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heliads · 1 year

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Hey Lisa! Just wanted to get a request in before it gets full 😂

I just thought of the idea of a Star Trek fic for Bones Mccoy but grishaverse au? I feel like he would be a heartrender. He would LOVE to use his powers against people to make fun of them or something! The reader likes Bones and is a human. Obviously, reader likes bones = heart palpitations and everytime they talk about or to Bones their heart is racing. So bones knows this and can tell that reader likes him so he's just smugly happy about this but doesn't tell reader he reciprocates the same feelings as he wants them to tell him first and be like "oh yeah it was obvious I could tell you liked me" and it's just fluff afterwards!!

Thank you so much Lisa <3

your ideas are ALWAYS top tier!! grishaverse au my beloved

masterlist

The Little Palace may get its power from the Grisha, but its secrets– its secrets it gets from the otkazat’sya. They’ll never tell you that, of course. The practitioners of the Small Science have enough of an ego to act like they can do everything themselves, but no one can. That’s why need the ordinary folk. That’s why they need you.

The rationale behind it all is surprisingly understandable. People who don’t have gifts, who can’t make the ocean sing or their kitchen fires dance, these are the sorts of people who can get behind locked doors without alerting suspicion. You swear people can tell Grisha from otkazat’sya just by a single glance. They walk differently, know they’re different, and then other people know, too.

You, though? You are a woman born without something else. You are just you. It hurts at times, walking through the Little Palace, surrounded by all these people with a great gift in a great place knowing that it is never truly yours, but it doesn’t have to be. You are Y/N. It is fine.

Besides, they can’t make you feel too terribly about yourself without admitting that they need you more than anyone. You’re one of their best spies, a liaison from beyond the walls that can tell them everything they need to know about anything. You have more audiences with the King of Ravka than any of the regular Grisha stationed within the very walls of the city, and you don’t even have the Small Science to back you up.

You have a knack for knowing things, that’s all. You find the people with the secrets, and you discover the ways to make those secrets come alive. Half the time, your targets don’t even know they’ve blabbed away everything they should have kept dear until you’re already gone. What they think is an ordinary conversation is actually rife with spilled clandestine information, they just haven’t realized it yet.

That’s what happened two towns south, actually. A First Army captain was drunk and hanging off his barroom stool, you were there to ply him with rounds and figure out just why his regiment’s been having difficulties keeping to the directions given to them by Ravka’s king. Turns out he’s the head of an anti-monarchy group, and now you have names and locations for future meetings. All in a day’s work.

You’re headed back towards Os Alta now, ready to hand over another successful venture’s information and help plan out the next move. You used to fear every audience with the king, too afraid of saying the wrong thing and being laughed out of the palace, but he’s more of a friend now than a source of apprehension.

James Kirk is yet another one of dozens of bright, blond princes who become kings, and he’s more fond of a joke than a threat, or at least to you. They say he’s capable of piloting his country out of any crisis, and for his sake, you hope they’re right. Ravka needs all the help it can get.

If you’re going to be afraid of anyone, you’d be afraid of his right hand man, the general of the Second Army. Spock’s not aggressive, per se, or at least not physically so, but his biting wit isn’t exactly as approachable as Jim’s charm.

Still, they make a good team, and that’s what matters most. They’ve become your friends by now, and as you draw closer to the gates of Os Alta, your heart warms with the thought of meeting up once more with what you’ve come to appreciate as the regular crew of Ravkan governmental elite.

It’s not just Jim and Spock, after all. There’s Nyota Uhura, the best damn Squaller on this side of the Unsea, Scotty and Chekov, beloved Fabrikators, and last but certainly not least, Hikaru Sulu, your favorite Heartrender. All of them have become your close friends as of late, and you look forward to swapping stories with all of them.

And then, of course, there’s the one person you’ve conveniently left out, the one man who makes you terrified and excited and mainly just eager all at the same time: McCoy, obviously. Bones is, well, Bones, and he’s been the same deadpan sarcastic Healer since the day you met him, but he’s also something else. Someone else. Someone you could love and do love and probably shouldn’t love, but do anyway.

Loving Bones was easier than it should have been. He was one of the first people you ever met in the Little Palace. That was years ago now; you’re a different person than you ever were back then, but even at the start of it all, you knew your life was going to change the second you got the summons from the then-prince Kirk.

Jim’s king now, his father dead, but that doesn’t mean he’s any less invested in your professional skills. You were a First Army soldier then, involved in Fjerdan espionage and the like. You quickly rose through the ranks thanks to your superior skills in getting people to trust you, and that’s how you ended up on Jim’s radar.

The first time you received a note saying that you were to report to the Little Palace as soon as possible, you thought you were in trouble. Sure, there had been a few minor spots of fisticuffs with other soldiers in your past, but they were talking badly about you, and you just wanted to convince them that you were worth your salt. Physically. You won, anyway, and they shut up, but that was no reason a prince would want to see you in person, right?

Your record wasn’t in question, though, or at least not like that. It turned out that Jim wanted to see you so he could have a spy under his directive specifically, such that you could report not only on the enemy but on the dissenters in his own troops too, but you didn’t know that at the time. All you knew was the crisp cream stationery between your fingers, watching that fine paper smudge with the dirt on your fingertips. Soldiers have to get their hands a little more dirty than kings, but you never minded that. It’s what made you good. It’s what made you the best.

So you rode to Os Alta, marveling at the high gates and proud elites just like any tourist in town. You remember wandering through the Little Palace in an attempt to find the so-called War Room, and that’s where you met your friends.

Technically, you met Scotty first of all of them, and you couldn’t be more grateful for it. If there was anyone in the whole business who could calm your nerves with one bad joke and a witty grin, it would be him. Most Fabrikators end up holed away in their labs, but Scotty was out and about for the same meeting you would be attending. He offered to lead you to the proper spot, and you quickly accepted his offer.

Along the way, Scotty greeted the people he knew, one of them being Bones. Bones was the one who paid you the most attention even after your group of three grew as you were introduced to Sulu and Uhura and more. You hadn’t thought that a Grisha would really care all that much about the backstory of an otkazat’sya, but Bones, for some reason, listened.

His gruff attitude was off-putting at first, but, as Scotty told you in a stage whisper and you later learned for yourself, Bones isn’t exactly the most outgoing of your friends. He usually sticks to his medical tent and his patients. The fact that he was asking you questions about yourself in the same clinical tone as if asking about past prescriptions was, in Scotty’s eyes, a sure sign that the two of you were going to be the best of friends.

You have to say that the Fabrikator was right. When you were inducted into Jim’s circle for real, and your espionage reports started becoming more and more frequent, you had a greater chance of running into Bones.

He usually stuck by your side during the meetings, turning towards you whenever you spoke and leaning over so he could whisper sarcastic mutterings against your hair whenever someone else said something ridiculous. You’ve long since learned to develop a poker face when he’s around; otherwise, you’d end up laughing at your own king, and that’s sort of frowned upon around here.

It really should have come as no surprise that you’d go all the way and fall in love with Bones. Maybe it’s just you deluding yourself into thinking that nothing is something, but you swear that Bones treats you differently from the rest. He actually smiles when he sees you, and he talks more to you than anyone else. He’s kind, and he cares, and if you just let yourself imagine it, you could convince yourself that it’s because he loves you just as much.

He has yet to say a word on the matter, though, so you suppose you’re damned to eternal silence on the subject. The two of you will continue dancing around the subject until one of you gets killed in Ravka’s endless wars, and then an end will finally be put to it all. Wonderful.

Today, though, you are happy to see him, and you walk to the Little Palace with an extra pep in your step. This latest mission of yours took you away from Os Alta for longer than usual, so you’ve been missing him even more than the normal amount.

The halls of the Little Palace are no longer the labyrinth they had seemed upon your first visit, and you hurry over to the Healers’ station as quickly as you can. Bones’ back is turned when you first approach, too busy organizing supplies to notice any newcomers.

You rap your knuckles against the threshold of the door. “Surprise.”

Bones’ back straightens, and when he turns around, his lips are quirked in something that might almost be a smile. “Y/N. Good to see you.”

“I know,” you grin, “It always is.”

He rolls his eyes, but his expression is fond. “You were gone a while,” he remarks, “two weeks longer than last mission. I thought I would have to patch you up or something. You know death is the only acceptable excuse for tardiness around here?”

You laugh. “I’m glad to hear you were worried about me. I’m fine, by the way.”

Bones gives you a once over as if double checking this statement, but he seems satisfied when he continues. “What took you so long, then?”

You lift a shoulder. “Trying to root out corruption, not exactly the easiest thing in the world. Also, I’m not supposed to be around here all the time, remember? I’m not Grisha, I don’t belong in the Little Palace.”

Bones gives you a disgruntled look when you say that. “You’re kidding, right? ‘Course you do. You may not be able to do weird things with a wave of your hand, but you’re one of us. That means you should stay longer.”

You smile to yourself. “Well, I’m happy to be wanted.”

“You know that,” Bones remarks, “The others say it all the time, why does it matter to hear me say that?”

You swallow, look away. “It’s just different with you, that’s all.”

He arches a brow. “Why?”

This is not where you wanted the conversation to go, but with Bones’ stare fixed firmly on you, you don’t think you’ll be escaping it anytime soon. “You’re more important to me than the others.”

There’s no one else in the room, no one else to hear the way Bones’ voice goes quiet when he hears you. “And why is that, Y/N?”

You glance at him beseechingly, but Bones doesn’t seem willing to back off. At last, you sigh, and prepare yourself to bear the weight of his disapproval. “Alright, alright. I– I like you. I love you. Happy now?”

It’s silent for a moment, then:

“I know.”

You gape at him in shock. “You knew?”

“Of course I did,” he says smugly, “Any Heartrender worth their salt can sense when someone’s heartbeat speeds up when they’re around, and despite what Jim says, I am quite worth my price.”

You have enough sense to swat him playfully on the shoulder, even as your mind is reeling with the weight of this revelation. “That’s King Jim to you, remember? Saints, no respect for royalty or for me.”

“I do respect you,” Bones frowns.

You arch a brow. “You respected me enough to listen to my heartbeat day in and day out, being perfectly aware of how I felt, but making me be the one to say anything? You could have told me how you felt and ended all of this much sooner.”

A sudden, terrible thought occurs to you that perhaps he doesn’t feel anything at all and that’s why he didn’t say anything. All Bones told you was that he knew you loved him, not that he loved you back. You had thought you were friends, but would a friend toy with you like that?

Your heartbeat must betray your panicked musings, because Bones’ expression softens and he puts a hand on your shoulder to bring you back to reality. “I love you too,” he says firmly, “and I don’t want you thinking anything else. I just like giving you a hard time, that’s all.”

“I know,” you say teasingly. “Who wouldn’t love me?”

He gives you a look. “That doesn’t explain why you were so nervous a few moments ago.”

You feel your cheeks heat up. “That was different. You were intentionally withholding information.”

“I apologize,” he says, and draws closer to you. He pauses when he’s just a few breaths away, and for a moment you think he’s going to kiss you until he opens the door again. “Jim is waiting for us to start the meeting. We shouldn’t keep royalty waiting.”

You glare at him in indignation, but you’re too happy to keep your spirits down for long. “You’re awful, you know that?”

“I do,” he hums proudly, “and don’t worry about that, we’ll have time after the meeting.”

Time, yes. A lot of time. Maybe you should pay attention to how Bones said this place should be your home. And maybe, just maybe, you should ask Jim for more of a break in between missions. You think you’d like to explore your role here just a little more.

requested by @w1shes43, i hope you enjoy!

star trek tag list: @/w1shes43

#bones #bones imagines #bones x reader #bones oneshot #leonard mccoy #leonard mccoy imagines #leonard mccoy x reader #leonard mccoy oneshot #star trek #star trek imagines #star trek x reader #star trek oneshot #star trek bones #star trek bones imagines #star trek bones x reader #star trek bones oneshot #grishaverse au

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mariacallous · 9 months

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The ninth International Degrowth Conference, held in August this year in Zagreb, Croatia, opens with a provocation. Keynote speaker Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, the newly elected vice chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has two requests to make of the audience. The first is to figure out how to coordinate with governments of all stripes, since the climate crisis requires global unity.

The second? “Maybe consider a different word.”

It’s about as close to blasphemy as this niche, academic, and politically radical conference can get.

To a rising minority of European leftists, the term “degrowth” is proving an attraction rather than a turnoff. The protean climate movement that exists under its banner is gaining momentum among academics, youth activists, and, increasingly, policymakers across the continent.

The European Parliament hosted its second (and terminologically defanged) Beyond Growth Conference just this past May, this time with unprecedented buy-in from elected officials; as organizer and European Parliament member Philippe Lamberts (of the Belgian Greens) told the Financial Times, the “big shots” are now “playing ball.”

Those in Zagreb frame the Brussels push as “extraordinary” and “major,” with the parliament building “filled to the brim” by a new swell of activists, nongovernmental organizations, academics, and elected officials totaling some 7,000 strong. Julia Steinberger, a longtime researcher of the social and economic impacts of climate change at the University of Lausanne, adds: “And they were young.”

