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infinitelytheheartexpands · 3 years ago

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My Personal Opinions on Some French Grand Opéras

Here we go. I’ll be focusing solely on pieces in what’s widely considered the “Golden Age” of grand opéra (from 1828 to about 1870).

1828, Auber: La muette de Portici: never seen or heard so I cannot comment, but I do think it slaps that it helped start both the Belgian Revolution and the genre of grand opéra.

1829, Rossini: Guillaume Tell: I love this one. it’s one of the few grand opéras that has a happy ending and it’s fully deserved. it’s long but it all has a point-- the first act introduces us to the community spirit that drives the rest of the action; even though it’s called Guillaume Tell, it’s not just about Guillaume Tell. it’s about a whole movement coming together, with all these vividly-drawn people of different social statuses, ages, heritages, and livelihoods coming together to do good in the world in the face of oppression. also it’s Rossini so it bops start to finish. the finale is one of opera’s best. I could not have higher praise and admiration for this piece.

1831, Meyerbeer: Robert le diable: another rare case of a grand opéra with a happy ending, but it feels a bit more contrived, something I wrote about when I watched it about a year ago for the first time. it’s quite a clever ending, however, and I love that these lovely characters get a happy ending. Robert is the least interesting principal character both musically and dramatically; the musical highlights of the show are mostly Bertram and Isabelle’s big scenes. the former is also arguably grand opéra’s most exciting ballet sequence, the Act III ballet of the nuns (or as I like to call it, the Zombie Nun Ballet). it’s long but it is incredibly worth it. overall, I really do enjoy this opera although it is very much an uneven piece.

1833, Auber: Gustave III, ou le bal masqué: here’s a thing I wrote about it like 3 months ago and I stand by every word.

1835, Halévy: La juive: It’s damn near impossible to find an even remotely close to complete recording. However, what the recordings have is excellent. The score is marvelous all the way through, although for the most part I tend to prefer the ensembles to the arias (the exception, of course, being Éléazar’s 11 o’clock number). Speaking of Éléazar, he’s an extremely complicated and frankly uncomfortable character, toeing the line between being one of opera’s most complex characters, an even more complicated proto-gender-swapped-Azucena if you will, and being an unfortunate vessel of antisemitic stereotypes. This is made even more complicated because Halévy was an assimilated Jewish composer. On the whole, Rachel is the only wholly sympathetic character in the piece, although all five of the principals are lovingly scored.

1836, Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: *holds things in because otherwise I would write an entire essay about this opera and you all know that because I have done that several times* Both a great strength and a great weakness of this piece is its sheer wide-ranging-ness, particularly in terms of mood. Unlike, say, La juive, this opera does not have one overall mood, instead steadily progressing from bright, brilliant comedy to one of the most horrifying endings in opera. Dramatically, this is great for the most part, although the sheer amount of exposition in the first two acts may take getting used to. Just as the drama gets more intense and concentrated as the opera goes on, the music gets more intense- and frankly, more often than not better- as the opera goes on. The window/misunderstood engagement business is something I still struggle to see the exact dramatic purpose of, because I think the question of religious difference would likely be enough to separate Raoul and Valentine at the beginning anyway; to me, it feels like Scribe and Deschamps were struggling to find a way to integrate Nevers into the story, as he is crucial to the opera’s lessons about love and tolerance, so they stuck in a quasi-love-triangle in order to justify his presence earlier on. (Also, for goodness sake, could you at least have given him an onstage death scene?) Anyway, in this way the story can be a bit unwieldy and uneven at first, but stay the course with this one...and even a lot of the first couple of acts are wonderful. The characters are all wonderfully written if rather episodic in many cases, but this opera is ambitious and by the end, it’ll tear your heart to shreds. It’s amazing. Uneven, yes, but amazing nonetheless, and I will defend it to the death.

1840, Donizetti: La favorite: I’m not as familiar with La favorite as with some of the others on this list (I’ve seen two different productions once each and I have a recording of it saved to my Spotify library that I listen to bits and pieces of very occasionally) but I do think it’s an excellent piece overall. LÉONOR DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER. The music is lovely all around; I know Donizetti wrote at least one other grand opéra in full and part of another, both of which I need to check out because in its own way, Donizetti’s style works wonderfully with grand opéra.

1841: Halévy, La reine de Chypre: here is a post I wrote about La reine de Chypre. basically all my thoughts remain the same except I have to add: Halévy as a whole just needs more love. there’s a few other of his operas I have waiting (a recording of Le dilettante d’Avignon that has been sitting in my Spotify for who knows how long and a film of Clari with Bartoli and Osborn I’m also sitting on) but there are so many pieces that sound fascinating but have basically ZILCH in terms of recordings.

1849, Meyerbeer: Le prophète: before I say anything else about this opera, I need to ask a burning question: WHY THE HELL IS THERE ONLY ONE GOOD VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS OPERA?!?! on the one hand, I adore the Osborn/Aldrich/Fomina production; on the other, I would also like other productions, please. anyway, I said one time in the opera Discord that while Les Huguenots will probably always be my favorite Meyerbeer opera for an array of reasons, this one is definitely Meyerbeer, Scribe, and Deschamps’ strongest work. it is both unusually dark and unusually believable for an opera of its time—and the fact that it still holds up so well is disturbing to say the least. this opera thrives on complexity in all forms and yet has probably (and paradoxically) the simplest plot to follow of the four Meyerbeer grand opéras. the score is brilliant start to finish, mixing the best of bel canto, Romanticism, and something altogether darker, stranger, and more original. definitely one of the most underrated operas ever. the aforementioned production is on YouTube with French subtitles; give it a watch here.

1855, Verdi: Les vêpres siciliennes: Vêpres is an opera I love dearly although I have yet to find a production that is completely satisfying. I think it’s because this opera is a lot deeper, a lot more complex, and a lot more troubling, frankly, than people are willing to go. also it should be performed bilingually and I am dead-set on this: the dissonance of an opera about French capture of Italian land being sung entirely in either French or Italian is always a little off at least (and also part of the reason why my brain probably adjusted to hearing this opera in either language better than, say, Don Carlos). but anyway, neither side comes off particularly well here, particularly due to the violence and sexual assault on both sides of the equation: both Montfort and Procida are heavily in the wrong, and while Verdi sympathizes with both for personal reasons (Verdian Dad in the former case, Italian Liberator in the latter), there is a lot of troubling stuff in here. nevertheless, the music bops, the story is intriguing, and I think we can all agree that Henri and Hélène both deserved better, especially considering how close they got to bliss (although I think we can also all agree that the end of Act IV twist to almost-rom-com is pretty abrupt).

1863 (full opera: 1890), Berlioz: Les Troyens: I wrote this review of Troyens after watching it in the Châtelet 2003 production in December 2019 (first time ever watching it) and I still stand by just about every word. Such a fascinating opera, great adaptation of the first few books of the Aeneid, marvelous score (of course, it’s Berlioz!)...but could there be a ballet or two fewer, Berlioz? Or at least shorten them up? And that’s coming from someone who likes ballet. But anyway, in every other respect it’s absolutely marvelous. Some people say it’s the greatest French opera ever, and while I hesitate to say that, it comes pretty damn near close.

1865, Meyerbeer: L’Africaine (Vasco de Gama): Vasco da Gama/L’Africaine is even more troubling—much more troubling—of an opera than Vêpres to me and I wrote a whole thing here as to why. I still stand by most of it, although upon reflection, I feel like the ending that drove me so crazy has virtually the exact same idea behind it as the end of Troyens/Book IV of the Aeneid: empire has consequences and those consequences hurt real people, who, though different and not among those perceived as “heroic”, are worthy of being treated as human, not being collateral damage. (I’ve written at least two essays about this for different classes, both specifically in regards to the Aeneid.) It may be time to revisit this one. The score is lovely, after all, although it didn’t stand out to me as much as others by Meyerbeer.

1867, Verdi: Don Carlos: *holds myself back from writing a 10-page essay* y’all, there is a reason that when someone asks me what my favorite opera is, I always choose this one even though I’m horrible at favorites questions. it’s Verdi, grand opéra, romantic drama (SO MUCH romantic drama and SO MUCH gay), political drama, religious/social struggle, personal struggle, social commentary, spectacle, intimacy, masterful characterization all in one. what more could you want? I first saw/heard this opera in Italian long before I did in French, so my brain is more hardwired to hearing the Italian but both are good. my motto is “Italian or French, I don’t care, but Fontainebleau has to be there.” fuck the four-act version. I mean, I will watch four-act versions but five-act versions are just superior. I’d prefer uncut performances (the first part of the garden, the Lacrimosa, the extended opening and ending), but these aren’t dealbreakers for me. it’s the perfect synthesis of Verdi and grand opéra, much less unwieldy than Vêpres (as much I love that one), both musically and dramatically.

1868, Thomas: Hamlet: Part of me wishes this was more faithful to the actual source play (why??? the??? fuck??? does??? Hamlet??? live??? although there are alternate endings), but part of me also realizes that the play is already four hours long as is and singing it plus ballet would make it WAY too fucking long. This does a pretty respectable job. The music is gorgeous, by turns almost sugary-sweet and thrillingly ominous. The Murder of Gonzago scene is an absolute masterpiece. The Mad Scene is justifiably one of opera’s best (although I’m not sure it was a good idea to have that and a frequently-cut 20-minute ballet with no relation whatsoever to the main plot to make up all of Act IV). There are a lot of bops in this one. The four principals are closely followed and still very well-drawn. Both of the stagings I have seen were excellent. An underrated opera.

1869 (grand opéra version), Gounod: Faust: Another of my absolute favorite operas. Since this existed for a decade before its transformation into the grand opéra we all know and love, I won’t comment much about its actual format and adherence to grand opéra tropes aside from saying the Walpurgisnacht ballet is one of grand opéra’s best and extremely good at giving off Vibes TM. I used to hate how the character of Faust was written and thought he was incredibly boring. Not anymore (although of course, I still hate him as a person. fuck him tbh). This opera has a reputation for being saccharine and old-fashioned and I think that’s a bunch of garbage right there. It’s about the search for eternal youth and the expectations of conforming to social values and people’s struggles with themselves when a) they “fall short” and b) when the world ostracizes them for being “different” and “out of line”. I am also firmly convinced that Marguerite is the real protagonist of Faust (like how I’m convinced that Valentine is the protagonist of Les Huguenots if there even is a singular protagonist in that opera but I digress). The music slaps. People need to stop cutting whole scenes out of this. I’m still undecided on the order of the church and square scenes of Act IV. Marguerite and Siébel just need everything good in this world.

Anyway, those are my two cents! I tried to keep these pretty short, so if y’all want any follow-ups, let me know!

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xiaomomowrites · 4 years ago

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act IV

Genshin Impact | TartaLi/ZhongChi

Summary: It was the way Zhongli’s warm amber eyes suddenly were not as warm anymore. The way he looked at him with a piercing look, void of remorse, as he handed his gnosis over willingly to go on a whole tangent about how his “duties were done”. It was the way he turned and treated the precious traveler with the same amount of kindness and gentleness the Childe had received the previous night, with such ease; it was a look he thought was reserved only for him. It was the way he was able to turn back around, stare at Childe with an unreadable gaze, and walk away without so much of a goodbye.

Or, Zhongli and Childe finally have the conversation that was long overdue.

A/N: I’ve been playing genshin for roughly four or five months now, I can’t remember exactly when I started, but boy do I love it. No you don’t understand, I’m obsessed. But these two have been taking up room in my big brain, so I wanted to write for them. It’s been awhile since I wrote for pleasure so hopefully this is satisfactory :,) and tomorrow, I’m back to school, so I thought I’d enjoy my last day of freedom and post this today. Fun fact, I’m minoring in professional writing, so I’m hoping that it’ll improve my writing skills when I write for luxury, too. Anyway, this was a really fun piece for me to write and I hope you share the sentiment.

Also thank you guys for being so patient with our inactivity and just being such a chill audience to write for. Other social media platforms have become so...demanding haha. I appreciate y’all! Feel free to message us or talk to us about whatever :) -u.n.

Find this on AO3!

Spoiler alert: this fic does contain spoilers for the A New Star Approaches arc, so read at your own risk.

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In Childe’s line of work, he is no stranger to betrayal.

Working as a Fatui Harbinger meant an unhealthy amount of fighting, betraying one person, deceiving another, and then on occasion, getting betrayed himself. It was all in a days’ work. Childe knew he would just have to roll out his neck and move on. He’s done it before, he can do it again. He would think that, after nineteen years of this grueling rinse and repeat, that he’d be able to tolerate a lot in the field. In fact, working with that wretched colleague of his, Scaramouche, and serving the Tsaritsa with a loyalty unmatched explicitly calls for the patience and tolerance of a saint.

Alas, Childe is the furthest thing from a saint. And still, Zhongli’s betrayal stung the most out of anyone else’s, the reason still unbeknownst to him. He tells himself that it’s because he had actually befriended the other man. That, unlike his other missions, he developed more of a friendship with Zhongli than he has with anyone else in the past. Not to mention how he really thought he’d find the gnosis, in all its golden glory, seated deep within the Exuvia, and not within his friend.

Which is why after he watches Zhongli hand over his precious gnosis to Signora of all people, Childe makes haste to return to the inn he had been staying at to furiously pack his things and leave first thing in the morning. Seeing Signora in Liyue so close to Zhongli had triggered a deep seated feeling of possessiveness over him and the city. Liyue was his territory, as far as he was concerned. It was assigned to him by the Tsaritsa and no one else. And yet, despite his unspoken possession over Liyue, its people turned against him and viewed him as the enemy. As if Childe didn’t already know that. As if he hadn’t already grown up with a layered villain complex, subconsciously looking for a fool with a hero complex to match him. Then entered Zhongli, making himself at home in Childe’s life, and he was immediately enamouring the Harbinger.

Screw Liyue.

