#i want to go play in the slush with rory

[abirddogmoment]

we are having our first chinook of the year (or maybe a return to unseasonably mild temperatures, idk im not a meteorologist) so everyone manifest my boss letting me take a half-day so i can go hiking about it 🤞

[happyimagines]

Legends of Tomorrow: Mick/Reader

Hello! I saw that I had a Mick Rory request in my inbox, but I wasn’t able to get all the details because it was accidentally deleted. I have done my best to try and write a oneshot, and I hope that you like it!

Author: Queen of Geeks

I grumbled under my breath as my foot sank into another pile of snow. I stopped and took a deep breath before continuing after Mick. Every now and then he would look back to either make sure that I was still behind him or frozen in place.

“Next time, we’re going somewhere where snow doesn’t exist.” I said loud enough for it to be heard over the comms.

“That would be nice, but it doesn’t work like that.” Sara responded.

“Says the one who isn’t trudging through a forest in snow.” I stepped over a log but my foot slipped as it may contact with the ground. I fell onto the ground into soft snow and Rory stopped and looked back.

“Here. By the way, happy birthday.” Mick held out a gloved hand and I took it. Effortlessly, he helped me to my feet and I dusted off the snow.

“Thanks,” My face was either growing warm from the fact that I realised how close I was standing next to Mick, or it was just an attempt to stay warm. I cleared my throat and looked past Mick further into dense snowy forest.

“Does someone want to tell me what we’re looking for again?” I asked hoping to ignore the fact that Mick was still looking at me.

“Yeah,” I listened to Ava give me the details regarding the task at hand.

The task at hand was to find some sort of amulet that got lost in the time stream. According to Gideon, the amulet was powerful and ended up in a forest. In the middle of January.

Sara had suggested that I would go even though we had plenty of feet on the ground. There were people in the town outside of the forest that we had embedded ourselves into to find more information, however Sara and Ava persisted. Along with that, they sent Mick with me which was probably a better idea than sending me alone into unfamiliar territory.

A part of me was glad that I wasn’t alone. Another was glad that it was Mick rather than Behrad or Nate. They were great guys, but there was something comforting in being around Mick. Even though he wouldn’t speak much, it was nice.

~~

“Hey,” I looked up from the desk in the library at Sara. “What’re you doing?”

“Just going through some books,” I showed her the books that I was flicking through to look at different images of outfits throughout the years. “I was thinking about making a new dress.”

“I think I saw your book in the kitchen.” Sara told me looking at the books.

“Awesome, I was looking for it earlier.” I stood up from the table and made my way to the kitchen. I couldn’t help but notice that following me was Sara.

“So,” Sara began.

“So…?” I raised my eyebrows at her.

“Your birthday is coming up.”

“And I’ve told you, just as long as I get a cake, I’m good.” I assured her.

“And there’s nothing else that you want?”

“I’m good.” I repeated. I began making my way out of the kitchen only to bump into someone who was going into the room. I dropped my notebook and looked up at Mick.

“Uh,” He looked at me and then at the notebook that was at our feet. “Here,” He quickly picked up my notebook and handed it to me. “Nice drawings.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you later.” I nodded to him and rushed past him into the hallway.

Sara said something and soon I heard her behind me once again.

“What was that?” She asked.

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Really (Y/N)?”

“Really.”

“Because to me-”

“It looked like I dropped my notebook and Mick picked it up for me.”

Sara crossed her arms and watched me. She stayed silent for a moment before she nodded. “You know, you are the only one who calls him Mick most of the time.”

“Is that so?”

~~

A shiver ran through my body as the snow that had gotten into my boots had melted. That, and the rest of my clothing was soaked from the snow.

“Mick, I’m running away to Aruba.” I announced.

Mick laughed and turned to me. There was a look on his face that stopped the smile. Instead, he shrugged off his coat and passed it to me.

“You look cold.” Mick told me.

I smiled and pulled it on. It was still warm from his body heat and I smiled. “Thanks.”

“Hey guys, so it looks like we have the amulet.” Behrad told us. I looked at Mick.

“Behrad’s in town. And we are ankles deep in snow and slush.” I pointed out annoyed.

“It’s not too bad.” Mick shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t mind the company.”

