#i watched bride wars last year and you know that's a real waste of time this was okayand pretty enjoyable

[fisforfreakyme]

So I lost two hours of my scheduled sleep, but I watched Signs and to be honest...it’s not that bad

[zaina-xoxo]

Harry Potter headcanons (sad)

That Hermione and Ron always wanted a huge family. Like, 5 children filling a burrow. However, they ended up with only two. Why? Hermione’s torture at the hands of Bellatrix left its marks, and she couldn’t have children after Hugo. Dark Magic always left marks.

That Dumbledore never really left limbo. He stayed there forever, unable to allow himself to move due to the blood he had on his hands, lives he sacrificed for the greater good.

That George dyed his hair blue after the battle in order to stop reminding himself of Fred every time he saw a mirror.

That Grindelwald never stopped loving Dumbledore, and during their final duel, he actually had an opportunity to kill him, but couldn’t gather the will. Dumbledore used that moment to win.

That during Snape’s death, those tears with the memories, were also a sacrifice. Those tears were the memories themselves. So, when he died and went to the afterlife … he didn’t remember the person most featured in those memories, the one they focused on. In death, he never remembered Lily.

After the battle of hogwarts, Dennis Creevey becomes a photographer …. which was what his brother, Colin, had wanted to become when he grew up.

That Sirius willingly fell into the veil, which only kills if you completely were thrown into it. What happened was that half of his body went to the other side, and he was immediately assaulted by whispers of his dead loved ones, especially lily and James. He died with a smile, as he jumped in to his next great adventure.

That for the first fifteen years of his life, what Tom Riddle saw in the Mirror of Erised was himself with his parents in a rich household, in a loving family. All he wanted was to be loved. All that changed when he made his first horcrux.

That Dumbledore’s boggart was himself. And, that it really was him who killed Ariana, something he found out in the afterlife.

When Ron was a little boy he overheard his aunt Muriel talking to her friend that how amazing Ron's elder brothers were. But she called Ron ‘Molly's failed attempt for a girl’. She also said that Ron was worthless and he was no one compared to his elder brothers. Ron had developed insecurities about not being good enough from that overheard conversation.

When Ron left in DH Hermione wrote a letter. Conveying EVERYTHING she felt for him. She was almost certain that she would never see him again. She would never be able to tell him how she felt for him. She kept that letter in her beaded bag. Years later Ron found out that letter. And he cried.

Once during an auror mission Ron was injured badly. He almost died. Hermione didn't leave his side for once. When he was slightly better, Hermione told him that she was pregnant. That was when Ron had decided to quit his job.

When Ron and Hermione were staying at the shell cottage Hermione had a long conversation with Fleur. Hermione told her that there was a huge chance that she wouldn't survive the battle of Hogwarts. She was a muggleborn afterall. So if something happened she wanted Ron to move on with his life. She wanted Fleur to promise her that she would help Ron to move on with his life.

When the flashing green light came rushing at James Potter's way he didn't see death, but was reminded of two pairs of vibrant green eyes staring lovingly at him.

Death works differently in the HPU. Once you die, you have the choice to stay in limbo for as long as you want, or to take the train. You could also become a ghost. However, along with that there’s also the choice of becoming a creature which is the embodiment of death - a thestral. This is why Luna has a favourite Thestral, and why there’s a huge influx of them in the forbidden forest after the battle of hogwarts.

Neville kept visiting his parents. With every milestone that he hit — graduating Hogwarts, marrying Hannah Abbott, being hired as a professor — he made it a tradition to see them. It was not until he visited with a baby girl in his arms, Alice Francesca Longbottom, that he saw a flash of recognition in his mother’s eyes.

The day Harry was born, all the marauders found themselves in St. Mungo’s. Hours later, Remus awoke in his chair just in time to see a black-haired man with a crooked nose regarding the new-born. With a last glance upon Lily he left, seemingly unseen.

As a child Teddy had a huge crush on his Aunt Hermione, and he would often give her flowers and ask her if they could get married someday. Once he grew up, he was commonly teased about his childhood crush on his aunt (not sad)

During the first few years that Severus was teaching at Hogwarts, all of the other teachers were very uncertain of him. They all thought that Dumbledore was mad for hiring him, as they all knew of his reputation as a Death Eater. But eventually he struck up a very playful rivalry with Minerva. They would sit together at Quidditch matches and pass snarky comments back and forth, both of them snorting in amusement. It also wasn’t uncommon to find them sat together in the evenings, having a cup of tea or a glass of firewhiskey. By the time Harry Potter came to Hogwarts, Minerva believed in him almost as much as Dumbledore did. (He often urged Severus to tell her the real reason he defected from the Death Eaters, but Severus always refused.) His hatred of the young Gryffindor was often a point of contention between the two unlikely friends, but their friendship remained strong. It withstood Voldemort’s return and the reformation of the Order of the Phoenix. But in the aftermath of the Battle of the Astronomy Tower and Dumbledore’s death, Minerva was completely shocked and outraged. She couldn’t believe she’d ever befriended him at all and swore she’d never forgive herself for trusting him. During the last year the two taught together she avoided him at all costs, talking to him only when it was absolutely necessary, and when she had to she did so rather stiffly. After the Battle of Hogwarts ended and he was dead, however, she learned the truth about his actions from Harry, who told her about his tragic tale. She cried on and off for days. And the first time she came face to face with his portrait she completely broke down.

Had Fred not died, the twins would have had an overly casual double wedding [and would probably switch places to mess with their brides]

When Remus woke up in Harry’s compartment in POA, he saw Harry giving him the same comforting and concerned look as James. For a moment he thought he was seeing James again. Then in sunk in that his dear friend was dead and it was James’ son.

Teddy saw Sirius’ picture once. He didn’t know who he was, so he changed himself to look like him. It was only when he grew up that he understood why Harry started crying when he saw him.

Once Professor McGonagall was made headmistress, she let Hagrid become a student. Harry saw Hagrid’s Patronus for the first time in his life three years after the war. It was Hedwig.

When Petunia and Lily were little, they would read Alice in Wonderland. Petunia would read Dudley the book, fully knowing he didn’t like it. She was reading it for Harry, who was listening from inside his cupboard. Petunia believed she owed this to Lily.

When Harry was a baby, he didn’t know his own name. Each of the marauders gave him a nickname. (James called him troublemaker.) When he lived with the Dursleys, and they called him a “troublemaker”, toddler Harry would get excited thinking that his dad was going to take him away from these horrible people.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Nearly-Headless Nick’s head finally came off. Hence, he had to join the Headless Hunt. Thus, Gryffindor needed a new applicant. The new house ghost was a 17-year-old redheaded man and a large group of 12 students were excited to meet their beloved uncle.

When Teddy Lupin was a baby, his color turned into the person he wanted to hold him. Occasionally, it was Harry or Ginny or any other Weasley. But one day it turned pink and he could do nothing about it.

The Marauders used to take turns babysitting Harry, and it became a tradition to pass the baby and say, “You’re it. Good luck.” And the last thing Sirius saw as he fell through the veil was Remus holding Harry, and the last thought that went though his head was, “You’re it. Good luck.”

After Fred’s funeral, George does not return to the Burrow until about a year later. He refuses to go upstairs where his and Fred’s old room is and barely says a word. His hair is some wild outrageous color, cropped short and crooked, and Mrs. Weasley goes into a fit. She loudly asks why he would do that to himself, and is not prepared when he says, “I kept seeing him in the mirror.”

It’s the year after the Battle of Hogwarts. The school is still being repaired and the class size has dwindled down to pitiful numbers. And the Thestrals are so excited about the newfound attention they’d been getting.

Dobby wrote a will in which he sent Harry over 200 pairs of socks, Ron a pair of trainers, and a misshapen hat for Hermione.

No matter what he was doing or who he was with, Harry would always stop and pet any stray dog that he came across. If he could, he would give them any food he had. Eventually he became known as the man with the treats. Not Harry Potter or the Chosen One; just the quiet man with dogbones. When dogs would bound up to him, throwing their paws onto his chest and barking with glee at his arrival, he was reminded irresistibly of Sirius.

At Colin’s funeral, Harry didn’t say a word. He had been to so many funerals recently that pleasantries felt like a waste of breath, and how terrible would it be for him to waste his breath when he was so lucky to have it? He stood silent and watching, and as the last of the attendees left, Harry placed a tiny picture on Colin’s grave, taken by the late boy himself. It was the only autograph Harry Potter would ever give.

On May 2nd, 1998, Hogwarts held a moment of silence for the fallen. Not a single portrait stirred, not a single stair shifted. Even Peeves ducked into a corner and went silent. Then, when the silence ended, millions of different colored sparks took off into the sky.

Tonks is easily excitable and loved entertaining Hermione and Ginny with her Metamorphosis abilities. One day, she found a picture of Harry in Sirius’ room to turn herself into, and ran downstairs to show Remus and Sirius. And it wasn’t until Tonks watched their hearts break that she realized Harry’s eyes were the wrong color.

Harry kept each and every one of the sweaters that Mrs. Weasley had knitted him. One day while cleaning, she saw them folded with so much care in his drawer. She turned to see Harry wearing his newest Christmas Sweater proudly, like it was the greatest honor he could have been given, and she burst into tears.

One day, Harry accidentally calls Mrs. Weasley “Mum” instead of Molly. His face goes bright red, fumbling with apologies, and she (once again) burst into tears.

The first thing Draco Malfoy did after the war was Apparate into Muggle London and march straight into a tattoo parlor. He emerges, his face still bloody and burned, with an arm void of a black skull. Instead, he looks down at the skin covered in flowers and the skull changed into a silhouette of the castle, and smiles for the first time in two years.

George pulls Harry aside:

(“Harry, you’ve died, haven’t you?”

Harry looked up at George and regarded him, careful not to let any incredulousness show in his eyes — he knew all too well of the torment George must be feeling, of the weight in what he was visibly preparing himself to say.

“I have,” said Harry carefully.

George dipped his head; as he did, Harry caught something in his eyes that pained him so deeply, he was grateful George had tried to hide it from him.

“Does it...” George spoke to his shoes, and his voice sounded much older than Harry remembered. “Did... Did dying hurt, Harry? D’you think… that Freddie was in pain when...”

But George did not need to specify. Like he had been smacked right across the face with the words left unspoken, Harry knew, and it was a long time before he answered.

“It didn’t hurt,” said Harry resolutely, like he was deciding it right then and there.“It didn’t?”

“Quicker and easier than falling asleep.”)

When Remus Lupin took the Map from Harry, he sat there for hours, opening and reopening it wrong on purpose just to see the clever insults sprout on the paper. It was almost like his friends, alive and well, were talking to him for the first time in 12 years.

The day Molly Weasley dies, the first thing she sees is a girl with red hair sprinting toward her. She panics, thinking it might be Ginny, but she sees startling green eyes and knows who it is immediately. Lily Potter pulls Mrs. Weasley into a hug and in a choked voice, whispers, “Thank you.”

Harry memorized every name of the 50 Fallen after the war ends. The day he dies, old and surrounded by his children, he repeats their names in his head like a mantra and begs for their forgiveness.

Eleven years later, at Hogwarts, students fill a corridor filled with portraits of those who died in the Battle of Hogwarts. They look for Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and other famous faces, but there’s a blue-haired first year in their midst, trying desperately to remember what his parents had looked like.

James Potter lost both of his parents at once. The news was delivered to him by Professor McGonagall with Sirius by his side, but James was in denial. He kept insisting that she was lying, and it wasn’t until Sirius broke down into tears that James knew, and it broke him.

Crookshanks was the Potters family cat mentioned in sirius' letter and escaped godrics hollow after Halloween and managed to find the magical menagerie. He found hermione and stayed with her because harry was only allowed hedwig and Ron already had scabbers. This is why he was especially angry towards Ron, due to smelling his masters betrayer on him, and didn't run away from sirius’ grim form.

Hedwig was a guardian angel. Hedwig is smarter than most owls and other animals in the magical world, often appearing to harry when he needs to write a letter. Female snow owls like hedwig are mostly white but they have grey marks and spots on their back wings, hedwig is portrayed as a white male snowy owl. White as an angelic being perhaps Perhaps? Perhaps hedwig was sent by his parents as a guard and friend to him, its why hedwig didn't want anyone else adopting her.

Dementors come from the death eater who were thrown into the Veil. Ever wonder why the veil of death is barley used? After the souls escape to the after life the bodies of those who enter become husks of their former selves, hungry for souls. Unmasked before thrown in with only the cloaks on their backs.

Four years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Molly Weasley was busy preparing food for Ron’s birthday. She mistakenly barked to George, “Get that chicken out of the oven, Fred!” George silently whispered, “Honestly, woman, you call yourself our mother?”

JK Rowling has revealed that Lily Potter was pregnant was her second child when she was killed. Even worse, she had convinced James to make Snape the godfather of the child.

At Luna’s wedding, the whole of the front seats were reserved. Harry went up to her at the end of service and asked, “Luna, who’s sitting there?” Luna smiled her usual smile and said, “Right. They did sit here in a spiritual way I suppose.” She pointed the seats one by one, “Right, that’s for my mother, those are for your parents, that one is for Sirius, that one is for Professor Lupin, that one is for Tonks, then Mad-Eye, then Fred Weasley, then Professor Dumbledore, and then Professor Snape. Right then, bye!” Harry had never felt so touched before.

The reason Bellatrix was so wretchedly insane and slavishly devoted to Voldemort was that she lived for the promise that one day, if she did enough, someone might say “I love you” back. I know that she doesn’t deserve this but for love… wow Bellatrix.

When Harry and Ginny went to search for a house to live in they found an apparently perfect house, Ginny loves it, but Harry rejects with a clear excuse about it being too big for them. Ginny doesn’t notice Harry’s fixed look on the Cupboard under the stairs.

Before the Horcrux hunt, Ron and Hermione decided, that if either of them had to choose between saving each other's lives or Harry’s, they had to choose Harry for the sake of the world. No matter how painful it would be for them to let go of each other.

Sirius and Remus saved memories for Harry. Remus left them for Harry in his will, when Harry got a hold of them he got to see a part of James he never got to see in Snape's memory.

After the battle of Hogwarts, Neville went to visit his parents to tell them about it. After he finished, his mother, who normally spoke nonsense, smiled and said one word: “Proud”

On November 3rd 1981, Sirius Black sat alone in a cell in Azkaban softly singing: “Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Sirius...” whilst tears streamed down his face, wishing he could go back in time.

Mr. and Mrs. Potter, James and Sirius were out in public together one sunny afternoon. The elderly couple was talking to someone with that someone asking, “Oh, are these your sons?” Sirius turned beet red and becoming utterly flustered. Mr. Potter simply smiled and says, “Yes, they are.” With Mrs. Potter nodding proudly in agreement. Never once did they think to reply in any other way.

Harry as a preschooler drew two blond blots and a big black blot with a little black one standing a bit further away beside them with “My Family” scratched over the top and presented it to Uncle Vernon who ripped it apart and threw it away right in front of him.

When Harry and Ginny were married they moved to a house in Godric’s Hollow. After Lily was born and got older, she would visit her grandmother and namesake's grave everyday and leave lilies.

Harry Potter died at the ripe age of 101 surrounded by his loved ones, when he opened his eyes again he returned to the place he parted from his old mentor many years ago, but it wasn't Albus Dumbledore who greeted him at the station this time around. Standing a few feet away from him where a young couple patiently waiting for the son they were ripped away from so long ago to take him home and Harry Potter, the boy who lived, went gladly.

After the war, Minerva McGonagall went into a spiral of depression. It was brought on by watching so many students grow and die before her eyes.

At Ginny’s wedding she danced with George twice so it would feel like she was dancing with Fred.

After the second Wizarding War, everyone who died was given a chocolate frog card. When Teddy Lupin was on the train going to his first year of Hogwarts, he got the cards that had his parents on them, and it was like they were sending him off themselves.

These made me cry when I read them, I just can't :(

[dangermousie]

2020 End of Year Post - kdrama edition

You can find my 2020 cdrama post here: dangermousie.tumblr.com/post/638449659546845184/2020-end-of-year-post-cdrama-edition

This is only going to cover kdramas that aired in 2020; if it originally aired another year, it’s not on this list.

It’s been a pretty lackluster kdrama year. There are probably only 5 kdramas I truly loved and only three of them I was really obsessed over. Better luck in 2021!

DRAMAS WATCHED

(In order of liking from least to most as opposed to pure quality; I am including if I’ve seen enough to make up my mind; yes I realize that’s inaccurate, but that’s my list)

42 Born Again - so bad, so incoherent, so insane, I have no idea why the leads signed up for it (and unlike some of the other watchers, I think it was awful from the very start.) There is literally nothing about this drama that makes sense.

41 Love with Flaws - a bunch of people who should be tried under the Geneva Convention.

40 Sweet Munchies - Jung Il Woo proves his inability to pick a functional script.

39 Meow the Secret Boy - if you ever wanted to bang a cat, this drama is for you. Not being a furry, however...

38 Do Do Sol Sol La Sol - I lost braincells just typing out this title.

37 When I Was the Most Beautiful - the only way it’s not the dumbest, most pointless melo of 2020 is because Born Again considerately came out the same year.

36 Woman of 9.9 Billion - if you want to watch an artsy French movie about miserable people, but only badly made, boy do I have a drama for you.

35 Lies after Lies - screams after screams.

34 Backstreet Rookie - people were up in arms about various problematic plots. I am a survivor of many plots much more problematic but even I couldn’t survive how utterly boring and annoying this drama was and how utterly irritating the leads were. This has taken Ji Chang Wook off my top favorites into “should I even check his latest Lovestruck in the City? Probably not” territory almost single-handedly (Melt Me helped, to be fair.)

33 Men Are Men - boring is boring.

32 Dinner Mate - two beautiful boring people eat out a lot.

31 Was It Love - no it wasn’t.

30 Alice - Joo Won in the shower can make up for a multitude of sins but not plot nonsense of such magnitude. When you find yourself thinking it would be better if he hooked up with the alternate universe version of his mother because at least then something entertaining would happen, you know it’s bad.

29 More than Friends - started out OK, then made me hate basically everyone and kept going.

28 Start-Up - honestly, it’s probably more decent than its place here, but the toxic and batshit fandom for it (the worst this year) made me feel like breaking out in hives any time it’s even mentioned.

27 The Spies who Loved Me - how to take a good cast and waste it.

26 Private Lives - it was good but it never took off with its concept and spent more time on the incoherent plot than the OTP which was its one strength. It’s a decent drama but coming after Heartless City and My Beautiful Bride from the same writer, it’s a disappointment.

25 Record of Youth - as high as it is due to Park Bo Gum hard carrying this entire awful drama on his shoulders and doing it so well I finished it. Alas, while he is in one drama (and that drama is great), the rest of the characters and the entirety of the script are a pointless useless mess.

24 Do You Like Brahms - excellent first third, mediocre middle, and terrible last third. I don’t know what musical term applies to this? Diminuendo, I think.

23 I’ll Go to You When the Weather is Nice - nice and mellow but nothing much happens.

22 Forest - mainly for Park Hae Jin’s excellent and frequently naked bod.

21 The Ballot - I didn’t love it as much as everyone did but it was well-made.

20 Hyena - more romance and less weird law stuff would make it better.

19 365 Repeat the Year - surprisingly solid.

18 The Game Towards Zero - see 365.

17 When My Love Blooms - very old fashioned, very lovely.

16 Chocolate - also very old fashioned and very lovely but also with Yoon Kye Sang performing medical procedures bleeding and shirtless. MMM.

15 (tie) Secret Royal Inspector - a fun if run of the mill sageuk.

15 Find Me In Your Memory - best melo this year.

14 Mystic Pop Up Bar - surprisingly good even though I wasn’t planning to check it out.

13 Where Your Eyes Linger - came out of nowhere but was tender and hopeful and lovely.

12 Itaewon Class - Park Seo Joon hard carries a drama that is already excellent. Love it.

11 Psychopath Diary - Yoon Shi Yoon is such a treat in a hilarious, cynical, dark comedy.

10 Kairos - more like ouroboros.

9 Queen Love and War - in a year where sageuks are very rare, this was solid and surprisingly moving and shippy.

8 The King Eternal Monarch - people didn’t like it but I did. It’s no masterpiece and both the leads and the writers have better dramas, but it was a lovely romantic fairy tale for me.

