#i’m working on unchaining myself from this rock

[babsaros]

save me testosterone save me

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

Humans are Space Orcs, “Room Service.”

“How is he?’

“As good as he can be given the situation.”

“And how good is that?”

….

…

“Not good. No good at all.”

Ramirez, Dr. katie and krill peered in through the doorway, trying to be discreet so the figure inside might not notice their presence. He stood alone on the bridge, in the dimmed light of the late hour rimmed only by the glowing neon of the console lights.

“Someone should talk to him.” “Not me, I am defective in human emotions.” Krill announced 

“I talked to him last time.” Katie said, turning to look pointedly at Ramirez.

Ramirez nodded, gathered himself up, and then stepped onto the bridge, his boots quiet on the floor as he moved across the intervening space.

Gently, he reached out a hand and placed it on the other man’s shoulder, “Adam… it's getting kind of late.”

Adam didn’t even bother to look over at him. Though the dim lighting did much to hide his gaunt appearance, it was still evident through his sunken eyes, scruffy hair, and weak old facial growth that he was not himself.

“Tell Dr. Katie and krill that they can stop spying on me and head to bed.”

Ramirez paused before continuing with some measure of guilt, “They are just worried about you, you’ve hardly slept, barely eaten and-”

“One month Ramirez, Shs been gone ONE month and only God knows what they are doing to her.” He shivered, his single, haunted green eye welling with moisture in the light of the console.

The tears did not fall.

“Somewhere out there some BASTARDS are cutting her to pieces. And I… I can’t find her Ramirez.”

He took a deep tortured breath, one arm around his chest, the other hand cupping his chin, running a thumb over the scruffy growth on his face and chin.

Ramirez kept a hand on his shoulder opened his mouth and then closed it again. What should he say what ‘could’ he say to something like this.

He turned his head looking Ramirez in the eye for the first time that night, and in the sharper light his appearance only grew worse, like a man who hadn’t gotten out of bed in a month…. Or in this case…. A man who hadn’t gone to bed in a month.

“I… I love her Ramirez…. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.”

The revelation didn’t surprise Ramirez, not in the slightest.

He squeezed Adam’s shoulder, “I know…. I know.”

***

Sunny lay on the floor of her ‘cage’ listening to the sound of a circular saw. Something that had only grown more and more common in her life over the past month…. Or at latest she thought it might have been a month. Then again to her, it felt like a year.

She didn’t even bother to lift her head, and she was too weak anyway, the drugs had that effect. If they really wanted, they probably could have left her unchained: she wouldn't have been able to lift her head, much less move.

One of her captors grunted and as he did there came a sort of crunching squelching noise as he pulled the Rest of the Drev’s carapace from his deceased corpse. The body rocked and then stayed limp against the ground. The man dropped the carapace to the side with a grunt.

“What did I say about damaging the goods.”

“We are just going to grind it up anyway so don’t even give me that.” The man paused as he looked over his handiwork, wiping orange gore from his hands and onto his pants, “never had this much of it at once.”

“Yeah and now we gotta ration it so as not to lower our prices.”

The second man looked over at the remaining Drev with narrowed eyes, “Guess this means you scarabs get  break for a little while, now isn’t that nic.”

Sunny shivered feeling the cold of her skin on the bare floor. Aside from that chip taken from her shoulder, they had begun their real rituals on the forearm of her lower left, slowly stripping the carapace away in small chunks the perfect size to be bottled. A good portion of her forearm was raw and sensitive to the cold in the room. It made her sick to look at, and angry, but threw as nothing she could do. She had been continually sedated for the past month, and if she wasn’t she had been enclosed inside that steel box before being gassed.

All in all, there was no avenue of escape, and if there had been, she certainly would have tried.

Darkness shrouded her vision and she spent her last moments of consciousness staring idly at the other Drev lying prone in the darkness.

***

Adam jolted upright in his chair not having realised he had fallen asleep. He wasn’t sure what had woken him at first, until the soft sounds of feet registered to him from across the room.

He turned in his seat, only to see a large huling shape approach him from the doorway. Blue light glowed over the red carapace and Adam stood. Cannon, the only other person he trusted to understand what he was feeling. Golden eyes flashed at him from the darkness blazing with as much anger as he felt.

“Something wrong Cannon.”

“I just got a call.”

He hurried forward eager to hear, “What.”

“Some old friends back on Noctopolis was offered a vile of green liquid from a buyer. He claimed it had all natural contents, and could be used for a variety of ailments and beauty regimes. The bottle alone cost over 100,000 dollars.”

Adam gritted his teeth hands clenching into fists, “Does he know where to find this “Buyer”?”

Cannan nodded his large head, “He says he knows where he is staying, but is just a lead…. And…. well I… I was planning on looking into it myself. Conventional methods  aren’t working, and I’m tired of sitting around as I know you are too.”

Adam’s knuckles grew white, “Where is this lead?”

***

Toni sat in his hotel room resting on the bed and switching rather mechanically through the channels. He ha two pillows behind his back and wore nothing but a shirt and boxer shorts. He had always thought that alien TV was sort of weird, and personally didn’t like the creatures himself, but it was lucrative business, and he was willing to deal with a few bug-like creeps if it meant getting paid exorbitant amounts of money. Even taking a ten percent for each sail, and making a sail only once a month, that was 10,000 dollars a pop beside his other gigs, which made him a very, very wealthy man.

A very wealthy man who definitely could have chosen better lodgings, but somehow still liked the aesthetic of back alley seedy motels. There was just something about the distantly loud music and the couples fighting in the next room that reminded him of home, not his own home, for his childhood and been surprisingly normal, but his home back on earth in his little apparent in the understreets of New York.

He glanced over at the side table, where his last vial was sitting, glittering in the overhead light., a bright electric blue.he bet he could sell it for a markup without the boss knowing, and maybe squeeze a little more cash out of the sail without anyone being the weiser. Besides, its not like anyone was going to miss money the didn’t expect to have.

The thought made him smile. 

He sighed deeply and leaned back in the pillows, closing his eyes halfway as he prepared to fade into a sort of fitful sleep.

And that is when the loud knocking came on the door.

He jolted upright cursing and sat up.

The knocking came again and he cursed violently throwing his feet over the side of the bed, “Coming!”

Feet sticking slightly against the rather tacky carpet, he walked up to the door and peered through the peep-hole. outside , he saw a man standing with a stack of towels and growled. He didn’t remember ordering more towels.

Still, he tugged the door open, “Wha-”

His voice died on his lips. The man who stood before him raised his head, scruffy unkempt and with murder in his eyes, and right behind him, outside of view of the peephole, was a massive Red drev.

“Room service.” The man said, holding up a stack of towels, and before Toni could react, the man used the towels to cushion the sound of his punch, a punch that was so powerful it sent Tony reeling backwards onto the sticky carpet.

Both man and Drev stepped into the room letting the door snap shut behind them.

It was only then that Toni noticed what the man was wearing.

A metal exoskeleton of shiny silver metal and whirring actuators.

He knew what tat was.

Iron eye armor.

He had sold one on the black market not so many months ago.

Which meant he knew what it could do. 

He crawled back across te floor hands over his face, “please don’t… I y-you got the wrong guy I… I don’t-”

The man reached down with both hands and hauled him into the air as if he were a kitten. The suit he wore hissing and spitting below him like a dragon, “I think the fuck not.” His human eye rolled wildly in his head, but Teri culdnt help but notice the mechanical eye fixated upon him at that moment, the appriture zeroed in on him like a targeting system, which it might well have been. He knew Tesraki work when he saw it.

“Adam.’

The man paused and turned just in time or the two of them to see the Drev pick the blue vile up from the bedside table. In that moment of horrible silence, Teri knew what was coming next.

He heard the appriture of the mechanical snap shut zeroing in on him, and then an explosion of pain through his back and body as he was slammed into the floor.

“WHERE DID YOU GET THIS!” the man screamed 

He gasped and choked even as he was slammed into the floor again.

“I SAID WHERE DID YOU GET IT!”

The big Drev was holding up the vile now, holding it up like a conviction. A sword held over his head.

The green eyed man was so mad with rage that he feared he would die before he could even answer.

But he calmed down just enough, to allow him a breather and to choke out he words.

“A….an old f-friend told me to sell… it.” He choked out his voice high and squeaking past his rapidly crushed airway.

“Where are they!” The man snarled, teeth barred little drops of spittle flying from his mouth and reflected in the seedy dim light above. His pale skin was so red with pure rage that he wouldn’t have been surprised if the man burst a blood vessel.”

He thought about the money of course.

Thought about how much he would lose if he told this man.

Thought about losing a good seller and buyer.

Thought about all the money he had in the bank right now.

And quickly determined that he had rough to buy a small moon to retire.

“Ok ok! I don’t know where he is exactly!>” The man’s face screwed up into a look of rage and he stammered slightly, “W-woah I said i don’t know ‘exactly’ but I know ‘approximately’. They tend to orbit A136 because of its hub connections with other planets and its central place within the smuggling ring.”

“What class ship do they own.”

“One of those luxury cruisers…. Big thing, fo like civilian transport or some shit, but they use it for cargo. I…. l look man I have no idea what they did to you, but I’m just the fence. I had nothing to do with the actual operation, hell I don’t even know where they get the damned stuff.” For a moment he was pretty sure that he was going to die. More sure than he had ever been about anything.

But then with a light whirring the man stop. 

He was breathing hard, his face was slick with sweat and his hands trembled, but at least he seemed to have decided not to murder him.

The Drev on the other hand, still holding the bottle, looked at him with such malicious intent that his life flashed before his eyes a second time. He closed them not willing to see his death if it was coming. He didn’t need to know anything and didn’t want to see it.

And he waited 

And waited 

And waited

The next time he opened his eyes, the room around him was empty, the vile was gone and he was left alone with a few cracked ribs and a determination to retire from his life of crime.

Whoever those people were, he never wanted to see them again.

Besides it was as good enough a reason as any to retire early.

***

Sunny awoke to the door opening with a hiss; she was feeling a little better today, if not a bit groggy and disoriented. Her arm didn’t hurt so much, which meant the missing carapace was already healing over. Still, the cold felt strange and unwanted against her skin, and she held the arm close to her body where it was warmer, and the air didn’t seem so strange.

The voices grew louder, and she was surprised to hear a woman’s voice joining in with the man, “Lady, Bennett, I… admit we are surprised to see you here. We assure you, our supply chain is still functioning perfectly.”

The woman’s sharp voice pierced the air like a blade, cutting into Sunny’s very soul, “I did not come here to discuss the function of your supply chain. I came here to discuss the product you sold me.”

There was a pause, “Are you… dissatisfied with the outcome ma’am.��

“No, I enjoy the product, but I wish to purchase in another color. None of your buyers have anything other than this…. green color, which is nice for in the winter when I am missing the spring, but I want something more cheerful for summer. My daughters and I, that is, which means I would be willing to pay for at least three of your bottles if you have any.”

The men paused and glanced between each other, “well…. The process is not… something that someone like yourself…”

“Show me the stock, boy or you lose my business.”

The men paused and then agreed, and the slow footsteps came up the hallway.

She heard the sound as the people passed into the room and slowly lifted her head.

Her two captors, and a older, but still elegant woman stepped into the room, and despite the gruesome scene before her, she did not flinch, staring around at the captive Drev in various stages of drug induced sleep or drug induced exhaustion.

Sunny d her best not to ganer to much attention, but as soon as the woman’s eyes fell on her, she knew the fight was lost.

The elegant woman made a b-line across the room and straight to her cage, “This one, this small blue one.” I like her coloring.

She paused, “Open the cage.”

The two men did as told with no argument and sunny felt the breeze of the cage door as it swung open. The woman squatted down on her impossibly tall heels and grabbed Sunny under the chin, forcing her to look up. She tapped one of her nails against Sunny’s carapace. It made a sort of hard clattering sound, Sunny jerked her head away in the only symbol of defiance she could muster.

The woman smiled, the grin spreading impossibly wide across her face, “A very beautiful color…. My decision has been made.”

Sunny felt her heart sink down in her chest plummeting into her stomach where it was likely to remain.

The two men grabbed the chains and hauled down on them, lifting her from the cage and into a standing position.

“You may not want to watch this Ma’am.” 

“I think I will be just fine.” She said, the smile never leaving hre face.”

[agentnico]

Top 20 Best Movies of the Decade (2010′s)

Now that we have entered the 2020s, it’s time to look back on a decade of movie magic. To emphasise the importance of each year, I’ll balance things out by including two films from each year for my Top 20 list. I’ve tried to pick films that both defined this decade as well as appealed to me personally, so my list will of course, as always, be different from yours, but hopefully, I won’t totally irritate you with my humble choice, which I deem worthy to post online for the public eye to witness.

2010:

INCEPTION - “You’re waiting for a train...” Christopher Nolan unarguably is the most exciting and original directors working today. Each time he releases a movie, its an event. A literal must-see at the cinema. Which is why this isn’t the only film of his you will find on this list. With Inception, Nolan gives us a movie that is both enjoyable and imaginative, rewarding the audience for the attention that it demands. Filled with so much detail that if you miss certain shots, you will completely get lost in confusion of the narrative (as confusing as it already is). It’s intense and complex, with great performances from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, this movie will leave you lingering for more even after that mysterious ending.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD -  “You cocky cock! You'll pay for your crimes against humanity!” Once again, another exciting director on this list (oh there are so so many!). Ever since Edgar Wright emerged from the British isles, he’s given us some of the funniest films of the past decade and onwards. His Cornetto Trilogy is a blast, Baby Driver is a blast, Ant-Man was going to be even more of a blast if Marvel allowed Wright to do his magical shenanigans his way, and the upcoming Last Night in Soho will surely be a blast also. With Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Wright creates a meta-clever universe taking inspiration from comic books and video games and filled to the brink with wink-wink-nudge-nudge humour, this is an exciting and very sarcastic over the top endeavor. Also, Brie Larson in this movie.....phew!! And unsurprisingly, its all a blast!

2011:

DRIVE - “I just wanted you to know, just getting to be around you, that was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Drive is more of an elegant exercise in style, and its emotions may be hidden but they run deep. A shamelessly disreputable, stylish, stoic, ultra-violent thriller with amazing stunt work, one of the best opening sequences of any movie this decade and a neon-pumped soundtrack that’s a must-own for all vinyl users, if you still haven’t seen Drive, there’s only one thing you can do. Clue: it’s to go watch Drive.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL - “Your mission, should you choose to accept it...” Tom Cruise’s deal with the devil allows him to do some literally impossible stuff, and though I don’t condone his Scientology ways, the man’s stunt work and efforts in his area of expertise are worth all the praise and respect. To be honest, I’m commemorating all three of the Mission Impossible flicks that graced our screen this year (Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation and Fallout). This franchise is like a game of dodgeball, except that Tom Cruise is the dodgeBALL, being thrown and thrust left and right like nobody cares. Also, with me being Russian, the fact that a movie manages to destroy the Kremlin and then have me not hate the film in the aftermath shows that this film is way too fun to hate.

2012:

DJANGO UNCHAINED - “Gentlemen, you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.” Quentin Tarantino is one of my favourite directors working today. And Django Unchained happens to be my favourite film of his. The writing for this film is orgasmic (I went there!). The way the actors deliver the lines and the lines of dialogue themselves sound almost poetic to my ears. I can quote so many lines from this darn thing. The cinematography is immaculate. The soundtrack choice is great. The performances, my goodness, the PERFORMANCES!! Jamie Foxx does arguably his career-best work here, but also we have Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio both chewing up the scenery, and I’m sure everyone has heard the story involving DiCaprio and the broken glass. Django Unchained is an easy choice on this list for me, and possibly in my Top 10 of all time.

