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dyaz-stories · 2 years ago

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wreck my plans || Eddie Munson x Reader

word count: 1.8k

warnings & tags: mentions of violence, implied bullying, hurt/comfort, unresolved tension, angst, pre season 4 so no big spoilers.

also available on ao3.

a/n: the idea for this one-shot is based on the same premise as @m0chaminx‘s Beat Up, which i recommend you read! like about 80% of the fandom I haven’t stopped thinking about Eddie since the show dropped, so here’s a little something about him. the reader in this is kind of an OC i have in mind for the show, so i might write more with her in the future, depending on whether inspiration hits ^-^ i would love to hear from you, so feel free to let me know your thoughts!

Ever since the year had started, you had gotten used to waiting for Eddie in the library. Not because you were dating, as some of the many assholes of this school liked to joke about — you didn’t know if they were making fun of him or of you, in that case — but because you had been… tutoring him. If you could call what you were doing tutoring.

Eddie was a quick thinker. If anything, it seemed his mind was running a little too fast, in every direction and things that he found uninteresting just got lost in that complicated maze.

Unfortunately, that included pretty much everything school-related. That meant that you could go over something with him one week and he’d understand it so easily that you wondered how he could have failed the past two previous years, and then he’d come back the next and it was all gone. Sometimes, it almost made you want to question your sanity.

Others, like right now and, in fact, every week for at least fifteen minutes before he deigned showing up, you asked yourself why you were even doing this. Sure, it was a favor your dad had asked of you, because he worked with Eddie’s uncle, but it still felt like such a waste of time, in such moments.

This week, though, it turned out that Eddie had a good reason for being late.

You heard him approaching the small corner of the library where the two of you worked (hid) and looked up, reviewing the snippy comments you’d come up with while waiting, but the words died on your lips as soon as you saw him.

“Holy shit, Eddie,” was what made it instead, a horrified whisper.

He gasped in fake horror.

“What kind of language is that, princess?”

You ignored the nickname. He’d been using it for a while and you knew that while he wasn’t doing it to be a dick, it also wasn’t a compliment coming from him. Instead, you got up and walked around the table to get a better look at him. The black eye was the first thing you’d noticed, of course, but the split lip looked like it had to be painful at well, and, based on the way he was holding himself, slightly hunched, you suspected there was more than you couldn’t see.

He cleared his throat, averting his eyes when you got close, and you thought you saw him blushing a little, but it was hard to tell what with— everything else going on with his face.

“Ah, come on, it’s nothing, let’s just—”

“It’s not nothing,” you protested. There was empathetic pain in your voice. “How did that happen?”

He sighed dramatically and let himself fall onto a chair, putting some more distance between the two of you. Despite his antics, he seemed to still refuse to meet your eyes.

“It’s that damn marching band. They cornered me and they used their instruments to beat me up. They’re really creative when it comes to using their trumpets.”

He glanced at you long enough to see you raising an eyebrow at him, and rolled his eyes in response.

“Come on, you’re meant to be the smart one. Who’d you think did that?”

The question stung more than you’d like to admit, because he was right. It took a special kind of confidence to do something like that. It took being certain that you were untouchable and that nothing would happen to you, and knowing that no one would even care enough to give you a hard time, because who gave a fuck about what happened to Eddie Munson, freak-in-chief at Hawkins High?

Last year, you would have put your money on Billy Hargrove without any hesitation. Billy liked getting into fights, and he was awful, but at least, and you couldn’t believe you were finding him redeeming qualities now, he was fair. He fought his own battles.

As far as you were aware, the new asshole in chief, the captain of the basketball team, liked to have two of his friends holding the people he didn’t like before he hit them.

Most people didn’t cross him, of course. They didn’t have much of a reason to, because Jason didn’t try to get on people’s nerves the way Billy did. When they did, though, like Eddie seemed to be unable not to do? When they did, it got ugly.

“I probably have something in my bag that could help,” you mumbled, quickly walking back to your spot.

You knew you did. The last few years had turned you into a very careful person. Sure, it was unlikely to run into a Demo-dog these days, but you never knew.

It had taken you by surprise once. You had been coming to tell Mrs Henderson that you hadn’t found her cat. You had been the first person she’d asked after Dustin. Being their neighbor, you had sometimes been tasked with watching over Mews during holidays, and she had hoped he’d run over to you. That had, unfortunately, not been the case.

You were walking over when the weird little abomination had started running to you with its face wide open. Fortunately, you and Dustin had managed to fend it off.

That had been your introduction to the strange things that were happening all around Hawkins. Then, of course, there had been the whole— Starcourt— thing, and you’d decided that it would be better if you always had things to help with injuries, particularly since Steve Harrington seemed prone to getting beaten up.

“Dang, were you getting ready for a fight?” Eddie asked, sounding both surprised and impressed, as you pulled out gauze and disinfectant.

“No, it’s just, uh— You know Max Mayfield? She skateboards and she, uh, falls. Often.”

Of course, Max hadn’t used her skateboard in months, maybe longer, but you doubted Eddie would know that.

“Sinclair’s ex, right?”

“Right,” you answered, “you know Lucas?”

While speaking, you grabbed a chair and pulled it so you could sit facing him.

“Yeah, he’s in Hellfire. Why do you know the freshmen?”

“I’m Dustin’s neighbor,” you shrugged. “I see them around all the time. Now come here, would you?”

“I don’t know, I feel like this might sting…”

You glared at him, and he shot you a crooked grin in response. Messing with you. You should have known.

“Come on, Eddie,” you said quietly. “I can’t leave you like that.”

His expression changed, looking almost sheepish, before he leaned forward a little.

You’d noticed this before. Eddie was all snark and dramatics and exaggeration, never letting anything else come through, defenses always up. But as you worked with him, you realized that they always crumpled when faced with genuine kindness. He was clearly delighted whenever you responded with the same tone as him, knowing he’d managed to get you, but when you refused to participate in his game? That was when you managed to catch a glimpse of a side of him you didn’t think he ever showed to people.

You kind of liked that.

Gently, you dabbed disinfectant on the cut, one hand softly holding his chin up. He flinched at the contact at first — not of the disinfectant, but of your touch, before he allowed it, though not without his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he swallowed. His eyebrow twitched, but he didn’t express any discomfort, and it made you want to chuckle, comparing his stoic reaction to Steve’s protests, but you held it back. Explaining how you knew — and were friends with — Steve Harrington would be a lot more complicated than for Dustin and Lucas.

This time, though, it seemed you were the one who couldn’t meet Eddie’s eyes. His bore into yours, with the same intensity he gave to everything in his life, and you had to glance away after a few seconds, feeling your heart hammering in your chest. What were you doing? It was far too late to get a high school crush! You’d be leaving for college soon, you couldn’t— you couldn’t start something now!

“I think you’re good,” you said, voice squeakier than you’d intended.

“Uh, actually, while we’re at it…”

He raised a hand, and you saw his bloody knuckles. Which meant he’d probably landed a good punch on someone.

“I should see the other guy, right?”

“The other wall,” he admitted with a grimace. “I missed the guy.”

Finally, this got a chuckle out of you.

“That might be for the best,” you said, carefully disinfecting the wound. “That guy sounds like the kind of person who’d be a pain if you injured him visibly.”

“And the kind of person whose parents would probably drag me to court,” Eddie added cheerfully, though bitterness pierces under the forced intonation.

“And allll of Hawkins High would fall over themselves to testify in his favor,” you said, grabbing the gauze and starting to wrap it around his hand. His fingers brushed against your palm, calloused from playing guitar, and it sent a strange sensation through you, one you tried not to dwell on too much, but that shot straight to your heart.

“You wouldn’t,” he said, voice low enough that you had to wonder if he actually said it or if you’re hearing things.

“I’m sorry this happened to you, Eddie,” you whispered instead of answering. “You didn’t deserve this.”

His fingers closed around your hand, and you finally found the courage to glance up. His hand was warm, but that was nothing compared to what you saw in his eyes. Your breath hitched in your throat. Close. He was close, and looking at you like you were the only thing that mattered.

His eyes fell to your lips.

And then he threw himself back on the chair, giving you a big smile, mask back into place so fast it almost gave you whiplash.

“I mean, I kinda did, if I’m being honest. I provoked him all day, and we know that poor kid doesn’t know how to handle difficult emotions, right?”

You rolled your eyes, but you were already grinning, unable to help yourself.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“I agree, he definitely needs therapy,” Eddie nodded virulently. “In the meantime, may I remind you that I’m on the verge of failing maths?”

“May I remind you that that’s progress and that you were failing maths two months ago?”

“Exactly, can’t let me fall behind, chop chop!”

Again, you rolled your eyes, but you grabbed your books and leaned over, starting to explain, still half bickering with him. You said nothing about the tension earlier, didn’t dare to, didn’t want to risk tearing down his walls if he wasn’t ready to let them down in front of you.

Under the table, though, you softly squeezed his hand, which hadn’t let go of yours.

And he squeezed back.

#stranger things #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fanfiction #stranger things fanfiction #my writing

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alltoolewis · 3 years ago

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30 with lando pls

"Ride me."- Lando Norris.

Summary- you and lando celebrate his highest placing poduim after you comfort his nerves before the Italian grand prix....

Words- 1808...

(Warnings- Alot of fluff & smut! 18+! You've been warned!)

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You couldn't believe how quickly it all flew by. It felt like just yesterday when you met him... you the new photographer for McLaren, who didn't have a clue about F1, moving away from everything you knew to travel round the world taking pictures of cars worth more than your credit card & him, the new rookie, who had so much confidence on the track but who had near to none when it came to speaking to women... until you came along & And now here you were... 3 years later, moved in together, traveling the world doing the thing both of you loved & what a better way than doing that together.

----

Your hands trembled just looking at him pacing the room,you could tell he was nervous.. I mean who wouldn't be, starting P3 in one of the most anticipated races of the calendar....

"Baby your making me dizzy" you giggled,slowly making your way over to him as he reaches for your clammy hand.

"Im sorry" he sighed, leaning into your touch as you pulled him closer "just nervous... I mean with all the pressure of me and danny starting up the grid & McLaren not having the season they hoped for, its just getting to me.. and you-" stopping himself, he looked deep into your eyes and for the first time you could see the panic and fear glossing his eyes like smoke...

"Im what baby?" You whispered, gently tracing your fingers though his newly combed locks, an action that you knew relaxed him...

"Your here..."

Confusion washed over you gently let go of him, taking a step back to watch his new fear wash over him..

"I can stay back here lando... if I'm the one making you nervous... I'm sure they wont mind me sitting out on this one, they have so many talented photographers, they won't miss m-"

Put of nowhere lando pulled you closer, locking your lips with his, taking all the unnecessary words out of your mouth.

"I'll miss you" lando mumbled against your lips, before pulling away pushing your forehead against yours...

"Your not the issue baby.. its just I know how dangerous this track is & I just don't want you to see anything that you shouldn't.... I couldn't cope with mysel-"

This time is was you to interrupt him, lifting up his chin to meet your.

"Lando I know the drill.... its not my first rodeo baby, every race is a dangerous one... I knew what I signed up for the minute I started falling in love with you & guess what... I dont regret one bit & you know why...?"

"Why?" He whispered, voice full of uncertainty.

"Because you.." you sighed, locking your lips with him again "are the best driver on that grid and you I've never been more proud of anything or anyone in my life.... your gonna be okay... and im gonna be right there for here for you, together forever eh?" You say, smirking as you see his face light up at your words, reaching out for your outstretched hand, locking your fingers as he repeated your words..

"Together forever"...

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

"How many more laps left??" You sighed, hands beginning to tremble as you looked at the monitor, lando dropping down to 6th after his pit.

"26" zac sighed as he sat next you, placing a hand on your knee "hes doing well you know.... he a supers-"

However zak never got to finish his praise as gasps fill the garage, looking up to see Max's car ontop of Lewis's. Heart skipping a beat as you realised just how close it was to being lando...

"I have to go- I... what if it was him.. he was so close to them he was only a second away... what if" you whispered all the possible scenerios as tear filled your eyes, causing zac to pull you closer...

"Listen... you can't live your life with what ifs (y/n).. it could of been him but guess what it wasn't andd look where he is know!" He smiles looking up at the monitor just as lando overtakes Charles, reaching p2.

"I mean you could leave... but Together forever I heard?" Zac smirks as he places a headset on your knee as he gets up to get back to his place... "just in case you want to pop in and check up on him... you stresshead"

As the lap count increased, so did your heart rate, as you seen lando still at p2 with 1 lap to go and a 2 second gap between him and perez. Hands hesitating to pick up the headset that remained on your knee like a safety blanket. Only picking it up as the mclaren garage erupts in applause, not only has lando picked up his highest ever poduim but Daniel won!

'Lets fucking go lads' lando screeches as you place the headset on, zac giving you a little nod, letting you know you can talk to him.

"Baby" you whisper through the mic, voice trembling with pride and emotion.

"(Y/n)!!! We did it! We fucking did it!!" Lando screams as he makes his way to the last corner..

"We lando?!? I didn't do anything but hid behind zac the whole time" causing lando to chuckle before the set goes dead and the garage yet again erupts... letting you know the mclarens have parked up.

Lando was the first one out, immediately running over to zac and the rest of the team, and although you could tell he was ecstatic, apart of you knew that he was gonna be disappointed about not getting p1... but he's a team player & at the end of the day thats all that matters.

After the hugs from the team, it was your turn to be pulled into your sweaty boyfriends arms, in the biggest bear hug you've ever been given.

"I'm sooo proud of you baby" you whisper, running your hand through is wet locks. Tears welling your eyes for what felt like the 50th time today.

"I love you so much" he screamed, picking your feet of the ground as he twirled you around, so fast you would of sworn he would of got the fastest lap!

"And by the way" he smirks, locking your lips with his "theres no me without you...."

However your sweet moment was inturpted as you get rudely pulled away from eachother by a certain ecstatic Australian....

"Alright love birds, plenty of that later" grabbing lando by the shoulders, pushing him towards the poduims "continue that later please, me and loverboy here have a shoey to do"

Your heart melts as you hear landos laugh, even from 10 meters away, but nothing made your race more than seeing him mouth the words anyone would dream about hearing.....

"Cant wait too rip them clothes off".....

And by lord did he keep his promise, not even being able to close the door before your 'mclaren 4' tshirt was pulled from your body.

"Ive been dying to do this from the moment I crossed that line" lando groaned as he pushed against the wall, using all his last energy, locking his lips with yours. Tounges fighting for dominance as he unhooks your bra, throwing it carelessly across the room.

Before you knew it you thrown on the bed, just as carelessly as your long forgotten bra.

"How the fuck did I get this lucky" lando moaned as he hovers over your already shaken body, eyes gazing over your bare body, filling with not only with lust but love....

Sitting up you, you lock your lips again....

"I should be saying that too you.." you mumble against his mouth, flipping your body ontop of his as your hands trace down his bare chest.

"Ahh taking in charge I see" he smirks, throwing his arms at the back of his head, as your unbutton his belt, seeing his hard cock push against the poorly made cotton.

"Only the best for my champion" you whisper, pulling down the last layer before getting to work. Lips locking over the tip, as you look straight in his eyes, making sure he can see the collection of pre-come of your tounge as it traces on his tip.

"Fuck doll..." lando wheezed as your hand goes up and down his shaft, his hands pulling your hair back as you take him deeper down your throat. His groans filling the room as your eyes welled up for a different reason this time as you feel his tip against the back of your throat, however you didnt have time to enjoy your meal for any longer as he pulls you away. Leaning down, he latches your lips to his, moaning as he tastes himself on your tounge.

"Dont want to finish in your mouth"

Laying back down, throwing one of your legs over his waist causing you to straddle him....

"Ride me." He demands, and like the good girl you were you took no time to fulfill his needs. Pulling out a condom from under the pillow he wa layed on..

"Dont judge me.. i knew this was gonna happen"

Lando chuckled as you slipped the condom on him, positioning yourself before sinking on him, Causing both of your breaths to hitch...

"Fuck (y/n)... how the fuck are you still this tight after 3 years of fucking you" lando moaned as your hips start to rock against his waist, finding your familiar rhythm as his hands find your waist. The sound of skin slapping could only be heard, as you allowed him to fill you up.

"Fuck lando" you yell throwing your hand back as he places his hand on your clit, matching the rhythm of your hips "dont stop" you scream as he picks up the pace.

Using his free hand to continue guiding your hips on his cock, pushing his hips up to meet yours.

Moans filled the air, both of you knowing full well that the rest of the mclaren could hear your 'private celebration' however neither you seemed to care as your screams filled up the room.

"Im so close" you sigh as lando continues to meet your hips half way, leaning down to meet his lips.

"Me too baby... fuck me too"

Without out any more warnings, lando let go, feeling his seed fill up the condom that was still thrusting inside you.

"Come on baby let go" lando yelled, hand moving faster against your clit as he, attaches onto your sensitive tits. Something that he knew could bring you to cum hust on its own...

"Fuck!!!" You scream as the pleasure washes over you, collapsing on his chest as you both tried to catch your breath.

"I love you so much" he whispered as he pulled your swollen lips into one last kiss..

"I love you too lando" you whispered back, leaning back into his chest as he begins to comb his fingers through your hair, a action that after 3 years of love he knew would instantly put you to sleep... and like everything that boy does, he never fails...

#lando norris #lando norris blurbs #lando norris blurb #lando norris imagine #lando norris smut #alltooNSFW!