This energy carries over to the degrowth circuit proper, which multiple veterans tell me has long outgrown its humble beginnings. At a watershed, self-organized gathering in Leipzig, Germany in 2014, ragtag participants made their own meals. This year’s conference, by contrast, is co-sponsored by the city of Zagreb, attended by the mayor and representatives of the IPCC, and professionally catered with vegan canapés.

With its deepest roots in direct democracy and anti-capitalism, the degrowth movement is bent on challenging the central tenet of postwar economics: that further increases in GDP—strongly correlated with increases in carbon emissions—translate to further advances in social and individual well-being.

The implications of the critique extend far beyond the usual calls for countries to reach net-zero emissions targets. To degrowthers, the climate crisis is a social problem, and addressing it will require no less than reengineering the entire global, socioeconomic order, especially in the wealthy global north.

Why the sudden interest in this radical program? Why Europe, and why now?

Perhaps the answer should be obvious: Late August 2023, when the Zagreb event convenes, caps off the hottest global summer ever recorded. The defining characteristic of degrowth’s latest influx of followers, as the movement’s major figures will stress to me again and again over the next four days, is youth—which is to say, a heightened vulnerability to the future effects of climate change.

The status quo has left these young supporters disillusioned and alarmed. And no wonder. When, during her keynote address, Ürge-Vorsatz draws up a heat map showing the proportion of the Earth that will become unsuitable for human life by 2070 under business-as-usual projections, no one bats an eye; it’s data that this particular audience has seen before.

The suggestion to “find a better word,” however, is met with an affronted laugh. For Europe’s young people, degrowth isn’t just a utopian slogan, but an intentionally provocative, environmental necessity—and an existing reality.

Parallel to these radical calls to abandon economic growth as a policy goal, many economists have observed that capitalism in developed countries is already slowing down, seemingly of its own accord, and very much against the mainstream political will. The trend is called (in a manner that hardly satisfies Ürge-Vorsatz’s invitation to find a more appealing term) “secular stagnation,” and it predicts that in highly developed economies, a near future of stagnant growth is more or less inevitable.

This slowdown in the year-over-year growth of GDP per capita is detectible in wealthy industrialized countries such as Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, according to economists such as Dietrich Vollrath, whose book Fully Grown describes this phenomenon.

The deceleration is accompanied by a rise in inequality, which contributes to increased polarization on both the left and the right. Poorly managed energy transitions and climate-induced disasters are poised to exacerbate the trend. So are declining fertility rates, which lead to a lopsided age distribution in the workforce, putting further strain on welfare systems. While it is tempting to ascribe the decline in birth rates primarily to the rising cost of having children in rich countries, in the EU, generous benefits to parents (Hungary, for example, recently waived personal income tax for mothers under 30, among other pro-family measures) have failed to turn the tide. At a certain point, wealthy societies in advanced stages of modern capitalism no longer want to grow.

As a consequence, for the first time since the mid-20th-century, young people from the world’s richest nations, such as those gathered here in Zagreb, cannot expect to be better off than their parents.

The anxious backdrop is enough to make one wonder whether the uptick of interest in degrowth isn’t, in fact, just another symptom of a lack of economic growth in Europe, coupled with impending environmental degradation. It brings into focus a bigger historical picture, one of wealthy countries around the world struggling to manage ecological decline and rising domestic discontent when the usual remedy—rapid growth—may be as economically impossible as it is environmentally dubious.

If such degrowth is inevitable, degrowthers ask—if for a very different set of reasons—how can it best be managed?

And is it possible for Europe to greet it with anything other than anxiety and despair?

On the opening night of the International Degrowth Conference, at a reception held in the lobby of the Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art, at least two surveys of the 680 registered participants are going around, gathering demographics in the name of ongoing academic research. The shoe-leather approach provides a good estimate: A quick turn though the crowd proves the attendees to be overwhelmingly white, youthful, and fit.

And yet, considerable diversity exists within that apparent uniformity. Degrowth is a big tent, one that attracts graduate students, activists, Marxists, feminists, decolonizationists, and in more recent years, elected politicians, all of them disillusioned with the promises of “green growth” inscribed in the EU Green Deal, or in the United States’ growth-oriented Inflation Reduction Act. It could be described as an academic field, an intellectual crossroads, a political movement—or better yet, given its versatile nature, as a cultural one.

The term decroissance first emerged in France during the resource debates of the 1970s, when the Club of Rome published its famous 1972 report, The Limits to Growth, which is still one of the most controversial and bestselling environmental books of all time. That study argued that exploding global population and resource use would exceed the Earth’s carrying capacity within one generation, resulting in a precipitous decline in welfare.

Strongly influenced by a natural scientist’s understanding of the conservation of energy (as opposed to an economist’s understanding of abstract and theoretically limitless variables, such as demand), the report popularized the enduring idea that there is no infinite growth on a finite planet. Kenneth Boulding, author of the essay “The Economics of the Coming Spaceship Earth,” echoed the concept in congressional testimony delivered during a discussion of the global ecological situation in 1973: “Anyone who believes that exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist.”

Predicting the future is a risky business. The Club of Rome report was—and still is—ridiculed by mainstream analysts, who pointed to the fact that the next generation became, au contraire, ever richer and more populous. Others rightly questioned the report’s tendency to stoke the West’s racist fears of population growth in the global south. From a purely ecological view, however, research from natural scientists continues to suggest that the 1972 study got more right than wrong; ecologists warn that we have now exceeded four of nine planetary boundaries that define a habitable planet.

Today’s iteration of degrowth, translated from the French, disavows these earlier debates’ Malthusian focus on population growth, instead shifting the emphasis to per capita consumption. This time, the culprit is decadence in the global north.

Embracing the ethos of anti-consumerism, anti-advertising, and decolonization, the idea of reorienting rich economies away from the hegemonic pursuit of GDP growth gained purchase in France and Southern Europe following the 2008-09 financial crisis—which was seen as yet another consequence of the reckless pursuit of growth—and the austerity measures that it drew into its wake.

Vincent Liegey, a French thinker, author, and organizer who was active in those earliest years of the degrowth movement, tells me that these days, degrowth might be best understood as a “tool,” one used “to question dominant paradigms and address 21st-century problems with [the idea of] well-being.”

There’s an academic flair to the accrual of terms and definitions in the conversations that I have over the next four days: “conviviality,” “frugal abundance,” and “well-being” are favored. (A primer from one of the movement’s foremost thinkers, George Kallis, bears the title Degrowth: Vocabulary for a New Era.) Marxism is more than ambient. But so are appeals for direct democracy and municipalism, as well as serious engagement from NGOs and members of the European Parliament.

It can be difficult to keep track of where the ideological accent lies. In their book The Future Is Degrowth, Matthias Schmelzer, Aaron Vansintjan, and Andrea Vetter helpfully break the movement down into different “currents,” of which there are two dominant schools: green-liberal economic reform, which relies on familiar tools (such as market mechanisms, taxation and regulation) to bring growth and institutions into accord with planetary boundaries; and “socialism without growth,” which focuses more on fundamental changes to distribution and ownership (and which distinguishes itself from the Marxist productivism practiced in Soviet Russia or Maoist China).

Natural scientists, too, supply working definitions. One of the most common (and politically neutral-sounding) goals repeated in Zagreb harkens back to a widely circulated 2020 Nature Communications paper titled “Scientists’ Warning on Affluence”: Drawing on economist Giorgos Kallis’s definition, the paper’s authors argue that degrowth aims for an “equitable downscaling of throughput (that is the energy and resource flows through an economy, strongly coupled to GDP), with a concomitant securing of well-being.”

“There’s always been an activist and an academic part of the movement,” the aforementioned Steinberger, a co-author of that paper, tells me. Though both factions have historically lacked traction with the broader public, 2023 may be the year this marginal status starts to change. Degrowth has made “giant steps forward” in “how we can articulate these ideas and how we can make them popular,” Steinberger says, pointing to the May conference in Brussels as an example.

Ürge-Vorsatz likewise welcomes the new momentum as a “really exciting development,” one further linked to recent degrowth-adjacent legislation such as a draft directive proposed in the European Parliament that would ban “planned obsolescence” and increase the durability of consumer goods.

There are further signs of momentum. The sixth IPCC assessment report, published last year, made its first mention of degrowth, citing the literature’s “key insight” that “pursuing climate goals … requires holistic thinking including on how to measure well-being,” and name-checking the movement’s “serious consideration of the notion of ecological limits.”

The writing of Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito, a rising international star (and also in attendance in Zagreb), has become a surprise hit in Japan and around the globe, with his 2020 book Capital in the Anthropocene grossing more than 500,000 copies; the week of the conference, he was profiled in the New York Times for his philosophy of “degrowth communism,” while a German translation had just appeared on the Der Spiegel bestseller list.

And it’s a kind of “cultural victory,” Liegey says, that policy magazines such as the Economist and the Financial Times, not to mention the present publication, have also begun to engage—even if only to debunk degrowth as a brewing economic disaster.

Pressed to explain the surge in interest, however, it’s notable that many organizers and researchers didn’t cite concrete proposals from degrowth’s own economic agenda, but rather the ruins of the old, postwar paradigm.

They cited record-breaking temperatures that have risen quite literally off the charts. They cited the pandemic, an experiment in rapid social transformation that has broadened the public imagination for what is possible in a narrow time frame. They cited, above all, the energy of the younger generation of activists heralding from Ende Gelände, Extinction Rebellion, Fridays for Future, and the many youth and graduate students who are getting involved in degrowth itself.

One such newcomer, here in Zagreb as a volunteer, tells me that she discovered degrowth after becoming disillusioned with green growth narratives and party politics in her native France. “I’m not sure how much is propaganda,” she says with a laugh, gesturing toward the cacophony of workshops and academic presentations taking place simultaneously in the conference center (the usual purpose of which, I’m told, is to host weddings; at least three can take place here at once). But she admits that she finds it “inspiring to see so many people working on solutions” after more mainstream channels left her pessimistic.

She is not the only person attracted to Europe’s degrowth movement by a combination of pessimism about the current conditions of the world and the promise of political solutions to quell that anxiety. But degrowth also raises the question of just how real these solutions are meant to be—or whether managing pessimism is the primary draw.

Asked to explain why the movement continues to enjoy more support in Europe as compared to other parts of the industrialized world, degrowthers point to the continent’s long tradition of leftist organizing and greater cultural openness to restraining the excesses of capitalism.

“There’s more freedom in Europe to question mainstream economics and the growth paradigm,” says Steinberger, who received her Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “It’s not that it’s comfortable,” she adds, “but it’s at least … nobody’s going to [be] fired for it. It doesn’t generate the same sort of kneejerk revulsion.”

Saito, who studied in both the United States and Europe before returning to his native Tokyo, where he is now a professor of philosophy at Tokyo University, echoes the claim: “I think in some sense, EU countries already regulate this system of capitalism, creating other space for other things, for noncommercial activities. And that’s already half-degrowth.”

But there is, potentially, a broader cultural backdrop to the increased interest, especially among the young. Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, a member of the European Parliament representing France (and the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance parties), tells me that the youth she speaks with are notably pessimistic. “Girls tell me we shouldn’t be having children because it harms the planet,” she says.

Youthful (and hyperbolic) critiques of the status quo are hardly novel to European politics. But the current attitude feels distinct from the student protests that swept the continent in the 1960s: “I feel there is more despair,” Delbos-Corfield adds.

There’s always been an anti-materialist, anti-capitalist bent among green revolutionaries in the West, but degrowth should also be understood as separate from the back-to-the-land or hippie spiritualism that marked the environmentalism of the 1970s. The main drivers on display in Zagreb are economic and environmental anxiety as the world slips into very real ecological and civic unrest.

“They have a lot of access to depressive information,” Liegey says of the young people he sees joining and reshaping the movement, “and no way of acting on it.” Ürge-Vorsatz echoes his assessment. “If you just look at climate [policy] in Europe,” she says, “then I think we should be very positive because Europe has been doing great things.” On that front, there’s reason for optimism. But as for the broader political landscape, she notes that it often seems as if Europe is entering “into an era of crisis after crisis after crisis” that will require an updated political vision: “The only way we can actually manage crisis is to think for the long term.”

Charges of pessimism, alongside demands for continued economic development in the global south, are arguably where critics gain the most traction against degrowth. Self-described “techno-optimist” thinkers such as Andrew McAfee and Steven Pinker have more or less self-consciously pitted themselves against it. Regarding climate goals, these thinkers call for more growth, not less, and especially for the so-called decoupling of that growth from increased material resource use. Their self-described optimism stems from the fact that this decoupling is already taking place; they reckon it can be accelerated through new technologies and judicious policy.

It’s worth noting that across this very fraught and contested spectrum of opinions—from techno-optimism and green growth to degrowth—everyone agrees on one thing: In order to avoid the very worst of possible climate futures, the material and carbon throughput of the economy must be drastically reduced. The attitude in which they go about achieving that reduction, however, could not be more different.

There is indeed evidence that relative decoupling has been underway since the mid-20th century, but so far only partially, and only in rich countries—and then only after an enormous intensification of resource use. Early evidence of dematerialization from midcentury peaks in countries such as the United States, furthermore, does not yet extend to powerhouses such as India or China.