LES MISERABLES - “Do you hear the people sing?” The film that is based on a musical that is based on a book that is based on certain true events. Tom Hooper did an interesting choice of having actors sing live in front of the camera during filming rather than pre-record their voices, and it works to grand effect, though Russell Crowe should have probably been given more singing lessons. The movie is one hell of a way to adapt such a popular stage musical. With an opening shot that emphasises the scale of this picture with a zoom-in towards this big ship during a storm being pulled by these poor prisoners, we are plunged into the despair and conflicts of various characters with adroit narrative thrust so that not a moment feels wasted or redundant. You’d think that a film with hardly any dialogue and an overall reliance on singing wouldn’t be so emotional. Yet, somehow, it works. Also props to Anne Hathaway for winning an Academy Award for being in a film for only 5 MINUTES!!

2013:

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET - “Sell me this pen.” Martin Scorsese’s mad look into Wall Street life is a bombastic caper and running at nearly 3 hours, Scorsese and his editing team manage to keep an astoundingly intoxicating pace that keeps you enthralled and engaged throughout. This one is definitely not for the families, as this R-rated fest is filled with drugs, money, sex and everything you can possibly imagine and paints quite the picture of the rich folks of Wall Street. And the middle of it all a bravura performance from Leonardo DiCaprio. Someone needs to give DiCaprio’s agent a raise, this is Leo’s third appearance on this list and we’re only in 2013!

THE WAY WAY BACK - “I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave. You're having way too much fun, it's making everyone uncomfortable.” Sometimes a little indie flick is enough to lift a human spirit. Real, fun, uplifting and innocent, The Way Way Back dedicated to anyone who felt awkward or out of place at some point in their life, which, let’s be honest, counts all of us. I’m not afraid to admit that. So stop being a b*** and reveal your sensitive side too! Yes, you, the person reading this. Who else could I possibly be talking to? Myself? Maybe. The Way Way Back though is one of the best feel-good indie films of this decade, with the loveable Steve Carell acting very unloveable and Sam Rockwell Rockwelling himself to charm city! If you’ve missed this one, treat yo’self and check it out.

2014:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL - “And?? Where is it? What's it all about dammit don't keep us in suspense this has been a complete f***ing nightmare! Just tell us what the f*** is going on!!!” Easily Wes Anderson’s best in my opinion (I have a friend who would argue Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums has the better hand but I think my opinion is more valid because it's me), this movie is a glossy, colorful, whimsical deadpan affair with an energetic turn from Ralph Fiennes as the hotel concierge M. Gustave H. as he and his lobby boy run into various Wes Anderson regulars and deal with murderers, stolen paintings, love affairs, prison breaks, and all kinds of crazy shindigs, but all shown in such a casual Wes Anderson way. This movie is like a slice of cherry pie - damn fine!

INTERSTELLAR - “Murphy’s Law doesn’t mean that something bad will happen. It means that whatever can happen, will happen.” As promised, Christopher Nolan makes another appearance on this list, now with his space time-traveling epic Interstellar, where he takes inspiration from the likes of Kubrick and Tarkovsky to give us, as always, a tad bit confusing adventure with great visuals and an interesting narrative (though it does sometimes get lost in its own way), however, the key thing holding this piece together is the father-daughter relationship with Matthew McConaughey and Mackenzie Foy (and Jessica Chastain) managing to bring so much raw emotion to their respective roles that you can’t help but want to shed a tear. I mean, I haven’t cried for over 14 years, but I remember when I first watched this film, the audience around me was sobbing quite a few times during the duration of this movie. Give it to Nolan to give us the emotional moments!

2015:

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - “Oh what a day! What a lovely day!!” Easily the best action movie of this decade. Sorry John Wick, neither you or Tom Cruise could defeat this beast. The sheer, limitless invention behind this movie's exhilarating, preposterous chase scenes highlights action filmmaking at its finest. With big monster trucks and a random guitarist rocking-it in the middle of all the action, it’s like a nihilistic version of a Cirque du Soleil show! And it makes Tom Hardy the calmest person on-screen; no idea how it managed that.

STEVE JOBS - “I sat in a garage and invented the future because artists lead and hacks ask for show of hands.” If there is anyone who can make formulaic, mathematical or technological sound fun and exciting, its Aaron Sorkin. The man has a talent for writing screenplays about difficult and complicated topics yet turning them approachable for the casual moviegoer. Pair him with director Danny Boyle, and the result is Steve Jobs, a look at the man behind the phone. Narratively set during three important product launches of Jobs’, we get to see the behind-the-scenes of his relationships with his colleagues and family members, and this character study is one that could have easily fallen into generic biopic tropes, but it holds it’s own right till the credits roll. Also props for showing that Seth Rogen can actually do a serious role. Who would’ve thought that pot-smoking fella had dramatic chops in him?

2016:

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS - “Susan, enjoy the absurdity of our world. It’s a lot less painful. Believe me, our world is a lot less painful than the real world.” Fashion designer Tom Ford does sew his suits well. Apparently, he can also make great films too, with 2009′s A Single Man and with said Nocturnal Animals. This movie is truly incredible and I remember it taking me and my friend by surprise when we first watched it at the cinema. It’s shocking. Horrifying. Depressing. Upsetting. Altogether exhilarating. Being of a fashion background, Tom Ford directs the hell out of this movie, with gorgeous shots and great use of colour as well as managing to masterfully create tension and suspense when necessary. Honestly, I know Tom Ford is probably busy at a department store somewhere, but the guy needs to make another movie. The man has a talent.

LA LA LAND - “Here’s to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem. Here’s to the hearts that ache; here’s to the mess we make.” Oh, La La Land. Damien Chazelle’s follow-up to the also excellent Whiplash. People who know me well know how much I love this movie. An old-school tour-de-force musical that’s a love letter to jazz and the golden age of Hollywood. The city of stars never looked so good. Featuring catchy original songs, excellent dance choreography (the sequence to the song “Lovely Night” is especially memorable) and a romance tale ten times better than the forsaken The Notebook, La La Land is one special movie. I know many are put off by the film’s not so happy ending, however for me it was the only way this narrative could have ended. 

2017:

BLADE RUNNER 2049 - “We’re all just looking out for something real.” Similarly to Nolan, Denis Villeneuve is proving to be one of the most exciting directors working today. He’s the man behind such films as *deep breath* Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049. And those have all been done within the last decade. The man constantly makes quality movies of various genres, though lately, he has been leaning more towards science fiction, which is a-okay in my books, since as Blade Runner 2049 proves, he can turn science into fiction like butter on bread. A sequel made 30 years after Ridley Scott’s classic, this visually breathtaking piece is arguably even better than its predecessor with many moments giving you the “wow wow wow wow wow WOW!” factor, and when Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are both on-screen they are dynamite. Forget the new Star Wars film (that’s right, I'm throwing shade there), Blade Runner is where it’s at!

PHANTOM THREAD - “The tea is going out. The interruption is staying right here with me.” The supposed last Daniel Day-Lewis film, as he has now apparently retired from acting, but let’s be honest, nothing stops him from simply unretiring at any point. Exhibit A - Joe Pesci. However, like Pesci, if he comes back I’ll only be happy. He’s one of acting greats of our time, and his collaborations will director Paul Thomas Anderson bring out some of his best roles. Phantom Thread is a marvel of a movie. No, I don’t mean that’s its part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I mean as in it can fill one with wonder and astonishment. Phantom Thread is PTA’s Gothic dark fairy-tale romance film, which expertly planned shots and scenes where every word of the dialogue counts. There is no wasted moment. And as the film transpires to its dark and unsettling climax, one begins to realize that this, THIS, is what filmmaking is about. Telling an engrossing story in an interesting way with crisp-clear shots and off-the-chart acting at play, with great costume design on display, although the latter is unsurprising due to a major aspect of the movie revolving around fashion.

2018:

MANDY -  “You ripped ma shirt!! You ripped maaa shiirrt!!” An acquired taste for sure, however, Mandy is indeed something truly special. From first glance, this film might seem like nothing out of the ordinary, especially from the point of view of the plot. Its the usual revenge flick. However director Panos Cosmatos’ vision and how he presents it is so much more unique. And what’s not love in this film? There’s something for everyone! It’s artsy and slow enough for the critics, hip and metal for the nonchalant, gory and violent for the hardcore genre fanatics and of course the Nic-Cage-rage factor is present for the fans of the actor. Alright, it may not be a family film, but this one is worth a watch. The whole thing is bound together by this psychedelic otherworldly environment, with the whole movie conceived in this dark, unsettlingly beautiful yet horror-filled aura that might stray people away, as it might be just too different for them, however, if you are looking for something different to watch, take mandy. I mean, watch Mandy!

A STAR IS BORN - “Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave. Twelve notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story told over and over. All the artist can offer the world is how they see those 12 notes.” The film that began all the rumours surrounding Bradley Cooper’s and Lady Gaga’s affair. People, heads up, they are actors! They were putting on a performance! Jeez. That being said, I totally ship them. Nuff’ said. The film though? Yes, it’s good. Some country-style music, romance blooming, Gaga can apparently act, people sing about shallows for some reason...all together works for a pretty decent motion picture. Also, the fact that Bradley Cooper wrote, directed, produced and starred in this gives me so much respect for the guy. He poured his heart and soul into this. And Lady Gaga absolutely shines!

2019:

PAIN & GLORY -  “Writing is like drawing but with letters.” Director Pedro Almodovar semi-autobiographical film takes a close look at how one deals with acceptance, being forgotten, symptoms of depression and generally all fairly negative attributes, but delivered in such an honest and profound way that there is a strange lightness that emerges from it all. Antonio Banderas is uncannily vulnerable in the lead role, delivering such an earnest performance that shows a man that is filled with melancholic regret who seeks his own form of redemption. This movie is a thing of beauty.

PARASITE - “You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan at all. If you make a plan, life never works out that way.” Parasite is easily the most original and surprising films of 2019, and possibly the decade, managing to subvert expectations and blend together so many different genres so naturally. To spoil any narrative element of this movie would be a sin, like this one in particular works best when not knowing anything about it. This movie comes to us from Bong Joon-Ho, a South Korean director behind such films as The Host, Memories of Murder, Okja, and Snowpiercer. It’s nice to see the awards ceremonies giving him the proper recognition finally. He deserves it.

That sums up my Top 20 Best Movies of the Decade list. Of course, there are so many other great films that came out in these 10 years, such as Whiplash, When Marnie Was There, Paterson, Silence, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Nice Guys...I can go on forever. Cinema is a constant ever-growing medium, and it is fascinating to see how it changes through the years, in some ways improving and in some parts not so much. In any case, I look forward towards a new decade of, hopefully, great movies, however, let’s be honest, for all these great films there’s always a Norm of the North, a Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse or frickin’ Cats. But let’s hope those will be kept to a minimum. In any case, bring on the 2020s!

[sierraraeck]

Ancient History and Open Wounds (Pt.3)

BAU x OC Aundreya

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Summary: In an effort to save Aundreya, the BAU has to turn to some unlikely allies before it’s too late. Story twenty.

Category: Angst.

Warnings: Cussing. Kidnapping. I don’t explicitly talk about torture, but it happens. Someone gets shot. Quick mention of previous sexual abuse and drug abuse.

Word Count: 3.6k

A/N: I hope you enjoy part three and how this “event” comes to an end

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

It was like one big nightmare. I felt like I was constantly in and out of consciousness, and I was having trouble remembering who I’d told what and how much they’d figured out since DeLeon opened his mouth. But the game was still on, and everytime he cut the feed, he recorded me trying to convince him not to shoot one of the members. What that recording consisted of? Me saying as many shitty things about them as I could think of in five minutes. And I had to be convincing, because if he thought that I actually cared, then he’d shoot them. Hell knows what he planned on doing with those recordings (I mean I had a couple ideas, like ruining what was left of those relationships or holding them over me as leverage), but I was able to get Roman, JJ, Hotch, Derek, Deen, Niko, Rossi, and Emily off the hook so far. Luckily, Tara was working on some other case talking to some criminal, so I didn’t have to worry about her. But when it got to Penleope, I guess I just wasn’t convincing enough.

But what bad thing could I possibly say about her? That she was the only person day one that didn’t judge me? That she was the reason I was on the team to begin with because she stood up for me? That even when I went to prison and could have been completely alone, she came to visit me? Even after the rest of the team decided they were done with me?

I tried, I really did try, because I knew her life depended on my cruelty. But I failed. I failed at what I was supposed to be good at. And when I heard the gunshot go off, I felt like it was me who’d been shot. I saw her body crumple to the ground, and Hotch and Deen and Emily rush to her side. I saw them call the ambulance, and rush out of the room onto the street when they arrived so the paramedics didn’t know what else was going on. But I had to look away when they put her on that stretcher, with all of that blood, skillfully pressing on her chest, trying to preserve the life I’d just destroyed.

I hadn’t even noticed the tears streaming down my face or the strangled cries coming from my chest when the little red light of the live feed turned back on.

“Aww, do you have something you’d like to say?” DeLeon mocked. He reached up and unchained my arms which came swinging down like a wrecking ball. “Why don’t you look at the camera and tell the two people who care the most about her what you’ve done?”

I didn’t know exactly who he was talking about, one was most likely Derek and everyone cared a lot about her, but it honestly didn’t matter. They would all be mad at me anyways. I croaked, “She’s been shot. Penelope’s been shot. And I couldn’t stop it, I couldn’t prevent it. I’m so sorry.”

“Heartbreaking,” DeLeon deadpanned, “But now we’re down to two. Do you know who those two are?”

I did. I knew he was going down the list, as if he knew exactly how close my connections were with each person, saving the closest two for last. But I didn’t want to admit that.

“I know you do. You’ve been keeping track of them and releasing a sigh of relief every time I don’t say their name. Well, it’s time Aundreya. And you know what, I don’t even want to record these. I want you to look at their faces and tell them everything you hate about them. And then I want you to choose,” his voice was much harsher now, no longer sounding like he was enjoying this game as much as he was.

I looked up at the screens in front of me. The first showed Spencer, the second showed Mateo, and the third showed the room they were standing in with the others. I couldn’t do this. There was no way I could pull off hating them. Even if I did, I was sure he would shoot them anyways, definitely the one I chose, or whatever.

DeLeon was getting impatient with my hesitation, “Start. Talking!”

But I didn’t. I couldn't. I would have to come up with something better. But I was running out of time. DeLeon walked over and unchained my legs, knowing I no longer had the strength to fight him. I didn’t even have the strength to stay standing. I collapsed to the floor, only barely catching myself on my hands and knees.

“Look at you. Some big, fearless leader you are now. Didn’t you tell me that you’d never get on your knees for me?”

“I’m still not. I will never be on my knees for you, DeLeon,” I rasped.

He grabbed me by my hair, forcing me to look up at him, “Now tell them all the things we know you’re really thinking.”

He released my hair and my head hung like a kicked puppy’s, and I knew I had to speak. DeLeon’s whole plan hinged on me being a cruel, heartless monster, who couldn’t care about anyone, and he was determined to keep it that way. So I might as well use that, and beat him at his own game. “If you’re after who I care about the most, or who I love so you can take an eye for an eye, it’s not going to work. I don’t love either of them, and not a single person working to help me right now. You think I’m capable of that? Capable of caring for another person, someone other than myself? Putting someone else’s needs above my own? Capable of loving you? I mean, did you really think we were ever in love?”

