#however after watching the movie I ended up appreciateing the book even more

[bevy-obeyme]

*

-cutely walks over to you-

I heard your cries and please for a male/non binary mc ideas. So although I am not a man, or a they/them, what about a transgender mc?

Sure!! I can do that! :3

I’ll make both FTM and MTF!!

Brothers with a Female to Male MC

And for those out there who struggle with body image, I want you to know you’re all so beautiful/handsome. Gender is a social construct and that means YOU have the right to change it however you want!

Trans people, you all have my respect and keep being you because ultimately, this is your life, don’t change it just because someone’s cranky about what you have between your legs!! 🫶

Lucifer

- He respected you whole heartedly - you were his handsome human. Any demon who dare say otherwise may get punished. Horribly.

- For such a sadistic and prideful man, he made sure to be soft for you during this topic. This was important after all. He always conveyed that he loved you no matter what, gender was not even a doubt in his mind.

- As an always professionally dressed person, he’d offer guidance on how to bring out the sharp edge of your eyes or what clothes to layer with what to give off an impression of masculinity.

- Whenever you stood in front of your mirror - feeling so out of place and feminine he would be right there behind you, words gently reassuring that you were his handsome little lamb, his pretty boy and that he wouldn’t have you any other way.

Mammon

- Whilst he wouldn’t go out of his way to become soft- ( he already is anyway ), he always made sure to refer to you with the correct pronouns and nicknames.

- Things like ‘’my man’’, ‘’my bro’’ or even ‘’hot stuff’’.

- For a forgetful and scummy demon, he would never dare misgender you. He knew just how much you struggled transitioning anyway.

- He always made sure to flex you around too - puffing his chest out and bragging about how he had a hot man to himself.

- Whenever some lower class demon even tried to misgender you however, he went ballistic - spewing all kinds of insults and petty comments.

- He truly didn’t mind your gender. He was still your first demon and that’s all that mattered. If you wanted to be a man, then go ahead. At least he wouldn’t have to be ‘the man’ during horror movies.

Leviathan

- Out of all the brothers, he’s the most attentive to this sort of thing. He understands your body dysmorphia end envy - he got it a lot when he cosplayed or watched people feel so comfortable in their gender.

- He’ll always ask you which pronouns you’d prefer, what nicknames you’re fine with, how you want to be complimented and etc. He doesn’t want to mess up with you.

- He took solace in the fact you too struggled with your body image, yet the fact that you were trying made him want to try too. He would support you no matter what. You were his normie.

Satan

- He too is rather attentive. He understands of being born in a circumstance you did not ask for.

- He made sure to compliment you all the time, hell, he’d even read up on this kind of thing to help you.

- He offered to go shopping with you - looking for binders and things to help you look more masculine. Maybe even buy a few self help books to make you feel at ease.

- Satan truly didn’t care for who you were. Externally, you might’ve changed. But you would always be his in his heart and that’s all that mattered.

Asmodeus

- He is super supportive. He will overwhelm you with compliments.

- Asmo himself isn’t the most masculine man. None of his brothers are tip top rough, burly men. Hell, he’s trained to walk in high heels!

- So, he’d always go out shopping with you, he had the best judgement to fashion. He respected you wanting to dress in masculine clothing yet he would always reassure you that clothes didn’t determine anything and he’d still see you as his Prince Charming.

- Secretly, he appreciated the new you. Adored it even. The switch of you possibly being the dominant one made it tantalising.

Beelzebub

- Beelzebub cared very little about how you presented yourself. Man, woman, nonbinary? At the end of the day, you were still his soft human.

- But, he’d make sure to convey his appreciation for your transition. He could admire your bravery to finally come out and confess who you really wanted to be.

- Beelzebub was a lot bigger than you, and noticing how you wanted to cover your curves as much as possible, he’d leave his closet door open anytime. Just to see that smile on your face.

Belphegor

- He too didn’t care much. It didn’t take away how nice you were to cuddle with. You did what you wanted to do.

- He always made sure to show his acknowledgment however, reminding you that you were handsome for a human and how happy it made him to see you smile much more than you did before your transition.

[dontyouworrydaddy]

Can you please write about Konig & 141 with a significant other who is very introverted? Like, someone who can go hours and hours without talking and is more than happy to simply relax and enjoy a day of peace and quiet at home. Thank you so much. I love all your stories, they're my daily dose of smiling to myself.

ʷʰᵉᶰ ʸᵒᵘ ᵏᶰᵒʷ˒ ʸᵒᵘ ᵏᶰᵒʷˑ

Task Force 141 (+König) + gn! reader

STOPPPP THIS MADE ME SMILE SO HARD🤭🤭🤭🤭😭 I‘m so glad you enjoy reading my fanfics, please keep that smile! I love you so much xoxo💘💘💘

◡̈

König

You and König were an unlikely couple. While he thrived in the midst of chaos and action, you found solace in the peace with yourself. But despite your contrasting personalities, a deep connection had formed between you.

One sunny day, König returned from a mission, exhausted. As he stepped through the door, he was greeted by the familiar quietness that enveloped your home. You, sitting on the couch, deep inside a book, you looked up and offered a soft smile. König felt a wave of relief wash over him, appreciating the sanctuary you provided.

The two of you understand and respect each other's needs. König would regale you with tales of his daring escapades, sharing the adrenaline rush and the camaraderie he felt with his team. You listened attentively, providing a listening ear and occasional nods of understanding.

On one particularly challenging day, König returned from a mission that had left him emotionally drained. His usually charismatic and confident demeanor was replaced by a somber and contemplative expression. Sensing his need for silence, you wordlessly made him a cup of tea and guided him to the cozy living room.

Together, you sat in silence, the weight of the day's events hanging in the air. No words were exchanged, yet the unspoken understanding between you acted as a soothing balm. You leaned against König, providing him with a sense of comfort and support that he had never experienced before. It was a testament to the strength of your bond.

König started to appreciate the peace you brought into his life. Your peaceful presence acted as a respite from the chaos and turmoil of his world. He discovered the joy of simply being with you, without the need for constant stimulation or conversation.

You took pleasure in introducing him to the simple joys of life…a leisurely walk through a park, stargazing on a clear night, or curling up together to watch a movie in comfortable silence. The depth of your connection transcended words, and König found solace in the tranquility you embodied.

And you guys ended that night with nothing but unspoken words. But you could feel each others love.

Simon Riley

You and Simon sat comfortably on the couch in his small, cozy apartment, basking in the silence that enveloped the room. It had been a long day of action and chaos, and both of you craved this precious time to recharge. While Simon was known for his skill and proficiency in combat, you, on the other hand, were a reserved and introverted individual who found solace in silence.

As the evening settled in, you couldn't help but feel a slight excitement bubbling within you. Earlier in the day, you had watched a captivating movie that had left you in awe, and you wanted to share the experience with Simon. However, knowing how quiet and reserved you were, you couldn't help but hesitate.

"Hey, Simon," you began, your voice soft and gentle, "I watched this incredible movie today. It had such a compelling storyline, and the performances were amazing."

Simon turned his attention to you, his piercing blue eyes fixed on your face. "Oh, really? What was it about?" he asked, his voice carrying a genuine curiosity.

"It's about a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after a major life event," you explained, your words slowly forming. "Throughout the movie, she learns to face her fears and finds her true strength. It was incredibly inspiring."

Simon leaned forward, his interest evident in his posture. "Sounds like a powerful story. What did you like most about it?"

"Well, there was this one scene where she confronts her inner hate" you said, your voice growing more animated as you recounted the scene. "The intentions were so beautifully done and the actress portrayed the character's emotions flawlessly. It was like watching a piece of art come to life."

Simon listened intently, his admiration for you growing with every word you spoke. He marveled at your ability to articulate your thoughts and feelings with such precision, despite your preference for quiet introspection.

"You have an incredible way of describing things, you know," Simon said softly, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "I've always admired your ability to find joy and beauty in the smallest moments. It's a rare quality and it's one of the many reasons why I adore you."

A faint blush crept up your cheeks as his words washed over you. Simon had a way of making you feel seen and appreciated, even in your quietest moments. It was one of the many reasons why you cherished his presence in your life.

"Thank you, Simon," you whispered, a warm smile gracing your lips. "It means a lot to me that you listen so attentively. Your support and understanding make me feel valued and cherished."

Simon reached out and gently took your hand in his, his touch bringing a comforting warmth to your soul. "You don't have to thank me, Y/N" he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "I‘m so happy to be with someone as incredible as you. Your quiet strength is what grounds me, and I'm grateful every day to have you by my side."

In that moment, as the two of you sat in silence, a profound connection existed between you and Simon. Words were unnecessary as your hearts communicated in a language only the two of you understood. In each other's presence, you found solace and comfort, knowing that being introverted didn't make you any less valuable or loved.

John MacTavish

You and John sat together on a cozy sofa, a fire crackling in the nearby fireplace. The warmth enveloped the room as the two of you basked in the tranquility of the evening. As a person who cherished moments of quietude, you found comfort in John's presence, someone who understood and appreciated your introverted nature.

John glanced at you, a soft smile gracing his lips. "You know, I've always admired how you can find so much joy in silence," he said, his voice warm and gentle. "You have this incredible ability to appreciate the little things in life, the quiet moments that often go unnoticed."

You turned your gaze toward him, your eyes reflecting a deep affection. "I guess I've always been drawn to the beauty of nothingness" you replied, your voice soft yet filled with sincerity. "There's something magical about finding peace in nothing and sharing it with someone you love."

He reached out and took your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours. The touch sent a gentle wave of warmth through your body. "I feel so so blessed to have found you," John confessed, his voice filled with adoration. "Your presence brings a sense of calmness and contentment to my life that I never knew was possible."

A gentle blush spread across your cheeks as you leaned closer to him, your heart fluttering with love. "And you John, have a way of making me feel cherished and understood," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "It's as if you know how to speak the language of my heart, even when words escape me."

He tilted his head, his eyes shining with affectionate curiosity. "Tell me, my love, what's on your mind today? Anything you'd like to share or discuss?"

You pondered for a moment, relishing the opportunity to open up to him. "You know, I was thinking about the power of silence," you mused. "How sometimes, words can only complicate things. In the quiet moments, we can truly hear each other without any distractions."

John nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving yours. "It's true. Silence can be a refuge, a space where understanding blossoms. With you, I've learned the beauty of being present in the moment, embracing the stillness, and truly listening to what's unsaid."

A sense of deep connection swelled between you as the conversation meandered into the realm of shared understanding. Hours passed, but it felt like mere moments, for time seemed insignificant in the presence of your love.

John Price

As you lay in John's arms, the two of you relish the tranquility of the moment. The outside world fades away, leaving just the comforting embrace of each other. You couldn't imagine a more perfect way to spend your time together.

John, ever the man of action, had always been drawn to those who possessed a fiery spirit. But when he met you, the depth of your quiet nature captured his heart like nothing else. Your introverted personality was a refreshing contrast to the chaos and noise that often accompanied his line of work.

In a world of constant turmoil and danger, you provided him with a sanctuary, a haven of calm where he could let his guard down and find solace. He admired the way you could go hours without saying a single word, finding comfort in the silence.

As you lie in each other's arms, John's fingers gently trace circles on your back, his touch conveying love. He knows that sometimes, words aren't necessary to express how deeply he cares for you. Your presence alone speaks volumes, and he cherishes every moment shared with you.

Your introverted nature allows you to appreciate the small joys in life, and that mindset has rubbed off on John. He finds himself savoring the simplicity of mundane activities, like cooking dinner together or snuggling up on the couch to watch a movie. It's in these quiet moments that he truly realizes how lucky he is to have you by his side.

He often wonders what goes on in your mind during those long stretches of silence, but he knows better than to ask. He respects your need for solitude and understands that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are forged through silent companionship.

Kyle Garrick

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, you and Kyle lounged comfortably on the couch in your cozy living room. It was your time and place where silence was treasured and cherished and today was no exception.

Lost in the pages of a book, you were completely engrossed in a tale that captivated your imagination. As you turned the pages, occasionally pausing to savor the words, Kyle observed you with affectionate fascination. He admired your ability to get lost in a world of your own creation, finding beauty in the quiet moments that others often overlooked.

Kyle was also a reader, but his tastes leaned more toward action-packed thrillers. However, your presence had opened up a new realm of literature for him. You had introduced him to the magic of introspective novels, inviting him into a world where the power of words could heal wounds and touch the soul.

He couldn't help but smile as he watched you silently flip through the pages, your eyes dancing with the emotions conveyed by the author's words. Finally, unable to resist the urge to engage in conversation, Kyle gently placed his hand on your shoulder, causing you to look up from your book and meet his warm gaze.

"You seem really invested in that book," he said softly, a tone of genuine interest lacing his voice. "What's it about?"