It is also hotly debated whether this partial trend properly accounts for rich countries’ offshoring of material-intensive manufacturing, or for the so-called rebound effect, whereby more efficient and “dematerialized” production of goods and services translates directly into increased consumption, immediately canceling out ecological gains. Degrowthers, for their part, argue that the absolute decoupling is an outright fairy tale—one as dangerous as its proponents accuse degrowth of being.

Whether decoupling amounts to magical thinking or not, given current data, one would have to be very optimistic indeed to believe that decoupling scenarios alone will bring economic activity into accord with planetary boundaries and tipping points. The lack of evidence for an immediate silver bullet brings us back to the multitrillion-dollar question: If an economic deceleration is inevitable, are our options really delusion versus despair?

It’s no mystery why we fear economic slowdowns. Crumbling state finances, recessions, and economic transitions are enormously painful and disruptive, especially for those in the lowest income brackets. Juicing growth numbers as a means of alleviating economic pain and discontent, however, is increasingly looking like a holdover from an era when politicians could promise that rapidly rising tides lift all boats.

In today’s world—when global inequality is reaching prewar levels—it perhaps makes sense to lay at least equal focus on the redistribution of wealth accumulated in the 20th century, precisely with an eye toward insulating society’s most vulnerable from economic and environmental shocks that are increasingly intertwined. This makes even more sense if we consider that in the rich world, the previous century’s boom-time growth rates might be the result of nonlinear, irreproducible events, such as women entering the workforce, globalization, the financialization of government debt, and the use of imperialist force.

Perhaps, as techno-optimists predict, artificial intelligence will lead to yet another gain in productivity, yielding a 20th-century-style spike in growth. (Though this comes with the potential cost of AI turning on its human makers, which would hardly be conducive to economic flourishing.) For now, the shifting composition of developed economies calls for a correspondingly historic shift in policy focus.

“A fundamental difference between natural science theories and social science theories is that natural science theories, if valid, hold for all times and places,” former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers wrote in a opinion for the International Monetary Fund published in 2020, “In contrast, the relevance of economic theories depends on context.” He continued: “I am increasingly convinced that current macroeconomic theories … may be unsuited to current economic reality and so provide misguided policy prescriptions.” The same could be true of chasing after GDP growth.

In that case, one might imagine that it would be the task of the degrowth movement to persuade the broader public of the point. And yet, if the idea of doing more with less has a branding problem—which is to say, a political problem—it’s not a problem that anyone in the degrowth movement seems immediately positioned to solve. Almost no one I speak to in Zagreb is inclined to “consider a better word.”

The issue of language and popular appeal hovers over the conference. On a smoke break, a local Croatian volunteer, a mother of two with a marketing background, voices concern over how the scholars gathered here plan on communicating degrowth to a larger audience. She tells me that her school-aged children recently came home announcing they no longer want to shop at secondhand stores. “It feels very different to degrow when it’s a necessity versus a choice,” she says.

During lunch, over plates of (vegan) lentil Bolognese, another volunteer, a Zagreb native in her 20s and a member of a local all-female eco-collective, shares impressions from her own visits to the academic sessions, many of which are open to the public. She’s come directly from a presentation about a hypothetical “ecofeminist city,” where she, too, wondered about vocabulary and broader appeal. “The girls in my eco-village, the ones [the presenters] should be speaking for,” she says, “I don’t think they would have the education to understand. I wondered, ‘Who is your audience?’”

Consulting the abstract for the ecofeminist city in question, the authors’ proposals indeed seem less than tangible or concrete: References include “configuration of spatial and temporary infrastructures” and “feminist time politics.”

The volunteer’s question—“Who is your audience?”—is a fair one, especially since parts of the movement really do hold the potential for popular interest.

After all, the primary aim of degrowth, Saito explains, is to carve a space “outside of capitalism,” whose market logic has colonized too much of our social and economic decision-making, but also outside of traditional socialism or Marxist productivism, whose ecological record in Maoist China and Soviet Russia proved just as devastating.

Though I’ve been wondering whether it’s the word “communism” or “degrowth” that poses the greater threat to the movement going mainstream, the more I ask, the more it seems that to degrowthers such as Saito, “communism” means something much closer to municipalism and an expansion of the welfare state (financed, presumably, through a mechanism that rejects both imperialism and economic growth) than it does to classical economic planning.

“I call it commonification,” Saito says of his own updating of Marxist principles for a climate-distressed era. “Make it common; make it common wealth. A society based on that kind of commonification of our basic needs, which shouldn’t be left to the market logic.” Every thinker I speak with is committed to democracy and rejects the one-party state. Saito easily sees room for market mechanisms: “Of course you should be able to buy an apple or an orange on the market. But does that apple need to come from Africa?” There is a commitment to an expansion of social services such as universal health care, education, public transport, and housing, with additional discussion of reduced work weeks and job guarantees; people use less energy and fewer resources when they buy and work less.

Saito himself doesn’t mind if others “use a different term” than degrowth “as long as they’re willing to think outside of capitalism.” But he notes that using provocative language often serves an important purpose; degrowth was coined precisely to be unmarketable, with its founders anticipating the greenwashing that has befallen the likes of terms such as “sustainability,” “green growth,” and “carbon footprint.”

The persistent use of radical terms, Saito further argues, can pave the way for progress. “Ten years ago,” he says, “in America, you couldn’t say the word ‘socialism.’ Today the taboo has been lifted, with politicians like Bernie Sanders and AOC [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez].”

On the other hand, one could just as easily argue that the normalization of former taboos is simply a sign of greater polarization and discontentment with capitalism; taboos are being lifted just as quickly on right.

In this tense political environment, should the degrowth movement continue in its usual role of leftist activists and academics, or has the time come to think more like politicians—in other words, people who have to compromise?

On this point, the movement seems divided.

It’s clear, however, which faction is ascendent. On a concluding panel, activist and scholar Julia Steinberger, who wields considerable influence on social media, recaps the need to liaise between the public and centers of political power. “Science tells us we need to degrow,” she says, “but this means nothing to politicians unless we can also help them translate this to the public.”

She describes presenting data to elected officials, only to have them respond that their hands are tied unless they are also given a way to sell the implications: “And we said, ‘We thought that was your job and the journalists’ job.’ And they said, ‘No, we can’t do it, and the journalists aren’t doing it, so I guess it’s your job.’”

Natural allies for the movement, not to mention connections to more mainstream economics, do exist. If degrowth plays its cards right, its proponents might not have to do the job alone.

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hermioneemmawatsonlookalike · 1 year

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Hi It is me Emily Hellenora Granfer,

Ladies and gents, esteemed mates, and fellow Londoners,

Today, we find ourselves in a right pickle, discussing a rather peculiar trend that's been sweeping across the pond in the good ol' United States. I'm here to shed some light on those anti-transgender bills and legislation, my dear chaps. Now, whilst these measures claim to protect women's rights or preserve traditional values, we simply must take a closer look at the consequences they might bring forth. In this jolly speech, we shall delve into why these anti-trans bills might just backfire and leave a rather embarrassing stain on the trousers of those who championed them.

First and foremost, let's have a good laugh at the misplacement of priorities, shall we? Instead of tackling pressing issues like healthcare, infrastructure, or education, our dear American friends seem to be wasting their precious time and resources on bills that disproportionately target a marginalized community. It's like trying to find Big Ben in New York City! I say, it's high time they focus on what truly matters and leave the poor transgender folk be.

Now, let's talk about the atmosphere these anti-trans bills create, shall we? It's not the most welcoming, I must say. By sending a clear message of intolerance and discrimination, they're creating a rather dodgy environment for their transgender mates. And what happens when you make folks feel unwelcome? Mental health issues, my friends. Anxiety, depression, and a general sense of gloominess. Blimey, they sure can do better than that! Let's strive for an inclusive society that values diversity and respects the rights of all, regardless of their gender identity. It's not rocket science, you know.

Oh, but wait, there's more! These anti-trans bills can have some jolly economic repercussions as well. You see, lots of businesses these days are rather keen on diversity and inclusivity. They understand that embracing different perspectives and identities isn't just the morally right thing to do, but it's also good for business, innit? So, when a state decides to pass these discriminatory laws, it's like waving a big red bus to these companies. They might just pack their bags and head for friendlier pastures, taking their jobs and economic contributions with them. Now, that's not very smart, is it?

And let's not forget the legal challenges that await these anti-trans bills. Constitutional battles, my darlings! They can drain their public resources faster than you can say "cheeky Nando's." Not to mention the damage it does to their dear reputation. Do they really want to be known as the place that wasted time, money, and effort defending laws that target a specific community? I think not, my friends.

But fear not, for there is hope amidst this chaos! The passage of these anti-trans bills has ignited a spark within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It's like trying to put out a fire with a cuppa tea, I tell you! The more they try to limit the rights of transgender individuals, the stronger the opposition becomes, united in their fight for equality and justice. So, let's embrace this solidarity, my dear mates, and show those who championed these bills that their actions have only strengthened our resolve.

In conclusion, my jolly good audience, let us reflect upon the unintended consequences of these anti-trans bills across the pond. They divert attention from pressing issues, foster discrimination, and harm their local economies. It's time for our American friends to wake up and smell the roses, or in their case, the tea! Inclusivity, respect, and equal rights for all, regardless of gender identity, are not just mere buzzwords. They are the very foundations of a progressive and enlightened society.

So, let us stand tall, raise our cups of tea, and proclaim, "No more nonsense, no more discrimination!" Together, we can create a future where every individual is valued, respected, and free to be their fabulous selves. Let's give these anti-trans bills a proper East End send-off and show them the door.

Thank you, my dear mates, and cheerio!

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colorcodedbeanies · 2 years

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S2E2-"Grilled"

Long pause between updates there. I've backlogged a bunch of episode notes that I'll hopefully be releasing in batches.

TW: Racism, elder abuse, ableism

Ok so I took these notes a few days ago and the first thing that greets me is "car looks like its fucking the sand", with the sub point "put that in the post". I hope this provides insight into the rigorous intellectual process I work with.

The cop scene is basically an endless series of hits, enough that its difficult to not just transcribe it fully. Tuco's head is mounted on a shooting target by Hank, who talks floridly about interrogating his meth-hag girlfriend and then does a whole routine about apologizing to hr for using the word "hard-on" in the presence of ladies, which is frankly only further fuel to the fire in terms of eroticism literally being criminal in Breaking Bad. He comments on Mexico, saying to general agreement "We all know what's going on down there. We sure as hell don't want it going on up here." which is just. Very interesting considering next episode is going to open with two men illegally crossing the border. Finally, when Gomez asks him if he really thinks they'll track him down, he laughs it off, commenting that its about "keeping up appearances". If he's implying that most of the DEA's work is about the appearance of stopping bad guys and saving good guys....well! He said it not me.

Skyler is hesitant about describing Walter as depressed, especially in front of his son. Even in front of the guy who (theoretically) is trying to find him and needs information, saving the face of the middle class white patriarch takes precedence. She softens it to simple stress. This is echoed again later when Marie blurts out Hank's knowledge about the second cellphone. Sure, Hank is very possibly trying not to add more emotional strain onto his sister-in-law. But he's also denying her information (and in his mind, possibly even covering for Walt's affair). They may be more comfortable possibly letting him die than they are ruining his image as a good family man.

I didn't expect to emerge out of this as a WaltTuco truther but literally what am I meant to take from Walt momentarily imagining Tuco as Skyler appearing to him and telling him that she understands.

The yard is littered with a lot of broken toys. While I'm not super thrilled with the way this visually suggests Hector as another "broken" thing in the house, I do think it lends itself into an understanding of Tuco as ultimately, a bit of an overgrown child. I don't say that to be infantilizing. Trauma, especially as a child, can freeze up your mental development a little bit. Tuco tends to approach his circumstances with a very simply and childlike logic. His paranoia (tragically unable to ever catch the actual threats) is his special powers, his visions of the future. While talking about No-Doze and Gonzo he's clearly seeking out some absolution, insisting "I was good to him! I was good!". None of this, of course, makes Tuco any less dangerous or unstable. But he's a lot more vulnerable than Walt (or arguably, the audience) gives him credit for. He takes personal betrayals of his love aso wildly personally, and seeks escape in drugs when he fails to threaten people into staying loyal to him.

So there's a clear disability horror going on with Hector. The first level of that is inherently ableism, implying that there's something unsettling about being in the proximity of someone with an atypical body and atypical means of expression. The second level (and I believe the unintentional one) is the horror movie happening inside Hector's own perspective, seeing a threat to someone who you, in your own fucked up way, love, and being unable to effectively communicate about it because Tuco is not intuitive with how he approaches Hector's communication needs. Regardless I think it is important that treating Hector like an object fucks over everyone, Walt, Jesse, Tuco, and Hank in the next episode.

Speaking of ableism, though, in a rare Jesse L he does briefly position his life as inherently more valuable than Walt's, because Walt's going to be dead soon anyways. Notably Walt does advocate for his life in a way that he did not when chemo was on the table. Still, Jesse, there are so many better reasons Walt should kill himself for your sake.

