will) point to as standouts, but there’s not a single episode you should skip.

Seasons/Episodes You Cant Skip: If you want to start with just a single season of Fargo, you can really start with either one and not be lost. (Though its good to start from the beginning.) Because its an anthology, each season is a self-contained unitthough the stories are connected. In fact, it’s one of the few series that makes going back and watching the whole thing a second time a great ideabecause youll pick up on references in both seasons that you hadnt noticed the first time around. Which is a long way of saying: Dont skip a single episodeespecially these…

Season 1: Episode 1, “The Crocodiles Dilemma” You simply cannot watch (or understand) the first season of Fargo without watching its first episode. It starts out very similarly to the moviecomplete with a (fake) disclaimer that the events depicted within the show are all truewith a long stretch of snowy highway and a death. It introduces us to the main antagonist, Lorne Malvo (Thornton), plus bored insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman), anxious police Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman), who is trying to figure out why a man wearing only boxers would be frozen to death in the middle of a field, and single dad/cop Gus Grimley (Hanks), whose frightening encounter with Malvo sets the story in motion.

Season 1: Episode 4, “Eating the Blame” A flashback gives us some insight into how Stavros Milos (Oliver Platt)who Malvo is protecting from being blackmailed but blackmailing at the same timebecame the Super Market king of Minnesota. Grimley, struggling with the fact that he made a huge mistake by letting Malvo go when they first met, comes face-to-face with him a second time and isnt about to make the same mistake again. At the same time, Malvo uses his one call from jail to continue his campaign against Milos, and has roped Don Chumph (Glenn Howerton), a personal trainer and wannabe blackmailer, into helping him.

Season 1: Episode 6, “Buridans Ass” Recent widower Lester Nygaard, who Solverson suspects of killing his wife, slips out of the hospital to point the finger in another direction, while Malvo continues to torment Milosgetting Chumph to do the dirty work, then finding a way to cut him out of the plan. Solverson and Grimley join forces to try to get to the bottom of whats going on, but find themselves lost in the midst of a white-out with near-fatal consequences.

Season 1: Episode 9, “A Fox, a Rabbit, and a Cabbage” Its not a year later and much has changed for the main characters, but Solverson still isnt satisfied as neither Nygaard nor Malvo is behind bars. A chance encounter leads Pepper (Key) and Budge (Peele)whose reputations have been sullied and now have a lot to proveto Solverson, who shares her theory of what happened the previous year and gains their trust and support. Meanwhile, Nygaard runs into Malvo in the most unexpected of places and, feeling emboldened by a new life, decides to grow a backbone. Bad move.

Season 2: Episode 1, “Waiting for Dutch” Season 2 takes us back to 1979 with what seems like an entirely new cast of characters, until we meet State Trooper Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), the father of Molly, who is a crossover character from Season 1 (where he owns a diner and is played by Keith Carradine). Here, he finds himself in the middle of a war between two crime syndicatesFargos Gerhardt family and a group of badasses (Woodbine and Garrett) from Kansas City. As in the first season, an everyday couplebutcher Ed (Plemons) and hair stylist Peggy Blumquist (Dunst)find themselves in the middle of this war when Peggy accidentally hits the youngest Gerhardt with her car and, rather than call the police, tries to hide the evidence.

Season 2: Episode 6, “Rhinoceros” The Blumquists many bad decisions have come back to haunt them, as Ed has a price put on his head and is nearly killed when his butcher shop burns down. But Peggy, who Sherriff Hank Larsson (Danson) suspects is “a little bit touched,” sees this tragedy as a chance to self-actualize and start a new life. Reality sets in when Ed is arrested, and a couple of Gerhardts show up at her house. Karl Weathers (Offerman), the towns only lawyer, arrives at the police station (barely standing) to help Ed out, but it turns into a standoff with the Gerhardts demanding the return of their man, and that Ed be sacrificed.

Season 2: Episode 8, “Loplop” Having captured the leader of the Gerhardt gang, Peggy seems to be adjustingand even enjoyinglife on the run, with a hostage in tow. But, much to Eds dismay, the Gerhardts dont seem all that concerned with getting their man back, so he makes a call to the Kansas City guys to see what he can do. At the same time, the police are on their trail.

Season 2: Episode 10, “Palindrome” One wouldnt necessarily say that either season of Fargo ends on a “happy” note, but after much bloodshedand at least one UFO sightingthe war between the two crime factions seems to have come to an end. And Solverson can come home to his wife, Betsy (Cristin Milioti, who is wonderful) and daughter Molly (here played by Raven Stewart) and contemplate the future. The one that, if you watched Season 1, you already know.

Why You Should Binge: With so many popular series currently in their tenth or more season (see: The Simpsons, Greys Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory), its nice to be reminded that economy can be a good thing. The TV-watching world is catching on to that, as anthology series like American Horror Story have been gaining in popularity. Bottom line: Why spend 266 hours watching all of Criminal Minds when you can watch one of televisions very best crime series in less than a week?

Best Scene”Pepper and Budge on the Scene”:

Given the huge cast of characters, plus the various storylines in each season, choosing a “best” scene is damn near impossible. Lorne Malvo transforming into Pastor Frank Peterson when he’s being questioned by the police is what makes Thornton a one-of-a-kind performer. But one of the things that makes Fargo different is the truly innovativeand cinematicapproach it brings to television. Yes, weve heard this “cinematic” argument for many other shows, many of them deserving of what might be the highest compliment. But Fargo takes it to the next level; its regular use of split screen gives the viewer a birds-eye-view on everything thats happening (one camera might show whats happening in the front of a house, while another shows the back) and also provides a visual metaphor for what’s happening in the story (a split in the screen might indicate a fracture in a relationship).