“Do not turn this on me,” DeLeon spat.

“Why not? That’s what this is about, right? The fact that you actually cared about me, but I had nothing but hate for you? The fact that the next person you were delusional enough to think loved you is dead because of me?” I pushed.

“I told you, you do not have any right talking about her!” DeLeon screeched. I was getting to him. This might actually work.

“Fine, then let’s keep talking about you. You’re just a sad little boy who’s never experienced love or compassion or empathy and is willing to cling to anyone and anything that shows you the slightest bit of attention. That’s why you went after me, right? Because there was no one else around that gave a damn, and even still you had to force me to-”

“Shut up!” His strength was wavering and it was obvious in his voice. His fist was at my cheek again, but I couldn’t pay attention to that. I was close.

“We’re the same. I’ve never learned any of that either, not from a single person in my life. Think about it! The first real passion of mine was hunting down and killing the man that destroyed my family. Then I went on to join a gang where it was kill or get killed, not an ounce of sympathy and everyone was rock hard. Then I took over a gang and transformed it into a ring at the age of 19, and from then on out, everything revolved around me. I was the center of attention and everyone praised me, no matter how many times I fucked up and how many friends I got killed in the process. Even after I went to prison, which was no cushy experience either and happened twice by the way, people were still willing to scrub my feet. And after all of that, you think I’m in love with not one, but two people?” I thought I had him right where I wanted him, fuming with both Mateo and Spencer off the hook.

But instead, he turned back to talk into his phone and said, “Shoot them both.”

Before I could think, I yelled, “Don’t!”

DeLeon smirked at me as he turned around, “And why shouldn’t I?”

“Turn off the camera,” I commanded. DeLeon just looked at me, and he opened his mouth, probably to remind me that I don’t get to make commands, but I repeated, “Turn. It. Off.”

There must’ve been something in my gaze that compelled him to do what I asked, because he clicked the live feed off.

“You have 30 seconds.”

“You want to take an eye for an eye, right? Get back at me for Xena? Fine. Don’t shoot those two, instead let me carry out my deal with Archer,” I proposed.

“And why is that better than my plan?” Surprisingly, he sounded genuinely interested.

“Because in yours, you kill at least two, maybe three people I care about. In the other, you destroy my relationships with everyone. I pick the BAU over the ring, there goes the ring, and then I carry out my deal with Archer to kill the vice president and pin it on Aaron and there goes my relationship with them. My life is wrecked, my eternal unhappiness is guaranteed, and your goal is achieved.”

He seemed like he was actually contemplating my offer, his face scrunching up in thought. “How am I supposed to believe that you will go through with it this time? You couldn’t last time.”

It was a valid point, but I had to confess, “Because I’d rather my life be destroyed than theirs.”

I could barely look up at him from my position on the floor, trying to retain even a shred of dignity, but when I did, his hand was outstretched in my direction. I was so shocked that I just looked at it.

“It’s now or never,” DeLeon prompted. I shook his hand, sealing my fate as the wrecking ball that finally broke the BAU and the ring I started. He leaned over to whisper, “As long as you can survive until they come and get you.”

I recognized a second too late what was happening, not like I could’ve prevented it in my state. He yanked my shoulder out of my socket, turned me on my stomach, and rammed his foot into my back. It was all I could do not to scream as he dragged a blade across my spine.

# # # # # # # # # # # # #

I wasn’t sure how long it’d been. Minutes, hours, days. But they found me.

“Chambers. Chambers!” A male voice called out. I tried to respond, but all that came out was a groan. “Over there. Call the medics.”

I heard footsteps approaching me, and when they squatted down next to me, I tried to look up at them. The pain was so excruciating that I winced.

“Don’t move,” I could now tell it was Hotch who’d found me and he continued, “More help is on the way.”

“I can get up,” I insisted, moving to roll onto my side. It took me a few seconds, but it happened. Hotch gave me a stern look, about to argue but I pleaded, “Please, Aaron. I don’t want to be carried out on a stretcher like that.”

He knew what I was referencing and just gave me a small nod. “Dave, Deen, help me get her up.”

Rossi gave him a look, but Deen was not surprised. “Are you for real, Alionth?”

“Dead serious, Deen. You know me.” He smiled a bit at that, and the three of them helped me up. I could walk better than expected, but that could’ve just been because all three of them were practically carrying me. When we got outside, Niko, Mateo, Spencer, and Emily were all waiting. “Where is everyone else?”

“Morgan and JJ are with Garcia,” Hotch answered.

“And Roman is holding down the fort,” Deen added, “And Dalton and JT are at the hospital standing guard for Garcia.” I gave Deen a look. Usually he would send others, or ask me before doing that. He just shrugged and answered, “I figured you’d want that.” He wasn’t wrong, but neither was I.

My attention was turned back to the four people in front of me when both Mateo and Spencer approached me at the same time. “How are you feel-”

“Are you o-” They both started and then glared at each other. I wondered for a second what was wrong, until I remembered DeLeon making a comment about me having two boyfriends. And then them getting trapped in the same room together. That could’ve worked out better.

I didn’t have the energy to talk to them or figure them out right now, so I just said, “We’ll talk later. But I’m okay, thank you. Both of you.” Clearly that was the wrong thing to say, because I saw their faces scrunch up further.

“Hey, how did you get him to leave and basically let you go?” Mateo asked.

“I can be very persuasive,” I mumbled.

“Aundreya, what did you do?” Spencer asked, concern and slight panic in his eyes.

“I got out alive,” I answer, “And hopefully got everyone else out alive, too.”

“What did you-” he tried again.

“Stop. I did what I had to.” I couldn’t tell him about the deal I’d made and I certainly didn’t want to discuss it now.

There was a fire in Spencer’s eyes, “Why? Whatever you did, why would you? We were going to find you-”

“You would have died. Don’t you understand that? You both would have died,” I glanced over at Mateo who was surprisingly quiet throughout this. I teared up, “I already cost Penelope … god knows what, and I wasn’t about to add more names to that list of mine.”

“Aundreya-”

I cut him off again, “No, Spencer. If you need to know, I did it because you have something to live for. I’m tired of you not being able to see that.” With that, I hobbled over to the ambulance and sat down, waiting for them to shut the doors and take off.

When they didn’t, and everyone was looking at me expectantly, I looked to the nearest paramedic for an answer. She whispered, “If you want someone to accompany you…”

Oh. Great. I love decision making. “Um, Mateo?” The moment his name was halfway out of my mouth, he was sitting next to me. I didn’t look for anyone’s reaction to that, and then the door clicked shut and we were on our way to the hospital.

“Look I just wanted to-” we both started at the same time. I laughed and Mateo said, “Go ahead.”

“I just wanted to apologize to you,” I started. He looked bewildered as to why I’d need to apologize, but I kept going. “I’ve treated you unfairly. You’ve been here for me through everything, and I worry that sometimes you feel like I’m dismissing you.”

“No, Alionth, you could never-”

“I appreciate that, but I want to finish. When we started this, you offered just a little pushback, and I took it to the extreme. It wasn’t fair of me to threaten you like that, especially with that. So I’m sorry. And just so you know, I’d rather go it alone than do that to you. To you and Niko.”

“Thank you. I know you would never, but it’s nice to hear you say that,” he said softly, with a smile.

“Okay, your turn,” I prompted.

“I just wanted to tell you that despite everything, I was glad to hear that you still consider us family and the place you belong.” He hesitated for a moment, so I looked up at him. He swallowed, “And I do still love you.”

My heart melted, and I tried to ignore the sound of shattering in my ears, thinking about how I would have to return to the BAU to finish what I started. But, he didn’t have to know that yet. All he had to know was how grateful I was for him. “Can I say it now?”

He laughed, “There’s no one here to stop you.”

“I love you too, Mateo.” For the first time in a long time, I saw tears well up in his eyes.

I reached up to brush them away, and he held my hand to him, “God, I just want to hug you or kiss you right now, but I don’t want to mess anything up.”

I laughed with him, giving myself a once over and realizing just how awful I looked. And felt. So instead, I leaned my head on his shoulder, and he delicately wrapped his arm around me. “Soon.”

# # # # # # # # # # # # #

It’d been a couple weeks, and I was healing quite well, considering everything. Everyone visited me, BAU and ring members alike. It was unfortunate to get a visit from DeLeon in the middle of the night, and I couldn’t believe I had to remind him that before I could get back to my agreement, I would actually have to heal from everything he’d done to me. He accepted this, but reminded me he was keeping an eye on me.

Penelope and I shared a hospital room, and as great as it was to see her, everytime I looked over to all the machines she was hooked up to, I wanted to just curl up and cry. Which I���d done a few times. When she caught me, I profusely apologized for everything and getting her involved in all of this. She reached her hand out to me and squeezed it, letting me know that she was alive and recovering. Sometimes, when I couldn’t sleep, I would just sit there and watch her breathe. It was comforting.

Deen visited the most. He started out sitting next to me, and then gradually moved closer and closer to Penelope each time he came. I tried to hide my amusement, but for as smooth as Deen could be, he was equally as awkward. It was actually funny, to see him floundering whenever she looked at him.

One night, when he thought we were both asleep, he sat at the foot of her bed and was doing what I was often doing, just watching her breathe and hearing the beeping of her heart.

“What’re you doing here?” I asked. It was about 1am, and visiting hours were definitely over.

He looked at me, probably about to make up some excuse, but when he saw the look in my eyes and the smirk on my face, he relented. “You know why. Even after everything that happened to you back there, I knew you knew the moment you looked at me like that.”

“You gave yourself away by putting both JT and Dalton outside her door,” I wiggled my eyebrows. He just sighed. “You really do like her, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do. She’s just so…” he trailed off, gesturing to her general figure.

I offered a small laugh, careful not to wake her, “Don’t I know it.” And I did know how it felt to be around her. Not only was she a literal tech genius, but in the dark line of work she was in, and the usual depressive state of everyone around her, her unfaltering light was enough to keep her as an asset to the team. It was no wonder that a man, used to working in a ring like mine, would be attracted to someone so pretty, and sweet, and smart as Penelope.

“It’s never going to work, though,” Deen said, looking over at me.

“And why shouldn’t it?”

“Are you blind? Look at her. She’s … everything. What do I even have to offer her? More depressing news?” Deen huffed.

“Are you blind? She’s been flirting with you this whole time. She has a unique way of going about that, like teasing you and pretending to ignore you and only every now and then making a passive aggressive, backhanded compliment, but she likes you, too. Trust me. And don’t degrade yourself. Sure, you’re not as smart as she is-”

“She reminds me of that frequently,” Deen said with a smile.

“None of us are. There is no one else like her, but Deen, you are smart, you are handsome, and you work hard. You’re a leader, and you’re the Penelope of our ring. When things get really dark, you do your best to keep it light. The two of you would be good together,” I finished.

“Thank you, Alionth.”

“Always. Now you just have to build up the courage to ask her out when this is over.”

“Are you kidding me? I nearly choked when I saw her in her work attire, I think I’d have a heart attack and die if I saw her in a dress for a date,” Deen said, eyes getting wide.

“I’m sure you would,” I agreed.

After a while, Deen commented, “That was some pretty good acting, by the way.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Back when you were on that feed with DeLeon? All those things you said were all very convincing.”

“That wasn’t acting,” I sighed, and Deen's eyes whipped over to mine, “Actually, that was the first time I haven’t been acting.”

“Why? Why then?” Deen was inspecting me curiously.

“I just decided to stop hiding. It’s exhausting.”

“But you do still love them both, right?”

I contemplated that for a few seconds before responding, “I honestly wish I didn’t.” It’d make all of our lives so much easier.

I didn’t have to expand, because Deen seemed to get the message. Somehow, he and I were always on the same page. For the rest of the night, Deen and I sat there thinking about what was to come and thanking our lucky stars that Penelope Garcia, and everyone else involved, was going to be okay.

Series Taglist (open)

@justanothetfangirl @kris-stuff @blameitonthenight21 @wooya1224 @unded-bride @swiftingday @dezzxmx

[dacreshoney]

vikings series 1 part 1

so this will be the first part of the vikings series list I am creating, I will go into a little summery about the character in which will have a name but I can also include Y/N imagines /alongisdebeside the characters name. 

warning: introduction, may be some swearing

(I do not own images/gifs or condone any violent behaviours)

intro more than anything this part

800 A.D 

summary: you are the Norse goddess Freya the daughter of the Great Norse god Njord of the wind wand waters and sister to Freyr/Yngvi the god of peace, fertility and rain. Freyja is the goddess of love, warfare, sex, fertility, death, beauty, magic, and witchcraft which has brought you many troubles in your life, you took form as your human self and lived among humans in which your father did not approve. You set your sights on Scandinavia, on a certain family, the Lothbrok family, you had foreseen in a vision with Frigg that this family would need your help in either saving the world or destroying it. You had grew close to Ragnar in his younger days, even his wife Lagertha adored you along with his brother Rollo, though it never took them long to believe you were the goddess freya. You would often come and go from their lives, watching over them. You made it clear you could not stay long, you overdid that already. your place was in Asgard, that was until you saw another fate beside the one where you would protect the lothbrok’s, this one would tie your destiny with one of Ragnar Lothbrok’s children, Ivar the Boneless. You were to be his saviour or you would join him on his bloody reign. Only time and the gods would tell what both of your fates would be. 

freya art: below

series 1 part one: an old and dear friend. 

you had foreseen another vision, you practiced magic and witchcraft often with Frigg, who was depicted as a Volva/seidr as well as yourself, this time the vision was dark and empty. Something was wrong, you felt desolate. The vision had foretold that Ragnar Lothbrok was dying o the would die by the hands of someone close to him, Frigg had foresaw a vision with his wife Aslaug plotting behind Ragnar's back with the seidr in Kattegat. 

“she plots, she wonders if there will ever be a woman ruler of Kattegat” Frigg implied, her hands over your Brisingamen necklace and a golden cauldron, your blood boils at the thought of Aslaug betraying someone you love so dearly, how could she turn her back on him after everything he has done for her you thought to yourself. 

“how dare she, she will never rule over Kattegat, over my dead body will I ever let her get her hands on everything Ragnar has achieved” you raised your voice in anger, turning harshly on your heal to look over at the rainbow bridge of Asgard, placing your hands on the railings, grasping so tightly you could easily break them. Frigg walked over to you, placing her hand on your shoulder, her fair touch easing you ever so slightly as she turned you to face her she spoke softly, “ there will be a woman rule one day over Kattegat, but it won't be Aslaug, that you will have to wait and see my dear one” 

“ I don’t see your fascination in these viking mutts freya, surely you could just kill them all and all your sorrows would be dealt with, or I could help you slaughter them all” Tyr followed, laughing, he was the god of war and a halfwit at that, he had no emotion or care for anyone other than himself. you edged away from Frigg aiming your sights at Tyr, raising your fist to grab his throat. “one more word from you tyr and I'm shoving the seat golden spear of your up your giant a ss ho...” Frigg interrupted, “now freya, now is not the time, you know where you need to go” 

You knew what you had to do, it was time to go back to Kattegat, a place you said to yourself you would never go back to, you told yourself you would watch and protect from afar to abide by your fathers rules and to conceal your feelings deep inside. But there was always something that would draw you back, back to them. you nodded your head to Frigg and a beam of light shown around your whole body as you teleported to Kattegat. 