My face grew warm and I looked at Mick. There was a small smile playing on his lips as he watched me.

“Sara told me that she’s getting you a cake for your birthday.”

“Yeah, I told her that that’s pretty much all I needed.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I managed to, uh, find some fabrics that you were looking for.” He added. I raised my eyebrows. “Sara told me that you were looking for something new and I saw something and I thought that it was pretty. Like you.”

“Mick Rory, are you blushing?” I teased stepping in front of him as he ducked his face away from my view. “You are a romance writer, and you’re getting embarrassed?” I took Mick’s face in my hands so that he would look at me and there was a grin on my face. “This has been a pretty good birthday,” I brought his lips to mine and kissed him. As I did, I felt his arms go around my waist and keep me close to him.

“I think that they have a cake for you on the ship.”

“I think that they can wait a little longer.”

[still-searching-for-more]

8/24-9/6

Hawai'i

After 6 years, it was just us again. It was our first flight together and we managed to get seats next to each other, even if they were across the aisle. I felt so happy and excited.

I watched The Doctor on the plane. It was the episode where the white light touches Rory and Amy forgets him. A part of me wanted that. But then the next episode was the one with Van Gogh and I'm still trying to figure out why it always makes me cry. At first, I thought it was because it wouldn't matter what great and wonderful things happened in my life, the ending would be the same. But I've watched it twice since the last time I saw it with you, and it doesn't feel like that's the reason anymore. There's something about seeing the impact that you had on the world despite how meaningless you felt. But this doesn't quite capture the feeling either. I guess I'll just figure it out later. So, after this episode I chose the impossible astronaut and by this time, you were done with your work on the plane and began watching with me. And there was something so nice about it. It was just us. No distractions. Connecting again after so long. And then we arrived. I think it put us both in a good mood.

Our first meal, was basically drinks. We hadn't really eaten all day, so the drinks took effect quite nicely. We had a shot, a piña colada, and the Luau Slush. Then we checked in and we talked. It was nostalgic. It felt like we were reminiscing and taking toll of the past six years. I told you that I wanted Hawai'i to also be a gift for you because I saw all the things that you did and how hard you were trying to do well by all the people who were in your care in all these different capacities. And there was this peace and calm. And then we enjoyed Hawai'i together.

-

The things I loved about Hawai'i: us, stargazing, the ocean, the green, the people, the FOOD, that everything was my size, and that I realized that I had missed my graduate school friend. So, I plan on doing a yearly trip to Hawai'i, minimum.

-

Then Hawai'i was coming to an end and I was sad. I had to come back to my life but I keep telling myself, "Just one more year."

-

Vegas

I saw a lot of people and I'm trying to figure out how. I don't think I had ever seen so many people before. Even when I've been in Vegas for longer than a weekend. My best answer is that I was going through grad school and I just couldn't do it. But now, I'm even surprised at the variety of relationships/friendships that I have managed to make. I have people from different social groups, careers/school, ages (starting from 1.5 years lol), people I've known for years and some that I've recently connected with, and varying levels of emotional awareness and needs. I've been reflecting on this because I used to be so closed off. I never imagined that I would have these kinds of relationships. I'm pleasantly surprised.

"I will be on time, promise!"

"You make me feel special"

"You know, you're not a bad kid. You're a good kid."

"So, I haven't told many people about this but..."

"Do ya'll like hiking? Next time we can go to Red Rock"

"I'm recruiting you"

"Period"

"I feel like, because you did it, I can do it too"

"I was so shocked when I saw the news that you were in the lawsuit"

"So, I have an existential question for you"

"I want to take care of you too" "This can be the beginning of that"

"Norma la consiente"

"No se preocupe. Soy su banco personal"

"Everybody here loves you"

--

We had two arguments. I feel like you're being really intentional.

"I want to be the debris in your hurricane"

"But you shouldn't have to"

"You don't have to be perfect"

"But I don't want to hurt you"

"When I was the hurricane, you stayed and pulled me out of it. I'm not leaving you"

--

Long Beach

We just met but I feel so comfortable with you. We created our own language so quickly and so easily. It's interesting, because I have people like Irene and Mariela where we just have a connection, but the connection with you feels like a new level of kindred-ness. I feel like we don't have much of a gap like it is with other people. And interestingly enough, it feels like the right friendship so that I can make it here another year.