In one of Season 1s most breathtaking moments, what could have been a gore-filled scene instead took a more subtle turn where the violence is heard and fully understood, yet not seen, giving the viewers imagination a workout. Its bookended by the comedic influence of Key and Peeles FBI agents Pepper and Budge, who always seem to get distracted at the very moment their jobs require undivided attention.

The Takeaway:

Albert Camus was fond of pointing out the absurdity of life, and famously that, “Basically, at the very bottom of life, which seduces us all, there is only absurdity, and more absurdity. And maybe that’s what gives us our joy for living, because the only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity.” No, thats not a lazy way of ripping off another writer in an attempt to summarize the seriesbut it could very easily serve as the show’s tagline. In fact, Camus even gets a couple of direct shout-outs in Fargo, including a second season episode titled “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Anyone familiar with that 1942 essay knows that its essentially a metaphor for the futility of life and the lack of control we truly have over what happens to ourselves and the people around us. And that the only way to combat the seeming pointlessness of it all is to embrace whatever challenges come our way and accept them as the path thats been laid out for us.

In the land of Fargo, strange things happen. Bad things happen. Tragedy strikes. There are deaths, and there are births (though the former far outweighs the latter). There are moments of sadness, and laugh-inducing incidents. And through it all, the series enormous cast of characters weather the challenges and persevere (well, the ones who live to tell the story at least), as they move forward and prepare for whatever life has in store for them next. Stated more simply: Thats life.

If You Like Fargo, Youll Love: If you haven’t seen the 1996 Coen brothers’ movie upon which the series is based, that’s your first mistake: Fargo the series perfectly captures the darkly comedic tone of Fargo the movie, which was nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and won two (for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay). Its about a sad-sack car salesman who hires some guys to kidnap his wife in order to get some money from his father-in-lawand its small-screen sendup is full of subtle nods and references. (Jos Feliciano, anyone?)

On the small screen, its really not hyperbolic to say that Fargo has sort of created its own genre. Which isnt to say that it doesnt share elements with some other series: Like Breaking Bad, its a look at what happens when seemingly “good” people suddenly find themselves on the other side of the law; the two shows also share a very precise type of pacing where the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessingand watching. So it stands to reason that it shares a lot of the same characteristics (plus one Bob Odenkirk) with Better Call Saul, too.

For sheer strangeness and creating a world in which anything can happen, Twin Peaks is yet another kindred television spirit.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/07/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/163896384312

[samanthasroberts]

WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Fargo

The transition from big-screen to small-screen isnt an easy one to navigate. For decades, television networks have attempted to cash in on the name-recognition of hit movies to create a “sure thing” television series. Few have been successful. For every M*A*S*H or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there are far more Ferris Buellers Day Offs, Gung Hos, or Casablancas. Fargo is an exception to the rule.

Created by Noah Hawley, who is executive producing FX’s X-Men series Legion, the anthology show is the ultimate tribute to Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique style of storytelling in that it contains dozens of nods and references that Coen aficionados will instantly recognize, yet easily stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind accomplishment. Like much of the Coens’ work, including Fargo itself, the series is best described as a black comedy, but its also got elements of horror, drama, and sci-fimaking it a space where anything can happen.

Populated by the same oddly accented, seemingly-good-but-perhaps-slightly-simple kind of characters that made the movie Fargo so memorable, and quotable, both seasons of the TV show have focused on what happens when an everyday person accidentally stumbles on a crime. In Season 1, that everyday person is pretty much anyone who walks into the path of Lorne MalvoBilly Bob Thorntons pitch-perfect sociopath who might be fun to have a beer with. In Season 2, its a young coupleEd and Peggy Blumquist, played by Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunstwho get embroiled in a crime war when they try to cover up what any normal person would consider an accident.

Because the show is so densely packed with nuance, storylines, and characters (not to mention a dream list of actors, including Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Adam Goldberg, Glenn Howerton, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Stephen Root, Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Bokeem Woodbine, Brad Garrett, Nick Offerman, Kieran Culkin, and Bruce Campbell as Ronald Reagan), its hard to give much detail without giving too much away. It’s better you watch for yourself, particularly before Season 3which features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Carrie Coon, David Thewlis, Michael Stulhbarg, Jim Gaffigan, and Ewan McGregor playing two charactersdrops in the spring. Heres how to binge-watch Fargo. (Go Bears!)

Fargo

Number of Seasons: 2 (20 episodes)

Time Requirements: While dedicated binge-watchers could easily complete both seasons in a single weekend, Fargo is the kind of show that deserves a digestion period. Its so nuanced and layered that it can sometimes take a minute to connect the dots of the storyand because of that, watching just one to two episodes per night is ideal. Stick to a single hour, and youll be done in less than three weeks. Opt for two episodes per night, and 10 days will have you caught up and ready for Season 3.

Where to Get Your Fix: Hulu (Season 1), Amazon, iTunes

Best Character to Follow: Because it’s an anthology series, theres little character crossover from Season 1 to Season 2. As such, were going to cheat a little here and give you two charactersone for each season. Though Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman) does Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson proud as an eagle-eyed detective, its sociopath Lorne Malvo (Thornton) in Season 1 that makes the story tick. Hes very much a nod to No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh, in that youre never quite sure what his motivation isif theres any motivation at all. Hes brilliant and calculating, but can change personas in a flash and, even when hes acting psychotic, theres something oddly charming about him. It’s the kind of role that’s exactly in Thornton’s wheelhouse, and made more interesting because he embodies it.