7 Mr. Queen - sharp, hilarious, and some of my favorite actors.

6 Psycho But It’s OK - healing, sharp cinematography and even sharper chemistry.

5 Crash Landing on You - the last ep pissed me off so much this drama is dead to me but I loved it so much until then I can’t place it lower in good conscience.

4 Train - who knew I would go this hard for an OCN drama or that OCN would do romance so well? But this time-travel mystery romance is just incredible and I shipped the OTP and rooted for the characters and loved every last bit of it.

3 Run On - this is the drama Record of Youth wanted to be but failed. Smart and lived in, you feel like you are peeking at real people, but also even four episodes in, I am so invested in the main characters separately and together, and care for them so much, it’s a little frightening.

1 (tie) Tale of the Nine Tailed - my perfect fantasy romance. I liked it better than Goblin, yeah I said it.

1 Flower of Evil - all the tropes I love in one incredible package. I would rewatch episodes waiting for new ones trying to puzzle the story and to stay withdrawal but it works just as well on rewatch. Lee Jun Ki brings his trademark tortured intensity and for once, both his leading lady and his script back him up and are worthy of that. It’s perfect.

FAVORITE DRAMA

It’s a tie between Tale of the Nine Tailed and Flower of Evil but if I had to pick just one, FoE, because it had me seriously obsessed and guessing about the protagonist and gave me the narrative tropes I love so much and an OTP that statisfied all my hurt/comfort kinks and then some.

WORST DRAMA

Born Again - honestly, this is so bonkers it almost becomes good but alas...

FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER

Do Hyun Soo/Baek Hee Sung, Flower of Evil - he is so messed up, so on edge, so traumatized. Yet capable of so much warmth and caring even as he himself doesn’t realize his humanity. FoE is basically a story of a man pushed and punished by the world for his entire life who, because of one woman, finds a safe place and peace and slowly comes to life without realizing it, and watching his desperation to keep this small bit of normalcy is so heartbreaking and exciting all at once. Plus, you start the drama thinking he’s a psychopathic serial killer and end it (if you are me) thinking he must be protected at all costs and if anyone even looks at him wrong they must suffer, and that’s quite a change!

FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER

Nam Ji Ah, Tale of the Nine Tailed - she is so funny and tough and smart and loving and amazing that I will totally buy that a literal demi-god will do anything and everything for her and love her for literal eternity.

NEEDS TO BE MURDERED

Dad in Record of Youth - yes in a year with serial killers and supernatural demons, I picked a normal character from a mediocre drama. It’s his everyday awfulness to his family that hits so hard and I am sad he never got his comeuppance.

FAVORITE SHIP

Ji Ah x Yeon - a fearless reporter and an immortal demi-god who’s been hoping for his human beloved to reincarnate. A really rare set-up where the OTP is equally ride or die, so compatible and completely BAMF. I got why he waited for her for that long and then fell in love with her all over again. Perfection.

Runner up: Flower of Evil - he is so messed up he literally does not believe he is capable of love or empathy, but he falls in love with her anyway and so utterly she permeates his entire life. She is tough as nails and only believes what she sees and is the sole person who believes in him against the world. She loves him but he needs her. She needs him but he loves her. They are amazing.

FAVORITE SECONDARY OTP

Seo Dan x Gu Seung Jun, Crash Landing on You, North Korean x Conman were so good I shipped them harder than the main OTP and the end of that storyline pissed me off so much I dumped the drama and didn’t finish it for months (and it’s still dead to me.)

NOTP

Record of Youth - it started out and they didn’t have much chemistry but the dialogues were interesting and I thought the chemistry would grow. It didn’t and deteriorated, their dialogues became boring and relationship had zero development (about as much as the supposed female lead.) I think we were supposed to feel bad they broke up and they were going for a bittersweet open ending, instead I found myself happy about the break up of two incompatible, chemistry-less people and hoping for the love of God they never get back together.

FAVORITE SCENE

Yeon and the bridge of knives, Tale of the Nine Tailed - Yeon choosing to undergo the creeptastic bridge of knives for a chance to save Ji Ah, who at that point he is not aware is the reincarnation of his Joseon love because, as he says, he doesn’t care if she is or isn’t, it just would be more horrible to have her die than to undergo the horrific torture he is undergoing, and then the sequence with his catching her, her weeping over him and the fact that she is the original Joseon girl revealed and all the bandaging and his watching her sleep and all that loveliness, is everything for yours truly.

Runner up: Hyun Soo having that break-down at the cliff at the end of ep 15 of Flower of Evil as Ji Won desperately tries to convince him she is alive and he finally stumbles to her.

Runner runner up (it’s my list, I will do what I want): Do Won preparing to blow his brains out to give a chance to Seo Kyung to live in Train.

BIGGEST CRUSH

Seon-Gyeom, Run On. Yeah, I know. Im Siwan is tiny, delicate featured and has a runner’s build, none of which are things that normally appeal to me. But his character is so odd, so honest, so unflinching in pursuing what he thinks is right, so incapable of self-pity despite plenty of reasons for it, and so ridiculously attractive when he smiles, I don’t even care.

BEST SCENE STEALER CHARACTER

Kim Bum, TotNT - I started out being annoyed by him and ended up looking forward to his scenes and being distraught by his ending.

NEEDS A SEQUEL

Honestly, none. I was fine with all the endings. I wouldn’t mind seeing post-end life of Tale of the Nine Tailed characters or the OTP settling into their literal new world in Train, but I am good.

TROPE THAT NEEDS TO DIE

Time jump that solves all the problems off screen or alternatively years pass and everyone is frozen - something that kdramas need to learn and need to learn badly. See Record of Youth, Brahms and Start Up.

FAVORITE TROPE WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF

Men who are ride or die for their OTP - this was a great year for this - the male leads of four of my five dramas were beyond anything on that scale (only exception is Run On because it’s still too early to tell there.) Yes PLEASE.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

This was a banner year for that what with Start Up, Do You Like Brahms, Record of Youth, and Private Lives all starting out well and nosediving off the cliff but winner is Crash Landing on You. I loved it so much for bulk of its run but the last episode pissed me off so much I deleted all my files and called it a day.

BIGGEST GOOD SURPRISE

Flower of Evil - I had no expectations of this drama and wasn’t even planning on watching it despite liking both the lead actors because yet another “look at evil serial killer be evil” drama with no romance was not my thing. Luckily someone convinced me there might be some romance and I peeked curiously. Honestly, their promo campaign was the most misleading and dumbest thing ever.

Runner up Psycho but it’s OK - I have never liked Kim Soo Hyun in anything before and the drama premise seemed WTF but it was shockingly good and KSH totally blew me away.

Hardest Working Lead

Yoon Shi Yoon - he starred in two (!!!) dramas in 2020 playing three characters and not only were both these dramas awesome in a lackluster year, but if it wasn’t for the fact that I knew it was the same actor and the fact that the characters shared a face, I would have never believed that they were played by the same actor. So good!

2020 DRAMAS I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT I MOST WANT TO WATCH

None. Covid Year gave me PLENTY of time

BEST NON-2020 DRAMA I’VE WATCHED IN 2020

My Beautiful Bride and Deserving of the Name - I was obsessed with both of them and honestly, they were much better than the bulk of 2020 kdramas I watched.

MOST ANTICIPATED IN 2021

The Moon That Rises in the Day, Hong Chun Gi, Joseon Exorcist, Island,  Frightening Cohabitation, Snowdrop.

[taylizmasterpost]

Reconciliation and Late-Stage Tayliz (September 2014 - Present)

Despite not seeing each other for a while, Taylor and Liz clearly still hold a soft spot in each other’s hearts.

During the Secret Sessions for 1989 in Nashville, fans took pictures in Taylor’s home, and you can clearly see she has photos from Charleston displayed:

When it came time to mend the fences between Taylor and Liz, Claire Callaway was the one who ended up doing it:

2 October 2014 - Claire tweets a TBT to the Charleston trip. Liz responds to it:

That seems to get the ball rolling, because when Taylor drops Out of the Woods as a single, this happens:

14 October 2014 - Taylor and Liz tweet about how much they miss each other:

Then, when Taylor walks the runaway with Karlie at the VSFS, this happens:

Taylor is with Karlie at the time, and obviously nothing romantic is happening on Liz’s end either, because...

20 December 2014 - Liz gets engaged to Bryan Brown and has dinner with friends:

16 February 2015 - Liz tweets that Taylor is badass

8 April 2016 - Liz makes this gay post on Facebook that I’d like to think is a response to Style, since the MV had come out a few months before:

And Liz seems to have found a group of gay friends...

Although, that could just be a typo.

15 July 2015 - Liz posts on Facebook that “Thanks to some really talented friends, I got to record something beautiful today. Can’t wait to share this one.” The picture she attaches definitely looks like Taylor:

Liz also tweets this:

We do NOT know where Taylor was that day. However, she performed in DC on the 1989 tour on the 14th and was papped in NYC on the 16th so it’s not impossible she was in Nashville working on something with Liz. Unfortunately, whatever they worked on has yet to surface (unless you subscribe to the theory that Liz is WB...)

3 August 2015 - Shawn Brooks releases a song called Matter of Time that was written sometime in 2014 by Liz.

Notable lyrics include:

She’s got me lovestruck, crazy Going out of my mind She’s got me lovestruck, crazy But sooner or later, she’s gonna be mine It’s just a matter of time

Don’t know what this means for Liz or TayLiz, since Liz has been with Bryan since early 2013 at the latest, but this is very gay and fun.

27 August 2015 - Thirst tweet:

31 August 2015 - Liz calls Taylor sexy in response to the Wildest Dreams MV:

15 October 2015 - Liz tweets about Better Than Revenge:

28 October 2015 -  Liz quote tweets Taylor about OOTW acoustic:

11 November 2015 - Liz responds to Caitlin’s tweet tagging Taylor about nostalgia:

9 December 2015 - Liz congratulates Taylor on her Grammy noms:

13 December 2015 - Taylor’s birthday. Liz wishes her HBD:

29 January 2016 - Liz says her favorite song from 1989 is This Love:

15 February 2016 - Liz and Taylor both attend UMG’s Grammys afterparty at the Ace Hotel Theater :

26 February 2016 - Liz posts a TBT to Charleston:

16 April 2016 - Liz and Taylor both attend Coachella:

6 May 2016 - Liz tweets about This Love:

10 May 2016 - Liz possibly writes STFU and Hold Me (likely about Bryan, since he’s out on tour with the woman he’s going to leave Liz for, signaling to me that their relationship is on the fritz):

4 August 2016 - Liz posts a throwback to the Vogue photoshoot at the Bowery.

3 September 2016 - Liz and Bryan’s last interaction on Twitter:

(Bryan had been on tour with Jillian -- who he’d later marry -- and tweeting at her all summer, much more than he’d been tweeting with Liz). It’s important to note the way their relationship ended for when we start studying who Liz’s songs are about.

26 November 2016 - Liz tweets about Clean, possibly signaling her and Bryan have broken up by this point:

13 December 2016 - Liz wishes Taylor happy birthday with a post about Charleston (captions vary based on site). This also signals to me that her and Bryan are over, since she’s reminiscing on Taylor picking her up off the ground after her breakup with Jason:

11 July 2017 - Liz tells a fan that You Are In Love and All Too Well are her favorite songs from 1989 and Red (guess her favorite song is no longer This Love…):

11 August 2017 - Liz releases STFU and Hold Me:

This MV has a LOT of parallels to the IKYWT video. The lyrics talk about “staring with a bang” (”took off faster than a green light go”?), and reckless abandon (”this path is reckless”). MV parallels are as follows (thank you @mercuryonparklane​ for all the help finding this):

(notice the key necklace?)

So, either Liz is lowkey ripping off Taylor’s work or she’s trying to signal that she was the muse for IKYWT. However, considering Liz is deliberately trying to keep her image separate from Taylor, it doesn’t make any sense that she would try and rip her off. Of course, it could just be a big coincidence...

30 September 2017 - In an interview with The Young Folks, Liz says that STFU and Hold Me is about “getting to that point in a relationship where you’re sick of going around and around talking about the same issue with your partner and it’s time to wave the white flag,” Huett says. “We’ve all been there.”

Of the lyrics “I’m coming from a line of problems / I was born and I became a product” Liz says “I’m not exactly the most polished person. I’d rather be real than perfect and sometimes that means I say things that make people uncomfortable or act out in relationships and test limits, etc… I’m an honest mess but I believe I can and should be loved in light of that. :)”

I still think this song was written about the end of her relationship with Bryan, but it’s still interesting to see how Liz describes herself in relationships.

27 October 2017 - Liz releases H8U

This is another song that I think was written about Bryan. The lyrics reference taking another woman to a Tom Petty concert (Liz LOVES Tom Petty) and generally moving on quickly with another woman, which seems apt for the Bryan/Jillian situation going on.

HOWEVER, the lyrics also reference “our first date two years ago,” which doesn’t make any sense, since Liz and Bryan didn’t break up until 2016 and were together since early 2013. So it could maybe be lyrically about Taylor.

I do think the MV makes a deliberate Taylor reference, though, with the interrupting the wedding scene. Taylor famously had Liz dress as the Bridezilla on the Speak Now album art:

And, at the end of the H8U MV, Liz DOES kiss the blonde bride on the mouth after interrupting her wedding... which is... INTERESTING (especially since Liz is dressed in full RED the whole MV):

I don’t think it’s a stretch to presume Liz could’ve reversed their roles here. IDK.

9 November 2017 - Liz makes her “H8U, love these” playlist on Spotify, which features All Too Well.

1 November 2017 - Liz obsesses over Reputation:

15 November 2017 - Taylor posts an IG story with photos of her Liz and Caitlin in Australia in the background:

13 December 2017 - Liz wishes Taylor happy birthday:

20 December 2017 - In a now deleted tweet Liz obsesses over New Year’s Day

6 April 2018 - Liz releases Don’t LV U Anymore. Here are some interesting lyrics:

I don't steal your chapstick anymore / Don't wake up to your kiss anymore / And I don't have a washer and dryer full of guitar picks anymore / 'Cause you don't come over to my place anymore / Don't flirt with my roommate anymore / And I don't run to your friends / To get them on my side when we fight anymore / And I never say it / I keep it inside / But maybe I'm wasted / Or maybe it's time to get this off my chest, babe / ... / I don't love you anymore / But I don't love you any less / I don't play you my songs anymore / To see if they're good anymore / You don't tell me your secrets / 'Cause you don't know if I keep them to myself anymore / I don't go to church anymore / Don't know what to believe anymore / And I don't remember the beat of your heart / The smell of your car anymore / ... / Two years and counting / Still got all this weight on my chest / Two years and counting / And I can't remember what I can't forget

Based on the “two years and counting” line, as well as the line about a washer and dryer of guitar picks, I’m inclined to believe this is another song about Bryan. 

However, it is a really similar sentiment to that Civil Wars song Liz posted back when her and Taylor first ended things, and the line about running to get friends on a side when fighting is very similar to the “you go talk to your friends, talk to my friends talk to me” in WANEGBT and the image in Battle/Let’s Go of all their friends standing around watching them fight. Could go either way.

9 April 2018 - Liz reposts a Facebook post announcing Dammit that implies it was written a while ago. But we already knew that.

19 May 2018 - Reputation in Pasadena. Liz attends. Surprise Song: All Too Well. Camila Cabello is the opening act.  

27 May 2018 - Liz gives an interview at Bottlerock festival where she says that Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus is a song she used to get over someone (likely Bryan). She also says Havana was the song she last had stuck in her head -- probably because Camila performed it at Taylor’s show the previous week.

14 March 2019 - Liz makes a happy birthday post for Antoni (who’s dating her friend Trace):

27 April 2019 - Bryan and Jillian get married:

3 May 2019 - Liz releases Nothing Personal:

This feels like DIRECT BRYAN SHADE, since she released it right after his wedding. However, you definitely could also read it as being about being let go from The Agency.

Early May 2019 - Taylor shoots YNTCD. Her and Antoni bond over their love of The National (keep in mind Taylor would end up asking a member of the National to work on exile with her):

17 June 2019 - Liz likes Taylor’s post announcing YNTCD is out:

26 June 2019 - Liz posts on IG a video of unreleased song “One of These Days” with the caption “i’m emo” Lyrics:

One of these days I’ll rise above the blue / One of these days when I get sober too / I’ll be flying high you know / Gonna say I told you so / One of these days I’ll rise above the blue / The stars will align / My heart will come back to life / I won’t have to cry anymore / Someday soon, when I / When I get over you / One of these nights I’m gonna get some sleep / One of these nights you won’t be in my dreams / I will lay this love to rest / I will miss you in this bed / One of these nights I’m gonna get some sleep / The stars will align / My heart will come back to life / I won't have to cry anymore / Someday soon, someday / When I get over you

More evidence that Liz does, indeed, struggle with the things that Reddit post suggested.

14 August 2019 - Liz posts on IG a video of an unreleased song called “I Wanted It to Be You” with the caption “I really did” and a red rose emoji. Lyrics:

I’ll find someone else to take your place / In no time at all I’ll be okay / So you don’t have to say it babe / We don’t have to cry / ‘Cause I know you got shit to do / And baby so do I / I’ll find someone else to take your place, hey / I wanted it to be you I’m closing down the bar with / I wanted it to be you I’m fighting in the car with / Who I could push away / Come back and beg to stay / Ooh, I wanted it, I wanted it, I wanted it / I wanted it to be you

Likely for Bryan BUT maybe a red rose grew up out of frozen ground with no one around to tweet it (lol I’m joking the lakes is very likely not about Liz).

22 August 2019 - Taylor releases the Lover MV, featuring the “breakable heaven” board game:

In the bottom left corner, you can spot a blue 0527. May 27th is Liz’s birthday. What does this mean? I don’t know. I absolutely do not know, but whatever it is is driving me INSANE.

28 August 2019 - Liz posts on Twitter a screenshot of her listening to Cornelia Street:

16 October 2019 - Liz comments on a fan’s video of Taylor performing at the NPR Tiny Desk concert saying “she cute”:

19 November 2019 - Liz says on IG that her favorite songs from Lover are The Archer and Cornelia Street:

22 November 2019 - Liz releases That’s What You Get. This is the one late-stage Liz song that I FULLY BELIEVE is about TayLiz due to a few very specific lyric parallels:

“That’s what you get when you recklessly fall in love” >> “This path is reckless” from Treacherous

“That’s what you get for keeping your armor up” >> “You come around and the armor falls” from State of Grace >> “I would put my armor down if you said you’d rather love than fight” from Story of Us.

“And all your friends are lining up to hate me” >> “You go talk to your friends talk to my friends talk to me” from WANEGBT >> “First shot’s fired everybody’s gathered around” from Battle >> “I can't run to your friends anymore / To get them on my side when we fight anymore” from Don’t LV U Anymore.

It also, just from an outside perspective, doesn’t make any sense for Liz to write a breakup song about Bryan blaming herself when it seems very clear to me that they broke up because Bryan wanted to be with Jillian instead. That’s not her fault. So either this is about another breakup (I’d guess Taylor, based on the lyric parallels), or she’s just very very self-loathing and won’t let herself think it’s Bryan’s fault (which both H8U and Nothing Personal don’t suggest to me).

25 November 2016 - Liz posts a video on her IG story about Taylor at the VMAs.

6 December 2019 - Liz talks about That’s What You get with Earmilk and gives an interesting quote: 

Huett explains, “This song is about facing myself after a brutal season of running from it... I made a self-destructive choice that hurt someone I really value. The angle of the chorus is really sort of a letter to me after that first long look in the mirror. It SUCKED. However, in owning my shit (and sharing this song) my hope is that listeners might apply the sad lesson without having to learn the hard way, or, if they’ve ever found themselves in the regretful position I was once in, I hope this song can at least make them feel less alone."

This is SO DIFFERENT fro mhow her relationship with Bryan ended, but matches up so well with Liz getting help and owning her shit after spiraling in 2012.