You blinked, momentarily taken aback by the interruption. However, you quickly realized that Kyle was genuinely interested in your thoughts and experiences, even if they were vastly different from his own. Setting the book aside, you smiled, grateful for his curiosity.

"It's a story about self-discovery" you replied, your voice hushed but filled with quiet enthusiasm. "It follows a protagonist who embarks on a journey to find their true purpose in life. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, both internal and external, that force them to confront their fears and embrace their own strengths."

Kyle's gaze never wavered as he listened intently, fully immersed in the conversation. It was as if time stood still, and the world outside ceased to exist. He hung onto your every word, cherishing the connection you shared.

"That sounds fascinating" Kyle responded genuinely, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes. "What do you find most captivating about the story?"

You took a moment to reflect, appreciating Kyle's genuine interest in your perspective. "I think what resonates with me the most is the protagonist's journey of self-acceptance," you answered thoughtfully. "It reminds me of how we all have our own personal battles and insecurities, but ultimately, it's through embracing ourselves completely that we find true contentment and inner peace."

Kyle nodded, his expression filled with admiration. "You have a unique way of seeing the world, and I find it incredibly inspiring," he confessed, his voice filled with warmth. "Your appreciation for the quiet moments and your ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life it's something I've come to cherish about you."

A gentle blush graced your cheeks as you took in his heartfelt words. In that moment, it became clear to you that Kyle adored every aspect of your introverted nature. And you loved him for it.

[corkinavoid]

I feel like you'll appreciate the irony given the shitty anon the other day, but guess who recieved $200 of Harry Potter official merch, including a children's book (like, toddlers Christmas book, I'm almost 30). Gotta love my dad, who heard a firm "no" on that front and understood it to mean "Okay, but if I get merch for the house she least identifies with and the character she likes least, all the negatives equal a positive and it's FINE"

JK Rowling is not getting anywhere near as much support from us making and indulging in fanworks as she is family members who think we're both 13 still and attached desperately to a brand above details. Leave the creators of fan content alone!

On the topic of HP gifts from parents, my father once gifted me with Luna Lovegood's wand after their family visit to Universal theme parks. And, I mean, I love Luna, she is great, but, a) not my favorite character, b) not the house I associate myself with, c) all in all, the wands are the most useless gifts because what would you even use it for?

Granted, it was not the most bizarre and useless gift from my father (that award goes to a set of used tires while I didn't even have a car), but, like, what???

Anyway, I got off-topic.

My stance on the whole HP and Rowling discourse is never giving her my money because that's a material, physical profit that I'm not willing to give her. However, I pirated the shit out of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movies and watched them, and I have two Slytherin scarves that I bought from a friend's friend who handcrafts stuff just for the local community, and I have a few keychains from an artist I know. Not even a dime from those things ended up in Rowling's pocket.

If Rowling wants to think everything is about her and everyone who likes HP is supporting her, okay, let the woman live with her delusions. The only things that actually belong to her are the original books, and I think we are well past the stage where we actually like the books, and not everything that came from them by the hands and minds of fan content creators.

J.K. Rowling's opinions ain't stopping me from liking things that I do. She is just one woman. Even my mother, who arguably has (had?) some rights to tell me what I should and should not do, never had much influence on my rebellious ass, why should a woman I don't even know have more power?

[bomberqueen17]

who let me out

Most of the time I spend on Tumblr has been taken up in writing these Aubreyad book recaps so I haven't been talking about my own life but there's not a lot to say.

However!

I am making a voyage to England next week which is extremely exciting, and yes I'm going to see the museum exhibit about that archaeology dig I was so excited about. I have been so stressed lately that I have barely thought about this and in fact last night I finally was like "do i need like. socks n underwear for this trip. idek." and i haven't even looked at weather reports so I don't know what clothes I need. But I did live in the UK for a while once so I'm fairly confident that my good raincoat and new waterproof boots will be a good start towards an autumn wardrobe.

So I hope to talk about that more, coming up.

Meanwhile, rambling about personal life stuff

The last stint at the farm was so fucking stressful. I had to work the market sometimes, which means a full day of work on Saturday. We had so much work to get through, and several people who help us weren't available, so we had to do it all ourselves, and that meant some ten-hour days, meant some exhausting slogs. At the end I was like "do you know what I'm not going to do while I'm on vacation?" "no, what" "ever touch raw chicken." I singlehandedly had to package like 1000 pounds of raw chicken in two days, after having packaged 200 whole chickens the day before. I was just so tired of the way raw cold chicken feels in my hands. Ugh ugh ugh.

I got so stressed I just wasn't sleeping, which sucked. Oh, I'd get into bed, and I'd fall asleep at my normal time-- usually around 10pm-- and then I'd wake up at 2am and that was it, I was up for the day. I tried various things-- went to bed at 9, woke up at 1-- lay there pretending to sleep-- got up and wrote-- got up and walked around-- one night I watched the entirety of the Master & Commander movie from 2003 on YouTube. Why not! I did remember some of it from 20 years ago, how funny.

(My dad liked that movie. His favorite thing to do during movies was to quibble about historical inaccuracies. But this movie had so much fanservice for reenactors in it that he was quietly delighted. His quibble was that the violin and cello duets were too good, they should've recorded amateurs. He had a point.)

Anyway. I was researching various methods of helping one sleep-- the only one at my disposal was weed gummies and I spent one very miserable night just lying there high and bored and not sleeping and wasn't totally sober when morning came and that fucking sucked. I commute on foot or I never would have risked it, but being very slightly still high and exhausted and trying to do repetitive physical work was really, really dispiriting.

but we got everything done. In the end. And I left. And once I got home I went to sleep and I have not had really any appreciable trouble sleeping since. I can even nap, sometimes!

Heck.

One of the things I'd meant to take care of while I was at the farm was that of course on my birthday, my fucking driver's license expired. On the one hand, thank you DMV, it used to be that everyone's license expired on the same day, so you'd have to go wait in massive lines to get it dealt with. Now it's... not evenly distributed exactly, because people's birthdays are a random distribution, but it's a perfectly logical and reasonable way to organize expiration dates. But it meant that in the midst of this exhausting miserable stint of work when I didn't have time to do anything really fun for my birthday (don't cry for me, my mom made me a cake and my BIL bought me ice cream treats) I also was consumed with angst about needing to renew my license. i was so sure they'd yell at me because I hadn't renewed before it expired-- but they wanted me to do an eye test, and I could not, could not coordinate that, I'm overdue for an optometrist appointment by several years and I just could not fucking make it happen.

So I went to the DMV yesterday and was like "i both want to renew this license and upgrade it to the enhanced version since that will be required for planes soon" and they were like "we need both your passport and your social security card and two proofs of residency." and i was like you need the social security card and proof of residency to get the passport. and they were like yeah but we need all four things too. so I went back home with the form and found the various necessary proofs, but then I was able to make an appointment to go back. Great!

(They say, "make an appointment online!" but if you look up the DMV website there's nowhere to do it, and if you go to the website of that branch of the DMV there's nowhere to do it. Want to know why? Because it's not through the DMV it is through the county clerk's office. Now U Know: Go to the county clerk's office and navigate to their section on the DMV. It's separate! Who fuckin knew! Now you do! [In my case this was erie.gov because that is my county, but it may vary for you and if you are not in new york state i have no advice for you.]

All having an appointment means is that you are in a separate queue to be seen, which is likely faster than the general pool but may not be. Still, I thought it was a good idea.

And then it was early for my appointment and I was getting my shit together and I had my social security card and an old W-2 with my address and social security number and my old license with my address on it and for some reason I thought I could use my checkbook but that's not what they mean by a cancelled check but whatever. I had just a random pile of shit. And

where was my passport

where is my passport?

i'd had it in my pocket but i was sure i'd removed it from the pocket and put it into my purse. but it wasn't in my purse. "did you see it inside the house," asks dude patiently, who also is prone to losing shit and who knows me very well. "I don't know," I have to answer. "I remember putting it in my purse and it isn't there." I search the place I put my purse a thousand times, I go through the desk where I was sitting to collect the other proofs but i knew, I knew I had not brought it in there. Time is slipping away, I will miss my appointment. God time is slipping away and I can't find the thing. I ransack the house. I finally run out to the car, did I leave it on the seat in the car? It is not in the car.

In desperation, as it is fully time to leave the house and I will be late if I don't, I gather up all my other papers and go out to the car. "I will just go," I say, "and ask them, did they find it, because that is the last place I am absolutely sure I had it." Because the woman had looked at it to see if I had my social security card between the pages. And she'd handed it back to me. But my memory is such that the rest of what I did is not certain; I remember taking it, I remember putting it into my pocket, but this might be a story I am telling myself. This is the way in which I am a very good liar, because I do not remember things very well, and my well-honed abilities as a storyteller mean I am very, very good at instantly constructing what it would make the most sense to have done, and telling that story even to myself. But. here's the horrible truth: i don't know if it really happened that way. Many things I have witnessed, important things, I remember the story of but I'm not entirely certain they happened that way. Any story I tell may be fictionalized, and I usually dont' know it.

So anyway.

Got out to my car and there on the ground in the road (I am parked in the street) there is my passport lying next to the driver's side door of the car. When I had checked the car earlier, I had only gone to the near side, the passenger side, and looked in the window. It had never occurred to me that my memory of putting it into my purse might have been me just setting it on my purse and it not going in, which is clearly one hundred percent what happened.

So that was. A fucking wild ride, and I did not cry but only because I was too overwhelmed. I made it to the appointment and I could not hear the very nice clerk very well so I kept nodding at her in blank incomprehension and then not doing what she'd asked me to do. But this is the thing-- if you think of the most brutally competent people on the entire face of the planet Earth you might be tempted to imagine like, IDK, Marines or something, but that would be wrong, it is the clerks at the DMV. They will Get It Done, whatever the fuck it is, and they will NOT put up with your shit, but they will also not be mean to you. They will not usually waste time in smiles or gratuitous displays of humanity, but they are never cruel, they are implacable and pitiless but they are fair and they will help you and they will not smile about it but they will tell you which option to tick off on the form so that you don't have to pay a bunch of extra money, and they will be understatedly kind if you are frightened, and they will calmly and impassively repeat their instructions until they penetrate your uncomprehending skull, and you will get what you need to get because this is deadly serious and they are the kind of bureaucrat that actually make the world go round. It is not sunshine and rainbows but it will absolutely get done even if it takes months and years.

Anyway there's some kind of divinity in low-level bureaucrats who actually have to talk to frightened people, I tell you what.

The only time my clerk smiled at me was when I didn't hear her and she had to repeat that the screen was asking me if I wanted to register to vote, which is an automatic part of all their transactions. "Oh, no," I said, "I'm already registered," and she said "then press no," and I said "I do really appreciate the reminder though," and she smiled at that.

(They also ask you to enroll as an organ donor. NYS is an opt-in state, and many people just don't opt in; opt-out states have much higher enrollment for obvious reasons. Please opt in unless your religion or beliefs proscribe it! There are never enough organs and your grieving family will almost never remember to opt you in at the moment of extremity. You could save so many lives, and improve so many others. This PSA brought to you by someone who spent the pandemic lockdown in the home of a member of the local hospital's liver transplant team, who was so busy because all the New York hospitals had shut down their transplant facilities in order to turn the ventilators over to Covid patients, so everyone in New York who was getting a liver was getting it in Rochester. From my guy's team. So it was a stressful time. But I am successully re-enrolled as an organ donor. I am quite sure I already was one but the only two options were Yes or No so I checked Yes.)

Anyway I have so much to do and am so burned-out that I'm repeatedly getting stuck staring at things in odd rooms, so. We'll see how this goes. I have five days left to get ready for this trip wish me luck.

[marvel-ousmondays]

Iron Man (2008)

As mentioned in last post, when I went to Iron Man I literally had no idea that such a superhero existed. (I thought Sherlock Holmes with RDJ came out first but apparently not so I had essentially no knowledge of the actor either.) My friends and I decided to spend the day out at the nearest town big enough to have a book store, craft stores, and a Target, as well as a Drive-In movie theater. I was now a college student and enjoying the freedom of no curfew, rebel that I was. I'm pretty sure the movie prior to Iron Man was the Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. I mention this because I hated that movie. It bastardized the book something awful and after the first movie was so faithful an adaptation, this was incredibly disappointing. However, this meant I was doubly primed to appreciate the awesomeness that Iron Man ended up being. I've watched it a few times since then, but usually as background to something else. I decided for this challenge I did REALLY want to watch the movies/shows. No other distractions- just it. I can take breaks (it took me 3 days to finish Iron Man due to various constraints last week) but when I'm watching, I'm JUST watching.