As you overlooked on top of the snowy mountains of Kattegat, taking in that icy fresh air you so missed into your lungs, you set your sights on the great hall of Kattegat in the far distance. Using your sight see what was going off and where everyone was, but Ragnar was not there. Then you spotted Björn, a man now, tying your dearest Floki to a wooden pole. Speeding down to the front of the harbour at 100 miles an hour, you headed to the flock of people surrounding the Floki, throwing rocks at him. You made your way through the crowd, barging your way to the front, picking up a rock fro the floor, your eyes catching Floki and Björn’s who stood their in shock as you spoke jokingly,

“my dear Floki, what have you done now” you teased, playing with the dirty rock in your hand as Björn walked your way, embracing you in a hug, shooing off the crowd of people. “freya, my god, how I've missed you” Bjorn laughed as his arms wrapped themselves around you, then turning round to Floki, “and him, your dear friend has murdered a christian man out of malice” you laughed at Bjorn as you went to unchain Floki and spoke “a christian man I say, surely you could of dealt with this privately Bjorn, what would your mother say” you winked , helping Floki out of his chains as he embraced you also. 

“my mother, would be proud of me, for being a man” Bjorn answered back

“there are other ways to prove your a man bjorn and what would you father say, hmm, did he approve of this?” you questioned, walking towards Bjorn, heading towards the great hall. 

“no, he does not know, but I do not need my fathers approval freya” Bjorn spouted off in a huff as he followed you. 

You continued to laugh at Bjorn, making a joke out of the situation. Heading into the great hall, everyones eyes turned to you, pacing their eyes up and down at your beauty, Aslaug forcing a smile on her face at your presence, beside her 4 boys you had not seen before in person, but visions. Bjorn was about to speak up and announce your name, but you stopped him, one rule in Asgard was to not let your presence know so often, in which you had already broken that rule a long time ago, you preferred to keep it on the download this time. your gorgeous strawberry blonde locks blustering softly in the winter winds at the doors as you entered, those piercing golden eyes scouring the room, until you found those beautiful blue eyes of a man, well a man to you, a cripple to others, you locked his eyes as he crawled beside his mother Aslaug, mesmerised by your beauty. Bjorn, Floki and yourself headed towards where aslaug was sat on her thrown, you tried to keep your anger inside after foreseeing her thoughts. You stood proudly informant of her, your posture proud. At least you both could agree on something, you both were not happy to see each other in the slightest.

“Aslaug.. pleasure to see you again, and with sons, Ragnar must be so proud and.. happy, where is he may I ask” you spoke plainly, still never leaving her gaze, placing yourself on another seat beside Bjorn and Floki. She sneaked at you, knowing you'd know exactly what she was thinking, she tried her best to block you out, it never worked. 

“pleasures mine, freya.. and yes, he is proud, legitimate male heirs to the Lothbrok throne.. and as for Ragnar he is out, I'm sorry you missed him” she said sarcastically, digging at Bjorn and yourself. The other sons of Ragnar, questioning who this freya was, eyeing up each other still, looking for answers from their mothers face, Ivar’s sky blue eyes still never leaving your face. 

“no matter, I am here to stay for a while, I hope you don’t mind, myself and Ragnar have some things to attend to, I am sure you won't keep him from me for too long” you forced a smile, aiming for a reaction, she was good. Before she could answer, a familiar step headed towards you, you could smell his scent from miles away, that familiar scent you familiarised with home and family. 

“hello old friend, been a while” Ragnar spoke happily as you turned to face him, eyes beaming with joy to see him okay and alive, you embraced each other, aslaug jealousy was very much on show for everyone to see. 

[randomvarious]

Today’s compilation:

Working in a Coalmine 1992 Soul / R&B / Blues / Rock & Roll

One of my absolute most favorite things to do in this world, besides listen to music, is watch old TV commercials from the 80s and 90s. Some years ago, I came across a VHS of a Giants-Eagles game that my dad had recorded sometime in the mid-90s, and while I consider myself to be a pretty big Giants fan, I was actually way more fascinated by the commercials on that tape than I was the game. The designs of the cars, the fashion, the primitive graphics, the voiceovers, the logos, the fonts, the obsolete and extinct products and companies, the silly campaigns like the Budweiser frogs and the Bud Ice penguin, and of course, for some of them, the licensed music, too.

And this concept comp highlights that music: these are great songs that were able to earn themselves a new life because of the memorable commercials that they were featured in long after they were first released. Now, I myself have no connection to any of these songs through commercials, besides the whimsically cheery folk tune, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" by The New Seekers, which was famously co-opted by Coca-Cola into "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" (coincidentally, I actually mentioned that song in a post that I made just yesterday because one of the song's co-writers is the father of one of the artists that I was writing about); I'm just familiar with most of these songs through other means. But if anyone knows or remembers the commercials that they were featured in, I'd really love to see them.

Anyhoo, I actually kinda-sorta unwittingly developed this concept on my own a few years back with a Spotify mix I had made, too. It was the dead of winter and I really just had a hankering for summer, one like I'd never had before and haven't had since. So I ended up making a two-and-a-half-hour playlist of songs that reminded me of summers past. And guess what? By the time I had finished making it, I had come to realize that a bunch of the songs that I had first added to it were actually first exposed to me through really summery turn-of-the-millennium commercials. "Starry-Eyed Surprise" by Paul Oakenfold and Shifty Shellshock came from a Diet Coke commercial with rollerskating at dusk; the Soulchild remix of "19-2000" by the Gorillaz was in an Icebreakers ad; "Smile" by Vitamin C was from a commercial for the Hershey bar, set at an outdoor concert; "Where's Your Head At" by Basement Jaxx was in a Pringles ad that largely took place at a skate park; and Groove Armada's "My Friend" was prominently featured in a famous Nike ad. I didn't even realize how deep of an impact that these commercials had had on me, but here were all these songs from those ads sitting in front of me that my brain had somehow naturally linked to summer.

It's really wild how the human mind works.

And for anyone who's interested, here's that playlist I made. It's called "An Endless Capri Sun or Starburst or Juicyfruit Commercial From Like the Summer of 2002." It flat-out rules and it'll really put you in that late 90s-early aughts summer mindset.

Highlights:

Lee Dorsey - "Working in a Coalmine" Muddy Waters - "Mannish Boy" Percy Sledge - "When a Man Loves a Woman" Louis Armstrong - "What a Wonderful World" Fontella Bass - "Rescue Me" Ben E. King - "Stand by Me" Nina Simone - "My Baby Just Cares for Me" Muddy Waters - "You're Gonna Need My Help" Steppenwolf - "Born to Be Wild" Jerry Lee Lewis - "C.C. Rider" Little Richard - "Tutti Frutti" Sam Cooke - "Wonderful World" Mungo Jerry - "In the Summertime" The Zombies - "She's Not There" The New Seekers - "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" Ray Charles - "Unchain My Heart" The Platters - "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" Little Richard - "Keep on Knockin'" Al Jarreau - "Lean on Me" The Bellamy Brothers - "Let Your Love Flow (live)" Honeybus - "I Can't Let Maggie Go" Sam Cooke - "Cupid" Dinah Washington - "Mad About the Boy"

[the-fiction-witch]

Brainwashed

MOVIE MAZE RUNNER

COUPLE NEWT X READER

RATING SWEET

I sat under the rock listening for the sound of the train on her horizon. I wanted nothing more for this whole plan to start so we could get it over without a hitch, we had to get them back. 

Poor Minho, my best friend for so many years having been through so much together I can only imagine the merciless things they have done to him.

Sonya and Aris, even if I didn't know either of them too well… they still helped us and where kind to us I can only imagine the horrors the two have endured.

And y/n… I didn't dare to think what they had done to her. She was the sweetest thing in the world, I don't remember a time she didn't have a smile even if it was faint in the worst of times, I cared for her so much in the glade and the scorch I just didn't want her to be hurt. I'd give my life to see her again… even just for a moment, to tell her what I likely should have years ago. 

I heard the train as well as the sound of Brenda and Thomas' cars. I listened to the gunshots and the train car slowly stopping. And I heard the whistle so I jumped up grabbing my stuff and heading over 

"Come on newt we got about five minutes" Thomas says 

"Okay, I'm going" I answered getting my goggles on and starting to cut the attachment to the car 

"How's it coming?" Thomas yelled down 

"Don't rush me!" I yelled back, as soon as we finished getting it off we rushed onto the top and connected up to the berg and headed off back to camp.

I stood nervously as they worked on getting the door open and after a couple of minutes it fell open and we quickly headed Inside, we saw some kids all of which we didn't know I saw Aris and Sonya so I smiled briefly to them and continued on but no minho and no y/n, I turned and glared to Thomas as he was the one who picked the train car I was happy Sonya and Aris where back but wicked still had minho and y/n. I stormed out hitting his shoulder as I went past him going and sitting on my bed. 

Once we talked to Sonya and Aris we started trying to think of some other plans even if I mostly wanted to keep out of it, with my arm getting worse and worse I just wanted to see Minho and y/n one last time before I started to lose my mind. 

"Newt!" Fry yelled as he ran into the room I share with him, Thomas and now Aris 

"What's wrong?" I asked 

"Brenda found something" he says 

"Found what?" I asked 

"I think you better see" he smirked so I followed him out to the edge of the camp where Brenda stood with her gun as did Thomas there was a man they had managed to restrain with rope he had a wicked uniform 

"What's going on?" I asked 

"Me and Brenda where heading out across the desert, we found a wicked transport" Thomas answered 

"What were you and Brenda doing?" I asked curiously

"That doesn't matter newt" Thomas argued 

"What were you doing?" I asked the wicked man 

He wouldn't speak

"Answered the Brit" Brenda warned moving her gun faster 

"Janson thought you might attack the train so I was told to go quiet with the transport to move her without anyone knowing, not even anyone in wicked" he explained

"Move her? Move who?" Thomas asked and it clicked it my head 

"Move her? Move y/n! Of course" I sighed 

"What are you talking about newt?" Fry asks 

"I may hate janson with every bone in my body but I have to admit he's not an idiot. He knows no matter what we would never go anywhere with Minho and y/n…" I explain "minho and y/n were never in the train, they were never meant to be the train was meant to be a distraction, he puts Sonya and Aris up as the consolation prize without even the guarantee we would get them out. Fifty fifty chance we would get Aris and Sonya but while we work on the train they secretly and quietly move minho and y/n," I explain 

"Where is she?" Thomas asked him 

"Inside" he sighed knowone could stop me as I ran over to the transport and I saw her sat handcuffed to the chair in a little blue dress with her code on she looked strange she just stared into the distance unaware of anything

"Y/n! Oh my God y/n, thank God you're alright" I said hugging her tightly slightly crying and happy to see her.

She looked at me but in a way that seemed like she was looking through me, as if she didn't recognize me, she didn't know me. I unchained her but she didn't move. She just stayed exactly as she was. 

"Y/n? It's me? It's newt… don't you remember me?" I asked her but she turned her head slightly to the side. She blinked twice and still made no expression or sounds.

"Where is my master?" She asked 

"Master? Y/n What are you talking about?" I asked her she didn't answer she just turned back how she was before and she didn't move y/n come on I'm getting you out of here" I told her trying to tug her along but she wouldn't move so I sighed and picked her up like a bride and carried her out 

"Something is wrong with her!" I told everyone else.

We sat down, all of us having a cup of tea as we sat looking at y/n. She just sat in the chair in her dress she barely blinked, and almost never moved unless someone else moved her. She didn't speak, she didn't remember any of us…

"What the fuck have they done to her?" I asked 

"No idea, she looks like she in some sort of trance" Brenda suggested clicking her fingers in front of y/n but she didn't even react 

"She said something in the transport...she asked where my master is? Any idea?" I asked 

"You kids really can't work out what's wrong with her?" Vince laughed leaning on the wall 

"No, what's wrong with her?" I asked 

"It's something we saw with wickedness in the early years, honestly at some point you kids all looked like this too." He explained "what are your names?" He asks 

"You know our names Vince, Thomas, Fry, newt" Thomas began

"Your real names? The ones before that? You don't remember. They can add chips to hide and stop you but a part of you will always know it's a lie, you won't believe if you've been forced to forget." He explained  "so they forcefully change your head until you accept it, someone at wicked has changed her" he explained 

"What for?" I asked 

"Well… as janson was the one who wanted to have her moved secretly and given she keeps looking for her master it's uhh likely janson was using her" he explained

"Using? Oohh…" fry said as he worked out what Vince was talking about 

"That bastard!" I yelled.

We found y/n a little bedroom away from everyone else as she still was struggling with everything going on. I spend a lot of my time with her trying to wake her out of what they had done with her, But to no avail. 

She sat in her little dress on her bed still barely looking at me 

"Y/n? Do you remember the night we left the maze?" I asked her she didn't respond "the night before we left I stood passing outside the door of your room for hours" he explained "I wanted to kiss you, I wanted to tell you I loved you, I thought we were going to die and even though I waited for hours I couldn't bring myself to go in" I explain "I don't know how many times I've wanted to kiss you, wanted to tell you how I felt, I wish want the girl I fell in love with back before… before I can't remember you anymore" I told her 

"Master?" She asks 

"No, y/n I'm not your master, knowone is your master your an amazing beautiful independent woman who used to beat me up all the time, Don't you remember punching winston because he accidentally held your butt" I laughed 

"Master" she giggled nuzzling into my neck 

"Uuuuhhh…. Y/n? What are you doing?' I asked her as she nuzzled closer and her hand stroking my arm 

"Master" she giggled

"Uuuhhh…..y/n, wake up, snap out of it" I told her 

"Master play with me" she giggled

"Maybe...if I do what you want I'll wake you out of it?" I asked more to myself

"Master" she giggled

"Ohh fuck it fine" I smirked kissing her…

I smirked holding her close both of us cuddling cosy under the covers, 

"So you're feeling better?" I asked her 

"Ummm much better, thanks for getting me out of that newt" she smiled nuzzling closer to me 

"Your welcome my love" I smiled kissing her sweet lips. 

[queen-of-deans-booty]

Abandon All Hope: Final Part

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Word Count: 1,911

Warnings: typical supernatural violence, language, angst, blood, you know the usual

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Supernatural. All credit goes to their respective owners. Any and all comments on these are appreciated. I really want to hear what you guys think about this one!

Feedback is the glue that holds my writing together.

Tags at the bottom

“That's my girl, you're okay, honey,” Ellen whispered to her daughter as she held her.

Jo wasn’t looking too good, and you were trying everything you could not to break down here and now. You’ve been using your magic to heal the wound, and it’s been working, but her body has been drained of so much blood that even if the wound was closed, she wasn’t going to make it.

“Now we know where the devil's gonna be, we know when, and we have the Colt.”

“Yeah. We just have to get past eight or so hellhounds and get to the farm by midnight.”

“Yeah, and that's after we get Jo and Ellen the hell out of town.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“What about a stretcher? I can use my magic to conceal them from Meg or whoever looks at them,” you suggested.

“I'll see what we got,” Sam said, turning to leave when Jo stopped him.

“Stop. Guys, stop. Can we, uh, be realistic about this, please? I can't move my legs. I can't be moved. My guts are being held in by an ace bandage. We gotta—we gotta get our priorities straight here. Number one, I'm not going anywhere.”

“Joanna Beth, you stop talking like that,” Ellen choked up.

“Mom. I can't fight. I can't walk. But I can do something. We got propane, wiring, rock salt, iron nails, and everything else we need.”

“Everything we need?” you wondered.

“To build a bomb, Y/N.”

“No. Jo, no, that’s crazy!”