When it comes to actors of a certain age, few can play the good guy as believably as Patrick Wilson, which allows his character, Lou Solverson, to bring a bit of calm into what is an out-of-control power struggleboth between two criminal enterprises and two competing law enforcement departments. But whereas Solversons character stays true to what we first see him to be, its Kirsten Dunsts Peggy Blumquist that gets to have all the fun (well, from an acting standpoint) in second season. Shes a young wife who is tired of living in the pastthough she doesn’t seem to live too much in reality, either. Still, flightiness and all, its hard to not to be charmed by her transformation from stuck-in-a-rut townie to self-actualized badass. Even though she makes all the wrong moves, shes still always able to see the positive. Both Dunst and Wilson received Golden Globe nominations for their rolesas did Thornton, Tolman, Freeman, and Hanks in Season 1and all for good reason.

Seasons/Episodes You Can Skip: For shows with smaller episode counts, we often advise against skipping any… before pointing out the weakest one or two episodes. Fargo is that rare series that truly does not waver in its quality. Plus, each episode is packed with information and forward movement in terms of the narrative, so it also requires your full attention. Sure, there are a few episodes that we can (and, in just a second, will) point to as standouts, but there’s not a single episode you should skip.

Seasons/Episodes You Cant Skip: If you want to start with just a single season of Fargo, you can really start with either one and not be lost. (Though its good to start from the beginning.) Because its an anthology, each season is a self-contained unitthough the stories are connected. In fact, it’s one of the few series that makes going back and watching the whole thing a second time a great ideabecause youll pick up on references in both seasons that you hadnt noticed the first time around. Which is a long way of saying: Dont skip a single episodeespecially these…

Season 1: Episode 1, “The Crocodiles Dilemma” You simply cannot watch (or understand) the first season of Fargo without watching its first episode. It starts out very similarly to the moviecomplete with a (fake) disclaimer that the events depicted within the show are all truewith a long stretch of snowy highway and a death. It introduces us to the main antagonist, Lorne Malvo (Thornton), plus bored insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman), anxious police Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman), who is trying to figure out why a man wearing only boxers would be frozen to death in the middle of a field, and single dad/cop Gus Grimley (Hanks), whose frightening encounter with Malvo sets the story in motion.

Season 1: Episode 4, “Eating the Blame” A flashback gives us some insight into how Stavros Milos (Oliver Platt)who Malvo is protecting from being blackmailed but blackmailing at the same timebecame the Super Market king of Minnesota. Grimley, struggling with the fact that he made a huge mistake by letting Malvo go when they first met, comes face-to-face with him a second time and isnt about to make the same mistake again. At the same time, Malvo uses his one call from jail to continue his campaign against Milos, and has roped Don Chumph (Glenn Howerton), a personal trainer and wannabe blackmailer, into helping him.

Season 1: Episode 6, “Buridans Ass” Recent widower Lester Nygaard, who Solverson suspects of killing his wife, slips out of the hospital to point the finger in another direction, while Malvo continues to torment Milosgetting Chumph to do the dirty work, then finding a way to cut him out of the plan. Solverson and Grimley join forces to try to get to the bottom of whats going on, but find themselves lost in the midst of a white-out with near-fatal consequences.

Season 1: Episode 9, “A Fox, a Rabbit, and a Cabbage” Its not a year later and much has changed for the main characters, but Solverson still isnt satisfied as neither Nygaard nor Malvo is behind bars. A chance encounter leads Pepper (Key) and Budge (Peele)whose reputations have been sullied and now have a lot to proveto Solverson, who shares her theory of what happened the previous year and gains their trust and support. Meanwhile, Nygaard runs into Malvo in the most unexpected of places and, feeling emboldened by a new life, decides to grow a backbone. Bad move.

Season 2: Episode 1, “Waiting for Dutch” Season 2 takes us back to 1979 with what seems like an entirely new cast of characters, until we meet State Trooper Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), the father of Molly, who is a crossover character from Season 1 (where he owns a diner and is played by Keith Carradine). Here, he finds himself in the middle of a war between two crime syndicatesFargos Gerhardt family and a group of badasses (Woodbine and Garrett) from Kansas City. As in the first season, an everyday couplebutcher Ed (Plemons) and hair stylist Peggy Blumquist (Dunst)find themselves in the middle of this war when Peggy accidentally hits the youngest Gerhardt with her car and, rather than call the police, tries to hide the evidence.

Season 2: Episode 6, “Rhinoceros” The Blumquists many bad decisions have come back to haunt them, as Ed has a price put on his head and is nearly killed when his butcher shop burns down. But Peggy, who Sherriff Hank Larsson (Danson) suspects is “a little bit touched,” sees this tragedy as a chance to self-actualize and start a new life. Reality sets in when Ed is arrested, and a couple of Gerhardts show up at her house. Karl Weathers (Offerman), the towns only lawyer, arrives at the police station (barely standing) to help Ed out, but it turns into a standoff with the Gerhardts demanding the return of their man, and that Ed be sacrificed.

Season 2: Episode 8, “Loplop” Having captured the leader of the Gerhardt gang, Peggy seems to be adjustingand even enjoyinglife on the run, with a hostage in tow. But, much to Eds dismay, the Gerhardts dont seem all that concerned with getting their man back, so he makes a call to the Kansas City guys to see what he can do. At the same time, the police are on their trail.

Season 2: Episode 10, “Palindrome” One wouldnt necessarily say that either season of Fargo ends on a “happy” note, but after much bloodshedand at least one UFO sightingthe war between the two crime factions seems to have come to an end. And Solverson can come home to his wife, Betsy (Cristin Milioti, who is wonderful) and daughter Molly (here played by Raven Stewart) and contemplate the future. The one that, if you watched Season 1, you already know.