24 July 2020 - Folklore drops. Two of the songs are written by the mysterious William Bowery. One of those songs is Betty -- a popular nickname for Elizabeth. Liz tweets at Taylor about the 1 because all of Taylor’s exes wanna think that song is about them.

So, IN CONCLUSION: Liz got help and worked through her shit and they’re on good terms now. They were possibly working on something together in 2015, although that never saw the light of day as far as we know. Liz seems to maybe be referencing Taylor in her music and MVs, but there’s no way to know for sure. Better Than Revenge on the Speak Now Tour was an iconic moment of sapphic energy, and maybe, just maybe, when Taylor re-records her masters, Liz will sing backup for her again.

Thanks for reading!

[ultrahpfan5blog]

Rewatching TDK Trilogy

Easily my favorite superhero trilogy and arguably one of my favorite trilogies of all time. I think in terms of superhero trilogies, Captain America is the one that comes closest because I love all three movies, but they aren’t a trilogy in the normal sense in that Civil War is essentially Avengers 2.5 and neither Civil War nor Winter Soldier can be understood without having watched Avengers and Age of Ultron. But even putting that aside, I adore TDK trilogy and it still ranks as my favorite superhero movies. The trilogy, obviously starting with Batman Begins, is what put introduced me to Nolan. I hadn’t seen Memento and Insomnia till then so Batman Begins was literally my first introduction to him.

I was always a big Batman fan as a huge follower of the DCAU cartoons with Kevin Conroy voicing a really badass Batman throughout the 90′s and into the early 2000′s. While I enjoyed the first 4 Batman movies as a kid, yes even B&R, I always wanted to see the more somber version from the cartoons. Batman Begins hit me at the perfect time where I started to have longer attention spans and wasn’t just looking for the next action scene. Rewatching the movie, it amazes me that Batman doesn’t show up for half the movie. I think that was a really brave call given pretty much all previous Batman movies introduced Batman almost immediately. I genuinely love all the prelude to Bruce becoming Batman. I liked that we got to see his training extensively and we are introduced to the city and see the dynamics of the rich and the poor, the police, the mob, the lawyers etc... It really gives Gotham a very grounded personality. I think Nolan really killed it at the casting level. By getting Caine as Alfred, Freeman as Fox, and Oldman as Gordon, he created a superbly acted support structure around Bruce/Batman, so we aren’t just always waiting for Bruce to show up. On top of that, they had Liam Neeson as Ra’s, who is effortlessly compelling, as well as other strong supporting actors like Cillian Murphy as a scene stealing Scarecrow, Tom Wilkinson as Falcone, Rutger Hauer as Earle etc... All giving personality to a difference facet of the city and Bruce’s life. But this truly is Bale’s movie. I didn’t know him at all prior to this film, but I have been a fan ever since. He carries the movie on his shoulders and he delivers the ferociousness of Batman and the humanity of Bruce Wayne effortlessly. If there is someone who doesn’t make a big impression, its Katie Holmes. I didn’t find her terrible, but rather the character isn’t exactly well written which bleeds into the next movie with Maggie Gyllenhall as well. My favorite Batman performance. Rewatching, what surprised me the most is the amount of humor in the movie. This is actually reflective of the entire trilogy. The movies deal with darkness and death, but there is actually plenty of humor sprinkled throughout these movies which prevent it from being dour. There have been a lot of superhero origin stories, but this still remains the gold standard of superhero origin stories. A 9/10 for me.

There is nothing I can say about The Dark Knight that hasn’t been said a 100 times over. It quite literally is the best comic book movie of all time. But it basically is at heart a drama about Gotham. Whereas BB acts as a character centric piece, this film is about all the characters living in Gotham. Arguable, the character that has the biggest arc in the film is Harvey Dent. Again, the casting department knocked it out of the park with the casting of Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent. Unfortunately, Eckhart never really capitalized on his performance here because he really was terrific in the film, both as Harvey and as Two-Face, to the point where you wished you had more of Two-Face. Gary Oldman gave his best work in the trilogy in this movie. The desperation as the situation spins out of control is fabulous. Freeman also has a very meaty role in the movie and continues to add a lot of weight to the scenes as well as plenty of humor, as does Michael Caine. Christian Bale continued to be terrific. There were some complaints about his voice, which I feel have been overexaggerated over the years. I definitely think his Begins voice is better, but barring one or two scenes, I never really had an issue with Bale’s voice in this film. He delivers a very nuanced performance. Maggie Gyllenhaal took over from Katie Holmes in TDK and while I think she is a far better actress than Katie Holmes, I think the character itself is not very well written. In both movies, Rachel comes off as very judgmental. Whereas in BB I can understand her reason in being so, given Bruce was ready to commit murder and later was out being a playboy in front of her for the sake of appearances, in this movie she is judgmental towards Bruce even though she knows what he has been doing to help the city. Also, she did come off a bit flaky in the whole Bruce/Rachel/Harvey triangle. And then there is Heath Ledger. There are very few performances that I consider perfect. This is one of them. I think every choice Ledger makes in this movie, be it intentional or unintentional, works amazingly well. Like him licking his lips to keep the make up on. It just adds a creepy quality to his character, even if it is completely unintentional. There are so many ticks and quirks in Ledger’s performance that make this a phenomenal performance. I don’t see any villain performance having matches that since 2008. I think the closest I have seen prior to that is Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs. It really is a performance that adds such a big extra edge to the movie. I love that Nolan sticks to certain details such as Bruce never actually drinking alcohol and throwing it away at the part and then Joker showing up and taking a glass and him spilling almost all of it. It gives a lot of personality to the characters. If I have any complaint about the movie, it is that Bruce does at times feel like a stationary character as he does not have as big of an arc as a Harvey Dent. And if you want, you can pick apart the holes in the series of events that happen that cause the chaos. But the drama of the film is just so intense that you forget all of that behind. I give it a 9.5/10

The Dark Knight Rises to me is the film that gets often maligned just because it isn’t TDK. And that is a crazy yardstick to compare it to. But as a movie on its own, its pretty damn awesome. TDKR is where the film truly steps away from being a version of the comics to being an Elseworld story with Batman having been absent for 8 years and then Bruce retiring and leaving Gotham at the end of the movie. But I don’t think there was any way for Nolan to close out his trilogy without it becoming an Elseworld story and it really didn’t matter because I always figured that as long as Bruce is out there, if Gotham needed him, he would come back. Its not as if there aren’t existing comic book stories of Bruce having retired or left being Batman behind. Again, there is some superb new casting. JGL ends up being surprising integral and he is terrific. Tom Hardy is awesome as Bane. He manages to provide a terrifying presence. I actually loved his voice. I love that a terrifying brute of a man has a polite, gentlemanly sounding voice. It gave him a unique personality. Marion Cotillard is pretty good as Talia/Miranda. She has an awkwardly filmed death scene but she’s good throughout the rest of the film, particularly during the reveal scene. But the casting of the movie for me was Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle. I knew Anne Hathaway mostly from the Princess Bride movies till then even though she had gotten an academy award nomination by then. But I really didn’t envisage her as Selina Kyle but she blew me out of the water with her performance. She was seductive, yet very likable. I love the clever costume design of her goggles looking like cat ears when she puts them up. I also love Nolan’s version of the Lazarus Pit. Certainly Bruce’s climb out of the pit is one of the most compelling scenes of the movie. You truly feel the emotion. The film also has one of the best acted scenes I have scene between Michael Caine and Christian Bale in the hallway. Its the scene I remember first whenever I think about TDKR. Oscar quality acting by both in that scene. The returning cast is all terrific but Michael Caine has a few gut wrenching scenes, including this one and the scene at the funeral at the end. Oldman and Freeman continue to be stalwarts throughout the movie, I really admire that Nolan did not waste these actors and given them very substantial roles in all the movies and all these actors really respected the material to not sleep walk through the roles. I think Bale’s performance here rivals his performance in Begins. Particularly in the scenes in the Pit. You get to see a full range of emotions, from pain, to despair, to anger, to hope. Its a superb performance. The film isn’t flawless. Its just a tad too long and there is some clunky editing at times. None of the three films can be said to contain very memorable action sequences because Nolan is not known to have great action sequences in his film until more recently, but the drama in the action negates that. Like, the Bane vs Batman fight where Bane breaks Batman, isn’t the greatest action scene in terms of fight choreography, but there is a lot weight to these characters which is what makes it incredibly compelling. Same is true to an extent for the climax at the end. When Batman beats Bane, I felt a sense of satisfaction after what I had witnessed in the previous fight. Overall, I genuinely feel that I love the last act of TDKR the most out of all three films. The Batplane, Batpod, and Tumbler chase scene was thrilling and it was cool to watch all three Bat vehicles in operation. The ending montage also ends the movie on a real uplifting note for all characters, which is very satisfying. I really love the movie. A 9/10.

It has to be said that Zimmer’s score across all three films contributes enormously to these movies. All in all, these set of movies are still my favorite superhero movies and my favorite Nolan movies till date.

[emy-loves-you]

The Prince, The Knight, and The Assassin Chapter Two

The Day Before, Part One

Summary: A little snippet of Prince Patton’s daily life

Chapter One | Masterlist | Chapter Three

Warnings: Child neglect, post-breakup arguments, mentions of eating people and drowning at the beginning (they’re talking about Little Red Riding Hood)

“But red-cap went joyously home, and no one ever did anything to harm her again.”

“Wait a minute!” One of the children called out, his shaggy brown hair flopping to the side as he tilted his head. “My Mum told me that the wolf ate little red-cap and her grandmother, not tie them up in a sack!”

“Yeah!” Another child piped up, sticking his pudgy hand up to the sky. “And my Pa said there was another wolf, who fell into the stone trough and drowned!”

The storyteller hummed, closing his book. “Those are your parent’s stories. Jonathan, did your mother’s story have them eat freshly-baked cookies and milk instead of cake and whine?”

The brown haired boy, Jonathan, frowned. “No.”

The storyteller hummed. “Samuel, did your father’s story have red-cap sing your favorite song while she picked the flowers?”

The other child, Samuel, shook his head.

The storyteller smiled. “Everyone can have their own story. Those are your parent’s stories. This,” He gestured to the book, “is our story. And that makes it special.” Someone coughed behind them and the storyteller sighed. “I’m afraid that’s the last story for today, Kiddos!”

Both children whined, grabbing onto the sleeves of the storyteller’s shirt. “Please don’t go Patton!” Jonathan begged. “Just one more story?”

The storyteller, Patton, smiled softly. He was about to speak when another cough, more impatient this time, sounded behind them. Patton sighed, standing up. “I’m sorry Kiddos, I have to go. But if I have time tomorrow I’ll be at the Mayfairs’ tomorrow, so if you wanna hear more stories make sure you go and give them a visit!” He booped their noses and the two boys giggled, immediately letting go of his arms. Patton chuckled and walked away. “Goodbye Jonathan, goodbye Samuel!”

“Bye Patton!” The boys called out, and Patton smiled softly as walked across the field. On the other side of the field stood his personal guard, his gaze unwavering as he searched for any sign of danger. It was a sight that usually made Patton giggly with butterflies in his tummy, but now it only made him feel sad and alone.

As he approached, the man’s face went through a myriad of emotions, each one Patton knew by heart, before settling on despondency. “Your Highness.” He said stiffly, bowing his head.

Patton frowned, his heart breaking into a thousand pieces at the gesture. “Roman, please drop the formalities. You know how uncomfortable they make me-”

Roman interrupted him, his voice cold and emotionless as he spoke. “It would be scandalous if I were to refer to a betrothed prince with anything other than his title.”

The words felt like a punch to the gut and Patton looked away, ashamed. “You know I had no choice-”

Roman cut him off again, his voice still emotionless as he spoke. “I’ve already given my opinion on the matter.”

Patton frowned as they climbed onto their horses, traveling the rest of their way to the castle in silence. It’s been 2 days since Patton was informed that he was now betrothed to the High Queen of the Dark Kingdom, and Patton’s had this same argument with Roman the entire time. Before the announcement, the two of them had been dating in secret for almost 2 years. But now that Patton was betrothed, he decided to break up with Roman so as to not lead him on. The resulting argument had not gone well.

“I can’t do that, Patton!” Roman shouted, tears streaming down your face. “I can’t pretend to just be your friend. I spent years being ‘just your friend,’ watching from the sidelines and practically begging for your affection. I can’t go back to that, not after all I’ve had. After all we’ve had. If I look at you as anything other than a Prince after this, my heart will shatter into thousands of pieces, over and over again, knowing that you have my heart but I can no longer have yours.”

Patton had sobbed himself to sleep that night, as he had the night after and most likely will tonight. Patton hoped that his new bride wouldn’t mind a pillow that was always wet with tears.

When they got back to the castle, Roman stood quiet and attentive as always. He followed Patton down the halls and to the throne room, where Patton’s parents sat on their ornate thrones. Patton always hated those thrones. He hated everything about this wretched castle. It was all expensive and uncomfortable, it’s only purpose was to show everyone else how wealthy the royal family was. Patton was confident he could sell any of the jewels on his mother’s neck and have enough money to feed a small community for a week and still have some pocket change left over.

Patton bowed his head while Roman kneeled to the ground behind him. “Mother, Father.”

“Where were you this evening? The servants went to collect you for your royal fitting.” Queen Karen asked, not even bothering to fully address her son.

Patton was confused and irritated, but he didn’t let it show. “I wasn’t made aware that my fitting was scheduled for today. Why was I not informed last night? Or perhaps today during lunch?” He ignored her question, knowing by this point giving even the slightest detail would be disastrous. If he was caught lying, they’d make sure that he’d never leave the castle until he was married and shipped off to the Dark Kingdom. If he told them he left the castle, they would push for answers until he gave them the names of the families he visited, who would then be taxed to the point of bankruptcy. Even though they didn’t harm Patton physically, they still made it their goal in life to make him miserable.

They both ignored the question as King Jacob spoke, his voice rough with irritation. “The tailor will come back tomorrow afternoon. You will be waiting for him in the fitting room.”

Patton ignored the flash of rage he felt at his father’s choice of words. Joan was a talented tailor, one of the best tailors in the kingdom. They were also nonbinary, but Patton’s father chose to ignore that little detail. “Yes, Father.” Patton said impassively.

“You are dismissed.” Both royals said at once, and Patton wasted no time as he made his way out of the throne room, Roman rising up and following close behind.

The rest of the night was a rather…intense affair. Patton would travel throughout the castle to perform his nightly duties. Roman would follow close behind, his face stoic and stance rigid. Patton was used to this, as Roman had been doing this since he was first appointed as Patton’s personal guard. But usually, there was a sense of underlying affection; a small smile, a certain light in his eyes, a small lilt in his voice as he addressed Patton. But now it was all gone. No more hidden affection, no more pretending to be cold and distant. Now it was real, and Patton couldn’t even look in Roman’s direction without his heart breaking into a thousand pieces.

By the time all of Patton’s tasks were done, the sun had long since set and everyone had gone to bed. Patton quickly made his way to his chambers, his heart heavy as Roman followed close behind. Normally they would enter his room together, and they would laugh and kiss and touch each other in the safety of his room. But now they would simply part ways once they reached the door. The thought of Roman coldly turning back the second they reached his room hurt the prince in a way he didn’t expect. They were nearing Patton’s room when he muttered, mostly to himself. “I can find my chambers on my own. You don’t need to follow me the entire way.”

Roman frowned. “It would be improper to have you journey there alone.” There was an edge to it, a sliver of emotion, more than anything Patton had gotten since their fight two days ago.

Rather than comforting him, however, it only served to fuel his irritation. “I assure you I am fine. I do not need you to wait on me constantly. I can take care of myself.”

Roman huffed as they reached the door. “It is my duty to make sure that nothing happens to you. Your own ability to defend yourself is irrelevant. I am only here to protect you, nothing more.”

A part of Patton knew that Roman still cared. That he was only being cold and repetitive to protect himself. But that part of Patton was overshadowed by the anger boiling over inside him. It wasn’t like his previous anger, which was bright and hot and loud. This anger was tinged with too many emotions to be violent. It was filled with depression, fatigue, and hopelessness.

Patton quickly pulled Roman into his room, slamming the door shut behind them. “I can’t.” He thought he heard something rustle but he ignored it, instead focused on Roman’s glare. “I can’t spend every day pretending that this never happened. I can’t handle your cold shoulder, or the constant bite in your voice. It’s not my fault, and I can’t handle your anger! I can handle the townspeople’s anger about the war. I can handle my parents anger at how much of a disappointment I am.” His voice started to crack as he barely held back a sob. “But I can’t handle yours.”

Roman had stayed silent the whole time, his face impassive. But Patton could tell that Roman was just on the edge of exploding, his stance rigid as he finally spoke. “What should I do then?” Patton knew that Roman was holding himself back from yelling. He’d been doing that since their fight two days ago, when his shouting had reduced Patton to uncontrollable sobs. But for some reason his cold aloofness hurt Patton even more. He knew it wasn’t true, but it was like Roman couldn’t even be bothered to be angry with him. Like Patton didn’t even deserve that.

“I-” Patton took a deep breath, trying to calm down. “I need some space. And some time. To process all of this. And I’m sure you do too.” He looked away, not able to meet Roman’s gaze as tears started welling up in his eyes. “I’ll escort myself to Joan tomorrow, then I shall retreat to the library for the rest of the day. Take the day off tomorrow. I think some time alone will do good for the both of us.”

Roman remained quiet for several minutes, simply staring at the tears in the prince’s eyes. The moment of silence felt like an eternity, until eventually Roman nodded sharply. “Have a pleasant evening, Your Highness.” Then he spun around and left.

Patton stared at the spot Roman had been standing in, his heart breaking into a thousand pieces at the blatant dismissal. He didn’t even say sweet dreams. A tear rolled down Patton’s face but he ignored it, getting ready for bed. He didn’t even bother changing out of his current clothes or taking off his glasses, instead just removing his boots and plopping into his bed. He felt the urge to sob as tears rolled down his face but he ignored it. He was too tired to cry tonight. He did this particular stab to the heart himself, after all. He was the one who told Roman to go away.

After nearly an hour of just laying there and silently crying, Patton finally drifted off into a fitful slumber. Unaware of the person lurking underneath him, patiently waiting for their moment to strike.

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Taglist: @bisexualdisaster106 @self-taught-mess @arodynamic-enby @sanderssides-angst @whatishappeningrightnow @idont-freaking-know @goawayihateyou @cute-and-angsty-princess @artsy-enby09 @girl-who-reads @drarrymalecsolangelo @count-woe-laf

[avengerscompound]

One Night In Vegas

One Night in Vegas: An Iron Man Fanfic

Buy me a ☕ Square:  @iron-man-bingo - Accidentally Married, @marvelfluffbingo - Woke up Married

Rating:  M

Warning:  Talk of sex, aftermath of drinking and drug use.

Word Count:  2753

Pairing:  Tony Stark x F!Reader

Summary:  You wake up in a Vegas suite with Tony Stark wearing the biggest diamond ring you’ve seen in your life.  The two of you then try and piece the night together.

One Night In Vegas

You woke up with your head pounding and your eyelashes stuck together.  Not that you particularly wanted to open your eyes.  You wanted to pass out again and hopefully, sleep through until your headache was gone.

Unfortunately, along with the pounding, there was nausea that was starting to get to the unbearable point and you could already feel the bile rising in your throat.  You were going to throw up, and you had to work out how you were going to get untangled from whoever it was you were currently tangled up with.

You pried your eyes open slowly.  The room was filled with the bright light of the desert sun outside and your eyes did not seem to want to adjust to it.  You groaned and tried to pull away from whoever was clinging to you like a koala.  When your eyes finally adjusted you saw it was Tony and let out a sigh of relief.  Your relationship with Tony wasn’t exactly conventional but the idea of waking up with a stranger when you were as blackout wasted as you got last night was not one you were a fan of.

He grumbled and seemed to tighten up around you more and you pushed him.  “Let me up.”  You whined.

He let you go, rolling over and grunting as you stumbled out of the circular bed and ran to the bathroom, dropping to your knees on the marble floor and emptying your stomach.