Here were my takeaways this time

The differences in Terrence Howard's Rhodey and Cheadle's Rhodey are always a bit mind boggling and part of what makes Iron Man feel really different from the later films. We're also just starting MCU so while they aren't LACKING budget, it's not the level it would be later. This doesn't hurt the movie at all for the record, if anything I think it meant the story had to be more well-developed and the actors better.

But this first film has a seriousness and a somberness that most of the other films only flirt with (notable exception being Infinity War of course).

The scene where Tony goes back to help Gulmira, Yinsen's home, and we see the 13 year old boy screaming and crying as his father is pried away from their family, the soldiers clearly planning to execute him and all the other grown men. The young boy tears himself away from his mother to his father, determined to keep him, to save him. His father, begging his son to go, so that he will live even though he knows- he KNOWS he will not. This moment of utter terror made personal just before Tony shows up is incredible and all the more so when put into historical context. The U.S. was still in Afghanistan and Iraq at this time and it was easy for citizens here to paint everyone in those areas with the same brush. But in this moment you CAN'T. You HAVE to see the family ripped apart right alongside the terrorists and be forced to realize that race, ethnicity, language don't make terrible people- actions do.

A common criticism of Marvel movies is they don't let a moment sit- that they always break a serious moment with a joke. But this one doesn't do that. There are multiple heavy moments- after Yinsen's death for one and when Pepper nearly quits (because she can't watch Tony self-sabotage and possibly die) and he tells her:

"I shouldn't be alive... unless it was for a reason. I'm not crazy, Pepper. I just finally know what I have to do. And I know in my heart that it's right."

This moment sits between them so clearly, so starkly and it is not ended with a joke, but with Pepper grabbing the flashdrive and asking what to do. (Thinking back, I'm wondering how many of those MCU "broken" moments are by Tony. He's the one uncomfortable with emotion. Him breaking those moments with humor is actually 100% in character. Something to pay attention to as I watch.)

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, some of the key themes of this movie just strike to the heart.

Death from a distance is easy to ignore or even be complicit in, but death up close rips us apart. Tony sold weapons that he knew took lives for years but it wasn't until he watched Yinsen die that I think he really understands what that means. Yes, his parents had died before but he wasn't THERE, he didn't SEE it. This death, this is the one that makes him really know what it means.

You don't have to change everything to be a better person. Tony is still self-centered. He still likes attention. He's still arrogant and as we will see next movie, open to playing the field as Pepper and him haven't committed. But not only has he stopped being complicit in the deaths of the innocent, he's taken on the mantle of protecting them.

Lastly, who the good guys are is largely a matter of perspective. This obviously gets hit harder again in Ultron (oh that glorious train wreck- I'm looking forward to writing about you), but it matters here. Tony was fine manufacturing weapons because he assumed he was supporting the "good guys", the 'Muricans. But not only was Obadiah dirty dealing, he is forced to learn the good guys aren't always as discriminatory with their weapon use as they purport to be. That it's easy to start painting with broad brushstrokes in areas where precision is actually called for.

Overall I'm really glad I PAID attention to this one this round. The grittiness and the depth really hit the way they did the first time or even more so. Onward to The Incredible Hulk, even though it's only semi-canon now.

Note for me:

Directed by: Jon Favreau

[nayucristal]

6 studio ghibli movies for beginners ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

hello! ^^ this is my first text-post here so i decided to write about a topic that i am totally obsessed with!! but before we begin, here is a brief introduction:

i think it's important to balance between the more complex and simple Studio Ghibli films so that you can have access to both facets of Ghibli. after all, not all of them are extremely complex and metaphorical, sometimes you can just choose a lighter movie to watch!

what is the difference between studio ghibli's movies and other movies? studio ghibli has the mastery of dealing with everyday and essentially human issues (as well as environmental ones) that we are all familiar with seeing in films.

but what makes it unique is the delicate, engaging and accurate tone of humanity and intimacy that studio ghibli brings to the films, making them all special and capable of generating a unique connection between the viewer and the work.

so let's get start it!

p.s.: everything mentioned here is based on my opinion and preferences! feel free to kindly & respectfully disagree <3

Kiki's Delivery Service (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

one of my favorite studio ghibli movies! i believe it has the most relatable protagonist of all the studio's movies. the film deals with several subjects such as burnout, identity, "what is my talent? what makes me unique?", among others!

the soundtrack is unique, catchy and memorable (sometimes i find myself humming the main theme throughout the day lol)

i think it's a great film for those who are just starting to get to know Studio Ghibli and might fall in love with it!

2. Whisper of the Heart ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱₊˚⊹

this is usually one of the first Ghibli movies i recommend to someone (also is one of my favourites)! it has a light and human romance; "no magic, no enchanted beings, no spectacular plot, just the appreciation of life"

the film also features a completely relatable protagonist, shizuku, who searches for a sense of identity, albeit in a different context than kiki.

shizuku is a teenager who is about to start high school but still doesn't know very well what the future holds for her and what she plans to do with it. she ends up meeting her great life partner, seiji, who has a great dream and life goal.

3. Howl's Moving Castle ⋆˙⟡ —

one of the classics! you've probably heard of this masterpiece before or come across the soundtrack online.

unlike the last films mentioned, this one has a much more elaborate, deep and even certainly confusing plot as it contains a lot of symbolism (in addition to being an adaptation of a book!).

however, i think it's a great movie to recommend when you're starting to watch studio ghibli because even though it's slightly complex, it's mesmerizing and engaging. in addition, it shows the purest essence of studio ghibli, which is to portray humanity, human insecurities and feelings with the complexity and subjectivity that they have.

i'm absolutely sure you'll fall in love!

4. My Neighbor Totoro ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

another extremely classic that you've probably heard of! my neighbor totoro will take you back to sweet childhood memories, even if you didn't live in a country house or encounter a mystical forest creature!

this is another story that doesn't have a crazy plot, but it is wrapped in nostalgia, comfort, animation and soundtrack, which makes the experience totally immersive.

my neighbor totoro is without a doubt one of Studio Ghibli's biggest brands, even forming part of the studio's logo and selling several products. it's a film you can't miss!

5. From Up On Poppy Hill ✮⋆˙

maybe this one will generate some disagreement but HEAR ME OUT!!!!!!!!! this was the first Ghibli film i showed my father and he simply fell in love with everything: the animation, the story, the soundtrack, the characters; and all of this made him want to see more of Ghibli!

unlike the other films on the list, this is the only one that was not directed by Hayao Miyazaki but by his son. the film has a curious and incredible story, focusing on one subject: the preservation and veneration of the past so that there may be a future.

the characters are delicate in their essence and each of them tells their own life story and how it built who they are in the present. a great movie for you to watch on a Sunday afternoon!

6. Spirited Away ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

did you think i wouldn't talk about it? simply the most emblematic movie from Studio Ghibli and i believe the most popular too!

this is another film full of metaphors and symbolism as well as a fantastic protagonist. it's a super fantasy film but it deals with extremely real themes of our world, based on the adventure of an 8-year-old girl: "the world will not be kind to you at any time, but you will need to find the strength within yourself to grow and face it"

completely addictive and charismatic in its own way i'm sure you'll love this studio ghibli masterpiece!

[spacetrashpile]

DRACTOBER: DAY ONE

The first day of Drac-tober is upon us! I will be upfront with y’all, the likelihood that these will actually be daily updates continues to slim. I am a college student, first and foremost, but the wi-fi in my dorm has also totally shit the bed, and until that gets resolved (and I don’t know when that will be), watching all these films will be way more inconvenient. But, we’ll see how it all goes!

If you missed the update, I decided to use a random wheel to determine my watch order, rather than the chronological order I listed the films in originally. This film, however, was not decided by the wheel, but by the fact that my roommates really wanted to watch it with me, so it got first dibs.

For the first day of Drac-tober, we will be reviewing… Van Helsing (2004)!

As a reminder, I will be rating each film on two 1-10 scales: its accuracy as a Dracula adaptation, and how much I enjoyed it. This is a different scale than “was it good”. This disclaimer is particularly important for today’s film.

Van Helsing follows Gabriel (I KNOW) Van Helsing, monster hunter for the Vatican circa the 1880s. Van Helsing, played by Hugh Jackman, is peak 2000s eye candy, tragic but amnesiac past and all. He’s sent on a quest to slay Count Dracula and help Romani (not the word they use) prince and princess Velkan and Anna Valerious lift the curse on their family line. This movie includes most of the iconic movie monsters you can think of in some capacity (Dracula and his brides, of course, alongside Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and various werewolves), and is, to say the least, only barely a Dracula adaptation.

Now, onto our first scale- is this a good adaptation of Dracula?

No. Of course not. But I did not expect it to be, and as far as I’m aware, it didn’t really market itself as such. Just about the only thing this film had down about Dracula was the Count’s horny tension with literally everyone, but that’s just sort of a given for any film with vampires in it, frankly. Easy 1/10 on the accuracy scale. They couldn’t even get Van Helsing’s first name right.

Now, as previously stated, I watched this film with two of my roommates. This greatly upped the enjoyment factor. First of all, watching my roommates lust after Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale was extremely funny. Second of all, the value of being able to shout, together, in complete surprise at the twists and turns of this movie cannot be overstated. My favorite example is when the credits began, and the dedication to the film was to the director’s deceased father. We were flabbergasted.

This movie was also laughably strange, most of the time. The plot moved quickly enough and was stupid enough that I had fun with it, despite the fact that it had absolutely nothing to do with any of the characters involved in the film. Frankly, the most accurately adapted character was probably Frankenstein’s monster, since he was actually fully articulate (though that’s where most of the similarities to his book counterpart end).

There was also the element of the brides, who are given quite a bit more screen time and motive in this film than in the actual novel. They all have names, which is nice, and while their motive of wanting to bring their children with Dracula to life is… interesting, at least it’s there. There was also a wild amount of homoerotic tension between Aleera (the bride who lives the longest) and Anna (the female lead) which I did not see coming, but did appreciate.

That, however, is where my praise for the women in this film ends. While the brides have names and motivations, a step up from the novel, this movie is not good to its women. They are sex objects, first and foremost (and I suspect this is why the lesbian tension is there at all). They are motivators for the men above all else and literally all of them end up dead by the film’s conclusion. I cannot describe the disappointment and anger that was in the room when we realized Anna died.

There is also, of course, the fetishization and misrepresentation of Romani people present in the film. The script refers to them using the G-slur, for one, but all these supposedly Romani characters are played by white people, and are also getting saved by this random white man. The Romani heritage of the Velarious clan is basically forgotten past the first 30 minutes of the film, and thank god for it, because I know it wouldn’t have been handled well.

All in all, was this, by any stretch of the imagination a good movie? No, absolutely not. But it was a great movie to watch with my roommates on a Friday night. 7/10 on the enjoyment scale.

In conclusion, was Van Helsing (2004) a particularly good film, as an adaptation of Dracula or otherwise? No, absolutely not. But you knew that already. I would, however, recommend giving it a watch if you have friends to enjoy it with and maybe a beer or two. I don’t know if I’ll ever be returning to this film, but I had a great time watching it. It’s score may be a 4/10 overall, but it was a great start to the month.

[shads-shipposts]

Finally. Five years after the story actually takes place, I can share with y'all the book that was meant to start Adventures!AU. This book has gone through an insane amount of iterations, and is actually unrecognizable from  the original script. But the delay is a benefit, because now I have a better idea of where I want the series to go as a whole and am also better at writing. 

This story should be finished by the end of the year 2025, with chapters 0-20 completed. How long it will be, I haven't a clue. "Act I" was originally 10 chapters and now it's 20, so who knows lol. 

This story occasionally features the main characters of the movie (Tintin, Haddock, Sakharine) but is mainly focused on the sailors. This story won't be as gut-wrenching as my other fics (especially OtRaTtW), but there will be pain. It's not a Shadow story without it. 

This story does deal with sensitive topics from time to time, but each chapter will have a warning before anything intense. However, this is the only warning posted for the minor stuff typical of my fics: adult language/humor, graphic descriptions, and canon typical/atypical violence.

I realize the fandom for this lot is small, but I really do appreciate any comments or votes on this fic. I plan to remaster this after I finish this "first draft", so if there's any constructive criticism you have please let me know!

Enough talk, enjoy the ride! It's gonna be a wild one.

Also, Merry Christmas!

Next Chapter: Jan 1st

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

"Scared, Allan?"

It wasn't the first time he'd found himself here after he closed his eyes. It'd been months since the incident that gave rise to the scene playing over and over again in his dreams, but time hadn't dulled any of his emotions concerning it.

"I must say, your fear scent is... unique. Fishy and tart."

Confusion, horror, shock, disbelief.

"Don't worry your little head there. I respect you and, strange as it may seem, I do find the need to fear you."

Yes, fear there too.

"Funny ain't it?"

And who wouldn't be scared?

"An Alphian fearin' a human."

When they were faced with an alien of unknown magical abilities?

"Don't see that every day."