“You got another plan? You got any other plan? Those are hellhounds out there, Y/N. They've got all of our scents. Those bitches will never stop coming after you. We let the dogs in, you guys hit the roof, make a break for the building next over. I can wait here with my finger on the button, rip those mutts a new one. Or at least get you a few minutes' head start, anyway.”

“No, I—I won't let you,” Ellen cried.

“This is why we're here, right? If I can get us a shot on the devil—Dean, we have to take it.”

“No!” Ellen shouted, looking at Dean. “That’s not—”

“Mom, this might literally be your last chance to treat me like an adult. Might wanna take it?” she coughed.

Ellen starts sobbing, and you let tears fall from your eyes at the realization that Jo isn’t going to see tomorrow… and Ellen might not either.

“You heard her. Get to work,” Ellen sniffled.

Wiping the tears from your eyes, you and the Winchesters set out to make the bombs, filling them with nails and rock salt for shrapnel. All of those bombs took time, and it was night fall when you finished. Sam takes Jo’s hand while Dean strings the wire to the button she will hold.

“Okay, this is it. I'll see you on the other side. Probably sooner than later,” Dean chuckled humorlessly.

“Make it later,” she sighed.

Dean puts the button in Jo’s hand. She didn’t like this even though it was necessary for survival. He kissed her forehead meaningfully before pulling away. Ellen came back and took a seat next to her daughter. Mother and daughter stared at one another before Ellen smiled.

“Mom, no.”

“Somebody's gotta let them in. Like you said, you're not moving. You got me, Jo. And you're right, this is important. But I will not leave you here alone.”

“Ellen,” you got tears again.

“Get going now,” she sniffled.

“Ellen!”

“I said go,” she urged. The tears wouldn’t stop leaking from your eyes even as you forced yourself to walk away. “Dean? Kick it in the ass. Don’t miss.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he nodded.

“I am so sorry,” you whispered.

Ellen got up, unchains the doors, sweeps away the salt line, opens the propane tanks, sits back down next to Jo, and hugs her. Dean forced you out the back door even though you didn’t want to. As you were climbing down the fire escape, you were sobbing quietly. Jo was your only good girl friend, and Ellen was like a maternal figure in your life. It was hard knowing you were leaving them in there to die. As soon as your feet touched the ground, you three began running down the alley. When you got far enough, the hardware store exploded, and you turned to watch it burn.

“JO!!” you screamed, but Dean covered your mouth before anyone else could hear.

“Come on,” he urged.

He had to force you to follow them before you could follow on your own. You kept your sobs quiet as you ran to the farm and through bushes. When you arrived at the scene, dozens of men stand in the field, their attention on something you couldn’t see.

“Guess we know what happened to some of the townspeople,” Dean noticed.

“Okay, last words?” Sam asked.

“I think I’m good,” Dean nodded.

“Yeah. Me too.”

“I love you both so much,” you blurted out, wiping away the dried tears.

“Here goes nothing,” Dean breathed heavily.

Sam got up and walked out in the open with a shot gun even though it wouldn’t do any good on the Devil. Dean took your hand and led you across the way to have a bit of surprise on him.

“Hey!” Sam yelled, approaching Lucifer. The devil turns and drops the shovel in his hands. “You wanted to see me?”

“Oh, Sam, you don't need that gun here. You know I'd never hurt you. Not really.”

“Yeah? Well, we’d hurt you,” Dean grinned, coming out in the open.

You trailed behind with your eyes glowing bright blue and magic swirling around your hands. Dean pointed the Colt at Lucifer and shot him point-blank in the forehead. The angel fell to the ground, but none of the men surrounding you do anything about it.

“Is that it?” you asked.

After a minute or so, Lucifer took a deep breath and sat up.

“Owww,” he complained. The hole in his head started closing as he stood up. “Where did you get that?”

Lucifer had a look of murder in his eyes, and when he approached Dean, you knew he was going to hurt him. Without thinking, you rushed in front of Dean just as Lucifer’s fist came up to punch Dean. Your hand made contact with his, but a layer of magic separated the two kinds of flesh. Your eyes only glowed a brighter blue the more magic you exerted on the archangel. He was impressed you could do this, but he knew he was more powerful than you were.

“Even locked away in a cage, Amara is still a pain in my ass,” he chuckled.

He used more of his strength to knock you to the ground, and he still managed to punch Dean right into a tree which knocked him out. He walked away from you, and you scrambled over to Dean to help him.

“I’ll deal with you later,” Lucifer growled.

“Dean? Dean!” you panicked, putting your blue hand to his forehead.

His skin absorbed the magic you gave him, and he opened his eyes as soon as it did its thing.

“Now, where were we?” Lucifer chuckled. Sam watched with a horrified look as he picked up his shovel once more. “Don't feel too bad, Sam. There are only five things in all of creation that that gun can't kill, and I just happen to be one of them. But if you give me a minute, I'm almost done.”

Lucifer goes back to digging in his hole, and Sam looked at you to make sure his brother was alright. When you gave the nod of approval, he focused back on the angel.

“You know, I don't suppose you'd just say yes here and now? End this whole tiresome discussion? That's crazy, right?”

“It's never gonna happen!”

“Oh, I don't know, Sam. I think it will,” Lucifer goes back to digging. “I think it'll happen soon. Within six months, and I think it'll happen in Detroit.”

“You listen to me, you son of a bitch. I'm gonna kill you myself, you understand me? I'm going to rip your heart out!”

“That's good, Sam. You keep fanning that fire in your belly. All that pent-up rage. I'm gonna need it,” he grinned.

Sam visibly calmed down, looking at the townspeople still all around him.

“What did you do? What did you do to this town?”

“Oh, I was very generous with this town. One demon for every able-bodied man.”

“And the rest of them?”

“In there. I know, it's awful, but these horsemen are so demanding. So, it was women and children first. I know what you must think of me, Sam, but I have to do this. I have to. You of all people should understand.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Sam asked, and Lucifer dropped the shovel.

“I was a son. A brother, like you, a younger brother, and I had an older brother who I loved. Idolized, in fact. One day I went to him and I begged him to stand with me, and Michael turned on me. He called me a freak, a monster. Then, he beat me down all because I was different. Because I had a mind of my own. Tell me something, Sam, any of this sound familiar? Anyway. You'll have to excuse me. Midnight is calling and I have a ritual to finish. Don't go anywhere. Not that you could if you would.”

Lucifer turned to the hole he dug and began chanting as did the demons around him. Sam rushed over to you and Dean, and you helped the older brother sit up.

“Now repeat after me. We offer up our lives, blood, souls to complete this tribute,” Lucifer chanted, his disciples repeating after him.

One by one, the demons flash gold and fall over, dead. You and the Winchesters looked at Lucifer like he murdered an entire town—oh wait, he did.

“What? They're just demons,” Lucifer shrugged, going back to stare at the mass grave.

The ground starts to rumble, but Castiel appeared next to you three. He placed his finger on his lips to signal to you to be quiet. He used his abilities to teleport all three of you out of there and back at your dad’s house.

All of this, and Ellen and Jo died for nothing.

The glasses from Ellen and Castiel’s drinking competition are still on the table. The TV is on, showing a tornado with a caption that reads, “STATE OF EMERGENCY, Paulding County" and "KOUA 16".

“Just received an update that the governor has declared a state of emergency for Paulding County, including the towns of Marion, Fetterville, and Carthage. The storm system has reportedly touched off a number of tornadoes in the area,” the TV reporter announced.

You, Dean, Sam, and your dad all gather around the fireplace. After you told your dad what happened and how Ellen and Jo died for nothing, he didn’t say anything about it. How could he?

“Death tolls have yet to be estimated, but state officials expect the loss of life and property to be staggering.”

Your dad held a copy of the picture that was taken earlier. No one could bear to even look at the damn thing, so he tossed it into the fire and just watched it burn…

Like the rest of the world will do.

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[930club]

We recently chatted with Jamie Stillman, owner and mastermind of Akron, Ohio’s Earthquaker Devices, one of the leading innovators in guitar pedals/effects. We touch on everything from general guitar nerdery to how the pandemic is affecting the day-to-day operations of EQD. You can delve more into everything Earthquaker Devices related here.

Dave Kezer [9:30 Club]: There’s a joke that anyone who starts to listen to rap immediately wants to try to rap. It seems like anyone who starts to build guitar pedals immediately thinks they can start a pedal company. What do you think it takes to actually get a company off the ground in a sustainable way?

LOL! I used to make a similar joke that every guitar player with a soldering iron is a pedal company. It used to feel that way, but I think the craze has died down. It takes a lot of patience, hard work, and (possibly most importantly) good ideas to build a stable effect pedal company. They almost always start out as a hobby and it’s good to realize when it has moved beyond that point. In my case, it was very important to realize when I was in over my head and when to bring on people who have real knowledge in handling the business on a day-to-day level and have the ability to look at the bigger picture. I have punk rock business skills which worked up to a point, but I’m better suited to the creative role.

In your EQDQ&A Ep. 1, you joked about how long it took you to truly start understanding the differences/complexities of gear. I nerd out on gear so much that sometimes I lose focus on just enjoying playing instruments for the sake of it. How far is too far when it comes to putting every facet of gear under the microscope?

I think the threshold is different for everyone. There are people who won’t settle down until every piece of gear they own is top of the line and Reddit approved and there are people who don’t give a shit if their cable crackles if it moves a certain way. I put myself in the middle. I don’t really care about the proven quality or name brand of whatever I’m using, and I just make sure it works 100% of the time whenever possible. I make an exception on pickups, cables and power supplies because I think those are the most important part of the equation for me personally. I’ll always use the best I can find, and I decide what is best by putting it to use and seeing how it performs.

Your feature on the Rainbow Machine focuses on the usability of weird pedals. Have you designed something so weird that it is truly unusable?

Personally, I don’t find the Rainbow Machine to be so weird, but a lot of other people do, so we ran with that. I know the “pixie trails” function of the Magic switch is obnoxious, but I think it’s cool. There are way weirder pedals out there, lol. I’ve definitely designed things that I thought were cool but not exactly functional in every setting, but I usually work to make them more multi-dimensional. There’s only one that I’ve been working on for a really long time that has a million controls with minimal functionality. I’m not sure I’ll ever finish it but it’s (kind of) fun to keep trying once or twice a year when the mood strikes.

Are there any guitars that you’re completely satisfied with and won’t continue to modify? It seems like for gear people (myself included), a piece of gear will operate at 99% of its maximum potential, but the search for that 1% will make your brain itch forever and lead to continued modification.

No, I constantly modify all of my guitars lol. I change pickups a lot, more than anyone should. The closest I think I’ve gotten to “perfection” would be my stock Nash Telecaster and a heavily modded Fender Jazzmaster. The Jazzmaster is a 60th anniversary that I gutted and replaced almost everything except the neck and body. It has Seymour Duncan custom shop ’59 humbuckers for Jazzmaster with 500K push/pull pots for coil tapping and the rhythm circuit is removed. It also has locking tuners, a Mastery vibrato, bridge, and string tree. It still feels too new, but it sounds perfect.

Your Reverb “Does This Work?” interview focuses on old effects and their tendency to break down over time. What are the typical things that cause old circuits to stop working?

In my experience it has been dust, humidity, and neglect resulting in bad switches, corroded solder joints, cracked wires and dried caps. I never get around to fixing my old gear though. I’ll get in there if I really want to use something, but I’ll usually turn it over to Joe Golden, our in-house repair wizard. Most of the broken gear in the Reverb video is still broken…

Two of my favorite EQD pedals are the Tentacle and the Acapulco Gold, if not simply because there are one/no options to choose from when getting sounds. I tend to get freaked out when I see a pedal that has 4+ knobs, which is something I’m working on, haha. Where do you draw the line when it comes to simplicity vs. versatility when designing pedals?

I used to have a “whatever it takes” approach to design as long as it wasn’t confusing for the general user, but I’ve been moving towards a “less is more” approach. I don’t think pedals should require hours of reading manuals and menu diving to use. The faster you can get to making actual music the better. That’s not to say I don’t have some elaborate, sometimes confusing, products in the pipeline but I’m generally leaning towards simple design.

Don’t mean to be a bummer, but I have to ask — how has the pandemic affected EQD’s business operations? If I understand correctly — it seems like your builders are assembling pedals at home?

We have taken the pandemic very seriously. We knew the shutdown was coming and some of our employees had already been working to get things in place to make the transition to home building as easy as we could. We had almost 50 employees working from home for almost three months and the production capacity was greatly reduced. We didn’t ship any product for about two months. We kept all the employees on the payroll and had regular Zoom meetings to keep everyone up to date on what we were doing. Now, as of June 16, 2020, we are still mostly working from home but we have a skeleton crew in the shop so we can populate PCB’s more efficiently and start shipping product. We completely rearranged the shop to spread people out and invested a lot of time and money into making it a safe and sanitary workspace. We have gone above and beyond all the recommended protocols — too many precautions to list. It would be very hard to catch any illness inside EQD now.

Do you have a favorite “Let’s Go!” guitar riff? For example, whenever I’m driving and “Unchained” comes on the radio, I dime the volume and start driving like a complete lunatic.

I’m pretty reserved but, oddly enough, “Unchained” is also one of my favorite riffs ever! I think I play it at least once every time I pick up a guitar. Also a big fan of “Siberian Khatru” by Yes once it kicks in. Same with “In the Light” and “Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin and anything on Sonic Youth’s Sister. I guess these are more riffs that I wish I wrote than riffs that make me lose my shit. I guess most of them also make me sound like a real dad rocker too.

Is there a piece of gear you’ve spent a completely stupid amount of money on simply because you had to have it?

Yes, a Sunn Model T and it was worth every penny! It’s the most perfect amp I’ve ever owned.  

Not asking you to talk smack, but do you have a “Dumbest Pedal Ever Designed” award in your head?

I’ll keep my mouth shut on this one.

Finally, have you been through D.C. while touring or seeing shows? Anything about D.C. venues or the music scene in general you’d like to share?

I’ve been through D.C. about six or seven times, maybe more. I’ve always held D.C. in high regard because of Dischord records and bands like Ignition, Bad Brains, Jawbox, Fugazi, etc. 9:30 Club is actually one my favorite venues ever. I’ve been through twice when I was tour managing and the staff was super friendly and accommodating, which is unfortunately rare in the touring world. It also has the best green room of any venue I ever worked in; the bunks are a nice touch!

— Dave Kezer

[benzbantz]

Best 100 Songs of the decade!

As a new decade will be upon us shortly (the 20’s) I wanted to share some of my favourite tracks from the last 10 years. I’m a pop and rap guy mostly so that’s what you can mostly expect but hopefully a few surprises along the way. I’ll post 100 songs I really loved (in no particular order) then my top 25 absolute favourites at the end. Ok here we go

~Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

To limit myself to just one GaGa track is cruel and not easy, Edge of Glory and Born this Way are both anthems and technically this came out last moment 2009 ..but didn’t pop until 2010. A classic that makes it to most my playlists.

~Airplanes- B.O.B ft Hayley Williams (A classic no need to say more.)

~Love the Way you Lie - Eminem ft Rihanna

A absolutely brutal tune about a toxic relationship full of of lies and abuse, the powerful video really sells the tone of the song.

~Rescue Me - Skepta

Used to love Grime but gone off it for a while now. I wouldn’t call this an outright grime track but Skepta def brings the gritty uk rap scene on this one.

~Forget you ~ Ceeloo Green

Thou I prefer the Gnarls Barkley music style, this is still a awesome tune. Always fun to tell someone to do one in a sing song melody.

~Written in the Stars- Tinie Tempah ft Eric Turner

Used to love me some TT, this was a real catchy banger with great chorus by Eric Turner.