Why You Should Binge: With so many popular series currently in their tenth or more season (see: The Simpsons, Greys Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory), its nice to be reminded that economy can be a good thing. The TV-watching world is catching on to that, as anthology series like American Horror Story have been gaining in popularity. Bottom line: Why spend 266 hours watching all of Criminal Minds when you can watch one of televisions very best crime series in less than a week?

Best Scene”Pepper and Budge on the Scene”:

Given the huge cast of characters, plus the various storylines in each season, choosing a “best” scene is damn near impossible. Lorne Malvo transforming into Pastor Frank Peterson when he’s being questioned by the police is what makes Thornton a one-of-a-kind performer. But one of the things that makes Fargo different is the truly innovativeand cinematicapproach it brings to television. Yes, weve heard this “cinematic” argument for many other shows, many of them deserving of what might be the highest compliment. But Fargo takes it to the next level; its regular use of split screen gives the viewer a birds-eye-view on everything thats happening (one camera might show whats happening in the front of a house, while another shows the back) and also provides a visual metaphor for what’s happening in the story (a split in the screen might indicate a fracture in a relationship).

In one of Season 1s most breathtaking moments, what could have been a gore-filled scene instead took a more subtle turn where the violence is heard and fully understood, yet not seen, giving the viewers imagination a workout. Its bookended by the comedic influence of Key and Peeles FBI agents Pepper and Budge, who always seem to get distracted at the very moment their jobs require undivided attention.

The Takeaway:

Albert Camus was fond of pointing out the absurdity of life, and famously that, “Basically, at the very bottom of life, which seduces us all, there is only absurdity, and more absurdity. And maybe that’s what gives us our joy for living, because the only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity.” No, thats not a lazy way of ripping off another writer in an attempt to summarize the seriesbut it could very easily serve as the show’s tagline. In fact, Camus even gets a couple of direct shout-outs in Fargo, including a second season episode titled “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Anyone familiar with that 1942 essay knows that its essentially a metaphor for the futility of life and the lack of control we truly have over what happens to ourselves and the people around us. And that the only way to combat the seeming pointlessness of it all is to embrace whatever challenges come our way and accept them as the path thats been laid out for us.

In the land of Fargo, strange things happen. Bad things happen. Tragedy strikes. There are deaths, and there are births (though the former far outweighs the latter). There are moments of sadness, and laugh-inducing incidents. And through it all, the series enormous cast of characters weather the challenges and persevere (well, the ones who live to tell the story at least), as they move forward and prepare for whatever life has in store for them next. Stated more simply: Thats life.

If You Like Fargo, Youll Love: If you haven’t seen the 1996 Coen brothers’ movie upon which the series is based, that’s your first mistake: Fargo the series perfectly captures the darkly comedic tone of Fargo the movie, which was nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and won two (for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay). Its about a sad-sack car salesman who hires some guys to kidnap his wife in order to get some money from his father-in-lawand its small-screen sendup is full of subtle nods and references. (Jos Feliciano, anyone?)

On the small screen, its really not hyperbolic to say that Fargo has sort of created its own genre. Which isnt to say that it doesnt share elements with some other series: Like Breaking Bad, its a look at what happens when seemingly “good” people suddenly find themselves on the other side of the law; the two shows also share a very precise type of pacing where the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessingand watching. So it stands to reason that it shares a lot of the same characteristics (plus one Bob Odenkirk) with Better Call Saul, too.

For sheer strangeness and creating a world in which anything can happen, Twin Peaks is yet another kindred television spirit.

Source: http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/07/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo/

from All of Beer https://allofbeer.wordpress.com/2017/08/07/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo/

[allofbeercom]

WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Fargo

The transition from big-screen to small-screen isnt an easy one to navigate. For decades, television networks have attempted to cash in on the name-recognition of hit movies to create a “sure thing” television series. Few have been successful. For every M*A*S*H or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there are far more Ferris Buellers Day Offs, Gung Hos, or Casablancas. Fargo is an exception to the rule.

Created by Noah Hawley, who is executive producing FX’s X-Men series Legion, the anthology show is the ultimate tribute to Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique style of storytelling in that it contains dozens of nods and references that Coen aficionados will instantly recognize, yet easily stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind accomplishment. Like much of the Coens’ work, including Fargo itself, the series is best described as a black comedy, but its also got elements of horror, drama, and sci-fimaking it a space where anything can happen.

Populated by the same oddly accented, seemingly-good-but-perhaps-slightly-simple kind of characters that made the movie Fargo so memorable, and quotable, both seasons of the TV show have focused on what happens when an everyday person accidentally stumbles on a crime. In Season 1, that everyday person is pretty much anyone who walks into the path of Lorne MalvoBilly Bob Thorntons pitch-perfect sociopath who might be fun to have a beer with. In Season 2, its a young coupleEd and Peggy Blumquist, played by Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunstwho get embroiled in a crime war when they try to cover up what any normal person would consider an accident.

Because the show is so densely packed with nuance, storylines, and characters (not to mention a dream list of actors, including Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Adam Goldberg, Glenn Howerton, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Stephen Root, Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Bokeem Woodbine, Brad Garrett, Nick Offerman, Kieran Culkin, and Bruce Campbell as Ronald Reagan), its hard to give much detail without giving too much away. It’s better you watch for yourself, particularly before Season 3which features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Carrie Coon, David Thewlis, Michael Stulhbarg, Jim Gaffigan, and Ewan McGregor playing two charactersdrops in the spring. Heres how to binge-watch Fargo. (Go Bears!)

Fargo

Number of Seasons: 2 (20 episodes)

Time Requirements: While dedicated binge-watchers could easily complete both seasons in a single weekend, Fargo is the kind of show that deserves a digestion period. Its so nuanced and layered that it can sometimes take a minute to connect the dots of the storyand because of that, watching just one to two episodes per night is ideal. Stick to a single hour, and youll be done in less than three weeks. Opt for two episodes per night, and 10 days will have you caught up and ready for Season 3.