At this point I don't even need to do analysis, I can just tell you Skyler says "Marie, you don't get hooked on pot like that" and you can put the pieces together yourself. Post-War on Drugs American normalcy challenge Any% never passed never succeeded.

So I'm not going to quibble with Walt and Jesse trying to kill Tuco, or even (for once) Hank succeeding. The guy was an active threat to all parties involved and his life is taken in self-defense. But I want to highlight this line in particular: "We tried to poison you. Because you're an insane, degenerate piece of filth, and you deserve to die." Given how Walt's historically used the term I think its fair to read "degenerate" as interchangeable with "junkie". So of all the reasons Walt has decided to highlight that Tuco might need to die here....the ones he highlights are "junkie" and "mentally ill".

Jesse kicks Tuco into a hole hope this doesn't foreshadow anything in his future.

#breaking bad #brba #analysis tag #long post #walter white #tuco salamanca #hank schrader #jesse pinkman #hector salamanca #skyler white #marie schrader #brba s2 e2 #steve gomez

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lucihens · 6 months

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Hi. I just want to somehow make catharsis about the whole Chenford break up going on and listen other takes on it.

Maybe Im just a girl going through Mercury Retrograde being delulu not wanting to aknowledge they are over. Having said that:

I just know this is not the end for them. But not for plot reasons that we are all speculating. I mean sure for plot reasons is necesary for Tim to get his shit together before taking the next step with Lucy (Eric said in his interview that Tim loves her and its seen in the lie detector scene and all the Tamara moving out storyline that has been going since last season they are sure heading to moving together). Also sure Lucy has suffered many things and is interesting to see her next steps.

But I just know this is for marketing reasons. They need the show to be renewed for another season and a massive cliffhanger like this one when there's a 3 weeks break between episodes where they know people will be engaged on it is a good way on getting that renewal.

They know people still watching the show because Chenford. They have stated they are endgame. But they are producers and writers and plan things ahead in order to keep the show going. Is just trust the process and the fact that they work on this and know what they are doing. I have seen many shows (most of them from ABC) to know they give the fans what they want bc in the end is a product that is sold and know that not doing something your target audience wants equals not product to be sold.

Also, even though Melissa and Eric had said that there are some things coming on Tim and Lucy on the season finale and blah blah blah. They are putting a lot of effort on the breakup promotionally speaking. The interviews released the second the episode finished, the TikToks from Melissa, the whole ice cream promo with letters to the cast about the breakup and they laughing and making jokes (also like the ig account still saying Chenford stan account) is more clear is about making the people engaged and furthermore, making the network renew the show for season 7. They are actors and know they must keep a good relationship with their fans (I mean if you make something that upset your fans then how would you keep getting called to act if you dont have people watching them for you and other actors can), what Im saying Is they are laughing and all of this because they know how it ends and know they end in a place where fans will love it, if not they are basically bullyng us lol.

So long story short: just keeping my peace of mind knowing it is just marketing. By the interviews we know somehow the season finale lets them in a good place, so if season 7 comes maybe we got time to see them making up with more time and development (things this season had been rushed bc the strike, not only here but in most shows) and if there's not season 7 it will end up with Chenford with a sort of an open finale where all points to them giving it another chance in their inmidate future.

Hope i made myself clear. Just wanted to vent haha. And lets chill and cross fingers for season 7 and an Oscar for Melissa and Eric because that break up was so CHEFF KISS like girlll I have felt that pain too.

hello dear anon! thank you for being my very first ask!

i hope you won't regret venting to me because this response ended up....well...extensive. i have many many things to say and a lack of adhd medication to contain them.

i would also like to note that i'm not at all experienced with writing think pieces on the internet. but even though i haven't written an essay since college, i can sure yap. and even though i'm a genius /s, this may not make sense to anyone. so here's what my chronic fatigue and i were able to conjure up:

yes, tv shows are primarily for an audience, whether writers and directors do accept that or not, that's what i'm guessing producers have in mind. tv is literally built 'for your viewing pleasure', and with this show in the past, and by past i mean season 5 especially (and the shock and surprise of 4x22), they (whoever they is) have been manically hitting that red button titled 'DO THE THING THEY WANT' just so they can say they did it and you as an audience can't complain. so yes in my experience, shows very often, if not always, write for an audience, otherwise the creators would just be giggling at themselves in their own private screening room at their custom, personalised tv show made only for them. when you give a show to the masses, it is, in certain ways, their's now. so going against everything an audience wants is certainly an interesting move, and since i have a common disease called 'being absolutely befuddled by the varying degrees of human nature' i don't know particularly what their aim is, what they're hoping this will provide an audience, as well as the show as a whole. what i do know however, is that there is not just one kind of audience, within the watchers of the rookie, there is obviously an abundance of angst lovers, an array of fluff lovers, complex think piece people, and apathetic 'this is what i fill the void of a tuesday night with' people (which is potentially what makes up a good portion of the viewers (?), not just the dedicated fandom we see on social media). with this in mind, the creators, the writers, are evidently incapable of satisfying every single diverse/contradictory demographic. so it's unclear which demographic they want to make happy at a given storyline. is this to give the angst lovers what they want? is this to give the comfortable fluff lovers a kick in the rear? or is this just to keep the average viewer interested in this ever-appealing show? i can't speak for them at all so i couldn't say which, but i also haven't a scooby doo. maybe others could give their opinion on which of these they think the creators are aiming for, because i couldnt tell you. then again, maybe it's all of them. maybe we let the rest of the season play out to completion, and we may know for sure. but marketing a show goes hand in hand with keeping the general audience as well as potential new viewers: 1. happy and excited, 2. interested in investing their time into the show. and given that season 6 is a short season: yes, i'm sure the marketing the break up is one of their best bets at keeping ratings up and viewers in, whether it comes directly from outrage or intrigue. and given how some other storylines seem to fall kind of flat (wink wink nol–), especially compared to last season, the initial lucy storylines and the now tim storylines are what is keeping up the hype for such a small season. and i'm sure (hoping) the other characters will have something to add to the s6 plate to further the impact of such a small season and the plots within. but for the most part 'chenford' is such an electric word. drop it in anywhere and the millions(?) who have ever laid eyes on the show just got a shock. and they know that, so of course they'll use it to their advantage in anyway they can.

and with this rambling: one thing i'm sure of, the only thing i'm sure of, is that yes: THEY LOVE EACH OTHER. and not just a slight admiration or a tinge of care. actual undying love. incomprehensible love. i don't know a lot about this topic but i definitely love to aggrandise the concept of love, and especially unto something harmless like fictional characters. in the real world, loving someone isn't always enough for sure. but not loving someone at all can also having no bearing in the upkeep of a relationship (i know this from personal experience). so whether or not two people end up together in real life, has no distinguished rule of 'do this and feel that and you'll be together forever'.

but this is fiction! WE make this stuff up. so we can do whatever we want! we can link A to B and say these characters love each other so they must end up together, and still be flawed along the way, because they are not real. so in my opinion the various ideas like "real relationships have people breaking up", "real relationships have people never getting back together", "real relationships have people never breaking up", and to follow, the incessant "real relationships have good communication!" don't matter anyway because ideas based reality have absolutely no impact in this fictional realm. yes bring in realism, be realistic if you want, but don't let reality dictate your fiction entirely (as well as the inverse). nor should you let reality make you want your fiction to be completely unreal. both fiction and reality have complexity in personality and characterisation. people have personalities and characters have characterisation. the one commonality is imperfection. but just because they are similar doesn't mean they have to be the same. it doesn't mean chenford are realistically doomed. and with this the plot that may unfold could be one unexpected, one unreal, or one completely real. tim and lucy could work through their own storylines, flaws and complexities separately and i'd be glad to see it.

i had a lot of issues with how fan service esque the initial 'canonisation' felt and maybe this is not just to market their show, but to finally listen to the majority of the audience, the particular audience that literally helps them market the show. aka the social media citizens. the ones who talk up a storm about what they love about the show and literally rope others into watching it. maybe they'll finally write them with more specific intentions this time, maybe this is what this is for. not just for drama but to give us what we wanted to watch in the first place but heavily missed out on: pining, feelings, dramatic reconciliation. who knows. we won't. not until the season is over and s7 inevitably comes (it's guaranteed).

i know many become angry with this show about what it does and doesn't do but one thing that helps me survive is this: it doesn't matter, the episodes exist anyway. they will continue to exist even if they don't have what we want. all we can do is feel every feeling this show evokes because that's really what it is to be entertained, at least for me. we're not the creators at the end of the day, no matter how much we've created. if something happens we don't like, we don't like it and we talk about how we don't like it. if we do like it, we talk about how we like it. and we praise the actors anyway, for the characters they bless us with. and the creatives, who gave us the masterpiece that is season 2.

and with that, i conclude. this definitely got away from me like the runaway train in my adhd brain. i wrote this sleepy and fatigued and i think i might be brain dead so if there are contradictions or things that make not a bit of sense feel free to call me out on it! especially those who are more experienced yappers, i'd definitely like to know what you disagree with or think has no place in this piece.

anyway, fin. thank you anon and TLDR; chenford will be fine and the show will always favour exploiting the most loved characters for marketing but with every PR box of ice cream sent and every article written brings in one more viewer to our beloved show and at least we'd stand a chance of a season 10.

#ask #you are watching mental illness #i could never in my life keep the word count to 500 words #you're getting 1000 #i don't even know if this makes sense to anyone #but it's where my own logic and the little guy in my brain takes me #i may be stupid #finally posting my views on the internet is terrifying #be nice please #i'm just a silly little guy #she/her though

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otomeluvr · 2 years

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HE NOTICES YOU'VE FALLEN OUT OF LOVE WITH HIM.

FANDOM. cupid parasite INCLUDES. gill lovecraft GENRE. some sort of angst. WARNINGS. personal interp of characters & (1) toxic relationship NOTES. finally my first piece of writing that isn't piofiore. like most things on this blog, this is pure personal indulgence. nobody was asking for this. this is all of my own volition for some inexplicable reason. granted, that is indeed the purpose of a hobby blog. this is all just for funsies. if you're interested in me writing for some other titles, you can always ask if i know a certain otome game. maybe one day i'll make a list of games i've played. criticism and feedback is welcome! as always on this blog: reader is gn, and this is not proofread. MINORS DNI.

GILL LOVECRAFT

a sickly saccharine, sentimental melody floated in the void beside him. his forehead rested against his steering wheel as the tune carried on despite not captivating its audience of gill lovecraft. in the late hours of the night, nary a star twinkled, leaving him to be the singular soul in the parking lot, car running in the pitch black. it was rather commonplace for gill to be the straggler not only in the office but in every facet of his life. all these late nights at the office— had they contributed to your distance from him?

the pinch of oncoming tears caused his adam's apple to bob, thickly swallowing the pathetic outburst that threatened to manifest. gill had been agonizing in the parking lot for nearly thirty minutes, and he was now closer to clocking in for his next shift than he was to when he should've originally called it quits all those hours ago. there wasn't much of a home to return to. the two of you were untethered souls meandering through the same plane of existence. all his late nights at work were a scapegoat he realized, so he wept.

gill knew he had a propensity for being overbearing, for being suffocating. he had a past of endearing himself to others by obsessively appraising their needs and delivering upon aforementioned needs. often, it was keenly seen to be a compulsive behavior, an extremely excessive gesture of love. while it was certainly by nature, gill nurtured an intense sense of patience predicated on the fact that one day the target of his affections would come to accept all of his labor. it wasn't as though gill wanted to be thanked, but he wanted his love to be noticed.

these days, though, he had thought himself to be rather reformed. he had believed he was completely understood by you, and he had mellowed out significantly once you had encouraged him to seek a higher form of independence. such an old dog learning a new trick!— gill had never known such self-preservation before now, as he would've gladly pledged his life to you. through his tears, he almost laughed at how he had previously believed himself to lack selfishness. what an oversight. somehow, as you drew your intimacy away from him, he realized that such a selfishness was his fatal flaw. if it wasn't his prior obsession, now it was this fruitless bearing of a relationship stuck in time.

your look was always distant whenever he verbalized wishes to consider a future with you; a future that involved a home, children, a dog, maybe even some obnoxiously modern home in the suburbs. even short term planning ahead seemed to leave a bitter taste in your mouth as you politely deflected any interest in going out for dinners, to car shows, or even on your usual movie dates. even upon his prompt, you never betrayed what you were thinking, where you felt your time was better spent. but you were firm in your belief it was better spent not being attributed to gill, as you avoided even his physical affections as best as you could.

his phone lit up in the seat beside him: a message from you saying you would be at work a little longer than expected. gill had learned you were now trying to outlast him. you only came home now when you were certain he would be close to sleep, some flimsy excuse prepared as you slid into bed beside him as he drifted off. the apartment was empty by the time he woke for work the following day. gill couldn't even remember your weekends together. days just fell off the calendar with no meaning. it was november now, and you couldn't commit to any annual holiday plans between your family and his.

gill finally raised his head. he wiped his eyes. he threw his car into reverse and started in the direction of the apartment the two of you shared. stubbornly, gill elected to ignore all that he had learned since meeting you. he had spiraled into old habits within two lines in a parkling lot. gill didn't need you to love him back, he never did. so long as he got to love you wholly, so long as you knew it, and you knew no escape along with it. gill would wait as long as it took for you to push him away, to declare you've fallen out of love.