~Raise your glass - Pink (Not much to say, a pop classic)

~I need a Dr - Eminem, ft Dr Dre and Skylar Grey

This is such a underrated song. You have to really know your Dre and Em history to catch everything being said (which I won’t go into here) Brilliant tune and my fave they both worked on together that decade.

~Animal- Neon Trees

Really catchy little number that I enjoyed from first hearing.

~Look at me now - Chris Brown ft Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes rap, that is all!

~Moves like Jagger - Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera

A great sing a long featuring two artists I’m not mad about really so a surprise like from me.

~ In the heat of the moment - Noah Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

What a tune, completely missed this first time around heard on a tv show recently checked it was this decade and then added it right on the list. Banger.

~Summertime Sadness AND ~Love - Lana Del Ray

2 for 1. When Summertime Sadness came out I was mesmerised by Lana’s voice had never heard anything like it before. Safe to say she is my artist of the decade but haven’t raided this count down with all her music. A couple here and a couple of my absolute faves in my ultimate top 25. Love was very heard to keep out of my top 25.

~Stronger (What doesn’t kill you) - Kelly Clarkson

Come on now, if you haven’t belted this one out the top of your lungs at least once I don’t know what you’ve been doing the last ten years.

~Somebody that I used to know - Goyte ft Kimbra

Went thru moments of really liking this song then it really irritating me (played on radio A LOT), thankfully years later the hype has died so I can appreciate it once more.

Midnight City- M83

This is not really my sort of music at all ,so much so I’m not even sure how to describe it. Has a 80’s feel which I love. Just love the infusion of synths and instrumental. Plus the singer has a very calm melodic voice. Great track.

~T.H.E - Will.I.Am ft Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez

Absolutely love this song so catchy very Fergie era BEP sounding, with a great guest solo from Mick Jagger.

~212 - Azealia Banks (not much to add on this, banger!)

~Too Close - Alex Close

If you don’t recognise this song from title you will once you hear it, such a forgotten gem.

~Picking up the Pieces - Paloma Faith

Another unique voice that def makes my top ten newly discovered artists this decade is Paloma Faith, her cover of Mama Cass’s Make your own kind of music also deserves a strong mention. Also not related to the music but Paloma is mad as a box of frogs in real life which I love.

~Bangarang- Skrillex

Yeah you’re not leaving alive from this post without a Skrillex nod I’m afraid, not a big dubstep fan but jumped aboard the band wagon when it was big for five minutes, this songs only thing that made it back with me thou.

~Hall of Fame - The Script ft Will.I.Am

First let’s clear this up I’m not a massive Will.I.Am fan or anything, he was just in EVERYTHING for the first few years of the 10’s. It’s a great song regardless.

~Harder then You think - Public Enemy (What a track, can’t say much more, banger.)

~Locked out of Heaven- Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars had some amazing tracks his debut album Doo Wops and Hooligans featured some brilliant tunes which sadly I just didn’t have space for in this countdown, Grenade, lazy song , Just the way you are, but I’m showing some love to Unorthodox Jukebox here and it’s best track giving Bruno Mars a edgier new vibe.

~Chocolate- 1975

Not my sort of music usually but really enjoyed this laid back rock number,

~Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft Pharrell Williams

Disco is back! Or is was in 2013 when this tune came out, one of the biggest selling singles worldwide in the 2010’s so not much more detail needed on its inclusion.

~Let her Go- Passenger

Nice little number, always liked this one, never really got into there other stuff but had to give this a shout out.

~Can’t hold us - Macklemore ft Ryan Lewis

The Heist is one of my fave albums from the last decade features some great tracks, same love and Thrift Shop get a shout out but this track was my fave, uplifting and full of energy.

~La La La - Naughty Boy feat Sam Smith

This was Sam Smith’s big feature hit before they became the successful solo artist they are now. Great track very different to the music Sam does now.

~Work Bitch - Britney Spears

Don’t roll your eyes! This is a banger, now get to work bitch!

~Rap God - Eminem

For Eminem’s big solo feature on this countdown it was between this, The Ringer or Not afraid. You may of guessed I’m a Eminem fan and have tried to keep his entries down but one does not simply do a music countdown and not include Rap God.

~Of the Night - Bastille

Really like this band they have some great hits, Pompeii is another great song of theirs that I didn’t have space to include. I went for this eerie cover version of the Corona 90’s dance classic as my pick.

~Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus (Leave me alone it’s a good song ok 😂)

~Riptide- Vance Joy

A little hidden gem I’d forgotten about until I put this list together.

~Who did that to you? - John Legend

Was going to obviously include All of me in this spot but then I remembered this absolute hit from Django unchained which sneaks in and takes the spot. Both great songs thou.

~Nobody to Love - Sigma (Great little dance track not much to add)

~ When the Party’s Over - Billy Eilish

Yes I’m a 35 year old Billy Eilish fan ok leave me alone lol. Seriously thou this girl is super talented and she’s up there in my fave artists of the decade. There will be more of her in my top 25 but this haunting track deserves a mention.

~Turn down for What - DJ Snake ft Lil Jon

It’s Lil Jon yelling really load of course it’s a banger. Also worth mentioning Ice T did a awesome Rap rock version of this song and it’s amazing!

~Problem- Ariana Grane ft Iggy Azalea

Those saxophone’s thou! Groovy little number no explanation needed.

~Chandelier- Sia

Such a power anthem, I came out as trans in 2014 so this song holds a lot of personal meaning with me but regardless is a great song anyway.

~Thinking Out Load - Ed Sheeran

I’m not the biggest Ed Sheeran fan ,take him or most often leave him ,but did like this sweet ballad. Nothing against his voice it’s his songs that don’t often do it for me but this was great.

~Good Kisser- Usher

Never been huge Usher fan ,liked his earlier stuff, confessions and all that. This was a surprise jazzy bluesy type number thou that I really enjoyed.

~Rude- Magic (A catchy sing along tune)

~Zombie - Jamie T

This guy was one of my fave artists of the 00’s, and thou his newest stuff imo doesn’t compare to his older this was still a tune.

~I - Kendrick Lemar

This is actually best when played after the song ‘U’ , the latter being a self hating song ‘loving you Is complicated’ vs I’s ‘I love myself’ different ends of the spectrum I just included ‘I’as you can enjoy that one on its own but to get the best out of that track I highly recommend listening to U first.

~See you again- Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth

A sad song given it’s a tribute to Paul Walker who died in a car accident. Was overplayed a lot at the time but stands strong several years later.

~Dark Times - The Weeked an Ed Sheeran

What a track, their voices mesh perfectly together in this somber number.

~ Trouble - Iggy Azalea ft Jennifer Hudson (Banger)

~Hotline Bling - Drake

So many Drake songs I could of included, (he will appear again in the top 25) gods plan, headlines, in my feelings, nice for what, all absolutely great tracks but I had to go for my personal fave out of the bunch.

~You don’t own me - Grace ft G-Easy

This may be an odd one to some but I’ve always loved the original by Lesley Gore and this is a amazing cover. Grace has a lovely voice (and there is a non rap version if you’re so inclined) Love a good cover version and this is a awesome cover version.

~Side to Side - Ariana Grande ft Nicki Minaj

Hmm guess I’m a Ariana Grande fan, who knew. A cheeky little number and the first appearance in this countdown of a certain fave rapper of mine.

~Panda - Desiigner (another one where there’s not much I need to add, great tune)

~Dancing on my own - Robyn OR Callum Scott

Take your pick the Robyn original or the Callum Scott cover version, both stand alone great tracks, the original more a melancholy dance track the cover a somber ballad. Both brilliant.

~Alarm - Anne-Marie

A nice little pop tune, really like her voice

~Rockabye- Clean Bandit ft Anne-Marie and Sean Paul

Speaking of Anne-Marie, another great pop track. Super catchy sing along. Sean Paul can be hit or miss for me but works well with this track.

~Human - Rag N Bone Man

This is another one there’s not much I can add this guy’s voice is amazing. Brilliant song particularly love the chains you can hear rattling throughout (reminds me of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ain’t no grave’)

~Black Beatles - Rae Stremmurd ft Gucci Mane

Yep that’s some mumble rap to add to the list (told you my music taste was varied) As a whole I don’t love mumble rap but there’s some stand out tracks including this one.

~Thunder- Imagine Dragons

One of my favourite bands from the last decade, like most there stuff. This song has a great song along chorus. Really catchy track.

~New Rules And IDGAF - Dua Lipa

Honestly couldn’t pick from the two really like them both equally. So you get a double. Catchy pop tracks.

~Sorry not Sorry - Demi Lovato

It was between this or Sober (another great Demi track) but ultimately went with the more upbeat pop number.

~Havana - Camila Cabelllo ft Young Thug (A nice chilled Latino style track.)

~Perfect - Ed Sheeran

A beautiful song by Ed Sheeran,other then ‘sing’ and the previous mentions I’m not really into his stuff but this is lovely track.

~Feel it Still - Portugal the Man

Really catchy song can’t help but tap your toes along to it.

~False Alarm- The Weekend

This was something different from the Weekend, really enjoy this song, Weekend is one of my other fave artists to come out the 2010’s.

~Sanctify — Years and years

Wasn’t keen on there earlier dance stuff but when they found there sound I really enjoyed them.

~This is America- Childish Gambino

Great as this song is you really need to watch the music video as well for the song to have its full impact. Love Childish Gambino could of put several of his songs in this list, excited for future music from this guy.

~Solo - Clean Bandit ft Demi Lovato

A cheeky little pop number you can’t help but sing along to.

~Shotgun - George Ezra

One of those artists I can’t decide if I’m into or not, like one song then not keen on the next, it’s strange, but no denying this is a great song.

~Lucid Dreams - Juice WRLD (RIP)

First off Rest in peace Juice, recently died at 21, very sad. The guy was super talented and was looking forward to his future stuff. Could of picked a few tracks but this was the first song I heard of his so that’s got to be my shout out.

~Only You - Cheat Codes ft Little Mix

Although I don’t mind Little Mix this is there only entry on my list. A nice catchy sing along with a dance beat.

~Lost Without You - Freya Ridings

This almost made it into my top 25, just couldn’t find a space for it. Haunting, melodic song with Freya’s stunning vocals. Don’t play this one after a break up or a death.

~Nothing Breaks like a heart- Mark Ronson ft Miley Cyrus

~Someone you loved - Lewis Capaldi

Think this guys going to be another Ed Sheeran for me, meh most the time with the occasional great song. This one no exception.

~Shut Down - Skepta

With lyrics like ‘Ring ring pussy, it’s shut down’ how can it not be a banger 😂 Not the best song in the world I admit but good fun.

~As we enter- Nas and Damian Marley

Words can’t express how much Iove this track, such a hidden gem. A reggae- rap blend of uplifting brilliance. Great gym playlist track.

~Better Now - Post Malone

Another artist I enjoy on occasion. This is my favourite of Malone’s songs so far.

~Bad at Love - Halsey (another great pop track)

~Bitch Don’t kill my vibe- Kendrick Lamar

Could of picked a number of Kendrick tracks King Kunta, DNA, M.a.a.a.d City, If these walls could talk, just to name a few but I’ll go with the first Kendrick track I heard and loved.

~Heartbeat - Childish Gambino

So gutted I couldn’t find a spot for this banger in my 25 but I had to include it on its own. Unless you’re a CG fan it’s unlikely you’ve heard it. Highly recommended a listen. I can’t even really describe it.

~No role Models- J. Cole

A anthem with a similar feel to Keep your head up by 2pac, a sad song somewhat but with a more upbeat tempo. My personal fave J. Cole song.

~Power - Kanye West

Wow our first Kanye track. I like Kanye ,prefer his older stuff. My dark twisted fantasy was the last album of his I really liked. This was a absolute monster of a tune. Also really liked the song Runaway from the same album. Both have great intros.

~Antidote- Travis Scott

~ No Sleep- Wiz Khalifa

Super catchy song, very anthem sounding.

~Young, Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars

Another catchy tune, powerhouse of a team up.

~Rack City - Tyga

~ Romans Revenge- Nicki Minaj ft Eminem

Absolute banger double up from the king and queen of rap. Also a version she did with Lil Wayne which was very good but the Eminem version wins for me. Also will take the opportunity to give the Lil Wayne and Nicki song ‘knockout’ a shoutout.

~Blazin’- Nicki Minaj ft Kanye west

Another great Nicki Minaj track of the brilliant Pink Friday album. I know some of her more recent stuff hasn’t been great but she came out the gates strong in 2010.

~Pound The Alarm - Nicki Minaj

Last Nicki Minaj track I promise, could of picked this or starships as love them both equally.

~Trap Queen- Fetty Wap

Can’t lie this is something I never thought I’d like but the more I heard it the more I liked it.

~Ultimate- Denzel Curry

Yes the Vine meme song. Banger.

~Bad and Boujee - Migos

Yes more mumble rap, I’m not even sorry

~I’m not racist - Joyner Lucas

Wow maybe the most powerful song on this whole list. Nothing I explain can do it justice you have to give it a listen yourself (with the video)

~Cry Little Sister - Marilyn Manson

Boom, rap to rock just like that. I love Marilyn Manson covers, in the 00’s it was Tainted Love but this time around its this classic from The Lost Boys soundtrack. Creepy song but kinda perfect for Manson.

~Faster- Within Temptation

~End of Time - Beyoncé

Have to include some Beyoncé before this ends it’s the law. This was my favourite of hers.

~ Rumour has it - Adele

Not the biggest Adele fan but she has a few songs I enjoy, set fire to the rain and someone like you also good songs.

~Ugly Boy - Die Anwoord

Yep he’s a Die Antwoord fan 😆 I have no excuses, DA are one of my fave bands. Zef to death.

- Surf - Tommy Cash

Absolutely stupid lyrics but hilarious (need to watch the video also) it’s actually a good song with a awesome beat.

~Bang Bang Bang - Big Bang

To close the top 100 greatest songs of the decade out , some J-pop, I’m not a expert on Jpop I like a couple of artists and a few songs but had to close out with this... bang bang banger!

So here we go top 25 of my absolute faves from the 2010’s. (in no particular order)

~Radioactive- Image Dragons

This song featured in a Assassins creed game trailer (I forget which game) and I searched for it straight away, found it, fell in love, the rest is history. Great beat and vocals.

~Game Over - Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Professor Green, Giggs, Devlin, Example, Chip

Wow with that line up it was always going to be a banger. This might be my fave beat ever! Such a tune featuring Rap and grime mvp’s from the UK.

~Gods and Monsters- Lana Del Ray

I know I said in no order but this might be my very favourite song from the last ten years. It’s not even regarded as Lana’s best but I just love everything about it, lyrics, melody and vocals. Perfect song.

~Born to Die - Lana Del Ray

Another melodic masterpiece from Lana Del Ray.

~Bad Girls - M.I.A

Yeah I’m a dude it’s weird this song gets me pumped seriously thou such a catchy song.

~In Paris - Kanye West and Jay -Z

Not much needs to be said, absolute classic.

~Over - Drake

Drake at his best imo, great beat, delivery and lyrics. My fave Drake song.

~Black Skin Head - Kanye West

Powerful song with a amazing beat, powerful lyrics, great gym song to get you pumped.

~Sail - AWOL Nation

You might have guessed by now I like a catchy sing along song with a pumping beat and somber tone. Check.

~Only love can hurt like this - Paloma Faith

Her voice in this is something else. I said it before Paloma Faith is so underrated.

~Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj

Not to be mistaken for Bang bang bang by big bang featured earlier. Great pop hit.