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illatreal · 3 years ago

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Heartstopper, an essay by me that probably no-one will ever read. (Spoiler alert, obviously, if you haven’t read or watched the series)

(PART 7)

TAO & ISAAC - William Gao (he/him) and Tobie Donovan (he/him)

Tao played by William Gao introduces an extra level of tension to the series - he doesn’t like Charlie hanging out with Nick because he feels it is changing his friendship group and he is worried that Nick is using Charlie. I want everyone to fully support Charlie and Nick’s relationship so anytime I watch Tao doubting Nick’s intentions I get really defensive. This being said, I like that they show not just the impact of Charlie’s bullying on Charlie, but also on his closest friend. Tao’s actions are prompted in part by jealousy and a dislike of change, but where most series leave it at the best friend just being jealous of a new friend, ‘Heartstopper’ delves deeper into his motivations. As Charlie’s best friend, he knows the impact that bullying and homophobia had on Charlie when people at school found out he was gay: the way it impacted his mental health, the self-loathing he experienced, the self-harming behaviour he resorted to, and the lunchtimes spent isolated from his friends as he hid in the art room. Yes, his behaviour and apparent dislike of Nick makes it hard for Charlie to tell Tao about his relationship, but you can 100% understand why Tao wants to protect Charlie at all costs - taking on his bullies at every turn. The beautiful scene in episode 8 where Tao talks to Nick and helps to explain the impact that keeping their relationship a secret is having on Charlie shows just how much Tao understands, loves and wants the best for his friend. At the same time he is compassionate to Nick, someone he has shown dislike for, and is sympathetic to his reluctance to come out - he knows how hard it was for Charlie and gets why Nick would be finding it hard. I’m really looking forward to seeing Nick and Tao get to know each other better if we get a season 2 and they get to spend more time together e.g. the Paris trip.

Perhaps the most beautiful part about Tao’s character is his evolving relationship with Elle. I already touched on this in Part 4, but their friendship is so supportive and it’s lovely to see them sharing parts of themselves with each other so intimately. Yes, there is the evolving romantic relationship as well, but you just get the feeling that these are two kindred souls going on the crazy journey of life together. Whenever Tao is freaking out about the state of his friend group and is worried about Charlie, it is Elle that is able to calm him down and provide a more positive, balanced perspective. They are each other’s rocks and just really sweet.

Isaac doesn’t get a lot of screentime but the time he does get is great. Tobie Donovan plays Isaac in a very understated way with occasional moments of bright joy that shine through. I mean a character who casually kicks over monopoly boards to end arguments and keeps reading through all his friend’s dramas is just the energy I think we all need. When Charlie is pulling Isaac over to the sports day rugby match in Episode 8 (pre Nick telling him how much he loves him) and Isaac isn’t even bothered he just taggs along without ever glancing away from his book I just get the biggest smile. This being said, Isaac is the OG shipper for Charlie and Nick and just super chill about their blossoming love. At the same time he is careful not to take sides when Charlie and Tao aren’t seeing eye to eye. And he even stays away from movie night to give Elle and Tao a bit of alone time (we all know he had ulterior motives and wasn’t really sick).

I’ve read a few things now saying that Isaac is autistic and can definitely see how this fits in with this sweet character. He is a character of few words, but when he is comfortable around someone he comes out of his shell a little bit more. His friends never try to force him into conversation but just naturally still always include him. I like that we see him and Nick getting along so well in episode 5 when they are bowling because it shows that Isaac likes Nick and feels comfortable with him even though they haven’t been friends for a long time. The books he read also seem to be a way for Isaac to better understand the world around him. We see him reading ‘Proud’ by Gareth Thomas, a book written by a famous rugby player, at Charlie’s rugby game in episode 4 when the friends go along to support. He reads ‘Gender Explorers’ by Juno Roche in episode 8, which is a collection of interviews with young trans people and also in episode 8 reads “There Is No Planet B’ which looks into what can be done to challenge the environmental and economic problems we face today. Just because Isaac doesn’t talk a lot doesn’t mean he isn’t observing and wanting to learn more about the world around him.

#heartstopper #alice oseman #isaac henderson #tao xu #charlie spring #nick nelson #elle argent #lgtbq

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thewritewolf · 4 years ago

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Mari Christmas And A Happy New Adrien

Summary:

Lost in the aftermath of Hawkmoth's defeat, Adrien loses complete track of time and before he knows it, the holiday season is upon him. Will a Christmas visit to his girlfriend's house be just what he needs to move on?

Hello and welcome to my piece for the @mlsecretsanta event! My giftee, @lesslinette, asked for among other things, Adrienette, family bonding, fluff and just a bit of hurt/comfort and I aimed to please!

I had to do a good amount of research into French and Chinese Christmas traditions (including interviewing my long-suffering French friend - thanks @emsylcatac!), so hopefully I didn't get anything *too* wrong.

Read on Ao3

Enjoy!

Marinette 💖: You still up?

Adrien: Yeah Still not sleeping great House was always too quiet Never thought it could get more quiet tho lol Whats up?

Marinette 💖: :( Just wondering what u were doing 4 xmas Since You know

Adrien: Since father went to jail and mom died again? Haven’t thought about it Guess ive still got time to figure it out

Marinette 💖: … ..Its the 23rd of Dec Like 2am Not a lot of time left

Adrien: oh Guess uh Stay at home?

Marinette 💖: Adrien Its been like two months Youve been going crazy in there Youll just be stuck in there all by yourself Why don’t you come over?

Adrien: I don’t know… I don’t want to bring anyone down Or ruin anyone’s christmas

Marinette 💖: Adrien ‘Kindest Boy in Paris’ Agreste

Adrien: Oh no she used my middle name

Marinette 💖: You are coming over tomorrow And letting me pamper you And letting my family - your REAL family - love you And that is the end of that ...Is that okay with you?

Adrien: Whatever you say ma’am

Marinette 💖: Good Be here no later than fifteen hundred Let me know if I need to pick you up

Adrien: Will do

Adrien laid back down, his face lit up only by the glow of his phone and the only noise in the room being Plagg’s snoring. Putting his phone to sleep, he turned over, closed his eyes, and honestly smiled for what felt like the first time in a long time.

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

Adrien reached the door to his girlfriend’s house with a gift under one arm, an envelope in his pocket, and a weak smile on his face. The latter wasn’t because of a lack of feeling on his part - the exact opposite, actually.

It had been hard to go to sleep after their conversation that night, a swirl of mixed emotions keeping him from getting the rest that he craved. Last night wasn’t much better and he was left exhausted. He’d even been half tempted to call and say that he couldn’t make it, but somehow that only made him feel worse.

So here he was. He’d shambled his way to the car, driven himself there through blurry eyes and frequent yawns, and turned the doorknob. Maybe they’d understand if he just dropped off the present and headed home.

Well, maybe not home, but just where he lived.

The instant the door opened, a wave of hot air buffeted him. Not only did it warm his freezing face, it brought all sorts of wonderful smells on it. There were the expected scents - baked potatoes, salmon, chicken. But then was something else, something a little harder to place.

After puzzling over it for a moment, he shook his head and stepped into the house. No sooner had he closed the door behind him than he heard some voices calling out from deeper inside.

“Wait, was that the door? The family wasn’t supposed to be over until tomorrow, weren’t they?”

“Tom, that has to be Adrien!”

There was excitement in Sabine’s voice that warmed his heart, but not quite as much as when he’d taken a couple steps into the house and was blindsided by Marinette bursting out of the living room to wrap him in a hug.

“Worried I might not show?” Adrien whispered after they parted from their kiss.

“Not even for a moment, chaton.” She smiled up at him before her eyes wandered down to his arms, a suspicious look on her face when she saw the one present. “Looks like you showed some restraint this year.”

“Of course!” At her continued doubting look, he added. “Come on, I’m perfectly capable of giving reasonable gifts.”

“Last year you tried to give me my favorite restaurant.”

“But I didn’t!”

“Only because I hid your checkbook and credit cards!”

Adrien snorted. “Details.”

Rolling her eyes, Marinette tugged on his coat sleeve. “Follow me, you ridiculous man. You can put your gifts under the tree, we’ll open them tomorrow.”

She led him into the living room, where their Christmas tree had been set up in all its glory. There were red paper chains wrapped all around it and a huge variety of homemade ornaments - including a few that he’d made in years past. Ever since he and Marinette had started dating, he’d been welcomed into their household with open arms. And even before that, they’d been nothing but kind to him.

His eyes poured over the tree, looking for one specific ornament. It didn’t take him long to find it - with its poor quality, it stood out among the beautiful glass orbs and painted baubles. His fingers brushed over the patches of glitter, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face as he took in the patterns of melted wax inside it. His first ornament. They’d barely been dating a few months when he’d made that one.

Had it really been four years already?

Arms wrapped around him from the side and he looked down at Marinette’s chin resting on his shoulder, peering up at him with big blue eyes.

“What’re you thinking about, hot stuff?”

“Old memories, that’s all.”

“Hmm…” She leaned up to give him a kiss on the cheek. “You just about ready to make some new ones?”

“With you? Always.”

“You two want to come in and help us finish cooking dinner?” They both jumped when Sabine’s voice reached them.

Blushing, Marinette reluctantly let Adrien go and headed toward the kitchen. “Coming, maman!”

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

A few hours later and the four of them were seated around the dining room table. Some things had been moved around from what Adrien remembered from the usual arrangement, and a long table had been set up. Most of the spaces were empty - with the four of them, only about a third of the table was occupied. But while the chairs were mostly left bare, the table was not.

Even though he had helped make some of it, Adrien was still amazed at how good the food all looked when laid out on the table like this.

Most of it was pretty traditional, at least from what he knew. A lot of the time his experience with Christmas dinners were meals allowed to grow cold until he gave up on his father showing. But the roasted chicken was still steaming when they cut into it, the smoked salmon and toast still holding the heat of the oven on them. Add in the gratin dauphinois and this was just about the ideal Christmas dinner he could imagine.

Naturally, it got even better with Sabine’s contribution - spring rolls.

As Adrien shoveled them onto his plate, he asked Sabine, “Is this the only Chinese dish for today, maman?”

“Just you wait, dear.” She smiled over her plate. “Today was Tom’s turn to make dinner. Tomorrow will be mine and you’ll definitely have your fill then.”

“I can’t wait!” Adrien took some of the chestnut sauce to pour over his chicken. Which reminded him… He glanced nervously toward the oven. “I don’t suppose you made foie gras, did you?”

Marinette made a face and shivered.

Tom quickly shook his head. “Oh no, son. Back when Marinette was… what? Eight, nine? She found out how it was made and made us promise to never have it again.”

“Eleven years later and we haven’t broken that promise yet,” Sabine finished. “There are plenty of other foods in the world.”

“That’s good.” Adrien breathed a sigh of relief. “It always made me uncomfortable when my father ordered it.”

“Ordered, dear?” Sabine gave him a confused look.

“Oh, we never really cooked our own dinners.”

Tom’s jaw dropped. “Not even Christmas dinner?”

“Nope. Sometimes he’d have to order the dinner prepared the day before and then we’d reheat it the day of, since no one wanted to come into work on Christmas day, you know?”

“I see…” Tom shared a look with Sabine, but the meaning was lost on Adrien. “Well, you make sure you have your fill, son! We’ll be making more for tomorrow, so this is all for us.”

“Thanks,” Adrien said with a grateful smile.

The conversation meandered and for the most part Adrien was just content to listen in, drinking in the company after spending so much of his time recently just by himself. Well, mostly by himself. Marinette would visit whenever she could get the time between college classes and internships. Nino and Alya were more elusive, if only because they were outside the city so often these days.

But there was one person who was his constant companion, Adrien thought with a smile as he peeked into the breast pocket of his T-shirt…

...Only to see that it was empty. Maybe he’d gone to visit Tikki and the kwamis of the miracle box? Adrien was drawn out of his thoughts when Sabine directed a question at him.

“Are you ready for the pre-dessert snacks, dear?”

“Oh! Sure, yeah. What do you have?”

“You’ll love it!” Tom excitedly got up and hustled over to the kitchen, Sabine right behind him. He raised his voice to be heard as he went to the room next door. “We know how much you love camembert so…”

Adrien’s eyes widened. They didn’t…

Tom returned with a platter of cheeses in his hands and a frown on his lips.

“Something wrong, papa?” Marinette’s eyes glanced between Tom and the cheese platter.

“No, no… its just… I could have sworn I bought more cheese than this. And I was so sure that I had purchased camembert.” He rubbed his chin. “Ah well, there is more than enough for the three of us anyway.”

While Sabine set down a large bowl of salad in the middle of the table, Adrien glanced at Marinette. At his side, Marinette was biting her lips and pointedly staring into the middle distance, trying her hardest not to laugh. For his part, Adrien was frustrated that he couldn’t go anywhere without Plagg making a noticeable dent in the food supply.

His annoyance with Plagg was so great he almost didn’t enjoy the Yule Log that Tom had made for dessert. Almost, but not quite.

Once they were done with dinner, they cleared the table.

“So, how’d you like the meal?” Marinette asked as she dried off the dishes while Adrien washed them.

“Definitely better hot. And homemade.”

Marinette chuckled. “I’m glad the bar was so high for us. Really makes us feel like we accomplished something here.”

“How about…” Adrien bit down on his lips and narrowed his eyes in thought. “It was the most delicious meal I’ve had in months.”

“Ooo, now we’re getting somewhere.”

“Years even.”

“Good, good, go on.”

“I had never known food could taste so delicious until you graced me with your heavenly meals.”

Marinette’s eyes gleamed with restrained laughter, the hint of a barely contained smile ruining her deadpan. “Glad I could finally weasel how you really feel out of you.”

“Yeah you’re pretty good at that, aren’t you?” Hands still in the sink’s soapy water, he leaned over and planted a kiss on her forehead.

“No fooling around now, we still have to help put up the last decorations before we relax for the night.”

“What sort of decorations?”

“Paper lanterns and paper chains. That sort of thing.” At Adrien’s politely confused look, she added, “It’ll help make mom’s side of the family feel welcome. Plus they look pretty cool.”

“Well what are we waiting for then? Let’s kick this into overdrive!”

Adrien suddenly worked in a flurry, Marinette scream laughing as she got splashed with some of the water thrown up by his breakneck pace. Marinette could barely keep up between her giggling, but she somehow managed.

With the last fork, plate, and glass sparkling clean and put away, Marinette shook her head and dabbed at her slightly damp shirt with a fresh towel.

“You’re a dork, you know that?”

“So my girlfriend tells me.”

Adrien relished the sometimes quiet, sometimes loud evening he spent with the Dupain-Chengs. When he went upstairs and cuddled Marinette in the cozy darkness, Adrien felt only excitement for the next day

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

Morning came swiftly, but Adrien rose to meet the dawn’s first light with a smile on his lips and a spring in his step. Marinette was… a little less eager, but he managed to coax her out of the bed, eventually.

When they finally got down the stairs and made it to the kitchen, Sabine’s eyes widened and she even froze in the middle of folding one of her dumplings.

“Marinette? I’m surprised to see you up so early.”

Bleary eyed, her daughter simply jabbed a finger toward Adrien and grunted. Adrien rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled.

“I knew you’d be a good influence on her, sweetie.” Sabine patted his cheek with a warm smile. “Now, once you’ve had some breakfast I’d really appreciate some help out here. From you especially, Marinette, since you know exactly how to do it the way I like it.”

“Can’t Tom help?” Adrien made some toast for him and Marinette, doing his best to stay out of Sabine’s way. “Not that I’m not willing to lend a hand, but he’s got to be pretty good at it after all this time, right?”

Sabine laughed and even Marinette cracked a smile. “You’d think so, but no. The man can make almost any dessert known to French mankind, but I’ve yet to see him finish one spring roll or dumpling in all our years of marriage. Just about the only thing I’m trusting him with today is the roasted pork.”

“Not even the cheese plate?” Adrien asked, tongue in cheek. To his surprise, Sabine shook her head gravely.

“We don’t make one for Christmas day. After all, everyone that is going to be here is from my side of the family and we’re all lactose intolerant.”

“Oh.” Adrien glanced at Marinette, who shrugged.

“I got lucky and got papa’s tolerance for it, I guess.”

“Huh… well, can I help?”

A few hours passed, most of which Adrien spent doing vital but unskilled cooking like stirring and kneading. Although they did let him try to fold a few dumplings. It ended up nowhere near as well done as Marinette’s, but she still gave him a kiss on the cheek for the good effort. From what he gathered, Tom had never even managed to get it to stay together.

They had just put the last batch in the oven when they heard a knock at the door, Sabine quickly taking off her apron as she rushed to answer it.

Adrien’s ears perked up when he heard a conversation in Chinese start up, but between him being a little rusty and them speaking so fast, he couldn’t pick out much.

A few moments later, Sabine walked back into the room with an older Chinese couple. Marinette pulled him towards them. Sabine put a hand on Adrien’s shoulder and introduced them.

“Adrien, these are my parents. My mother, Ling,” she said, gesturing towards the grey-haired woman currently hugging Marinette. “And my father, Zheng.”

The older man’s grey eyes sparkled with excitement as he held out a red envelope for Adrien, who just now noticed that Marinette had also been given one. He froze, eyes widening. Was he supposed to have gotten them something too? He hadn’t realized that anyone would be getting him anything, except maybe Marinette. There was a moment where he was about to decline but he took a shot in the dark and accepted.