"Hold onto that"

--

You are everywhere. Even in the new places. Like today, when we went to have lunch. I can't remember the song, but one of our songs was playing in the background. And somehow, you were there with me.

[the-desolated-quill]

Vincent And The Doctor - Doctor Who blog (People Like This Episode?)

(SPOILER WARNING: The following is an in-depth critical analysis. If you haven’t seen this episode yet, you may want to before reading this review)

Oh I hate talking about these kinds of stories! The ones that receive critical acclaim and are adored by fans because of how deep and meaningful they supposedly are, and then I have to come along and explain why those episodes are nothing but pretentious, patronising bollocks.

Okay. Two disclaimers. I’m not very fond of Doctor Who’s celebrity historical episodes because they’re usually just an excuse for the writers to wank themselves silly to a famous historical person as opposed to telling a compelling story (see The Unicorn And The Wasp and Victory of The Daleks), and I’m not a big fan of Richard Curtis. I do like Blackadder for the most part, but his other stuff I just don’t care for. (I don’t even like The Vicar of Dibley very much, which is positively sacrilegious I know). If you’re into either, fair enough. They’re just not to my taste. But the thing to bear in mind is my hatred for Vincent And The Doctor goes beyond personal taste issues. Not only do I think this episode is monumentally crap, I also found it to be extremely insulting, and I’ll explain why in a bit.

In the previous episode Rory was erased from existence, which means Amy can no longer remember him, although she still feels occasionally sad without knowing why. To cheer Amy up, the Doctor takes her to an art gallery to look at Vincent Van Gogh’s painting. This surprised me ever so slightly. I honestly didn’t think Amy would be the type to be into all this artsy fartsy stuff, but that’s only because we’re 10 episodes in and I still don’t actually know anything about her. Think about it. What have we actually learned about her? How has she grown since the first episode? First person to come up with a satisfactory answer wins a fiver. 

It’s almost as if she’s suddenly obsessed with Vincent Van Gogh not because that’s part of her character but because the plot requires her to be. Also, since Rory was erased by the light shining out of Moffat’s crack (teehee), Amy seems to have been reduced to a wide-eyed, innocent little bunny rabbit in this episode. I can’t help but feel sorry for Karen Gillan. She’s a good actor, but Moffat rarely gives her any good material to work with.

Anyway the Doctor spots some weird creature in one of the paintings and decides to travel back to 1890 to meet Vincent Van Gogh, played by Tony Curran who admittedly does a marvellous job with the material he’s been given, although the less said about his awful pantomime-esque performance when he’s required to fight the invisible monster, the better. Here’s the problem with celebrity historicals, and I mentioned this in my review of The Unicorn And The Wasp. Usually these episodes are only entertaining to those who are interested in the historical celebrity. To everyone else, it’s just monumentally dull. I’ve never been that interested in Agatha Christie, so having to listen to the Doctor constantly talk about what a great writer she is made me feel a little bit nauseous. I’ve seen Van Gogh’s paintings. They’re okay. I’m not that much of an art lover, so I can’t really comment further, but to listen to the Doctor and Amy talking, you’d think Van Gogh was the reincarnation of Christ. It all feels utterly self indulgent. Like with Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill in their respective episodes, there’s no effort to actually explore what his life was like or anything. Instead we’re given this romanticised version of him that Richard Curtis can spend 45 minutes pouring his admiration over. It’s fine if you like Van Gogh, but spare a thought for the uncultured swines like myself who have to suffer through this too.

‘Oh look! There’s all his famous paintings! And they’re still wet! Oh no! Don’t put the coffee pot down on them! You’ll leave a stain! How can you not see how utterly perfect and amazing you are Van Gogh?! OMG! Look at his bedroom! Just like the painting! (Even though the bedroom wasn’t actually in that town. Also have you noticed that they built the bedroom to look exactly like the painting to the point where the proportions look really weird when the Doctor walks around in it?). Oh did you hear that? He doesn’t like sunflowers! How hilarious! And he fancies Amy! How sweet! Go PondGogh!’ And so on for another 40 excruciating minutes.

For the record, I don’t buy Van Gogh and Amy’s feelings for each other even for a second considering that they’ve only known each other for a day. Plus the whole thing feels less romantic when you remember that Van Gogh most probably had syphilis at the time.