Last night had been… well, you weren’t even sure.  It had started with a few rounds of poker in the high rollers lounge.  You had a reservation at Scotch 80 Prime though so you had to leave before too much money had either been lost or made so that Tony could have his wish of eating his way through a $100 steak and drink $50 glasses of whiskey.

After that, you had gone to Tao.  There had been dancing and drinking, both with Tony and without.  Then after that was a big blank space of time.  You had no idea how you had managed to get back to the hotel.

You sat by the toilet for a while, after you’d finished throwing up and then dry-heaving.  All you could do was just keep your eyes closed and your forehead pressed to the cold marble wall.  You might have dozed off even, it was hard to tell.  When you finally got up, you flushed and went to rinse your mouth out.  It was when you were washing your hands you saw the ring.

The fact you hadn’t realized it was there up until then was a little shocking on its own.  The thing was huge.  It had a large rectangular-cut diamond in the middle with similar diamonds cascading down the platinum band in smaller and smaller sizes.  Assuming it was real - and it probably was - it would have cost a fortune.  It was sitting on the ring finger of your left hand and you had no memory of even getting given it.

You splashed your face with water and went back out to the bedroom.  “Tony?”  You said, quietly at first, going to sit on the sofa opposite the circular bed.

He was sprawled out on his stomach with just the sheet over his naked ass and he grumbled in response to you.

“Tony?”  You repeated, a little louder this time.

He rolled over covering his eyes and groaning, though once he was on his back he seemed to just fall back to sleep.

“Tony!”  You shouted, immediately regretting the decision.  The sound split through your skull and you clutched your forehead in your hands.

“Why are you yelling?”  Tony whined.

“Did you propose to me last night?”

Tony sat up and blinked at you slowly.  “I don’t think so.  I hadn’t planned to ask you to marry me anyway.”

“Then where did this come from?”  You said, holding up his hand.

He looked at the ring on your finger and then at your face before getting up and hobbling towards you, grabbing his glasses off the nightstand and slipping them on as he came over, sighing in relief once they were in place.

He flopped down next to you and took your hand.  “You’d think with all the drinking I’ve done in my life I wouldn’t get hangovers anymore.  What the fuck did we do last night?”

“Got engaged, apparently.”  You said.  “This was you, right?”

He scrunched up half his face.  “It’s a little much.  So I guess so.  I really don’t remember anything.”

“Did somebody roofie us?”  You asked.  “It’s seriously blank.”

Tony chuckled.  “Yeah, they slipped us a roofie, made me buy a ring, pop the question, then put us in bed together.”

“This is so weird.”  You said lying down with your head in his lap.  He gently stroked his fingers through your hair.  “I guess… we should figure out where you got it from and return it?”

“What?  You need a bigger ring?”  He teased.

You snorted, and immediately pinched the bridge of your nose.  “I need pain killers and water.”

“Yeah.  That could help.  I’ll call the butler to get us something, and food.  Greasy food.  We can take a shower in the meantime.”  He said.

You got up and he smacked your ass as you headed to the bathroom, he picked up the phone.  You turned the shower on and took off the ring and put it on the counter.  You had been with Tony for years and years now.  Marriage had never once come up, so a drunken proposal seemed so out of character.  You tapped the ring like you were checking it was real and then got in under the hot water, turning your face up to it and opening your mouth as it cascaded down on you.

It wasn’t long until Tony was stepping in behind you.  His arms circled your waist and he rested his forehead against your shoulder.  “I’m either never drinking again or I’m drinking as soon as I get out of the shower.  I haven’t decided.”

You laughed softly and he started to wash your hair.  “Did you want to get married, Tony?”

He didn’t say anything for a moment.  He just kept massaging your scalp until you made a strangled gurgling sound.  He chuckled and kissed your shoulder.  “Why do you not want to take the ring back?”

“No, I absolutely want to take the ring back.  If we ever do get engaged, it’s not going to be when I’m blackout drunk.”  You said.

Tony took a breath and you turned to face him.  “Is saying I really don’t actually give a shit and okay answer?”  He asked.

You nodded.  “Yeah, of course.  No wrong answers.”

“Good.  Because weird as it might seem, I really don’t.  I love you and it’s you and me.  If getting married was something that was important to you, we’d already be married.  I just don’t care about the whole thing enough to bother.”

You nodded again.  This wasn’t exactly a shock.  Neither of you had ever talked about getting married.  It did beg one question though.  “So, what the fuck is with the ring?”

“I have no idea.  I’ll get FRIDAY to take us over our steps last night.  It’ll be like watching the hangover, only staring us.”

You laughed and pecked his lips, before stepping under the water and rinsing your hair out.  “This is going to be scary.”

“You’re telling me.”  Tony teased.

You finished the shower and got out, drying off and changing into some sweats.  You moved the ring to the in-room safe for safekeeping and then when out to the hall.  Looking downstairs at the living and bar area of the suite was like looking down on a war zone where the primary weapons used were glitter and bottles.  It had been trashed and there were already maids going around and cleaning up.  You groaned and shook your head.  The Butler that had been assigned to your suite greeted you both at the bottom of the stairs.  “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Stark.  Mr. Hogan and Colonel Rhodes are both waiting for you at the dining table.”

“Rhodey’s here?”  Tony asked, looking both confused and delighted as he almost skipped off to the dining area.

You went to follow after him when the butler stopped you.  “Mrs. Stark?”

You turned and looked at him.  It wouldn’t be the first time someone had called you that.  “I’m not Mrs. Stark.”  You corrected him.

“My apologies.  It was what you asked me to call you when you came in last night.”  He said and before you could even unpack that bit of information he was handing you a bottle. “For your headache.  And I took the liberty of having your dress dry cleaned.”

“My dress?”  You asked.

“Your wedding dress.  You left it on the stairs.”

Your eyes went wide and you lurched towards the living room, fumbling to uncap the lid of the bottle of ibuprofen you were holding.  “Tony!”  You yelled.

You stumbled into the room to be greeted by the bemused looking Rhodey and Happy and a confused looking Tony.

“What is it, dear?”  Tony asked.

“There’s the blushing bride!”  Rhodey teased.

Tony’s head snapped around and he stared slack-jawed at his best friend.  “The what now?”

“The bride.  You guys got married last night.  You don’t remember?”  Rhodey answered, seeming to be fully aware that the two of you had no idea what happened last night.

“Someone had better fill us in on what the hell you’re talking about,”  Tony said and fixed his eyes on Happy.

“What’s the last thing you remember?”  Happy asked, and shoveled a forkful of eggs and bacon into his mouth.

“Dancing at Tao.” You said as you finally got the bottle cap off the pills and tipped some into your palm.  You downed them with orange juice, drinking it straight from the pitcher.

“Yeah, Tao for me too,”  Tony said.

“Alright.  So you gotta forgive me because it can be hard to keep track of the two of you when you go on one of your little escapades.  You were drinking a lot.  Even for you, boss.  You kept sneaking off to the bathrooms.  Pretty sure to fuck.  I think but I don’t know, you might have taken e.  Because after one trip in you came back extra level loving on everything and rubbing your faces on things like cats.”  Happy explained and took a sip of his coffee.

Tony has snatched the pills off you and downed some with coffee.

“So,”  Happy continued.  “You started both waxing poetic about how in love you were and how much better at being a couple you were than every other couple in the world because you ‘got’ each other.  You said,” He said pointed at you.  “That you were better than every married couple because they just had to shackle each other and you two were free with your love.”

He swung his arm so he was pointing at Tony.  “You said, that because you were so much better than every married couple you should probably just get married and that any wedding you had would be better than any wedding anyone else had ever had.  You then demanded we go and find a jeweler so you could get her a ring.”

“Oh no,”  Tony said.

“Oh yes.”  Happy said.  “I drove you around for a bit hoping you might sober up but you kept drinking in the car and telling me to hurry up because your love needed to be acknowledged.  I found a jeweler.  You bought the biggest fucking ring they had that also fit.  You dropped to your knee in the jeweler and proposed right away.”

“Oh god.”  You groaned.

Happy nodded and had another mouthful of his breakfast as you poured your first cup of coffee and Tony poured his second.

“So then you said,” he said gesturing to you with his fork.  “That your love was too big to wait, that it had to be announced to the world now.  You agreed,” he poked his fork in Tony’s direction.  “So you bought wedding bands and made me take you dress and suit shopping.”

“This is where I got the phone call,”  Rhodey interjected.  “Not from either of you, I might add.  Happy called me freaking out.  He knew that you would probably regret this but he hadn’t been able to talk you out of it.  I got in my War Machine armor and high-tailed it over.”

“I had hoped that at some point you would sober up and stop but no, you kept getting champagne everywhere we went.  I seriously don’t know how you don’t have alcohol poisoning.  When you had your dress and suit you made me find a chapel.  You specifically wanted to be married by Elvis.”  Happy explained.

“Fuck!” Tony groaned, letting his head fall back as he rubbed his temples.

“I arrived just in time to be your witness,”  Rhodey explained.  “There was no talking you out of it.  Then you came back here and had a ‘reception’.  Which was just random strangers drinking and partying until you guys went up to bed and passed out and we kicked everyone out.”

“Jesus.”  You hissed.

“Yep.  So that’s what happened last night.  I think I’m banning you from the state of Nevada quite frankly, Tones.”  Rhodey said.

“Shutting that gate after the horses have bolted, huh, platypus?”  Tony said without raising his head.

No one said anything for a bit.  Rhodey and Happy just finished up their breakfast while you and Tony just slumped in your chair.

Finally, you sat up straight and began to put food onto a plate.  “I guess we’re married then.”

Tony huffed and started doing the same.  “Guess we are.  Oh well.”  He said.  “Alright, So we release a statement saying we eloped to avoid a media frenzy and it was just us and our closest friends?”

“Ha!”  Happy barked.  “Nice try, boss.  But you live-streamed it.”

Tony groaned and banged his head on the table.  “Of course I did.”

“It had over three million viewers.”

Tony straightened back up and adjusted his glasses.  “Alright let’s see it.”

Rhodey chuckled, clearly delighted by proceedings and flicked his phone open.  He clicked on it a few times and flicked the screen so the giant TV that looked over the room turned on and shaky footage of an extremely happy Tony standing at the end of an aisle next to an Elvis impersonator.  The bridal waltz started up and the screen swung around to show you walking down the aisle.

“Does my dress have LED lights in it?”  You asked.

“It sure does!” Rhodey teased.

“You said it made you feel like a magical princess.”  Happy added.

“Always a look I aspire to.”  You deadpanned.  “Good god, this is mortifying.”

“We do look happy though.  Look at how in love we are.”  Tony said.

You smiled and leaned against his shoulder.  “Yeah, we do look happy.”

You watched through the ceremony, experiencing your wedding for what felt like the first time.  The smiles never left your faces and when Elvis said ‘kiss the bride’, Tony dipped you.

“Aww, you’re cute.”  You said.

“You are,”  Tony shot back.

You leaned in and kissed him gently, and he cupped your jaw, deepening it just a little.  When you pulled back the smile on his face was mirrored by the one on yours.

“If we bought wedding bands, where are they?”  You asked.

Happy fished in his pocket pulling out two matching platinum bands.  “You asked to have a photo of them taken with the flowers and then forget to get them back.”  He said handing them over.

You each took them and slipped them on your ring finger and then held them up as you assessed them.

“Guess we better call the kids and tell them mommy and daddy got married,”  Tony said.

“God, I hope they don’t get too annoyed we didn’t have them as the flower girls.”

Tony shrugged.  “If they are we can do it again properly.  Actually, invite people.  Let them choose where it happens.”

“You know they’ll choose Disney, don’t you?”  You said.

He shrugged.  “Can’t be any tackier than what I just witnessed.”

Tony pulled out his phone and dialed the nanny and for one second you were sure you saw Rhodey and Happy smirking at each other.

[walkingshcdow-a]

A Bloody Menace: Drabble

Summary: Doctor Henry Edgeware runs two hospitals on the island of Piffling. He used to be the only doctor. He isn’t anymore. Supernatural AU for @tinfoiltemplar and @professor-of-predators. 

September 12th: NHS telephoned this morning and announced the arrival of a second doctor to Piffling within the week. I haven’t wept so much since Aurina’s suicide. Once I stopped crying, I raced to the blood bank to celebrate with a bag of B+. Yes, I shall endeavor to “be positive” about this one. In the meantime, I am excited for the second wave of energy; I am taking Antigone out tonight. It’s two days until the next full moon, so while I’ve been treating many of the Piffling Vale werewolves for pre-lunar syndrome, that also means the night sky will be wonderfully illuminated. Maybe tonight will be the night to claim Antigone as my eternal bride. I’ve only waited several hundred years worth of lifetimes and it seems that her idiot of a brother and his idiot of a soulmate have found each other. She won’t have to worry about them and she won’t have to worry about me, either, because I will have back up. I will have time to devote to her, my dark goddess; the love of my never-ending life. I’ll at least ask tonight if she’d be interested. After all, there is a chance that this second doctor will amount to nothing more than a very hearty meal. I try not to think about the last one they sent. I will be positive. This one will work out.

September 15th: The ferry arrived and a couple moved into the lighthouse. It was raining - damn Rudyard - and it was hard to make out either of them through the fog. Strangely, the rain doubled when Eric Chapman joined us all as we watched. 

“Sorry,” he said. “I just wanted to see what had you lot so excited.”

None of us could see, but I’m sure it was the new doctor. I will ring NHS to get his or her details.

September 15th Supplemental: There is no new doctor. If I had the energy, I’d fly to NHS headquarters and drain every last one of their employees dry. When I finally got through the lengthy hold they put me on, I was informed that this doctor’s name is “Doctor Frankenstein”. Do they know who they’re talking to? I remember the writing of “Dracula”; do they think I don’t remember the writing of “Frankenstein”? This is some sick joke. I don’t know who is behind it, who would give me such false hope and snatch it away. When I find them, I will feast upon their blood and turn them into my thrall - a puppet to take on the other half of my caseload so I can get some sleep. As I type this, the sun is coming up. I should get some rest before the telephone rings. 

And to think: Antigone said last night that if this second doctor lasts, she would consider being my bride. Fate is a cruel king and I, his favorite jester. 

September 16th: His name is really Victor Frankenstein. When I asked, he said it was a family name. I don’t know if he meant “Victor” or “Frankenstein”, but I can hardly bring myself to care. He is real! I feel more hope than I have felt since before the Great War parted me from my dear Antonia. This time will be different. 

September 19th: He’s a menace. Today he asked if a blood test was strictly necessary to confirm a test that could be done less expensively via urine sample. I had to concede. After all… he’s human. Human! Utterly and completely human! There’s not a drop of magic in his blood - I took a sample, told him it was for his physical. He tastes like oxtail with a hint of something artificially spicy that I find utterly detestable - and I cannot risk the exposure of myself or my community. It’s different than when Ms. Crusoe and her grandmother moved here. I had had dealings with the grandmother in her youth, when she worked towards the protection of “monstrosities” such as myself. One day, I will tell Ms. Crusoe some of what I know about her grandmother’s skill, but it’s clear that the Crusoes are our allies. It’s different, too, than when Eric Chapman moved to our island. He insists he’s human. I’ve had his blood. It tastes effervescent, like a fine, sparkling wine, perfectly aged. It indicated that he is as magical as anyone else on the island. But Doctor Frankenstein is a human who asks too many questions. He asked why the men’s bathroom had no mirrors. I told him it was not in the budget. He seemed to accept it, but he asks the right questions. I do not trust it.

Sept 23rd: He drank a coffee mug full of warm blood this morning. My breakfast. I wouldn’t have been so horrified if he had stopped to ask questions. Instead, he set the mug down, half-empty, and picked up his coffee mug.

“My mistake,” he said. “If you’ll excuse me…”

I didn’t see him for the rest of the afternoon. I suspect he will leave. Antigone will be disappointed. Another lifetime wasted.

September 25th: Today Doctor Frankenstein got in a shouting match with Reverend Wavering during Wavering's annual psychical about the existence of god. They both agreed he probably didn't exist, but neither was listening to the other one. At least Frankenstein collected blood samples from the reverend before he left. The reverend tastes like mystery meat and a boozy punch. He’ll do for now. Antigone says that I cannot feed from her until I turn her now. I suppose I have been what the youth call “sexiled”. She’s still eager to see me, just not to allow me to feed at her throat, which, I suppose is more auspicious than when my Annabel married that turncoat solider. It’s funny. Sometimes I think he looked quite like Victor Trevor, but I’m sure that’s the hunger talking. 

September 29th: This morning Doctor Frankenstein got into a physical altercation with one of our patients.. I would have cared more but firstly, I was trying to get a quick nap in and secondly, it was Rudyard Funn. I will just tell Antigone I'm not letting my personal life interfere at work. Secretly, I’m glad someone punched Rudyard Funn in the jaw. I wish it could have been me. It’s his bloody fault Antigone refuses to become a vampire: she worries about him reincarnating without her to guide him. I don’t have siblings; I can’t relate. Agatha Doyle escorted Rudyard from St. Spratt’s and gave Doctor Frankenstein a warning. She told me to mind my staff better. I told her that I would if she’d start stocking blood substitute in the Broken Tooth again. She said I didn’t deserve a reward for allowing funny business. I think Doctor Frankenstein is nothing but funny business. I don’t think I could stop him if I wanted. I could either run these hospitals or keep Frankenstein in check. I can’t do both. I can’t do both.

October 1st: Frankenstein is asking questions again. So are the patients. Come to think of it, there aren’t any fewer of them. What does he do all day? It must be nice to be Piffling Vale’s least popular doctor. I haven’t seen Antigone in about a week. The days are running together. I’m so hungry but I can’t risk Frankenstein catching me. 

October 3rd: Frankenstein’s wife interrogated me today. Is that all they do? Interrogate people? She smelled so good I almost lost my composure. I thought of Antigone, how that would look to her. I restrained myself and answered Dr. Beckam-Frankenstein’s questions. Apparently I’ve been noncommittal and agreeing to gossip about Frankenstein. I don’t remember doing this, but I must have done. I am so hungry. I am so tired. I almost told her the truth.

October 4th: Frankenstein was remarkably quiet today. He did ask me if I had any food allergies. “Just garlic,” I told him. He laughed. It wasn’t a joke.

October 5th: Frankenstein staged an intervention today. He informed me that I was a vampire and that I was very malnourished. I knew both of these things, but tried to pretend he was losing his mind. He resented being called “mad” and stormed out with the tray he’d brought. I don’t want to know what was under that cloche, yet it teases my curiosity as Pandora must have been teased by that closed jar… It was a jar, not a box. God, I am so hungry. 

October 5th, supplemental: There were cupcakes under the cloche. Jane - Frankenstein’s wife - made him come back to the hospital and give them to me. I don’t know what they expect me to do with cupcakes. Humans.

October 6th: The cupcakes use blood instead of eggs! My God, they are the best things I’ve eaten since Antigone exiled me from her mortuary. I gorged myself on three and slept peacefully, drunkenly, happily, for the first time since Frankenstein’s arrival. I am rationing the rest. After all, I will want to share with Antigone when we celebrate her turning, if she’ll have me… I have a second doctor and he’s a menace, but his wife is a bloody godsend. Sometimes, humans really can surprise you...

[chilly-me-softly]

Coparents (Part 2) • Ben Chilwell

I enjoyed so much writing this and I hope you like it too. You can read part one here if you haven’t already done it, and I may or may not write even a part 3 if you like the idea x -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Daddy, mommy and I made cookies" the little one screams excitedly as he sees Ben on the threshold. 

"I see buddy" he chuckles as he enters the kitchen and goes to leave a kiss on his son's head full of what he hopes is flour.

"Yeah and we lost track of time" she apologizes and then turned to the little one "Come on, shower. Dad is here for you" she made him get off the counter and the baby started running up the stairs.

"I'll be right there, don't touch anything!" she screams in vain knowing that as soon as the baby goes away with Ben she will have to clean up beyond the kitchen, even the bathroom and his bedroom.

"Sorry" she sighs, moving the last dirty bowls into the sink and checking the oven.