The moment his hand touched the envelope, Zheng spoke in Mandarin, “Best wishes for the New Year!”

“Thank you very much!” Adrien replied automatically in the same language. While the finer points might escape him, Adrien was fluent in niceties.

Zheng’s eyes widened before he nodded sagely to himself. “Ahh, I see you’ve picked up some Mandarin from my daughter, yes?”

“Oh, no, sir. I’ve been studying since I was fourteen.”

Once again, Zheng’s eyes widened before he chuckled and looked knowingly at Marinette. “This one is definitely a keeper! I approve.”

Marinette’s cheeks were almost as red as the envelope, but she still smiled.

The bright, enticing red of the envelope made him want nothing more than to open it right then and there. But Adrien took a nod from Marinette, who had very pointedly left it sealed even as she refused to set it down. He chose to follow her lead as they all made their way to the living room.

While the Dupain-Cheng parents and the Cheng parents were getting settled there, Marinette volunteered them to go make some tea. Once they were in the kitchen and out of earshot of the new arrivals, Adrien held up his envelope with a raised eyebrow and curious look.

“You can go ahead and look at it now, it’s just not polite to do it right when you get it.” She carefully unsealed the envelope. “It's this Chinese tradition - good luck money for the new year, you know?”

Adrien followed her lead and found one ten, one twenty, and one fifty euro note inside. Glancing over, it seemed Marinette got the same. He was half tempted to just give her his euros since he didn’t have any need for it, but decided that might be tacky. If she would even take them at all. After stashing the envelopes away in a kitchen drawer, they came back with tea for everyone.

Over the next few hours, more and more family members funneled into the house. Adrien, used to seeing maybe four people during the holiday season, thought the room would be close to bursting after the first aunt arrived with husband and two kids in tow. But then came the uncle and his family, then the second aunt with her boyfriend and by the end of it fifteen people were packed into the living room. For some reason apples in boxes became involved? Adrien thought that was a pun but that was more his pun sense than his linguistic skill.

Before anyone could get too settled in, they finally got to opening presents. Despite his fears from the red envelope, no one else seemed to have gotten Adrien anything.

At least, none of the extended family had. The Dupain-Cheng family, however…

“Here you go, dear.” While the rest of the room was chattering among themselves, Sabine placed a package about as big as a shoebox on Adrien’s lap. Before he could react to it, Marinette had shoved a bag stuffed with packing paper.

“Let me go get your-”

Adrien felt a tug on his arm and looked down at Marinette seated beside him. “Open your gifts first and then we’ll open the ones you got us.”

“Okay, okay.” Adrien looked at the box on his lap and tore it open. He tilted his head in confusion as he lifted the fabric that he found there out of the box. His eyes widened when he realized it was an apron with ‘Kiss the Chef’ on it.

“Its for when you come over to cook with us!” Tom beamed down at him proudly. “Now you don’t need to borrow our aprons any more - you’ll have one of your very own!”

Adrien felt his eyes get misty and he bit his lips to keep himself from crying. After a few moments of pulling himself together, he managed to say, “Thank you, guys. I’m really looking forward to wearing it!”

“Speaking of…” Marinette prodded the bag she left with him.

“Right, right.”

Adrien removed the paper and pulled out what turned out to be a sweater, cream colored and decorated with mistletoes and black cats in red scarves. It felt amazingly soft as he slipped it on over his head, embraced in a warm hug that - he lifted the fabric to his nose and took a deep breath - yes, smelled exactly like Marinette. For now at least.

“Do you like it?” Instead of replying, Adrien wrapped his arms around Marinette and pulled her close to him, nuzzling his nose against her neck. Giggling, she smacked his arms lightly. “I’ll take that as a yes, now let go!”

After he pulled his arms back, he stood up and stepped between the Cheng family members and made it to the tree before heading back to the little corner of the living room that they had claimed. He passed the envelope to Tom and the box to Marinette.

“A… gift card for an appliance store?” Tom said, his brow furrowing.

“I wanted to get you an actual new stove because you’re always upset at it,” Adrien explained in a rush, feeling embarrassed that his gift felt so… impersonal compared to theirs. “But when I went to the store I had no idea what actually made a good stove and searching it up on the internet only made it more confusing and… yeah,” he finished lamely.”

He glanced up at them and felt better to see them smiling back.

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Adrien! Thank you, we’ll make good use of this.”

Beside him, Marinette began opening her gift, which Adrien was much more excited for. Not because he had spent any less for it, but because that at least he knew exactly what to get.

He knew he’d done good when she gasped as she pulled out the expensive fabric she’d once stared at longingly from the otherside of a store’s window in Paris. Which, of course, meant that he was also expecting the smack on his arm from her as well.

“Adrien! This is expensive! You definitely shouldn’t have bought this.”

“Actually, you’ll remember that I get to spoil you exactly three times a year - birthdays, Valentine’s, and Christmas.” He gave her the most innocent look he could manage. “So you like it then?”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “You know I absolutely love it, you cat.”

“Then that’s great!” He continued with the overly chipper and oblivious tone, knowing how much it bugged her. He rubbed his hands together. “So… when’s dinner?”

-----------

After a Christmas dinner packed with Chinese dishes, they slowly returned to the living room.

Adrien sat in a corner of the room, taking in the warm and inviting atmosphere, the excitement and energy of so many people gathered together in such a small space.

Holding Marinette close, Adrien felt like he was part of a real family for the first time in a long time.

#Miraculous Ladybug #Adrien Agreste #Marinette Dupain-Cheng #Adrienette #Love Square #Tom Dupain #Sabine Cheng #ml secret santa exchange #my writing #Mari Christmas and a Happy New Adrien

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tiktaalic · 3 years ago

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I know very little of bnha and everything I've learned has been against my will. However I am compelled about the deku/bakugou dynamic that avid shippers have over there. But apparently it's really bad? Like it's toxic (compelling) and abusive (not compelling)

You seem normal about your enjoyment of bnha, can you please tell me why this is bad? I can't read another shounen where teenage girls are sexualised for no reason.

bkdk’s biggest crime in my opinion is being boring. It’s very much not for me. Anecdotally from someone who tracked the bkg tag for close to a year if there’s someone who has a bakugo pairing and is weird as FUCK about it, it’s gonna be a bkdk. is that a fair metric on which to judge the pairing itself? Maybe not, but I have no respect for a pairing that means I have to blacklist FETISH fetish art. Like. Here’s the low down. They’ve known each other since they were extremely little. They went to pre school together, and these are the flashbacks you see to preschool:

-bkg being like lmao look you can read midoriya’s name like loser if you read it as deku. lmao loser deku loser deku loser deku. He continues to call him that for the next ten years.

-deku trailing along a Group Hang with bkg and a few unimportant side characters where they cross a stream by walking over a log. Bakugo leads, then trips and falls into the water and is sitting in the stream going mumble grumble when deku rushes over and offers his hand to pull bkg up and goes “are you ok?” At this point [!] [Bakugou will remember that] pops up over his head because this REALLY annoys him. He’s like deku I’m cooler than you and more powerful than you I don’t NEED your help get away from me. They are like. 4 years old at this point, btw.

We see a couple of eps of them in middle school, where this dynamic has calcified. Bakugou is popular because of his powers, deku is at the bottom of the food chain (because of his lack of powers). Obviously this means Bakugou bullies deku. In the first episode he takes deku’s meticulously kept notes on hero’s and their powers and tosses it in a fountain so it’s ruined and tells deku “why don’t you kill your self maybe in your second life you’ll have powers this time”

After this plot bullshit happens and deku ends up saving Bakugou from a monster who was going to kill him which INFURIATES bakugou. He’s like deku you piece of shit I had it handled I don’t need your help don’t go around thinking you’re better than me because you’re NOT. and dekus like. Oh I don’t think I’m better than you I just. Didn’t want you to die? And nobody was stepping in? And Bakugou is like FUCK you you powerless freak you friendless nerd. Don’t you DARE apply to hero school I’m going to be the ONLY person from our middle school ever to apply and get in. I don’t OWE YOU anything for saving my life.

And then they both apply and get in and Bakugou is. Still furious. He’s like what the FUCK did you do you little cheater what’s with these powers you have now were you playing me for the last ten years? Trying to make me look like an idiot? Like a fool? FUCK you im going to be a better hero than you and your weird OP powers you hid from me because you thought it’d make me look stupid. And deku is very. U-u-u-u-m Bakugou that’s not what happened I promise I bet you WILL be the greatest hero your powers are super cool and you’re very driven! I just also want to succeed as a hero and help people! And bakugou’s like. TCH. NEVER GONNA HAPPEN.

I think it gets PAINTED as abuse because this happens over the course of a year or so when they’re 13 ish. So like. They’re pretty static, the first few seasons! Bakugou hates that deku has powers now and thinks it’s some play specifically meant to make Bakugou look like an idiot, and deku is like b-b-b-bakugou! I just think you’re really cool and also want to be a hero! The static ness of their dynamic means that they never really address how fucked it is and Bakugo CERTAINLY never apologizes for it. Bakugou just tells deku to meet him outside the school at midnight so they can beat each other up about how Bakugou IS going to be the better hero stop TRYING TO OUTDO HIM!!!!! [cue angry tears] .

I made this tweet awhile back but they don’t compel me because to me. To ME one sided rivalries read as very sibling esque (stucky, bkdk, thor and loki who are AXTUALLY SIBLINGS,) while the TWO sided rivalry is fun and toxmantic (am Not a stony but stony passes this test, so does sambucky, catradora villaneve etc etc) . Sexually repressed af to be obsessed with your rival who’s equally as obsessed with you. Baby sibling af to Decide someone is your rival while they’re like. Dude why don’t you calm down and we’ll go say hi to mom

#long post #bnha

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cowboylikedean · 4 years ago

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folklermore spn finale: the last great american dynasty

Okay so this post took forever to write for a couple reasons.

First of all, this one is special in that it has two readings for my grief.

The first one is terrible and heartbreaking and honestly I don’t want to spend a lot of time on it. I see Andrew Dabb as THE great villain of Supernatural, and he truly had a marvelous time ruining everything. The sarcastic nature of the song goes in to speak to the fact that I feel legitimately crazy for how much I blame him. It’s sad and heartbreaking. I think about it sometimes when i hear this song and instantly force myself to stop thinking about it and go back to the other view.

So the other view is more what you might expect with the vibe of the song... but it is SO HARD for me to put into words, I found. So I’m sorry if this is messy and disjointed and all over the place.

I spoke in cardigan’s post about how I’m not the fan the show wanted and there’s a large part of the narrative in the folkermore-spn-finale feelings for me that expresses not being the fan the narrative wanted or needed.... Most of the time this is brought up in this, it’s angry, or sad, or whatever... but this time... this time it celebrates it.

I had a marvelous time ruining everything.

Putting this under a cut because it’s very long. I didn’t mean for this to get this long rip.

I let myself sink into the feelings of wonder and awe I felt when I first fell in love with the show and then let myself find the conclusion that IF I did in fact “ruin everything” (aka the show) by not being the fan the show needed me to be to enjoy it, at least I had a good fucking time!

From that first bit where Taylor sings that Rebekah’s salt box house took her mind of St. Louis.... Supernatural took my mind off my life too. I remember when I first watched the show, I was 20 and I’d just failed out of school (the first time). I was lying to my mother and her husband (who I lived with) about going to school. I rode the city bus at the time because I didn’t have my license yet. I’d leave the house and say I was going to the bus stop down the street. Instead, I hid in the woods that separated my neighborhood from my grandfather’s back yard. I worked at his house “after school” every day from 4-6, taking care of his house, doing light cleaning and cooking, helping him adjust to being a double amputee so it worked out nice. Every night I pre-loaded 5 hours of episodes on my computer so I didn’t need the internet and every day I would sit in the cold on a log and put my computer on a slightly bigger log and curl up in my warm coat for a day of Supernatural before heading inside to Pappou’s house at 4. Sometimes, I just waited until the afternoon when I knew my mom would be gone and I could go home where it was warm and I had wifi. Sometimes though I got wrapped up and I just stayed there.. all day.

Supernatural is, what I would consider, one of the last great american TV shows. Like... It’s right there with Grey’s Anatomy as the last TV shows that have an actual following where people watch it and it’s a thing that haven’t been corrupted by the streaming world. Television is so important to me, it’s my favorite medium of storytelling and it’s been lost. Streaming destroyed it. People say we’re living in a “golden age” because there’s “so much good TV” but there’s NOT! What we have is high production quality on a lot of mini-series and long-format movies that have been randomly split up into “episodes” but don’t make sense if you space them out in any way. The episodic serial format of television has been LOST and that’s heartbreaking...

But to me... this song... it’s about The Last Great American TV Show, The Last Great American Fandom, The Last Great American Dynasty over my life, my fandom, my relationship with tv, and my world view.

The line “How did a middle class divorcee do it?” also just... First of all there’s something so distinctly American about it... We all know Supernatural is itself a sort of lover letter to Americana... it’s the aesthetic of Nowhere USA which is part of what makes it so effective and heartbreaking. The line in the song is about how Rebekah was just... boring, average, a little sad. Someone unremarkable you feel a little pity for. That’s the Nowhere USA of the aesthetic of the show... THAT’S the heartbeat of “Americana.” It’s boring, average, unremarkable, a little sad, you kinda pity it, it shouldn’t be that deep, but it is. It’s when the unremarkable accomplishes the remarkable. And that’s the whole myth they fed us as kids, isn’t it? I could never explain the beauty of this line inside or outside the context of Supernatural to someone who isn’t US American so I’ll just stop trying... but it’s just kljasfkd

Anyway, the point I’m trying to make here is that first stanza in the first verse... When I fell in love with Supernatural, I was boring unremarkable, a little sad... and the show was a wealth of possibilities... but also I was at a point where I was getting over the main fandom I’d had for the past year and a half (Buffy) and I had just fallen in love with Sherlock and I had nothing but time. I wasn’t bogged down with the anxiety of school, I got to devote my whole life and existence to this show. I was also a wealth of possibilities, and as we know the show was also boring, average, unremarkable, and a little sad. Both me and the show were Bill and both me and the show were Rebekah.

So when the wedding between me and the show was charming, if a little gauche it made sense cause there’s only so far new money goes. For me, this represents 2012-Mishapocalpyse: The Golden Age... Look... It’s no secret 2012 was my favorite year of all time... Tumblr was small and fun and hadn’t been corrupted by wanting or trying to be “cool” or “edgy” or “interesting.” I chose the mishapocalypse for the end of this era to me because that was the last time I felt like I could come on tumblr and really just LET GO into insanity. Almost instantly people were shit talking it as if it was not the single most fun 24 hours this website had ever had. In 2013, we saw the rise of YFIP and people trying so hard to “””prove””” they were “”””cool”””” unlike ~those~ tumblr people!!! It was pathetic. But in 2012, we just... had fun. And it was charming, if a little out there. But there really is only so far that the youthful innocence of an online community that’s new goes.

But I picked out a home on tumblr. And our parties were tasteful if a little loud. Tumblr in 2012/2013 was..... Fun. From mapcrunch to the mishapocalpyse. Some would argue about taste, but I’d say... “if a little loud.” I really just can’t separate the fun I had on tumblr back then from spn and I can’t separate spn from the fun I had back then.

But then of course, we all need to settle down some times because the fun doesn’t last forever. In this line, I hear myself in both Bill and Rebekah and I hear the show in both Bill and Rebekah. Both of our hearts gave out and the other way to blame.

So then the chorus... “who knows if she never showed up what could have been?” I CHANGED because of the show, I don’t know who the hell I’d BE without it! And likewise, I don’t think *I* personally changed the actual show, but the show WAS changed by each one of us. The show itself is folklore, changed and shaped in each retelling. There’s a creative freedom to the chorus that lives in that love.

So then there’s the second verse. After the rose colored glasses came off, Rebekah gave up on the Rhode Island set forever and I gave up on the greater spn fandom forever. I dropped the hellers and joined the tight knit Dean stans. This verse is about living in spite. It’s that wild American rebellion mixed with a little bit of sensual romanticism. In season 9, it was us against the world. And the reality is we were angrier than this verse gives and less free and fun... but looking back, it felt like A Time. I don’t know how to put it into words really but it was like... We found ways (and continue to find ways) to celebrate Dean when we weren’t supposed to. Fuck everyone else Dean is perfect.

And then in the second verse, we celebrate that rebellion. The change from “the maddest woman” to “the most shameless woman” in the chorus is so important here... In the first chorus, Rebekah and I were mad and crazy and wild. In the second chorus, we had no shame. We lived IN SPITE of the state of the world around us and fucked anyone who had anything to say about it.

In the first chorus, “who knows if she never showed up what could have been” paired with “maddest” has this creative potential. Like who knows who I would have been without spn and who knows what the show would have been without us, the fandom. And in the second chorus, that line changes to this destructive force. Like the show and I were both shameless to just exist, you know? because we would have been better without each other... but even as it acknowledges that, it’s still... sweet.

So then we have the time I left the fandom. Here we only hear bits and pieces of Rebekah’s life and Rebekah’s time in Holiday House. She was only seen “on occasion.” And on occasion, you could find me reblogging some Dean stan posts, getting into spats with Sam stans, posting about how the writers suck, calling out a heller. But 7 years is a long time and my fandom sat quietly in the history of my blog... And then it was picked up by me.