~Take me to church- Hozier

Powerful song and video.

~Humble- Kendrick Lemar

Banger, not much else I can say.

~Uptown Funk — Bruno Mars

Can’t go wrong with this one, great hit.

~Can’t feel my face- The Weekend

Like most of the stuff this guy brings out, this awesome hit just tops that list.

~Redbone- Childish Gambino

Ok sorry Lana Del Ray but I retract your number one spot for this one. Thought it was Macy Grey or the Delfonics singing when I first heard it then discovered who it was. This has a 70’s soul feel. It’s hard to explain ,if you’ve never heard it give it a listen I’m sure you’ll love it.

~Bad Guy - Billy Eilish

Such a catchy tune, the song that introduced me to her music. Great little dance/pop hit. Fun and a bit freaky. Duh!

~Bury a Friend- Billy Eilish

The way Billy Eilish’s mind works amazes me, how she sees the lyrics, the music and video all as one package. She’s extremely talented and look forward to her taking up most the spots on my 2020’s best of list.

~I miss the misery- Halestorm

Great rock hit, has a very 80’s feel. Lead singer has a amazing voice.

~Sweet but Psycho - Ava Max

Maybe my favourite pure manufactured pop hit of the decade, any female pop star could churn this out and it would do well. Hate to love it.

~Homicide - Logic feat Eminem

If you don’t like rap you won’t get it, if you do, you know where I’m at.

~Stronger then Ever - Raleigh Ritchie

Otherwise known as Grey Worm in Game of Thrones, this guy can hold a tune. Great uplifting track.

~Speedom- Tech N9nne, Eminem

Another great Eminem feature hit. Absolute masterpiece of a record.

~I need - Maverick Sabre

Nice somber melodic song, this guys super talented.

~Cookie Thumper - Die Antwoord

The South African rap rave group strikes again, this one is pretty much a Yolande solo, the beat is insane and thou half of it is in said/sung in Africans it’s still my fave DA song.

~Monster- Kanye West, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Bon Ivor

The title of this track doesn’t lie, beast of a track, arguably Nicki Minaj’s best guest verse ever (‘Where them girls at’ deserves a mention for sure) It’s in all my rap playlists, amazing song.

If you took the time to have a gander at my random countdown then I thank you, I fully expect you not to agree with everything, hopefully something you enjoy musically was mentioned I did my best to spread the genres as much as I enjoyed them. More music and other countdowns to come.

[lovely-menza]

oh yeah it’s me

Tagged by @chrysochromulina and @majestickatelyn to do this tag thingy about myself [late 2019 remastered]

Nicknames: Maiden, Mai

Sign: Aries

Hogwarts house: ??? not a fan of HP, I only liked the pc games lol

Last thing i googled: how to share archives from google drive I think¿

Song stuck in my head right now: the fellow "rock & pop" station played Message In A Bottle and it stuck specifically the 'Walked out this morning, I don't believe what a saw" part

Following: 2174 PFDHTJ

Followers: 766 (probably 300 inactive people lol)

Lucky number: not lucky but 22 follows me a lot

Dream job: not having to work...

Wearing: Led Zepp conventional tee, straight jeans, barefoot :]

Current fave song: I’d prefer to not answer this one because I’ll have a stroke thinking about it

Instruments: bass... once I tried to play drums and got it quickly but I’m not into it, same to guitar (actually can’t play more than 3 chords fml)

Random fact: uhHh I ALMOST have the same birthday as Clapton... I’m 57 years and 1 day younger lmao

Aesthetic: I barely have sense of aesthetic but I'd say records, comfy clothes, animals, concerts... drinking mate... denim jackets... I don’t know anymore

I’m tagging @if-i-say-to-you-tomorrow, @daisychain-unchained, @missus-beastly, @sayliveandletlivemotherfcker, @rock-n-roll-fantasy and @verylongsongs

[robins-whump]

Bad Things Happen Bingo #8

Bingo Card: Carved Mark

Fandom: Original Work

Characters: Finn and Tristan

Word count: 1699

The echoing tap of footprints awoke Finn from his restless sleep. He snapped awake immediately, drawing himself against the wall instinctively. He hissed quietly as the movement aggravated the many scrapes and bruises from his failed escape attempt.

Escape attempt.

The very memory of it made his blood run cold and forced terrified apologies to his lips, waiting to spill out. His skin displayed the consequences in a myriad of cuts and bruises that would linger for weeks, if not months, a patchwork of warnings about what it meant to be disobedient.

Even so, the idea of obeying that madman left a sour taste in his mouth.

The door to his cell banged open. Finn’s eyes snapped up to see Tristan stride in and sweep down the length of the cell. Subconsciously, he scooted further back.

Tristan paced the cell for several, agonizing minutes, brow furrowed, seemingly contemplating something. Finn’s tracked his movement, wide eyed and frozen. He didn’t dare interrupt.

Finally, Tristan stopped pacing.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said. “About you. And our little discipline problem.”

A snarl was hiding behind Finn’s teeth, but he forced himself to keep quiet.

Tristan continued. “I think the real problem, darling, is that you think this is temporary. You have potential, naturally. I wouldn’t have chosen you if you haven’t. But you seem to think that if you hold out for long enough someone will find you, or I’ll somehow let you go, and everything will get better. Things are going to get better when you start doing what you’re told.”

Finn’s fists clenched with white-hot anger that did nothing to dampen the crushing feelings of hopelessness that Tristan’s words evoked. He turned his head away, defiantly.

Tristan smiled a shark’s smile. “Darling, the only way you’re leaving is in a coffin. Isn’t it better to just be obedient? I’m not a cruel man, but you drive me to extremes. You need to learn your place. That place is with me.”

He strode forward to tower over Finn. A hand brushed his hair away from his forehead in a deceptively gentle manner.

“I need to teach you a lesson, boy. Something more permanent.”

For several moments, neither of them moved. Then a key appeared in Tristan’s hand. “I can trust you not to run if I unchain you, can’t I?”

Finn’s heart leapt into his throat. He was so close, again… but he remembered the events of the day before. He nodded hesitantly, still ready to take the opportunity if one came along.

His ankles were swiftly unchained, but before any plan of escape had formed in his mind there were new cuffs clasped around his ankles, connected by a short chain. The same was quickly done to his wrists. Tristan tugged him roughly to his feet.

“Follow me,” he said curtly. “I don’t need to tell you the consequences if you run.”

After a long moment of hesitation, Finn followed Tristan out of his cell and down the passage. Finn looked around curiously. It was his first time out of his cell, save for his failed escape attempt, and he hadn’t exactly been checking out the décor then. From what he could see through the haze of fear that choked him, the passageway was lined with cells much like the one he occupied. The same damp, rough stone on the floor climbed up the walls, and the ceiling glistened with moisture. Some cells contained manacles, and some were completely empty. Why would Tristan need multiple cells? Finn wondered.

Tristan unlocked a cell near the end which contained nothing but a cold slab, leather restraints of all sizes cemented into the concrete. It was newer than anything else he had seen in the dungeons.

Finn stopped at the doorway, heart thudding in his chest. A harsh shove made him stumble into the cell. He caught himself on the slab. The click of the lock sounded loudly into the silence. Dread pooled in Finn’s stomach.

“Get on the table,” said Tristan. His eyes were narrowed, watching Finn’s reaction.

Why? “I Don’t-” Finn started, but a vicious backhand snapped Finn’s head to the side, sending him careening into the wall. A follow up left him dazed and trembling. Finn wiped blood off his mouth from reopened wounds. He cursed, quietly.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Finn glanced at the slab, then back at Tristan, weighing up his options. Nothing good was going to happen if he let himself be tied down, but was Tristan’s anger any better? He knew that even if he resisted, Tristan would end up getting what he wanted. Tristan did, Finn was learning, always get his way. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Feeling as though his limbs were filled with lead, Finn slowly walked over to the concrete slab. He lifted himself up with shaky legs and sat on the very edge.

Tristan looked smug. “Lie down, arms at your sides.” And when Finn complied, trembling: “good boy.”

The praise made him shiver unpleasantly. Or maybe that was just the freezing concrete on the bare skin of his back.

Tristan set about attaching the leather loops to his body, Finn fighting every impulse to pull away. His vision was still swimming from the blows. Straps were applied to his ankles, wrists, torso, legs, and even his arms. Finn almost screamed when a strap went around his forehead, clenching his teeth so tightly it turned his jaw white.

All the while, Tristan was speaking to him in a hushed voice, in a way that made Finn feel like he was being offered up as a sacrifice. What God could Tristan possibly pray to?

“This is going to hurt,” Tristan murmured. “But I’ll know you’ll be good. I really think we made some progress after our little mishap yesterday.”

Finn shivered and tensed. When Finn was so restrained he could barely wiggle his toes, Tristan stopped. He reached into his pocket and drew out a short, silver blade. The end was sharpened to a pointed that glinted in the dull lights of the dungeons.

At the sight of the knife, Finn’s calm demeanour snapped. He yanked at the restraints, pulling desperately away. “N-nonono, please, don’t, please-”

The knife kissed the tip of his collarbone and Finn stilled. He was excruciatingly aware of the proximity of the sharp blade to the vulnerable expanse of his neck. He tucked his chin.

Tristan stroked the slender edge of the knife down Finn’s torso. “It seems a bit extreme, darling, all these restraints, but I want it to be perfect. Why, a single nick in the wrong place could ruin the whole design.”

He pressed down harder above Finn’s third rib. “That’s the last thing you want, right darling?” Finn bit back a dozen curses and nodded. No more than an obedient puppet. Finn hated himself with every fibre of his being.

“I wanted to make it easy for you. This way, you can’t move, even if you try. Takes those pesky reactions out of the equation. It’s never been said that I’m unreasonable. Oh, how am I meant to see the design like this? Let’s get a bit more light in here.”

Harsh lights suddenly illuminated the previously dark space. The bright white shine forced Finn’s eyes shut, squinting against the light. It was bright bordering on painful. Finn’s eyes, accustomed to perpetual near darkness, were completely overwhelmed. He barely noticed the light touch of the knife pressing down harder, trailing down until it reached the bottom of his ribs.

“Here’s a good place to start, don’t you think?”

Finn was relieved when Tristan didn’t expect an answer from him. He doubted he could have given one, mouth gone dry with fear.

The blade pierced his skin and dragged upwards in a hot flash of pain. Finn screamed, high pitched, and a hand clamped down on his mouth

“Quiet now, darling. You’re distracting me.”

Finn nodded apprehensively, and the hand left his mouth, stopping to squeeze his neck briefly in a casual threat. The pain was already fading to a dull throb when Tristan made the next cut. This time, Finn didn’t scream, jaw clenched tight. Tristan ran a hand down his chest in what was meant to be a soothing gesture. Finn’s skin broke out in goose bumps. He could feel hot blood trickling down his side and pooling under him. How deep had Tristan cut?

The pain of the cuts bled into each other until Finn’s left side felt like one pulsing wound. Tristan stopped and started, contemplating the next cut then ruthlessly executing it with an elegant flick of the blade. Finn let out the occasional whimper, and once a keen as Tristan made a particularly deep cut. Tristan had stopped for several minutes to teach him the importance of being quiet when asked.

When Tristan was finally done, he wiped off the knife with a rag and slipped it back in his pocket. Finn sagged against the concrete slab, adrenaline rush fading. The pain felt sharper as all the fight left him, and he blinked back tears. A small sob tore its way out of Finn’s throat.

“Shh, darling. You did well. Would you like to take a look?” Tristan unbuckled the leather restraints, trusting that Finn was too weak to do anything. Without waiting for an answer, he lifted Finn into a sitting position.

Finn gasped in horror at the markings covering his left side. It was a stain of red, but underneath the blood Finn could spot a familiar design. Sudden nausea swept through him. He leaned to the side and retched, bringing up no more than spit. a large hand stroked his hair.

“Isn’t it lovely?” Tristan murmured. “I don’t do that for just anyone. That makes you very special, darling.”

He knew those markings, Finn thought dully. They were on half of the things Tristan owned. Tristan’s family crest carved into his skin, as it was embroidered onto his suit, and onto his stupid pocket handkerchiefs.

Finn shivered as the cold reality set in. What it really meant to belong to Tristan. He didn’t push the hand off his hair.

[allaboardtheincubus]

This Halloween AU is so interesting! Ugh and my heart breaks for Sam :'

((Hi! We are happy to hear that you’re enjoying the AU the muns have set up so far. I hope that you enjoy the following fic below! I apologize if its a bit long, Sam is like one of my favorite boys, and when I get super immersed and into my writing, I tend to drag on for hours and hours. ^^” BUT I managed to stop myself before going too far! So once more, I hope you enjoy~!)) Part 1 of Unchained!Sam: Run Away! Screams of terror filled the entire village as smoke floated up and dissipated into the sky. Everywhere your eyes turned to you were met with the sickening sight of friends and family burning, and it was all the new King’s doing, Matthew. Your area of the Kingdom had refused to accept Matthew as the new Demon Lord, and for that, he ordered his men to burn anyone who opposed him down to the ground. You gritted your teeth tears stinging your eyes and anger wreaking every inch of your body. He did this he killed everyone you loved and cared for…You jumped as a sadistic voice roared over the flames,

“HAHAHA! Kill every single one of them, anyone who doesn’t bow to their rightful ruler doesn’t deserve the obligation to breathe~.” You stumbled back knowing the voice belong to Matthew. You had to get out of here, you had to get out of here! You turned around and broke out into a full on sprint your heart pounding in your chest as images of what Matthew and his men would do to you if they captured you ran through your mind. No, you couldn’t think about that you had to focus on running!

But where would you go? You didn’t want to stay under the rule of a madman who had just so ruthlessly killed those you loved. Your mind suddenly clicked together an idea your eyes lighting up. That’s it, the forest that sat on the edge of your village! You quickly rounded right and ran down an alleyway. The screams of people nearby echoed out causing your teeth to grit and your hands to fly up and cover your ears. You couldn’t stand listening to the noises you needed to get out of here!

You focused back on the road ahead of you seeing that the vast forest was looming tall before you. You were almost there, just had to go a bit-Suddenly you felt a hand grip tightly onto the back of your shirt. A gasp escapes you as you quickly began to thrash about the person behind you calling out that he captured a survivor. You shook your head pleading, “No, please stop! Let me go!” You were cut off for a moment as you heard what sounded like a squeaky evil laugh.

Something small had scurried up your leg and body and jumped onto the face of your captor behind you causing them to lose their grip. You stumbled forward a bit before spinning around seeing a small white squirrel poking a toy knife into the man’s eyes. You blink trying to process the sight you were witnessing before you heard voices call out, “OVER THERE!” More guards and Matthew himself were all heading your way. You scooped down and grabbed the squirrel that saved you before sprinting into the forest without looking back.

Matthew and his men came to a complete stop upon seeing you were running into the forest. Matthew scowled before he snapped his fingers, causing five knives to appear and stab through the person who had grabbed you previously. “Simon, IM GOING TO KILL YOU ONE OF THESE DAYS, YOU HEAR ME YOU RAT!” The men who stood around Matthew stood uneasily one gulping before finding the courage to speak up, “Sh-Should we go after her my lord?” Matthew scoffed turning his back on the forest, “Nah, don’t worry about it…” He smirked chuckling to himself, “I’m sure the beast will finish my dirty work~” He began walking back into the village laughing out loud to himself as his guards followed behind him, relieved that they wouldn’t have to step into the beast’s territory…

The sound of your feet hitting the ground was all that filled your ears, as you tore through the trees. Uneven and harsh breathes wheezed past your lips as your lungs began to burn and beg for more air. You finally came to a stop before your legs buckled from underneath you and fell to your knees. Images of your parents and loved ones screaming for you to escape filled your mind. Your stomach gave a sickening lurch before you threw up out the contents of your stomach.