#otome #otome game #cupid parasite #gill lovecraft #gill lovecraft x reader #reader insert #x reader #gender neutral reader #gn reader

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lobotoboy · 2 years

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Why I Love Movies

So, as I’m sure you can gather, I despise current movies. I think we can all admit to ourselves that even if you like a few movies that have come out recently, the vast majority are uninspired, remakes, or sequels that aren’t needed. The only movie that came out recently that I can remember liking, is Spiderman: No Way Home, and that is because I love all the old Spiderman trilogies, and Spiderman in general is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time(I’m going as Spiderman for Halloween, or at least that’s the plan). I can still name multiple things I dislike about the movie as well. I had to face this question after being forced to watch Lightyear with my family. While they loved the movie, I despised it despite loving Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story in general. As someone who wants to make and act in movies, TV shows, YouTube series, etc., I began to wonder why I even want to do anything entertainment at all. Hollywood is a prejudiced, uninspired place, and it should be something I steer clear of. So, I looked into why I love movies. I watched a variety of movies from my childhood, from all the major companies such as Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, Lions Gate, Blue Sky, Dreamworks, and more. I watched a variety of genres, including horror because my mom loves horror movies and plays them all the time. So now, I know why I love movies, and why I hate current movies. There are themes in previous movies that I love, that still resonate with me today. I am mortified about a lot of things, one of them is the future. Toy Story 3 faces this theme head-on, showing Andy grow up and get ready to go to college. I myself will go to college soon, so this made me ugly cry. I cry during Up, but really only the first 5 minutes and the credits. Coco resonates with me because I’m a Mexican(although I could make a whole post about everything wrong with Coco), and while it has its flaws, its stayed with me because I had lost my grandmother around the time the movie came out, so I was in my feels from minute one. I don’t get scared with horror movies, but some of my absolute favorites are Us, Scream, Trick r Treat, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, etc. They either are campy, good fun, creative anthology movies with interconnecting plots which I LOVE, or carry super strong themes that I can analyze the shit out of. I can’t get into all the movies I watched for this, but I took away one thing. I love movies, because when done well, they can speak to your personal feelings and emotions. You’ll cry in movies that you can personally relate to, either with your own fears, or your own life experiences and values. If you worry about leaving your childhood behind, Toy Story 3 is a great send off and will hit you right in the heart. If you’re in the mood to be scared, tune into a schlocky horror movie. Laugh? A comedy movie written by those who are funny. The human emotional spectrum is a filmmaker’s best tool. If you can make your audience feel something, then its considered a good movie. The audience has to look at themselves on screen, and it’s refreshing to have the things on your mind be seen. Movies nowadays suck, for some unknown reason. They are all somehow failing to get to your heart and brain, and instead serve as something you turn on to give your brain a rest. Movies with potential to be good, like Encanto for example, either miss the mark in the end, are formulaic, or ruined entirely by its fanbase. Movies now pander to certain aspects of society Disney’s claims of LGBTQ representation or more POC storylines, or don’t take any chances at all for fear of alienating a single person. Sometimes you’re not depicted in movies, and you have to live with that. Story is wasted in favor of nostalgia. In Spiderman No Way Home, it targets your love of all the previous incarnations of Spiderman and his villains, as well as your nostalgia of the MCU as a whole. That’ why Star Wars won’t die, or Jurassic Park won’t die. They’re nostalgic IPs, that, if laid to rest, won’t make money anymore. Movies now pretend to be woke. The most egregious example is everything Disney does. They draw attention to even the smallest crumb of gay rep, just to make headlines, draw attention to racial changes in movies to make headlines, all while being racist, homophobic, and transphobic behind the scenes. Movies are also being pumped out poorly because of the demand that is streaming services. Everyday, our attention spans shrink due to apps like TikTok. We need to be constantly consuming new media, or else our boredom will know no end. So quantity over quality is the new norm. Entitled movie makers who made a name for themselves with one good movie, such as Taika Waititi are also a huge issue. Look me in the eyes and tell me with a straight face, that you liked Thor: Love and Thunder. You can’t. Reusing the same actors over and over again takes you out of a movie as well. Just yesterday night, I was watching Umma(which is a good movie about abuse and motherhood) and during the trailers, we had two instances of actors appearing in movie trailers back to back, those actors being Mark Wahlberg and Tom Holland. They’re good actors, but eventually, that immersion is broken if you just saw them in a different movie. My parents brought this example up as well. They call the new DC movie Black Adam, the ‘’Rock Movie”. I saw a Super Pets poster that had Dwayne Johnson’s name larger than the title. I know big names are selling points, but by that point, you’re selling the movie based on who’s in it, rather than the merit of the movie itself. Movies will only get better, once the consumers learn to step back, and judge a movie not on who made it, or what series its attached too, but based on its quality. Don’t watch a movie just because its Disney, watch it because it actually looks interesting. You wouldn’t read a book if it didn’t sound interesting to you, why are movies any different? YouTube series have something for everyone, whether you like the Markiplier Cinematic Universe, the comedic horror stylings of the Hatchetfield series, or the comedic stylings of the new Shipwrecked show Headless. Even for the really niche fans, you have things like Escape The Night, a murder mystery reality show full of recognizable youtubers. Regular people like you and I, coming up with ideas that are interesting, is happening everywhere. DHMIS is another good example. Treat movies like you treat any other form of media. Judge it on its own, not on who made it. So, the reason I love movies, is because when they’re done right, they can be something that speaks to the very soul of the viewer. Will I stop pursuing movie making? No, I want to be part of the solution to the problem, so these stinkers of the last few years just motivate me more. Go support actual good works of fiction(LIKE HEADLESS FROM SHIPWRECKED), and rewatch some of your favorite, older movies.

The next rants I’ll make, will most likely be about my fears, or why I don’t really like Coco. Maybe I’ll talk about something Halloween.

Have a good October my friends.

#movies #movie making #disney sucks #filmmaking #headless #rant #dni if you like garbage #movie rant #toy story 3 is art #make this go viral #anti mcu #anti disney #anti bad movies

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naughtygirl286 · 2 years

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We went to see Scream 6 (Scream VI) This past Tuesday and yes there was plenty of collectable goodies too! you can see them here.

Now I'm a huge fan of the Scream Series/Franchise I loved all the movies and where I did watch the TV Series I didn't like the first 2 Seasons it didn't feel like Scream to me but the 3rd Season was excellent. I loved the original Trilogy and thought Scream 3 had the perfect ending but along came Scream 4 in 2011 which I thought was great and then surprisingly Scream 5 in 2022 Which was excellent and which reached back to the very beginning of the series. I was watching Scream 4 before going to see this one and I had to laugh being at the beginning of Scream 4 they are making fun of franchises for going on for too long and the target they use is Stab 6 which like I said made me laugh being here we are at Scream 6 so is this a bit of life imitating art or did Scream see it own future? lol

but seriously though as for the movie I thought it was excellent! when we went we were surprised to get seats were we did (I went with like 6 other ppl) being the theater was packed for this. Now were I would be excited to talk about all the details about this I don't want to give to much away and ruin any of the surprised or twists.

The movie leaves the town of Woodsboro for New York as "Core Four" the Carpenter Sisters (Tara played by Jenna Ortega and Sam played by Melissa Barrera) and the Twins (Mindy played Jasmin Savoy Brown and Chad played Mason Gooding) try to start new lives after the horrific events of of a year ago (the previous movie) as Tara and the Twins attend college and deal with things in their own way Sam is seaming to have a hard time and might be suffering from some PTSD as well as a online smear campaign claiming that she is the true mastermind behind the Ghostface killings of the previous year and claiming that Amber(Mikey Madison) and especially Richie(Jack Quaid) were innocent pawns of hers. While these people are trying to get their lives back together a more brutal and seemingly intelligent Ghostface appears to make it known that they will never have a normal life again.

Now like I said the movie is was excellent there are plenty of twists and turns and it will keep you guessing! the opening kinda throws you off a bit at first being they do something and its like wait what? you can't believe it is reviled in like the first 10mins but this is kinda like the first twist in the movie.

but having the movie set in New York and at Halloween time sets it up perfectly becasue there are plenty of people in costume and that includes Ghostface ones as well so you don't know where he is or who he is in a sea of costume party goers which I thought it was a great way to do it he can blend in anywhere at any time and the city itself is used as a character also.

And speaking of Ghostface like I said this one is far more brutal and violent and seems to be more intelligent and always one step ahead. This Ghostface and the movie in general is not mainly focused of being meta when it comes to horror movies there is plenty of that and movie references but it also tackles some things like internet and social media culture as well which I think fits into the current world we live in now and makes lots of sense. Some of the kills that were done were very graphic and interesting in how they pulled them off there was plenty of reactions from the audience during the movie when ppl were killed. alot of the physical effects and make-up work on this was very on point and great.

Also this movie just like the previous digs into the last of the series where Scream 5 mainly focused on the events of the first movie this one also does a bit of the same and references events and characters from Scream 2-4 and with that bring back "Legacy Characters" namely Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed from Scream 4 who is now working for the FBI and is studying the Ghostface murders. I thought she did a great job returning to this character you can tell that her experiences from Scream 4 have hardened her and made her more serious and cynical I though and her interactions with the other character was awesome especially with Gale Weathers(Courteney Cox) I also thought Courteney Cox really shined in this and her showdown with Ghostface in Gale's apartment was awesome. She had this "fuck around and find out" attitude which was great and yes they did mention Dewey (David Arquette) and of course they did mention Sidney Prescott(Neve Campbell) I though her absence was handled perfectly and respectfully and it worked for this movie and the movie did go on and did work with out her. The story of Sidney Prescott is over and the movie and series does work with out her.

but in the end this movie was great I loved it it has plenty of action and some gore and plenty of twists and turns and a good mystery that seems to be fueled by a sense of paranoia being anyone can be the killer and the characters express this perfectly. so I was happy and excited about how it turned out. and if you enjoy this series and especially the previous one I would highly recommend it.

#Scream #Scream6 #Scream 6 #ScreamVI #Scream VI #Scream2023 #Scream 2023 #Scream movie #Scream film series #Scream movie series #Shannonj286 #NaughtyGirl286 #Ghostface

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mainstips · 2 years

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Movie a thief in the night

#Movie a thief in the night movie#

I have taken this experience to fulfill a purpose, I am nearing my licensure as a Psychologist specializing in childhood trauma.Īs some other comments show, this movie might scare you, when you're a little child. I no longer fear the future, I have come to terms with the fear injected into it's members by the church. I actually began to believe this, it was my brother who reminded me, that this cultic philosophy actually happened. I once explained to a psychiatrist this movie and the belief system of the church and family. For years, I lived under the delusional affects of the church and fear of being forgotten by Christ. This movie, the church, and a volatile neglectful upbringing, lead to severe paranoia towards the future. It wasn't just the movie, but it was also the philosophy that engulfs so many "christians" about the "mark of the beast"and the rapture. This movie terrified my brother and I and shaped how we viewed the world with distrust. I was of the tender age of 6, my brother 4, then again when I was 8 my brother 6. I saw this movie twice through a pentecostal church my family attended in Nanaimo BC in the 1970's. I think I'm the only person in history to make that observation. It even has the SAME EXACT score of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I hate to admit it, but I still thoroughly enjoy watching this. The intriguing adventures of Patty and her journey throughout the tribulation (and two of the film's three sequels) tells her remarkable story of unbelief and ultimately damnation. What used to terrify me in junior high now makes me laugh. The film's premise is grounded in Pre-Millenial, pre-Tribulation eschatalogy, believing that Christ comes once for the secret taking of the true church, and then comes again at the end of the seven years of hell on earth. Instead of taking us to the dramatic scenes of this "post-rapture" tribulation, we sit in the living room, hearing about it on the news because the filmmakers can't afford to show it. What I love most about this genre is its incredible attention to detail, sitting in a living room. Jenkins would shake the world of the Christian subculture (and make millions in the process) with the LEFT BEHIND books, MARK IV Pictures, the Christian film distribution company of the Billy Graham evangelistic association, gave us this masterwork. And while I am able to keep an open mind about the overall subject of the film, from a critical and objective perspective I have to rate it as slightly below average. In short, if a person can get beyond some of the peculiarities I mentioned earlier, they might find this film interesting in its own way. Even so, this film created a stir within its targeted audience and resulted in 3 sequels: "A Distant Thunder", "Image of the Beast" and "The Prodigal Planet". Additionally, as the hairstyles and clothes clearly indicate, it is definitely dated to a time-period (late 60's & early 70's) which may not appeal to a more modern audience. Because of that, the acting is very basic and the dialogue will probably strike many as being a bit corny. Likewise, it is a low-budget production geared more for an evangelical outreach than for general entertainment purposes. As such, there may be many people who may not understand or appreciate this type of film. Now, as I stated earlier, this film follows a controversial belief of a certain segment of the Christian faith. On the other hand, her other two friends, "Diane Bradford" (Maryann Rachford) and her new husband "Jerry Bradford" (Thom Rachford) were also left behind and like Patty, they are now forced to deal with another fundamentalist event known as the "tribulation" which is essentially a hell on earth. So has her friend, "Jenny" (Colleen Niday). However, her husband, "Jim Wright" (Mike Niday) was recently converted and he has disappeared. In that regard, "Patty Myers" (Patty Dunning) is one of the many who is not taken up into heaven because she is not a Christian. This film follows the belief of certain fundamentalist Christians that an event known as the "rapture" will take place soon which will cause all true believers to disappear from the earth all at once.