Screw all their traditions, the stupid glaze lilies, the delicious cuisine, the obvious livelihood that fills the streets in stark contrast to his own icy hometown, screw all those goddamn unnecessary mountains, that fish market with that abhorrent smell he gradually got used to, and screw Rex Lapis. Screw Zhongli, that handsome bastard, for stringing him along like his plaything the entire time.

Childe knows, he gets it, that Zhongli simply did what he had to do because it was best for his people. And what other way for the oldest of the seven to go, if not for a grand finale? And yes, Childe admits, luring out Osial was a stupid move, but it certainly served its purpose for testing the strength of Liyue and its defenders.

Zhongli and Signora knew he would do something stupid and reckless as soon as he caught wind of the Exuvia serving as a decoy. They knew, and they played the game so well, that Childe really thought he was the mastermind puppeteering the whole show.

What a fool he was made out to be.

Childe aggressively shoves blazer after blazer into his travel duffel, angry, pathetic tears pooling at the corners of his eyes without his consent. He sniffs angrily and swipes at his cheek as soon as the first tear falls.

Fuck this, he’s not crying over a god, he still has some dignity.

But still. Pride aside, it hurt. And it wasn’t even necessarily the deceit that hurt the most. He’s dealt with that previously. It was… more personal. More of an internal struggle than an external issue. Childe truly hates those the most. At least he can shove his fist through any external problem, but he can’t exactly do the same with his feelings, or whatever they’re called.

It was the way Zhongli’s warm amber eyes suddenly were not as warm anymore. The way he looked at him with a piercing look, void of remorse, as he handed his gnosis over willingly to go on a whole spiel about how his “duties were done”. It was the way he turned and treated the precious traveler with the same amount of kindness and gentleness the Childe had received the previous night, with such ease; it was a look he thought was reserved only for him. It was the way he was able to turn back around, stare at Childe with an unreadable gaze, and walk away without so much of a goodbye.

The same eyes that gazed at him with such affection and kindness were suddenly replaced with the eyes of a soldier. And it was only then that Childe fully realized the force he was reckoning with. Zhongli was a withered god who lived too long for his own good. A powerful deity that held the ability to shake the ground with a look; he who had been humbled by time and his sharp edges eroded by the millions of faces that passed him. Simply put, Childe was just another one of those faces. And again, he understood. If he lived for six thousand years, he wouldn’t want to be alive after the first hundred.

It was the duality that dug the blade deeper into his already bleeding chest. He felt used.

“I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together, Childe,” Zhongli had said to him on a warm Liyuen night, “a friend of mine, a long time ago, told me that I was… bad at connecting with people. Emotionally stunted, is what she called me. And she is correct, as I have definitely struggled with making connections in the past. But with you… it’s different. It’s easy.

Childe is thankful for the discretion that night provides him; Zhongli would have easily spotted the blush spreading across his pale cheeks had it been daytime.

“So you had trouble making a couple friends, so what?” The ginger shrugs, “I wasn’t the best at making friends, either. My mom always said I was too aggressive. Apparently that’s not such an appealing trait, after all.”

Zhongli chuckles, a beautiful sound. “It was a bit deeper than that, I’m afraid. Understanding the complexity of another’s emotions was always difficult for me, whereas she… she was loved by everyone. Adored by the youngest of fawns to the oldest of horses. It came so naturally to her. I was the opposite. Not that everyone hated me, no, people just had a harder time getting close to me. Which is why, upon meeting you, I was shocked to find that we clicked so well. Befriending you was as easy as breathing air.”

Oh, Archons, help him.

“And,” Zhongli continues, as if he hadn’t already wrecked the man six ways to hell and back, “I must sincerely thank you for indulging me once again.” The deity glances down at the bag full of antique trinkets in his lap. Childe’s lips turn upward into one of his more genuine, rare smiles.

“What’s with you tonight?” Childe responds, and Zhongli looks at him questioningly , “I mean, you never had a problem with me spoiling you rotten before. You’ve never even acknowledged it. Why start now?”

Zhongli tears his gaze away from the Harbinger.

“And,” the ginger continues, “it almost sounds like you’re saying goodbye.”

Zhongli smiles at him then. He wore a kind look on his face, eyes so impossibly warm that it reminded him of his grandmother’s pirozhki. Hot and steaming from the center, melting on his tongue, dissolving deliciously in his mouth and defrosting his entire body. His smile felt like it wrapped itself around his chest and squeezed the best way possible, fitting him back together in places Childe didn’t even realize he had broken.

“What makes you say that?”

Oh, Childe is pissed.

Fuck tomorrow morning, Childe is leaving tonight.

The memories of last night crash over him not unlike a tidal wave and suddenly, he’s drowning. Filled out the brim with a familiar rage burning through his chest and searing his finger tips, his legs, his fucking toes.

He stands abruptly when he realizes he’s been sitting and resumes his packing. It doesn’t take very long after that. A couple toiletries get shoved into the side pockets, his vision is hooked back onto his hip, and his mask is slid into its’ usual spot on his head. He looks at himself in the mirror on the way out and scowls at the way his hair looks more disheveled than usual. Red rims his dulled blue eyes, forcing him to accept that maybe he cried more than he’d like to admit. Whatever.

He swings the door open and-

“Childe,” lo and behold, Zhongli stands in his fucking doorway, “I’d like to talk to you, if that’s alright.” The man looks slightly disheveled. He’s a little out of breath, Childe notices, like he ran up those ridiculous flights of stairs to get to his room- which, by the way, he never disclosed that information with him.

The man in question huffs a laugh. “It’s not.”

He makes a move to brush past him, but is stopped by an unreasonably strong grip around his bicep.

“Tartaglia,” he pleads, “please.”

Childe snatches his arm back and spits, “don’t call me that.”

He retreats back into his room anyway, hearing Zhongli close the door behind him. He dumps the bag back onto his bed and curses himself for not leaving a millisecond earlier.

“You’re angry with me.” Zhongli starts, face as unreadable as ever.

“The sky is blue. Snezhnaya is cold. Are we still stating the obvious here?” He’s too angry to carefully choose his words. Too hurt to slip on his pleasant facade.

“Tartaglia,” he presses, and Childe really hates how his name sounds on his tongue, “I truly am sorry for the way things had to go. It was not in my intentions to… hurt you to the degree in which you feel. I simply was upholding the end of my contract and doing what was best for my people. I implore you to believe that making you feel used was not my main objective.“

Oh god, his apology sounds so robotic.

“So you’re aware that what you did was a little fucked up.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re aware that almost the entirety of Liyue places the blame on me.”

“Yes.”

Well, shit. “Good talk, Zhongli-xiansheng. If you’ll excuse me, I must begin my trip home.”

He stomps toward the door only to be stopped once again. Archons, if Childe had any motivation left, he most certainly would challenge him to a spar. The ginger huffs, and looks to the heavens in a silent plea for patience.

“Tartaglia, please, I’m not finished-“

“Yeah, well I am.” Their eyes lock. Blue meets gold in a hostile hold, refusing to break. “The second you handed your gnosis over, my business here was done. Whatever… relationship we had is done. You were my consultant and was a Harbinger here for business. A Harbinger that you obviously used for your disposal. So now that that’s over and done with, I really need to report to Tsaritsa, lest she have my head on a silver platter-“

“I spoke with Tsaritsa already.” Zhongli cuts in, his grip tightening around Childe’s wrist. “I asked her for more time with you.”

“You what.”

“Surely you are curious about the deal I struck with Tsaritsa. The contract to end all contracts, yes?” Childe’s wild look on his face eggs him to continue, “I struck a deal that granted you more time here in Liyue. With me.”

Childe is silent for a moment. The ex-Archon opens his mouth to continue.

“And I’d like to say I’ve known you long enough to know that you seek freedom. From what that may be, I do not know. But Tsaritsa has agreed to give you a choice, at the very least, a temporary one. An extended vacation or complete retirement is a choice to be made by you.” Zhongli finishes, looking to Tartaglia with hope.

“THAT is worth your fucking gnosis?!” Zhongli’s gnosis. The entire essence of his being. The very thing that makes him divine (thought it certainly isn’t the only thing that makes the man ethereal), was traded for him.

“Yes,” Zhongli replies with such ease it makes Childe’s head spin. “Among other things, of course.” An aggressive why is lodged in the back of Childe’s throat. Why me? A million questions swirl around his head, knocking him off balance. He would have swayed on his feet had Zhongli not been there to hold him upright.

“That’s insane. You’re insane. You…” Childe lets out a tired sigh, “I don’t understand you.” And he doesn’t. Because one minute he’s a cold hearted businessman, and the next he’s at his door, reduced to a mortal, begging him to stay. Granting him freedom. Really, what kind of fucked up game is this? Why didn’t anyone tell him he was a part of it?

Zhongli smiles. He smiles. “You remember our conversation from the night before, yes?”

Childe rolls his ever-blue eyes to the back of his head. “Remind me, Zhongli-sensei,”

“I said,” the deity starts, drawing both of Childe’s calloused hands between his own, “that I struggled to connect with others. Guizhong, the Goddess of Dust, was the one to bring to my attention my emotional constipation. And like I said, she was correct.”

Childe’s anger withers.

“Unfortunately I understand naught of the depth of your feelings of betrayal,” he continues, “but I do wish to understand how deeply humans feel. And in our time together, I’ve begun to understand through you. Despite your… complexities. And I wish to continue to learn. With you.” I wish to feel human is left unsaid, and laced between his words instead.

“What are you saying,” the Harbinger asks weakly.

“Take me with you.”

“What.”

“Take me with you. Wherever you go, I will follow, if you will allow it.”

Well duh, he’d allow it. Zhongli just had to work for it a little more. He can’t just waltz in here after breaking his heart and ruining his trust, demanding his friendship and companionship or whatever, after everything he was put through-

“Okay.”

Very nice ass to mouth filter, Ajax.

Zhongli’s eyes glow impossibly brighter, “Okay?”

Childe tugs his hands back to his side. “Yes, yes, fine. Whatever. But you can’t just. You can’t just use me again in the name of experimentation.”

“Tartaglia, I would never,” he assures him vehemently, “Of the seven, I was always the one most oblivious to emotions. You may ask Barbatos if you want. But I know that what I feel for you is real and I would not trade it for the world.”

Childe’s mind reels. Barbatos? Feelings?

“‘What you feel for me?’”

Zhongli cocks his head in confusion, as if his feelings were the most obvious thing in the world. “Well, yes. And you feel the same, no? It need not be said aloud.”

“It really doesn’t,” Childe affirms, “you can save me the embarrassment.”

“Wonderful,” Zhongli’s face brightens, and it’s only then that Childe is hit with the full realization that Zhongli is free. No longer is he tied to the city and burdened with the weight of the people. No longer does he have to associate himself with the likes of the Tsaritsa. Finally, after centuries and centuries, he is allowed the pleasure to smile so brightly despite feeling pained for finally leaving his people. He is Zhongli, and no longer Rex Lapis. Morax is long gone, too. The man before him is a man reborn, and Childe’s heart aches with happiness for him.

“Okay, well,” he clears his throat when he notices he’s been quiet for too long, “it’s been a long day and I’m tired. I think I’m just gonna take a shower and turn into bed and think about the rest tomorrow. Save it for future Childe, you know?”

He pads over to his hastily packed back and zips it back open, pulling out the toiletries he aggressively shoved in less than an hour ago. He digs his fingers into his neck and sighs at the release of tension. Summoning an angry ocean god took a lot more out of him than he anticipated.

“I agree,” Zhongli says, and begins to strip. “Personally I prefer the left side of the bed.”

Childe gawks at him.

“You-!” Truly an emotionally constipated god, indeed. He sighs and his shoulders droop, the fight leaving his body. “Fine. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be out in a bit.”

“I eagerly await your return,” Zhongli comments passively as he slips under the covers, a book he didn’t even know he was carrying tucked under his arm. Childe sighs for the nth time that night and turns to close the bathroom door behind him.

Future Childe certainly has a lot to deal with in the morning.

#genshin impact #genshin impact fan fiction #Tartaglia #Childe #zhongli #tartali #zhongchi #i love them so much it hurts #childe x zhongli #angst #character introspection #when this chapter ended i was incredibly emotional #i just want them to be happy

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doc-pickles · 4 years ago

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i won’t hesitate (for you) ch. 11

Jo is happy, at least she feels like she is. When someone from her past shows up, will her and her daughter's world ever go back to normal? Or will things change for good?

This is it, my final chapter of Hesitate... I actually cried a bit finishing this off because I’ve been working on it since early June and we’re halfway through October now. I wanted to thank you guys SO MUCH for your continued support through comments, likes, reblogs, and just general support. I know that this has taken forever to finish but I’m grateful that y’all have stuck through it with me.

Thank you again and I hope you enjoy this final chapter.

xoxo Nina

Pull me close and I'll hold you tight

Don't be scared 'cause I'm on your side

Know there's nothing I wouldn't do for you

I will take your pain

And put it on my heart

I won't hesitate

Just tell me where to start

I thank the oceans for giving me you

You saved me once and I'll save you too

I won't hesitate for you

A Few Months Later…

“You look so handsome, I’d jump you right now if I didn’t have a surgery with Meredith to get to,” Jo grinned up at Alex as she straightened his tie, his eyes rolling as he grabbed her hands in his. “I for one am very proud that you got this office back. It’s been nice not having to fight for on call rooms when I need a nap.”

“You’re just using me for my office, you don’t even care that I’m Chief again,” Alex chuckled as Jo wore an offended look on her face at his accusation. “You sure you should be going into surgery? You’ve been pretty out of it the past day.”

Jo’s eyebrows raised, eyes narrowing at Alex as she glared at him, “Are you insinuating that I’m too pregnant to operate, Chief ?”

“No I'm telling you, as your husband , that you should take it easy,” Alex wrapped his arms around Jo, eyeing her as she continued to scowl at him. “I know you worked until your due date with Harper, but you’re taking care of a toddler and dealing with me. Maybe it’s time to take a break before you stress yourself into labor.”