The scene wobbled and fizzled at the edges, like staring at a reflection on the surface of a stormy sea. The secrets surrounding the scene trapped deep in its depths, unreachable even if one tried their hardest to grasp the answers.

Allan Thompson walked through the scene, removed from his own actions as if he were just on autopilot. He couldn't change the scene, no more than someone watching a reel on a screen.

He sat at the table, across from the half-human, half animal woman that watched him like a hawk. Dark stripes cut through her light skin like thick shadows across a moonlit patch on deck, a black and white tail flicked behind her, and piercing eyes the color of glaciers scanned him inside and out. She was a head shorter than him, yet power radiated off her like heat from an open flame.

His voice reached his ears, muted and distant.

His own and yet... not, in a way.

"Kid... I'm sorry about Turtle."

The alien looked up at him, the furry ears on the sides of her head flattened against ginger hair.

"Thanks, man."

Those cat-like eyes shifted to the side, as if searching for any other threats.

He knew it was a dream. Knew what was about to happen.

It did not ease the churning of his stomach.

"Actually," she continued, mouth moving but voice coming from the very walls surrounding them. "I kinda wanted to ask you about something related to that."

Allan knew what was coming. Knew what she was going to ask.

Knew how badly it would go, how swiftly the scene would turn dangerous.

But he was helpless to do anything but follow the script. Follow the events as they unfolded.

Eyes on her hands, waiting to see those thorn sharp claws, Allan again heard his voice from far away.

"Aye?"

He wished he could change course. Wished he could prevent what came next. Perhaps, if he could, then things would be different.

But no.

"Let me go after that short slaver with the dark brown hair. I want his head for orderin' me to kill Turtle."

There it was. The request that shattered everything. The request that would leave Allan with gaps in his memory that no amount of pondering or searching could ever fix.

He felt the shock course through his body, felt his spine stiffen and his heart skip a beat.

"I'm sorry," he heard himself say. "But I can't allow that."

Ears shot up, a tail bristled, sharp teeth bared, and anger blazed in those icy eyes.

"What?"

If only he could alter his words. Explain more, explain better.

Save himself.

If only.

His voice came again. "I can't allow you to kill him."

He had dreams. He had nightmares.

This hell was something else entirely.

Pupils narrowed to slits across from him, jagged scars streaking down the table as wicked claws dug into the old wood.

"Is that your final answer?"

There was red now, deep in those eyes.

He could only watch, silently scream in his head as he fought with all his might to change the memory.

"Aye, I refuse to let you go after him."

Futile. The scene would play out as it had many nights before this one.

The woman stood, ears low and tail lashing.

"Whose side are you on, Allan? Huh? The slavers?" A snarl curled her lip, the temperature around them plummeting as ice snaked out from her hands across the table. "How disappointin'."

The edges of the scene corrupted, bleeding red and black.

He wanted to scream. Wanted to run. Wanted to hide.

Hide from the devastation bearing down on him like a hurricane at sea.

But there was no refuge. No escape.

"There will be another time to kill him."

He had to witness the event that would alter his fate.

Words came faster now, a distorted echo to them that sent chills down his spine.

"But I heard the other slavers talkin'! He's goin' on patrol tonight! I can't pass up this opportunity to claim revenge for what he did."

"Look, kid. I said no, and that's final."

"Nobody's gonna stand in my way. Not even you. Stand down now, Allan. I don't want to hurt you."

He got up.

Walked over.

"I told you no, kid! That's an order!"

"Give it up, Allan. I'm doin' this my way. I'm killin' him tonight and you can't stop me. Don't even try to."

He got close.

Too close.

It was over fast. She winded him with a headbutt, driving him back into the wall hard enough to stun him. He didn't even have a chance to rise to his feet, weight pinning him to the floor. A rag clamped over his mouth and nose, drowning the world in a sickly-sweet haze.

Darkness followed swiftly after, a growl echoing in his ears.

"You brought this on yourself. Sweet dreams."

And those were the last words he ever heard from Scarlett Hyde.

Allan sat up in his bed with a gasp, cold sweat pouring down his face as he fought for breath.

Was that her now, hiding in the dark corner?

He flicked on the light, fingers struggling to grasp the knob.

Nothing, just his trenchcoat.

It was too hot. Too stifling.

Air.

He needed air!

Staggering to the porthole, he yanked it open. Cold, salty air and the distant chime of harbor buoys greeted him and he leaned against the wall, eyes closed as he fought to catch his breath and soothe his racing heart.

Lifting his eyes and scanning the docks, Allan found them still bathed in the warm glow of the harbor lights with the inky black sky above devoid of stars thanks to the light pollution from the nearby city of Antwerp. The Karaboudjan sat desolate in her berth, undisturbed and peaceful with her own lights turned off and the crew inside her still sleeping.

Utterly lifeless.

A relief to Allan, for no one had seen him fling open the porthole and gasp like a half-drowned man starving for air.

No, Allan realized with a flash of irritation. There was a person standing near the bow of the ship, Allan could see them from the corner of his eye.

Must have been that damn FBI agent that had been sniffing around the past few days.

Allan told that aristocratic fool Sakharine to be more subtle rather than just strolling about like he owned the place. His insistence on dressing fancy all day and probably night instantly set him apart from the dockworkers, drawing unneeded attention, but he just had to let his pride and ego get in the way of keeping a low profile.

Great, he thought. Not even dawn and I already need to deal with...

He nearly fainted when he finally turned his full attention to the figure.

That was not the FBI agent.

In fact...

It wasn't even a human.

Is... Is that an Alphian?!

Certainly looked like one, there on the street staring up at him from under the amber cone of the street light. For a tense moment, Allan thought Scarlett had come back; a long black tail covered in silver stripes, tall pointed black and white ears sticking out from holes in a dark hood, and bare lower legs covered in the same markings from the knee down.

But... no, Scarlett's ears were rounder, fluffier. Her tail was thick and furry, not sleek with a large black spade at the tip. She also had thinner, longer stripes cutting through the black base. Not thick, broken spots.

And the glowing green eyes gleaming from beneath the hood most certainly weren't Scarlett's.

An ally, maybe?

Allan hesitated, gathering breath to call out but uncertain if he should or if the Alphian was even there.

A work truck trundled by, sputtering as it struggled with a load of crates.

After it passed, the Alphian was gone.

Mad.

Allan Thompson was actually going mad.

He could hardly be blamed.

First his old boss starts trying to get him to return to his fleet with his temptations slowly mutating into threats that grew more vicious every time.

Then a new man in a fancy suit and tie presents his own offer of money in exchange for Allan's aid in a treasure hunt of all things while also being far too interested in Allan's drunken captain who couldn't even piss straight let alone remember his ancestors.

Then he started having flashbacks of a hijacking that brought him into contact with not only slavers, but fucking aliens, one of which joined forces with him only to knock him out to go slaughter some of the slavers...

What was even worse...

After that fight with Scarlett, any and all memories of the Alphian ceased. He couldn't even recall what happened once he woke up, which alarmed him greatly because there was a significant event he just could not remember. Because they sure as hell didn't go from being overrun by slavers to being back at their home port without any sign there was even a hostile force occupying the ship.

Only one man had memories of Scarlett that went past Allan's; Tom Anders.

His friend and trusty right-hand man. The closest person to Scarlett on the ship prior to her mysterious disappearance.

Allan hoped he could have shed some light on Scarlett. Maybe Scarlett somehow drove off all the slavers after knocking Allan out, accessing some type of beast mode or something. She was an alien, and could shapeshift, so it wasn't entirely implausible.

But no.

Tom's last memory of her was Scarlett heading off the ship into the woods. Tom went after her, only to find himself face to face with the same slaver Scarlett was after. The slaver attacked him, but Scarlett showed up in some animal form and attacked the slaver. She won the fight but was stabbed in the process. Tom tried dragging her back to the ship after she shifted back to that half-human form, but then his memory too went dark.

That was it. The trail ended. Went cold. With no hope of recovering the fractal memories.

Maybe Scarlett was around longer, and had some alien way of wiping their memories. Why, then, did he have any memory of her at all? If she truly aimed to wipe all memory of her existence, he should have forgotten her in totality.

Instead he was left with only partial memories and no explanation that could even remotely make sense of the event.

Every port they stopped at, every contact he knew, he asked. When Scarlett Hyde rang no bells, he tried the false name she gave at first; Shadow. Still nothing.

He tried her description, her species, her family name, everything.

Nothing.

As if neither she nor her species even existed in the first place.

But now, after months of searching and dealing with intermittent nightmares, an Alphian just shows up outside his window only to vanish into thin air.

If it was even there to begin with.

"Get a hold of yourself, old boy," Allan laughed nervously, running his hand halfway through his hair before gripping it tightly in a feeble attempt to ground himself in reality.

He was seeing things.

Yeah, he...

He was just seeing things.

A knock sounded on his door, and Allan turned away from the window to stare at the clock by his bed.

05:00 am.

His port watch wasn't due for another few hours, so it couldn't have been someone calling him for that.

"Al?"

Tom. What was he doing up this early?

Passing through his dayroom, Allan opened the door and found Tom looking almost as disheveled as himself. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Allan asked, taking in Tom's bare feet and backwards shorts.

Tom rubbed his arm. "It... happened again."

Allan's eyes widened. "Scarlett."

Tom nodded.

Allan stood to the side to let him in. "You too, huh?"

Tom straightened, looking slightly more alert as he sat on the couch in Allan's dayroom. "Same dream?"

"What other dream would it be?" Allan growled.

Tom wasn't put off by his tone, but then again he never was. "What are the odds, huh?" he said in an attempt to lighten the mood, a weak smile accompanying the joke.

Allan wasn't amused. "Real funny." He leaned on the table, pushing his hair back. "This is the fifth time in two weeks," he growled. "I do not need this. We got that proud peacock prancin' 'round like he owns the damn ship, orderin' us to and fro like damn dogs. I don't need this headache on top of it."

"At least the cap ain't givin' us any issues."

"Don't think that old man would notice if I scuttled the damn ship," Allan grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Probably not." Tom tilted his head. "Don't think the dreams mean anythin', do ya?" he asked, somewhat desperately.

"Concurrent dreams about an alien that we both know had the power to alter dreams?" Allan said. "It's fishy."

"Think she's comin' back?"

Allan shrugged tiredly. "Hell, Tom, I don't know." He glared in the direction of the door. "At least Sakharine finally tracked down the second ship. Then we can be back at sea, and I'll have other things to keep my mind on."

"Yeah, can't wait to have that guy off." Tom shuddered. "Gives me the creeps."

"Feelin's mutual."

Allan wondered if he should tell Tom about the... apparition on the docks. He quickly decided against it, not wanting to wrangle Tom when the man tried to hunt the ghost down.

It would be his secret.

Just get through the day and you'll be back at sea. No more FBI agents snooping around, no more headaches from watching Sakharine waltz through the docks like a blind idiot, no more...

Whatever the hell that just was on the docks.

Allan stretched. "Guess I may as well get coffee, not like I'm gettin' any more shuteye today," he said gruffly. "Want some?"

Tom nodded, stretching too. "Won't say no." He shuddered. "Anythin' to keep awake after that nightmare."

Allan understood his hesitation with going back to sleep. Tom's dream was far worse than his, with the man being hunted down in dark woods by a slaver bent on murder. Scarlett's animal form wasn't exactly comforting either, Tom describing it as a large feline with saber teeth that was a third again the size of a normal tiger.

"Alright, I'll be there in a minute. Maybe Vinny or Yanny have somethin' already."

Tom nodded. "I'll wait outside."

As Tom left, and Allan headed back to his room, the first mate mumbled under his breath.

"I really hope it was just coincidence." He punched the door open. "Because I cannot deal with anything else." 

[qwixotic]

Accidentally wrote up a huge review of Battle Royale II (my first rewatch)

Just as harrowing as I remember. Almost like Saving Private Ryan (similar kind of atmosphere is depicted). I remember putting off watching BRII for so long because of the whole "Nanahara becomes a terrorist" thing😭 However I still like it nonetheless. I don't have to like everything Nanahara does as a character. Really interesting how, despite what some may consider a silly concept, it is still relevant and representative of society today: People who want similar things in life are still pitted against one another and made to fight fights on behalf of the "bigwigs." The teacher in the movie himself says that there is only good and evil, black and white, no grey zone. It becomes so easy to villainize the other side.

You don't get as attached to the characters as you do in BR I (a big part of that is because they were all lumped together as "rebel, no-good kids"), though members of the Wild 7 are kind of interesting and I would like to know more about each of them. Regardless, I still really like this movie.