Where to Get Your Fix: Hulu (Season 1), Amazon, iTunes

Best Character to Follow: Because it’s an anthology series, theres little character crossover from Season 1 to Season 2. As such, were going to cheat a little here and give you two charactersone for each season. Though Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman) does Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson proud as an eagle-eyed detective, its sociopath Lorne Malvo (Thornton) in Season 1 that makes the story tick. Hes very much a nod to No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh, in that youre never quite sure what his motivation isif theres any motivation at all. Hes brilliant and calculating, but can change personas in a flash and, even when hes acting psychotic, theres something oddly charming about him. It’s the kind of role that’s exactly in Thornton’s wheelhouse, and made more interesting because he embodies it.

When it comes to actors of a certain age, few can play the good guy as believably as Patrick Wilson, which allows his character, Lou Solverson, to bring a bit of calm into what is an out-of-control power struggleboth between two criminal enterprises and two competing law enforcement departments. But whereas Solversons character stays true to what we first see him to be, its Kirsten Dunsts Peggy Blumquist that gets to have all the fun (well, from an acting standpoint) in second season. Shes a young wife who is tired of living in the pastthough she doesn’t seem to live too much in reality, either. Still, flightiness and all, its hard to not to be charmed by her transformation from stuck-in-a-rut townie to self-actualized badass. Even though she makes all the wrong moves, shes still always able to see the positive. Both Dunst and Wilson received Golden Globe nominations for their rolesas did Thornton, Tolman, Freeman, and Hanks in Season 1and all for good reason.

Seasons/Episodes You Can Skip: For shows with smaller episode counts, we often advise against skipping any… before pointing out the weakest one or two episodes. Fargo is that rare series that truly does not waver in its quality. Plus, each episode is packed with information and forward movement in terms of the narrative, so it also requires your full attention. Sure, there are a few episodes that we can (and, in just a second, will) point to as standouts, but there’s not a single episode you should skip.

Seasons/Episodes You Cant Skip: If you want to start with just a single season of Fargo, you can really start with either one and not be lost. (Though its good to start from the beginning.) Because its an anthology, each season is a self-contained unitthough the stories are connected. In fact, it’s one of the few series that makes going back and watching the whole thing a second time a great ideabecause youll pick up on references in both seasons that you hadnt noticed the first time around. Which is a long way of saying: Dont skip a single episodeespecially these…

Season 1: Episode 1, “The Crocodiles Dilemma” You simply cannot watch (or understand) the first season of Fargo without watching its first episode. It starts out very similarly to the moviecomplete with a (fake) disclaimer that the events depicted within the show are all truewith a long stretch of snowy highway and a death. It introduces us to the main antagonist, Lorne Malvo (Thornton), plus bored insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman), anxious police Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman), who is trying to figure out why a man wearing only boxers would be frozen to death in the middle of a field, and single dad/cop Gus Grimley (Hanks), whose frightening encounter with Malvo sets the story in motion.

Season 1: Episode 4, “Eating the Blame” A flashback gives us some insight into how Stavros Milos (Oliver Platt)who Malvo is protecting from being blackmailed but blackmailing at the same timebecame the Super Market king of Minnesota. Grimley, struggling with the fact that he made a huge mistake by letting Malvo go when they first met, comes face-to-face with him a second time and isnt about to make the same mistake again. At the same time, Malvo uses his one call from jail to continue his campaign against Milos, and has roped Don Chumph (Glenn Howerton), a personal trainer and wannabe blackmailer, into helping him.

Season 1: Episode 6, “Buridans Ass” Recent widower Lester Nygaard, who Solverson suspects of killing his wife, slips out of the hospital to point the finger in another direction, while Malvo continues to torment Milosgetting Chumph to do the dirty work, then finding a way to cut him out of the plan. Solverson and Grimley join forces to try to get to the bottom of whats going on, but find themselves lost in the midst of a white-out with near-fatal consequences.

Season 1: Episode 9, “A Fox, a Rabbit, and a Cabbage” Its not a year later and much has changed for the main characters, but Solverson still isnt satisfied as neither Nygaard nor Malvo is behind bars. A chance encounter leads Pepper (Key) and Budge (Peele)whose reputations have been sullied and now have a lot to proveto Solverson, who shares her theory of what happened the previous year and gains their trust and support. Meanwhile, Nygaard runs into Malvo in the most unexpected of places and, feeling emboldened by a new life, decides to grow a backbone. Bad move.

Season 2: Episode 1, “Waiting for Dutch” Season 2 takes us back to 1979 with what seems like an entirely new cast of characters, until we meet State Trooper Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), the father of Molly, who is a crossover character from Season 1 (where he owns a diner and is played by Keith Carradine). Here, he finds himself in the middle of a war between two crime syndicatesFargos Gerhardt family and a group of badasses (Woodbine and Garrett) from Kansas City. As in the first season, an everyday couplebutcher Ed (Plemons) and hair stylist Peggy Blumquist (Dunst)find themselves in the middle of this war when Peggy accidentally hits the youngest Gerhardt with her car and, rather than call the police, tries to hide the evidence.

Season 2: Episode 6, “Rhinoceros” The Blumquists many bad decisions have come back to haunt them, as Ed has a price put on his head and is nearly killed when his butcher shop burns down. But Peggy, who Sherriff Hank Larsson (Danson) suspects is “a little bit touched,” sees this tragedy as a chance to self-actualize and start a new life. Reality sets in when Ed is arrested, and a couple of Gerhardts show up at her house. Karl Weathers (Offerman), the towns only lawyer, arrives at the police station (barely standing) to help Ed out, but it turns into a standoff with the Gerhardts demanding the return of their man, and that Ed be sacrificed.