"It's okay, I'm not in a hurry" he says, approaching her and when she turns around, she finds him a few steps away from her.

"You have flour everywhere" he chuckles as he reaches for the duster on the counter.

"Yeah, Ryan isn't so reliable as an assistant chef"

"Like me" he gently wipes the cloth on her cheek and for a moment they look at each other's eyes. Then she recovers from her trans and quickly moves away from his touch, "I-I have to go check on Ryan"

He watches her disappear quickly and sighs. He remembers when in that situation, covered with flour, there were them a few years earlier. She had always had a passion for cooking, especially for baking, and he always offered to try her creations because let's say it who would ever give up sweets. But there were moments when she convinced him to get on the other side of the counter with her and become her helper, even knowing he would do more damage than actual helping. The time always came when she was distracted and he took the opportunity to throw her a handful of flour, triggering a war that ended with a yell for the waste of food from her mother -and also from his mother who immediately received a phone call-. But their goal was to have fun and as long as they succeeded there was no lecture that held.

Fifteen minutes later more or less he hears little steps hurrying down the stairs and immediately afterwards the little one runs towards him.

"Don't run down the stairs" he reminds him, taking him in his arms as the baby settles better on his chest, probably going to sleep soon.

(Y/N) goes down behind him still dirty with flour in her hair and with a water stain on the shirt -the bright side of bathing a hyperactive child-, with her she carries the backpack with Ryan's toys posing it on the kitchen island.

"I turned the oven off, I think they're ready" he lets her know, rocking the baby in his arms slightly back and forth.

"Hmm thank you, I've forgotten about it" she shakes her head as she heads towards the oven, "I'll put someone in a container, is it okay?" he nods.

"Cookies" the baby murmurs sleepily making him giggle and leaves a kiss on his head.

While she prepares everything, she informs him of something in particular that happened in those days that he must be aware of and he makes sure that Ryan has prepared everything this time because only he knows what happened the previous time when he had to drive to her house at three in the morning because he had forgotten Mr. Gigi, the stuffed bear he sleeps with. The child wanted to prepare the bag by himself because he was now a big man and obviously she had taken it for granted that something so important would be inserted first in the backpack. Well, this time she had personally seen with her own eyes the child had actually taken it and had ascertained further by going down the stairs minutes before.

So with everything he needs ready, Ben decides it's time to go and she helps him get everything to the car as Ryan has finally fallen asleep. He gently rests him in place by fastening his belt, while she places her backpack and biscuits at his side leaning out just enough to leave him a slight kiss on his forehead.

"Thanks for keeping him a day early anyway"

"Not a problem, really"

"And don't let him sleep too much otherwise he won't sleep tonight" she advises, closing the car door gently.

“Don't worry, give him the ride to my house and he will be fresh as a daisy” he can spot his own child. Then comes the moment of greetings that turns into an embarrassing moment when both of them turn to the same side and their lips almost touch each other. With a short hug, and even more embarrassment in the air, they say goodbye definitively and she almost runs to lock herself in the house not even waiting to see them go away as she usually does.

*

"I think she's dating someone" Ben turns around and looks at his friend in confusion. He and James are watching one of those junk shows on TV now that Ryan was finally asleep and just wanted to unplug his brain, not think about things too adults or for children for a few hours. "Who?" so he sighs and asks.

"(Y/N)" he replies as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

"What? Why do you think that?" suddenly he finds himself very interested in the conversation and leans forward, a grin born on James's face.

"Well she's happier lately, always with a smile on her face and has changed haircut"

"That's it?" he mocks, "a change of hairstyle and we cry scandal?!" the boy comes back to lean on the back of the sofa.

"Everybody knows that when a girl changes her hairstyle, a change is underway, Ben" he tells him with a wisdom.

"Whatever you say" Ben murmurs returning to focus on the figures on the screen.

“We'll see at the wedding, maybe she will show up with someone" continues the blond next to him, but Ben is already lost in his thoughts. She asked him to pick up Ryan a day in advance and he didn't bother to ask her what she had to do, convinced something had come up at work. But now that he has the idea in his mind, he couldn't help but think about that possibility. It was well known that Ryan doesn't know how to shut up though, and he would surely have told him if (Y/N) had introduced someone to him or at least before taking such an important step she was the one who had to let him. He was still his son too after all.

Who’s he kidding, it's not because of the little monster sleeping upstairs that he feels what he feels. As if his throat could close at any moment just at the thought of her with someone else. He is almost 25 years old and has fallen in love with his son's mother. He swore that their relationship would not change over the years, and yet something had happened. His way of looking at her had changed, every smile directed at him was like a punch straight to the stomach, every touch was exactly as the first one. And for months now he had been rejecting that strange feeling, the desire to hold her close to himself and smell her scent. And that feeling of discomfort in the pit of the stomach when James spoke of a possible man was not accidental. Jealousy. He was fucked, he knew it too well.

*

"Daddy, mommy is beautiful, isn't she?" exclaims the child in his arms with a huge smile that highlights the small hole he has between his upper teeth. She wears a long burgundy dress that looks great on her and has slightly wavy hair, dropped on her shoulders.

"Yes love, she's really beautiful" he answers without breaking eye contact with her. Certainly he cannot tell his son and the group of people around them what he thought when he firstly saw her. Damn, he seems to be back as a teenager when he seemed to have a crush on every female person he met. With the difference that this is not a temporary crush, but a real flame that is consuming him inside.

She looks down imperceptibly before smiling and answering that even the two boys in front of her are not bad at all, stretching an arm to tickle a sensitive area of the child and making him giggle. Then in an instant, his attention is caught by Jamie and he asks his father to put him down to run by him. Leaving Ben, (Y/N), James and some other team mates alone.

"The brat is right, you look great" says James sincerely before taking a sip of whatever he has in his glass.

"Thank you" she smiles, accepting the glass of sparkling wine Ben is offering her.

"So you came alone?" if a look could kill, James would be dead and buried at that moment.

"Well no, Ryan and I are one for years now as you know. With whom else should I have come?!" she laughs at him and Ben really hopes that no one has noticed how he loosens his tie after that answer.

"So you're single?"

"James, maybe it's better if you put that glass down" he replies making a face. She is confused by the sudden worry with her love life, but doesn't have time to think about it so much that the bride and groom make their entrance into the room and the attention is captured by them.

  A few hours later they are all sitting around a table enjoying the great food and company, making small talks. Ryan has long been asleep on (Y/N) that between a chat and another caresses his back distractedly and is actually surprised how he can sleep with all that noise.

"Oh I like this song!" she rocks slightly to the rhythm. The first dance between the bride and the groom had taken place before, so the dance floor is at the complete disposal of the guests.

"Do you wanna dance?" she looks up from the little one on her lap and finds Ben's gaze on her, the tie has been removed soon after the first course and the jacket is on his arm. There had been an elbow from James who had pushed him to step up, but better than nothing.

"Wh-what?" she questions taken aback.

"Come on" he shrugs his shoulders as he reaches for her and gestures for her to stand up. She is about to point out the existence of their son on her when James comes out with open arms, ready to take his sleeping nephew with him.

"Come to Uncle James'" he murmurs, placing him in his arms even though the child can't hear him.

So after a last caress to the child she accepts Ben's hand, which has since put the jacket back on, and the two set off for a corner of the dance floor.

"When was the last time we danced together?" she asked absently, placing her arms around the boy's neck and standing at his height. The heels put on for the occasion earned her a few centimetres. His hands automatically on her waist.

"I don't know, but we certainly wouldn't have danced like that" he chuckles.

"We're parents now" just a look between the two to burst out laughing, she throws her head back and when she returns to her place she finds Ben's face a few inches from hers.

"Ben" she mutters, suddenly all the hilarity is gone.

"Believe me if we weren't where we are I would kiss you here and now" the grip on her waist becomes stronger, as if from one moment to the other she can escape.

"Ben" seems to be the only thing capable of saying as she continues to watch him, the song seems to last for an eternity. "We cannot"

"Why? Give me a valid reason" he pleads her, his gaze moves from her eyes to her lips in expectation.

But the answer doesn't arrive because finally the song ends and she hastens to leave the dance floor. And he follows her, determined not to waste his chance. Ryan, their friends or the years of friendship do not exist for a moment. He knows he could never allow their relationship to disintegrate, but it's time to stop running around in circle and face the fact that their friendship has eventually become something more.

He goes out into the garden attached to the restaurant and finds her leaning against the railing, intent on looking at the view lost in her thoughts. Approaching her he notices she is shaking because of the slight breeze and is quick to take off his jacket again to place it on her shoulders. She gasps imperceptibly but doesn't turn to look at him and he sighs.

"I don't want to give Ryan false hope" she murmurs after a while.

"(Y/N) look at me" and she does it not at all convinced however that it's the best thing to do at that moment, "Don't use our son as an excuse" and those words strike her like a stab. The truth is that she never stopped to think about those new sensations she felt when she was simply in his company or even when she thought about him. And she had never seriously fallen in love, she had had Ryan in her twenties and from there she automatically thought that no one would ever look at her once they knew she had a baby. So she had simply locked up the part involving relationships and meeting new people in a remote corner of her brain, telling herself her son's love would be enough.

"Marriage effect" she curses herself as soon as she says those words. And she doesn't have time to do anything because he rolls his eyes grabbing her by his jacket and kissing her. It's a small peck that, however, sends both into ecstasy.

"You said stupid things in your life, but this one surpasses them all" he chuckles once he breaks away, still a few inches from her.

She clears the distances again and leaves a small kiss on his lips, and they are forced to break away because they smile so much that kissing is almost impossible. "Okay" she murmurs, clutching his jacket and he looks at her in confusion.

"Okay, I'll give us a chance"

"But" she smiles, he knows her too well.

"But this remains between us, no one has to know for the moment. I don't want too many expectations if things don't go well” he nods, he could agree every little condition in that moment because he is convinced they are meant to be. I’m so fucked up. "Nobody Ben. And that means being careful about Ryan"

"We will do whatever you want, but now kiss me"

 Part 3

[shriekthemighty]

High School (and Middle School) Never Ends

For years I have occasionally thought back to the videos that made my youth. Salad Fingers, Cat with Hands. Spoilsbury Toast Boy. The first two were amusing, if off-putting at times. Fond memories of my youth. But Spoilsbury Toast Boy is a hectic flashback mirage of deeply unsettling imagery. I like to think of myself as someone who isn’t easily scared. I found Salad Fingers amusing. Cat with Hands was mildly creepy at best. After one viewing I vowed to never watch Spoilsbury Toast Boy again.

Every time I remember Spoilsbury Toast Boy, I resolve myself to rewatch it. To prove to myself that it’s not as intensely unnerving as I remember. Every time, I forget. Like my mind is protecting me from what I have mostly forgotten. 

But today that will change. Today I will rewatch Spoilsbury Toast Boy for the first time in about a decade.

But first. Salad Fingers! I figured it was a good starting place on the creepy scale, as I can understand why some people would find it unnerving. And I’ve heard there’s been some new content since I was a kid! So let’s go!

Episode 1: Was this a youtube thing originally? That doesn’t seem right. And 11 episodes??? I feel like there were maybe 5 last time I looked? Granted, that was almost a decade ago. I’m making myself feel old. But now! The first episode!

“The feeling of rust against my salad fingers is almost orgasmic.” Iconic. THE quote that dominated my early teen years.

The rusty kettle thing feels like it’s there to just make him look like a creep, but ALSO feels like some weird foreshadowing or something. It’s been so long. idk.

Episode 2: The introduction of the finger friends! The real start, in a first watch, to indicate that Salad Fingers is maybe a bit fucked up. And the abrupt language change is interesting. This is all familiar so far.

“I like it when the red water comes out...” Okay, this is when it should probably start being unsettling? A humanoid figure is presumably burned alive while the non humanoid is getting off on impaling his finger. But. I’m not upset? This feels normal for the times? What were the early 2000′s.

Real world references to bring the weirdness home! Very good! And a finger friend now seemingly in the flesh! The episode ends with a return to the oven and the ‘fish’ about done. Still all things I remember

Episode 3: There is so much, in only the first few minutes of this video. Oh boy. Is it a product of the times, or ahead of them? Only time will tell. I don’t even have the energy to talk about ‘milk from the teat’ of Salad Fingers being produced via masochistic acts and just... I’m too tired. This is a quarantine adjacent nostalgia tour blog.

I took a break and am now restarting this the next day. The flute playing is, interesting? As is the more humanoid but clearly mutated figure being so intent on killing Salad Fingers.

Episode 4: A person is watching him so he just... goes home. I feel that.

This child loves him. Why???

A bug! Little sister.

I love the post apocalyptic implications of his house having a number on the door. And a trap! A grubby tap trap!

There is so much phallic imagery happening.

And he just... bamfs out! The poor child is sad. Riding taps into the sunset...

Episode 5: The broken phone and forgetting Hubert’s name is interesting. All still somewhat familiar. I’m pretty sure I’ve see this episode before.

Dressed as a bride and distressed. Not just a picnic, a wedding. Guests imminent!

One of the finger friends in the window does NOT like him having a new playmate!

THE BIRD. THE BIRD STOLE THE SPOON! OH NO!

The girl talking is definitely significant. Interesting

Episode 6: Someone is in the house, and the finger friends are back! He remembers Hubert’s name this time. Bye bye Jeremy!

Wash those bad thoughts away. The toilet (somehow still able to flush) knows things.

He’s eating... himself? Another Salad Fingers? Who knows. The toilet knows.

Episode 7: Floor sugar.

I can never tell if this is one of those things where there’s all some deeper meaning, or if it’s just meant to be weird and senseless. Is Kenneth actually his brother? Was there a great war? Idk, I’m drunk.

The tree “barely shuffled an inch” a way of keeping sane? Making sure all is in its place? I’m reading too much into this.

In a dress once more. I want this to be a gender thing, but I don’t think it is.

Episode 8: Filling a clearly broken radio with... metal pellets? Buckshot? And Things are happening.

Hiding in the safety cupboard with a ‘special hair” dragged across the eye. Interesting. Multiple special hairs.

By the end of this I fully expect The Revenge of Hubert Cumberdale.

Oh someone wants their hair back! A ghost??

Goodbye special hairs. The safety cupboard is the crying cupboard now.

Episode 9: The animation style seems different here. I’m not sure I saw the last episode, but I’m almost positive I haven’t seen this one.

Oh shit. Baby Yvonne.

Wtf is up with his salad fingers!!!

Use your “baby” to clean the windows and then eat a sandwich. At first I thought he didn’t want to give up Yvonne, but now I think he just realized it wasn’t a baby and came up with another reason he must have gone there?

Episode 10: WAY nicer animation immediately. This was obviously done years after the original ones.

Milford is still there and it’s Hubert’s birthday! Oh shit!

A shiny new monolith thing, here to bring salvation and the end of Salad Fingers’ world?

Oh the detail on that is HORRIFYING. I miss the low quality now.

Hubert Jason!

Well. Dr. Papanak is terrifying.

That took an unexpected turn. Poor horse.

And... more horses. Okay. Also, does Salad Fingers look older suddenly? Sounds older too.

More Salad Fingers!! Oh poor boy, he’s seeing what he would have (should have?) become. He’s all alone.

The monolith is moving!

...okay then.

Episode 11: The last episode! How will it end?

Fighting with his finger friends, so sad.

I REALLY don’t like the detail on the fingers now. Better animation is not always a good thing. Does help the creepy factor though.

New Hubert is awful and glass mother is entirely unsurprising. Let’s see where it leads!

Very Gollum/Smeagol. Interesting.

Yeah, saw that coming. Bye, Hubert!

Through the puddle, rescue Hubert! And... do that, I guess. Will Hubert seek revenge yet?

Huh. So that’s all of Salad Fingers. I enjoyed it, but I understand nothing

Spoilsbury Toastboy Time!

Episode The Title One: Oh shit it’s by the same guy! That makes sense.

Idk if I’ve ever seen this one. I watched the one titled episode 1 first.

Oh wait yes, I think I have seen this! The beetle goes into his ear and that’s why he sees beetles!

Oh. Well. Things can’t be wrong if you’re dead, I guess!

Episode 1: I technically watched this one first, so that’s important.

Already very intense. Kill grandma!

Speckled huckleberry leaves. That’s the thing that made Salad Fingers sick, I think!

Grandma burning in the fire. I remember that!

For some reason I remembered the beetles as crickets? I have a very clear memory of this.

Episode 2: Quite the young gentleman. And then straight to work! Sounds about right.

Corporate slavery seeming all normal, and back to grandma! I feel like she was a big part of why this terrified me as a teen, so let’s see.

Oh the beetles are fucking. I think one fucks grandma at some point? Yup, there it is! They’re raping grandma. Cool.

This just seems... senselessly cruel? Like, not even entertainingly grimdark. Why did this used to scare me. I’ve finished it and I’m just annoyed that I wasted my time.

Bonus: Cat With Hands!

Since I mentioned it in the intro, I figured I’d watch this one again too. I remember finding it mildly creepy. More so than Salad Fingers, but way less than Spoilsbury Toast Boy.

The guy who hasn’t spoken is the cat, right? I remember this. He just needs a tongue.

Wow this animation is BAD. But that almost makes it better? It works, for the story.

Yup, just as I remembered. I think this one is probably only scary the first time, when you don’t know what to expect.

[kurtty-drabbles]

1. “I really love it when you smile like that… could you do it again? Just for me?” (Lolita AU)

@djinmer4

N/A: This au is a pure sin.

The Necromancer goes back to his home, a castle, to see Courtney Ross with a child, well, a teenager who has chestnut and curly hair, hazelnuts and does eyes and Kurt can see this is not the child her student/his bride sire for him. But, Kurt won´t voice that out.

"Lord Wagner, here is your charge," Kurt notices how she didn´t use the word daughter, but, for some reason, his eyes are locked with this small teenager. She is wearing a white dress and is looking at him as if analysing him.

Oh, she is intelligent. Interesting.

"Hello, Little girl," Kurt said and the teen frowns "I´m your father now"

"My name is Kitty Pryde, not little girl, and you are blue," she said and notices his tail and smiles amused "can you really shapeshifter to a new shade of blue?"

"Oh, I can shapeshifter into something much better, a dragon, what do you think?" Kurt said and Kitty´s eyes lit at this and Kurt has to admit this is a pretty smile and expression.

______________________________

Kurt Wagner is a man of extravaganzas, he can admit this, and he often likes a reason to throw a ball, and he is not unreasonable to not let the common folk have their fun(his enemies love to paint him as a monster that sits in a throne of bones and laugh at people, but, in real life, those types of rulers never last a day and Kurt does not need a civil war, it is so easier to be nice to his people) and his daughters are enjoying the ball.

A moon ball, no, it won´t be in honour of Zaorva(he fear this god too much for that and wonder why his "fans" could ever think such thing) but is a ball to introduce his daughters to the world.

Barbara and Lucy are having fun. His blue daughters are wearing fancy dresses and talking with people, and Kurt feels so proud of them, yet, his eyes are looking for someone special.

"Where is Kitty?" He asked way too eagerly and Hank only told what Ororo replied to him "She is giving the last touch on her dress" and Kurt is a bit worried as he remembers 14 years old Kitty with a clown syndrome.

Instead, Kitty Pryde is wearing a yellow dress and looks so...enchanted. Kitty talks with people and is possible to see how inwardly she hates too many interactions, but, is doing a great job.

Kurt spends the night watching her, where was that little girl that used to hold Kurt´s hand and playing poker with him? Now...she is so pretty. And he can´t help by feeling excited as scared at the same time.

Kitty gave him that smile to him and Kurt doubt any other woman in this ball could even rival such a beautiful smile. And Kurt licks his lips not noticing Kitty is watching and how this is hardly paternal.

___________________________________

Kitty Pryde has her secrets and for the sanity of everyone around is better to keep them as a secret, yet, as Kitty is reading a book with her favourite nightdress( a soft blue that is almost seen though) when someone knocks on her door. Is her sisters and brother. All blur, all but her.

"Kitty, you are always reading, let´s do something fun, let´s drink" Barbara loud announced and well, Kitty is not opposed to drinking as she is legal now.