Ok EDIT: I wrote the above when I was less than halfway done with the movie. I honestly thought it was about to end.... Little did I know I was merely approaching the one-hour mark and it seemed like a good place to stop. Now at 01:46:15 and this second half (from an entertainment standpoint) seems pretty unnecessary. I guess it does show the atrocities of war, but there is not much variety. Nanahara has become even more unlikable, and I'm not sure if that was the intention or not. If it was the intention, then I can completely respect that choice. I appreciate that he is a complex character. I really don't like how he gave his AK-47 to a kid and told him to protect the others. The kid had been armed with a machine gun for the entire duration of the movie, and that really irked me. Of course Nanahara is a kid himself so maybe he doesn't understand the trauma he is inflicting onto him. But that kid is going to grow up so messed up and his idea of justice will be so skewed, I think. Also it would have been effective if we knew more specifically what the Wild 7 were fighting for, but it's fine, I get the basic idea. But without knowing specifically, it's really hard to defend their actions. Like Mimura(?) (I'm assuming this was Shinji's uncle?) said, killing a few of these guys [soldiers] won't change anything. So even after hearing that, I wonder why Nanahara continued. Maybe it was because keeping at it seemed better than giving up. Maybe there was a sunk-cost fallacy involved.

Also they need to take a page out of Cedric Diggory's book and realize not every important character needs last words said on their deathbed! Cedric's death was the most harrowing for me in the entirety of the Harry Potter movie series because of how sudden his death was. He was there one minute and completely gone the next. No dramatic last words were exchanged. (And then don't get me started on when they finally returned and everyone is cheering except for Harry because no one has realized yet that Cedric's body was lifeless...!! Horrifying.)

EDITx2: Just finished watching it. Why did I start crying when Noriko appeared!!! And with the headscarf!! Ugh...the ending moved me. I do wish the second hour had been filled with something other than just bullets flying and things blowing up, kids dying and people screaming their name, and my wondering "wait who was that again😭" and "was that a student or a Wild 7 member😭"

Also lowkey realized I never really understood Kawada's escape plan in the first BR movie (which I just finished rewatching prior to this week's BRII rewatch). Like what do you mean he was the one who did the hacking and not Mimura. I totally missed something. I want to know what he did ToT I actually don't remember what he did in the book and manga either HAHA. I do love how the book, manga, and movie all differ from each other. (And as I mentioned before I am in the midst of re-reading the book in Japanese!!)

I had tried to watch BR I without subs (eh) and it allowed me to focus on the actors' voices and performances more. They were actually really good!! I love how most of the cast were just random newbies. Something about the cast felt so real...!!! Ugh nothing hits like BR anymore.

[borahaerhy]

Flawed - myg

Genre: Fluffy asf, slight angst

Warnings: self-harm scars, and that's really it lovelies.

Word count: 2K

Request: can you write one where yoongi is y/n’s neighbor (either he recently moved there or she did, doesn’t matter) and y/n is pretty introverted and has had a tough life. she deals w self-harm (if ur not comfortable writing this part its totally fine, you can skip it or u can just make it so that it was in the past and she doesn’t currently do it anymore) and depression. she’s a painter but is always self conscious of her paintings/drawings but he sees them and appreciates them, they become good friends, and both open up to eachother, their windows are next to eachother in a way so they always meet up on the roof that’s connected to their window(idk if i’m making sense lol) and they lay there talk and stare at the stars. you can end it however u want but this is the gist of what i was thinking (also, if you do decide to write the SH part, u don’t have to write the act of it, just him maybe seeing them and her talking about it and him comforting her about it) and ofc if u can make it fluffy lol

Ofc!! I hope you don't mind the direction I took it :)))

These small moments of peace are what keep you sane. 

A good book, a new favorite song, rainy days spent on your sofa watching movies. 

The small moments in between are what really matter – between the chaos and excitement, where nothing really matters more than how warm you are bundled up under your favorite blanket or how the breeze moves through you perfectly on an evening walk. 

This moment was one of those moments. 

Sat on the small chair you had on the fire-escape you’d turned into a nice enough little balcony. A warm cup of coffee clutched by your cold fingers as the autumn morning breeze chilled them. 

The apartment across from yours had been empty for some time, not that you minded at all. Their fire escape was no more than 10 feet away from yours, the buildings almost hugging in this gridlocked city you moved to. 

But today it seemed your peace was over, as you could see through the window that someone was moving in. You sighed briefly as you stood, empty mug in hand as you stepped back into your apartment through the small window before closing it behind you, catching a glimpse of who you presume would be your new neighbor. 

He peered at you through his own window, a small curious smile playing on his lips as he gave you a small wave. 

You returned it, giving a small smile of your own before you turned away. 

One of the thing’s you found yourself grateful for was the size of your apartment. It wasn’t large or glamorous by any stretch of the imagination, but you had enough room for a small art studio in one of the bedrooms. 

You smiled to yourself almost unconsciously as you eyed down a blank canvas, the gentle features of your new neighbor flooding your mind, and you wondered for a moment how often you’d have to run into him. 

-

You leaned against the front door to your apartment as it shut, a deep wave of relief washing over you to finally be home. The late-night shifts at your job always had been the most draining, and today was no different. 

You slid off your jacket after you finally managed to push yourself from the door and hung it on the rack. As you reached up to hang it, the sleeve of your sweater raised up slightly, revealing the scars you’d long-since stopped collecting. They served as reminder as to why you stopped, but from time-to-time, they seemed more to be egging you on rather than reminding you why you stopped. 

Another small sigh left your lips as you gently rubbed over your wrist, before pulling your sleeve back down. 

After making yourself a cup of tea and grabbing your sketchbook, you headed over to the window and climbed out onto the fire escape. You sat down and brought your knees up, resting your sketchbook on them as you opened up to a fresh page. Your new neighbor had decorated his own fire escape with plants and fairy lights, a very nice sight in comparison to the empty one it’d been days before. 

You began to sketch the scene in front of you, looking up every so often to refresh your memory, but this time when you looked up, the man that’d waved at you a few days prior was standing in front of you, a cup of coffee in his hands as he stood out on his fire escape; looking at you with another one of his small smiles. 

“Hope you don’t mind, I used yours as inspiration,” You sat confused for a second before realizing he was referring to your own “balcony”. 

“Not at all, gives me something new to look at,” You smiled, going back down to your drawing, copying down the way the vines of one of his plants wrapped around the railing. 

“What are you doing up so late, anyways?” He asked, now leaning over an un-occupied portion of the railing. 

“I could ask you the same thing,” you responded, not looking up from your paper. 

“I just got off work,” you smiled, looking up briefly with the intention of getting another look at how the lights were hanging, but instead just looked at him and back down again. 

“Me too.” 

-

As weeks passed, you’d gotten to know the man with the pretty fire escape, Yoongi, pretty well. You both got off work around the same time and made your way out so you could talk to one another, and tonight was no different. 

“You can’t just tell me that you paint and then refuse to show me anything you’ve painted, that’s just cruel!” You giggled, pulling your jacket closer to your body as the cool air nipped at your skin. 

“I wouldn’t say cruel, I was just making conversation! How was I supposed to know that you’d want to see it?” You smiled lightly, a blush creeping on your cheeks as you looked up at the night sky, Something Yoongi and you had started doing so you could point out different constellations to one another, and now continue doing so you can talk for more  time without having to sit up. 

“Who hears about someone doing any form of art and doesn’t immediately want to experience it? That’s like going up to someone and telling them you have fresh-baked brownies but and not letting them have any,” 

“What if I made the brownies for myself? I didn’t go through all the trouble of baking a whole pan of brownies just to hand them out to people, I made the brownies so I could eat them.” 

“Ah, an artist who creates for themselves, keeping the beauty of their creations to themselves while the rest of the world remains blissfully unaware of what it could be experiencing. Truly the most cruel act I can imagine,” His voice was more serious than his previous digs at you, but even without looking at him, you knew he was smiling as he spoke. 

“That’s a lot easier to say when you don’t have art to hide. When it’s just yours you can appreciate it, the work you put into it and the flaws that make it yours. But when showing it to others, they might not have the same appreciation for it,” 

While it was true that there was a point in time where you desperately wanted the world to see what you’d spent so much time creating, that time has long since passed; the words of the ones you’d shown your art to etched into your brain and no matter how much you tried to shake them away, they still cling in your memory. 

There was a silence, not an uncomfortable or long one, but one where you both sat and thought about what was said, still staring up at the stars that twinkled softly. 

“I make music, you know,” You looked over at him, suddenly less engulfed in the way the stars shone and more interested in whatever Yoongi had to say; yet his gaze remained fixed up at the sky. “I never wanted to show anyone until one day I did, and now…” he was silent, but you could see his lips begin to curve upward before you decided to turn your attention back to the sky.

“Well now I let the world listen, and in return, it thanks me.”

-

You were honestly half-asleep on your sofa when a gentle knock on your door startled you back to the land of the living. You stood up and paused the show and threw your blanket over your couch, having no idea who could possibly be here and how judgmental they would be about blanket-placement. 

You opened your door to see Yoongi, smiling somewhat nervously. You turned and peered at the time on your stove, surprised that it was already nearly 3 in the morning. 

“Sorry, I hope you don’t mind, I just thought we could like actually hang out, instead of just sitting on the fire escape,” he noticed your hesitation and quickly spoke again. “I meant like out for a coffee or something, you don’t have to invite me in-” 

“Yeah sure, sorry, I’m still half asleep. You can come in while I change,” You stepped aside and opened your door a little further to allow him in. “Make yourself at home, I’ll be right back,” 

You smiled as you closed the door and swiftly moved back to your room to but on something more inappropriate than sweatpants and the oversized t-shirts of one of your ex’s. 

You walked back out to the living room, but he wasn’t there. You furrowed your brow briefly before you realized that there was only one other room he could possibly be in. You ran to your studio, the lights now on with Yoongi staring at all the paintings you had propped up against the wall. 

“These are…” He trailed off, never taking his eyes away from your work to acknowledge you were even in the room. 

“Not really that great, I know, but they weren’t really meant to be seen-” 

“Y/n, these are amazing,” He looked at you now, his smile shining brightly before he looked back at them, almost in disbelief at how good they were, at how good you were. “How have you never shown these to anyone?” 

You silently leaned up against the wall, thinking back to the last time you had shown someone. “The last person that saw anything I made had a very different reaction than you,” He tore his eyes away from them and moved them to you, confusion strewn about his features, as if he couldn’t fathom anyone seeing your art any differently than he had. 

“It was a long time ago, anyway,” You looked down at your feet, shifting awkwardly as you tried to move on from the tense moment. “He just didn’t really like anything that wasn’t perfect, and everything I make is full of flaws.” 

“But that’s what makes it beautiful, isn’t it?” He asks, taking a few steps closer to you. “Like with most things, the more flawed; the more human that they are, the more beautiful they are,” He was right in front of you now, taking in your features as you did his, much different now in decent lighting and not from completely different buildings. 

He was much softer than he seemed from the fire escape. His eyes warmer and cheeks fuller, he almost seemed ethereal standing in front of you, praising the art you poured your heart and soul into. 

He reached out for your hands, pulling your sleeve up slightly where he feels the healed-over ridges of what once was the worst pain you’ve ever felt, and your heart jumped; someone seeing both your art and your scars within the same 3-minute window of time being much too vulnerable for you. 

He looked down at your arm, wanting to fully see what he was feeling, not fully believing his first thought when he felt them. 

Your arm pulled out flat in front of him as he gently pushed your sleeve up further to reveal more of the scars that littered your body. 

“More of that flawed, human stuff,” You spoke softly, trying to make a joke that came out sounding a lot more depressing than you had intended it to be. 

He brushed his thumb over it softly, realizing he’d stumbled into much more than an art studio when he came over for an innocent cup of coffee. 

Moving almost as if he had no control over his actions, his hands moved to your cheeks and his lips to yours, engulfing you in a kiss that portrayed so much more than words ever could. 

The voices in your head telling you all the negative things about yourself fell away as he filled you with positivity; filled you with reassurance and understanding that no one else had been able to offer you with all the words that they knew. 

He softly pulled away, your foreheads connected and his hands still cupping your face as you opened your eyes to see him already looking back at you with his warm dark eyes. 

“And all the more beautiful it makes you.”

[neverceasetoamazeme]

Can I say something about the remake?

I totally understand the sentiments people have that the live action is completely unnecessary and that it may just be another cash grab. I can even empathize with the public opinion that it disrespects the animated movie since it's just a scene-by-scene copy of HTTYD 1. I totally get it and if that's your opinion too then it's okay 🙂 we all have a right to express our thoughts about this movie.

Personally though, I'm just really happy that it's reignited my love and attention for this franchise. ❤️ I first fell in love with it back in high school and I'm a fully grown adult now. I did my IB thesis on the first book and have rewatched the trilogy and shows an ungodly number of times over the past decade.