Season 2: Episode 8, “Loplop” Having captured the leader of the Gerhardt gang, Peggy seems to be adjustingand even enjoyinglife on the run, with a hostage in tow. But, much to Eds dismay, the Gerhardts dont seem all that concerned with getting their man back, so he makes a call to the Kansas City guys to see what he can do. At the same time, the police are on their trail.

Season 2: Episode 10, “Palindrome” One wouldnt necessarily say that either season of Fargo ends on a “happy” note, but after much bloodshedand at least one UFO sightingthe war between the two crime factions seems to have come to an end. And Solverson can come home to his wife, Betsy (Cristin Milioti, who is wonderful) and daughter Molly (here played by Raven Stewart) and contemplate the future. The one that, if you watched Season 1, you already know.

Why You Should Binge: With so many popular series currently in their tenth or more season (see: The Simpsons, Greys Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory), its nice to be reminded that economy can be a good thing. The TV-watching world is catching on to that, as anthology series like American Horror Story have been gaining in popularity. Bottom line: Why spend 266 hours watching all of Criminal Minds when you can watch one of televisions very best crime series in less than a week?

Best Scene”Pepper and Budge on the Scene”:

Given the huge cast of characters, plus the various storylines in each season, choosing a “best” scene is damn near impossible. Lorne Malvo transforming into Pastor Frank Peterson when he’s being questioned by the police is what makes Thornton a one-of-a-kind performer. But one of the things that makes Fargo different is the truly innovativeand cinematicapproach it brings to television. Yes, weve heard this “cinematic” argument for many other shows, many of them deserving of what might be the highest compliment. But Fargo takes it to the next level; its regular use of split screen gives the viewer a birds-eye-view on everything thats happening (one camera might show whats happening in the front of a house, while another shows the back) and also provides a visual metaphor for what’s happening in the story (a split in the screen might indicate a fracture in a relationship).

In one of Season 1s most breathtaking moments, what could have been a gore-filled scene instead took a more subtle turn where the violence is heard and fully understood, yet not seen, giving the viewers imagination a workout. Its bookended by the comedic influence of Key and Peeles FBI agents Pepper and Budge, who always seem to get distracted at the very moment their jobs require undivided attention.

The Takeaway:

Albert Camus was fond of pointing out the absurdity of life, and famously that, “Basically, at the very bottom of life, which seduces us all, there is only absurdity, and more absurdity. And maybe that’s what gives us our joy for living, because the only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity.” No, thats not a lazy way of ripping off another writer in an attempt to summarize the seriesbut it could very easily serve as the show’s tagline. In fact, Camus even gets a couple of direct shout-outs in Fargo, including a second season episode titled “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Anyone familiar with that 1942 essay knows that its essentially a metaphor for the futility of life and the lack of control we truly have over what happens to ourselves and the people around us. And that the only way to combat the seeming pointlessness of it all is to embrace whatever challenges come our way and accept them as the path thats been laid out for us.

In the land of Fargo, strange things happen. Bad things happen. Tragedy strikes. There are deaths, and there are births (though the former far outweighs the latter). There are moments of sadness, and laugh-inducing incidents. And through it all, the series enormous cast of characters weather the challenges and persevere (well, the ones who live to tell the story at least), as they move forward and prepare for whatever life has in store for them next. Stated more simply: Thats life.

If You Like Fargo, Youll Love: If you haven’t seen the 1996 Coen brothers’ movie upon which the series is based, that’s your first mistake: Fargo the series perfectly captures the darkly comedic tone of Fargo the movie, which was nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and won two (for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay). Its about a sad-sack car salesman who hires some guys to kidnap his wife in order to get some money from his father-in-lawand its small-screen sendup is full of subtle nods and references. (Jos Feliciano, anyone?)

On the small screen, its really not hyperbolic to say that Fargo has sort of created its own genre. Which isnt to say that it doesnt share elements with some other series: Like Breaking Bad, its a look at what happens when seemingly “good” people suddenly find themselves on the other side of the law; the two shows also share a very precise type of pacing where the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessingand watching. So it stands to reason that it shares a lot of the same characteristics (plus one Bob Odenkirk) with Better Call Saul, too.

For sheer strangeness and creating a world in which anything can happen, Twin Peaks is yet another kindred television spirit.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/08/07/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo/

[tuthillscopes-blog]

WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: <em>Fargo</em>

check it out @ https://tuthillscopes.com/wired-binge-watching-guide-fargo/

WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Fargo

The transition from big-screen to small-screen isnt an easy one to navigate. For decades, television networks have attempted to cash in on the name-recognition of hit movies to create a “sure thing” television series. Few have been successful. For every M*A*S*H or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there are far more Ferris Buellers Day Offs, Gung Hos, or Casablancas. Fargo is an exception to the rule.

Created by Noah Hawley, who is executive producing FX’s X-Men series Legion, the anthology show is the ultimate tribute to Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique style of storytelling in that it contains dozens of nods and references that Coen aficionados will instantly recognize, yet easily stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind accomplishment. Like much of the Coens’ work, including Fargo itself, the series is best described as a black comedy, but its also got elements of horror, drama, and sci-fimaking it a space where anything can happen.

Populated by the same oddly accented, seemingly-good-but-perhaps-slightly-simple kind of characters that made the movie Fargo so memorable, and quotable, both seasons of the TV show have focused on what happens when an everyday person accidentally stumbles on a crime. In Season 1, that everyday person is pretty much anyone who walks into the path of Lorne MalvoBilly Bob Thorntons pitch-perfect sociopath who might be fun to have a beer with. In Season 2, its a young coupleEd and Peggy Blumquist, played by Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunstwho get embroiled in a crime war when they try to cover up what any normal person would consider an accident.