There you sat the taste of bile lingering in your mouth feeling alone and scared. “I…lost everything…” A weak shaky sob left your lips, as the squirrel who had saved you jumped out of your pocket. Your gazes met as you sniffled smiling weakly, “I…guess I have you. Thank you for saving me.” The squirrel did another squeaky evil laugh in response while you sat back and pulled your legs to your chest. “Do you have a name?”  The squirrel nodded its head before stabbing its toy knife into the dirt, slowly carving out the letters S-I-M-O-N into the soil.

You laughed gently, “Simon? You’re quite the smart squirrel. It’s nice to meet you! My name is Y/N.” The happy glow in your face quickly fleeted however as you returned to wondering what would become of you now. You couldn’t just sit here forever feeling sorry for yourself. As much as you hated to admit it, you knew you couldn’t do anything now to change what had happened. All you could do was keep pressing forward and fight to avenge your village.

Releasing a deep breath you slowly stood up to your feet, “Let’s go, Simon, we have to keep moving.” The squirrel gave you a look of concern but climbed back up into your pocket before you began to walk deeper into the forest. You have heard countless stories and rumors about this place. No one would dare step foot in it ever since rumors of a bloodthirsty beast started up. At first, you didn’t believe in the rumors seeing them as far-fetched. But then mighty roars had begun to erupt from within the forest every day quieting all skeptics.

You had received countless warnings to never enter the forest. They had felt that the beast was a dangerous creature just looking to tear into its next victim, but you felt it was nothing to be afraid of. Whenever it roared it sounded more hurt and lonely than it did dangerous to you…You wonder if you would run into the beast while you were here. That thought didn’t linger long however as the sound of wolves suddenly erupted across the air. The hairs on the back of your neck standing on end as you realized their calls were steadily coming closer and closer to you.

Once more you began to sprint as fast as you could the wolves quickly gaining on you. “Shit, shit, shit!” You cussed and came to a stop realizing that running wasn’t going to work. You quickly look left and right before your sights landed on a thick branch that lay upon the ground. You picked it up and held it defensively as the pack of wolves surrounded you. Your heart thumped fast in your chest, and your breathing turned sporadic in fear. “STAY BACK!” You screamed before you swung your club at a wolf getting close. You landed a hit right across its head, causing it to whimper and fall back.

You kept the branch clutched tightly as you step by step attempted to back away from the wolves. Each one snarled and snapped its teeth threateningly towards you. This was it, you weren’t going to make it out of this! You were going to die! One of the wolves finally grew impatient and pounced towards you, your reflexes helping you instantly swing towards the wolf. However, it was prepared this time and caught the stick in its teeth.

A scream ripped through your throat as you tried to pull the stick out of its mouth. It only resulted in you losing your grip and your balance however as your head went hurling towards a big rock on the ground. You felt a harsh jolt of pain, and then sudden darkness clouded your vision…

Patience. That was the first rule the beast had to learn when it came to hunting. Sure it had the power to easily just overtake the prey and tear into it. However, prey was much more fun to ingest when it spent a couple days stalking it and finding the perfect moment to strike. This particular prey the beast had been hunting for a few days now, and it grew quickly bored with following it. So it slowly began to crawl closer and closer towards the oblivious, pathetic creature.

Its tongue slipped out of its mouth and swiped across its lips in hunger before he snarled showing his sharp teeth. Just before it could pounce however an earth-shattering scream tore through the air. The beast flinched and blinked a couple times the glow in his eyes disappearing along with the prey. “God DAMN IT!” The former incubus roared and punched his fist into the ground before he stood up to his full height.

He flicked his head towards the direction where he had heard the scream come from and snarled, “Oh, whoever screamed is a dead man….” He swore to himself before he sprinted quickly towards the source of the scream, his super speed making it hardly take any time at all.

When he had reached the area he was met with a pack of six wolves advancing on a woman who was unconscious on the ground. He wasted no time as he released a growl and stepped out, “You fuckers ruined my dinner for the night! Now I’m going to have to settle for eating all of you instead!” He cracked his knuckles as the six wolves turned and faced him releasing howls into the distance before the seven animals broke out into a fight.

It didn’t take long for the beast to maul down every single wolf, not leaving a single one alive. He stood in his spot for a moment as soft pants left his lips, and fresh blood ran down his arm. He slowly turned his gaze back on the unconscious female, his bloodied hand reaching up to run through his brown locks of hair. He sighed deeply and raised his brow, “Now what the hell do I do with her…? …Is she even alive?” He crouched down beside the female and held a finger under her nose.

He groaned annoyed rolling his eyes when he felt air hit his skin, “Great, she’s still breathing…That doesn’t help me any.” He jumped slightly as an evil laugh filled the air. A white squirrel stood on top of the females chest and stared at Sam. He blinked and eyed the squirrel down, “Don’t I…know you from somewhere?” He questioned before scoffing as he scratched the back of his neck, “No Sam, couldn’t be…You’re just going even more fucking nuts.”

His gaze turned back on the face of the female as he continued to contemplate what to do with her. “Guess I could always just throw her into a ditch.” He snickered to himself before suddenly feeling something stab his leg. “OW!” He exclaimed and looked down to see the squirrel stabbing him. “Hey, cut it out-” He began to say before his orbs lit up, “Wait…SIMON!?” The squirrel released its signature laugh the male feeling memories of the human world come flooding back to him. His eyes filled with near tears, “S-Simon…” He quickly blinked the tears away, however, and shook his head.

“What are you doing here?” He quickly snarled as he turned cold once more. “That fucking pipsqueak send you here to spy on me?” He snapped raising a brow. Simon replied with a shake of his head before he pointed at the female he stood on. “Huh? Spare her? No, why the hell would I go and do something like that?” He questioned Simon only giving him a pleading look in return. He groaned loudly and stood from his previous crouched position. “Fine, but only because I don’t really feel like killing a girl today!” He grumbled before he picked the female off the ground and walked off.

[newxdiary]

--TIME GOES BY SO SLOWLY—

November 15, 2022

Coffee Time: 3:50 p.m.

Collectors Editions (Readers Digest), HEAR THEM AGAIN, (record 1) Ray Charles, MODERN SOUNDS IN COUNTRY AND WESTERN MUSIC Various Artists (Time Life Rock and Roll), 1956 Various Artists (Time Life Rock and Roll), 1959

At moments like this, I feel a need to characterize my depression. It’s a most confusing malady. I’m not necessarily in immediate psychic pain. I don’t feel sad. I just feel an inability to focus or engage. I can watch the train speed round the bend and sit on the tracks until it hits me. Usually, it’s not something that moves so fast. Drowning in debt and still unable to push myself out of the house to work soon enough. No ability to focus. Everything feels like dead end. No photos. No drawings. No journal entries. No pleasure. Sometimes the coffee tastes good. Sometimes it’s bland, but even when it’s good, it doesn’t rescue me.

I woke up craving to hear “Unchained Melody.” Strange mood today, might even be a healthy one. I got up quickly, showered right away, took my pills (all 8 of them) fed Louie, put the water on, got dressed and then went hunting through my music to find someone singing Unchained Melody. I looked all through the soul and r&b albums, but nothing. Finally found it on the Reader’s Digest Box Set I I got from my dad. It’s bound to be the whitest version of this song I’ll ever hear.

Yup, it was.

I love these box sets, but it lacks much in the soul and r&b department.

Biggest Outstanding problems: Money Problems (enough said) Samsung Portable Hard drive that I’m locked out of. “Erosion” of friendships Health—overweight with a rising A1C.

I drew four tarot cards—Queen of Pentacles (upside down), King Of Cups, The Devil, The Wheel of Fortune

[artcalledtattoo]

Disclosure Angel clad in lace Viewing through safety googles Signing in like an opera Nets been dragged up Just pulling up for collecting Toss out the unwanted Throw to chest those worth more money It’s just your beat Baby can you swim in the ocean Disregard the fatigue keep paddling Indy players not by mainstream record Producers Need the West for popularity Let’s US tell you what you’ll be singing Sleeze rock from rap leather chaffing Gold bond that spot You’ll end up feeling better Save the pain a side step it Save the salve unchain thee enslaved It’s all up to But better yet maybe the top percenter’s Don’t want nothing to with it The place the adds in front of our Faces Making money I need you for my mortgage I’m still paying I need you for that automobile I’m still buying I need you for all My daily living Make the mutha ducka zucka muska All just the same types of Fuckers Globally wide we gave to you Where did all the money come from Where did all the money come from Where did all the money come from Where did all Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s i mean i mean something i mean nothing i just a sunflower i just a sunflower Covered in coloumns Poles of destruction Major Genociders I’m dying! Make the mutha ducka zucka muska All just the same types of Fuckers Globally wide we cave and gave to you Where did all the money come from Where did all the money come from Where did all the money come from Where did all Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s 6 to 9 a reverse Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Off the backs of lower percenter’s Who are the Q a nones Within you own Family Hide new wasp people You can’t hide we see you and your kind Nah nothing different then tea bagger Same worthless to the whole planet People a letter Q first represents us You are the weird obscured rhyme next Simple mind it’s a good thing you can follow along cause I’m gonna sum all you sorry fucks altogether Putinism Trumpism Bushism Qanonism Fucking stupid equation with Mind control power Who are you to not see you are the one being fucked A Sum of this World’s mindless Things SWT Sweat you upcoming Republicans I’m only Four months in To this year I’m still punching make believe buttons S W T You made all these lifestyles by screwing over your people for how long inhofe ? Not misspelled minimum wage no wage Inhofe hog red Republican paid every year Bullshit politician leader Woah take no offense stilt I’ve seen your mind controlling ad Vertisement You must be one of those country boy cum ohh I mean oil chuggers sucking down allowing those taking swallows to not pay any taxes in any meaning sort of way just rose bud stone rosey road ass fucking All alone out on the rig needing a release Bring the whores let loss the hoes For the Oil and Gas non taxpayers That kinda of work Would make me S W eaT Last meal comings On this Resurrection Day Republican is enclosing along the lines of Putinism red elephants invading in the better life of things doing nothing just walls and nets being placed up in front of all screens, you must be the new up and coming Nazi! We’ve seen that kind before We’ve seen that kind before We’ve seen that kind before We’ve seen that kind before End those kinds, please! I’ve seen all the arenas Within the pits myself Stood stand guard for upcoming Money Makers Did I or you ? Sweat

[foxandtonic]

Lovely, Abject: A Humorous and Genuine Review

I attended a con over the weekend and bought @glasscatfish​ ‘s Monster Dating zine, and I decided to write a review of each of the boys in the book! You can pre order them on their etsy HERE

I.

Clarence “Bone McGee”

I feel like this poor old dude was a sailor who’s heart will yearn forever. He’s such a calm and sweet mellow boy. Not in a rush, because obviously he’s been around for a while and the fact that you take the time to get to know him and spend time with him warms his soul and body despite him being… well all bone. A true gentleman who lets you know how much you mean to him.

Rating: 10 / I want to draw him before he was bones

II.

Lai “Helpful Bean of Purity”

Lai, what passion and brothership I feel with him. Such measured pace and energy could only come from self discipline and true intentions. Maybe someday the calm mantis-man and you will blossom into love, or maybe not. But regardless the result its clear to see he will be there to support you and just about anyone on their own journey of self discovery and love. He is a patron of Venus afterall!

Rating: 10 / Could kill you but would be horrified at the thought of harming another being

III.

Inna “Murderous Bean of Definitely Not Purity”

This motherfucker, oh man does he look… enticing. Thicc for days and a odd taste for interior decorating… well, with all those tarps covering everything… Maybe he’s painting. Yeah that’s it. For some reason the primal instinct in the back of your head is screaming at you, but it’s definitely drowned by the whispering music that you can’t quite place a source of… strange. And why does he have... six eyes and such sharp... teeth--- Ooh! Wine!

Rating: 10 / I welcome death between those thighs

IV.

Grey “Got creative with the Afterlife character customization”

What a good boy! Though probably in need of a leash, let’s be honest he’d be the one leading you around anyway just as he is now. And why would you want to stop him? This trouble making bad boy with a heart of gold knows all the best places in town, though its best if you don’t get caught. With an air of agelessness to him you know you’d be in safe hands regardless. Come to think of it he probably knows who made the pottery in this museum anyhow.

Rating: 10 / Def has a leather kink

V.

Castor and Pollux “Bring catnip”

This isn’t a case of buy one get one free. Oh no, these sweet boys, the perfect combination of clouded day dreams that live a smile on your face and astute observations that could make any person blush, these boys are deserving of full on desire and love. The passion they have for their work and the world around them may have no rival, and what better way to live life? And who better to live life with? Perhaps an ‘extended interview’ session is in order...

Rating: 10 / OwO *notices camera placement*

VI.

Midas “Totally isn’t a sugar daddy, totally”

If there’s a link for meeting monster boyfriends who pay for dinner I am in a deep need of such a link. Surprisingly, despite the obvious magic and the fact that he’s a giant deadly snake, he does a great job at putting your fears to bed.  Such a suave gentleman, you can’t help but trade compliments back and forth getting your fill of wine and… snake. Oh, he’ll be your ride home all right~

Rating: 10 / I’d be willing to call him Daddy

VII.

Ӓgid “Watch the elbows”

IM GONNA HAVE TO YELL IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THIS REVIEW OVER THESE SICK BEATS. But honestly, a punk rock band leader and you? Who would have thought! We can all live our sweet, sweet emo dreams of dating the hot lead singer, and I do mean hot. Like literally, he’s on fire. And that  waist to chest ratio?? Hoooo boy and dont forget, he is a type of equine...

Rating: 10 / wont be able to walk straight the next day. Or hear. Bring earplugs next time.

VIII.

Panoptes “Please schedule an appointment in advance”

I’m not exactly sure what he did to require the installation of an entire iron staircase but it's probably best you don't ask. That being said, you know he will help you with whatever is troubling you whether it be prophecy, the fae, or the eldritch. If you get to know him he might offer you tea, if you survive of course. And despite looking like he gives good hugs, I imagine he’d rather you not touch him ever. It’s not personal, it just is.

Rating: 10 / I just realized his name literally means “All Seeing”

IX.

Kou “True Husbando Material”

He’s absolutely perfect. In no uncertain terms is a person I swoon so hard for and want to emulate in my actions more that Kou. It’s one thing to pay for dinner like Midas, but it’s another to put love and effort into making food, and your favorites no less! It’s one thing to lure you in with magic like Inna, but it’s another to not use it despite his clear ability to. And to speak to his trust, even though you were blindfolded and he, a trickster fox, did not lead you astray in the slightest. Perhaps he’s not even of this Earth, the way the stars dance in his eyes. Such joy, and pure pleasure you are to be with him, and him with you. Forever is a long time, and it’s time well spent.

Rating: ∞ / Our souls entwined, not even death could tear us apart.

X.

Maleko “Look out Sidon there’s a new Sweetheart in town”

If Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a sea serpent had a child, Maleko is that child. If Maleko was the monster sent to eat Cassiopeia, she would unchain herself and go for a swim. Maleko is friends with the Obamas. He’s just that awesome. A true gentle giant, Maleko knows his way around the sea and your heart, a warm and tender lover. Surfs up, brah~

Rating: 10 / I will smother myself in his pecs