Rebekah, in the song, refers to my past. My previous relationship with the show. Taylor’s part refers to my current relationship with the show.

Who knows if I never showed up what could have been? If I never came back, what would my life look like? It would have been healthier, I’m sure. But then again - I needed this. And if the show hadn’t came back who would I be?

But there goes the loudest non-woman this fandom has ever seen. I will scream from the ROOFTOPS! and what I want to scream is EVERYTHING from the past but with my full grown adult context. I know now more than I knew then that I had a MARVELOUS TIME ~ruining everything~!!! And I get to CELEBRATE THAT! I get to let go and have fun. I get to sit and think of Nov 5 and how that night, I relived those parties that were tasteful if a little loud. And then every day since I relived flying in the Bitch Pack friends from the city. I get to CELBRATE!

I may not have been the fan the show wanted. I may have fucked shit up. I may have lived in spite of this show even when I lived because of it. But damn I had a marvelous FUCKING TIME Ruining. Everything. Everything this show built it wanted me to see and love and appreciate with these toxic fucking relationships and the destruction of Dean Winchester can KISS MY ASS cause I had a MARVELOUS time fucking that shit up. Everything this show wanted from me that I refused to give it. Every SPEC of growth and learning and fun and enjoyment I have had from this show.... was toxic. It ruined it. Because it was not the growth and learning and fun and enjoyment the show WANTED ME TO HAVE. But damn did I have fun.

The show and I are the last great American dynasty full of rebellion and spite and damn is it fun.

#tlgad #taylor analysis #putting this in that tag because i mean #folklermore spn finale #personal #i SPENT FOREVER on this #god i'm so glad i got this out #but i don't know if it will make sense to anyone but me #tlgad spn finale

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kopzone · 7 years ago

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From Hong Kong to Kiev: At the end of the storm, there's a golden sky... The inside story of how Jurgen Klopp weathered the worst to lead Liverpool into the Champions League final By Melissa Reddy

"And now, we will go to Kiev. It sounds crazy, but it's true."

The downpours, pelting over Kowloon as though they were bullets from above, had finally subsided. For Liverpool, however, this was the inception of the storm.

Before the sun could fully crack through the scattered clouds that Friday morning in Hong Kong last July 21st, Jurgen Klopp’s phone screen was crowded with notifications from sporting director, Michael Edwards, and Fenway Sports Group president, Mike Gordon. The news being broken to the manager - the club had instantly rejected a £72 million bid from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho - was yesterday’s back-page buffet in the United Kingdom courtesy of the seven-hour time difference.

Klopp’s designs for the pre-season tour had already been scaled back due to monsoon conditions that prompted cancelled training sessions and improvised workouts. It was this development, though, which had the potential to cyclone through their preparations for 2017-18.

Liverpool could not have been more unambiguous in their response to the offer: there would be no summer sale, regardless of how much the fee shot up. Undisguised, too, was the fact La Liga’s giants would return armed with a traditional media offensive that would pack more of a punch than their improved proposals. The only variable surrounded the focal point. What was Coutinho, who had signed a new five-year deal without a release clause that January, thinking?

As Klopp entered the private assembly room for breakfast at the palatial Ritz-Carlton, the answer immediately presented itself. The 25-year-old, inner turmoil tinting his facial features, was on edge with “an instant difference in his body language,” according to observers.

So this was a problem. Klopp walked over to Coutinho to schedule a talk for that evening, when they had an honest and respectful exchange. Liverpool could not simply delete their plans for the season on account of Barcelona being unprepared for the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, the Reds boss explained. It was a point he circled back to, while also emphasising that the timing was wrong, as was the message it would send about the club.

Coutinho understood that, but highlighted the sacrifices his wife, Aine, and parents had made for his career. The future revolved around them as much as it did his own ambitions. He was happy at Liverpool, he loved the club, he was full of gratitude… But this was Barcelona. And beyond that, it represented a lifestyle change for his family, who could function within a culture so much closer to their own.

Klopp acknowledged Coutinho’s thought process, but repeated that it was about Liverpool and this was not the right thing for the club, for his teammates, or for their season ambitions.The message was reinforced privately by Edwards and the ownership before a public declaration.

“We wish to offer clarity as regards our position on a possible transfer of Philippe Coutinho,” read a statement on the club’s official website on August 11 2017, which highlighted their “definitive stance is that no offers for Philippe will be considered and he will remain a member of Liverpool FC when the summer window closes.”

Through the clinking glasses and guffaws, there is thick blend of relief and defiance daubing the atmosphere in the Freshfield area of Formby. It is Saturday, January 6 2018, where a long-scheduled New Year’s celebration for Liverpool’s staff at the Klopp residence has coincided with the £142m sale of Coutinho to Barcelona. The news had been released shortly before the flow of Monkey 47 gin and a catalogue of German lager at the gathering, with the message following the announcement on the club’s official website entirely scripted by the manager.

“Players will come and players will go, that is football, but as a club we are big enough and strong enough to continue with our aggressive progression on the pitch, even when we lose an important player. We have never been in a better position in recent times, as a club, to react in the right way. We will use our size and strength to absorb moments like this and still move forward.”

That night, as the spine of the football staff and their partners made his home their own, Klopp may as well have had the words inked on his appearance. The party, defined as “symbolic” and “powerful” had an element of toasting to Coutinho’s contribution at Liverpool, but at the same time, there was a sense of middle fingers flying in the direction of the doom decorating his departure.

Whatever followed, those present felt they were in this together. They believed in each other, in the roster, that the addition of Virgil van Dijk would make Liverpool stronger, that there was more than enough snarl as a collective to continue on an upward trajectory. That Klopp, above all, subscribed so religiously to this thinking translated into others sharing his conviction.

Liverpool would not just be fine, Liverpool would be fucking flying.

Klopp was a portrait of confidence and composure, but the previous five months had been stressful for the former Borussia Dortmund trainer. It went against his entire nature, heavily built around empathy, to see a player so sewn in distress. He treasured Coutinho professionally as well as personally and agonised over what the saga was doing to the Brazil international. Klopp imagined what it was like for him at home. He was torn by the impact it was potentially having on his wife and young daughter. The manager knew how he'd feel if one of his own kids were going through that situation, or if his partner was being affected by it.

Part of Klopp’s weaponry is sagacity, drilling deep to appreciate what drives those that line up under him or work alongside him. That he knew Coutinho, who is quite sensitive and counts his family as his axis, was cheerless made him so too.

The 50-year-old is often cast as the centrepiece, revelling in attention. He is charismatic, and so is more than comfortable getting on the dance floor or grabbing the mic to create a rhapsodic environment. But those who know him best insist Klopp is happiest sitting off and shining the spotlight on the ones he cares about having a good time.

He loves witnessing the initiation tradition of a player singing a song in front of all his teammates. He adores the environment the squad have carved between themselves and the way they have married the serious (a strict fine system) with the humorous - Dejan Lovren’s ‘gaffer’ social media undressing stands out after he revealed his Champions League half-time rallying call at Manchester City. Klopp can also spend hours on YouTube watching videos of joyous supporters and has noted multiple times this season that watching the crowd develop and truly connect with the team has been special.

So to view the opposite - to see sadness plague Coutinho - was piercing.

As such, if the decision was solely Klopp’s to make, the No.10’s switch to Spain would have been sanctioned before the start of 2017-18. Never thinking he is always right, and knowing what he personally felt was trivial when juxtaposed with the full picture, the German supported the reasoning of Edwards, Gordon and the ownership in general. It did not make sense then, that when the only route available for Coutinho to secure an exit was to go antagonist, his camp targeted the manager in their press onslaught, which only hardened FSG’s stance.

Klopp hid it well, but the falsehoods over his relationship with Liverpool’s “genius,” plus the player’s manufactured unhappiness at the club did hurt - especially as he continued to publicly fight his corner. Coutinho’s performances post the saga, especially on the continent, may have been seen as a fait accompli, but to get him to feature in the Champions League at all was an achievement.

When it became apparent there was absolutely no twisting of Liverpool’s arm, the threat of not representing the club in Europe was still strongly being advocated by his advisors. Gordon and Edwards toiled to surgically remove that and Klopp began reintegrating Coutinho, a process made simpler by his protection of the wantaway star.

Despite the heckling and suspicious inverted commas each time the ‘back injury’ that sidelined the midfielder in August was mentioned, Klopp never deviated from his line - even when the issue was “only emotional” according to Brazil’s doctor during an international break.

Squad harmony and ensuring there were no further hiccups to the start of the season was paramount for Klopp - he did not mind being the subject of ridicule, which drew mass respect from the dressing room.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

Happy New Year!

2018 had only just ticked in, but it entered with the same complexity and concern Liverpool had enjoyed a temporary break from.

Barcelona were not so much knocking on the door as they were smashing through it. Coutinho’s desire to leave had not diminished despite his excellence behind a supreme frontline and the club preparing for their first Champions League knockout fixture since 2009. Liverpool did not want a repeat of the upheaval of the summer, but conversely, neither did they want to cede the Brazilian during such a positive juncture.

Against the tide, they attempted to persuade him to stay until the end of the season on very lucrative terms - a deal now effective later. However, there was no budging from Barca’s end nor his: Coutinho had been on Merseyside for five years and he was adamant: it was time to say goodbye.

As the days ticked on and the eventuality of a sale became more pronounced, Gordon was hugely concerned that the uplifting tone around the club would morph into one of unrest. He was insistent that any abuse should be funnelled towards him and the ownership, shielding Klopp and the squad from toxicity.

Through this period, though, there was no calmer person at Melwood than the manager and there was no way he wouldn’t front up. Klopp demanded that everyone relax, that this was just a football transfer, and so they should treat it as such and nothing more. If Liverpool did not want any drama around it, then it was imperative that they did not create a spectacle themselves. It was a transaction, not a tombstone for the Reds’ season.

The most significant factor was how the squad would react to the development. The Magician was loved his peers, but additionally, there had been an episode that played on Klopp’s mind.

One August afternoon, a desperate Coutinho approached the senior players’ committee and pencilled in a talk in one of the meeting rooms on Melwood’s ground tier. He appealed to them to change the club’s mind, and while he knew the squad wanted him to stay, he also figured fellow professionals would recognise why he felt this was a ‘dream step’ that was critical to take. For all the chicanery that occurred during the summer window, it was the folding of his teammates into the fuss that most annoyed Klopp.

So when the deal was done and Coutinho was off, the manager rounded up the full group in the dressing room at the training complex and delivered an incisive address. The message was that they'd lost a great player and a friend, but it was no more than that. He told them to not give anyone on the outside a chance to say that Phil going has affected their season. Klopp mentioned that the scrutiny would increase, but he didn't believe it would hamper Liverpool in a negative way. It was important for the team to believe the same, because if they allowed his exit to be an excuse, Liverpool were weak. He reminded his players they could decide whether people said their collective genius had walked out the door with Coutinho.

"This is us. On we go."

Liverpool had anticipated a thunderstorm, and when the whistle for the interval went at the Etihad, they were relieved for the respite from Manchester City’s electric onslaught. The scoreline was only 1-0 to Pep Guardiola’s men on the night, and still 3-1 to the visitors on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals, but those first 45 minutes were punishing.

Klopp’s half-time routine is consistent home and away. He speeds from the touchline to the dressing room, takes off his jacket and convenes with assistant coach Peter Krawitez, who has selected crucial in-match clips along with analysts Harrison Kingston and Mark Leyland. The footage they slice is never usually of a goal being conceded or scored, but examples of how to avoid the former or ensure the latter by highlighting the positioning of the defensive line or where the best offensive spaces are.

At City, there was a deviation. Lovren had been shouting, telling the team to ‘wake up,’ that they weren’t showing enough belief and were allowing Kevin De Bruyne and co to do as they please. Klopp pounced on this as the perfect opening for his own message and so he broke away from his normal process, allowing the centre-back to speak for just under a minute before then commanding the room. He started by agreeing with the Croatian, before pointing at Lovren and Van Dijk, saying they were killing the team by being too deep.

He then calmly got his crucial information over: get higher, condense the pitch and stop City playing the passes that feed their strengths. In possession, relax, orientate yourselves better and speed it up. He pointed out spaces available to break City’s press, helping Liverpool retain the ball and thwart the hosts’ constant flow of attacks. Klopp then highlighted Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s chance at the end of the first half as the memory that would be playing on loop in the home dressing room. He stressed that City had just seen what Liverpool were capable of and it would be terrifying them as all it would've taken was one successful attack to scorch Guardiola's charges.

There was an element of 'so what the fuck are we doing still sitting here?' as he ordered them to go out and get back on the front foot.

While City were engulfed by the emotion of the occasion with Guardiola getting sent off at half-time, Liverpool used the break to reorganise. Klopp’s ability to cut through everything and communicate concisely was visible through the first passage of play in which his side strung five to six consecutive passes together. It culminated in Mohamed Salah’s opener on 56 minutes that effectively ended the tie, after Gini Wijnaldum fed Oxlade-Chamberlain. The England international dissected City to supply the Egyptian, who along with Sadio Mane had worked to isolate and unsettle Aymeric Laporte, Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi as per instruction.

Klopp is forever examined through his magnetism, but not his methods. People see the cool as fuckfigure with his unkept stubble in a hoody and trainers, but not the tactical nerd obsessed with preparation and details. The storyline is dictated by the hugs, fist pumps and rantings, but should be about the composed leader, who is able to read the room and never ducks a big call.

Liverpool need only a point to secure Champions League football heading into the final top-flight game of the season against Brighton? Ok then, he'll just pick four attackers. There is a misconception too that Klopp’s management is punctuated by Hollywood moments, that ‘Any Given Sunday’ type zingers are delivered on a daily.

To this point, Andy Robertson and Oxlade-Chamberlain are often asked “what did Klopp say to you when things weren’t going well at the start of your Liverpool career?” There is no cinematographic answer as there were no elaborate meetings or ground-shifting discussions. He told them to continue as they were, put in the work, and the time would come, things would align.

Klopp believes there is no point ballooning something beyond what it actually is, and that often, the best decision to take is none at all. He figures having ‘the talk’ can be self-indulgent and self-serving at times. If there is no certain benefit to a player, what exactly is the point? And if there is no massive issue, with the criticism existing externally, why should Klopp feed the notion that there is a problem by formally addressing it?

Take Mane for example, who was slightly off colour for a period, snatching a little too much and overthinking every action. In general, though, the speedster was still a threat, still being decisive and still ensuring that the front three functioned exceptionally while adding to his defensive duties.There was never a big sit down with the Senegal international, simply a brief sort of ‘What’s up? Stop beating yourself up about any mistakes, I am very happy with you.’ Mane found his own way through his stifled spell, aided by a sprinkling of encouragement rather than a lengthy tactical dissection.

Klopp doesn’t hesitate to assume control when a situation demands it - see Mamadou Sakho as a reference - but he dictates when necessary, not out of ego nor as an act.

October 8, 2015

At Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool’s city centre, those who would now work closely with the club’s new manager were offered insight into the character behind the established caricature.

After Klopp signed a three-year deal worth an estimated £7m per season in the Sixth Boardroom, where Rafa Benitez had also ratified a contract with the club in 2004, he gathered the football staff for dinner. Some expected a rousing speech from the German, others assumed it would be the introduction to Jurgen’s Law. Instead, Klopp spoke very little, inviting everyone to tell him about themselves, their roles and how things worked at Liverpool - from training schedules to the matchday routine. He wanted to absorb as much information as possible.

When it was time to talk through the media plan for his unveiling, Klopp was asked about his preferences when dealing with press. “No, no,” he responded, underlining that this was the communication team's field and they were the experts. They had to tell him how it should be. They had to teach him.

One of the Stuttgart native’s gifts is trusting and turning to the people he works with, previously stating “I’m not a one-man show. I was never that in my life, and I never want to be that. The best lesson you can get in a day - to speak to smart people about things they know about much more about than you do.”

It is why when recruitment continuously pushed Salah to the forefront of the agenda for Liverpool’s incomings, Klopp co-signed their expertise. He is across everything, but respects staff who take responsibility for their spheres of influence and are bold enough to settle on important decisions without informing him of each small detail.

Klopp surrounds himself with strong personalities, and as such, perhaps that partly explains why his long-time assistant and friend, Zeljko Buvac, is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. The Bosnian-Serb has been missing from the first-team fold since the end of April due to ‘personal reasons,’ and while no clarity has been offered on the situation, there is thought to be an element of discontent for Buvac over his standing in football. That his absence has not affected Liverpool behind the scenes is a nod to the strength of the individuals in the backroom team.

It is a strand that runs through the playing personnel as well, with proof in the non-upheaval following Coutinho’s winter departure. Just as the footballers have happily assumed more responsibility, so too have the coaching and support staff.

“Incredibly healthy” has been a label used to describe the overall set-up at Melwood and when you consider the seamless adjustment of Van Dijk and Salah, it seems an accurate assessment. Meanwhile, players that took a while to find their stride, like Robertson and Oxlade-Chamberlain, never felt walled off.

Klopp empowered Henderson to cultivate the dressing room culture and the captain has promoted a togetherness many within the West Derby facility say they haven’t encountered before. The bond extends beyond the team to the non-football staff, who are part of the fabric of the place too. This is so much so, that even when players leave the fondness lingers. When Liverpool travelled to Rome for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, Lucas Leiva sent back a surprise for popular canteen pairing Carol Farrell and Caroline Guest - signed Lazio shirts with a personal message for both.