Jo shrugged off Alex’s arm on her shoulder, her own arms crossed over her belly as she walked away from him. She knew she was only a week and half until her due date, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her from working.

“I’m perfectly fine Alex, I don’t need you hovering over my shoulder at all hours of the day,” Jo called over her shoulder as she walked out of his office. “I’ll see you later, I have a surgery to get to.”

Alex watched as Jo left his office, sighing as he fell into his desk chair. He’d been Chief for two months now and had never felt a stronger need to kick his wife’s stubborn ass. Even Amelia had agreed to go on an earlier maternity leave, in fact she’d been grateful that he’d offered it to her. But Jo didn’t want to admit that she might need some help and some rest before their second child came into the world.

“She’s gonna be the death of me,” Alex mumbled to himself as he began to sort through the paperwork on his desk.

45 minutes after his wife storms out of his office, Alex’s phone dings with a text from Meredith:

Operating in OR 3. Jo looks like shit.

Furrowing his eyebrows, Alex decided to check out what was happening for himself. After walking down towards the operating galleries, he quietly slipped into one above Meredith and Jo’s OR. He watched with piqued interest as Meredith worked on one side of the operating table and Jo stood almost catatonic on the other side.

“Jo, will you please go sit down,” Meredith’s voice boomed through the OR and the gallery above, her eyes moving momentarily to the woman across from her. “I can see you wincing in pain from here.”

“They’re Braxton Hicks, I’m fine,” Alex could hear Jo’s strained tone of voice even from so far away. “Can you please stop badgering me about this? I’m fine, I’m going to work until my due date just like I did last time.”

“Last time you went into labor five days after your due date and you pushed your body so far that I had to hook you up to an IV for three days after you had Harper,” Alex’s eyebrows raised at Meredith’s words, not knowing exactly what had happened after Harper had been born. “You need to take care of yourself and your baby Jo.”

Jo’s fingers moved from her side to the operating table, gripping it tightly as she took slow and deep breaths. Alex left the gallery, moving quickly to the OR with only Jo on his mind. When he reappeared in the scrub room, he watched his wife’s body curl in on itself as she tried to remain standing upright.

“Jo, get out of there,” Jo’s head whipped around at the sound of Alex’s voice, one hand pressed firmly against her stomach as she looked at him. “Come on, I’m not gonna ask again. You can barely stand up straight.”

Without much protest, Jo walked out of the OR and into the scrub room, ripping her mask and gown off before beginning to scrub her hands.

“I told you I’m fine Alex,” one of Jo’s hands slipped down to the edge of the metal sink, knuckles going white as she gripped tightly. “They’re just Braxton Hicks. You don’t need to pull me out of surgery for this.”

Alex looked from his watch back to Jo, resting his hand against her back as he fixed her with a serious stare, “That’s twice in the past six minutes that you’ve had to stop what you’re doing and clench your fists. I’m pretty sure you’re having contractions. Go home babe, please I’m begging you.”

Jo groaned, turning to Alex with an angry glint in her eye as she stared him down, “I’m not going home, I am fine and I’m going to keep working. So stop nagging me.”

Taking a deep breath, Alex watched as Jo dried her hands off and turned to leave the scrub room. He grimaced as he said his next words, knowing he would piss his wife off with them, “I’m sending you on maternity leave, effective immediately. As the Chief, not as your husband.”

Jo’s entire body stiffened, stopping a foot from the door and turning back towards Alex. The angry expression on her face grew tenfold and she looked up at Alex.

“Are you kidding me? Alex you can’t do that! I’m perfectly fine,” Jo’s voice was bordering on a scream as she pointed at Alex. “You can be concerned as my husband all day long, but you can’t use your Chief powers just because you don’t agree with what I’m doing.”

“You couldn’t even pick up a scalpel to cut in there, I’m trying to make sure you don’t end up giving birth to our kid in the middle of operating,” Alex threw his hands up, eyes narrowing at Jo. “I was perfectly content letting you stress yourself out until you just passed out from exhaustion so that maybe you’d learn a lesson, but the second you start putting other people’s jobs and lives on the line it becomes my problem as the Chief. Go home Jo and don’t come back until you're about to give birth.”

Eyes watering, Jo stormed out of the scrub room, slamming the door behind her. Running his hands down his face, Alex let a loud groan out. The last thing he’d wanted to do was upset Jo, but her stubborn nature made things extremely difficult to work around. He knew what he’d done was a low blow, but he also knew that she wouldn’t have stopped until something happened to her or their child.

It was almost 7o’clock when Alex pulled into the driveway of his and Jo’s home. Harper was fast asleep in the backseat, soft snores coming from her as Alex debated how terrible it would be if he just turned around and left. He knew Jo was going to be furious with him and he didn’t want to deal with it, but he’d promised her he would come back. He was done running and ruining things between them because he couldn’t handle a simple conversation.

Carefully grabbing Harper and the dinner he’d picked up, Alex made his way into the house as quietly as possible. He set dinner in the kitchen and got Harper into bed before he checked on Jo. Their house, which they’d only been in for four months, was quieter than he’d ever heard it. There were no excited giggles, no music playing, no showers running. The complete and utter silence was driving him insane as he slipped into the bedroom he shared with Jo.

She was laying in bed, on his side he noted, curled in on herself and clutching a pillow tightly. While it pained him to see her upset, he was glad that she’d at least been able to sleep for once. Jo had spent the past two nights tossing and turning in bed, sleep evading her as the baby in her womb did somersaults. Alex toed off his shoes before settling himself behind Jo, his hands running across her back as she slowly woke up.

“Mmm what time is it,” Jo slowly turned around to press her face against Alex’s chest as best as she could with her belly between them. “I feel like I slept for three days.”

“It’s almost 7 now, Harper is asleep and I have dinner downstairs from the Chinese place you like,” Alex’s voice was low and soft as he ran his hands down to Jo’s belly, feeling the swift movements of the baby inside waking up with their mom. Jo let out a contented groan as her fingers came up to the curls at the nape of Alex’s neck, her body instinctively moving closer towards him. “I’m sorry about what happened today, you know I’d never use my power as Chief if I didn’t have to. I’m just worried about you, I don’t want you to hurt yourself. And I know you can handle it all because you're a superhero, but please let me look after you for a little bit.”

A pang of sadness ran through Alex as he realized just how much he’d missed as he watched a few tears escape Jo’s eyes. He knew this hadn’t been easy for her, the past couple months since he’d shown up throwing her whole life for a loop, but he wanted to make it up to her, he didn’t want to hurt her again.

“Are you okay, you know pain wise? Baby still giving you a hard time,” a hard kick met Alex’s hand at his question, both he and Jo laughing at the interruption.

“Better than before, I’m not contracting anymore,” Jo sighed, fiddling with her wedding rings as she avoided looking up at Alex. “I’m sorry… you were right about me pushing myself too much. I was in a lot of pain earlier and I shouldn’t have gone into that surgery. And… I do need to take it easy. I’m so used to just powering through all the shit that gets thrown at me by myself, I didn’t have help last time and I was with Harper for two years by myself. I love you, so freaking much Alex, but when it comes to parenting I’m not used to having someone here to help.”

His lips pressed against her forehead, Alex held Jo tightly as he relished in the feeling of her in his arms, “I promise I’ll be here to help as much as I can. I’ll wake up every night if this kid has colic, no complaints.”

Jo chuckled, finally lifting her head and kissing Alex soundly. Her fingers wound their way back into his hair, one hand trailing down his body to rake across his chest.

“You know, sex is supposed to help induce labor,” a grin spread across Jo’s face as Alex laughed, dipping his head down to her neck.

“You keep that baby in there, I have a little while before my leave starts,” despite his words, Alex’s lips continued trailing down her neck, fingers following the hot trail he’d created. “Dinners gonna get cold.”

“That’s fine,” Jo’s voice was a moan as she pulled lightly at Alex’s hair. “Keep going, screw dinner.”

Alex is rounding his way back to his office when he sees her in the hospital again. He’d sent her on maternity leave just three days ago and she was already back, instantly raising his blood pressure. His wife had been relaxing, napping as much as she could between her manic cleaning spurts, but he could tell that she was itching to get back into the OR armed with a scalpel.

“Jo!”

Her head swivels towards him, one hand settling on to her burgeoning stomach as she begins to walk slowly toward him. Alex can already feel his anger rising, knowing that he’d probably caught Jo trying to weasel her way into a surgery.

“Hey, I just got here,” Jo breathed out as Alex stood in front of her. “Why are you glaring at me like I just ran over your dog?”

“You need to go home, I told you that you can’t operate,” Alex placed his hands on Jo’s shoulders, eyeing her warily as she furrowed her eyebrows. “You’re not about to trick me into letting you work just because you bat your eyelashes at me.”

“Alex, I-“

“No buts, you need to go home and rest,” Alex tried to push Jo back the way she came, but her feet stayed planted firmly on the ground. “Jo, let’s go.”

“Alex!”

He turns then, Jo’s hands gripping his arm that’s still settled on her shoulder. Her eyes are narrowed and her breathing is shallow as she stares up at him, looking almost as if she might slap him.

“If you don’t let me talk to you, I will give birth to your child in this hallway,” Jo squeezed Alex’s arm as she took a deep breath, eyes closing as she spoke through gritted teeth. “My water broke half an hour ago, that’s why I’m here.”

Eyes blown wide, Alex finally takes in Jo’s almost disheveled state and the annoyed expression on her face as she glared at him. Her fingers were gripping his arm, nails sinking into his skin even through his lab coat as she tried to remain composed.

“Oh shit okay, well let’s go then,” Alex pressed his hand against Jo’s back, leading her toward the maternity ward. “Wait, did you drive here? While you were in labor?”

“Let’s talk about that later, I’ve been having contractions since you left for work this morning,” Jo stopped Alex from walking further, head leaning against his shoulder as her breathing became shallow. “Jesus, I forgot how terrible this is. No more after this one, screw the extra bedrooms. I can’t push out another gigantic Karev baby.”

They slowly make their way down the halls and to the maternity ward, Jo stopping every few minutes to breathe through a contraction as Alex rubbed her back comfortingly. His gaze continued to float nervously to his watch, noticing how close Jo’s contractions were as they finally got settled into a room. Carina stepped into the room, greeting them both as she set up. “I swear if you tell me I can’t have drugs I might scream,” Jo pushed her face into Alex’s chest and let out a loud groan as Carina checked her, a laugh coming from the obstetrician. “What? Why are you laughing? That can’t be a good sign.” Looking from Jo to Carina, a grimace quickly formed on Alex's face as he realized that she’d come to the same conclusion he had on their walk over. Jo was too far along in her labor, probably almost ready to push.

“Well your bambino has a full head of hair,” Carina smiled up at Jo, standing and motioning for the nurse standing by the door to come in. “Your baby is ready, I’m sure you will feel the need to push any minute now.” Jo’s eyes moved to Alex nervously, her expression practically begging him to help her as she grumbled, “No way, I can’t do this again. I’m not gonna do it, Alex.”

Alex took in Jo’s teary eyes and her scared expression, his hand coming up to brush her hair away from her face. She’d told him last week that she hadn’t been scared to give birth again, but the expression on her face now read otherwise, he knew her well enough to see the fear pasted on her face.

“Hey, you got this, I know you do. You are the strongest person I know,” leaning down towards her, Alex pressed his lips to Jo’s forehead, fingers swiping away the tears staining her cheeks. “You kinda have to have this baby, but I’m here for you to squeeze my hand and yell at as much as you want. Okay?” “Okay,” Jo sniffled, one hand coming up to caress Alex’s cheek. “Okay let’s do it.” -

“Hey Harps! Come to daddy!” Alex Karev didn’t think he’d ever been happier to see his daughter before, the bouncing three year old jumping from Meredith’s grasp on her and running full speed towards him. He hadn’t realized how much she’d grown just in the few months he’d been home, but feeling the solid weight of her in his arms made him realize that Harper was growing faster by the day.

“Daddy, baby?,” Harper’s hazel eyes met Alex’s own, the glint behind them the same curious look he’d seen in Jo time and again.

“Yeah mommy had the baby, you wanna go see them,” Alex asked, eyes floating to Meredith, who wore a wide grin as she looked at the duo. “Come on, mama wants to see you!” Alex and Harper walked the short distance from the waiting room to Jo’s hospital room, both Karevs brimming with excitement as they neared the room. As he opened the door, Alex couldn’t help the way his heart fluttered at the sight of Jo cradling their newborn, their oldest settled on his hip.

“Hey sweet pea, come here,” Jo’s voice was barely above a whisper as she beckoned Alex and Harper closer to the bed. “You wanna come meet your baby sister?”

Harper eyed the baby in her mom’s arms, a full head of dark brown curls peeking out from the pink hat she wore. The older girl wasn’t sure about the baby, but she still settled into her mom’s side contentedly, one hand reaching out to stroke her sister's cheek. “This is your little sister Mila Alexandra, but you can just call her Mila. Can you say hi to her,” Alex looked on as Harper paid careful attention to Mila, her eyes watching the baby curiously as she stretched one tiny arm out of her swaddle to grab Harper’s finger. “I think she likes you.”

He hadn’t pictured this life, never thought he’d get a second chance to fix things with Jo. But staring at his wife and their two daughters, Alex couldn’t help but realize how incredibly lucky he was. He’d come back, he’d fixed things, and he knew that he was going to be leaving any of his girls anytime soon. Jo’s fingers reach up to brush back the already unruly curls from Mila’s face, her wedding rings catching the light from the window as she settles her hand on top of the newborn's chest.

“Why’re you standing over there? Come join us,” Jo motioned for Alex to come and sit with them, prompting him to settle Harper into his lap as he sat beside Jo. “You know, I’m happy you came back. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

“Well now you’ll never have to wonder.”

#alex karev #jo karev #jo wilson #jolex #jo x alex #jolex fanfic #jolex fic #greys anatomy #greys fanfic #hesitate #nina writes

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cicinicole-14 · 4 years ago

Note

I know you haven't even posted Part 2 yet but just for when you get to it ... and need to post Part 3.... feel free to use this ask hehe ! Just preempting ya know

jkyk anon, I’m gonna need at least 5 more of these asks, seeing as ive written through part 8 so far.

anyway, here’s part 3! its unedited bc we die like men…

“Alex.”