But wait. This is Doctor Who, isn’t it? Better shove a monster in for no reason. What do we have this week? The Krafayis. An invisible monster that only Van Gogh can see and resembles a giant, mutant CGI turkey. Not exactly one of Doctor Who’s best monsters, now is it? So how’s the Doctor planning to see it? With some tech of course. But not something sensible like a pair of goggles or something. No. Instead he uses this awkward looking harness thing with a rear view mirror attached so that the only chance you can see the Krafayis is if it’s standing right behind you. What a stupid idea!

But as I said, this is all a taste issue. If you like it, good for you. I’m glad someone does. Where I absolutely draw the line however is when Richard Curtis starts giving us his patronising views on the blind and the mentally ill.

Yes the big twist is that the Krafayis is blind, and in one fell swoop it goes from being a savage creature of hate to being a cuddly little bundle of joy in its condescending death scene. They also perpetuate the age old myth that blind people have excellent hearing (which is not true by the way. it’s a lie created by the sighted to make themselves feel better). Oh and the reason why only Van Gogh can see him? Because he’s mentally ill and therefore can see things other people can’t. 

How anyone can find this episode to be anything other than insufferable I don’t know.

There’s been a lot of debate as to what kind of mental illness Van Gogh may have had, but Curtis decides to go for bipolar with a touch of synesthesia. This is very dark and sensitive territory for Doctor Who, but with careful handling it could potentially be emotionally rewarding, spreading awareness to important issues surrounding mental health. This is not the case here. Curtis’ portrayal of mentally ill people consists of nothing but patronising and insulting cliches. He’s bipolar, which means he’s fine now even though he was sad a few minutes ago. Being mentally ill makes you a genius. Being manic makes you a loveable eccentric. Having mental health problems allows you to see the wonders of the world in a way ‘normal’ people can only dream of.

For those of you who don’t know, I suffer from manic depression. Do you see now why I might have a bit of a problem with this? Yes there’s a correlation between those with mental health problems and those who enter creative fields like art and writing, often because art and writing are an excellent way to express ourselves and to make sense of the world around us. I myself am a writer and have had a lot of time to refine my craft. Spending nearly three years stuck at home whilst recovering from alcohol addiction gives you a lot of free time to do such things. But I absolutely resent the idea that artists, writers and other creative people are good at what they do because of their mental illnesses, as though it’s some special gift bestowed upon us by the Art Gods. People who think that are either ignorant, pretentious or stupid, and I would be more than happy to give those pricks my mental illness so they can see what it’s fucking like to be me. I can assure you it isn’t pleasant.

But wait! It gets worse!

It’s tragic that Van Gogh never knew just how successful he would become, right? if only we could tell him or show him how famous and well regarded he would be. That in my opinion is all the more reason not to do it here, but Curtis just can’t help himself at this point. The Doctor and Amy take Van Gogh to the art gallery in the future, they all stand on this turntable thing as Van Gogh cries while Bill Nighy talks about how not only is Van Gogh the greatest artist who ever lived, but is also the greatest, most awesomest person ever born in the entire universe, all while some awful pop ballad plays in the background to drown us in slush.

Good God, this is fucking awful! Who the hell thought this would be a good idea?! Talk about over-egging the pudding.

And then, big shock, Van Gogh kills himself. Amy is surprised because she thought showing him the future might inspire him to keep working. Me? I’m not in the least bit surprised. He gets taken into a blue box that’s bigger on the inside than the outside and travels to the future where he sees all the success and fame he will never get to experience in his lifetime. That’s more likely to cause his suicide than prevent it, if you think about it. And I HATE the Doctor’s speech about how life is split into good things and bad things. What is he, a fucking primary school teacher now? Depression is a little bit more complicated than that. But then again this is written by the same fucking moron who believes being mentally ill makes you a badass painter, so I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked.

Richard Curtis clearly thinks he’s written a sensitive and sympathetic tribute to a renowned artist who tragically took his own life due to mental health problems. I think Curtis royally fucked up with a paper-thin story that’s both patronising and insulting. And remember I have mental health problems, so according to Richard Curtis, I’m a genius. So basically if you disagree with me... you’re wrong :)