Meanwhile, it is in their domain - the dinning room - where Klopp and Edwards often strategise over breakfast or lunch beyond the more in-depth presentations on players. The duo, who both employ an open-door policy, enjoy an effortless relationship underpinned by mutual respect. And while the sporting director keeps a low profile as he prefers to do his job rather than talk about it, allowing him to make moves under the radar at times, Klopp appreciates that he is distinguished in his field and very decisive.

The Reds boss is never shy to talk up the brilliance of the recruitment group, who are backed by a stellar research team run by Ian Graham. And while Edwards is not the type to seek credit, Liverpool’s forward line - the most devastating in Europe this season - is largely his sketch.

Gordon assesses the dovetailing between the pair as a core canon for the club’s success. Klopp appreciates Edwards’ intelligence in assembling a team to effectively implement his aggressive blueprint, while the transfer chief is aware that signing a top player is purposeless without a top manager to extract every inch of their talent.

The way the Reds have vaporised teams on the continent this season with their attacking venom has seen a spike in agents calling up to ascertain if there’d be any interest in their exciting clients.

Liverpool are now the running train.

'I could see myself here for the rest of my career'

FSG were convinced, but how could they not have been? For nearly five years, he was the one: the ownership’s ideal manager, who remained just out of reach.

In October 2015, however, he had finally become their one - Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.

But it was only on a three-year deal. He had never lived outside of Germany, let alone managed in a different country, and while there were no doubts over his status as The Perfect Fit on the club’s end, Klopp was mindful of the adaptation both he and his family would have to undertake.

The contract represented a realistic scenario rather than a romantic one. During a relaxed conversation in June 2016, however, he remarked that he could imagine being at Liverpool for the rest of his managerial career to Gordon. That put in motion an instant process to lock Klopp in after a quick discussion with principle owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner.Within a matter of hours, fresh terms had been thrashed out with the manager’s agent, Marc Kosicke, and a new six-year deal was agreed.

Klopp had been on holiday in Ibiza before ferrying over to Formentera, the smallest of Spain’s Balearic islands in the Mediterranean Sea. And on June 16, as he celebrated his 49th birthday, he also toasted signing on until 2022, with the news only being announced at the start of pre-season the following month.

"When you have an individual of Jurgen's quality in the building it makes perfect sense to secure that person for the long term. To not do so would be irresponsible."

Long before Henry, Werner and Gordon had first met with Klopp on October 1 2015 at the New York law offices of Shearman & Sterling, they had done extensive homework on his credentials. It was obvious that he was charming and a unifying figure, but they sharply realised there was endless substance beyond the soundbites and mad-scientist smile. Liverpool had craved a recognisable identity and here was a bonafide architect; a man worshipped in Mainz and Dortmund for his remarkable design work.

They spoke for hours at the high-rise building on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, chewing over everything from playing style to reawakening the fan base and reconvened the following day for further talks.

Klopp had made one particular point with regularity: Liverpool should be a force in Europe. And they could be. He would work to get them back amongst Europe’s elite, and moreover, as being the kind of team no-one wanted to face in the Champions League.

In a matter of months after arriving in Liverpool, he had guided the club to the Europa League final eliminating Manchester United, Dortmund and Villarreal en route before falling short against Sevilla at the showpiece in Basel. In his first full season at the helm, Klopp’s side secured a fourth-place finish and a crack at Champions League football for only the second time in eight seasons.

And having navigated a tricky qualifier against Hoffenheim last August to enter the group phase of the tournament, Liverpool are in now in its final and will be at the continent’s top table again next season.

Whatever happens against Real Madrid in Kiev, Liverpool’s advancement is unarguable.

Rewinding to Hong Kong, that they have made it here - one objective boxed off, one well surpassed - through the disruption, the injuries and the sale of Coutinho mid-season, is masterful. Liverpool have the opportunity to be the ultimate conquerers of Europe this season having already dispatched Porto, Manchester City and Roma, smashing scoring records en route to the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium.

Most significantly though, there is a wealth of confidence within the club that this will not be a rarity, that spellbinding nights under Anfield’s lights will become a divine right again.

They believe Liverpool will not just be fine, Liverpool will be fucking flying.

#lfc #liverpool fc #jurgen klopp #philippe coutinho #m: article #it's long but an excellent read

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miraculousagentsofkrypton · 7 years ago

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Without the Time Loop

Does anyone ever wonder what would have happened if Robin couldn't see the future? How a time loop works normally is that some people live through something and then they decide that they need to change the past, and then it becomes a circle, never ending, or changing too much. That is very much not the case here. The team was sent to the future by way of a prophesy, a self fulfilling prophesy. No one ever lived through “the original” timeline. It never happened, because in the first timeline, they still would have been sent to the future and seen consequences of what happened after they were sent to the future.

So what would have happened if no one had any pre-determinations about the future? Lets start from the beginning, they would have all ended up in jail. That’s a no-brainer, they were prepared for that. Fitz’s would have had a much easier time recovering from the Framework because he wouldn’t be obsessing over finding everyone. He would still have issues, but they wouldn't have been allowed to fester for six months. People would have been gunning for Daisy especially, because of Talbot and as Quake. And the fact that Coulson is dying would have been revealed either in jail or after they escape. Eventually something would probably have happened where they either have to find a away to protect Daisy or save Coulson and then hide, or just escape for some reason or another, especially with General Hale being Hydra. Who knows what stuff might have happened in between, but eventually, something similar to the beacon would have happened to get Shields attention. Daisy would not be out of commission, and would certainly have her powers. Therefore, Yoyo would not have lost her arms because Ruby just wanted Daisy. Daisy would not have lost against Ruby, the team would have escaped unscathed. They probably wouldn’t have been in the lighthouse, so no monoliths or fear dimension. The team mentality would still be intact, and they would still have been supporting each other, especially Fitz post-Framework.

Hopefully Fitzsimmons still would have gotten married, but honestly I think that at this point, they wouldn’t have, at least not yet. Because there would have been nothing to push them to that like their separation through time, and Simmons and Fitz would have still been working through what happened with AIDA, though they would have been on their way to recovery. I feel like everything Fitz was feeling about being unworthy of Simmons was pushed aside by his desire to find her for six months and when he finally did, that mattered more than whatever before. That wouldn't have happened here.

Hale would have gotten in contact with Coulson one way or another and they would have found their way to meeting the confederacy. The difference here would have been Coulson’s lack of a crazy story about time travel and how Daisy can’t be the Destroyer of Worlds. So a prolonged flag of peace would probably have been raised. I still don’t think Coulson would have agreed to Daisy being infused with gravitonium. But Fitzsimmons would likely have been brought into the project to actually figure it out, possibly solving the issue with the gravitonium. Ruby would still be having some issues with not being her mothers first choice for the gravitonium. Either she finds a way to convince her mother after Fitzsimmons fix it, or she does a similar thing to now, and tries to do it despite the dangers. If the later happened, Elena would not have killed Ruby, and Daisy and Hale could have possibly talked Ruby down, and Fitzsimmons, if given less of a impending world destruction time constraint, probably could have done something to help. Or she could have died anyway, but Daisy surely would have continued to try and help her. Idk what would have happened from there other than the fact that no one would be trusting the Confederacy, and Talbot would have been rescued from Hydra far sooner, possibly having never been taken because Shield wouldn't have been missing in the first place. So Talbot would not be having a psychotic break, and he wouldn’t destroy the world. Also, here would be no Deke.

About Coulson, we now know there is a solution, one that honestly, didn’t take the team that long to figure out. Coulson’s secret would have been given away sometime, and there would be no moral dilemma with any of the team on whether or not to save him. They would have solved it eventually and saved Coulson, if Coulson agreed to it. Phiinda would obviously still have happened just as gloriously, possibly earlier because they would have had time to talk after season 4′s shenanigans, and Coulson would have been saved earlier anyway.

All in all,I think it would have been far better for the world and everyone on the team if Robin had no powers or if Enoch had not done anything to deal with the prophesy. Side-Note: Robin and her mom would have been far happier and safer as well.

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wazafam · 4 years ago

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The season 10 finale episode of The Walking Dead focused entirely on Negan and finally telling that backstory that fans have been waiting so long to hear. While comic lovers have an idea of who Negan was prior to the apocalypse, the show doesn't always follow the same path. Case in point: a number of characters have died in the comics who didn't on the show and vice versa.

RELATED: Game Of Thrones Meets The Walking Dead: 5 Friendships That Would Work (& 5 That Would Turn Ugly)

Viewers learned a lot about Negan beyond the typical things they already knew, including that he was a high school gym teacher and that his wife Lucille died of cancer. Some of the facts painted a picture of who Negan was and what made him become the person he did, while others proved what type of person he would likely be going forward.

10 He Was Fired From His Job

Die-hard fans already knew that Negan was a high school gym teacher prior to the apocalypse, which explained his affinity for children and his innate desire to protect them at all costs, like when he saved Judith's life. But what fans didn't know was that just before the dead began to take over, he was actually fired from his job.

He was both between his job and having to go to court to face charges when he was hit with tons of terrible news, including not only the world coming to an end but his wife's diagnosis as well.

9 He Got Into A Bar Fight

The reason Negan got fired from his job as a high school gym teacher was because he got into a bar fight with two men who happened to have kids who attended the school where he taught. Naturally, once the school board got wind of what happened, they could no longer keep him in their employ.

What was particularly interesting, however, was the reason he got into the fight. The two men were being loud and rowdy while Negan and Lucille were trying to listen to her favorite song, Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful." When the men refused to quiet down and cough up another $0.50 for a replay of the tune, Negan, as he explained it, "saw red" and proceeded to throw punches.

8 He Was Cheating On His Wife

There were rumblings from comic book fans that Negan was not the greatest husband to his wife Lucille and had been cheating on her. The episode revealed more than that, however. Not only was he cheating but Lucille had suspected the affair was going on the whole time.

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The fact that the presumed woman's phone number was saved in Lucille's phone's contact list and that she was one of the people Lucille called for a ride home from the hospital after learning she had cancer suggested that the woman might have even been her friend.

7 Lucille Took Her Own Life

Fans knew that Lucille died, presumably of cancer but that is only partly true. While Lucille did have cancer and likely would have eventually died without completing her treatment, or even if she did complete it, that didn't happen.

Rather, while Negan headed out on a trip to find medicine for Lucille for her last few days of treatment, she decided to take matters into her own hands the very same day he left. Through a combination of pills, tying herself to the bedpost, and putting a plastic bag over her head, Lucille died by suicide. She left a note on the door pleading with Negan, or whoever found her like that, not to leave her in that state.

6 Laura Might Have Been His First Follower

There was a surprise cameo in the episode: Laura appeared as the daughter of a kind man who had access to medicine that Negan needed and had caught the attention of a group of thieves wanting to get their hands on his valuable resources.

When Negan arrived hoping to steal the medicine, he was knocked over the head with the bat he ended up taking (and naming) for himself by none other than Laura. Fans of the series eventually came to know Laura as a high-ranking member of the Saviors and one of his most trusted followers. Based on this meeting, she might very well have been his first follower.

5 He Bought His Signature Leather Jacket Pre-Apocalypse

Most of the possessions people have in the apocalypse were found items they scavenged or even took right off the bodies of the dead. But it was revealed in this episode that Negan's signature jacket was one he actually bought before the world was overtaken.

RELATED: How Old Are The Kid Characters In The Walking Dead?

It was also the subject of a big fight between him and Lucille since he purchased it for $600 after having lost his job. Lucille was so angry, she hid the jacket in the attic, only to gift it to him after the apocalypse, realizing how their petty argument about money didn't really matter anymore.

4 Lucille Was Pretty Fierce And Fearless

Lucille was always discussed as though she were a delicate flower, a very ill woman who was cheated on, taken advantage of, and got weaker over time before she finally perished. But in reality, she might have been an even better leader than Negan.

She was pretty fierce and fearless. In one scene while Negan was awkwardly trying to kill a walker on their property, she walked outside and shot it in the head without batting an eye, while still hooked up to machines. In another, she waited for Negan at home with a gun and pamphlets about cancer, unsure of how she would handle not only breaking the devastating news to come but also her feelings about her husband likely having been with another woman when she needed him the most.

3 He Was Captured While Trying To Get Her Chemotherapy Treatments

After Negan and Lucille let go of their inhibitions and accidentally let her last two bags of treatment defrost in the freezer while the generator was off, he had to go on a run to locate more. It was then, as noted, that he met Laura and her father.

It was also during this time that he was captured, kidnapped, and forced to give up the location of where he got the medicine. It's unclear if Negan would have made it back in time to stop Lucille from dying had he not been forced to take this short detour.

2 He Always Had An Edge

Negan comes across as the kind of guy who is cunning and mean and he did indeed have a bit of an edge prior to the world coming to an end. But he also had a softer side, as he demonstrated after realizing that his wife was sick and doing everything he could to care for her.

Still, prior to that, he got into bar fights, stepped out on his wife, and seemed to be an overall reckless person. Thus, it's no surprise that Negan found his confidence following her death and tapped further into the darker side he might have been hiding all along.

1 He Is Seemingly Reformed

While many of the teasers attempted to suggest that the old Negan might be returning, the exact opposite happened. After thinking back to his past and desperately searching for his old bat, Negan was finally able to get closure. He said his goodbyes to both Lucille his bat and his late wife, promising to move on.

After showing up back at Alexandria, Carol revealed that she suspected he might return but had to send him away so that when Maggie killed him – which she genuinely believed would happen – the blood was not on her hands. Nonetheless, the old Negan seems to be gone for good, which is something that fans of the favorite character might love (or not) about him.

NEXT: The Walking Dead: 5 Characters That Negan Could Call Friends (& His 5 Worst Enemies)

The Walking Dead: 10 Things Fans Learned In "Here's Negan" About The Character from https://ift.tt/39LzJQU

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cinema-tv-etc · 4 years ago

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Any diehard “Friends” fan knows that the one holiday that truly belonged to our favorite six coffee addicts is Thanksgiving—with the eating pants, the ladyfingers and beef sautéed with peas and onions, and the truth about how Chandler lost a toe. But don’t think for a second the show ignored this festive time of year. Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, Rachel, and Ross enjoyed hijinks around Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s, just as much as that other holiday. But which “Friends” holiday season episode reigns supreme? To figure it out, we weighed both the funny and the festive in all of the holiday episodes throughout the show’s 10-season run. See where your favorite falls on our list.

11. Season 9, Episode 10: “The One with Christmas in Tulsa”

Barely even an episode, season 9’s holiday outing is mostly just a clip show dedicated to Christmases past and the strength of Monica and Chandler’s relationship (he’s stuck working in Tulsa for the holidays). Listen, I’m always here for jokes about stolen ham and Chandler showing just how much he loves his wife (they’re the best couple on “Friends,” yeah I said it) by rejecting advances from a co-worker and quitting his job because he hates being so far from Monica, but this episode is only funny because of the clip montages from previous episodes. Hard pass!

10. Season 8, Episode 11: “The One with the Creepy Holiday Card”

Although it is a delight to watch Phoebe try to help a pregnant and horny Rachel by offering up (and then taking back) the Evander Holyfield cardboard cutout that helped her through her very randy pregnancy stage, the rest of this episode is a clunker. With Chandler spending time at the strip club with his newly single boss (Bing!), the only holiday storyline is left to Ross, who somehow gets stuck sending out holiday cards with his very new girlfriend, Mona. And by “somehow” I of course mean, he wants to avoid having the “Where is this going” conversation and ends up thinking sending joint holiday cards and saying “I love you” is the easier way. Oh, Ross.

9. Season 1, Episode 10: “The One with the Monkey”

The first “Friends” holiday episode isn’t the funniest on this list, and its holiday spirit is mainly tied up in the pact the six pals make to go stag on New Year’s Eve (a pact they of course all break, but through shenanigans end up alone anyway), but it is an excellent episode to watch if you’re looking for the perfect early-season “Friends” time capsule. Marcel! Janice! David! Fun Bobby! Lots of important side characters make an appearance, and hey, that’s always a good time. Unless you’re Fun Bobby whose grandfather just died. Sorry, Fun Bobby.

8. Season 7, Episode 9: “The One with All the Candy”

Yes, this is all about Monica making some nice candy (some might call them “little drops of heaven”) in an effort to get to know her neighbors better during the holidays and her neighbors turning into an angry mob demanding more and more candy (even Joey turns on her!), but it might be best remembered as the one when Phoebe learns how to ride a bike. Well, sort of learns. By the end of the episode, Ross has only gotten her on training wheels. As glorious as it is to watch Phoebe fulfill a dream, the episode is dampened by the whole “Rachel writes an inappropriate work evaluation for Tag” plot. More bikes, less tushy, I say.

7. Season 4, Episode 10: “The One with The Girl From Poughkeepsie”

“Monica, Monica, have a happy Hanukkah!” Phoebe’s holiday song about her friends—well except for Rachel and Chandler—is the most holiday this episode gets, and there is a boring subplot about Ross getting exhausted from dating “long distance,” but don’t totally discount it. Both Chandler and Joey get a chance to show how much they care about their gal pals in their own unique ways: Chandler, yes, is a terrible wingman for Rachel, but he does try his best! And Joey helps Monica win respect from the waitstaff at her restaurant by becoming a waiter she can fire in front of them. Honestly, it’s worth turning this episode on just to hear Joey say “It looks like it’s going to be a lean Christmas at the Dragon house this year.”