Her voice edges on surprise, but doesn’t quite match it, teetering on the verge of a warning almost as well. She’s genuinely confused seeing him leaning up against her car in the rain.

She unlocks it, ushering him to get in and out of the drizzling rain she knows is going to soon pick up.

He looks over at her with solemn brown eyes, and she can read him like a book, just as she’d always been able to once he’d let her past his walls.

She could see the immense amount of guilt swirling behind the friendly front he’s put up. She can see the regret in his eyes, and knows the hurt is evident in his chest as he looks down, breaking their eye contact.

“I’m sorry.” The first words he speaks to her as he reaches for her hand across the console, but she pulls away, not ready for that. Had it not been raining, she wouldn’t have even invited him in the car and would’ve made sure there was much more distance between them still, but alas.

“I don’t need your apologies, Alex.” She says softly. And it pains her to even speak to him.

“I know.” He replies back before taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.

The silence in the car hangs heavy over both of them, but neither are willing to break it yet. Jo has tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill over but she refuses to show even a slight sign of weakness by letting a tear fall in front of him.

Alex finally caves, facing forward, not sure if he could even do this while looking at Jo.

He’d given up everything for a notion of a happy life, and it had all fallen apart instantly. He’d given up his entire life and happiness at a notion of a life, that fell through cracks and ruined his joy.

He clears his throat before speaking.

“Izzie and I aren’t together.” He finally breaks the heavy silence. It’s enough to pull Jo out of her intense daze and look at him for the first time.

She can see from his profile view, the bags laying heavy around his eyes, the redness rimming them, and how hollow he looks compared to what she remembered.

It makes her feel sick and dread fills her chest, but she pushes it down before quickly looking away, staying silent, hoping he’d take it as a cue to continue.

He doesn’t. Whether it’s lack of not knowing what else to say or how to continue, or that was all he had to say, he remains silent.

“What do you want me to say, Alex? Come back home? Marry me, again? Let’s just be a happy family again and forget that you left me for your ex-wife and supposed children and moved halfway across the country without consulting me, your wife, first?”

She didn’t mean for it to come out so harsh, but things were still fresh and raw and she had a lot of hormones flowing through her at the moment. She was exhausted after her twelve hour shift and had just wanted to crawl into bed tonight and forget things for a while, but the universe obviously had other plans.

“No. I don’t expect you to take me back, but I just wanted to clear the air between us. I wanted you to know, and know how truly sorry I am for leaving like that. No one deserves to be broken up with, like that, especially you. It was a really crappy thing I did and I know that. Also, I want you to know that I’m fighting Izzie for custody of the kids. I currently have a two bedroom apartment in Kansas and split custody of the twins, but I'm fighting for full.”

Jo grips the steering wheel in her hands until her knuckles are turning white. “So you’re going to sue me for full custody of this baby too?”

“No.” Alex barely lets her finish her sentence before shutting her down. “No, Jo, I’d never do that to you. The fact that you’re telling me already, that we’re having a kid, makes me so happy. That even with how much you hate me, you’re still willing to tell me about this baby. Izzie––” He pauses. “Izzie deprived me of over five years of that with Eli and Lex. You’re––you’re still letting me in from the beginning. So thank you.”

Jo still sits, gripping the wheel, though this time the pressure is lighter as the color returns to her fingers. She stares at the tan line that had started fading from where her wedding rings used to lie.

She hates a lot of things at the moment, like how empty her ring finger feels without the weight of the rings. She hates how angry she is at the universe. She hates not having any control over her emotions at the moment, and hates that she can feel the tears starting to fall down her cheeks.

She hates a lot of things right now, but not Alex. Never Alex.

“I don’t hate you.” She says after a beat, managing to find her voice. It’s raw, wavering and barely audible but by the way Alex’s head lifts and his eyes meet her in slight surprise, she knows he heard it. “I hate a lot of things right now, but not you. I’m mad, angry, furious at you. I want to smack you upside the head and maybe punch you, but I don’t hate you. Especially after giving me something to be happy about among all my anger.”

Alex looks back down. “I don’t know what else to say.” He taps his foot lightly against the floorboards of the car.

Jo just nods subtly. She pauses before digging through her purse sitting on her lap, pulling out the folded sonogram picture and handing it to him. “Here, I have another copy.” She says, offering the olive branch.

Alex takes it, tentatively, staring down at the grainy photo.

“That’s a baby in there.” He says in slight shock still, a smile gracing his face.

Jo quietly stifles a laugh before shutting herself up. She looks up at him with teary eyes. “Our baby.” She says, ever so softly, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Yeah, our baby.” Alex echoes softly.

She can’t take the tense feeling in the car any longer and she pulls it into reverse. “What hotel are you at?” She says, clearing her throat and pushing back her tear-filled voice, trying to sound as normal as she can manage as she turns around checking her surrounding areas for other vehicles in the parking lot.

The drive to the hotel is silent as Jo keeps her eyes on the road and focuses on the blades of the wipers going back and forth as she pulls up to the building. She puts the car into park and waits for Alex to unbuckle and exit.

He ducks out of the car, and just as he’s shutting the door, he looks back at her, back at Jo, the woman he loves with everything in him, and smiles. “It was never going to work with Izzie because my heart still belongs to someone else, Jo. I still love you.”

Jo looks up from the steering wheel just as Alex shuts the door and turns, heading into the lobby of the hotel.

She watches as the man who once owned her heart walked off, leaving her swirling with emotions. She rests her head on the back of her hands on the wheel, letting the tears finally freely fall, once again, not sure what to feel at this moment.

oop so, Alex still loves her…wbk… wonder what’s happening next? what are y’alls thoughts? what about the twins? Izzie? is jo going to take him back? cant wait to hear what y’all think! and if there’s anything you’d really like to see in this story/series lmk, I can work it in here, or maybe in a oneshot for the verse. :D

#jolex #jolex fic #jolex miniseries #tell the world im coming home #cici writes

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chanbangblog · 5 years ago

Text

ive only felt religion when ive lied with you- 1

A/N: (smut, Chan x reader, Canon compliant, fan/idol)

The sun peeped in at you through the small slit in the curtains. Your eyes fluttered open and then closed again. You laid there in a beautiful mix of sleep and awake when suddenly you realized you were late for work. You sat up and became perplexed at your surroundings, this was definitely not your room.

Wait, where am I… you started to wonder.

You looked over to see Robyn lying next to you, still asleep looking quite peaceful and hugging her Chimmy plushie. Then you realized you weren’t at home, and this wasn’t just any day, this was the day you were going to meet Stray Kids.

Your heart began to speed up at your sudden realization. You looked around the room and empty cans of hard cider littered the bedside table. Last night’s pad Thai was sitting on the dresser, probably harboring god knows how many bacteria after sitting out at room temperature all night. You felt a tinge of nausea at the thought of it, or any food for that matter.

Oh god. Am I going to be able to eat today? I have to eat, I’ll never be able to stand in line and make it through the concert if I don’t eat. Let alone have the strength to survive MEETING THEM at hi-touch.

You pushed your hair behind your ears, closed your eyes and focused on your breathing.

Not today, anxiety. It’s too early for this bullshit.

Your therapist had taught you to talk to your anxiety like it was a person. Speaking of him, God bless that man for listening to you over the past several months preparing for this day. You had drilled him for an endless amount of coping mechanisms in order make sure that you, quite literally, didn’t faint when you met the nine boys who seemingly occupied your every thought.

You rolled out of bed as cautiously as you could, so you didn’t wake Robyn. You walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Your hair was stuck to the side of your head and you had sleep still in the corners of your eyes. You decided to take a shower and think about what to have for breakfast.

The hot water beat into your skin and steam began to fill the bathroom. You inhaled deeply. Trying to focus on the present and not psych yourself out about the night ahead.

You’re just giving them a high five. Hundreds of fans will get to do the same. They definitely won’t remember you, you’ll blend in with the millions of other girls who are desperately in love with them.

This thought calms you for a moment. Being rational in situations of stress wasn’t particularly your strong suit, so you were happy with this little victory.

When you got out of the shower you checked your phone. You had several notifications from Instagram from realstraykids. Hyunjin was posting selfies and talking about being excited for the concert tonight. Swiping through the pictures he took with other members, Chris got your attention. His hair was a golden blonde and was starting to grow so long, it looked like a borderline mullet with the way it was styled.

“Chris with a mullet steals my soul!!!!” you commented on the picture and then put your phone away.

You walked back into the room and Robyn was awake. You took one look at her and burst into the most high pitched squeal you could manage.

Well. Being calm was nice while it lasted.

“Good god, y/n. Are you gonna be like this all day?” Robyn asked, already looking done with your shit.

Robyn didn’t originally stan Stray Kids. You introduced them to her after you got the tickets. You had been to kpop concerts with her in the past so she seemed like the obvious choice to go with you. You had invited Robyn over a couple months ago and had a “hard intro to Stray Kids” Youtube watching session. Which had included videos like “stray kids on crack” and “a super shitty and unhelpful guide to stray kids.” She eventually chose two biases, Minho and Jisung. When she had told you later that night you were overjoyed because you had predicted who she would bias.

“NO WAY!!!!” you had screeched, “I texted my friend earlier and predicted you would bias them! Just so I could show you when I was right!”

What could you say, you love Robyn, but she has a certain type that always wrecks her. Pretty baby faces and strong vocals. You couldn’t blame her though, they were both an excellent choice.

You snapped back to the present.

“Uh no. I’m calm, I just, uh… yeah I’m gonna be like this all day.” You confessed.

Thank God I have a friend brave enough to put up with me.

The morning went by faster than you thought it would. You all ordered breakfast and spent the morning watching Jinyoung’s new kdrama. You wanted to get to the venue early-ish because even though you had good tickets, you were still GA and didn’t want to be shoved completely to the back of your section.

You had spent months picking the perfect outfit that you would feel confident in to meet them. It was May so you weren’t sure about the weather, but you decided to bank on it being hot outside. You chose a sleeveless shirt that was metallic gold, with a bow that tied around the front and buttoned down. You had also chosen a skort set that looked like a black mini-skirt but actually had shorts underneath and low-top combat boots to complete the look. You curled your hair and tried to give it as much volume as possible. Not that it would matter, you knew it would be matted to your head with sweat by the end of the concert. But hey, you gotta look good for the pics for the ‘gram, right?

You arrived at the venue and was baking outside under the morning sun, it was sweltering, you didn’t expect this for May. Your skin was baking under the late spring sun. You definitely had a sunburn and had only been in line for an hour.

Why on Earth did I wear a tank top...I’m not gonna be able to raise my arm to high five them without the smell knocking them down!

Suddenly an image of Jeongin falling backward at the smell of your body odor made you laugh out loud. You could see the headlines now, “kpop fangirl’s body odor causes singer to faint.” I mean, it would be hilarious, mortifying, but hilarious.

The concert was a blur, as always. You sang along to all the words you knew and your voice felt hoarse towards the end. You couldn’t believe how close you were to them. The venue was much smaller than you had anticipated. The light was shining off of them and their sweat made them glisten. You were so close you could see their muscles rippling under their denim when they danced.

Felix began talking to the fans about how much he loves us and wants to keep performing well for us. Felix and Changbin are my biases so I was completely engulfed in his cute Aussie accent being spoken 40 feet from me. It was almost too much. The members were fanned out across the stage while he talked and Chris drifted over to the side I was on. The girls and boys around me went wild trying to speak to him but he probably couldn’t hear them.

Rude. My baby Felix is having a moment and y’all are acting like idiots trying to talk over him.

Robyn elbowed me hard in the rib.

“Y/n,” she breathed, “Chris is staring in our direction.”

You looked over and locked eyes with him. You froze. You always thought you knew what you would do if you came face to face with one of your idols. But you were wrong. You didn’t feel the way you had predicted at all. You thought your knees would buckle. You thought you would scream or perhaps cry. But you didn’t. You couldn’t describe the feeling that came over you under his gaze. You couldn’t describe it other than feeling totally confident and empowered for the first time in a long time. You realized you needed to react before he looked away so you winked and attempted to look sexy. Then he raised an eyebrow at you, kept your gaze and went back to get in line for the next song.

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT! WHY DID I WINK? WHO DOES THAT OH MY GOD.

You were going though it inside and Robyn could tell.

“Um, what was that?? Girl, you just had an interaction with him!” Robyn whispered in your ear.

You looked around and none of the concert-goers around you seemed to notice. No one was looking at you. You began to wonder if you imagined it. Your cheeks were burning a fiery red and your stomach felt like it was being assaulted with a swarm of butterflies.

How am I going to face him at hi-touch after that?? God y/n you were supposed to try to blend in.

You told your inner voice to fuck off, just like your therapist had taught you. But the rest of the concert, you couldn’t keep your eyes off Chris.

You were standing in line for hi-touch and your knees were buckling. You felt like your entire body was on edge and your insides were being electrocuted.

“You’re going to pass out if you keep holding your breath, y/n.” Robyn quietly reminded you. You suddenly realized you had been holding your breath.

“How did I get here? Maybe we should just run.” You said in a panicked voice.

Robyn looked you up and down like you had just spoken another language.

“Y/n, we’re not being marched to our deaths, we’re meeting this band that you have been obsessing over for months! Get it together! Breathe!” Robyn said while starting to shake you.

She’s right. What the hell is wrong with you. You paid so much money for these tickets and your bank account is still recovering. You’re doing this.

The line was starting to move faster than you would like. You got closer and closer to where you knew the boys were standing. You saw them in the distance and suddenly realized how tall they were in real life. You should’ve anticipated this since you already knew you were shorter than the shortest member.

They’re just people. They’re just boys. You talk to boys all the time.

You started to calm down. Until you locked eyes with Chris in the distance.