#Movie a thief in the night

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zafedda · 3 years

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Shotaro Ishinomori Interview regarding Kamen Rider Zo

I want to thank my friend Gab who helped me translate this interview!

Hello everyone, this post proposes an interview with Shotaro Ishinomori about Kamen Rider ZO published in the “official making mook”. As far as being a toku fan, this mook is quite the treasure for me. It’s full of details that makes you really appreciate the craft behind the movie and I think ZO is one of the entries that can make you fall in love with the media, is full of intricacies and love for the work, you can see it since the first frames that the movie is something special even if a movie made 30 years ago. Shotaro Ishinomori, as the head of the project, will talk specifically about this and his hopes for the future with a look at the image of Kamen Rider and what will carry on as a hero. So here’s the interview:

In: Within older riders series, what kind of work did you come up with with ZO?

Ishinomori: Shin Kamen Rider Prologue was last year’s home release, so we went back to its premises. While revising, what came to me is how every Kamen Rider has its own introspection going on. We set out to make ZO’s protagonist fully immersed into this. So we started to develop the concept with a consideration toward introspection… And while we elaborated on how to construct it, the production of Kamen Rider Zo started to move accordingly. The result of the movie is a bit caricatured but I think you can still feel the impact of its foremost intentions. For example, you can see it in the physicality of ZO, and more importantly concerning the enemies, you can see how life was poured into Doras thanks to its meticulous details. Indeed its appearance was carved out with an exceptional eye, without going overboard with the intricacies. The staff really worked hard for me to realize this. I’m really glad that introspection and intensity sparked this movie.

In: So this movie really turned everyone involved in many different ways.

Ishinomori: It seems like there are a lot of people who worked on this project which Kamen Rider made an impact on. It’s just an impression, but even the producers were incredibly earnest about it. So the contents of the movie resounded accordingly to such intensity. I really think that what came out is outstanding. But since we were short on time we couldn’t properly develop the story… So in the end, with in mind the demographic which was targeted too, the story came out simple. I have the feeling that we managed to put so much on the table thanks to its simplicity though.

Int: I have the impression that ZO, in contrast with Shin Kamen Rider, delves into the portrait of the hero…

Ishinomori: So Shin brought a lot of confusion… (LAUGH). Kamen Rider sure has a long legacy, so there are expectations regarding its involvement, like “This is what Kamen Rider supposed to be” before watching the show. So the audience is really curious about what kind of enemy he will fight and how it will take place. I think it’s important to meet these kinds of expectations. So this time it’s like we made a movie which focuses on answering them.

Int: Your interpretation of Kamen Rider is concerned about our relationship with nature usually...

Ishinomori: With Zo I thought of tying everything together under the same frame, that is “father and child”. Hiroshi is parented in this way to prof. Mochizuki, but this can be said even of the neo-organism, and again Kamen Rider Zo… Masaru is remodeled into a cyborg by him. So it’s like this movie is about Mochizuki’s children. Come to think of it, Hiroshi and the young neo-organism even call Masaru“little bro!” (LAUGH). In the tradition of Kamen Rider of course I wanted to insist on the environmental emergency regarding humanity’s destruction of nature. So I made it up like the legend of Gaia, which hints to the idea that Earth is composed of a single organism. Environment and how to conduct life in it, I think this setup is strictly related to father and child relationship. Like inside a family, there are sides that are in conflict but there is space for good relationships too. We learn to accept death and sometimes a new birth too. It’s a very complex cycle, like a snake biting its tail. Many lives are interconnected through a big ecosystem. If I can pass this message to the audience it would be a really good thing. Shin Kamen Rider had this message too, after all it’s something which I carry on since 10 years, Kamen Rider ZO is none other than the stride of what was depicted in these past years. At the time when the original Kamen Rider was airing, among the themes of the show there was a warning against nature’s pollution too, but I had to keep these morals off from the series due to the circumstances. In fact, it was a show that was targeted to children and the main attraction was the action… With these kinds of leitmotifs under the spotlight, I feared that the impact of the message would have lost its meaning among the show repertoire. But since the development of Kamen Rider has progressed, it’s time to treat what was left under the rug with extensive care and to make it flash to the public. Moreover, we now have a lot of new instruments for shooting a movie compared to the olden days. The special effects advanced so much in 20 years. I think marvelous possibilities are being opened up thanks to it. Things like cuts that I could have conjured only in my dreams made into reality, and in a really short time, will be possible I think.

In: So Kamen Rider eternal message is about nature’s preservation

Ishinomori: Lately we have become naive about it… Once a disaster has occurred it’s like nobody has seen it coming, but it’s a problem which everyone could have been more cautious and caring about for years. I have a feeling that we’re too late and things are out of hand now. But even so, I think better late than ever (LAUGH). This theme… How can I put it… it’s really something I must put pressure on it. Whatever people build on this planet, it can be a tool for hell or heaven, it’s all about what people decide to make use of those tools… For example, still, we are cautious about the policy for treating nuclear weapons. It is treated like a problem on its own, but I think at the core of the matter lies an understatement about the role of nurturing, so it’s really something which I can’t let go off. But in a movie we have to worry about how to keep the audience engaged… So the main objective of the movie is how to make Kamen Rider amusing to the audience. In the end, as long as the movie keeps inviting new audiences it will be a victory I think… Since at the root of nurturing there is love… It’s all about how to learn to love. As the concept is adapted for new ages, I think it would be great if Kamen Rider will grow big with this kind of outlook.

#kamen rider zo #shotaro ishinomori

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existslikepristin · 3 years

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Please, No Virginity Puns

The most recent thing I posted before tumblr. It was on Choerry's birthday, and I am proud of that.