Sure, I grew up and responsibilities have piled up, putting my obsession for this franchise at a backseat (including the upkeep for this blog, originally hiccupsgreeneyes). However, this movie has given me something to look forward to for the first time again in years since the trilogy ended (2019).

I wouldn't have appreciated it as much if they extended the story even more after THW because it was a good ending to the story. I really thought our anticipation days were over, and all we could do now was just revel in the movies and shows of the past. Not to say that this is a bad thing, though! Give me just the tiniest nudge and I'd watch the whole franchise again in a heartbeat.

All I'm saying is that it's possible to love one thing without having to hate on the other. We can embrace both past and future projects so long as we enjoy them. Having Dean direct it again means that it will be loyal to the source material and that the movie will be in good hands.

Watching the trailer made my cry so much because, while I already know what's going to happen in the movie, I felt that genuine sense of child-like excitement once again for a boy and his dragon who I both hold so deeply in my heart.

Writing this half asleep and relying on auto correct but I just wanted to pour my thoughts and emotions into this post because I care about this show so much, and HTTYD 1 was just so beautiful and iconic that I can't really think of anything awful to say except I can't wait to see it and how they bring my babies back to (real) life.

Comment down below though on your thoughts, I'd love to have a friendly discussion about this! This may be the perfect opportunity for me to reignite some activity into this blog again. 😋

---

PS, I don't want to seem like I'm riding on a high horse here. While yes, I do love the franchise, I did not and will not watch the toddler show.

PPS, On the subject of loving both past and future projects, this SO does not apply to the Snow White remake. They just did my girl dirty.

[onlinekitsune]

winter with them ʕ⁎̯͡⁎ʔ༄

obey me edition, part two

a/n: happy christmas eve, if you celebrate!! i meant to post these sooner but procrastinated too much, whoops! like i said on the mysmes version, this is also somewhat of a part two of the winter dates i did a bit ago. these are just more expanded on slightly and with new ideas! i hope you enjoy!

only includes the demon brothers, sorry! + genderless reader

※*: . ｡. — lucifer

you wanted to gift lucifer another curse vinyl, knowing that he loved them. however, with the amount he had, it was hard to remember which ones he had or ones that he wanted. so instead you decided to just take him to the biggest vinyl store in the devildom, it was a bit of a journey, but it was worth it. seeing lucifer's admiration the many, many vinyls made your heart warm. and you both appreciated being alone with the other, as you returned home, he decided to repay you. before you could even step out, he grabbed your wrist, twirling you towards him. he asked you for a dance. you told him your dancing skills weren't the best. he insisted it didn't matter and that he would teach you.

※*: . ｡. — mammon

you celebrated every winter season the same, with very bad and cheesy hallmark movies. it became your own tradition, and you continued it despite being in the devildom. you cozied up in bed, scrolling through movies on your phone. it wasn't ideal to watch on your phone but, you didn't really feel like setting things up. it was just you and the bad acting on screen, until mammon had barged in. you were well used to him just walking in your room. he sat down beside you, looking over at your phone. he'd say a sly remark about the current movie but end up staying besides you to finish it. he'd rest his arm on your shoulder with his arms around you, waiting for the next one. one of the movies would totally remind him of you two, making him very sappy.

※*: . ｡. — leviathan

while lounging around in your room, you asked levi if he had ever made a fort. you weren't totally surprised to hear that he hadn't, but you decided you had to change that. you lovingly pestered him to assist you. the two of you piled up blankets and pillows, to make the perfect fort. you even decorated it with pretty string lights you had lying around. you cozied up next to leviathan, watching him play some game on some handheld console. you took turns trying to beat a new rpg game that came out until one of you fell asleep.

※*: . ｡. — satan

satan was amazed to find out that the human world has such things as cat cafes. he would mention it almost constantly, begging for you to take him. and who were you to say no? but, to his surprise you weren't just taking him to any cat cafe. you were taking him to one that also had its own library. satan was beyond excited, even if he was tame about it. he wasted no time finding some sort of detective novel and a quiet spot. you joined him after grabbing the two of you a coffee. you picked your own book, occasionally peeking up at him. the bliss on his face from having a book in his hands, a cat in his lap, and you by his side was enough to know that this was worth it.

※*: . ｡. — asmodeus

usually, it'd been asmodeus telling you about the new spas in the devildom. this time it was you to get the news first. you happily told him that you were taking him on a special surprise date. of course, he'd never decline any alone time with you. his eyes beamed with excitement as you arrived. this spa was inside an unactive volcano which is said that its water has incredible skincare benefits. the both of you luxuriated in the warm waters while applying a face mask. asmo let out a soft sigh before pulling you closer towards him. he was beyond happy to share this with you. he'd kiss you despite your whines. he didn't care to smear his face mask, nothing really mattered to him but you.

※*: . ｡. — beelzebub

after showing beelzebub episodes of cooking competitions, before he got too hungry, you got inspired to do your own cook off. you would make seasonal treats from the human world, and he'd make ones from the devildom. he agreed without any hesitation. neither of you wasted any time heading to the kitchen. you made your first dish, a simple dark chocolate mousse with bits of peppermint. beel's eyes widen as he took a bite, not hesitating to finish it. as the mousse disappeared, so did your competitiveness. it was replaced with just wanting to treat beel to various of your favorite treats. you watched in admiration as he took the time to fully taste each dish you placed in front of him.

※*: . ｡. — belphegor

belphegor had asked if you had plans in the coming days, and if you did you'd have to cancel him, you asked him what for but he wouldn't give you a specific answer, he had planned a little stargazing date to show you the winter stars of the devildom, he brought multiple blankets and even a hot chocolate for you so you'd stay warm, he'd point out the stars and constellations to you, telling you tidbits of their lore and folktale, even going as far as comparing you to the stars, i mean to him, you truly were the light of his life, through everything you stood beside him, even if (to him) he didn't at all deserve it, you give him a soft kiss, reassuring him that you'd have it no other way.

[jseobsky]

hi hi, me again!! had kind of a rough day so I was wondering if I could request some best friend!minjae fluff? like just a minjae hanging out with you trying to distract you and make you feel better kind of thing? hsjshjdksjshsj sorry it's not v specific idek myself what exactly I want I just know I need some comfort :(

Bad days like these.

Pairing ! bestfriend!Minjae x gn!Reader Synopsis ! after a bad day and only wanting to be hug by the blankets and watch your favourite show, your best friend Minjae comes to your door. Genre ! Fluff, hinted romantic ending but can be read as like platonic Warnings ! Swearing, haven't proof-read anything- W/C ! 0.8k a/n ! omg I hope you feel much better now!! I'm sorry to hear that :(( I'm also having a quite meh day, so this was also just what I needed. thank you for requesting!! I loved writing this KSJHSDKFJ

Main masterlist &lt;3

There are days when you can fight against the whole world. Those days are the ones that people appreciate the most. I could’ve solved a world’s problem, and people would be happy. However, if I, for whatever reason wasn’t doing good one day, it wouldn’t count. People don’t count those moments as valid. People don’t count any moment as valid unless you are strong. But I can’t always be strong. 

There are days when all I can do is lie around. Those days are the ones I hate the most. I am ashamed of those days. Days where I try to hide behind a big screen. Sometimes trying to escape the little lie that I live in, in hopes of some comfort. People love to ignore my struggles. People ignore you unless you are fighting. But I can’t always fight.

Today is one of those days. Watching TV seemed the best answer to today’s mood. The characters hold each other as I hold my plushy. “You don’t have to be strong” Says one of the characters. “I know, but it’s hard” They hold each other even closer. Their breathless voices quivering at each word. “When moments like these, please call out my name. I’ll be there, whenever you ask for me, wherever you ask for me” Oh shut the fuck up. I wanna cry now. “Please just let me help you” Said the same character, reaching to kiss the person they were holding. Fucking finally after 14 episodes. “Mia. I” He breathed out. Ding, ding, ding. Who dares interrupt their moment ffs. I walk towards the front door, random objects are lying around the floor as I walk. I walk past some school books, some clothes that I must have thrown, and some random papers that might be more important than how I’m treating them. I finally reach the door and open it. 

The cold air hits my face as soon as I open the door. Outside, the sky was dimmed, definitely a representation of how I felt. Even with my tear-stained face from the scene, I was just watching, I get to smile. “I hate you” I say out loud. Minjae, who was standing outside my door with a big puffy jacket, and a big grocery bag, slapped his empty hand on his chest and gasped. “How dare you. Should I turn around?” I stopped him from turning around completely and pulled him inside. “How did you know?” I asked. “You changed your Instagram notes from BARBIE NEW MOVIE I CAN’T to: alexa play voices by stary kids” Minjae said while taking his shoes off. “You only do that when you’re sad as fuck” “Touché” I say while grabbing his bag I walk again towards the couch. He follows behind me, crouching down for a moment to pick my music notes and placing them on the table they fell from, not before shaking his head. I take interest in the scene again. 

Although I couldn’t see more of the scene, now being paused again a little less than a second before their kiss. I make an annoyed face and turn to look at Minjae who paused my show. “What happened?” He asked. “If I ignore my problems, they won’t hurt” He got a little closer. “They will, and you know it. That or you’ll end up punching someone” I gasp. “Okay, that was ONE time. And the guy deserved it anyways so who’s the one at fault?” “Still you, that guy just approached you because you were crying, you looked at him, flirted with him, and when he said he didn’t like stray kids you punched him” I giggled remembering the moment, the second I look at Minjae again he’s looking serious so I straighten my posture. “Still his fault, he said that I was jobless bcs I liked those stupid dancing boys and that I spent too much money on them after talking about my collection” “How much of that is true?” He raised an eyebrow at me. “Not my point” I pouted jokingly. 

“Okay let’s do this. I help you escape from your problems” I nod. After waiting for two seconds and him not continuing I ask. “Aaand?” “Nothing, you just get bragging rights because you got the best friend in the entire world” “Well that’s arguable, Felix is Hyunjin’s best friend so like” Minjae stands up. “Okay sorry, sorry, you’re the best, you’re the best” I grab his arm again and pull him towards me, making him fall on the sofa. We stay laughing for a bit, but our laughs come to a stop when we hear the show playing again. Minjae hugs me closer to him and we start watching the show from where it was left. “You don’t have to be strong” Says Minjae after a while, him looking me directly into my eyes. I nod. “I know, but it’s hard” He hugs me closer. He pets my head and smiles. “I’ll make the pain go away, I promise.”

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Hello, hope you’re having a good day!

When your requests open, I'd like to ask for a romantic Supernatural matchup!

GENERAL INFO

20 | college student | she/her | male preference!

Physical characteristics: I am 5’1” ft tall. I have dark blue hair, brown eyes, and pale skin. I have a punk aesthetic and have a septum piercing and many ear piercings.

PERSONALITY:

I come off as rude/intimidating to strangers - I’m actually just socially inept and don‘t catch social cues. I’m told I‘m emotionally mature, smart, and creative. I think logically, sometimes to a fault. I often isolate myself as I have a low social battery. I'm unfortunately a people pleaser, to which I usually end up being used as a doormat. It’s hard to make me snap, but when I do I find the other person never has a sensible counterpoint to my arguments. I love to learn all I can, as it makes me feel valuable and I hate not being prepared. I‘m sarcastic, witty, and open-minded. I’m prone to negative mindsets, however, and my family says I’m very gloomy.

OTHER:

Hobbies: Drawing, writing, playing/DMing D&D, playing video games, and collecting knowledge.

Likes: Cats, stars/space, the moon, blue, bats, conventions, ghost hunting, halloween, storms, metal/rock music, and cosmic horror.

Favorite Songs: Rain and Alkaline by Sleep Token and BEG! by Vana.

Favorite Artists: Sleep Token, Motionless in White, and KROWW.

Misc info: Gemini, 5w6, aspec, INTJ, Ravenclaw, gift giving (not receiving) & quality time

I hope this isn’t too much info! I tried to format it neatly, hope that helps! 💙

HI! I hope you are also having a good day! I'm sorry this got out so late!

I hope you like your SPN matchup!

Romantic Matchup; Supernatural

~~~ Romantic;

~~~

Supernatural;

Sam Winchester -

You first met Sam during one of his library adventures.

He was secretly supposed to be studying for a class, but Dean had texted him asking him to look something up on Vampires, so he was reading about that topic.

He was deep into researching when you had accidentally bumped into him.

Your arms were full of books on cosmic horror and folklore so you didn't see the moose standing in front of you sadly.

“Sorry,” You muttered with a small huff, barely looking up, but Sam noticed the cover of one of your books - a collection of obscure mythologies. That piqued his interest.

At first, your slightly intimidating vibe made him unsure of how to approach.

But, he struck up a hesitant, quiet conversation about cosmic horror and urban legends.

The more you spoke to him, the more you found yourself growing comfortable.

Your friendship started when Sam found himself seeking your perspective on obscure lore. You loved sharing your knowledge and even appreciated how he listened intently and added thoughtful insights.