What was it about his gaze that made you take on a totally different attitude and mindset? Five seconds earlier you were contemplating running again. Now it felt like all of Earth’s gravity was holding you here in this one spot, like this was the only place you were ever supposed to be at this moment in time. You felt confident under his gaze, you felt bold.

You’re still not sure what possessed you, but you broke the gaze to start searching through your purse. You found a receipt and quickly ripped a small piece of the end. The line was moving and you were forced to walk while ransacking your purse. You finally found a pen. You tried to be as nonchalant as you could so you didn’t attract attention from other fans.

As sneakily as you could, you quickly scribbled: Kakao y/n0325.

Good god, why did I put their debut date in my name on there…I’m such a psycho. That’s so embarrassing.

But you didn’t have time to ponder on that because it was almost your turn. You didn’t have a plan. You didn’t know how you were going to get this to him without being noticed, but you did know that it felt right and you wanted to do it. Chris was the last member in the lineup.

Woojin was first. You had already planned out what you were going to say to each of them. You got up to him and his chocolate brown hair was gleaming in the fluorescence. Your hands met and you felt your mind go blank, he was smiling at you as you grappled with your words in your head.

“YOUR VOICE IS LIKE HONEY,” you blurted out, half-yelling at the poor man.

He just laughed and said thank you as you moved on.

Minho was looking at you smiling with his hand up. You didn’t struggle as long with finding words this time.

“I’m so proud of you, I love you to death,” You said as you passed by.

He laughed and said thank you in the cutest accent you’ve ever heard.

Changbin was next. Your bias, which made your thoughts become even more erratic than they had been before. You just started smiling uncontrollably and said “Hiiiiii, I love you Changbinnie” and he looked back at you fondly and said he loved you too.

You were face to face with Hyunjin before you realized it and my, was he good looking, it was like an angel was literally standing in front of you.

“You’re even cuter in person,” you said as fast as you could while touching hands with him. He just laughed and nodded in response.

You couldn’t think of anything else, your mind was at overload when you met Felix, Jisung, Jeongin and Seungmin. So you just told them you loved them as fast and as many times as you could.

When you got to Chris, you finally looked up at him and felt a shiver rip through your core. Your heart felt like it had dropped into your stomach. You felt like you were in an elevator that was falling down with reckless abandon. You raised your right hand up to give him a high five. Your hand was empty. But at the last second you switched and raised your left hand up as quickly as you could and the piece of paper was between your hands. You moved your hand slightly so he could feel it and finally spoke.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, but this just isn’t long enough.” You said with all the confidence you could muster.

His eyes sparked as he realized what you were doing. He moved his hand and quickly closed it and put it in his pocket.

“Oh yes, I agree,” he said, very coolly with that unmistakable smile that he always shows the world. The smile that you had become so fond of over the last several months. The smile that gave fans hope all around the world and now, at this moment, he was smiling because of you.

For the second time that night, Robyn looked at you in disbelief as you rounded the corner in the hall way exiting the venue.

“Y/n, you’re the smoothest human alive,” she said with a shocked expression on her face.

You suddenly busted into cackling laughter. It overwhelmed you and wracked your body. Bubbling up from your core. You couldn’t control it. You’re sure you were unnerving everyone near you with your maniacal laughter. Everyone knows, nothing comes good after maniacal laughter. You laughed until your abdominal muscles ached, and tears were spilling down your cheeks.

“That was the best time of my life,” you said in between bouts of laughter.

Robyn started laughing too and you two called a cab to head back to your hotel.

You tried not to dwell on your interaction with Chris. He had been nice and a bit flirty, but he was like that with all Stays. You had watched countless youtube compilations of your idols flirting with fans. It was normal. It was nothing special. That’s what you told yourself when you arrived back in your hotel room and your heart was still fluttering in your chest, refusing to return to its normal pace.

Hey, I’m going at my own pace, Chris would at least be proud of that.

You suddenly started laughing again at your own thoughts and told Robyn you were getting in the shower. She was probably very thankful for this, after the events of the day and the copious amounts of sweat you had shed. You turned on your slow kpop playlist and once again let the steam fill up the room while the water beat down on you. You put your head up against the tile wall of the shower and let the water envelop you.

I had an interaction with Chris. Fans have interactions with their idols all the time at concerts. He was very charismatic, you already knew that. Stop overthinking it and just be happy you made these memories with them, y/n.

Your heart rate began to slow and you focused on the water and the steady hum the shower made. Tomorrow you and Robyn were going into the city and it was going to be a good day. You were going to have a good day with your friend and recount concert memories. Life was good.

You stepped out of the shower and grabbed your phone to turn off the playlist. Butterfly by BTS was playing and you were about to sing along for a few words when you checked your notifications.

You had a few comments on your Instagram posts but your eyes glazed over when you saw what was next.

A notification from Kakao, a notification from none other than Christopher Bang himself.

#bang chan x reader #skz smut #skz fics #stray kids smut #stray kids fics #bang chan fic #bang chan smut

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whump-tr0pes · 5 years ago

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Whumptober day 30

I swear I’m gonna make that masterpost as soon as Whumptober is done. I have stuff, y’all...so much stuff in the works...

Continuing for David & Nia. Read shaky hands, gunpoint, dragged away, isolation, stab wound, shackled, scars, humiliation, “don’t move”, adrenaline, tear-stained, pinned down, “stay with me”, muffled scream, asphyxiation, trembling, laced drink, hallucination, bleeding out, secret injury, stitches, abandoned, ransom, beaten, numb

AO3

cw: relatively graphic mention/description of past rape and torture, panic attack, dissociation, flashbacks, brief mention on noncon drugging. I’ll add a keep reading thingy

Prompt: recovery

David rolled over on the pull-out couch in the hospital room. It was far from comfortable, and he still hadn’t slept in his own bed since Graylan called him three days ago. But he wasn’t leaving Nia’s side.

He opened his eyes. The room was dark, with lights from the hallway shining in through the window. The monitors taking Nia’s vitals were quiet. His eyes settled on her face and he realized her eyes were open, watching him too.

He smiled. “Hey love,” he whispered.

“Hey.” She smiled back.

“How’re you doing?” She weakly reached out a hand towards him. He got up off the couch and sat on the edge of the hospital bed. He stroked her face.

“I’m feeling ok. I wanted…” She painfully moved over on the bed. “I wanted you to…I want to…” She patted the bed with her hand. “Please.”

He pulled the blankets back and crawled into bed with her. The wires and IVs got in the way of him sweeping her up into his arms. She cuddled against him, her hand winding in his shirt.

He smoothed her hair away from her forehead and pressed a kiss there. She hummed with contentment. He pulled her head back so he could see her face. “What do you want from me right now?”

She searched his face. He looked calm. Open. The David I love. “I want…” She manipulated his arm around her so he was holding her, his hand pressed against her back. “I want you to hold me. Just please don’t…” Her lips trembled. “Please don’t touch me below the waist. I don’t want…” Her eyes began to fill with tears.

“Ok.” He pressed another kiss against her forehead. She squeezed her eyes shut, sending the tears down her face and into the pillow. He wiped them away with his thumbs. He trailed his fingers lightly over her arm between the two stab wounds. He cupped her face and touched his forehead to hers. He breathed her in, here and alive. She breathed him in, too. He smelled like home in the middle of the hospital.

More tears began to roll down her cheeks as he held her. When she sniffled, David opened his eyes and looked at her. “What is it?” he asked gently.

Nia whimpered. “I don’t know how to recover from this.” David understood she wasn’t talking about her physical injuries. “My leg will…it’ll heal, I’ll walk on it. My ribs will heal. The bruises will go away and eventually I’ll just have a few scars. But…” Her chest heaved gently and tears ran down her face. “How do I…” David tightened his arms around her. “I hear his voice in my head. I hear him telling me I’m weak and that he’s going to kill me. I can’t…stop…” She shook her head. “He tortured me and I…even after I broke, long after I broke, he just kept asking questions, he waterboarded me until I thought I was drowning… He…beat me…with a nightstick.” David swallowed hard. “And his belt. He threatened me…” She screwed her eyes shut. “He whispered in my ear about how he was going to kill me, how I was going to die alone, how he…” She coughed, her chest rattling faintly with pneumonia. Her gaze was far away. “I can still smell him on me. Every now and then I’ll move and I’ll…smell him and for a moment I think he’s still hurting me…” Her chest heaved with a sob. “He raped me…so many times, David…” David’s tears began to soak into the pillow, too. “I thought I was going to die from it. He used me and fucked me again and again and again…” Her stomach heaved and she gagged at the memory. She shook her head and pressed her face into David’s chest. “And Carson, too. He wanted me and Graylan gave me to him…he held me down and…” She hiccoughed. “They just…took turns. One right after the other. I kept hoping they’d get bored or not be able to get it up or just…I kept hoping I would just die. They interrogated me that way…fucked me harder if I didn’t give them names.” David whimpered. Tears were pouring down his face. He tried to clear his throat. “He…hung me by the handcuffs on my wrists and fucked me against the wall. He didn’t even want information that time. He just…wanted…me… I begged him so many times to just let me die…” Her whole body shuddered. “But he…kept…hurting me…” Her eyes were glazed over.

She’s reliving it right now. “Nia.” David shook her shoulders. “Nia. Come back to me. You’re not there, you’re here with me. Nia.” He shook her harder. “Nia.” Her eyes focused on his face. “There you go. You’re not there. It’s a memory. It’s not happening right now. Can you tell me something you feel right now?”

Her eyes were wide. “I feel him…fucking me…I feel him…”

“No.” David turned Nia’s head so she could see the hospital room. “Look at where you’re at right now. Where are you right now?”

Nia’s voice was shaking. “Hospital…”

“Tell me what you see.”

“I see…” She swallowed hard.

“Tell me five things you see.”

“I…” Her eyes were blurry with tears. “I see. The couch. I see. The window. I see.” She looked around. “The table. I see. The monitors. I see. The sign.”

“Good. Now four things you feel.”

“I…feel…” She ran her hand over the blankets. “This blanket. I feel...you.” She latched onto his shirt. “I feel…” She faltered and began to sob.

“What is it?”

“I feel him, still. I feel his hands on me, I feel the cuts, I feel the bruises. I feel him…torturing me.” She shook her head helplessly. “How do I stop feeling that?”

David took her hand, holding it between both of his. “I don’t know,” he whispered with finality. He pressed her palm against his chest. “I don’t know.”

She sobbed quietly. He held her as she trembled.

She whispered against his chest. “It was just…misery, David. I don’t understand…how he could hate me so much…how he could do that to me…” He stroked her hair. “There was nothing but pain. I felt so…helpless…” Rage burned in her throat. “If I wasn’t already injured maybe I could have…” Her hand curled into a fist.

Something occurred to David. “How did he capture you in the first place? You don’t…you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

She tried to think back. More dreams. “I think…I remember getting home and feeling really sick. I was gonna call you and ask you to take me to the ER. I think…” It’s good to see you, Nia. She swallowed hard. “Carson was…in my house…” Her hands started to shake. “Graylan said they put a sedative in my drink at work and waited for me to drive home and took me then…”

David paled. “He put something in your drink at the agency?”

It was becoming clearer. “Yes. I remember…” Think we should gag her, too? She shuddered at the sound of Carson’s voice in her head. Fuuuuck man. You can’t tell me that isn’t fucking hot. “There was…” You’re a sick fuck, Carson. “…there were two. Carson and someone else.”

“Do you think you’d be able to pick him out of a lineup?”

Her forehead wrinkled. “Do you have suspects?”

David pressed his lips into a line. “No, but we ID’ed Graylan’s entire entourage. I could show you pictures of the dossiers.”

She swallowed and nodded. “Ok.” I can do it.

“We’ll figure out how to keep you safe once you leave the hospital. Right now I just want to make sure you’re recovering well.” He pulled her closer to him. “I’ll have Tom send over a trauma counselor, catch this while it’s fresh. And we could...” He pressed his fingers into her back. “We could start you on meds. To take the edge off, help with the nightmares. We’ll get you through it, ok?”

She gazed up at him and nodded. “Ok.”

He wound his arms around her. “I love you, so much.”

She relaxed into his arms. “I love you, too.”

@whumptober2019

@untilthepainstarts

@womping-grounds

@justplainwhump

FINAL CHAPTER

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adriannaelle · 5 years ago

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Treehouse and Chill

The Simpsons reached another milestone this year with the recent airing of its thirtieth “Treehouse of Horror” special which, coincidentally, is the show’s 666th episode. While certainly not the best installment of this annual series, “Treehouse of Horror XXX” was pretty funny. Still, even the funniest jokes in this episode pale in comparison to some of the classic “Treehouse of Horror” specials. To this day, iconic segments such as “The Shinning”, “The Devil and Homer Simpson”, “Nightmare Cafeteria”, and “Citizen Kang” are still hard to top.

So, in honor of Halloween, thirty years of scary tales, and 90’s nostalgia, I want to briefly discuss my favorite five episodes of the Treehouse of Horror series. As always, ranking articles like these are subjective and are based on personal taste. Therefore, I don’t care if you nor yo’ mama thinks “Treehouse of Horror III” was trash. It’s still going on this list!

Alright, let us continue.

Honorable Mentions: “Treehouse of Horror II”, “Treehouse of Horror VIII”, and “Treehouse of Horror X”

Number Five: “Treehouse of Horror VII” (Season 8, Episode 1; 1996)

Although “The Thing and I” was a strong first segment, I enjoyed it least in “Treehouse of Horror VII”. Don’t get me wrong, I thought the story was pretty funny, I just like the second and third stories better. However, I do have a bone to pick with the ending of “The Thing and I”. Instead of confining Bart to the attic, why not keep both Hugo and Bart around after they discovered Bart was the evil twin? I mean, the family already lived with Bart for 10 years. They might as well kept the mistake going.