Tags: TheLounge, Loona, Choerry, male reader insert, it's her birthday!, 100% butt stuff, I ate a thesaurus

~~~~~

It didn’t matter what you had to say anymore. Choerry was already on top of you, nude and keeping you muted with her tongue. How did you get there?

Well, moments prior, you were sitting next to Choerry at your small dinner table. She’s always insisted on sitting as close to you as possible in order to enable near-constant snuggling. It’s gotten a little annoying here and there, but you can’t help but concede to her innocent demands whenever she smiles.

Of course, and not that you’ve ever complained about this, that’s not to say that her demands aren’t always entirely innocent. Most of the time they are, but not always.

That day, for example, you woke her up with breakfast in bed. It wasn’t tradition, but you were just getting her back for the last time she did it for you. And what better day to present her, prone, with a pancake, pulverized potato, and porridge parfait platter… with toppings… than her birthday?!

It can be hard to tell if Choerry is acting or not at times, but you’d like to think that her cartoonish level of enthusiasm for the treat was entirely real. She carried that sunshine throughout the rest of your day, skipping through the park, greeting everybody on the way to, inside, and on the way out of The Lounge, at the surprise party that you helped all of her members get her with, and when she dragged you to her room.

Not a drop of alcohol had touched her lips that night, so it was all the more surprising when she shoved you onto her bed and stated matter-of-factly-but-also-vaguely that she wanted you to put a thing in her butt. Her words came out of her mouth like shimmery soap bubbles.

You had to pause for a moment to process her words. You were certainly up for some sexy times with Choerry. You had anticipated it was going to happen when she put your hand down her pants near the end of the birthday party with no attempt at subtlety. But her exact word choices had you rubbing your temples out of exasperation, even as she stripped herself down to her ridiculously cherry red lingerie.

Your chance to admire that rare view was lost to history, however. She removed the lingerie from her body while she claimed your lips. Your disappointment at not getting the opportunity to remove it yourself quickly faded when she popped back up though.

Her breasts were as perky as her attitude, and also your dick. She was quick to notice the latter and made quick work of your clothes too. She sighed satisfactorily at the sight of your sword and stooped to supply it with a suck and some slickening slobber, so you suspected the sex was starting summarily; more swiftly than standard, it seemed.

Concerned for her well being, you made sure to ask if she had lube available. Again, you weren’t going to complain about her gusto, but she lacked the anal experience that some of your mutual friends had, at least you assumed. Sure enough, there was a bottle mere feet from her reach in her drawer. She grabbed it and jumped back on top of you, pouring it generously over her ass crack and your cock with surprising accuracy for someone so engaged with a hot and heavy kiss.

You were sure you had something to say on the matter. Perhaps some additional words of caution, maybe some other words of encouragement. It didn’t matter what you had to say anymore. Choerry was already on top of you, nude and keeping you muted with her tongue. How did you-- come back around to the exact same thought that the story began with?

“It’s okay, right?”

You attempted to blink away your stupefaction. “O-okay?”

“Mhm! For me to… you know!” She leaned in and whispered directly into your ear, “Put your penis in my butt.”

Ah, yes. The demand that you had nearly forgotten in her flurry of kisses, now slightly reworded to include your dick in the equation. “Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Just checking!”

“We’ve… done this before.”

“I know!” Choerry swooped back in to continue kissing you, implying that she had no intention of expounding further. Her fingers wrapped around your cock, massaging the whole length to ensure that the lube had maximum coverage.

Your breath caught as you felt her readjusting you, tapping you around between her legs as she tried to match you up with her intended target purely via exploration. Your cock was ground between her ass cheeks, the tip slid over her clit, and dipped briefly into her pussy. A groan was the only complaint you could give to only being given a half second of her fantastic heat.

You didn’t have to wait long to get it back. Her ass opened up to the pressure she applied against it with your dick, but exceptionally slowly. Choerry released a series of little exclamations into your mouth as she pushed. She tossed the lube bottle to the side and snatched your hand, curling her fingers into your palm.

Finally, the last pop came, and was followed by a short slide. With no more manual guidance necessary, she grabbed your other hand as well, which promptly slipped out of her grip considering the amount of lube present.

Choerry released you from your kissy bliss to look at her slippery hand, a mixture of anger and amusement on her face. She tried a couple more times to hold your hand with it, but you liked this look. You easily slithered your hand out from under hers every time she slapped down. It was like watching a cat trying to catch a laser pointer.

It was just another reminder that no matter how deep inside Choerry you may physically be, she’ll never stop bringing a goofy-ass smile to your face.

Finally, you relented and entwined your fingers with hers, locking your knuckles together so you wouldn’t fall apart. She glared down into your eyes, but a grin still crept through. “Thank you,” she said, lips tight and nose scrunched up.

With you fully in her grasp, Choerry straightened herself up, allowing you the opportunity to look up and down her sublime figure. Though her movement caused her to cause you to penetrate her a bit further which caused her to flinch slightly, she kept herself aloft on her knees to not go too far all at once. She closed her eyes and took a series of deep breaths there, as calmly as if she was meditating.

As much as you wanted to go ham on her ham, you didn’t want to hurt her, so you contented yourself with watching her chest rise and fall. “Happy birthday…” you whispered.

“You’ve already told me that today,” Choerry intoned, eyes still closed like she was drifting off into her own little world.

You laughed. “I was saying it to myself! Have you seen you?”

She smiled again, and said three words in a voice that made it seem like she was speaking to an audience on the edge of their seats, “Okay, I’m ready.”

Her fingers constricted around yours, so you questioned if she was, in fact, ready. But you wouldn’t be the one to stop her.

Choerry’s tight tush trucked its way toward the top of your tower twice to tighten her take on the task at the time, before torturously trending testicle-ward. She temporized without taking your entire tool.

So hypnotized were you with her graceful movement that you didn’t even notice the frustrated moan coming up your throat until it was too late.

Her eyes popped open. “I’m sorry!” She sounded like she meant it, too. “This is… tough.”

“Take your time,” you said, straining your voice for comic effect.

“Could have used that four paragraphs ago,” she said, continuing her extremely slow descent down your shaft.

The odd statement distracted you just long enough for Choerry to finish her drop. No longer did space separate your pelvises. You grew concerned again when she winced and bit her lip from the inside.

“Choerry, we really can do something else. Don’t hurt yourself please.”

She gave you an exaggerated, indignant gander. “Rhetorical question: Who gets to choose the cake on her birthday?”

You held in your “cake” joke.

“It’s me,” Choerry’s voice was far too chipper to make this talking-to sound as stern as you were sure she wanted it to come across as. “As birthday lady, I get to pick the cake, and I get to feed it to you if I want to.”

You held in your “cake feeding” joke.

“And tonight, the cake I pick is my bum.”

You opened your mouth to comment on her most excellent selection of the word “bum” in the midst of a scenario where your cock is fully inside of said bum, but you instead gasped a sharp breath.

Choerry ground forward, pulling your dick with her and anointing the lowermost part of your stomach with the juices being lightly sprinkled from her clit.

“Besiiides,” she continued, re-angling her hands to she could tickle the backs of yours, “We have all the lube! Even some that’s got a certain special flavor to it!”

“Just some?”

“Yeah, ooh,” she crooned, apparently quite enjoying the grind back down your pelvis, “I didn’t get it all at once. Now guess the flavor!”

You waited for her grinding to pause again to be able to think straight, “Does it start with a ‘C?’”

Her smile grew. “Yes!”

“Is it a fruit?”

“Yes!”

“Is it… cherry?”

“Failure!”

“Wha--”

“It’s coconut!”

If you weren’t so established in your hand holding with Choerry, you’d have palmed your face. Thankfully, thoughts of how she could have possibly expected you to guess that were pushed to the back of your mind as she resumed her removal of your breath with a series of fanciful body rolls.

Finally fucking her fanny felt fictional. For while not the first foray there, far-fetched was the philosophy that it was fielded often, the front being the favored fornication fissure for the foreseeable future. Unless, of course, you could make this an especially special session.

But woe was unto you. Choerry had the upper hand(s) figuratively as well as literally. But, perhaps, you thought, this was exactly what she wanted and you could wait your damn turn to take control.

And you liked letting her anally probe herself this way, so, you know, what were you to do but enjoy the ride?

Over the course of her self-imposed ravaging, Choerry’s meditative breaths became ragged. Her eyelids fluttered at regular intervals. Through it all, she held her phantasmagorical demeanor. A couple of times she reached for the lube bottle and shotgunned it somewhat inaccurately between her legs, but it did the job. You were happy to see that she was still considering her own comfort.

In fact, to your surprise, her mouth opened wide in a silent shout. Her core trembled anticipatorily. Her hands held yours with a colossally increased lewdness. And those two mystical words trickled from her tongue with a high-pitched susurration, “I’m… cumming…”

Choerry’s grinding came to a grinding halt. Her body jerked and she fell onto you. Your cock sprang free of her ass in, and as a result of, the same motion.

You untangled one of your hands to stroke her back in the most adoring fashion you could muster. After chewing on a thesaurus for the prior hour, you were sure neither of you really needed any more words.

She stayed there for a spell, and you were happy to let her. It was so late it was nearly no longer her birthday, but her birthday it still was. She deserved the rest, along with the rest of your undivided attention.

Her whole movement consisted of her back going up and down as her lungs attempted to revive her fighting spirit, and her thumb lovingly shifting over the divinatory lines on your palm. You wished she would do something about her hair plastered on your chin, but ninety-nine percent of paradise is paradise enough.

You were disappointed when Choerry rose once more, slimily straddling your stomach. She detached her hands from yours to give the hair on either side of her face a good backward flick over her shoulders, and she sighed with contentment.

It was a shock to hear her speak again after such a prolonged reticence, but her unerringly cheerful voice was entirely welcome nonetheless.

“More please.”

You couldn’t then, and you still can’t help but concede to her innocent demands. Her smile just touched the corner of her lips. Sure, some of her demands aren’t so innocent, but… How did you get here again?

#loona smut #kpop smut #choerry #male reader insert

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pebblysand · 2 years

Text

[I WOULD LIKE ...]

As you may have seen on Discord, I recently had to go through the #corporatemillenial hell of writing down “goals” for my IRL boss to review and approve. I laboured over the bloody thing for an entire week, proof if needed that there are different types of writing and that I can clearly write 50k of fanfic in three months and still struggle to come up with three lines of actionable professional targets. 🤣Especially knowing that they will inevitably land me the same “meets expectations” at my yearly review that literally everyone else in the #corporate hell I live in gets. Hooray!

This being said, I’m on holidays from IRL work at the moment and I feel like in fanfic and blogging land, the year is coming to a close. It’s funny: ever since I was a child, I’ve always seen the year running through September to August, rather than January to December. Even now - I’ve been out of school for five years, and I still think of it that way. First, I reckon it's the fact that the end of August is usually when I take my only actual, long holiday of the year, and is thus also when I have time to sit down, reflect, breathe, recharge and, most importantly, as someone who is very future-oriented: decide what I want to do next.

I’m also an August baby, so coming up to my birthday on the 26th is actually when another year has officially gone by. Lastly, my friends often affectionately call me a sunflower, meaning I’m boosted by the sun, the heat, long summer days, etc. I’m much more likely to start something/decide on a new project in the summer than in January, where I just want to lay under the covers and sleep until it’s light again. There is a reason why the first chapter of Castles came out at the end of summer 2020, haha.

So, I’ve decided to learn something from my corporate job and sit down to write… things I would like to see happen, this coming school year. These are not “goals” - I’m not tying myself to any of it and am happy for them to change, but it’s just stuff which I’d like to make happen, if I’m able :).

So, without further ado: here is below a list of five things I'd like to see happen between now and August 2023.

1. I WOULD LIKE... TO FINISH CASTLES

Out of all of these, this feels the scariest, but also the most likely to happen. I’ll edit and publish chapters 14 and 15 in the autumn, then probably take a few weeks off writing in October (I’m going to the US for work, then my mum will come to visit in Dublin for her birthday so time will be scarce).

I would then like to write a new ROAR fic in November/December (basically post by Christmas), though I can’t decide if it’ll be the Hermione one (which I really want to write because one of the plotlines is Very Relevant at the moment and matters to me) or one of the Peaky Blinders stories (Ada’s probably), because I get depressed in the autumn (see above) and PB is my comfort TV series. I'm leaving that open - we shall see, haha.

But then, in 2023, I feel like January to August might be the time during which I bury myself into castles again and write the five chapters I have left. Could this be? Honestly, I'm terrified to finish (what will I do next? 😱) but I'm also so fucking excited. If I could make this happen, I would be the happiest gal in the world!

2. I WOULD LIKE... FOR THE PODCAST (@thefanficwriterscraft) TO CONTINUE, GROW, AND POTENTIALLY BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT

If you’d told me a year ago that I’d have a podcast about fanfiction going (and going strong), I’d have laughed at you. But, now, seven episodes in, I am loving every minute of it. Every new episode seems to do better than the last in terms of downloads and feedback/engagement, and hearing from you guys about how you found it interesting/helpful is honestly the absolute best thing! It makes all the work that goes into it (planning the episodes, recording, editing, etc.) totally worth it. I would like for the podcast to continue to grow, build an audience, build on its themes and episodes, and generally bring something good and useful in the lives of the thousands of fanfiction readers and writers, out there. In my head, it’s my way to (a) help new and existing writers and readers, and (b) contribute to the legitimisation and de-stigmatisation of fanfiction as an art form, which I’ve always struggled with and am obviously very passionate about. I know we've received feedback to that effect already, and it's honestly made my year so far!

In terms of the future of the podcast, as we’ve said before, we’d like to start interviewing more writers about their work, or a particular theme of interest to them, like we did for episode 6. Some might say it’s a good way to extend our reach with more diverse audiences but honestly, most importantly, it’s just fucking fascinating to hear other people’s perspectives on writing. Personally, I find listening to what other people have to say much more fun than listening to the sound of my own voice, haha. That’s one of the things I’m really hoping to do in the next year but getting people to agree to record/do interviews is obviously rather hard. We’ll get there, though. Hopefully! In the meantime, as I've said before, if there's anyone you'd like us to have on, let me know!

Lastly, regarding the podcast, while I’m not hoping to get rich off of it (lol), I would like for it to support itself. I currently pay $12/month for hosting (but I might change platforms soonish, I'm not sure), and I’d like to find some sort of sponsor for that. Not that I can’t afford it, I 100% can and I’m happy to, but it would be great if this just found a way to balance itself. At the same time, I'm always very awkward about asking people for money, especially since I have a cushy corporate job that pays me a comfortable wage. So, I don't know.

I’ve not really looked into anything or even talked with Lani about it yet, and frankly, I’m not sure if it could even happen, but I’d still like it to be at least not a negative entry, financially. It is rather hard, though, because from what I’ve quickly researched online, you need at least a thousand downloads per episode to monetise through ads (and let me tell you, we are far from that lol). The other sustainable solution is patreon (one-time donations are nice, but monthly is better, you know?) but on top of the asking-people-for-money struggle, Patreon also requires you to provide extra benefits and advantages, in exchange for support. To be honest (see point 5 for more info on this), I am totally at capacity in terms of what I can offer the internet at the moment, and don’t know where on Earth I would find the time to offer something extra.

So, I don’t know. It’s one of those things I’d like to see happen, but I don’t know how. Honestly, if you’ve any ideas, let me know. Also, if there’s anything else/new you’d like to see us do on the podcast, please tell me, too :). I'm doing this because I enjoy it, but also for you guys 🥰.

3. I WOULD LIKE … TO WRITE MORE FANDOM/WRITING POSTS

I was under the impression that no one read them but these days, I can’t seem to go anywhere without someone mentioning one of my long opinion posts on fandom/writing to me, which I linked here. So, I’ve been thinking: maybe I should write more of these? You guys clearly seem to enjoy them, and I'm pig-headed Gryffindor with Opinions, so it suits all of us 🤣. There’s certain writing advice/fandom stuff that wouldn’t necessarily fit within the podcast if they require visuals for example, and I’m like: why not write them out? Some people contribute to fandom via writing metas, but I’d love to write about: the monetisation of fanfiction and copyright law, the fandom move to discord, fanfiction stats, etc. That’s stuff that’s kind of outside the realm of the podcast, that I’d also be keen on exploring.

I was already going to do this last year and began with the 15 things I learnt post in January, then the editing one in February, but then the podcast happened, and I also spent so much time writing castles… I think if I’m gonna do it, I’d have to write them during those months I’m taking “off” writing, then schedule them for later. I love writing these and I can see you guys like them as well so I really want to try and make it work, somehow.