Of course, Barbara is a real party girl that only Lucy can rival and soon things went out of control, one of her brothers(she hardly see Daniel, he is a great captain and military strategist for Kurt, but, she hardly sees him) Daniel, take her hand and take her away from the crazy party.

"Daniel?" she asked confused as he still holds her hand.

"I know, Katherine," he said seriously and Kitty has no idea what he is saying until he comes closer of her "I know, and, while I´m not him...I´m here"

And Daniel kissed Kitty. She was confused by a moment until she realizes what is happening and phases out and slap him hard. "Don´t ever do that again!"

"If it was father would you let?"

Kitty told no one about this incident, only to her diary, and when she is called to see Kurt he explains that Daniel accepts a wedding proposal to marry the Princess of the North Kingdom. She still didn´t tell him what happened. And at that moment with Kurt, she does not notice the bamfs being mischievous.

___________________________________________

Kurt is reading, well, doing light research, when one of his students enter in his office, Kurt half acknowledge him as the man speaks, until, of course, the student makes a curious question.

"Master, I would like your permission to court lady Katherine," the student said and Kurt closes the book hard.

"You want my permission? That´s very noble of you, but, also sexist, if my daughter wants to marry you, she will tell me, if not, you are wasting my time" Kurt has a faux smile on his face but the Bamfs aren´t and in a not so gracefully move, make the student leave.

"Uhm, is the fifth one this month" Kurt speaks and thanks to the heavens for Barbara and Lucy always drag Kitty in their adventures. "take this book back to Kitty´s room" Kurt hand the diary to the bamf who did just that.

The diary proofs him something, but, he knows Kitty has more morals than him and won´t accept this new "change" so easily.

____________________________________

Kitty Pryde is pretty aware of Kurt´s reputation and he is not an evil necromancer for nothing, so, she always tries to counter some of his bad deeds somehow. She joins a league of heroes with a moniker and manages to capture a circus owner who turned children into a donkey.

Kitty may admit in her diary she is not sorry the man is all beaten up and bruised, in fact, she does admit in her pink diary how she can be bloodthirsty with her enemies and how good and evil is relative...but she still knows what her father did in the past is awful...

Yet, she still feels what she feels for him. Maybe Zaorva is punishing her for accepting Courtney´s offer.

_________________________________________

Kitty is with her nightdress and the red cape(is so alike to HIS own cape) and reading a good book when someone is knocking on her door and when she goes to answer is Kurt with his scarlet cape.

He does not speak anything and only touches her face, watching as Kitty let him touch her so intimately.

"Katzchen, we need to talk"

"About?"

"About what we feel for each other" Kurt said and adds "What you feel...I feel the same"

And Kitty has many things running through her mind, yet, she comes closer to him, closer and closer until there´s only one way left to be so close to this man and Kitty wonders if she is ready to have what she desires for so long. Kurt, for once, is thinking the same.

[hope-for-olicity]

Fabulous Olicity Fanfic Friday - September 7th, 2018

Happy Friday! So this is my attempt to both thank awesome fanfic writers for their amazing work and offer my recommendations to anyone who is interested. Here are the fantastic fanfic stories I read this week! They are posted in the order I read them.

And So The Adventure Begins multi-chapter WIP by @mindramblingsfics - Felicity spent her first year of college focused solely on her studies. In year two, with the convincing of her best friends Iris and Sara, she lets her hair down a bit. Oliver spent his first year partying with his wingman Tommy and living up to the status that came with his last name. He realizes he should buckle down focus on the most important part: actual school. Oliver and Felicity meet, and even though they are on different ends of the spectrum, they don't realize that they can each bring out hidden parts of one another. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15800025/chapters/36771018

Pieces of Always multi-chapter WIP by @so-caffeinated and @dust2dust34 - Life continues after Forever is Composed of Nows. Ongoing non-linear collection of family moments for the Queens. http://archiveofourown.org/works/8220479/chapters/18840356

10 Rules of Rebounding multi-chapter WIP by @smkkbert - Oliver and Felicity start a sex relationship as rebounds for each other. What’s supposed to be just fun, soon gets complicated when it turns out that their work lives collide, Robert Queen fears their sexual relationship could threaten his company and an ex comes back into the play. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15403404/chapters/35749620

Let's Make a Plan by who_seeks_shall_find - Felicity had a stalker when Oliver was in prison. The crazy person sent awful messages and made weird phone calls. After another letter Felicity and John were talking about how to caught the person. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15817560

Deep Water multi-chapter WIP by @it-was-a-red-heeler - A Season 7 Speculation fic. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15081917/chapters/34968092

Lonely With You multi-chapter WIP by @smoaking-greenarrow - Felicity meets Oliver at a frat party in college and interrupts him from making a big mistake. Oliver is intrigued by the dark haired, beautiful genius with a tough exterior. Felicity is charmed by the broody jock that everyone seems to be a little bit afraid of. Feelings, angst, fluff, and all that goooooood stuff. College AU because it's the week to celebrate this trope on tumblr with our Trope-tastic Awards ;) https://archiveofourown.org/works/15706710/chapters/36505428

P.S. Hong Kong: Was it Real?!? multi-chapter WIP by @cruzrogue for Olicity trope-tastic award: Fake Marriage - This is off season 3 Flashbacks. When Tommy goes to Hong Kong he doesn’t go alone he takes his friend Felicity as the best information system being to help him locate Oliver Queen. Tommy may leave empty handed but Felicity gets to be a bride… https://archiveofourown.org/works/15025697/chapters/34832747

Soulmates multi-chapter WIP by @bri206 - What happens when Oliver and Felicity wake up in the past with no idea how they got there? They will have to relive their past lives and maybe find an ally or two to get back to their present. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15466416/chapters/35903511

Plan B by who_seeks_shall_find - Felicity's stalker is caught although Oliver doesn't like the way everything plays out. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15828210

Home To You multi-chapter WIP by @the-shy-and-anxious-fangirl - Oliver Queen has never done what his family expected of him. He took a gap year after high school instead of going to college right away. He quit his fraternity sophomore year to join the student newspaper, switching his major from business to journalism. He became a photojournalist for a wire service instead of taking a place at Queen Consolidated. He went missing after six months instead of coming home for his sister’s twenty-first birthday. He survived five years of captivity in a war zone when everyone thought he was dead. He came home. But home didn’t have a place for him in it anymore. His parents were both dead, casualties of their own mistakes and a city they had turned against them. His sister was all grown up, the CEO of Queen Consolidated with a fiancé and a dog and a life of her own. Oliver didn’t belong in his old life, but there was nowhere else for him to go. He was a man without a home, without any way of finding one, until he stopped by the IT department of his sister’s company to get files off an old, battered memory card, and found a woman with curly blonde hair and bright, intelligent eyes chewing on a bright red pen and swearing at a computer screen. https://archiveofourown.org/works/12613188/chapters/28734552

Queen vs Queen multi-chapter WIP by @muslimsmoak - Felicity Mignonette Renaldi Smoak has been handling being a princess pretty well so far. After all, she did only find out at the ripe young age of 15. Now, she is 21 and ready to take the throne of Genovia after being under the tutelage of her aunt. But there’s only one thing in her way, wait, actually two. Two things in her way: Oliver Queen, the hot young bachelor she danced with the night of her homecoming ball, who neglected to mention that he’s after her crown alongside his uncle Malcolm Merlyn, and the fact that she has to marry within 30 days if she wants to be Queen. Ray Palmer, Duke of Keystone is sweet, sensitive, intelligent and kind and seems like the perfect choice. But marrying and falling in love are two different things. A Princess Diaries AU  https://archiveofourown.org/works/15808065/chapters/36794172

She's Not Here by who_seeks_shall_find - Felicity hated to see William crying. He's scared of forgetting his biological mom. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15837069

I'm Worried by who_seeks_shall_find - Felicity and Oliver have a lot to talk about. It's time for a late-night conversation. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15626976

Wasted Time Part 2 by @lostolicityscenes - Very sexy Olicity times!  https://lostolicityscenes.tumblr.com/post/177546910441/wasted-time-part-2

I See the Light by @smkkbert - After being grounded for dyeing her hair pink, Felicity cannot to go the fair and see the fireworks at the annual fair in Starling City. For Sara Diggle it’s a clear case! Magic hair that got her locked up and doesn’t allow her to see the lights? - That’s the story of Rapunzel, and someone has to free her from the witch’s tower. http://smkkbert.tumblr.com/post/177561036750/i-see-the-light

Finding Felicity multi-chapter WIP by @lynn8828 - After Lian Yu blew, Oliver searches for his friends and loved ones on the island. This is an AU versions of what happened when Oliver found everyone after the explosions. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15538641/chapters/36071301

The Queen's Mage multi-chapter WIP by @the-shy-and-anxious-fangirl - Words have power, and mages, those with the aptitude to draw on that power, are few in number. Thus, their services are highly sought after by anyone who has exhausted all mundane means of solving whatever problem is plaguing them. Felicity is reminded of this fact the hard way when she is hired by Moira Queen, the Lady Starling, to find and return to her son Oliver, who fled his family home five years ago following the death of his father. With a threat hanging over her should she return without Robert Queen's heir, Felicity begins her search. When she finds Oliver, and ends up joining his vigilante crusade while she waits for him to decide whether to return home, the last thing she expects to do is fall in love with him. https://archiveofourown.org/works/14617068/chapters/33781269

Too Much or Not Enough by @allimariexf - He waited for her to acknowledge him. When she looked up, though, his stomach dropped at her cool expression. “Hey.” She looked away after having met his eyes for a bare moment. Oliver blinked at her in confusion, watching her face for signs, but she continued her research as if he weren’t sitting there. He huffed out an uncomfortable laugh. “Felicity….”She wrenched her eyes away from her monitor and met his gaze with calm equilibrium. “Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Queen?” https://archiveofourown.org/works/15859746

Elizabeth Grace Smoak multi-chapter WIP by @lynn8828 - What if Felicity and Oliver briefly had met before he got on the Gambit? Despite her best efforts, Felicity was unable to get in contact with the famous Oliver Queen after having a one night stand with him and getting pregnant with his child. After raising their child for five years after finding out that Oliver died on the Gambit, she finds out he is alive and knows that she needs to tell him about their daughter. But will he believe her? AMAZING STORY!! http://archiveofourown.org/works/13639371/chapters/31322715

Life's All About Changes multi-chapter WIP by Crazyreader2468 - After agreeing to plead guilty to being the Green Arrow in order to get FBI assistance in capturing Diaz, Oliver finds himself in a supermax, a maximum security federal prison, serving a life sentence. As he struggles to become accustomed to life in prison, his family, friends, and teammates struggle to live without him, as well as continually attempting to find a way to get him pardoned. Will they succeed in obtaining a pardon and will Oliver survive until they do? Mostly AU from right before the ending of episode 6 x 22 and after most of 6 x 23. https://archiveofourown.org/works/14936172

I Want You To Be Happy by who_seeks_shall_find - William asks his dad if he wants to give his mantle to his son. Oliver doesn't know what to answer. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15871896

The Paths We Take multi-chapter WIP by griever11 - Rival CEOs AU. Felicity Smoak, CEO and founder of her own company, is trying to prove herself in the cutthroat world of the technology industry among the other bigwigs in the game. Oliver Queen, recently back from the dead is trying to prove to the world that he's no longer the same man-child who went down on the Queen's Gambit and is finally worthy of his family's legacy. Both equally formidable names in the corporate world. And both with a long, complicated history with each other that no one but themselves are privy to. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15314133/chapters/35530296

The Two of You Are My Life by who_seeks_shall_find - Felicity has been in Vegas to visit her mother. She is excited to come back to her boys. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15873093

A Series of Dates multi-chapter WIP by @alexiablackbriar13 - Oliver Queen is in love with Felicity Smoak. Felicity Smoak is in love with Oliver Queen. It takes four dates, and the help of Oliver's loyal service dog, Hunter, for them to realise that they're forever destined to be something more than just friends. https://archiveofourown.org/works/13130304/chapters/30036912

Hi, Dad by who_seeks_shall_find - Felicity makes a phone call to her dad. She needs someone to talk to and she thinks her dad is going to understand. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15875026

And I Wonder (If You Wonder About Me Too) multi-chapter complete by @charlie-leau - When Felicity was eight years old, her father tucked her to bed. He read her a bedtime story and bid her goodnight. When she woke up the next day, he was gone. She never heard from him again. Heartbroken, Felicity decided not to let anyone in, ever again. She just couldn’t bring herself to trust anyone. That was until she met Ray Palmer. She fell for him, he fell for her but she still expected him to leave her. He didn’t. They got married and they were happy for a while. But deep down, she still expected him to leave her. Little did she know that she’d be the one leaving him in the end. https://archiveofourown.org/works/5899057/chapters/13599040

Arrow: Mastering a Legacy multi-chapter WIP -  An alternative season six featuring romance, family, OTA, the expanded team, the expected Star City chaos, and a few new villains. Chapter 1: Eye of the Hurricane by @bowssmoakandarrow https://archiveofourown.org/works/14695197/chapters/37018383#workskin

It's Not True by who_seeks_shall_find - Oliver knows something is bothering William. Felicity encourages Oliver to talk to his son. Finally, William brings up something that he hasn't told his parents yet. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15626916

Whiskey and Romance multi-chapter WIP by @mindramblingsfics - Felicity Smoak gets the opportunity of a lifetime to compete for the hand of Prince Tommy Merlyn. She is taken from her normal mundane Vegas life and is soon swept up into a lifestyle full of nobles, drama, obligations and chaos. All the while trying to stay afloat, someone else begins to win her heart, Tommy’s best friend, Oliver Queen. https://archiveofourown.org/works/14441952/chapters/33357156

They Shouldn't Have Been There by who_seeks_shall_find - When Oliver came back from prison, the press started harassing his family even more eagerly than before. Oliver is ready to take actions when paparazzi harass William at school. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15897414

My Thoughts on You multi-chapter WIP by rachelrenalove -Felicity Smoak is sure of 3 things: 1. She's a badass and she is damn good at what she does. 2. She hates the man in the green hood. 3. Oliver Queen is a pain in her ass and she cannot wait until the day she can quit her job at Queen Consolidated. Or Felicity Smoak goes undercover at Queen Consolidated and meets Oliver Queen. She quickly realizes that she doesn't like him and wishes she was never chosen for this mission. Outside of QC, she is dealing with her hatred towards the man in the green hood that has found out exactly which buttons of hers to press in order to piss her off. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15089954/chapters/34989344

If I Tremble multi-chapter WIP by @smoaking-greenarrow - A collection of prompts and ficlets, with all the smut! Olicity sexy times are the best times. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15409122/chapters/35762643

I'll Be Your Daydream multi-chapter WIP by @beinmyheart - Snapshots of moments and conversations between Felicity and Oliver in Hide Away 'Verse https://archiveofourown.org/works/15882867/chapters/37008999

Oliver the (Divorce) Lawyer multi-chapter WIP @someonesaidcake - Black tie, white shirt, grey suit... when Oliver put them on that chilly December morning, he hadn't planned on meeting her. 'Her' being Felicity Smoak, the sassy dark haired college student and daughter of his (only) client. This should be fun... https://archiveofourown.org/works/14823708/chapters/34304472

Killer Frost Smoak multi-chapter Complete by @tdgal1 - Felicity is with Barry during the particle accelerator and becomes Killer Frost. How does she handle this and does she tell Oliver? http://archiveofourown.org/works/8654356/chapters/19846777

Time for a Story multi-chapter WIP by @smkkbert - This fic shows Olicity and their life as a (married) couple with family. Although Olicity (and their kids) are the protagonists, other characters of Arrow and Flash make appearances. YOU NEED THIS STORY IN YOUR LIFE. http://archiveofourown.org/works/3912157/chapters/8757172

A Parenting Manual by who_seeks_shall_find - Sometimes bribery and making your son feel guilty are needed to keep him at home. Oliver and Felicity want to spend time with their son although William has other plans. https://archiveofourown.org/works/15907647

In Starling Green multi-chapter WIP by @writewithurheart - Robin Hood AU. Lord Oliver Queen has spent the last ten years in self-imposed exile, fighting in the Holy Wars. Finally at peace with himself, he returns home with his squire, Roy Harper, at his side, but the home he remembers is not the one he finds. Oliver must find a way to reorient himself within Nottingham and Starling before he gets himself into trouble, the kind of trouble that takes the shape of some starving villagers and a beautiful blonde with a big heart. https://archiveofourown.org/works/11132355/chapters/24843060

Arrow: Mastering a Legacy multi-chapter WIP -  An alternative season six featuring romance, family, OTA, the expanded team, the expected Star City chaos, and a few new villains. Chapter 2: Take Me Out to the Ball Game by @olicitysmoaky https://archiveofourown.org/works/14695197/chapters/37018383#workskin

The Donor multi-chapter WIP by @spaztronautwriter - Felicity Smoak has always dreamed of being a mother and she isn't going to let a little thing like men stop her from making that dream come true. Having a baby by herself might just be biting off a little more than she can chew, but one way or the other it's about to change her whole life. LOVE THIS SO MUCH! http://archiveofourown.org/works/11099361

// @emmaamelia95 // @mel-loves-all // @oliverfel4 // @green-arrows-of-karamel // @coal000 // @miriam1779 // @memcjo// @captainolicitysbedroom // @tdgal1 // @spaztronautwriter // @lalawo1// @quiveringbunny // @wrongshipper // @thebookjumper // @vaelisamaza // @myhauntedblacksoul // @lovelycssefan // @laurabelle2930 //

[peonypearls-muddled-musings]

Gwinletta

Gwinletta was born the first and only child to King Ephraim and Queen Oshealle. Ephraim had ascended the throne after the abdication of his aging mother, Queen Lennidere. The kingdom of Aubrelle was one of three whose corners touched a fishing river, and they acted as a triumvirate, often boating to the other kingdoms to have discussions and territorial talks, or to celebrate good harvests. Gwinletta was Aubrelle's pride and joy, and was well skilled at royal conversations by her school years.

But then, Ephraim and Oshealle left the country for a peace outing, and became the victims of a pillaging attack. Little Gwinletta was suddenly orphaned and too little to lead with no relatives; so her grandmother resumed the throne, already falling victim to her age.

Aubrelle began to spiral; territory talks went ignored, inciting frustrations; the people were noticing overfishing, leaving little for merchants to catch and sell, and outside trading with the other kingdoms became harder with growing animosity. Gwinletta grew up in the care of the maids, forced to watch her kingdom slowly dissolve into madness.

It would become an easy target during the war; a kingdom ripe for the taking with no aid.

Floryndus and his men storm the city and castle with little time to spare to keep their foes from claiming another kingdom. General Dargon scales the castle with his shapeshifting abilities, just in time to find soldiers holding a woman hostage, with a sword to her throat; they waste no time cutting at her skin before Dargon can stop them. He rids the room of the soldiers, both by his skills and simply by outing himself as a Shifter, and checks on the woman, helping to stave off her bleeding. She's alive, but in shock. She looks at the soldier who's saved her, and by a look at his warped hand, she knows he's a Shifter, but his gentle, but hardened amber eyes keep her calm. Dargon goes to help his other soldiers, but just as they rid the castle of the threat, they're too late to save Lennidere.

It's later, back at the tents for the Olthandrynn troops that Floryndus and Dargon are introduced to the young woman that Dargon saved earlier: Princess, now Queen, Gwinletta. She seeks a private talk with Dargon to thank him for saving her life, and vows to allow the Olthandrynn troops to use Aubrelle as a safe haven while she rebuilds her kingdom.

Just as the war is ending, Gwin receives news that Floryndus has died, and has named Dargon his successor as king. Gwin decides to make a trip to Olthandrynn to aid Dargon in his first few months as king, and offers to coronate him.

Gwinletta’s visits are many, but short as she must return to Aubrelle often to ensure it’s recovery; eventually, Dargon goes with her with some of his own troops to help with rebuilding. But after so long, she feels a great longing to remain with Dargon. The two begin bonding over lonesome pasts and the fears of becoming an effective ruler. He is kind to her, and he responds well to her lessons. and he smiles at her and she feels a balm on her heart after being dealt so much grief and fear. She feels safe with him. She knows, however, that years ago she was betrothed to another. 