“The Genesis Tub” was amusing. It may be the creative in me, but I really enjoy the concept of creating your own world and overseeing it. Still, I felt the ending of “The Genesis Tub” was a bit abrupt. I feel like the writers could have done so much more with the concept of Lisa creating and ruling her own Universe. Maybe she could have assaulted Bart with more fighter pilots. Maybe she could have built a massive ray gun a la the ray gun seen in “Citizen Kang”. The ideas are limitless.

Speaking of “Citizen Kang”, this story is one of my favorites in the entire Treehouse of Horror series. It's a brilliant satirical take on elections in the United States and the country’s politicians. I especially like how the writers make fun of our ridiculous two-party system. Like really, are our only choices between a drooling, Gangreen Gang, cyclops squid, and his twin sister? Ross Perot should have brought up Kang’s and Kodos’ emails. That always works.

Number Four: “Treehouse of Horror III” (Season 4, Episode 5; 1992)

Akin to my feelings about “Treehouse of Horror VII”, I’m only a big fan of two of the three segments in “Treehouse of Horror III”. “King Homer” was just a’ight to me. Granted, the segment did have a great exchange between Mr. Smithers and Mr. Burns about the former’s distaste of seamen and women mixing. Yet overall, I didn’t get a kick out of this story as much as I did the other two.

“Clown Without Pity” is a parody of the lauded Twilight Zone episode “Living Doll”. This segment had its share of funny jokes, particularly the line from Patty about losing the remaining thread of her heterosexuality after seeing Homer horrifically run through the house butt naked. I also like how the key to turning off the Krusty doll’s murderous rage, is switching the lever from “evil” to “good”. Like, what happens if the lever accidentally switches back? What if it breaks and he gets stuck on “evil”? Take the doll back and get a refund! Like, what are y’all doing?!

Finally, there is “Dial ‘Z’ for Zombie”. No matter how self-aware I am about the absurdity of my kinemortophobia (fear of zombies), I still have it. That is why I hated this segment as a child. But as a grown woman, I find this story very funny. It’s a pretty simple zombie story, but the jokes strewn throughout are what make it a highlight of the series. The joke about Homer being immune to the zombies because he lacks brains is one that stands out in particular. Also, what are George Washington, Albert Einstein, and William Shakespeare even doing in Springfield?

Number Three: “Treehouse of Horror IV” (Season 5, Episode 5; 1993)

Choosing between “Treehouse of Horror IV” and “Treehouse of Horror V” as my second favorite episode of the series was the hardest. Ultimately, I prefer V ever so slightly over IV, but IV is a heavyweight in its own right. “The Devil and Homer Simpson” shows just how far our dimwitted protagonist is willing to go to get his favorite, sugary snack. You got to be desperate as all hell to sell your soul for a donut! Other than Homer’s enjoyment of his ironic punishment, the best part of the segment is the trial itself. The Devil’s voir dire game is trash. How do you select the jury and still lose the case? Never hire this man for anything.

“Terror at 5 ½ Feet” is yet another hilarious spin on an old Twilight Zone classic. This parody of “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” stays true to the basic horror elements and story structure as the original tale, but, of course, adds its own Simpsons brand of humor to it. However, unlike the original, Bart is still tormented by the gremlin after he’s hauled off to the psych ward. Side note, Ned Flanders really took a lot of L’s in this episode.

I’ve never seen nor read the original Dracula, so I do not know how faithful “Bart Simpson’s Dracula” is to the original story. Well, I guess that doesn’t really matter here because this story is so funny and scary that it holds your attention from beginning to end. From the super happy fun slide that leads to the vampires in the basement to Homer staking Mr. Burns (Burnscula?) in the crotch, this story provides many laughs that make this story a classic. Also, the plot twist that Marge (Margecula?) is really the head vampire is funny as hell. Sorry if that was a spoiler but in fairness, this episode is 26 years old now.

Number Two: “Treehouse of Horror V” (Season 6, Episode 6; 1994)

“Treehouse of Horror V” is solid from beginning to end. “The Shinning” is firmly in my top five list of favorite Treehouse of Horror segments. This segment has several hilarious moments, from Homer taking three days to make the voyage to the cabin due to his forgetfulness to the blood not getting off at the right floor, to that scene where the complete lack of television and beer made Homer go . . . something . . . hmm. Well, anyway, I can definitely say that every time I watch “The Shinning”, I’m feelin’ fine.

“The Shinning” is not the only highlight of this episode. Homer’s time-traveling escapade in “Time and Punishment” introduced us to numerous interesting alternative timelines that ultimately drove Homer to a pure state of “IDGAF” at the end. Still sucks that he missed out on that donut rain. That timeline would have smacked!

This episode’s final segment, “Nightmare Cafeteria”, truly is the stuff of nightmares. I mean, it’s super funny now that I’m grown, but this segment used to legitimately scare me as a child. It also didn’t help that I was a fat kid. Like, imagine living your best life and then the next moment, you’re Ms. Wilson’s Fried Adri. Woo, chile.

Number One: “Treehouse of Horror” (Season 2, Episode 3; 1990)

It’s often said that nothing beats the original, and in the case of Treehouse of Horror episodes, this sentiment rings true. The very first Treehouse of Horror is the greatest episode of the series. One of the highlights of this episode is the dulcet baritone of James Earl Jones as the mover, Serak the Preparer, and the narrator of “The Raven”.

The first segment “Bad Dream House” is a comedic spin on the classic haunted house movie trope. The quintessential 80s style horror music that accompanies the story throughout greatly adds to the mood of the piece without overdoing it. The conclusion of “Bad Dream House” is what makes this story so funny. The house destroys itself rather than live with the Simpsons. I don’t know what it feels like to be curved by a house, but it must make you feel all kinds of insecure.

“Hungry Are the Damned” is our first introduction to Treehouse staples Kang and Kodos. It is also our introduction to the sorely missed Serak the Preparer, who definitely needs to return at least once in this series. This segment parodies the classic Twilight Zone episode “To Serve Man” and gives us a humorous plot twist at the end. I suppose this episode also serves as a sort of origin story of Kang’s and Kodos’ beef with mankind because this is the only episode where they are genuinely nice. Dang, all Lisa had to do was sit down and eat her food. Literally.

Finally, there is “The Raven”, which is absolutely my favorite segment in any Treehouse of Horror Episode. What I like most about “The Raven” is how the crew manages to add comedy to the piece without losing any of the mystique of Edgar Allen Poe’s riveting poetry. It also made this poem a bit easier to understand, which I greatly appreciate. It’s a refined piece of television without the pompousness of the bourgeois. In short, I like it.

Honestly, no matter which of the thirty Treehouse of Horror episodes you like best, all are great for watching on Halloween for squeamish, easy-to-scare people like me. So for those of us who aren’t bravely equipped to watch the more realistic, gory, and scary productions, I highly recommend binge-watching these episodes for some softer scary vibes and lots of laughs.

#the simpsons #treehouse of horror #halloween #kang and kodos #kang #kodos #rigel 7 #homer simpson #bart simpson #lisa simpson #marge simpson #ned flanders #opinion

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xtheseviolentdelightsx · 5 years ago

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Out Of The Blue

Chapter 1: Mornings at the No Doze Cafe

One of Blue’s favorite things in the entire world was her ability to walk into the No Doze coffee shop at five a.m. every…single…morning and have a mocha waiting on the counter for her with the name Doc lovingly scribbled on the side, along with her usual everything bagel and cup of yogurt. It was a truly beautiful way to start the day even when the days stretched out so long that they ran into one another.

“Morning Ash.”

She greeted her best friend with a warm smile, and no she wasn’t her best friend just because she happened to be a caffeine dealer.

“Morning Blue.”

Ashley smiled back as she looked up from stocking the front display case with decadent pastries in an array of colors that just made you kind of happy to look at.

Blue was convinced that heaven itself had sent Ashley to her in the form of a freshman roommate at Harvard. Ash was her first true friend and over time had become her sister by choice. Like many of her overachieving classmates Ash had opted their junior year to start her own business while still attending classes. Her valiant attempt at a coffee empire came in the form of the No Doze café which had inevitably become their new home. Blue had spent as many hours studying here as she had at the library and had drank her weight in coffee a rather embarrassing amount of times. Now that Blue was in the second year of her residency program she didn’t get to spend as much time here as she would like and found herself seriously missing quality time with Ash.

“What’s today Blue?”

Ash was looking her up and down, openly assessing her appearance.

“Day one.”

Blue stifled a yawn.

“I knew you looked a little less like the walking dead. How many hours last week?”

“One hundred and eight.”

Blue tugged at her chestnut curls in order to tighten her ponytail.

“It’s the scrubs that gave it away, right? The fact that they’re clean?” She snarked, green eyes glittering with amusement.

“Is this primitive torture really necessary in this day and age? I thought hazing was illegal or at least seriously frowned upon and it just seems like an awful kind of hazing. I launched a business while going to school and worked less hours.”

Ash leaned her hip against the counter, arms folded, the picture of indignation on Blue’s behalf.

It touched Blue’s heart that Ash worried about her health and well-being, she’d never had that before, someone to care and it meant the world to her.

“You’re not wrong. I’m not sure how performing medicine while propping yourself up by IV stand is a good idea but some traditions refuse to die, no matter how many times you try to stab them to death. Some ass of a Doctor probably resuscitated the tradition while it was trying to bleed out.” She finished with a half shrug and a grin.

“Only one more year, right?”

“Four hundred and eighty-three days, not that I’m counting.”

The quiet laughter behind her made Blue turn.

“Oh, my apologies, didn’t mean to hold y’all up.”

“No hurry. I think you might need your caffeine fix more than we do Doc and that’s saying something.” The striking man smirked at her.

“Morning coffee buddy.”

“Thanks Clint, that means a lot coming from you. I know your coffee habits, I live them. Good morning.” Blue grinned and turned back to pick up her order. As she grabbed her coffee Ashley planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Good luck, try to fit in some sleep.”

“Yes mom,” Blue replied affectionately.

Ashley and Blue were used to the Avengers coming in at this point, they’d become regulars over the course of the last year. Even though they were daily flyers, Blue and Ash privately agreed that what they’d never adjust to was just how beautiful the heroes were in person. It was obnoxious really; genetics did not play fair.

Clint was the most frequent patron, often in multiple times a day. Sam, Steve and the rather intimidating Sergeant Barnes were in most mornings after their run. Others were less predictable. They figured it had to be a mix of the good coffee and the distance that brought them in, they were less likely to run into reporters or fans here. Whatever their reasons, every single damn one of them looked like a cover model and had the audacity to look that good whether it was five in the morning or midnight. On the days Blue drug herself in feeling like a certified zombie, that was seriously annoying, particularly as two of them tended to make her heart beat a little faster and she sure as hell didn’t have time for any of that nonsense.

Blue fell into the comfy, overstuffed chair at her favorite table. She then engaged in the last part of her morning ritual where she tuned out the world and spent exactly twenty free, joyous minutes reading something that was neither for school nor work. It was always a mystery novel of some flavor and this weeks was Hardcore Twenty-Four by Janet Evonivich. Interruptions to this beloved ritual were rare but this morning the quiet clearing of a throat caused her to look up.

“My apologies mam.”

Came in the form of a low rumble that threatened to make her toes curl. Blue knew he wasn’t an Angel but when she looked up at Steve Rogers, it was just a very little bit like looking into heavenly light.

“Hi Steve. What’s up?” Came out of her mouth but her internal monologue was busy running off the rails… “I am almost done with med school. I absolutely do not have time to date. He isn’t interested anyways; he’s just being nice. He’s really so very nice and kind and it would be so easy to talk to him…BUT every woman in the world probably throws themselves at his feet, with good reason, but I can do better than that, be better. I can be his friend. My pulse is not racing, my eyes will not dilate and the dopamine in my system will stay put. Friends are good. Be cool Blue.”

“Is it any good?” He gestured to the book. “I’ve picked up a couple I’ve seen you with but realized as a connoisseur it… well it would be nice to get your opinion before I bought them.” He finished with a smile and a small shrug.

“Mystery fan?” Did he just admit that he’d been watching her for weeks? That can’t be right. It’s just a coincidence, they frequent the same coffee shop, they both love mysteries. He was noticing her books not her.

Steve nodded. “I love a good read.”

Blue canted her head to the side. “You know…I never go back to them. Why don’t I just pass on the good ones when I finish one?” See she could be a good friend, that was definitely an offer a friend would make.

“Are you sure? I mean that would be really great, I would seriously appreciate it.”

He ran a hand through his hair and Blue could almost swear it was a nervous gesture. That was a funny thought though, him nervous talking to a little street waif like her, highly unlikely. On the other hand, if she were standing right now, her knees would maybe be a little weak.

“Mhhmm, no problem, I’d be happy to.” Blue gave him a small smile as if it was no big, keeping her façade of cool, at least she hoped that’s what it looked like.

“Anything else?”

Steve grinned, shook his head no and made a small huff that was almost a laugh. “No Doc. I truly look forward to it, thank you.” He knew when he’d been dismissed.

Blue nodded not quite clear on what was so funny. “Have a good day Mr. Rogers.”

Steve winced. “Steve, please. Mr. Rogers makes me sound like I host a children’s tv show.”

Blue’s eyebrows raised in confusion. “Huh?”

“No TV allowed in Blue’s house growing up Steve. Blue there was a Mr. Rogers who hosted a famous children’s TV show. Good stuff, you’d like it actually.” Ash interjected, swooping to her rescue.

“No TV, probably why she’s a Doctor and I’m slinging coffee.”

“Oh please.” Blue laughed as she exchanged a grateful glance with Ash.

Steve’s face lit up. “Someone else who is as woefully under educated about pop culture as I am? I didn’t think it was possible.”

Blue simply shrugged in response and her eyes moved back to the page of her book so she could mask her embarrassment. She hated feeling so out of the loop, but her lack of pop culture education often left her feeling that way. Steve took that as his cue to leave. Because she wasn’t watching she missed the amused glances shot back and forth between Steve, Clint and Sergeant Barnes at her not so subtle dismissal.