6. Season 3, Episode 10: “The One When Rachel Quits”

Well, it’s definitely Gunther’s worst Christmas. Emboldened by Chandler and Joey telling her that she needs the fear of unemployment to help her find her true calling, Rachel quits her job at Central Perk after proving time and time again that she is awful at being a waitress. It’s horrible advice, but it does give us a moment to remember a time when we had to literally mail out resumes. And yes, this episode also gives us the delightful storyline of Ross having to sell “Brown Bird” (the “Friends” version of the Girl Scouts) cookies after accidentally breaking a Brown Bird’s leg (oh hi, Mae Whitman!), but it will always be remembered for its ending in which the gang buys all the dead Christmas trees from the tree lot where Joey’s working just to make Phoebe feel better about them “not fulfilling their destinies.” It’s always nice when “Friends” can make you both laugh and cry.

5. Season 2, Episode 9: “The One with Phoebe’s Dad”

Phoebs had some emotional holiday episodes in the first half of the series. Season 1 gave us her falling in love with David and then him leaving for Minsk, and in season 2 she learns that her father is not a “famous tree surgeon in Burma,” but a pharmacist who lives in upstate New York. The holidays are rough for Phoebe Buffay! But this episode isn’t. Full of heart and humor, Joey and Chandler offer moral support and tag along as Phoebe makes the trek upstate only to lose her nerve outside of her dad’s house. Back in the city, Monica and Rachel’s holiday party turns tropical when Ross breaks the radiator. Rachel utters the Ross burn, “nice seizing, gel boy” and honestly, that is one of the most underrated Friends lines in history. The best part though is Joey and Chandler’s gas station gifts for the whole crew. Naturally, Phoebe loves her toilet seat covers.

4. Season 5, Episode 11: “The One with All the Resolutions”

What this episode lacks in festiveness—it takes place post-Christmas, just as New Year’s Eve ends—it more than makes up for in jokes. I mean, you guys, this is the episode in which Ross, whose New Year’s Resolution is to try something new every day, wears leather pants on a date. Is there anyone among us who does not now know that using baby powder followed by lotion will form some kind of paste? This is right in the middle of the “Monica and Chandler secretly date” arc—a thoroughly excellent run of episodes—so the best fallout from making a resolution is easily Rachel, who promises not to gossip, figuring out the Monica and Chandler are totally doing it. Watching Rachel and Joey, who was the first to know the truth, try to figure out if they both know the same thing is peak Friends.

3. Season 5, Episode 10: “The One with The Inappropriate Sister”

Who cares about the holidays, this episode is a goldmine of favorite “Friends” moments. Aside from Joey and Chandler inventing fireball, the main story is that Rachel’s relationship with the cute guy in her building Danny is cut short when she sees just how “close” he is with his sister. I’ll never not laugh at Joey’s delayed realization that yes, Danny and Krista are siblings. But there’s also Joey writing a play that forces Ross and Chandler to make up after a fight which includes the line “Could I be any more sorry?” and Ross and Monica demonstrate how they used to wrestle as kids. Of course, most appropriate to this list is Phoebe collecting holiday donations outside of Macy’s. Does anything get you in the Christmas spirit as much as watching Phoebe yell at old ladies who are only trying to help?

2. Season 6, Episode 10: “The One with The Routine”

Please don’t tell the Gellars that the routine came in second. Listen! It was so close. If not for the insanely cheesy—even for Friends standards—ending in which Joey and his hottie dancer roommate Janine finally kiss, the routine storyline alone could’ve taken first place. (Rachel, Phoebe, and Chandler trying to figure out where Monica hid their Christmas gifts is funny but not the winning storyline here.) The show seriously underused the dorky dynamic of the Gellar siblings, but when it had Monica and Ross let their sibling freak flags fly, oh, it was a magical thing to behold. From how excited they get when they’re invited to dance at the pre-recorded bit of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” to the actual routine they deploy in order to get primo placing on the set of the show, Monica and Ross are hilarious from start to finish in this episode.

1. Season 7, Episode 10: “The One with The Holiday Armadillo”

Is it the obvious choice? Sure. But is it deserving of the win? You bet. Not only is the A-story about Ross wanting to teach his son about Hanukkah and having it turn into a disaster both hilarious and thoughtful, the B-story in which Phoebe tries to ensure Rachel will move back in with her once their apartment is renovated even though she’s having fun living with Joey is also excellent. It turns out Rachel, too, loves a drum set and she isn’t the one scared of tarantulas—Joey is. Plus, any time you hear Chandler say “But I didn’t get to shake my belly like a bowl full of jelly,” an angel gets its wings. So yes, apparently Superman flew all of the Jews out of Egypt and also this Friends holiday episode is still the best.

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/all-the-friends-christmas-episodes-ranked-from-worst-to-best?utm_source=pocket-newtab

#‘Friends’ Christmas #‘Friends’#Christmas

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nicolasmatamoros6675 · 4 years ago

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Visitor Management Solutions Market Analysis By COVID-19 Impact 2020-2027

Visitor management solutions monitor movement of visitors in an organization, provides visitor record with photo identity, and access control for visitors. Visitor management solutions enable the monitoring and tracing of individuals within a building or complex. Using the automation process reduces manual work significantly such as registering and tracking. Manual paperwork is also reduced with wide-ranging electronic data export and sharing. Visitor management is an efficient solution, which helps organizations to achieve better control over visitor actions in their locations. It is a software based solution, which records, captures, recovers, and monitors visitor information, so as to manage visitor traffic inside the building/ office.

This solution is needed for comparisons, policy, and planning. Rising need to track visitor actions in numerous organizations is the main factor that contributes to the growth of the visitor management solutions market.

Visitor management solutions have several features such as fingerprint scanning or photo ID, and automated pre-registration. It generates access cards, with approved access and limitations to facilities based on the type of visitor. Visitor management solutions provide touch screen feel to visitors, delivers notification to employees, and allows visitors to self-register. It eliminates human errors and ensures high level of security of the premises.

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Visitor management solutions have several benefits such as it reduces the time required to register new and returning visitors, replaces paper logs with a live application that offers better traceability, enables staff to already enrolled visitors via a web application that needs no software installation, and tracks visitor movements through the facility and validates them against recorded or live video. The visitor management solution secures businesses and simplifies visitor registration, reporting, and tracking. This visitor management software can lessen the difficulty of traditional visitor management software. It is affordable and a cloud-based biometric solution that supports fingerprint and face recognition. The main factor that drives the growth of the visitor management solutions market is the paperless method to visitor management, as it reduces manual work and decreases cost by avoiding paper logs to track visitor departure and arrival times. These factors are projected to drive the growth of the visitor management solutions market in the near future. However, challenges in the visitor management system is projected to restrain the growth of the market. Nevertheless, adoption of visitor management solutions and awareness regarding the potential benefits of visitor management solutions are the factors identified as new business opportunities and likely to fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period.

The global visitor management solutions market can be segmented based on component, industry, and region. On the basis of component, the market can be bifurcated into software, hardware, consumables, and services. Based on industry, the market can be categorized into healthcare, manufacturing, media and entertainment, energy and utilities, automotive, BFSI, education, aerospace and defense, retail, and hospitality.

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Leading companies operating in the global visitor management solutions market include AlertEnterprise, Genetec, Inc., HID U.S Corporation, Honeywell International, Inc., InVentry Ltd., Jolly Technologies Inc., Parabit Systems, PDC IDenticard, Quantum Secure, Inc., Trackforce, Touch Point, Inc., Keytech Security Solutions, and WhosOnLocation, Inc. Companies are concentrating on launching innovative services to strengthen their position in the market and increase their customer base. They are also investing in research and development and concentrating on providing customized services.

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Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)

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The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industry’s value chain.

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Note: Although care has been taken to maintain the highest levels of accuracy in TMR’s reports, recent market/vendor-specific changes may take time to reflect in the analysis.

This study by TMR is all-encompassing framework of the dynamics of the market. It mainly comprises critical assessment of consumers' or customers' journeys, current and emerging avenues, and strategic framework to enable CXOs take effective decisions.

Our key underpinning is the 4-Quadrant Framework EIRS that offers detailed visualization of four elements:

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The study strives to evaluate the current and future growth prospects, untapped avenues, factors shaping their revenue potential, and demand and consumption patterns in the global market by breaking it into region-wise assessment.

The following regional segments are covered comprehensively:

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The EIRS quadrant framework in the report sums up our wide spectrum of data-driven research and advisory for CXOs to help them make better decisions for their businesses and stay as leaders.

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The study offers an in-depth assessment of various customers’ journeys pertinent to the market and its segments. It offers various customer impressions about the products and service use. The analysis takes a closer look at their pain points and fears across various customer touchpoints. The consultation and business intelligence solutions will help interested stakeholders, including CXOs, define customer experience maps tailored to their needs. This will help them aim at boosting customer engagement with their brands.

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The various insights in the study are based on elaborate cycles of primary and secondary research the analysts engage with during the course of research. The analysts and expert advisors at TMR adopt industry-wide, quantitative customer insights tools and market projection methodologies to arrive at results, which makes them reliable. The study not just offers estimations and projections, but also an uncluttered evaluation of these figures on the market dynamics. These insights merge data-driven research framework with qualitative consultations for business owners, CXOs, policy makers, and investors. The insights will also help their customers overcome their fears.

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The study equips businesses and anyone interested in the market to frame broad strategic frameworks. This has become more important than ever, given the current uncertainty due to COVID-19. The study deliberates on consultations to overcome various such past disruptions and foresees new ones to boost the preparedness. The frameworks help businesses plan their strategic alignments for recovery from such disruptive trends. Further, analysts at TMR helps you break down the complex scenario and bring resiliency in uncertain times.

You May Also Like PRNewswire on https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/increase-in-aging-vehicles-on-the-road-to-propel-growth-in-roadside-assistance-market-from-2019-to-2027-transparency-market-research-301078527.html

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10. What will be the barrier to entry for new players in the market?

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sasuhinasno1fan · 7 years ago

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Treasure Hunt for the birthday boy

Finally official, it’s our fav red paladin’s birthday! After season 4, I wasn’t sure how I felt, the poor boy wasn’t there at all, but he did such a good job leading the rebels. This poor boy needs love and rest. So if you pay attention, you might notice this is in a sequal to the Lance birthday fic I posted. I think there are very small details, Lance’s necklace the biggest thing. I even mentioned @fishwrites Watercast, I was craving an update when I wrote this. Again, this whole fic was inspired by PointlessBlog’s birthday that he and his girlfriend filmed. Ok, I hope you enjoy and fingers crossed I don’t mess up this fic. Edit-I tried posting this yesterday but it wouldn’t upload for some reason

Lance tried not to wince as the door to his and Keith’s room closed. Usually he would sneak out of the room to go and surf with Hunk down to the beach or to leave for any meeting but that wasn’t the reason this time. It was Keith’s birthday and Lance had presents to finish wrapping and hide.

The two had been busy all day yesterday and halfway from were Lance had been hidden in their guest room wrapping gifts, Keith almost set the house on fire when he forgot about a pot of veggies he was boiling. Home cooked dinner didn’t happen and then Keith remembered they were supposed to get the ingredients to the cats’ special birthday dinner, which meant a trip to the grocery store and dinner at Burger King as a pre birthday dinner for Keith. After finishing making the dinner for the cat, Lance was in no mood to be bending over to wrap presents. So he made sure to turn the alarm on Keith’s phone off and keep the cats out so Red wouldn’t try and wake her owner up. He had been tempted to stay just to watch Keith sleep more but then he remembered the really big gift for Keith and got himself up.

“Alright you two, I need you to keep quiet while I finish wrapping your dad’s presents. You can help but keep the noise to a minimum.” Lance told the Russian Blue and Somali cats that followed him as he opened the door to the guest bathroom and opened the closet door. Behind the stacks of towels and linens, Lance hide the finished presents and the ones still waiting, as well as the wrapping paper and tape. Lance coxed Red and Blue out of the tub and into the guest bedroom.

Lance laid out his first gift to wrap when Blue started to scratch at the floor length mirror. Lance had been focused on his blue furred cat when he looked at his reflection, eyes drawn to the blue chocker around his neck. Not even 3 months ago, Keith had gifted him with the promise ring in the shape of an Avatar The Last Airbender betrothal necklace. Their friends like to call them the Zutara ship that never happened. They didn’t get a long at first, to be honest, Lance thought Keith hated him. But eventually, as they got to know each other better, feelings started happening and they started dating. Lance had one of the best birthdays thanks to Keith and his friends and he wanted to repay him as much as possible.

“Blue stop,” Lance said, nudging her head away from the tape, before ripping off one last piece to finish the last present. “Perfect, now I need to write the cards.” Lance planned to hide the gifts, the last one the most spectacular so he needed to write the hints in a bunch of cards. Once they were all taken care of, Lance got to work. He hid the presents with their clue cards in the right place, making sure it was hidden but obvious enough.

He distracted the cats with breakfast so he could finally pull out his phone. He didn’t want to risk going back upstairs to grab his camera.

“Good morning everyone. It’s pretty early and usually I’d be surfing this early, but I’m up for a different reason. In case you don’t know, today is Keith’s birthday. October 23, Keith Kogane, turns 24. Yes, he’s older than me but I’m taller, so I can put things on higher shelves. Anyway, I just finished wrapping Keith’s gifts and I want him to find them before we eat breakfast, which I’ll be cooking. Of course, I’m really excited for him to see his last gift.”

Blue meowed at her owner when she was done with her food, making Lance look down to see Red licking at Blue’s bowl.

“Your girlfriend is really greedy Blue. Ready to go wake up dad?” Blue meowed back at Lance before trotting off towards the steps, Red following after a nudge from Lance. He filmed the cats going up the stairs and let Red start scratching at the door before he opened it for them, watching as they jumped up on the bed, where Keith was curled up. Red sat by the pillow and started to pat at the bangs of Keith’s hair, moving to his face when he didn’t move. Keith only twitched his face but still didn’t move. Lance was sure Red huffed in annoyance, while Blue pushed herself under the covers and the lump moved down to where Keith’s feet were.

Keith finally seemed to stir as Red started meowing up a storm. Lance tried to control his laughter from behind his phone as he filmed the whole scene. He saw Keith’s feet flinch away, no doubt from Blue’s rough tongue that had to be licking at his toes.

“What’s going on?” Keith asked sleepily, turning on his back, looking utterly adorable as he looked completely confused.

“It’s time to wake up.”

Keith moaned in protest and he flopped both arms over his eyes. “What time is it?”

“Like 9. Come on, up. It’s your birthday.” Lance said, walking closer to the bed to poke on Keith’s stomach.

Keith just moved his hands to Lance’s arm and started tugging. “Doesn’t that mean I can sleep longer? Maybe with you as my pillow?” He opened his eyes finally to see a sea shelled case phone pointing down at him. “Are you filming me?”

“Yes. I could totally leave this in.”

Keith just moaned some more, still tugging at Lance. It was obvious to Lance just how tired his boyfriend was, if he wasn’t making a fuss about looking embarrassing on camera. He stopped filming and plopped next to Keith, who turned on his side and wrapped his arms around Lance’s waist, looking close to falling back asleep again.

“Keith, babe, come on. You can’t sleep the whole day away. We have to do stuff.”

“What stuff? We can’t have a proper party with Shiro and Allura out of town.”

“Oh, so you can’t do things with just me? Come on Keith, don’t hurt your boyfriend here.”

Keith let out an indifferent noise, dozing off again. Lance sighed, if his boyfriend didn’t look so cute, he’d be demanding Keith get up now. He was fine gazing at his boyfriend’s sleepy face for now. Didn’t mean he didn’t take a picture to upload to Instagram.

Finally Lance got Keith up and into a hoodie by playing “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas” over and over again until Keith almost wacked Lance’s phone out of his hand. Lance planned to annoy him again with the song on camera.

“Can you film me on my camera? Or we’re you going to do it on your channel? Unless you wanted to merge the two together.” Keith asked, running his hand through his hair to flatten it. It didn’t help much. He let his hair grow even longer but he would constantly complain about how he had no clue Allura did it, he wanted it back to it’s regular length.

“I was planning on filming but we could merge them. I just really want to get your reaction when you see your last present.”

“Ok.” Keith looked intrigued, so Lance handed him his first card. Keith tried to open the envelope carefully but the paper ripped leaving Keith glaring down at it. “Every time.”

“Maybe you could use that knife your dads gave you yesterday.” Lance pointed out, looking over at the bedside table on Keith’s side of the bed.

“I think this video would get taken down if I showed that. Thanks YouTube.” It was no surprise Keith was not happy about new regulations YouTube had in terms of what videos could get ads on them.

Keith pulled the card out and opened it. “Should I read it out loud?” Lance made an affirmative hum. “Happy birthday samurai, you’re now older than me, your first present is in a tree. Tree? Lance you know I hate riddles.”

“There’s a hint, keep reading.”

“Not an actual tree, one we have in the house.” Keith looked confused before he looked over at the red furred cat curled up like a loaf on his pillow. “Oh, the cat tree!”

“There you go. See, not so hard.”

Lance got up and followed Keith down the stairs into the living room were the cat tree was. Lance saw the gift in the hammock part, but kept his mouth shut as Keith looked for it.

“Aha! I found it! And it’s covered in cat fur.”