To the now King Rinwey. Who she reunited with during the war; but hadn’t seen since her parents had died. He knew of her. But had never sought her out. She finds out about him during their reunion; his father had perished at the hands of a Shifter, and his mother led the kingdom until passing the crown to her oldest son once he was of age. He insists to Gwin that his hands had been tied taking care of his mother and then assuming Kinghood. Gwin understands, but is still unhappy. Still, she opens her gates for Rinwey to visit as she makes a return to Aubrelle. It is still struggling to recuperate, and she speaks to her people, and they simply feel Aubrelle has taken its last breath, and many are seeking to move to another kingdom.

Gwinletta knows that life in Aubrelle is nearing a close, and as she speaks to her counterparts across the river, she gives half of Aubrelle away to both kingdoms to compensate for the struggles over the past decades. After this, the first person to see her is Dargon, who sits next to her as she cries, weeping for her lost country, both in sadness and relief. 

Dargon allows her and any other citizen of Aubrelle who wishes to move to Olthandrynn to travel with him. He provides aid for the trek, and after a mass exodus following anger for a shapeshifter assuming the throne, there are many empty homes he can give to the people. He gives Gwin a room until her wedding takes place; he is confused as to why Rinwey has not seen Gwinletta so often, but he does not pry into Gwin’s feelings; although at one point during a conversation about him, Dargon lets it slip to Gwin that he is going to be a lucky man to have her as a wife and queen.

Gwinletta realizes she doesn’t want to lose Dargon; and upon hearing arrangements for Dargon to marry a nearby new queen, she makes haste to decide that no, she wants to marry him. 

She seeks out Rinwey one last time. And the visit seals her decision. Rinwey has not changed since the war; he looks down on her friend and asks her why she seeks so much counsel with him. She reminds Rinwey that Dargon saved her life, and she still has the scar to prove it. Rinwey’s disdain and bitterness at so many things fills Gwin with the urge to run; but she holds tight to remain, and finally, at the end of the visit, she sits Rinwey down to tell him that she no longer wishes to be his queen. Flabbergasted, Rinwey goes on a tirade, but instead of responding verbally, Gwin merely hands him a contract - an annulment to their betrothal. She then finally tells him ‘if you wed me, you will be alone in this marriage. For I won’t support you in all the endeavors you’ve spoken to me about. We will be a disaster for your kingdom. And I’ve already seen my own kingdom fall. I won’t go through it again, let alone with someone who couldn’t care about my existence.’

Rinwey signs the contract and promptly tells Gwinletta to get out of his castle before he calls his guards.

Gwin then seeks out Dargon’s friend Grennt in a nearby kingdom and tells him of her plans to marry Dargon. Grennt’s Queen (and fake wife), Kierne, has a gown made for her, and Gwin makes it to the wedding before his betrothed can finish dressing. Gwin pleads to take her place, and the other queen agrees (and helps Gwin touch up her makeup after she’s been hustling and crying)

Nothing is amiss as the chapel doors open, and a veiled queen walks down the aisle; some of the maids murmur the dress is different, but nothing else. Dargon is nervous, but content as he watches his bride walk down the aisle. He helps her up the stairs, and as the music stops playing, he is allowed to lift her veil; and he does

and he sees Gwinletta - his friend, his ally; the one who brought him to the ground after he nearly lost his mind in the abyss of kinghood; and he’s rendered breathless. The crowd goes silent, many of those in the audience recognizing their former princess and queen, and Dargon’s sobs can be heard through the chapel as Gwin helps hold him steady. “It’s you” he whispers. “It’s you” he confirms with himself, holding her hands. She’s real, and she reaches up to dry his tears as the chaplain begins the ceremony. 

As they exchange vows, rings and a kiss, it signals the new beginning for them and the now blended people of Olthandrynn and Aubrelle. They cheer for their king and queen, and the celebrations are joyous and hearty.

But across the rivers; Rinwey is watching everything unfold, and to see that his betrothed has left him for a Shifter causes a rage he’s never felt.

But Dargon and Gwin are impervious to the anger; they find their power and solace in each other, their people, and their new lives together.

@abalonetea

If you’d like to be tagged in any of my art/writings let me know! 8D

[storyteller15]

Chapter One: The Letter

(Hi, guys! Surprised? Cinna and I made an SFW acc! Enjoy!)

 Today's the last day I'll ever be Zafrina Alban the Mage.

Just two days ago, Nanny and Bryn received a mail from the postman that's meant for me. We all knew what's in the letter, but neither of them wanted to speak about it. King Asgore and Queen Toriel are finally giving their son, Prince Asriel, his first Selection. It's a competition where the king's Heir chooses one out of thirty-five girls that are chosen from each country to enter. And because Asriel has come of age to inherit the throne, this year is the best opportunity for every girl, including monsters, to compete the Selection and win his heart.

During breakfast, I managed to finish my pancakes Nanny made for me. I looked at the yellow buttercup printed envelope closed with a gold seal stamped with the Delta Rune crest. I picked up the envelope slowly, the smell of it made my stomach growl. It smells like cinnamon, and butterscotch? What a lovely flavor combination, perhaps the king or queen loves to bake? Other than that, the envelope itself is beautiful. It's as if I've been invited to come to the Royal Ball just like Cinderella in one of my books Nanny used to read to me. As of now, it's every human and monster girls' dream to be one of the lucky thirty-five to compete in the Selection.

Of course, I was a little hesitant if I should enter.

I've always felt so discouraged about my appearance and personality. Not many suitors find timid girls attractive, especially if they're too concerned about messing up. I sighed sadly and leaned my forehead against the envelope.

"You don't have to sign the application if you don't want to," Nanny comforts me, rubbing my back. I guess she caught me staring at it for awhile. "King Asgore did say that he'll respect every girl's' decision to come or not."

I sighed, turning my head to look up at her.

"I'm still deciding, Nanny. Don't worry, I'm okay. Besides, I have a few more days to decide until then." I reassured, kissing her cheek.

A part of me wanted to enter not just to make my family's life better, but because I have a silly crush on the Prince. Very silly indeed, I thought to myself.

Every human girl knows that despite Asriel being a monster, they all still look at him as Prince Charming. But under his prince title, I see a docile and loving boy who loves his family and friends so much. Bryn finds it adorable that I have a crush on Asriel, she believes that one day I’ll marry him and live happily ever after.

"Alright, dear, it's time for me to leave for work. And it's time for you to head to school." Nanny says, bringing my attention back to reality.

Oh! I forgot that It's already five minutes past seven-thirty, and I need to get to school! I tucked my letter inside my cross-body lavender bag, putting on my black converse shoes. I follow Nanny out the front door before she closes it. Bryn is usually the one to get up early before me and Nanny—her college classes starts at six. So, I'm always the last one to leave the house.

"Have a good day at school, dear! Don't think about the letter too much, okay?" She smiles before hugs me.

I return the hug and waved her goodbye as she heads off to the opposite direction from where I'm going. I let out a stressed sigh. I'm honestly not looking forward to hear every girl in school to have the Selection as the topic today. Especially if Felicity Jones will brag about how confident she'll be once she turns in her submission. Don't overthink, I thought to myself. I must stay determined and get through the day.

Just my luck, I expected at least half of my class to talk about something else other than the selection. It's now the whole school. This morning in Geometry, I heard a few girls, sitting two rows behind me whispering on how excited they are to get their mail from the postman. In Photography, a monster bunny and a monster dog wouldn't stop beaming about how handsome Prince Asriel is. And here I am now, eating lunch in the cafeteria sulking about how many times I had to hear those two topics swimming around my brain.

"Relax, Zefie, you're not the only one that's tired of hearing about you-know-what." I looked up and found Bethany taking her seat next to mine. I groaned and slammed my head against the table.

"No one will shut up about it." She chuckles and pats my head.

Bethany is my only best friend to ever know me so well. We met in kindergarten when Felicity and her friends were picking on me for being wimpy. She stood up against them and saved me. From there, we've become very close. Today she has her long strawberry blonde up in a high ponytail, complimenting her cyan green eyes and fair beige skin. Bethany's the type of girl that loves to wear t-shirts and jeans with running shoes. She's energetic and laid-back, never the judgmental type. But when it comes to Felicity, her anger is intimidatingly ominous.

"Zef, you and I both know that we're not cut out for this prissy event. But you're definitely eligible enough to enter.” She says, leaning her arm against mine.

I raised my head back up and looked her as if she grew two heads. "B-but I haven't even signed my submission yet! And besides, I don't think Asriel would want his future bride to be timid and clumsy."

"You are more than correct, little miss shy mage." My breathing stopped.

Bethany and I looked to the right, finding Felicity Jones and four of her friends behind her giving us a cold sneer. Felicity is known as the most popular girl in school. Despite her being the daughter of the Mayor of our town, she is nothing but a vicious, spoiled brat that wants everything. With her shimmery icy blue eyes and natural tanned skin, she is nothing but exquisitely perfect to any guy who finds her attractive.

"This conversation isn't for you to intrude, Jones. Why don't you and your followers go waste someone else's time instead of ours?" Bethany growls, balling her hand into a tight fist. Bethany grimaced, she isn't going to deal with Felicity's shenanigans today.

Felicity presses her heart shaped lips in a tight line, but smirks instead. She and Bethany are like cats and dogs. It honestly tires me out to where I’m emotionally exhausted.

"No need to be so rash, Winchester, I'm only agreeing with what Zafrina just said about herself. Which is why, I believe Prince Asriel will choose me to become his bride." Felicity boasts as I looked to the side to avoid her vicious smile.

She lets out a haughty satisfied laugh and flipped her pure diamond blonde hair to the side. "Oh, Zafrina, you're so cute when you look so shy. But don't worry, I didn't come to see you both for nothing."

She reaches into her pink leather handbag and pulled out two orange envelopes and placed them on the table before us.

"Every girl in school is invited to my party I'm throwing. We're all going to watch the news live when Mettaton broadcasts the names of the Selected with the royal family present." She beams proudly.

I squinted at her offer, I guess that’s at the least the kindest thing felicity’s ever done for everyone when she’s not too busy swiping credit cards to pamper herself.

"And because I am feeling confident that I'll be picked, I’m feeling generous enough to invite the two of you, too." She continues as Bethany raised an eyebrow at her and looked down at our invitations.

I changed my mind. I wasn’t looking forward to it. This isn't kind at all, this is her meanest way to rub her victory on every girl in town that didn’t get picked. Felicity sighs, fanning herself with her hand.

"Well, I'm off to go deliver more invitations, no time to waste! Ta-ta, darlings~!"

A wicked smile spread across Felicity's face as she straightens her posture and walks away. We hear her white high-heels click against the tiled floors, before her friends followed after. Bethany curses under her breath and slams her fists against our invitations, making me jump.

"She acts like she's already the queen of the Country!" She lowers her head to cool her anger off. “Why can’t that bitch just be normal for once and be like her sweet mother?”

I sighed softly. Well, at least she has a mother. Bethany seemed to have noticed how crestfallen I looked.

“Shit, sorry, I didn't mean to—” She paused and looked to the side.

“It’s okay!” I reassured her, trying not to make her feel bad. “I was just thinking about something.”

“Zef, I know you’re thinking about your biological parents; I’m sorry but they messed up big time and they don’t deserve to be called your parents.” She spat out, feeling her anger boil up again.

She’s right though, they made a huge mistake. When we started being friends, Bethany asked me if Nanny is my mom. And that was when I told her the sad truth about myself. I was an orphan.

Ever since I was a baby, my biological parents abandoned me.

Nanny had no idea why they did, but she used to be their maid and quit that day to raise me as her own. She even adopted Bryn when I was ten. So, it's just her and Nanny whom I considered family even though we're not blood related. According to Nanny, my real family is famous for being related to one of the seven powerful mages that sealed the monsters away under Mount Ebott. Which explained why I was born with powerful magic. It was a good thing Nanny taught me how to control my magic properly.

The truth is, Nanny’s not human. She’s actually a monster, a Selkie. Which means, she can transform into a seal monster when she swims in the ocean, and a human in dry land. It turns out, Nanny was the one who introduced Asgore to Toriel. She’s been best friends with both of them when they were kids, even before they became king and queen. And because of how much they love her, they gave Nanny a job to be their head maid and their castle steward. However, all of that went down when the humans decided to wage a war against the monsters.

Asgore helped Nanny escape, because she can disguise herself as a human and live the life she desired to have. With a broken heart, she watched all of her kind died, and her friends sealed underground. But all of that ended after Princess Frisk broke the barrier that held all the monsters prisoner. And since then, Nanny was able to speak to Asgore and Toriel again, but they never have the time to see each other personally—their royal duties were far too important to dismiss. So, Asgore and Toriel write letters to Nanny to stay in touch.

No one knows about Nanny’s identity, or who she really is to Asgore and Toriel. And it was best to keep it that way. I quickly check on my iPhone 5s. We have exactly ten minutes before lunch is over. Just then, I hear Felicity and her friends walk by as they chat on about the Selection.

“I wouldn’t boast about getting into the competition easily if I were her,” Bethany finally speaks after cooling down. “The last thing the king and queen needs is a helpless spoiled brat competing against other human mages and monsters. Hell, she’d be squished before she could finish talking about how pretty she is.”

Suddenly, Bethany and I snickered and placed our hands over our mouth. I would pay 50,000 Gold just to see that happen, but I’m a nice person.

I've been raised to have an open mind, to never judge anyone by their looks until you get to know them. And I'm certainly keeping my mind open for the price of becoming the Selected. There have been recent attacks from the demons terrorizing and killing people in the city, and the Palace itself. And not only the kingdom needs a new princess, they need a future queen willing to sacrifice her life to fight for every creature, which adds the pressure to normal human girls that wants to enter just for Prince Asriel's heart or the crown; humans like Felicity in particular.

I looked down at my bag—where my letter was tucked safely. I balled my fingers into a fist, I’m so tired of being scared. I want to help make our country stronger and better. I want to use my magic to fight off the demon army and help Asriel bring peace again. If I can believe in myself, I know I can achieve them all if I just stay determined.

"Bethany? I think it's time for me to stop being afraid and go after what I want." I gave her a stern look and pulled out the envelope that holds the submission to get into the Selection.

She gasps and smirks at me, ruffling my hair around.

"I knew you’d come around. Now punch that brat on the face like a boss and fill up that submission!"

Bethany holds her fist high up at me to show how much she supports me. She pulls her backpack open, rummaging through her stuff until she finally pulls out a pen for me to use. I gladly take it from her and looked at the sweet-scented envelope.

I took a few deep breaths and ripped the envelope open.

[nemhaine42]

For @wahwahwaffles, this probably isn’t what you had in mind but it’s here anyway?

Bucky woke up on the outskirts of Santa Rosa. It was dawn and Steve was pulling the car into the parking lot of some tiny coffee place. Bucky’s neck hurt from sleeping with his head against the window. He refrained from comment when Steve chose what all Bucky’s training told him was the wrong parking spot, just wordlessly stretched his neck and shoulder as Steve went inside. When he came back out again, Bucky was handed a bag of donuts and coffee with not enough cream.

“Where are we?” Bucked asked, voice rough from sleep.

“New Mexico.”

“We headed for the border? I can drive if you wanna sleep?”

“Nah, I got it. We’re not going to the border, though. We’re going to Puente Antiguo.”

Rather than going back out onto the interstate, Steve took a smaller road. Bucky scratched at his hair, wondering when he would next get the chance to wash it. “What the fuck is in Puente Antiguo?”

“Not much, but I got a surprised lined up for you.”

“I’m a hundred years old now, I can’t handle surprises.” Bucky took a scalding gulp of coffee.

Steve laughed, “you’ll like this one. Now gimme a donut.”

Bucky held out the bag and let Steve rummage through it for the chocolate coated one. Then he let Steve keep driving and blearily watched the desert roll by.

If Bucky had ever been to this part of the country, he didn’t remember. It looked exactly how he’d picture it, so maybe he had. He used to know someone from here. A girl. Long ago, before the war. 

He rolled down the window and let the cool air blow his hair around. He squeezed his eyes shut and remembered: Darcy and the best six months of his life.

He almost wished the memories weren’t there. It was painful to think of how young and stupid and happy he’d been. Finding a dame in the park, in tears after her purse got stolen. He and Steve had put her up in their apartment, sharing Steve’s bed and giving Bucky’s room to Darcy. They’d helped her out, got her clothes even if they were secondhand. Bucky had scored her a job; a filing girl in the same building where he worked in the mailroom, he seemed to recall. Or had she been in the mailroom and he was something else? He definitely remembered the two of them walking to and from work every day, arm in arm. And that his boss thought they looked good together. Darcy had been sweet and funny. A little firecracker, no taller than Steve. And always wore that sweater with the cherries embroidered on the chest. She’d paid their kindness back, putting her money in with theirs for food and rent. And she’d paid them back in kisses, and in gentle little touches, like cuddling up to Steve while he was doing the dishes and nuzzling at the back of his neck. Or sitting on Bucky’s knee while they both read the paper. Outside, she was Bucky’s girl. But behind closed doors, it was Bucky and Steve and Darcy. No matter how much the neighbours tsked and told them they were living in sin, playing house.

Bucky hoped that wasn’t the surprise. That Steve had tracked down Darcy, now an old lady. He didn’t care if he was selfish, not wanting to see the family she must have built for herself when she’d gone back to New Mexico. She’d deserved a happy life, not to see him now as a shell of soldier. Would it be better or worse to simply arrive at her grave?

“You’re not even gonna give me a clue?” Bucky asked.

“Nope. This was way too long and complicated to track down to start spoiling it now.”

They passed a roadsign, ‘Puente Antiguo 19 miles.’

There was an uptick in traffic as people started making their way to work. The temperature rose and the sun brightened in the sky.

Puente Antiguo turned out to be a thin veneer of a town scraped across a section of desert. A diner, a garage, a pet store, a cluster of houses. Farm houses speckled in the distance. And a disused car dealership that had grown satellite dishes out of the roof like giant mushrooms.

Steve pulled the car up alongside a large van, which also sported a satellite. “Here we are, Buck. Surprise is inside.”

Bucky sat squinting in the hot sun at the strange surroundings. In through the large window, he could see more machinery and computers that did god only knows what. And on the back wall was an enormous printed star chart. Was this an observatory? The 21st century was weird to him in a lot of ways but this was really pushing the envelope.

Steve, done waiting for Bucky to figure anything out, got out of the car and strode up to the glass door, giving it a firm couple of taps. Bucky slowly opened the door and followed, his boots crunching in the dusty gravel. Behind them, the town was waking up. The garage started welding something, and the diner’s bell jingled as the first customers ventured in.

An unfamiliar woman hollered for them to come inside the dealership-slash-observatory, so Steve pushed the door open and walked in. Where Bucky took a good long look around the place - with notes and photos pinned up and a transparent board with long, scary looking equations written in red - it clearly wasn’t Steve’s first visit. He made a beeline for an office in the back where Thor was waiting for them, with two women. One was pacing and writing in a notebook, chewing on one pen while another was balanced behind her ear. And the other?

Darcy. Not an old lady, but exactly the way she had been. Not a day older and sitting on at a high table, with her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee. She was even wearing that goddamned cherry sweater. Bucky’s jaw dropped.

Steve, the smirking little punk, walked right up to her and placed a kiss on the top of her head. He turned back to face Bucky, with his hands on Darcy’s shoulders. “Surprise.”

Bucky couldn’t manage a single sound.

Was this a dream? Was he still asleep in the car, or back in cryo? It couldn’t be real, that was too good to be true. And yet here his Darcy was, waiting patiently for him to pull himself together. Bucky felt his throat tighten and his eyes well up with tears.

“H-how?” he stammered.

Darcy put her mug down and opened her mouth.

“You have no idea how important this is. We’ve been trying to get a handle on the data this threw up for the last year,” the other lady said. “The fact that she was able to go back at all is groundbreaking and the difference in perceived time? Oh, my god. I-”

“I time traveled, Bucky” came Darcy’s beautiful voice. Just as he remembered. “I spent six months with in nineteen-forty but I was only gone from here, like, six minutes. You will be shocked at the amount of detail I had to go into to get Jane to believe that I was in a polyamorous relationship with Captain America and the Winter Soldier for six minutes.”