The small interruption had the unfortunate side effect of killing her focus and Blue’s mind naturally started the predictable slide into work mode. Ten minutes later when her alarm went off, she was still on the same page. With a sigh she tucked her bagel into her bag, it was a habit she couldn’t shake, always carrying extra food with her. Then she shouldered the bag, picked up her trash and headed out the door. As the shop door closed behind her it set off the happy tingle of the shop bell which covered the sound of Clint’s bemused laughter.

“Poor Steve, all the women in the world falling all over you and the one you finally decide on is utterly oblivious.” Clint goo-naturedly ribbed his friend.

“Hey Ashley, you don’t think she’s aware and just playing hard to get?” Clint was kind of dying to know.

Ash bit back a laugh. “No. Her focus is laser about getting through med school. I’ve known her for six years and she hasn’t been on a single date, as far as I know. Blue’s on scholarship and takes it seriously, she has to considering her circumstances. Excuse me for a sec guys.” Ashley stepped back into the kitchen as an oven timer began to ring.

“Steve’s never had game.” Bucky spoke softly as he squeezed his partner’s arm just above the elbow. As Ash had stepped away and it was just the three of them, he laid a tender kissed on his lips. “I find it endearing.” Bucky watched fondly as a blush climbed up Steve’s neck. “He does have excellent taste though.”

Steve shook his head and grinned. “It’s refreshing, honestly. She’s not any different with us than with anyone else I expect. I wonder what Ash meant about her circumstances?”

“Not sure but she just might be worth the wait. Poor woman doesn’t know what’s about to hit her if you are both intent on pursuing her.” Clint mused.

Steve gave Bucky a questioning look. Bucky pressed a kiss to his forehead and murmured softly. “She’s lovely, don’t give up. I’m looking forward to our first date.”

Bucky’s recovery had come a long way since Steve had saved him but in public he still preferred to let Steve take the lead and do the talking. He remembered how things were before, how he used to be the ladies’ man, but he wasn’t that person anymore, never would be again. Steve loves him anyways and that is far more than he deserves. Steve’s happiness is paramount to him, so he’d noticed Steve’s interest in the young Doctor before Steve was even aware of it.

He’d given the situation quite a bit of thought before encouraging his partner in that direction. They’d shared women in the past but had never considered adding one to their relationship long term. He and Steve were shadow and light, yin and yang, maybe too much so. A third might make things easier on Steve and he needed to make Steve happy. He owed him that. Now if they could just get Blue to give in to her interest in Steve. Of course, Steve would pick the one girl in the free world who wasn’t ready to throw themselves at his feet. Of course, he would, but he couldn’t fault Steve his choice. The more he observed the woman, the more he found his own interest piqued.

The doctor was different. Her phone wasn’t perpetually in her hand, she wasn’t constantly distracted by technology. She had noticed them, was surprised by their presence but he’d witnessed the moment she had visibly reigned her interest in. It had been a curious act of self-control. The more he’d watched the more he found himself intrigued and admittedly attracted. Unfortunately, their courtship seemed to be moving as slow as snail mail.

#fanfiction #fan fiction #bucky fic #bucky barnes #steve rogers #steve fic #stucky

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psycho-slytherin · 6 years ago

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Strangers ch. 28

You wake up in the hospital, but the danger is far from over.

Pairing: Yoongi x (female) Reader

Word count: 1.9k

Genre: Fluff, angst

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<–– Prev Next ––>

“We need to leave soon.”

“Five more minutes!”

“They can’t keep our location private for too long.”

“Y/n, wake up!”

“Dude, that’s not gonna work.”

“Ngh...” you smack your lips, wincing at the pain in your head.

“Well, what d’you know. It did work.”

“Guys...?” you murmur, and the seven members of BTS crowd into your field of vision. You look around– you’re attached to an IV and heart rate monitor– did you really land yourself in the hospital again? Just because you kinda-sorta fainted? Unfair.

“Y/n!” Jimin sings.

“I thought you’d died,” Jungkook says, and Jin snorts.

“We’re so glad you’re okay,” Namjoon says, rolling his eyes at Jungkook.

“The doctor said she’d be fine,” Yoongi says.

“Y/n is my favorite and if anything had happened to her I would kill everyone in this room and then myself,” Hoseok announces, clasping your hand.

You giggle. “Y’all are all chaotic good.”

Taehyung winks at you through wire-rimmed glasses. “Just another of our charms.”

“We should probably leave soon though,” Namjoon says regretfully. “You’re not supposed to have this many visitors at once. Besides, we can’t have people knowing we visited you.”

“I understand,” you reply. Your vision goes fuzzy for a second before refocusing. “Thanks for visiting, guys. I appreciate it.”

“Come over sometime,” Jimin pleads. “It’s been so long.”

“He’s right. Let’s have a party next Saturday,” Jin suggests. “Y/n, you have to be there, okay?”

“Mm... whatever you say.” you say, tapping your fingers.

“You should sleep,” Yoongi advises as the other six bid you farewell and file out of your hospital room.

“I’m fine,” you say, blinking hard, nervously rubbing your Starry Night necklace. “Did I slow down filming? What happened?”

“Nothing. Well, I mean, Avery wasn’t happy. She said to stay on schedule we’d have to use the take we already got.”

You lean back against your pillow. So no more takes where you have to kiss Yoongi. Good. Fine. Awesome.

“We filmed whatever we could without you and then I came over here. The guys were wondering why I’d missed dinner–”

He missed dinner?

“–and they insisted on coming to visit. That was about an hour ago.”

“What time is it?”

Yoongi checks his watch. “Nearly 9pm.”

You’d arrived on set at eight this morning. You slowed down the entire film schedule with your antics.

You bury your face in your hands. “Aah, I’m so embarrassed.” Why did they bring you here? A cup of water onset would’ve gotten you through the day.

“Hey, hey– it wasn’t your fault,” Yoongi says firmly. “The doctor said you were dehydrated and fatigued; it’s a miracle you were even standing up as long as you were. Have you really been so careless?”

You press your lips together. “I’m just busy.” He, of all people, should understand. You’re not only working on Moon Over the Sea, you’re also filming for advertisements and posing for photoshoots that Lisa’s set up for you. You’re doing your schoolwork and on top of that you’re taking extra acting lessons, and still trying to find time to write.

“How many hours of sleep have you been getting?” Yoongi presses.

You bristle. “None of your business.” Who is he to criticize? Hasn’t he collapsed from exhaustion before? So have Jungkook, and Jimin, and probably the others as well. Isn’t it nothing more than a sign of dedication to your craft?

“Y/n, come on...” Yoongi sighs. “You can’t keep telling me to take care of myself when you’re acting this way.”

“I said I’m fine, Yoongi.” He needs to take care of himself because people actually care about him. Besides, doesn’t he understand that you need to do this? That you need to be successful? This is your chance. “It’s just a way of life. Chill out.”

“It’s not a ��way of life’,” Yoongi says, making air quotes. “It’s killing you!”

You narrow your eyes. “Hypocrite.”

Yoongi scoffs in disbelief. “I can’t believe this. You’re in the hospital, y/n, and you’re here because how you were living wasn’t healthy, and it’s not sustainable. Trust me of all people– you can’t keep this up, and it’s going to kill you.”

“Whatever, Yoongi.” He doesn’t understand.

He leans back before standing up. “You know what? Fine. Do whatever you want– I’m leaving.”

Something wells up inside you– something dark, and loud, and stubborn. “Fine.”

“Fine.”

Something in your heart aches as you see him rise, see the door close behind him. But he’s wrong. People hate you because you’re not famous; you can tell that much from the comments online. You’re not famous, you’re not worthy, you don’t deserve them.

You have to change that. You have to work hard, harder than ever, improve, perform well, and show that you are worthy. You do deserve what you have, because you’ve earned it.

Shaking your head, you turn your back to the door and close your eyes.

Minutes or hours later, there’s a knock and the door swings open to reveal Lisa.

“Y/n!” She cries, flinging herself across your bed. “Oh my god, are you okay?”

“I’m great, Lisa,” you laugh at the worry in her eyes. “C’mon, you know me. I’m fine.”

“I was so worried, y/n-ie,” Lisa says. “I thought you were going to die or something!”

Why does everyone keep saying that?

“Lisa, I’m really okay–” you begin, before there’s another knock at the door and a doctor enters, holding a clipboard.

“Ms. l/n?” She consults the monitors and checks your pupils, pallor, and blood pressure. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I could leave right now,” you say honestly. After an accidental day of rest, you’re ready to go home. Besides, you’re keeping a close eye on your budget and you can’t afford to spend the night in the hospital. You’re feeling antsy– you wanna leave now.

“Lucky for you then– I need you to fill out some paperwork, but you’ll be able to leave once that’s completed if you don’t want to stay overnight.”

“Oh, great!” Lisa squeals, clapping her hands before grabbing her purse. “Hey, y/n, I’m gonna get going but text me when you get home, okay?”

You smile weakly, blinking sudden spots out of your eyes. “For sure.”

“Love ya! Be safe~”

“Love you too.”

With a flip of her hair and a wink, Lisa’s gone.

“Nice friend you’ve got there,” the doctor remarks as she makes a set of notes on her clipboard.

“Yeah, she’s great.”

“Sign here, here, and here, and fill out this information regarding your medical history, and you’ll be free to leave. Get plenty of rest and make sure to stay hydrated.”

You follow the doctor’s directions and soon you’re back on your feet outside the hospital. You think for a second about calling a cab, but your apartment is nearby and you could use a walk. Snug in your thick jacket, you stroll at a leisurely pace by one of the few rivers in Seoul.

It’s a quiet night– the streets are empty, save for a group of giggling, tipsy young women behind you.

“Oh, oh, ooh-woah, you can’t stop me loving myself~” you sing to yourself, kicking a pebble into the shallow river below.

Behind you, your sharp ears pick up muffled whispers.

“That’s her, that’s y/n!”

You need to suppress a smile. Already being recognized? A warmth spreading throughout your chest and you fall silent in order to eavesdrop effectively.

“Are you sure?”

“I know it’s her, now hurry!”

The warmth suddenly turns to ice. The footsteps behind you have picked up their pace, and when you turn around you see the group of young women staring at you as they power walk in your direction.

Okay, this seems not ideal, this seems very not ideal, something is wrong, do you run, should you run?

“Can I help you?” you ask nervously, walking backwards. They’re not outwardly threatening, but your instincts tell you to keep your distance.

“You’re l/n y/n, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, why?” You don’t have enough money to be kidnapped and you’re not relevant enough to be murdered. What’s going on?

“We wanted to deliver a message.” The woman in the front, clearly the leader, sports dyed red hair and a sweet smile– it’s a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “A message from the rest of us: you’re not welcome.”

“You’re not welcome,” the other three chorus creepily. Did they rehearse this?

“You’re not worthy of Yoongi, or the rest of BTS.” The redhead’s tone turns cold. “Get away from them, and stay away. Understood?”

You nearly laugh. “Are you threatening me?” The concept is so utterly ridiculous that you can’t take them seriously. The mean comments online were one thing, but this is crazy.

“Consider it a warning,” the redhead replies, and you snort.

“Okay, warning received.” You turn back homewards and wave. “Thanks, ladies.”

You don’t get the chance to take another step before you hear a snarl– “Get her.”

Aaaand now you run. At her words you bolt, not looking where you’re going, just trying to get away, away, away, your shoes pound the ground as blood roars in your ears and you run fast and faster, your breath comes in gasps and your legs feel like rubber you’re scared so scared keep running you can hear them behind you, the noise barely there above your own frantic heartbeat and–

WHAM.

Something slams into you and the wind is knocked out of your lungs. You fall forward, scraping your palms on the cold asphalt to break your fall. “W-oah!”

You roll onto your back in time to see the redhead leap towards you. You scramble out of the way and her feet land heavily where your chest was only a second before. Another girl lunges, her hands closing around your throat and you choke, struggling, clawing at her hands, trying to pry yourself away from her iron grip. You fight so fiercely that at last she lets go of your throat, her fingers trailing downwards to loop around your Starry Night necklace.

“N-no!” you gasp, rearing back and kicking the girl hard in the shin. Not that.

“Augh!” The blow to her leg throws her weight out from under her and the girl collapses. With a quick, painful jerk the chain to which she’s clinging breaks and the necklace is flung off somewhere into the darkness.

No.

“Leave me alone!” you rasp. “I haven’t done anything wrong!”

“You talked to BTS. You used them. You can’t do that,” the redhead explains calmly. The way she stalks towards you brings to mind a tiger on the hunt. “They’re ours, see?”

You gasp for breath, stumbling backwards towards the river as she advances. “They’re not yours. They’re their own people. You’re delusional.”

Her eyes turn predatory. “And you’re dead.”

You see it in slow motion, her arms shooting out and connecting solidly with your chest, the strong shove forcing you backwards– you teeter by the river’s edge, your arms windmilling, your mouth open in a perfect ‘O’ as you grasp at air. Your shoes don’t have enough traction to keep you grounded on the smooth cement and you can feel yourself slipping, slipping.

The last thing you see is the redhead waving a cheerful goodbye as you fall, plunging into the freezing, churning water.

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mezzomercury · 6 years ago

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Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue:Chapter Five: A New Life is Born (Part II)

A/N: Here it is, finally! I’m so excited for y’all to read it.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: Pregnancy, Childbirth, Mentions of surgery, hospitals, IVs, minor LGBT discrimination

********************

January 17, 1986

The Lindo Wing, St. Mary’s Hospital

London, United Kingdom

2:08am

The Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital seemed to be in complete disarray, as one of London’s most famous residents and his husband were occupying the labor and delivery suite with their surrogate mother, whose contractions were currently two minutes apart. The three of them had been in their private suite since the previous evening, and Nadia’s labor seemed to progress at a snail’s pace, while she opted to do a completely natural birth. Every so often, a nurse would drop in and check in, reassuring the three of them that this part of labor is usually the slowest, but it Nadia’s cervix seemed to be staying dilated only at six centimeters for several hours, while her contractions only got closer and closer together.