“We haven’t cleaned that thing in like a month. Are you really surprised?” Lanced pointed out as Keith dropped onto the couch and started ripping the paper. In a thin box, Keith pulled out a blue phoenix suncatcher, the blue plastic hinted with iridescent.

“Oh wow, where did you get this?” Keith asked, holding the large wired circle that held the extravagant phoenix near the light that came from the window.

“Remember that online store I showed you the other day? The one with the dragons?”

Keith looked thoughtful before his eyes light up with recognition. “Oh yeah. They had earring of dragons’ wings.”

“I was extremely tempted to get you a hair pin.” Lance said, tugging at the hair that had Keith had been growing, its length falling down Keith’s back.

“It’s getting cut on Wednesday so thank god you didn’t. I can’t wait to cut it back again.”

“I like your long hair.” Lance whined, as Keith pressed the attached suction cup on the window and rescued the card from the ruined paper.

“Having to wait like half an hour for it to dry and brush it through so it doesn’t have knots, is not worth it Lance.” Keith opened the envelop with a bit more success this time. “It’s covered in fur but I hope you like it, the next present is where the mic is. I know that one.”

Lance followed Keith into the office where Keith stopped at the sight of a stuffed hippo seating in his chair. Like the cat one Lance had, it had a t-shirt with Keith’s channel marking on it and held a dagger in its stump. On its lap was another card as well as a small gift bag.

“What did you get me?” Keith asked, picking the bag up and opening it. “Face masks, sheet masks. Are you trying to tell me something?”

“Maybe something along the lines of I want more spa days with you.” Lance knew Keith could not stay still to do spas, but he wanted to share his favourite past time with Keith.

“I mean, we can do it tonight?”

“Oh, I am going to pamper you tonight samurai.” Lance said, almost seductively.

Keith turned red covering his face. “I’m cutting that out. You are so embarrassing.”

Lance just laughed, “Do you like it?”

“Well I know what I’m cuddling when you’re out of town. Is it like the one Shiro and Allura got you?”

“Yep, don��t be surprised if Hunk ends up with one next year. Open the next card.”

“Bet you didn’t expect that last one, tell me where you can find bowl of fun. Hint, my little sibling and nieces and nephews try looking for it. Is it the candy bowl?”

“So smart, this is my boyfriend everyone. Future husband.”

“Not yet. Do not start rumours!” Keith instructed as he went to the kitchen and opened one of the overhead cupboards and pulled down a large bowl filled with candy. Lance always made sure it had candy in there to offer to people no matter the time of year.

Keith moved candy around before pulling out a small jewellery box. Not ring sized but the size of a necklace. In the box was a feather pendant. What was different about this was down the middle and with a small ball attached was a blue crystal.

“Is this from that glow in the dark collection?”

“Yep.”

“Oh this is so cool. Did you get me the feather because of the new book I’ve been reading?”

Lance nodded behind the camera. Keith had been obsessing over a book about a mermaid and avian falling in love. There was official merch but Keith always seemed to miss it. Lance thought it was the best of both worlds.

“I love this. Thank you. Where’s the card?”

“It’s in there, it’s just smaller.”

Keith dug around some more and rescued the small card. “You really went all out on hiding these.” He pointed out as he tried to open the envelop.

“You should see me when mama puts me in charge of hiding Easter eggs. We can still find eggs a week later.”

“Dear god, I’m not waiting that long to get my presents. Ok, your eyes glow just as bright as this necklace, you sappy asshole.”

“That last part wasn’t part of the riddle.” Lance clarified, not even sounding sorry.

“Your eyes glow just as bright as this necklace, where do the clothes go to be speckless? Does that even rhyme?”

“Kinda. Do you know what it is?”

“The mashing machine, in the basement. Which I hate.” Keith moaned

“I can hold your hand.”

Keith didn’t even think about it before taking Lance’s hand dragging them to the door that lead into the basement. Lance laced their fingers together as Keith pulled them down the stairs and turned the light on. The basement was a bit scary with the exposed brick and overall unappealing appearance wasn’t the most exciting. Lance saw the gift and its card sitting on the washing machine but the container of Tide Pods seemed to block it enough that Keith couldn’t see it.

“Do you want me to get it?”

“Please.” Keith would separate the laundry and fold it, but he hated even walking anywhere near the washing machine.

Lance handed the camera to Keith and went over to take the wrapped gift and card, trying not to flinch at the sight of the massive cobwebs forming between the washer and dryer. He hated spiders. Keith hadn’t even waited for Lance to get back to him before going back up the stairs.

“We should really get down there redone.” Lance said handing Keith his second to last gift.

“Or we could move after the lease is up.”

Lance actually stopped filming to focus on Keith. “Would you want to move?”

“I mean, we’ve been living together for what? Year and a half right? I love this place but I would like my office space and we do want a better yard and we are the farthest from everyone. Not now though, but…”

“It’s on your mind?” Lance finished for Keith, who nodded in reply. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind it either.”

“Ok. We’ll talk about it later?” Keith asked. “I want to talk about this seriously when it’s not my birthday.”

“Alright. Come on, let’s go open your present on the dining table and then I can make you breakfast.”

Keith waited till Lance had balanced the camera on a candle that sat in the middle of the table.

“Ok, I think we’re good. I hope this doesn’t fall.” Lance said, hands still held around the camera ready to catch it if it toppled over.

“I think we’re fine. Here, hold this.” Keith ordered handing his boyfriend the card before demolishing the wrapping paper. He pulled out a white sweatshirt with a cat shaped pocket for his hands and at the end of the strings for the hood, instead of plain tied strings, they were black paw prints. “Oh my god.” Keith said before dissolving into laughter.

“Look at the back.” Lance instructed, looking too proud of himself.

Keith turned it around and looked at the single navy bow in the back where a tail would have gone if it had one. Keith couldn’t control himself as he let his head hit the table as he started dying of laughter. “Why?”

“Why not? I showed it to Shiro and he bet you’d never wear it.”

“I will. I just can’t believe you got this for me. Wait, does it have cat ears?” Keith asked rhetorically as he fingered the white cat ears on the hood. “God, have I told you how much I love you?”

“No recently.” Lance said smugly as he let Keith kiss him on the cheek. “Here, open the card.”

“Wear your new cat ears with courage, your last and best present can be found in the garage. Wait, we don’t have a garage and there’s no hint.”

“Your present is waiting in Shiro and Allura’s garage. But breakfast first.”

“What? Lance, no! Lance!” Keith complained as Lance disappeared into the kitchen.

“Lance is being a little shit.” Keith told the camera as they sat in an Uber over to Shiro and Allura’s house. The two weren’t even in the country because they went to England for Allura’s family reunion. He didn’t even understand why they didn’t take their own car over.

“No I’m not.” Lance said, not even looking up from his phone.

“You won’t tell me what the hell could be waiting in the garage or why we didn’t just drive over there ourselves. Case in point, your being a little shit.”

“Ok rude, just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean you get to be mean.”

“You won’t tell me anything!”

“You have such little patience. It’s amazing you can do YouTube, I mean waiting is practically part of our job.”

“I hate you.”

“Love you too.”

Before Keith could throttle Lance, they finally got to Allura and Shiro’s house. Lance went to their mailbox and pulled out the remote for the garage out before going over to Keith who was waiting by the garage.

“Ok, here you go.” Lance said, filming the very annoyed look on Keith’s face. He knew all this waiting would be worth it.

Keith ducked down once the door started rising and almost toppled over once he shot back up, looking at Lance with a look of surprise.

“You didn’t. Lance, no you didn’t!” he sounded excited, bouncing in place.

Sitting next to Allura’s unused car was a red Ducati; the same one Keith had been dying for for the past several months.

Tears were in his eyes as Keith hugged Lance, who stopped filming to hug his boyfriend close.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes I love it. When did you even get this?”

“I bought it a while ago and it was delivered yesterday and I got Thace to help me drive it here.”

“What? Thace? My Thace?” Keith asked, finally pulling away but his face a mess of tears.

“Yeah, here.” Lance wiped some of Keith’s tears off his face and pulled out his phone and pulled up a video.

“Ok this is really quick but I’m at the gas station with Thace, Keith’s dad, one of them anyway, to put gas in Keith’s present.” The Lance in the video said, as he filmed Thace filling up the motorcycle. “Took a while to figure out, but Thace, think Keith will like this?”

“Keith will be in tears no doubt.” Thace stated before the video finished.

“I can’t believe he knew.” Keith said, hiding his face in Lance’s neck again.

“I didn’t tell him till 2 days ago. I’m glad you like it. Happy birthday samurai.”

“Thank you.” Keith pulled himself away and pulled Lance into a long kiss before he pressing a kiss to his cheek and pulling him into another hug. “Thank you.”

“Say hi!” Lance told all the people sitting around the burner. Their usual group birthday dinner lead them to a Korean bar-b-que place, Keith’s parents joining them in place of Allura and Shiro.

Keith had cried for a bit more before his excitement got the better of him. He wanted to ride, now. Lance had the foresight to get red and blue helmets and once they were on, they were on their way, driving all through town, Lance pressed against Keith as he sped through traffic. If Lance didn’t know Keith knew how to drive a motorcycle, he would have feared for his life even more. Keith insisted they get a table near the road where he parked his bike.

“Keith, am I losing you to a bike?” Lance asked pointing the camera at Keith, who still had his eyes trained out the window.

A hand gripped Keith’s chin pulling his gaze away from the window. “It would do you some good to pay attention to your boyfriend.” Ulaz, one of Keith’s dads instructed like Keith was still a kid who needed disciplining. The tall dark skinned man looked out of place between Keith and Pidge but his husband was opposite him.

“Yes, listen to your dad.”

“What, he’s already getting sex tonight anyway.” Keith said, not even paying attention to the camera pointed at him, though it slipped out of Lance’s hands at the statement.

“Keith, I have to edit that out!”

“Hmm?” Keith truly hadn’t been paying any attention.

Pidge dissolved into giggles at Lance’s red face while Ulaz and Thace rubbed their foreheads at their son’s obliviousness.

“I don’t think anyone is going to be able to get Keith’s attention away from that bike for a while huh?” Shay asked as she helped Hunk turn the meat when she saw Keith’s attention drift back outside.

“I hope Lance is fine with being ignored for a little while.” Hunk joked, just smiling at the glare Lance shot him.

Lance pulled out his phone and opened YouTube, typing in a familiar set of words. He hit the correct video and turned the volume up, making sure to pick up the camera to catch the moment. The first set of bars of “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas” started playing and Keith went from paying attention to his bike to full on glaring at Lance.

“If you don’t turn that song off right now.” Keith warned

“What, I’m sorry I can’t hear you over the soothing voice of Gayla Peevey. Maybe if someone would pay attention to their boyfriend.”

It was a miracle they hadn’t gotten thrown out of the restaurant when Keith tried lunging at Lance. Hunk yelled at them not to knock over any of the food if they wanted to be feed and Thace was able to smooth things over. It didn’t mean Keith didn’t whack Lance when they were leaving.

“I so can’t believe you did that in the restaurant.” Keith complained as he climbed into bed, Lance loosening his choker so he could sleep.

“Had to get your attention somehow.” Lance said as Keith crawled up to him and flopped himself down onto Lance’s chest, his fingers automatically drifting to the pendant on the necklace. He liked playing with it whenever he was close enough to Lance’s neck.

“Still though. Other than the scene in the restaurant, I did have a good birthday. I even really enjoyed that pampering session. Thank you.”

“Your welcome samurai.” Lance said, pressing a kiss into Keith’s bangs before letting his head rest on Keith’s.

While some people would complain that Lance didn’t make Keith’s birthday as extravagant as Keith made his, Keith was more than happy with his birthday.

#happy birthday keith #klance #minor hunay #minor thulaz #mentioned shallura

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yangsejongtrans · 7 years ago

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[170126 TOP STAR NEWS INTERVIEW] Yang Sejong, from “Romantic Doctor: Teacher Kim” to “Saimdang”, a rookie actor who’s constantly moving forward.

** KOREAN-VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS BY YANG SEJONG 양세종 VNFP**

**VIETNAMESE-ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY YANGSEJONGTRANS**

**DO NOT TAKE OUT WITHOUT PERMISSION**

“The things I definitely have to do today”

Q: Because you still don’t have a clear biography, please introduce yourself.

Yang Sejong: I’m Yang Sejong, an actor. Not long ago, I played the role of Do Inbum in “Romantic Doctor: Teacher Kim” and I also participated in the upcoming drama “Saimdang”. I was born in 1992, 26 years old, my family only has 3 people, dad, mom and just me. My blood type is O and my hobby includes collecting fragrances and wine.

Q: “Romantic Doctor: Teacher Kim” finished airing not long ago, how does it feel?

Yang Sejong: First of all, if we’re talking about my feelings, I felt that “I am really so lucky” throughout the filming period and I was very happy. Because of this, I was quite regretful at the end of filming. I recently attended the wrap up party with all the seniors and filming staff, I suddenly thought “I miss these people already!”. Even though we were all together, I had that feeling. It was quite strange. Haha. Everyone close to me thought I was very pressured during filming as it was with big seniors and I am only a rookie actor. But in reality, I think I have done everything in my capability to not feel pressured anymore. I only thought of concentrating and acting well in my role. Because I was in such a big project so my mood was all about doing well in the things in the present. It seems that I didn’t feel any pressure when Yang Sejong accepted the Do Inbum role.

Q: When acting as Do Inbum, which aspect did you focus on the most?

Yang Sejong: I wanted to express the variations of Do Inbum’s sufferings. When he was transferred to Dol Dam hospital, Do Inbum suffered with the burdens of his scary father. But anyway, because it was a doctor role, I was able to learn a lot from the doctors in real life. I also developed a habit of having to wake up at the hospital and following the rules in the operating room. These things didn’t actually surpass what I had imagined but it would’ve been very difficult for me personally to experience it without practical experience. Because of that, I personally visited a hospital and observed the busy atmosphere of the emergency room.

Q: What’s the similarity and difference between Do Inbum and Yang Sejong?

Yang Sejong: Of course, by the middle of the drama, Do Inbum showed a transformation of personality when he discovered who he really was, but until then, maybe the difference (between me) mainly is the way he hid his true self because of the things he wanted to do. I’m not saying I’m not like that (laughs). I think voicing out your opinion, even to one’s father, is a very important thing. Further, am I not a ‘tsundere’ person just like Do Inbum? (laughs). I never fake my personality at all. If I want to care for someone, I will show them that. The similarity is perhaps our common interests. I like wine and fragrances but if I had to choose another hobby, I would choose to “wander alone without any purpose at dawn to rearrange my chaotic thoughts”. I think Do Inbum also has the same hobby of spending alone time like that.

Q: The most memorable line from Do Inbum is…?

Yang Sejong: In the 20th episode, in the scene of him refusing his father’s request to “come back here” through a phone conversation and expressed his intention to stay at Dol Dam hospital. I remember his line clearly: “That’s right, father”. Before that, Do Inbum also expressed his feelings “next time, I want to be called by my own name.” The phrase “That’s right, father!”, from the perspective of Do Inbum, was hard to say and it kept lingering in my mind.

Q: In this drama, you worked with Han Suk Kyu, Yoo Yeon Seok and Seo Hyun Jin. Was it difficult to make conversations with them?

Yang Sejong: Of course, in the beginning it was very difficult. Haha. But I really relied on the seniors a lot. All of them are good people so they treated me well. Whenever I get close to them, they always talked to me in a friendly manner so it was really easy to be comfortable around each other. When I acted with Seo Hyun Jin, I seemed to be swept up in her powerful aura so fast.There seemed to be a powerful thing that pushed us to work together seamlessly. And in Yoo Yeon Seok’s case, every time I greet him, he always tells me “I love you!”. Beside from saying that to everyone, Yoo Yeon Seok is a person who is always happy. I don’t mean that he purposefully creates that atmosphere but once he laughs, the entire atmosphere on set becomes brighter. I’m really thankful to him because not only did he want to get closer to me, he also said the words “I love you!” to me. Thanks to Yoo Yeon Seok, I was not only able to chat freely but also say the words “Today, I love you too!” to Han Suk Kyu.

Q: What was the first time meeting Han Suk Kyu like?

Yang Sejong: To be honest, this was such a proud moment for me. He once said to me “I hope you will become an actor who not only go a short distance but further than that”. And I thought, this is an opportunity to re-think one more time about this acting profession. Even the Kim Sabu character also advised Do Inbum: “Don’t lower yourself like a small item!”. That advice was the most powerful. Don’t we all live to protect our faiths so we can go further in life? Even if I’m living as Yang Sejong or Do Inbum, I will always remember those words. It seems like the similarity between Kim Sabu and Han Suk Kyu is their point of view “no matter who you are, be someone that people need!”. The difference is probably the fact that Han Suk Kyu is not that scary but in reality, he’s very warm and gentle.

Q: The atmosphere on set was really wonderful, right?

Yang Sejong: To be honest, the set wasn’t just one person but a whole crowded team. Even in violent scenes, there was no awkwardness and we acted like a family. I only slept for able 1 hour each day and once I woke up, I immediately thought “I want to quickly see the seniors and staff and want to film quickly.” It was really amazing and wherever I go, this was still the best experience.

Q: What if there is Romantic Doctors season 2?

Yang Sejong: All they need is call me and I will go there with no problem. Haha.