Because the show is so densely packed with nuance, storylines, and characters (not to mention a dream list of actors, including Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Oliver Platt, Adam Goldberg, Glenn Howerton, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Stephen Root, Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Bokeem Woodbine, Brad Garrett, Nick Offerman, Kieran Culkin, and Bruce Campbell as Ronald Reagan), its hard to give much detail without giving too much away. It’s better you watch for yourself, particularly before Season 3which features Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Carrie Coon, David Thewlis, Michael Stulhbarg, Jim Gaffigan, and Ewan McGregor playing two charactersdrops in the spring. Heres how to binge-watch Fargo. (Go Bears!)

Fargo

Number of Seasons: 2 (20 episodes)

Time Requirements: While dedicated binge-watchers could easily complete both seasons in a single weekend, Fargo is the kind of show that deserves a digestion period. Its so nuanced and layered that it can sometimes take a minute to connect the dots of the storyand because of that, watching just one to two episodes per night is ideal. Stick to a single hour, and youll be done in less than three weeks. Opt for two episodes per night, and 10 days will have you caught up and ready for Season 3.

Where to Get Your Fix: Hulu (Season 1), Amazon, iTunes

Best Character to Follow: Because it’s an anthology series, theres little character crossover from Season 1 to Season 2. As such, were going to cheat a little here and give you two charactersone for each season. Though Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman) does Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson proud as an eagle-eyed detective, its sociopath Lorne Malvo (Thornton) in Season 1 that makes the story tick. Hes very much a nod to No Country for Old Men’s Anton Chigurh, in that youre never quite sure what his motivation isif theres any motivation at all. Hes brilliant and calculating, but can change personas in a flash and, even when hes acting psychotic, theres something oddly charming about him. It’s the kind of role that’s exactly in Thornton’s wheelhouse, and made more interesting because he embodies it.

When it comes to actors of a certain age, few can play the good guy as believably as Patrick Wilson, which allows his character, Lou Solverson, to bring a bit of calm into what is an out-of-control power struggleboth between two criminal enterprises and two competing law enforcement departments. But whereas Solversons character stays true to what we first see him to be, its Kirsten Dunsts Peggy Blumquist that gets to have all the fun (well, from an acting standpoint) in second season. Shes a young wife who is tired of living in the pastthough she doesn’t seem to live too much in reality, either. Still, flightiness and all, its hard to not to be charmed by her transformation from stuck-in-a-rut townie to self-actualized badass. Even though she makes all the wrong moves, shes still always able to see the positive. Both Dunst and Wilson received Golden Globe nominations for their rolesas did Thornton, Tolman, Freeman, and Hanks in Season 1and all for good reason.

Seasons/Episodes You Can Skip: For shows with smaller episode counts, we often advise against skipping any… before pointing out the weakest one or two episodes. Fargo is that rare series that truly does not waver in its quality. Plus, each episode is packed with information and forward movement in terms of the narrative, so it also requires your full attention. Sure, there are a few episodes that we can (and, in just a second, will) point to as standouts, but there’s not a single episode you should skip.

Seasons/Episodes You Cant Skip: If you want to start with just a single season of Fargo, you can really start with either one and not be lost. (Though its good to start from the beginning.) Because its an anthology, each season is a self-contained unitthough the stories are connected. In fact, it’s one of the few series that makes going back and watching the whole thing a second time a great ideabecause youll pick up on references in both seasons that you hadnt noticed the first time around. Which is a long way of saying: Dont skip a single episodeespecially these…

Season 1: Episode 1, “The Crocodiles Dilemma” You simply cannot watch (or understand) the first season of Fargo without watching its first episode. It starts out very similarly to the moviecomplete with a (fake) disclaimer that the events depicted within the show are all truewith a long stretch of snowy highway and a death. It introduces us to the main antagonist, Lorne Malvo (Thornton), plus bored insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman), anxious police Deputy Molly Solverson (Tolman), who is trying to figure out why a man wearing only boxers would be frozen to death in the middle of a field, and single dad/cop Gus Grimley (Hanks), whose frightening encounter with Malvo sets the story in motion.

Season 1: Episode 4, “Eating the Blame” A flashback gives us some insight into how Stavros Milos (Oliver Platt)who Malvo is protecting from being blackmailed but blackmailing at the same timebecame the Super Market king of Minnesota. Grimley, struggling with the fact that he made a huge mistake by letting Malvo go when they first met, comes face-to-face with him a second time and isnt about to make the same mistake again. At the same time, Malvo uses his one call from jail to continue his campaign against Milos, and has roped Don Chumph (Glenn Howerton), a personal trainer and wannabe blackmailer, into helping him.

Season 1: Episode 6, “Buridans Ass” Recent widower Lester Nygaard, who Solverson suspects of killing his wife, slips out of the hospital to point the finger in another direction, while Malvo continues to torment Milosgetting Chumph to do the dirty work, then finding a way to cut him out of the plan. Solverson and Grimley join forces to try to get to the bottom of whats going on, but find themselves lost in the midst of a white-out with near-fatal consequences.

Season 1: Episode 9, “A Fox, a Rabbit, and a Cabbage” Its not a year later and much has changed for the main characters, but Solverson still isnt satisfied as neither Nygaard nor Malvo is behind bars. A chance encounter leads Pepper (Key) and Budge (Peele)whose reputations have been sullied and now have a lot to proveto Solverson, who shares her theory of what happened the previous year and gains their trust and support. Meanwhile, Nygaard runs into Malvo in the most unexpected of places and, feeling emboldened by a new life, decides to grow a backbone. Bad move.