Bucky swallowed around the lump in his throat.

“Tracking someone down is a lot harder when they turn out to be seventy years younger that you think they are,” Steve said, when Bucky said nothing. “We just so happen to have some mutual friends, so we got lucky.” He jerked his head towards Thor, who raised his own mug in salute.

“S-so, wait,” Bucky took one step forward, “that whole bit about being on vacation to New York and getting mugged?”

“Total lie, sorry,” Darcy said, getting off her chair. She was just as small as she had been before, like Steve wasn’t anymore.

“But you wouldn’t have believed me then. Can you forgive me?” She held out her arms for a hug and Bucky wasted no time. But instead, he scooped her up into his arms, like a new bride, and pressed a big smacking kiss to her lips. In the background, Thor and Jane cheered. And Darcy let out a tiny squeal and kissed him right back.

[weekendwarriorblog]

The Weekend Warrior Home and Semi-Theater Edition 7/10/20 – GREYHOUND, PALM SPRINGS, THE OLD GUARD, RELIC and More!

I hope everyone had a good 4th of July weekend, even though movie theaters don’t seem any closer to opening, and I believe some in certain areas even closed! New York City just hit Phase 3 this week, and I’m not sure Phase 4 even includes movie theaters. Let’s not even talk about L.A. as it will just depress me. I literally have no idea what’s going on or if movies being back in theaters nationwide by the end of this month is even realistic.  There are a lot of available movies this week, and I did my best to see as many as possible, but honestly, I’m getting a little burnt out watching movies on my computer and even on my TV set (the few times I can), so we’ll see how far I get this week. Hold on tight, because this week is gonna be a doozy! (I actually wanted to write a defense of Quibi and its content, but I’ll have to save that for a quieter week.)

Believe it or not, Tom Hanks has a new movie out this week, too, but it’s only on Apple TV+, since Sony decided to sell Hanks’ fictitious submarine drama GREYHOUND to the relatively new streaming service. Surely, that can’t be a good sign, right? Directed by Aaron Schneider (Get Low), it has Hanks playing Commander Ernest Krause, who is put in charge of his first fleet of ships to sail across the Atlantic Ocean’s notorious “Black Pit,” bringing supplies and troops to Europe during America’s early days in World War II.  The area of the Atlantic got its name because the planes that normally escorted the fleet to keep an eye out for German UBoats would have to turn back. As Captain of the USS Keeling aka Greyhound, Krause is solely responsible for dozens of ships and men.

Greyhound is a classic case of “Well, it looked good on paper,” because when you have a piece of fiction by C.S. Forester and one of America’s most beloved actors wanting to make it into a movie, what could possibly go wrong? Well, I’ll tell you. As someone who generally loves submarine movies and movies with great sea battles, certainly this movie was made for me, but no, although there are a few decent CG battles, the majority of the movie involves Hanks calmly stating orders to his men from the control deck of the Greyhound, as they take evasive measures to protect the fleet from the UBoats. Really, it’s mostly about Hanks, because other than Stephen Graham in a small role, none of the other men on the Greyhound have much personality. The movie even has the audacity to waste a great actor like Rob Hunter on a nothing role as the ship’s cook who brings Krause food and coffee he never has time to eat or drink anyway, because fighting the Germans is very busy work indeed.

While some of the firefights do bring a much-needed level of excitement, there’s otherwise no real stakes or tension, because you always know that Hanks’ boat will never be sunk. Every once in a while, Hanks will ask for coffee or his slippers to change things up. That’s how boring this movie is. And then, despite all the “non-stop fighting,” they somehow have time to stage an elaborate burial at sea when the ship is hit by enemy fire. Maybe this would have been a better movie seen in theaters, but probably not. It’s absolutely astounding how boring this movie is, but if naval speak gets you hot then Greyhound might just be the movie for you!

Now that that’s taken care of, let’s try to get some of the other movies, hopefully some of them are better than Greyhound.

Andy Samberg stars in PALM SPRINGS (NEON/Hulu), the new romantic comedy and first feature from director Max Barbakow. Calling it a “romantic comedy” wouldn’t really be doing the movie justice, since it’s more of a quirky comedy that offers more than the simple Sundance rom-com formula of Samberg’s previous Sundance movie, Jesse and Celeste Forever. The movie begins with Samberg’s character, Nyles, waking up at a wedding with his horrid girlfriend Misty (a very funny Meredith Hagner). At the wedding, Nyles gives a rousing speech (despite no one knowing who he is) then connects with the bride’s sister, Sara (Cristin Milioti). But wait, maybe you think you know where this is going but when the two go off somewhere private to “hook up,” it’s rudely interrupted by someone trying to kill Nyles, and well, it just gets stranger from there.

I’m not sure how much of the plot and the early twist would be considered a spoiler, although maybe not if you’ve watched the trailer. Essentially, Sara follows Nyles into a cave where there’s some sort of dimensional thing that returns them back to the beginning of the same day over and over. They go to sleep or they die, and they’re right back at the start of the day, so yup, it’s basically a similar Groundhog’s Day premise that we’ve seen in movies like Happy Death Day, Natasha Lyonne’s Russian Doll, Before I Fall or others, but it’s all about what Barbakow, writer Andy Siara and the two leads do that make Palm Springs so much more entertaining and even deeper.

I have to be honest that I wasn’t familiar with Milioti at all before this film, so this ends up being an amazing spotlight for her talent, and similar to Rashinda Jones in Jesse/Celeste, she makes Samberg that much easier to palate. Not that I dislike Samberg, but I’ve never been the biggest fan when he’s given free reign like in movies such as Hot Rod. (But I did like Popstar: Never Stop Stopping, so maybe he’s grown on me.) I will admit that I’m a sucker for a good wedding-based romantic comedy—as seen by recent ones like Plus Oneand Destination Wedding -- and with its odd quantum physics twist, Palm Springs continually finds new ways of exploring the tenuous existence that is a new relationship. Oh, I should also mention that Roy, the guy trying to kill Nyles, is played by JK Simmons, and while it’s definitely a smaller part for one of my favorite actors, he also plays a significant role in the story.

You’ll probably know right away if Palm Springs is your kind of movie, but the mix of quirkiness and honest heart and emotion makes it one of Samberg’s better endeavor. It hope it allows us to see much more of Ms. Milioti, since I think she’s quite wonderful as well.  Palm Springs can be watched on Hulu or in select drive-ins starting this Friday, and since it is this week’s “Featured Flick*,” I hope you’ll check it out! (*I changed the name of this just to see if anyone is paying any attention… or even reading.)

Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández’s comic, THE OLD GUARD, has been turned into a movie directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love and Basketball) that will hit Netflix this Friday. It stars Charlize Theron and is written by Rucka himself, and it’s a fairly high concept action movie involving a group of “immortals” – warriors who aren’t able to die, so they’ve lived for hundreds of years and are now hiring themselves out as hired mercenaries. When they learn there’s a new immortal awakening, they seek her out to recruit her.

I generally like Charlize Theron in action mode as seen in Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde, and she’s pretty kick-ass as Andromache the Scythian aka Andy, the leader of the Old Guard. Kiki Layne from If Beale Street Could Talk offers a nice counterpoint as her trainee in the form of Nile, the newest immortal, who discovers that she can’t die while serving as a soldier in the Middle East. The rest of the cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthias Schoenaerts and others, who are all okay, but I just wish there was more to the story than just watching them have to deal with a lame corporate villain named Merrick (Harry Melling), who wants to harvest their blood to create life-saving pharmaceuticals for others.

While I liked the flashbacks to historic times showing Theron’s Andromache in another light, the stuff in present day is rarely as interesting. I’m not sure I ever would have thought of Bythewood doing action, even though she was supposed to do a Silver Sable/Black Cat movie at one point, but her fight scenes pretty fairly impressive, but she doesn’t lose sight of losing the focus on characterization, at least in terms of the two women.

The Old Guard isn’t bad, and it really would have benefited from being seen on the big screen, but I’m not sure it really offers enough with its concept other than a few decent fight scenes. Personally, I felt it paled in comparison to Netflix’s other recent action film, Extraction, at least in terms of the story and characters.

A horror movie that got a lot of lavishing praise out of Sundance is Natalie Erika James’ RELIC (IFC Midnight), which you may remember me mentioning last week, because apparently, it opened in a few drive-in theaters last Friday.  I had been looking forward to this due to the amount of praise it got from Sundance, comparing it to the likes of The Babadook or Hereditary.

The story revolves around Emily Mortimer’s Kay and her daughter Sam (Bella Heatchote) travelling to their grandmother Edna’s country home in Australia after she’s reported missing. Edna (Robyn Nevin) soon returns and is behaving oddly, and with Gran clearly not herself, Kay has to figure out if she’s possessed by something or just suffering from advanced dementia.

I feel like I have a general idea what James was trying to accomplish with Relic, as it explores what it’s like being the caregiver for your elderly parent once they’ve become debilitated by something that makes them unrecognizable, put into the context of a horror film. I ended up watching the movie twice, mainly because I had no clue what was going on during my first viewing, but honestly, this movie just ended up annoying me, and it was only partially due to the fact that I had very little idea what was going on since most of the movie is so dark. More than that, I found a lot of the movie to be incredibly dull, and comparisons to The Babadook are inane, since the only thing is that it’s a horror movie (sort of) directed by an Australian woman.

The movie also involves some sort of “evil presence” and a creepy old house that was on the premises when Kay’s family moved in, but this information is revealed in such a dreary and confusing manner that makes it harder to figure out what you’re watching.  In fact, if not for a number of eerie random images, it would be hard to even consider the first half of Relic “horror” since it’s more of a family drama about these three women from different generations contending with each other in this house. As someone who has had many conversations with my sister about what to do about my own elderly mother, I could see why this might connect with viewers, but planting this idea haphazardly into a typical horror movie just never worked for me. Relic has some good things going for it, such as the performances by the three actors (particularly Nevin), plus the creepy imagery and sound design do a lot to create a mood even if it doesn’t necessarily help with the storytelling.

The problem is that this story is told at such a snail’s pace and by the time the horror elements start kicking in within the last 20 minutes of the movie, almost everything is in pitch blackness, making it almost impossible to tell what you’re watching. Any earlier qualities worthy of praise are lost with some of the bad choices in lighting and editing, as well as an ending that’s dragged on for so long and at such a drowsy pace that any good will towards the movie will likely be lost. Ultimately, Relic is a disappointing high concept but single-note thriller that fails to deliver on the scares, instead delivering a dull and slightly unsettling family drama about aging and dementia.

In fact, I actually much preferred Jeffrey A. Brown’s horror film, The Beach House, which comes to the streaming network sShudder this Thursday. It stars Liana Liberato and Noah Le Gross as Emily and Randall, a young couple who travel to his father’s beach house to reconnect. Once there, their vacation is broken up by Jake Weber’s Mitch and his wife Jane (Maryann Nagel), but as the two couples get to know each other, a freak environmental event unleashes an infection that leads to all sorts of freaky occurrences. While there was just as much weirdness and not knowing what was going on as in Relic, at least this movie mostly takes place in the sunlight, so you can actually see things that are equally or even more disturbing than anything in Relic.

Brown’s film starts out so simply with this young couple wanting to spend some time alone together, but there’s this constant menace looming that’s foreshadowed in the opening credits, and as Mitch and Jane show up and start behaving oddly, you’ll wonder what exactly is happening to them. Things get even more disturbing when Emily is on the beach and experiences even odder and grosser circumstances that lead into the film’s “body horror” portion that will make even those with the strongest constitutions slightly queasy.

Part of why the film works so well is the small cast Brown has put together.  I’ve been quite a fan of Liberato for many years, and she effectively becomes the film’s lead. Certainly, there are a few common horror tropes in place including ones that can be traced back to the likes of Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever, but there’s also enough new ideas that the film doesn’t seem like retread. While I’m not 100% sure exactly what was happening in The Beach House, Brown and his cast do a good job keeping the viewer uneasy and disturbed.  

Atom Egoyan’s new thriller GUEST OF HONOUR (Kino Lorber) will premiere this week as part of the Kino Marquee (and there’s lots of great stuff on there that will help support your local arthouse while you’re checking that out!)  It stars David Thewliss as Jim, a health inspector whose high school music teaching daughter Veronica (Lausla de Oliveira) has been jailed over an indiscretion with two teen students.

Egoyan has proven himself to be quite a master at the thriller genre, and Guest of Honour involves a complex family drama narrative that scuttles between timelines in order to keep you guessing where things might be going. I’ll freely admit that the non-linear storytelling was somewhat confusing at first, as the movie is framed by a conversation between Veronica and Luke Wilson after the death of her father. It also flashes back to an important moment from Veronica’s childhood before her mother died of cancer, which led to other things that would affect her years later.

I’m frequently amazed by Thewliss as one of England’s more underrated exports, but I was equally impressed by Ms. de Oliveira, whose work I was not familiar with before seeing her in Egoyan’s capable hands.

While we’ve heard plenty of true stories about the relationships between teachers with their students, Guest of Honour isn’t just about that, and it’s the way Egoyan reveals some of the story’s more interesting complexities, like Veronica’s relationship with an obsessed bus driver (Rossif Sutherland), that builds to some of the events that happen later. Honestly, I’m hesitant to reveal too much about the plot since there’s a way that Egoyan unveils various elements that makes Guest of Honour another compelling entry in the filmmaker’s constantly-evolving oeuvre.

A really interesting crime-thriller with a sci-fi twist hitting Apple TV, Prime Video and other digital platforms this Friday is South African filmmaker Tony Dean Smith’s own directorial debut, VOLITION (Giant Pictures), a film co-written and co-produced with his brother Ryan. It stars Adrian Glynn McMorran (Arrow) as James, a man constantly down on his luck who has clairvoyant powers that he uses to get himself involved in a scheme involving valuable diamonds. Just before this happens, he meets Angela (Magda Apanowicz), a young woman who gets pulled into the problems James gets into with others wanting the diamonds, and when he sees a murder, he has to do what he can to change the future.

I feel like this column’s running theme is that I’m being deliberately vague about the film’s plot, and in this case, it’s because halfway through the movie, there’s a pretty big twist that involves time travel. While that immediately makes the movie more interesting, it also makes things far more confusing.  Up until that point, Volition felt like a rather weakly-written indie crime-thriller from filmmakers who may have seen Memento a few too many times. In fact, it opens with such a pretentious bit of narration I was worried the movie wasn’t going to be very good, and there was very little in the first half to keep me invested. When that new element/twist is added, McMorran’s character ends up on a far more interesting journey, and that turns Volition into a far more inventive and original story. Sure, it isn’t Primer, but if you’re a fan of the twists that come with time travel, Volition does a good job keeping you wondering what might happen next, and it does this with a mostly no-name cast, which is always quite impressive. In that way, it reminds me of The Wretchedwhich opened earlier in the year, as that was also by two filmmaking brothers taking a DIY attitude towards independent film. Volition isn’t perfect but it’s far better than I was expecting, and it’s a testament to the filmmakers’ perseverance to bring their very specific vision to the screen.

I was pretty excited to learn out about the quirky Japanese coming-of-age musical comedy WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES (Oscilloscope) from Makoto Nagahisa, because it’s the type of movie that I would usually see at the New York Asian Film Festival that would have been going on right now if not for… well, you know what. But it did play Fantasia in Montreal last year, so I’m sure it would have been fun seeing it with that audience. It’s certainly cute and quirky, involving a group of kids who come together to deal with their parents. Honestly, I don’t have a ton to say about it, but if you like oddball Asian films like the ones that play those festivals, you’ll know whether the film is for you. You can watch a trailer and find out where you’ll be able to catch We Are Little Zombies at its Official Site.

At least that was more watchable than Gavin Rothery’s sci-fi directorial debut, ARCHIVE (Vertical Entertainment), starring Theo James from the Divergent movies as George Almore, a man in the year 2038 who is working on an AI that is as close to human as possible, one that will hopefully reunite him with his dead wife in this new form. If you watch this, you’ll immediately think that Rothery must have watched Moon quite a lot. In fact, he was the conceptual artist and visual FX artist on Duncan Jones’ movie, and the influences of that film are so obvious it’s hard to get past it. Then again, Theo James has so little personality and charisma, he’s almost constantly being overshadowed by his robotic companions. So yeah, not recommended, and I’m a little shocked this was accepted into this year’s cancelled SXSW. Honestly, I couldn’t even get through it.

Also premiering in the Kino Marquee is Nicholas Leytner’s Austrian drama The Tobacconist (Menemsha Films), starring Bruno Ganz (Downfall) as Sigmund Freud and based on the bestselling novel by Robert Seethaler, which I haven’t read (if that isn’t obvious). It deals with the friendship between a teenager named Franz (Simon Morzé) and Freud during the Nazi occupation of Vienna, when the former travels there to work as an apprentice at a tobacco shop where Freud is a regular customer. When Franz falls in love with a music hall dancer, he turns to Freud for advice.

Apparently “showing only in theaters” this Friday is Michael W. Bachochin’s sci-fi/”psychodrama” Parallax (The Primal Group) starring Naomi Prentice as a young artist who is haunted by nightmares and who wakes up to a life she doesn’t recognize. At this point, I might as well just post the actual synopsis: “As she begins to uncover the truths of the life that she's found herself in, the gravity of her failing reality weighs heavily on her psychological identity and the reliability of her sanity is called into question.”

Let’s get to some docs, and you can probably safely assume that Harry Mavromichalis’ Olympia(Abramorama) is about Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, because it is. Featuring interviews with Whoopi Goldberg, Laura Linney, Diane Ladd and more, that covers the Greece-born actress as she opens up about her struggles with depression, suicide and drug addiction, as well as stories from some of the actors she’s shared the stage and screen with over the years.

The next doc is about the Chinese artist who probably has had more docs made about him than…well, anyone else? Ai Wei Wei: Yours Truly (First Run Features), directed by Cheryl Haines and Gina Leibrecht, covers how the artist developed his 2014 exhibition, @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz, inspired by his 2011 detention by Chinese authorities (which has generally inspired all his recent work?) Hey, if you’re a fan of his artwork, then you’ll probably want to see this doc, too.

One doc that I really wanted to see was Brett Harvey’s Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo (Universal), which had a virtual world premiere and is now on ITunes and other VOD, but my attempts to get a screener was met with absolute silence. The film documents the amazing life and career of the 71-year-old character actor and action hero who went from a life of drugs and doing hard time in prison to becoming an easily recognized and respected star, mainly thanks to Robert Rodriguez. I would like to see this movie, and maybe someday I will.

Film Forum’s Virtual Cinema will be adding Jacques Becker’s 1947 film, Antoine and Antoinette, this Friday, as well as the 1927 filming of the original Broadway play, Chicago, long before it was turned into a musical, although it does have Ginger Rogers playing Roxie Hart. Reinhold Schünzel’s original 1933 film Victor and Victoria (which was later remade by Blake Edwards for wife Julie Andrews) also joins the fairly hefty list of repertory films available, being shown as part of the “Pioneers of Queer Cinema” series.

Other movies I just wasn’t able to get to this week include Tito (Factory 25), I, Pastafari (Gravitas Ventures), The Medicine (1091), Never Too Late (Blue Fox Entertainment), Deany Bean is Dead (Global Digital Releasing) and Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets (Utopia).

Also beginning on Apple TV+ this Friday is the new JJ Abrams series, Little Voice, starring Brittany O’Grady as Bess King, a 20-something singer trying to find her voice in the rat race that is New York City. I haven’t had a chance to watch this yet but apparently, Abrams got Sara Bareilles from Broadway’s Waitress to write some of the tunes, so it should be decent.

Next week, more movies—some in theaters, some not in theaters! But most of them watchable from home in case you don’t drive or your city is exploding with the COVID after the rest of us have been in quarantine for months. Thanks bunches.

By the way, if you read this week’s column and have bothered to read this far down, feel free to drop me some thoughts at Edward dot Douglas at Gmail dot Com or drop me a note or tweet on Twitter. I love hearing from readers … honest!