Q: The drama “Saimdang: The Her Story” from SBS is almost airing. You acted in a historical drama for the first time, how did you feel?

Yang Sejong: I was really excited. The so-called historical dramas often promote imagination rather than modernity. I just focused naturally on acting on the unexpected things. The Hanbok was really pretty so I was even happier.

Q: The harsh and slightly wicked character of Do Inbum from before has been ingrained into the viewers’ minds. So this time, are you not worried that it will hinder Han Sang Hyeon’s innocent character?

Yang Sejong: Saimdang is a pre-produced drama and has finished filming before Romantic Doctor.While acting as Han Sang Hyeon, I didn’t have any worries and filmed with a happy mood. Haha. Of course, it’s all thanks to the director and scriptwriter for making the character even more attractive.

Q: What was the most favourable thing about doing a pre-produced drama?

Yang Sejong: Director Yoon Sang Ho is a very meticulous person and perfectionist, so he looked at scenes very closely. Even though it’s not entirely favourable, it’s still a project to look forward to. Haha. Q: What did you prepare to work in Saimdang this time? Yang Sejong: First of all, I thought the present Han Sang Hyeon must clearly understand Analects so I learnt about Analects. I also wanted to learn about Oriental art so I practically lived in the art museum. Haha. I discovered every Oriental artwork from landscapes to portraits. Once I understood them, I felt relieved.

Q: Are there any interesting stories as to how you got cast as a double role of young Lee Gyeom (Song Seung Hoon) in the Joseon era and Han Sang Hyeon, Seo Ji Yoon’s (Lee Young Ae) supporter in the present life?

Yang Sejong: When I was in university, I auditioned for my company “Good People” for 4 weeks and once I got through to all 4 rounds, I signed a contract with my company. Then I heard about the Saimdang audition so I prepared for the role Lee Gyeom and rehearsed. I was thankful for being chosen after the first try. After that, I was told to prepare for the Han Sang Hyeon role too. To be honest, I thought the character Han Sang Hyeon and I don’t match. Indeed, the director knew I couldn’t act well due to stress so he gave me 2 more days to prepare more thoroughly. Because I was given more time, I was able to show a better side. Haha. This was how I tried the 4th audition and was given the Han Sang Hyeon role.

Q: What kind of person is actress Lee Young Ae?

Yang Sejong: Before, I’ve heard that she has a special aura. I thought, “my gosh, how is she real?”, and she is exactly like that. I really thought like that. Haha. She’s someone full of energy and her aura spreads throughout the environment.

Q: Did you receive any acting advice from her?

Yang Sejong: I’m wholeheartedly thankful for Lee Young Ae senior. She absolutely didn’t give an answer like an advice, because if so, wouldn’t that mean I won’t be able to improve on my own? I directly observed my acting and she chatted with me instead of giving me advice as to how to act.

Q: When people look back on your acting in your filmography, they usually say it is very impressive. Do you think that you have a gifted talent?

Yang Sejong: There are seriously people who were born with talents, I went to acting school with many seniors and classmates like that and that made me not worthy enough. I was quite discouraged and went head-first with it thinking, “I must not have any talent in acting”.

Q: So do you have any philosophy regarding acting?

Yang Sejong: Personally, I still lack a lot and there will be a time when things change as I mature but I would like to always hold onto my beliefs. I have a habit of not worrying much about this and that in the future, but I only worry about what the director and audience would like to see in me at that moment.

Q: Is there anything you must definitely protect from the beginning of acting until the future?

Yang Sejong: When I was in University, there were often simple acting exercises and I easily became embarrassed. From that moment on, to not be embarrassed anymore, I have prepared thoroughly for any role in any situation. Because actor Yang Sejong doesn’t want to feel ashamed, I want to protect and keep my habit of preparing myself like that. However, in reality, even if I prepare carefully and thoroughly, there will always be a time when I’m lacking. What I see in myself is different to what someone else sees. The so-called ‘acting’, if you look at it in a different way, it is doing something that’s hard to predict. Therefore, I think that the thorough preparation beforehand is very obvious.

#yang se jong #interview #양세종 #yang sejong

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owl-eyed-woman · 8 years ago

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Attack on Titan Season 2 Episode Analysis - Episode 6 (Episode 31)

Since we only just resolved this season’s first arc, I had assumed that this episode would consist solely of characters’ reflections on past events and set up for future ones. I am happy to report that this episode is a little more eventful to say the least.

First though, we do need to recover after last week’s emotionally draining conclusion and recap exactly where we are at. On that note, I am so, so happy to see that Ymir is alive (though comatose). I was genuinely saddened at the thought of her being dead, even if that death made logical, emotional and motivational sense. Still though, it definitely makes sense that Ymir has survived - I mean, if Eren could survive being almost digested, surely Ymir can survive losing a chunk of her digestive tract? Titan shifters are clearly made of much sterner stuff.

With Ymir out of commission so to speak, Christa (or should I call her Historia?) has to explain the situation to Hanji and defend Ymir’s actions. As Historia argues, even though Ymir hid vital information, in the end she used her powers to save her comrades, proving her loyalty. Furthermore, while Ymir concealed many vital secrets, she was motivated by the simple (read: selfish) aim of protecting herself, rather than any nefarious conspiracy. Hanji, too, completely understands that Ymir has the potential to be a great asset to humanity, as long as they can ensure that she is first and foremost an ally.

I feel like we’re seeing the psychological impact of Christa reasserting her identity last episode as she successfully convinces Hanji; Christa is really coming into her own as Historia (I’m still getting used to writing that name XD)! Historia’s gentle appearance and manner has always belied her fierce determination and formidable strength, so I love seeing this strong side.

There’s still something else hanging in the air that needs to be addressed though. As Hanji brings up Christa’s true identity, Historia Reiss, a pained, pensive expression crosses Historia’s face. For Historia, this name brings a painful weight, along with countless bad memories. So when Hanji comfortingly pats her shoulder and says “nice to meet you”, this oppressive weight almost immediately lifts and the mood changes palpably. In this one line, Hanji reframes Historia’s reclamation of her name, not as a resurrection of pain and strife, but rather, as a new beginning. Yes, it’s only a very short scene, but there’s always time for some character development!

But these brief scenes are basically all moot compared to the real meat of this episode; and that is Reiner. I thought I had a handle on who Reiner was as a person. Sure, there was a lot I didn’t know about him, but I still thought that after all this time I understood who he was in a general sense. Boy, was I wrong! The moral of the story is don’t get cocky, I guess.

We first see Reiner struggling to climb onto the top of the wall with his injured arm. Noticing this, Eren immediately goes to help him, holding out his hand which Reiner accepts without hesitation. By introducing Reiner here, this brief scene reinforces our basic understanding of Reiner and Eren’s relationship; they are comrades who unconditionally trust each other. The camera lingers on the shot of their gripped hands, a symbol of camaraderie, trust and unity.

This is all very basic stuff, but it is crucial setup for Reiner’s eventual betrayal. From the beginning, the show is hinting that something is up through multiple shots of Reiner (and Bertholdt) reflected in puddles. It’s a concise, elegant way too remind us that there is more to Reiner than meets the eye and that we will soon be seeing another side to him. This quick scene at the beginning of the episode quickly establishes a foundational understanding of Reiner’s place in the characters’ minds, which the show can now start to complicate, deconstruct, and, in the end, destroy.

Reflecting on the night’s events, Reiner begins to freak out about his very recent near-death experience. In my episode 4 analysis, I wrote about how Reiner exemplified the show’s critique of the ideal of heroic sacrifice. To recap, Reiner’s actions in episode 4, though superficially heroic, are ultimately presented as foolhardy, impulsive and unnecessary. Interestingly, Reiner realises this as well, reeling at his actions and blind heroism. In this moment, Reiner confronts his own mortality and he’s honestly not handling it well.

Reiner, as we have heretofore understood him, has embodied three essential ideas: bravery, loyalty and stability; basically the perfect soldier. In this one scene, the show begins to break this down by showing us that behind his brave actions lies very real fear and weakness.

Throughout this scene Bertholdt looks on with an intensely stressed expression on his face. As a side note, I have to say Bertholdt is perhaps one of the most enigmatic characters in the show. Until this episode, I would have simply dismissed him as unremarkable and frankly, forgettable. I mean, the only thing I could have said about him was that he is tall and strong – it’s almost hilarious how these two seemingly mundane facts actually function as clues to his real identity.

It’s hard to express how weird, awkward and generally unsettling this scene is, along with the episode as a whole. What should be a comforting moment of safety and contemplation for our characters never materialises, with everyone palpably unsettled, stressed and clearly still on guard.

This feeling only intensifies when Hannes confirms what we’ve known for a while now: there is no hole in the wall. In the face of such an inexplicable mystery, the only option is to retreat to Trost and regroup. As they start to walk off though, Reiner asks Eren to stay back for a moment and we finally get to the big reveal of this episode.

Now, AOT is a show built on shocking twists and turns and it’s really, really good at them. The problem with this however is that after a while the audience inevitably becomes accustomed to these reveals and they no longer shock like they used to; AOT’s unpredictability becomes, in a sense, predictable. Additionally, viewers get better at figuring out the twist well in advance. I think a lot of people had already figured out that Reiner is the Armoured Titan (it’s the hair isn’t it?). So how do you make a reveal like this shocking without the audience rolling their eyes and smugly thinking that they’re way ahead of the show? - Context and framing!

You see, AOT knows that after 30 episodes the audience doesn’t just expect a twist; they also expect a certain amount of melodrama and set up before the twist is revealed. Historically, information that is this important and this world shattering doesn’t just get told to us or to the characters. They have to fight tooth and nail, risking their lives for it.

So to have this twist calmly revealed by Reiner so unceremoniously with no setup or conflict whatsoever, it’s not only a surprise; it’s just wrong. Paradoxically, it’s how completely and utterly anti-climactic this reveals is that makes it so, so shocking and so effective. This is absolutely world-changing information, and both Reiner and the show itself are treating it like a run-of-the-mill conversation - like it doesn’t matter at all! In this way, even if the specifics of information aren’t necessarily shocking, the way in which it is presented to the audience definitely is! It’s using our own understanding of dramatic and storytelling conventions against us and it’s pretty genius.

This is all wonderfully and effectively supported by cinematic language. There’s no dramatic music, no intense, emotional close-ups; just a cold, disinterested distance. Every shot and edit all works together to express both the mundanity and the abruptness of this revelation, so I’m going to spend the next section unpacking it!

We start with a shot focused on Mikasa in the foreground as she walks out of frame, leaving Eren, Reiner and Bertholdt in the background. Now, this isn’t a good shot by any stretch of the imagination; in fact, it’s dreadfully ordinary and incompetent. This shot isn’t trying to be visually compelling though. Instead, it’s actively trying to misdirect and distract us.

By focusing initially on Mikasa, our attention is immediately drawn away from the three boys. Furthermore, the blocking of the characters is incredibly awkward and uncommonly inexpressive, with Eren and Reiner facing away from the camera. Every bit of this framing tells us one thing, loudly and proudly; nothing noteworthy is happening. The shot is literally telling us to not pay attention.

Then Reiner calmly says that he and Bertholdt destroyed the wall 5 years ago and that their ultimate aim is to destroy humanity. We’re not even shown his face as he says this! This is one of the craziest, most revolutionary reveals of the show, and it is presented to us, cinematically and contextually, as if Reiner were talking about the weather.

No time to register this information though, as the show immediately cuts to Hanji pondering how the titans could have appeared within the wall. We’re already taking a second longer to process what Reiner just revealed after we pre-emptively dismissed it; now, this medium shot of Hanji’s intense but irrelevant contemplation actively tries to distract us again.

Then, as Reiner admits that he is the Armoured titan and Bertholdt is the Colossal titan, we cut to a wide shot of the scouts walking away from this scene, highlighting their obliviousness to the traitors in their midst. At this point, we’ve caught up with the implications of what Reiner is saying, but with the multiple points of focus, giving us a lot to process visually. This, along with the lowered volume of Reiner’s dialogue further limits our ability to absorb the true implications of this information remains limited.

It’s all so masterfully done. I am consistently impressed by how well-made and thought out this show is, and how, against all odds, it manages to stay fresh after all this time. Bravo.

Now, as this scene unfolds, I assumed that everyone’s uneasy demeanour was just a general reaction to the frankly confusing situation they’ve found themselves in. However, as we flashback 12 hours earlier, we are shown that the whole scout corps already suspected something amiss with Reiner and Bertholdt. Thus, another layer of complexity is added to this scene and the charged atmosphere is reconfigured as a feeling of anticipation and hyperawareness.

For the 104th cadets, it’s important to understand just how much they trust Reiner. Reiner was like a brother to them, a rock of the team if you will. Their loyalty to him is so deep that they almost can’t believe that he could have been conspiring against them this whole time. Thus, this part of the episode works to further destroy one previously foundational aspect of our understanding of Reiner: loyalty.

As the facts pile up against Reiner, Eren continues to defend him though, becoming increasingly distressed at the mere suggestion that he could be a traitor. After all he’s been through with Reiner and Bertholdt, as friends and soldiers, it’s almost impossible for him to conceive of them as enemies. Tragically, Eren’s only error here is that he’s too loyal and too trusting. In any other situation, these would be admirable traits. But when everyone is a potential threat and the wrong decision could mean the eradication of humanity, Eren’s naivety means he is ill-equipped to deal with the situation at hand.

You see, Eren is inherently idealistic (or to be cruel, naïve) and truly believes in humanity and his comrades. This unwavering belief in the value of humanity is essential to his triumphs, as it gives him the strength to overcome impossible odds and prevail over the greatest despair. However, in order to retain this idealistic view of a cruel world, Eren has been forced to adopt an incredibly black and white understanding of morality. In Eren’s mind, you’re either intrinsically good and trustworthy, or you’re irredeemably evil and monstrous.

Crucially though, Eren naively assumes that reality reflects his view of the world and is unable to conceive of anything that falls outside of this stark dichotomy of good and evil. Dangerously, this blinds him to the reality of the world and makes him more vulnerable to manipulation. Additionally, because his worldview and ideals are continuously and cruelly challenged, with people proving themselves more complicated than this, Eren is inevitably traumatised precisely because of his strict adherence to such a rigid understanding of humanity.

So in the face Reiner and Bertholdt’s betrayal, let’s just say Eren isn’t going to deal with it well. Still, with all this in mind, he actually does a pretty good job defusing the situation and placating Reiner, trying to react as anyone would to such a preposterous proposal by playing it off as a delusion or even a joke. Bertholdt seems all too eager to use this as an out – he too is flying by the seat of his pants – and enthusiastically agrees.

However, Eren goes too far when he recklessly decides to question Reiner’s thought process. The only reason Reiner would have revealed his secret to Eren is because he seriously thought there was a chance Eren would agree to come quietly. Frankly, this is an irrational, illogical idea and any person in their right mind would know that this wouldn’t work, but not Reiner. It’s kind of innocent or even idealistic, that Reiner could possibly think that Eren would agree to his proposal, but also worryingly delusional. So when Eren points this fact out, Reiner is genuinely shocked, dismayed, and maybe even hurt.

Gradually, this episode has broken down every conception we’ve had of Reiner as a person. We believed Reiner was physically strong, so we were shown his emotional weakness. We believed Reiner was loyal, so we were shown his betrayal. And now, though we believed Reiner was stable, now we’re shown his instability. He’s not cool and collected at all, he’s irrational and volatile. Visually, this episode has been tense and unsettling throughout, with stormy skies and violently waving flags, symbolising the constantly shifting situation at hand and Reiner’s unstable psyche. So when the flag pole suddenly snaps, we know that Reiner has made a decision. There is no going back now.

Suddenly, Reiner declares that he’s been here too long for his own good and he becomes deeply ashamed his naivety. Though he is committed to his cause, some part of him, I think, does genuinely care about everyone he’s fought with. In his irrational state, offering Eren an opportunity to come quietly and prevent the eradication of humanity seemed like a valid way to reconcile this his greater plan with his new ties. However, realising the impossibility of any compromise, he now feels his only choice is to commit to his duty as a warrior and see their plan through to the end, no matter the consequences.

Throughout the show, Reiner has described himself as both a soldier and warrior, and the difference between these terms is crucial to the choice Reiner makes. The term ‘soldier’ recalls ideas of strength, bravery, loyalty and stability; essentially, our past conception of Reiner. Crucially, unlike a warrior, to be a soldier one must be part of an army. Thus, the term ‘soldier’ also brings up associations of conformity, disciple and camaraderie. In contrast to this, the concept of a warrior exists independent of a larger group and thus symbolises individuality, agency and power. A soldier fights in an army for a community but a warrior fights for himself. Thus, in his decision to be a warrior, Reiner forsakes his community, deciding to fight as an individual for his own enigmatic desires.

This pace has been slowly quickening, building up tension, and now it all comes to a head as Reiner and Bertholdt put their plan into motion, transforming into their titan forms. Until this moment, I don’t think Eren truly believed or, at the very least, understood the implications of what Reiner revealed to him. He’s actually sobbing at what he is forced to face in Reiner. Treasured memories flash through his mind, of training with Reiner and Bertholdt, confiding in them and trusting them. Eren truly loved both of them.

But now, as Eren watches the world turn to chaos around him, Reiner’s status as titan and traitor finally sinks in and eradicates his conception of him as friend and comrade. But if they’re not his friends, then what are they? They are monsters, they are irredeemable traitors and they need to be destroyed.

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