4. I WOULD LIKE... TO READ MORE FIC

I feel legitimately embarrassed by this but I think since January, I’ve probably read less fic than I can count on my fingers. And, it’s not that I don’t like reading fic, to the contrary, but I find it So Hard to find fic to read in the Potter fandom. I used to live in fandoms where you could reasonably refresh AO3 every day and be served with a reasonable number (20/30) new fics, so looking through those and finding a couple you wanted to read was nice and easy. I used to read at least a fic every night.

But in HP, it’s all about tags, genres, ships, etc. and there's thousands of fics published every day. I don’t fucking know how to search. I don't know what I want to read before I read it. I can be convinced of a lot of things, if the writing's good. For example: I’m not interested in the Marauders - should I always exclude all the Sirius/Remus fics? But then, I’m not opposed to the pairing, I just don’t want it to be all about them, and what if I exclude good fics that just happen to have this tag? I also don’t love fluff, but sometimes I like certain fluffy fics, and sometimes fics have that tag amongst others. And, I used to go through people’s bookmarks (either people who’d bookmarked fics I like or fics I wrote) but now everything that’s popping up I’ve already read, or people generally have less varied taste than I do. Like, if you look at my bookmarks, there’s: character pieces, a bit of Romione, a bit of Hinny, a bit of Harmony, a bit of gen, a couple of Dramiones even, etc. But most people are only focused on one thing, which I respect, but it’s not helping my own selfish search, you know? 🤣. I always end up giving up in the end and go back to my books.

I want to hire someone to go through AO3 for me, find the good fics and send me a weekly digest lol.

5. I WOULD LIKE... TO FIND A BETTER WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Last but not least, as they say. This is the toughest one because for the life of me, I don’t know what to do about it. What I do know is that I work at my day job 30-40 hours a week (depending on work from home, etc. let’s be honest, I’m not productive all the time), spend around 10 hours a week on this blog/the podcast, and when I’m writing (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time) easily 20 hours a week on that, plus generally any hour I’ve claimed back from my 9-5 to illegally (sue me) write fanfic during my work hours. My last relationship tanked for the sole reason that I didn’t have time to see him + see my friends, and I can’t justify abandoning my friendships, so something had to give.

And, it’s hard because a lot of the time, when you say (even to people who love fanfic) that you spend so much time on it, they say: “Oh, don’t worry, chill, it’s just fanfic,” which I know comes from a place of love, but also it’s one of the things in my life that makes me happiest and keeps me sane. My 9-5 brings me money, but writing is what makes me happy. And, chatting with you all, and maintaining the podcast, and the blog - that also brings a smile to my face. It’s fun. I want to do it more. And, yes, it’s fanfic, but it’s writing, first and foremost. So, I don’t want to give that up. I can’t afford to give up my day job, and I don’t want to stop seeing those I love. I struggle to find time for everything.

There’s a whole rhetoric amongst millennials at the moment that’s like: your day job can just be about money, it doesn’t have to be your passion, etc. which I totally agree with, but also how realistic is it to have a full-time job, a time-consuming hobby, exercise, a family, a significant-other, friends, and a decent mental health? Like - how? I’m slowly starting to rest, being on hols at the moment, but when I finished my last writing sprint I was absolutely burnt out. And, it’s also hard to face how long it takes you to work on something and finish it, when you’re working on it part-time. I know I could have finished Castles in a year if I hadn’t been employed. Yet, here we still are, two years later (sigh).

So, I don’t know. Honestly, what I’m hoping is that I can somehow sustain this rhythm on and off until I finish Castles and also have enough money saved (from my previsions, looking at January 2024) to quit and live off my savings for six months to a year. I also think I would feel better quitting once Castles is finished in the way that I wouldn’t just be quitting to write fanfiction which doesn't have any recognised value, both as an art form and as an economic thing, but quitting to write my own stuff. I know I could write original work, and ultimately I want to, it’s just the time that’s lacking, and I find it hard to sustain multiple long projects at once (i.e. castles + original writing). I would like to not be burnt out by the end of next year, but who the fuck knows? If anyone out there has any idea how to make work, please let me know haha.

Anyway, these are the “I would likes” for this coming school year. If you feel like doing your own, even in your own head, don’t hesitate to do so! If anything, this was quite exciting and cathartic. Fuck capitalism which prevents me from blogging and writing fanfic all day haha!

Lots of love,

-jo

#pebblysand rants #yearly goals #september is the true start of the year and you don't have me thinking otherwise

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kikilefangirl · 3 years

Text

Loved One

Geralt of Rivia x Black!Reader

(Word Count: 1.4K)

The peeking sun shot out from in between the blinds, bursts of light leaving a soft warmth on your face.

Before you opened your eyes, you felt the hard body beside you. The hair on his chest tickled your fingers as you tried not to wake him. The blood rushing through his heart roared in your ears as you laid there. Your eyes fluttered as you opened them slowly, blearing at the harsh light.

“Destiny is taking its course.”

You lay in Geralt of Rivia’s bed, his gruff voice softened from tiredness. You tilted your head to see those unearthly, golden orbs peering down at you through slightly hooded lids.

You frowned slightly as you sat up to face the Witcher. Away from his body, a morning chill sent goosebumps along your bare spine.

“You must guide her, Geralt.” You said softly, keeping your voice low. The two of you slept in this room while the owners and Ciri arranged around it.

Ciri, the poor princess from Cintra, orphaned and a fugitive at such a young age. Too young. You remembered the smell of smoke and blood poisoning the evening air, overpowering the earthly scent that usually awaited you at the castle gates.

You shivered at the memory.

Before the bile could creep up your throat, you shoved it back down. Death reeked over your lands once; and it had done the same to Ciri as her kingdom.

Geralt sat up as well.

“She needs better than me.”

You hooked your legs over his, and cupped a hand on his cheek. You savored the closeness reserved just for you, it eased the mounting tension.

“You cannot abandon her again, Geralt.” You pleaded, but the Witcher gave no quarter. His face remained unchanged, your hands still on him.

You ripped them away, climbing off your lovers lap with a detached sadness. That girl was the key to the latest tyrant to bring violence and destruction throughout the continent. You dressed and Geralt watched you.

Neither of you spoke as you gracefully made to leave.

“She is alone with no family to claim her. Certainly you would know how that feels.”

...

Your airy, breathy voice was unnervingly calm and fact like.

Anger brought Geralt to his feet in a blur. He sprang up from the bed, his beloved already slipping out the door.

Your words echoed in his head—his mother, Kaer Morhen, and his mother again.

“Fuck.”

Geralt surveyed the room as flashes of you invaded his senses. The smell of you— the peace he felt when you were near. Right now, the thought of you and your easy gentleness, made his jaw tighten with fury.

Your words had reached their target, and he hated it. Geralt didn’t like to dwell, not when he had already spent enough years hoping for the impossible. But of course he was breaking his rules when it came to you.

He grumbled as he too, dressed for the day, grumbling to himself in open annoyance.

…

The day was a series of quick bristles through fabric, a blur moving limbs attached to faces neither dared to gaze upon, and an audience.

Everyone noticed the icy cavern between you and your Witcher.

But you hadn’t lied to him.

You never lied to Geralt, a fault that probably made you rather odd company. All of your objections, your laughs, and your smiles were genuine with him. That wasn’t so for everyone—anyone else, but Geralt of Rivia.

You surveyed gorgeous plants hanging over the windowsill, long strains of bright green dangled in the air. A surprisingly elegant and simple touch to the modest cottage.

“—last us a fortnight.”

Your host announced, but you were hardly paying any attention. You were attending to Ciri’s knotted, freshly washed hair, and led her outside.

Your quick nimble fingers made quick work of the fine blond hair—it was nothing like your own. The girl looked so haunted and neglected on her journey to Geralt, you wanted to do something nice for her before the journey resumed.

“Ouch.” The young princess winced at your heavy handedness. You clicked your tongue, loosening your grip slightly.

“You are nearly presentable. Patience is becoming of every young lady.” You admonished, softly.

The two of you sat on the stone step before the front door. High grass tickled the fabric of your dress as you and Ciri traded stories.

You had never really imagined yourself as a mother, but you took to the princess of Cintra and she you. Mother-like then.

When you pinned her last braid, Ciri hummed in excitement as she glanced in the small mirror.

“Many thanks, Y/N. It’s beautiful.”

The girl’s demeanor shifted at the word—she shrank into herself, letting the mirror fall in the grass beside you.

“My people are dying and I am worried about what is beautiful.” Ciri’s lower lip quivered as she sank back to the ground.

You frowned at the girl with a kingdom on her shoulders.

“It is something you love and it will keep you grounded.” Your voice never wavered. It was a clear, calm sound that cut through the haze of Ciri’s emotions.

“What do you love?” She asked.

“I love Geralt, I suppose.” You replied without blinking.

Familiar amber eyes poked out from the door. It was a miracle the Witcher’s large frame fit anywhere. The princess didn’t seem to notice his presence, but responded nevertheless.

“And I love Cintra. What am I to do with that information?” Ciri’s eyes burned with desperation, for the answers to her problems.

You saw it and so did Geralt. The Witcher nodded, bowing his head a tad longer than he needed to. The corners of your lips turned up, forming a sad, delicate smile.

“I have my love, Lioncub of Cintra,” Your eyes flicked up at Geralt, “I have fought many times to keep him with me, always. You must also fight for yours. Always.”

A determination brewed in the girl’s eyes, growing harder and harder with each passing moment. Gone was the clever, skittish girl who escaped the fall of Cintra through the sacrifices of others— no.

Something ancient coursed through her veins, and Ciri looked every bit the cold, ethereal Queen she truly was. You recalled Geralt’s mystified, and all together defeated expression.

The girl had more power that he paled against, and you had ignored his warnings. Ciri was more than a girl, or a princess for that matter.

She was the hope of her people and had a firm hand in shaping all of their futures—whatever they may be.

Ciri took in the wisdom you offered with a deep breath, you waited until her body sagged in an effort to keep upright. You ross to your feet and guided her inside, not bothering to spare the silver haired man a glance as you passed.

…

After Ciri promptly requested to be alone, you wished to be as well. Those plans fell apart when Geralt’s gaze— his impossible Witcher gaze— pinned you to the far wall.

“Y/N, I can see her hurt,” Geralt said in a low, gravelly voice.

He stood at his full height, making everything around him look smaller, all the sudden. You blinked, processing his words.

A silent apology followed as your eyes once again settled on him. You let your gaze drift to somewhere behind him.

“She has too much power to go on untrained.”

Clamping down on your own pride was easier because you were telling the truth. Geralt had said as much and you ignored him.

The Witcher offered an upturned palm. A peace offering. You took it and melted into him, savoring his warmth.

“I will not continue defying destiny.” Geralt broke the comfortable silence that had settled. You felt the hum in his chest when he spoke.

You kissed him then— on his neck, where you were nestled. Underneath his jaw, his chin, and finally his lips.

Whereas you were light and tender in your approach, Geralt possessed nothing of the sort. He returned your affection with a fierceness reserved for lovers only.

When the two of you finally separated, you held his face in your hands.

“I pray destiny will always bring us back together.”

Geralt gripped you tighter, the pressure keeping you in the moment. Proof that your love was real, that he would not let go of you even as times became more and more unsure.

“I will pray, too.”

#geralt of rivia #geralt of rivia x reader #geralt x reader #Geralt x black!reader #Geralt x poc!reader #Geralt of rivia x black!reader #Geralt of rivia x poc!reader #the Witcher #the Witcher fic #black!reader #poc!reader #I slept on Henry cavill #I was wrong #geralt of rivia oneshot #this is my first time writing for Geralt #witcher ciri #Geralt angst and then fluff #joined a new fandom I guess

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antiloreolympus · 3 years

Text

11 Anti LO Asks

1. Last chapter non fast pass I feel calls out RS without her knowing. The two flower nymphs that died were hardly shown importance in the story. Maybe RS was trying to have their names be a big reveal, but when we learn about the incident Persphone talks about it and then goes and laughs with hades. When this whole trial starts Persphone tries never to explain herself to Zeus on the voice call or to anyone. Ares going “why was this glossed over” because everyone, the author and the characters treated it that way. We have panels dedicated to making persphone look more like a murderer and growing big than we do have her thinking about those nymphs

2. LO would've be so, SO much better as an urban fantasy. Like, can you imagine? Persephone is a sheltered kid living away from Olympus until she learns she related to gods- wait. I'm just rewriting Percy Jackson.

3. Ok, so genuine question: what age is the target audience of LO supposed to be? Teens? Adults? It seems like a large portion of the audience are on the younger side (Im partially assuming because I cant fathom that grown ass older adults are calling Hades "sexy" in the comment section). I feel like I'm getting whiplash because of 13 yr olds getting giddy about a 40 yr old man and a 19 yr old *girl* , and then there's content like Persephone in lingerie watering Minthe.

4. maybe it's just me but i HATE the idea, and you see this so often in hxp stories, of "he hates everyone and treats them cruelly except for ~his wife~" because like?? why would anyone fall for a man who takes pleasure in abusing others but only has the self restraint for one person? why would you feel "special" as he abuses others? you know that makes you look bad too, right? plus theres nothing in the myths that says hades hates everyone and loves torturing others. anyway white ladies are weird.

5. I feel like to me, the mere definition of mythology/folklore/fairytales is they are timeless and have messages/stories that transcend the centuries. That’s why they’ve survived so long, it doesn’t matter what generation reads them, they can still relate to it. The original story of Persephone does have themes than be applied both in its original historical context and today (social pressure to get married/grow up, family obligation, making due with whatever life throws at you, fighting against oppressive systems, the strength of women who love each other, etc) yet none of these themes are kept into “modern retellings” like LO. It throws out its actual themes to instead talk about Modern Issues™️ like “purity culture” and #MeToo (which are played right into and reinforced by Rachel’s regressive White Feminist™️ writing) that it not just fails to talk about this modern issues seriously (and tbh seems rather unnaturally added and addressed, especially going off Rachel’s old tumblr posts), it takes out the timeless elements to instead make it something that increasingly becomes more outdated the more time passes. The mere premise of LO and its “modern” takes on the characters (sorry to say, but the concept of “Girl Boss” is not as progressive as white women like Rachel seem to think it is) were already pretty outdated in its premiere in 2018, and now we’re heading into 2022 with the same takes, where the “boo boo I’m rich and beautiful and everyone loves me but I’m oppressed”/“the poor deserve to be punished for standing up to the rich” narrative is even more outdated, cruel, and is increasingly more critiqued and disliked. In trying to make it “modern”, LO made itself increasingly dated and lacking in potential for future readers years or even decades down the road to not see it as a dated relic. The myths are timeless. LO and modern “retellings” are not.

6. I feel like there’s a reason most stories involving Greek gods are told from a human/demigod perspective and Lore Olympus is a perfect example of that.

7. even barring how confusing the "extra chapter" in the lo book is, it was also clearly made recently because it looks like the current rushed, flat style so it sticks out like a sore thumb next to the early 20-ish episodes that had a more unique look and time put into them. if you werent aware of the rest of the series, youd deadass think some other artist came in at last minute and inserted their own chapter because it doesnt match the rest at all. i think her old style is dead and gone now :-(

8. Cerberus is so constantly disrespect in LO and I don't even get why. He's not even Hades' favorite pet and is only used twice to actually be intimidating, the rest of the time he's just there to be ignored or be the vessel for Rachel's juvenile fart humor.

9. Am i the only one who thinks the references LO makes to be super dated? Like IDK, who is going to enjoy in a year or so over the episode of them all on a zoom call? Like ah wasn't that funny when we were all stuck inside during a global pandemic that killed millions and we had to do zoom calls? or her out of place "meme" moments or the "sliding in your man's DMs" joke?? like its not funny, it just takes you out of the story.

10. I feel like a big problem with LO too is it seems directionless. The hymn to Demeter is pretty clear cut in what to do with it from start to end, and while LO did start out somewhat following it, I do not see now how it can end following the actual hymn, which is bad. If there's no logical way for it to end being accurate to the myth, then why use it in the first place? The added plots also aren't a good replacement, they're just filler from what we were promised and makes the story confused.

11. To that "popularity" anon, it's very easy for something to gain popularity when Webtoons puts a massive marketing budget behind it. The same thing happened to Let's Play, True Beauty, and UnOrdinary, and the more recent examples are Boyfriends and Suitor Armor. The only difference in LO's case is their fanbase is so annoying they have to shove themselves everywhere, basically being the Homestuck fandom 2.0. Though for Rachel's sake let's hope it doesn't fall apart like Homestuck did.

#anti lo #anti lore olympus #lore olympus critical #lo critical

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