For Halloween, you both dress up and carve pumpkins together.

At night, you met at his dorm and watched a Halloween movie.

You helped him curate a playlist full of your favorite rock and metal songs. Sam even admitted to liking Motionless in White, especially after hearing you passionately explain the lyrics.

Despite his gentle demeanor, Sam is fiercely protective. When someone tried to take advantage of your people-pleasing tendencies, he called them out with a calm yet intimidating resolve.

You introduce Sam to DnD, and he gets hooked.

When you're not studying together, or in classes, or anything else, you are both playing DnD with your small group of friends.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, Sam will not get offended if you need time alone.

He will make sure you have everything you need before either heading to the college library or heading to his dorm.

Sam’s feelings for you grew slowly like a warm light he didn’t realize was there until it engulfed him. He admired your intellect and independence but was also drawn to your soft moments of vulnerability.

He noticed how you lit up when talking about space and stars. He started researching constellations just so he could bring them up in conversations.

For you, Sam’s unwavering kindness and support made him impossible not to fall for. He didn’t just listen to you - he understood you.

There were so many little moments; his hand brushing against yours while reaching for the same book, his dimpled smile when you sarcastically teased him, the way you'd both catch each other staring...

When Sam confessed, it was in his typical thoughtful way. After a particularly hard day for both of you, he said softly, “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you. You make me feel… Calm."

Your first date wasn’t overly extravagant—Sam took you to a secluded spot where the stars shone bright, and you stargazed while he fumbled to share the constellation facts he learned.

You often doodle silly sketches of Sam while you’re deep in thought. He pretends to roll his eyes when you show him, but you once caught him tucking a particularly goofy one into his journal.

For special occasions, you like to gift Sam with new shirts or even books he had mentioned he liked.

The two of you spend hours just being in each other’s company. Whether it’s sharing headphones to listen to your favorite songs or sitting in companionable silence as you both read, every moment feels intimate.

On stormy nights, you’d sit together by a window, watching lightning streak across the sky while discussing everything from the lore of video games to your plans for the future.

Sam is attuned to your emotions. He notices when you’re gloomy and gently encourages you to talk about what’s on your mind, or he’ll quietly sit beside you until you’re ready.

Knowing how much you love cats, he once rescued a stray kitten during a hunt. You named it Alkaline, after one of your favorite songs, and it quickly became a beloved best friend/child.

Whenever Sam’s overwhelmed, you create a safe, peaceful environment for him. Whether it’s brewing tea, putting on calming music, or just being a quiet presence, you’re always looking out for him.

Sam cherishes your relationship more than he can ever put into words.

Your intelligence, creativity, and passion inspire him daily, while your grounded, logical side keeps him steady.

Together, you make a perfect balance of strength, wit, and unwavering care.

[the-rewatch-rewind]

Yes, I've watched this full miniseries 37 times.

Script below the break

Hello and welcome back to The Rewatch Rewind! My name is Jane, and this is the podcast where I count down my top 40 most frequently rewatched movies in a 20-year period. Today I will be talking about number two on my list: BBC and A&E’s 1995 mini-series Pride and Prejudice, directed by Simon Langton, written by Andrew Davies, based on the novel by Jane Austen, and starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (Benjamin Whitrow and Alison Steadman) have five daughters: beautiful and kind Jane (Susannah Harker), witty and strong-willed Elizabeth (Jennifer Ehle), homely and puritanical Mary (Lucy Briers), well-meaning but naïve Kitty (Polly Maberly), and frivolous and spoiled Lydia (Julia Sawalha). Because there are no Bennet sons, Mr. Bennet’s estate is entailed upon his cousin Mr. Collins (David Bamber), and the daughters are aware that at least one of them must marry well to provide for the rest of the family after their father’s death. When wealthy and friendly Mr. Bingley (Crispin Bonham-Carter) moves into the neighborhood, he and Jane quickly hit it off, and the Bennets’ problems seem to be over. However, Mr. Bingley’s sisters, Caroline (Anna Chancellor) and Louisa (Lucy Robinson), along with his unpleasant, proud friend Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) have strong objections to the Bennet family, who strike them as undignified gold-diggers, even though Mr. Darcy unwillingly finds himself strangely drawn to Elizabeth.

Okay so yes, this is technically a TV show rather than a movie, but even though it’s over five hours long, I still tend to watch it as a movie, and it felt right to count it as such, although when I first wrote it down in my movie notebook, I never anticipated that it would become my second most-frequently-rewatched. I remember that my parents were really into it, and at some point when it was on TV after we finally got a VCR, they had taped it. I tried to watch it with them a few times when I was younger, but I found the flowery language difficult to understand, and I typically fell asleep in the middle without knowing what was going on. The first time I watched it and actually paid attention was in 2005, and the main thing I remember was that my dad assumed I knew the story by then and kept making spoilery comments. I don’t think I fully appreciated it at that point, but I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I was going to. I ended up watching it twice in that year and then five times in 2006, which is when it became one of my favorite stories. I read the book and watched a few other adaptations that year. In 2007 I only watched this series once, but that was also the year that my family ended up getting two male puppies, and after much deliberation about what to name them, we determined that Bingley and Darcy were the best names that went together and represented something we all enjoyed. After that, I watched it three times in 2008, once in 2009, twice in 2010, four times in 2011, twice in 2012, twice in 2013, four times in 2014, once in 2015, once in 2016, twice in 2017, once in 2018, three times in 2020, once in 2021, and twice in 2022. I don’t remember exactly when, but somehow between my siblings, my parents, and I, we ended up with three copies of this on DVD in addition to the taped one. I should also mention that I only counted it when I watched the whole thing from start to finish within a few days, so I’ve watched it like that 37 times, but I’ve definitely seen pieces of it way more than that. I keep waiting to get tired of watching it, but every time I put it on, it remains delightfully enjoyable.

I know that Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is one of the most beloved stories in the English-speaking world, and probably beyond – although the number of people confused by my dogs’ names taught me that not everyone is particularly familiar with it – and that it has been adapted and retold dozens of times, and that fans of the story have very strong opinions about which is the “best” adaptation. The loudest debate is between this version and the 2005 film directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The first time I watched that version was in 2006, in the midst of my mania for the 1995 version, and I thought it was terrible. I knew it had to be shorter for the feature film format, but they cut out so many of my favorite parts! It wasn’t until I rewatched the 2005 version in 2016 that I understood that the people who prefer that version love this story for very different reasons from me. If you’re mostly invested in the Elizabeth/Darcy romance, that’s the version for you. It’s all about the tension and chemistry between those two characters, and everyone else is kind of stuck in as an afterthought. But even though the Bennet daughters’ need to get married is central to the plot, I had never considered the main appeal of this story to be its romance. To 2023 me and you the listener, who know that I’m aromantic, that isn’t very surprising, but at the time it kind of blew my mind to learn that so many fans of the story are there for that slow burn. Even in 2012 to 2013, when The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was coming out, I figured the reason people were so obsessed with Darcy was because not seeing him until episode 60 added to his mystique. At the end of that show, I was way more concerned about Lydia’s story than Lizzie’s, and while I enjoyed seeing Lizzie and Darcy finally get together, it was more of a “yay, things are happy now” relief than squeeing over the adorable romance. Anyway, while I used to be one of those obnoxiously pretentious fans who maintained that the 1995 adaptation was way better than the 2005 one, now I’m more of the opinion that they’re both good, just different, and just because I prefer one over the other doesn’t actually make it better. So if you’re listening to this and are a huge fan of the 2005 version, or any other adaptation, know that I’m not trying to tell you you’re wrong. Ultimately, Pride and Prejudice is a great story with many layers, and I think it’s awesome that there have been so many different versions that emphasize different aspects.

Despite the fact that this version is quite long (although not nearly as long as the Lizzie Bennet Diaries), I personally love the pacing. The events of the story take place over about a year, and these six 55-minute episodes take their time bringing us through that year with the characters. Watching it now, I don’t understand how I ever fell asleep with it on as a child, because I am thoroughly engaged the whole way through. Sometimes I intend to only watch an episode or two at a time, but I end up sitting through the whole thing because I cannot tear myself away. These characters are just so fascinating, and the cast brings them to life so convincingly. In general, I try to separate actors from characters, but I will always associate this cast with this show. Part of that is because of how many times I’ve watched this, and another part is because most of these actors haven’t been in very many American films – with the major exception, of course, of Colin Firth, whose Hollywood career skyrocketed after the success of this series – so I haven’t seen them in many other things. But the main reason is because they all embody their characters so perfectly in this series that it’s hard to see them as actors. Every cast member fully committed to their character in a way that somehow makes them feel simultaneously larger than life and grounded in reality. Alison Steadman’s Mrs. Bennet in particular is over the top and ridiculous but manages to just barely remain believable. While the five Bennet sisters on the surface can be summarized by archetypes, they’re much deeper than they first appear, and I love the ways that both the writing and the performances gradually bring that out. Crispin Bonham-Carter perfectly embodies the puppy-dog friendliness and gullibility of Bingley, and Colin Firth nails Darcy’s transformation after Elizabeth calls him out. Benjamin Whitrow makes Mr. Bennet so likable that it took me a while to understand that part of the family’s plight is his fault. That kind of complexity is one of the major things that makes this movie so rewatchable. There are so many layers to every storyline and every character that you can’t possibly uncover them all in just a few views. There’s also a lot going on in the background – like, Mary doesn’t get very many lines, but I love watching her light up whenever Mr. Collins is around. The show is edited in such a way that the audience can see what every relevant character is thinking at all times, so that even when it’s difficult to understand the fancy dialogue, we still get what’s happening based on the characters’ reactions.

This adaptation receives a lot of praise for its faithfulness to the novel, but while it does follow the book quite closely, I don’t think it gets enough credit for the changes and additions it made that were still in the spirit of the original story. There is some dialogue that was taken word for word from the book, but Jane Austen tended to summarize conversations rather than transcribing them, so quite a bit of new dialogue needed to be added, and I personally find it difficult to tell where Jane Austen ends and Andrew Davies takes over. Austen didn’t write scenes that only featured male characters, claiming that she had no way of knowing how men spoke or behaved when there were no women present, but this show opens with a scene between Bingley and Darcy and focuses a bit more on their friendship than the book does. The change in this version that gets the most attention is when Darcy unexpectedly happens upon Elizabeth after having taken a swim in a lake on his property at Pemberley. I always just saw this as a silly way to add to the awkwardness of the situation, with Darcy trying to remain dignified in soaking, casual clothes, and it surprised me to learn that a lot of people love that scene because Colin Firth apparently looks very sexy in his wet shirt. The change that I personally find most interesting is in the letter that Darcy writes explaining himself to Elizabeth after she turns down his first proposal. In the book, he starts with the allegations about breaking up Jane and Bingley and then moves on to the more serious stuff about how Wickham (played by Adrian Lukis, who told Elizabeth that Darcy ruined his life) had tried to seduce Darcy’s younger sister. In this version, the letter starts with the Wickham stuff and ends with the Bingley stuff because we’re initially watching Darcy and flashbacks of his memories, and then halfway through revealing the letter to the audience, we see Darcy give it to Elizabeth, and then we see her reactions to reading his thoughts about her sister and the rest of her family, along with flashbacks of her memories. Darcy is rather arrogant when he talks about separating Bingley from Jane, so I feel like it makes a little more sense for him to start with that when he’s upset by Elizabeth’s rejection and then move on to the darker Wickham drama, but I really like the way this version shows their reactions to the part of the letter that’s most painful to each of them. And before he writes the letter, we see Darcy dwelling on Elizabeth’s words, and he reacts to what she said about Wickham by saying aloud to himself, “At least in that I may defend myself,” implying that the Wickham story is what prompted him to write the letter in the first place, explaining why he starts with that this time. So it’s true to the original without being constrained by the original, and I think that’s what makes it work so well as an adaptation.