Season 2: Episode 1, “Waiting for Dutch” Season 2 takes us back to 1979 with what seems like an entirely new cast of characters, until we meet State Trooper Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), the father of Molly, who is a crossover character from Season 1 (where he owns a diner and is played by Keith Carradine). Here, he finds himself in the middle of a war between two crime syndicatesFargos Gerhardt family and a group of badasses (Woodbine and Garrett) from Kansas City. As in the first season, an everyday couplebutcher Ed (Plemons) and hair stylist Peggy Blumquist (Dunst)find themselves in the middle of this war when Peggy accidentally hits the youngest Gerhardt with her car and, rather than call the police, tries to hide the evidence.

Season 2: Episode 6, “Rhinoceros” The Blumquists many bad decisions have come back to haunt them, as Ed has a price put on his head and is nearly killed when his butcher shop burns down. But Peggy, who Sherriff Hank Larsson (Danson) suspects is “a little bit touched,” sees this tragedy as a chance to self-actualize and start a new life. Reality sets in when Ed is arrested, and a couple of Gerhardts show up at her house. Karl Weathers (Offerman), the towns only lawyer, arrives at the police station (barely standing) to help Ed out, but it turns into a standoff with the Gerhardts demanding the return of their man, and that Ed be sacrificed.

Season 2: Episode 8, “Loplop” Having captured the leader of the Gerhardt gang, Peggy seems to be adjustingand even enjoyinglife on the run, with a hostage in tow. But, much to Eds dismay, the Gerhardts dont seem all that concerned with getting their man back, so he makes a call to the Kansas City guys to see what he can do. At the same time, the police are on their trail.

Season 2: Episode 10, “Palindrome” One wouldnt necessarily say that either season of Fargo ends on a “happy” note, but after much bloodshedand at least one UFO sightingthe war between the two crime factions seems to have come to an end. And Solverson can come home to his wife, Betsy (Cristin Milioti, who is wonderful) and daughter Molly (here played by Raven Stewart) and contemplate the future. The one that, if you watched Season 1, you already know.

Why You Should Binge: With so many popular series currently in their tenth or more season (see: The Simpsons, Greys Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory), its nice to be reminded that economy can be a good thing. The TV-watching world is catching on to that, as anthology series like American Horror Story have been gaining in popularity. Bottom line: Why spend 266 hours watching all of Criminal Minds when you can watch one of televisions very best crime series in less than a week?

Best Scene”Pepper and Budge on the Scene”:

Given the huge cast of characters, plus the various storylines in each season, choosing a “best” scene is damn near impossible. Lorne Malvo transforming into Pastor Frank Peterson when he’s being questioned by the police is what makes Thornton a one-of-a-kind performer. But one of the things that makes Fargo different is the truly innovativeand cinematicapproach it brings to television. Yes, weve heard this “cinematic” argument for many other shows, many of them deserving of what might be the highest compliment. But Fargo takes it to the next level; its regular use of split screen gives the viewer a birds-eye-view on everything thats happening (one camera might show whats happening in the front of a house, while another shows the back) and also provides a visual metaphor for what’s happening in the story (a split in the screen might indicate a fracture in a relationship).

In one of Season 1s most breathtaking moments, what could have been a gore-filled scene instead took a more subtle turn where the violence is heard and fully understood, yet not seen, giving the viewers imagination a workout. Its bookended by the comedic influence of Key and Peeles FBI agents Pepper and Budge, who always seem to get distracted at the very moment their jobs require undivided attention.

The Takeaway:

Albert Camus was fond of pointing out the absurdity of life, and famously that, “Basically, at the very bottom of life, which seduces us all, there is only absurdity, and more absurdity. And maybe that’s what gives us our joy for living, because the only thing that can defeat absurdity is lucidity.” No, thats not a lazy way of ripping off another writer in an attempt to summarize the seriesbut it could very easily serve as the show’s tagline. In fact, Camus even gets a couple of direct shout-outs in Fargo, including a second season episode titled “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Anyone familiar with that 1942 essay knows that its essentially a metaphor for the futility of life and the lack of control we truly have over what happens to ourselves and the people around us. And that the only way to combat the seeming pointlessness of it all is to embrace whatever challenges come our way and accept them as the path thats been laid out for us.

In the land of Fargo, strange things happen. Bad things happen. Tragedy strikes. There are deaths, and there are births (though the former far outweighs the latter). There are moments of sadness, and laugh-inducing incidents. And through it all, the series enormous cast of characters weather the challenges and persevere (well, the ones who live to tell the story at least), as they move forward and prepare for whatever life has in store for them next. Stated more simply: Thats life.

If You Like Fargo, Youll Love: If you haven’t seen the 1996 Coen brothers’ movie upon which the series is based, that’s your first mistake: Fargo the series perfectly captures the darkly comedic tone of Fargo the movie, which was nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and won two (for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay). Its about a sad-sack car salesman who hires some guys to kidnap his wife in order to get some money from his father-in-lawand its small-screen sendup is full of subtle nods and references. (Jos Feliciano, anyone?)

On the small screen, its really not hyperbolic to say that Fargo has sort of created its own genre. Which isnt to say that it doesnt share elements with some other series: Like Breaking Bad, its a look at what happens when seemingly “good” people suddenly find themselves on the other side of the law; the two shows also share a very precise type of pacing where the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessingand watching. So it stands to reason that it shares a lot of the same characteristics (plus one Bob Odenkirk) with Better Call Saul, too.

For sheer strangeness and creating a world in which anything can happen, Twin Peaks is yet another kindred television spirit.

Read more: https://www.wired.com/2017/02/binge-guide-fargo/