As I said before, many people think of Pride and Prejudice as primarily a romantic story, and like, they’re not wrong, but there’s so much more to it than that. There’s a lot of focus on familial relationships, especially between the two eldest daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, which I’ve always appreciated for its similarities to my relationship with my sister. It’s also worth noting that in this society, women in the Bennets’ station could not get a job, so they basically had two options: marry well, or depend on a male relative. Marriage was essentially a business arrangement, not necessarily a romantic one. In the first episode, Jane and Elizabeth have a conversation about their situation in which Elizabeth says that because Jane is the prettiest and sweetest of the sisters, she will need to be the one to marry very well, and Jane responds with, “But Lizzy, I would wish… I should so much like… to marry for love.” And then she makes this amazing face like she can hardly believe how unreasonable she’s being. Elizabeth assures her, “And so you shall, I’m sure. Only take care you fall in love with a man of good fortune.” But when Jane asks Elizabeth how she feels about marriage, she asserts, “I am determined that nothing but the very deepest love will induce me into matrimony. So, I shall end an old maid and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill!” And they laugh. But Elizabeth is completely serious, at least about the first part, as she demonstrates when she turns down two very lucrative marriage proposals that most sensible women in her position would have eagerly accepted. Both men – Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy – think they are doing her a great favor in offering their hand and are shocked by her refusal. Mr. Collins is a bit of a doofus, but he is also going to inherit her father’s house, and it would therefore be the honorable thing for him to marry one of the Bennet daughters so they could at least continue to live there after Mr. Bennet’s death. But Elizabeth knew he would make her miserable and was unwilling to put up with him merely for security. One could say she slapped amatonormativity in the face, and we love to see it. But interestingly, when Mr. Collins does get married, it’s to the very aro-coded Charlotte Lucas (played by Lucy Scott). Her good friend Elizabeth is utterly shocked that anyone, let alone someone she cares about, would agree to marry Mr. Collins. But Charlotte literally tells Lizzy, “I’m not romantic, you know. I never was.” Aromantic queen. And when Elizabeth vents to Jane about this, Jane has the great line, “You do not make allowances for differences of situation and temper.” Jane is the ally we all need. Later, when Elizabeth visits the Collinses, Charlotte makes it clear that she kind of just does her own thing and barely sees her husband, and Elizabeth feels bad for her friend, but honestly, Charlotte’s life doesn’t sound so bad to me. She has security, and her husband mostly leaves her alone. Things didn’t get much better for an introverted aroace woman in that society. Although part of me does still wish that Mary had ended up with Collins, since she also seems like an introvert on the aroace spectrum, but she actually likes him.

Elizabeth is the opposite of aroace, but the way she refuses to listen when society tells her she’s supposed to marry for money feels kind of similar to modern aroace people refusing to listen when society tells us we’re supposed to fall in romantic, sexual love. One of the things I appreciate most about this story is how it demonstrates that everyone and every relationship is different. Jane and Bingley immediately fall for each other and are perfectly compatible, but because they place so much trust in the people around them, it takes a while for them to officially get together. And I don’t just mean the way Bingley’s sisters and Darcy pulled him away – Elizabeth kept reassuring Jane that it was obvious how she felt about Bingley because it was obvious to her, and neither of them realized that a stranger would just see Jane’s kindness to Bingley as treating him like she treats everyone else. Elizabeth and Darcy are just as well suited for each other as Jane and Bingley are, but they both have some major growing to do – they need to overcome their pride and prejudice, if you will – before they can be together. And then there’s Lydia and Wickham, whose relationship is based mainly on lust. Neither of them seems to have learned anything between the beginning and end of their story, and it’s hard to imagine them being happy together. I used to think of Lydia as a spoiled brat who got what she deserved, but now I feel really bad for her. She was a 15-year-old child who was preyed upon by a grown man, and the best-case scenario was for her to marry him. Her plight demonstrates just how awful the societal rules regarding sex were for women, although the story barely seems aware of it. Her elopement is used as a plot device for Darcy to redeem himself, and the focus is all on how her sisters’ chances of good marriages have been damaged. It’s kind of odd that so many social norms are condemned in this story, and yet Lydia is portrayed as deserving of life-long punishment for daring to break one rule. Jane Austen was progressive, but not that progressive. So that’s the one part of this that bothers me. If you too want justice for Lydia, I highly recommend The Lizzie Bennet Diaries on YouTube, which does an excellent job of humanizing and redeeming her.

Anyway, back to this version, I love that it includes another couple that many adaptations leave out – Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. Mrs. Hurst is Mr. Bingley’s sister Louisa, who, along with their sister Caroline, loves to make fun of and criticize the Bennets. Caroline is partly motivated in her criticism by jealousy, since she has her eye on Darcy and can tell that he’s interested in Elizabeth. But Louisa seems to be motivated by pure snobbery. Which is kind of hilarious because her husband is basically a loser. He doesn’t seem to have an estate or anything, since they’re always staying with her brother, and all he does is drink, hunt, play cards, and sleep. It’s just like, girl, you have no room to criticize anyone’s situation or decisions when you’re stuck with that guy. This just further helps demonstrate that nobody fits society’s ideal, so maybe we should all just live and let live. The characters who remain proud and prejudiced at the end of the story are mostly bitter and unhappy, while those who have learned to look at things from other people’s perspectives are the happiest. And I really like that message.

And aside from the fascinating social commentary, this series is a delightfully fun watch, full of great moments that I will never tire of revisiting. I love, or at least am intrigued by, all the characters, from the leads to the most obscure side characters. She’s barely in it, but one of my favorites is Mrs. Bennet’s sister, Mrs. Phillips, played by Lynn Farleigh. Between her interactions with Mr. Collins, who accidentally insults her and then frustrates her as a whist partner, and the way she consoles Mrs. Bennet after Lydia runs off with Wickham, her lines are some of my favorites to quote. And of course, there’s Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Collins’s benefactor and Mr. Darcy’s aunt, played by Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who is so impressed with herself that she can’t tell that she’s almost as ridiculous as Mrs. Bennet. I love Sir William Lucas’s “Capital, capital!” and Maria Lucas’s commitment to making haste. Even the characters I don’t like as people are interesting to watch. Wickham is the worst, but I’m almost impressed by his gall. Like, the fact that he can face the Bennets after seducing Lydia as if he’s done nothing wrong is astounding. That man truly has no shame.

While I enjoy pretty much every moment of this series, I have to say that my favorite episode is the fifth one. It really doesn’t seem like it should be, since that’s when the whole Wickham/Lydia stuff is going on and everybody is super stressed, but it has so many of my favorite moments. Like when Elizabeth is playing the pianoforte at Pemberley and a random servant feels the need to stand right in front of her, bow to no one in particular, and then walk offscreen. I don’t know who that bowing servant is or why he does that but I love him. And then there’s the part when Elizabeth returns home with her aunt and uncle, and her cousins are so excited to see their parents again that one of them tries to do a cartwheel and ends up just falling over. And in another wonderful deviation from the novel, Mr. Collins decides to visit the Bennets, ostensibly to console them, but really to gloat that their problems aren’t his problems because he didn’t marry one of them. In the book, he does this by writing a letter, but it’s way funnier to have him visit them, and get to see Mary be impressed with him again. But the best part of that scene is that when Kitty sees his carriage coming, she declares, “I’m not going to sit with him for anyone!” and runs off to hide in the yard. Later, when he’s talking to the other sisters, we can see Kitty peering through the window to see if he’s still there, and it makes me laugh every time.

This show is so good that I would still love watching and quoting it anyway, but I do think my enjoyment has been at least somewhat enhanced by having dogs named after two of the characters. The names really suited them, too – dog Darcy was standoffish toward strangers, but with the people he liked he could be very cuddly, whereas Bingley would pretty much follow anyone around to see what they were up to. Bingley absolutely loved to play fetch, while Darcy would just stare at him like, “What is wrong with you?” in the perfect dog version of how their namesakes felt about dancing. Sadly, Darcy got cancer and died in 2020. Bingley is still hanging in there, although at 16 years old he’s definitely declining, and his fetching days are long behind him. There are a lot of differences between me and Jane Bennet, as she is clearly not aroace, but since we share the same first name and are both the eldest sibling, I’ve always felt a kinship to her, and it makes me happy that presumably we each got to watch our own Mr. Bingley grow old. I think after he inevitably passes, watching this series will probably feel bittersweet for a while, although I don’t think that will make me love it any less. I anticipate continuing to watch it at least once a year on the 26th of November, in honor of the Netherfield Ball, while fondly reminiscing about fetching with Bingley and snuggling with Darcy.

I could go on and on about this movie for hours, but ultimately, what it all boils down to is I love the 1995 Pride and Prejudice because it is an excellent story told extraordinarily well, about characters who are exactly as ridiculous and flawed as real people. So if you’ve thought about watching this version but have been turned off by the length, I highly recommend giving it a chance anyway. Yes it’s almost six hours long, but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend almost six hours. I was suffering from depression when I first got into this series, and it was one of the few things that made me feel good about life. And if I had not already been in love with this version, I probably wouldn’t have watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and therefore might never have gotten into Shipwrecked Comedy, and that would be very sad. So I have a lot to thank this miniseries for.

Thank you for listening to me discuss another of my most frequently rewatched movies. It’s a little hard for even me to believe that I’ve rewatched Pride and Prejudice more than any other movie besides one in the last 20 years, but I think it really is my second favorite movie, so it’s fitting that it ended up here. Now I only have one movie left, and it’s number one by a lot, with 51 views compared to P&P’s 37. So stay tuned for what is clearly my favorite film. And now, for the last time, as always, I will leave you with a quote from that next movie: “My, she was yare.”

[cacodemonmania]

Review - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Big spoilers ahead!

Unlike my Normal People review, which I wrote a few weeks after I'd actually finished reading it, this review is nice and fresh as I finished the book about four minutes ago. I'm choosing to do my review by book, rather than the whole series, for four reasons.

I like doing reviews fresh. It helps to convey the actual thoughts I had when finishing/reading the book. Also, I have a lot to say (whoops!).

Unfortunately, I watched the movies before I read the book(s) and I have a sneaking feeling that I will not like the later books as much.

I have a hard time distinguishing between books in a series after I've read them. All the events kind of blur together. Not super helpful as reviews go.

I'm trying to keep my activity streak going. Consistency is my weakness and I have a tendency to disappear from Tumblr for months at a time. Here's to holding ourselves to stuff! (Hopefully) This is also a good way to force myself to read more.

My first concrete thought is that my heart is breaking at the end scene. The way that Peeta was so oblivious to Katniss playing it up for camera and all. Poor guy had no idea. Also, how can anyone ship Katniss and Gale? I don't mean that in a rude way, it's just kind of baffling after the amount of times Katniss said her feelings for him weren't romantic.

I thought the movies were relatively loyal to the books. Several scenes and plot lines were near exact and that's hard to do! I appreciate it, especially the details (i.e. Katniss holding the red rose as they ride in on the chariots). I do feel like they took a lot of emotion out of it, particularly Katniss. She seems a little lifeless and numb to everything in the movies, which I'd assumed was kind of just her default for going through a traumatic event like that, but after reading the books she is much livelier. Her narration, emotions, and feelings as everything is going on really sold me for how much I enjoyed the book. However, I respect the choices of the people involved in the filmmaking (because they are, in fact, good films) and perhaps that is a stylistic choice.

Katniss' narration, emotions, and reactions were all (for me) spot on. I felt like she was a real person who was aware of herself and developed over the course of the book due to the things that she was going through. Her narration was personal without sounding monologue-y, and I really enjoyed reading it. I always feel the need to acknowledge when the general feel of the writing or narration is well done because that can kill a book and make it unbearable or a chore to read.

I love the characters. They're well thought out, three dimensional, and the way that Katniss views and interacts with them is very realistic. In my mind this particularly applies to the stylist assistants, Haymitch, and Peeta. Katniss tries so hard not to judge the stylists, even though they are the very embodiment of what she dislikes about the games (i.e. their frilliness and comments, especially right after she's won). Because it's not really their fault, and she knows that they're people. She is very humane and empathetic which I think I see in myself. It's nice to see it reflected, especially in a main character. Especially in a main character who is seen as ruthless or lethal or dangerous. Her violence has motivation and she does all of the things, including killings, for real reasons. That's such an important, unique, significant thing about this book for me. Fantasy and dystopia often try to make strong (cough female cough) main characters who are badass and assassins and whatever (which is cool!! I love badass women!! I'm making a different point here), but their motivations are often lacking or cold or vague. They kill a hundred men for revenge over their slain little sister, but there is no connection to their little sister. They don't think about their little sister apart from "REVENGE!". We don't see a bond between them. I don't know, Katniss is just real and how she experiences and feels things is too. Woah! Bit of a detour we took there. Let's get back on track. Haymitch is probably someone who has been discussed a thousand times (pure vibe speculation). It's interesting to see him go from a drunk, no care, jerk to someone Katniss relies on and cares for. (cough three dimensional cough) It's also cool to see Katniss realize that and realize that the reason he's an alcoholic is due to what the Capital has put him through. Peeta. Oh, Peeta. The way Katniss views Peeta is kind of funny. She talks about how hard he is to predict, how mysterious, how strategic, when he's just a teenage boy in love. She's always trying to figure out his secret, ulterior motives and it's just that he likes her.

I have a lot of thoughts but I think many of them are ranging into hard to put into words and mostly just general feelings territory which is never nice to try and explain. Plus, I've talked a lot already. I realize, editing this, that these aren't really "reviews" so much as a dumping of my major thoughts and feelings. Maybe I should rename the series. Thoughts?

I would recommend reading this book! (You probably have already)

See you for Catching Fire :,)