At this time, Freddie was pacing around the suite nervously, while Nadia was shifting in the bed and trying to make herself as comfortable as she possibly could, given her current condition, with Jim’s assistance.

“They’ve been saying she’s still at six for forever, darling. How do we know if something’s wrong? They’re not telling us anything else!” Freddie exclaimed as he continued to pace, trying his best not to scare the other two watching him.

His husband tried his best to reassure him, but was quite occupied with his concern over Nadia, who would cry out in agony every two minutes.

“We just have to trust them, love. They’ll tell us if there are any complications. Please try to relax.” he reassured Freddie, who in turn sat down on the other side of the bed with a loud, discontented huff.

Then, as if on cue, another painful contraction hit Nadia and she screamed out again, with Jim holding her hand, and now with Freddie trying to calm her and kissing her forehead, him trying not to panic again.

“You’re doing so well, darling. Just remember to breathe.” he shakily whispered into her ear as she tried to breathe the best she could through the pain.

Tears streamed down Nadia’s face, as her body was so exhausted from thirteen hours of labor and counting, and everything felt so out of control. She choked out a sob,

“t-hurts. So much.” and continued crying as Freddie rubbed her back, trying to hide his own nerves and tried to comfort her the best he could.

She was abundantly embarrassed that the couple had to witness her be in such a state, but was thankful that they were here with her. They had been at her side every step throughout the past nine months, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, at the final moments of this surrogacy, Freddie and Jim were there with her, caring for her, holding her hand, and reassuring her that everything will be alright.

One of the nurses assigned to them entered the suite again to do an hourly routine check on how far along Nadia was in labor, as she checked to see how dilated her cervix was and the position of the baby. As she did the examination, everyone held their breath, hoping that they would get closer to delivery, but were met with disappointment as the nurse shook her head.

“It’s still six. It doesn’t look like it’s progressing at all.”

She then got up and had an orderly set up a fetal monitor, which was promptly wrapped around Nadia’s belly.

“We’re going to start monitoring the baby’s heart rate and mum’s contractions. If she doesn’t dilate soon we may have to perform an unscheduled c-section.”

As she said that, Nadia nearly jumped out of the bed, panicking at the thought of surgery. Jim tried to calm her, while Freddie’s face lost all color again.

“The doctor and I will check back in about an hour, and then we’ll know for sure whether or not we have to.” the nurse told them before checking the equipment before exiting the room.

Freddie kept an eye on the fetal heart rate monitor, watching it as it beeped softly.

The next hour went by even slower than the ones before it, as Nadia, Freddie, and Jim were anxiously waiting for their doctor’s final verdict on the delivery method. During all of this, Nadia’s contractions were starting to pile on top of each other, and the fetal heart rate monitor that she was attached to gradually began to slow down, causing everyone to grow more and more uneasy. The three of them nearly shouted in relief when the obstetrician finally entered their room before doing an examination. Jim carefully observed the doctor’s face as she read the monitor, then went to once again inspect Nadia’s cervix. The room fell silent as her mouth curled down into a slight frown and she furrowed her brows in concern.

“Nothing is progressing at all and the baby is showing signs of distress. At this rate, we’re going to need to operate in order for the baby to survive.”

She broke the news to them with a grave tone, to which none of the three parents could fully process. Nadia gripped onto both Freddie and Jim’s hands, earning back a tight squeeze from each of them.

“The procedure should be relatively quick, about less than an hour, but we need to prepare for it immediately.” the doctor continued, “Mr. Mercury, Mr. Hutton, we’re going to need you two to leave the room for a bit as we get Ms. Eldan ready. She’ll be out in a few minutes.”

Freddie was about to protest until Jim stopped him and held his hand.

“Let them do their job, Fred. We’ll see her again very soon.” he murmured to his husband, as the other sighed again and nodded as they each kissed Nadia on the cheek and exited the suite. Nadia wanted to beg them not to go, but of course neither of them had a choice.

As the couple were waiting outside their suite, another nurse approached them, holding a set of scrubs,

“Alright, which one of you will be in the operating room with her?”

Both Freddie and Jim’s eyes widened in surprise as they tried to comprehend what the nurse just told them.

“P-Pardon me, but what do you mean by that?” Jim stammered out in question, fearing the worst.

“It’s hospital policy that only one other person can be in the operating room.” The nurse replied bluntly, causing Jim to feel like his heart was dropping.

Freddie, meanwhile, flew into a scorching rage.

“What do you mean, only one of us??? We’re both the fathers, it’s our baby!!!! You’ve got to be joking me!!!” he spat out.

The nurse sighed in frustration and tried to avoid escalating the conflict,

“I’m sorry, sir. It’s our policy. If I let you both in I could lose my job.”

This didn’t help solve the argument at all, as Freddie grew more and more enraged,

“I’ll make sure you lose your fucking job then! Both of us deserve to be in there! I will sue the entire hospital and the NHS if I have to!!!!”

Jim could only just stand there dumbfounded, hiding his face in his hand as his husband continued to shriek at the poor woman. He feared that something like this would happen, as society hadn’t really accepted their relationship for what it was, and seemed to be going against their quest to start a family together. He couldn’t even think about what could be done at this very moment, he just sighed in defeat and let the disastrous scene unfold before him.

Thankfully, before Freddie could say anything that he would regret, the doctor stepped outside their suite and tried to break up the argument.

“Alright, alright, settle down, the both of you. We can’t have a fist fight in the maternity ward.” She exclaimed as the two parties cooled down. “Nurse, I’m going to allow both Mr. Mercury and Mr. Hutton in the operating theater. They are both the fathers, after all.”

Before the nurse could ramble on about how it’s violating hospital policy, the doctor silenced her,

“Uh uh uh! I don’t want to hear another word about it. I don’t give a damn if it’s against our policy. I’m allowing them both in.”

This came as a huge relief for both Freddie and Jim, as they tried to prevent themselves from hugging the woman.

“Thank you, Dr. Paxton, thank you so much.” Jim choked out, trying not to tear up from the emotional rollercoaster he was riding.

“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Hutton.” the kindly woman replied before stating, “Now, Ms. Eldan is all ready to go. I just need the two of you to put on these scrubs and we can finally deliver the baby.” as she ordered the nurse to bring in another pair.

The couple adhered to her request and promptly went to change. As they both dressed in the large blue surgical gowns, masks, caps, and gloves, Freddie looked at himself in a nearby mirror and scoffed,

“Dear god, these are absolutely hideous. This hospital really needs to update these, they’re fucking atrocious.”

Jim chuckled a bit at his husband’s wisecrack remarks,

“I couldn’t agree more, dear, but that’s the least of our concerns right now.” he replied cheekily, earning a smirk from Freddie before they practically sprinted back to the suite door.

The doctor was already in the operating room, but Nadia was there to meet them lying on a gurney, accompanied by two nurses and attached to several monitors and IVs. Her nose and mouth were covered by an oxygen mask and her hair was bunched up in a cap similar to theirs, but her eyes showed fear, as the anesthesia was slowly enveloping her into a nearly unconscious state. Both Freddie and Jim were at her side and once again trying their best to keep her calm. During all of this, Freddie nervously glanced at his husband, who couldn’t return his trademark reassuring one as he normally did, and was instead showing a fearful look identical to his. Their eye contact was broken when Nadia whimpered softly, causing them to divert their attention back to her.

“Nadia, darling, please don’t panic.” Freddie cooed to her as they started to walk towards the operating theatre, “Just focus on how hideous we look in these outfits.” Nadia smiled slightly behind her oxygen mask and tried to breathe normally, as she felt nauseous upon entering the room.

The operating theatre was almost a pure white color, with a feeling that could only be described as sterile. Nadia was wheeled in and parked into the the center of the room, underneath large bright lights, with Freddie and Jim following closely behind her. Dr. Paxton and several assistants were waiting behind a large partition covering the lower half of Nadia’s body. Before the procedure could officially begin, Freddie and Jim assumed their positions on either side of Nadia’s head, holding both of her hands and staring at her intently.

“Alright, everyone. This hopefully shouldn’t take too long. The first part should be about fifteen to twenty minutes. Then, once the baby’s out, we’ll need another forty-five or so to finish the stitches.” Dr. Paxton announced, “Are we all ready over there?” she asked, earning three small approvals.

“Alright then, let’s get this baby out to meet you all.” she remarked, before beginning the procedure.

What was fifteen minutes truly felt like fifteen hours, as time seemed to suddenly slow down at a remarkable rate. The room was almost totally silent, save for both Freddie and Jim muttering words of comfort into Nadia’s ears, trying to make her forget that she was being carved like a Sunday roast. Phrases like, “You’re doing so well,” “She’s almost here,” and “We are so thankful that you’ve done all of this for us.” were repeated almost hypnotically, until they were met with a very sudden and deep silence. Nadia couldn’t feel too much down there, but she had the distinct feeling of something leaving her body in that moment, and she tried to gasp knowing what it was. The two men beside her noticed this and immediately held their breath, before looking over at the large tarp acting as a partition between them and the graphic scene. Time stood still and silence remained upon them for a few moments, until the softest, faintest whimper could be heard. The tiny sound grew and grew, until suddenly there was an impressively large wail coming from the other side of the screen, seemingly echoing throughout the entire hospital. All three parents silently gasped, with a tear streaming down Nadia’s cheek, Jim feeling like his stomach was doing somersaults, and Freddie’s eyes widening more than they ever had before and his mouth resembling a fish out of water. It wasn’t until the doctor held up a squirming, crying, little human covered in blood above the screen that all parents immediately lost it and broke down right then and there.

“You have a healthy daughter. Congratulations.” Dr. Paxton cheerfully announced, smiling behind her surgical mask as she noticed all three of their astounded reactions.

The next minute or two was spent with Freddie, Jim, and Nadia, staring at their tiny little girl, who was still wailing and wriggling in the doctor’s grasp, all three of her parents completely speechless.

Before long, Dr. Paxton made an effort to resume time and finish the procedure,

“We’re going to get her all cleaned off and have mum all stitched up,” as she cut the baby’s umbilical cord and handed her to a nurse to be cleaned, “You’ll see her again once we check all of her vitals. Don’t worry.” she reassured them as they seemed close to crying out in protest as they took the baby away from their view.

As the procedure was finishing and Nadia was being stitched up, Freddie and Jim chose to stay with her, knowing their daughter was in good hands for now.

“She’ll have a voice just like her daddy’s.” Jim quipped, finally finding his ability to speak again.

Freddie’s smile grew even wider, “How can such a little thing make that much noise?” he stammered out as he knelt down and kissed Nadia’s cheek.

“You are the most magnificent being to ever walk the earth, darling. You are so brave and strong, and I couldn’t be more proud of you.” he whispered in her ear before hugging her the best he could. “Isn’t that right, Papa?” he cheekily asked Jim, who joined him in kneeling down to Nadia’s level and placed another kiss on her cheek.

“Couldn’t agree more. We love you so much.” Jim responded.

It wasn’t long before the doctor declared that the surgery was officially complete, and Nadia, Freddie, and Jim were whisked off into a recovery suite. As they were settled into the room, they waited impatiently for their baby to be brought to them, all while very exhausted. Freddie and Jim embraced each other immediately once the door closed, kissing each other passionately while tears streamed down their faces. Nadia observed them in pure bliss, feeling overjoyed that she could make the couple so unbelievably happy. Her feelings though quickly soured when she came to a realization that had been lingering in the back of her brain for a while now, but had reared its ugly head at the worst possible time: I will never see this baby again, will I? Before she could think about it any further, everyone was interrupted when there was a knock on the door, followed by a nurse slowly opening it. All time seemed to stop again as the she whispered, shifting a tiny, cooing bundle in her arms.

“Someone wants to see you….”

**************

Permanent Tag List: @siriuslovesmarlene, @r-ahh-mi, @unknownauthor, @yousaycoke-isaycaine, @ramibaby, @rami-malek-trash, @britishmoonchild, @onexlittlespark, @rami-hoe, @xtrashmammalstefx, @wanderlustnightwanderer

#bohemian rhapsody in blue #freddie mercury imagine #freddie mercury x jim hutton #freddie mercury #jim hutton #freddie mercury fic #bohemian rhapsody imagine #classic rock fandom #original content #my stuff #micaela's fics #queen fic #queen imagine

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kingsofeverything · 5 years ago

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thanks eve @forreveries for tagging me in this! i’m pretty awful at filling these out, so let’s see how i do lol

nickname: i don’t have one! i’ve actually always been a bit weird about nicknames and idk why. i like to be sure people like them before i use them. like just for example i worked with a samantha for years and everyone called her sam and she hated it. so i called her samantha (still do!)

gender: cis girrrrrrrl

star sign: virgo (is it a virgo quality to think astrology is crap)

height: i like to say i’m 5′7″

time: 10:10am

birthday: sept 1 - you have 3 months to figure out my presents

fave band(s): ben folds five, the national, 1d....... idk honestly i go through music phases

fave solo artists: saaaaame though all time faves inc joan armatrading, amanda palmer, ben folds......... and a million more probably

song stuck in your head: complicated by avril lavigne came on while i was in the shower and i can’t shake it

last movie watched: i.......... don’t know

last show watched: i also don’t know

when did i create my blog: ive been on tumblr forever but before 1d i didn’t interact with anyone lol but wowwww yeah it’s been since probably 2010? 2011? but this blog i think fall 2015?

what do i post: whatever i want

last thing i googled: how to spell avril lavigne’s last name lol

do you have any other blogs: fic fest blogs. i have......... a lot of them

do you get asks: sometimes. sometimes i’ll get a lot in one day and then won’t get any for a while. i love nice ones. i used to get a lot of shitty ones, but when i started ignoring them, they stopped. SHOCKING.

why did you choose your url: my tag for louis is ‘king of everything’ and since harry is the king beside him ;) it makes sense

following blogs: 293. just checked. honestly i tried to keep it around 200 for a while, but i mostly follow artists and authors, and NICE PEOPLE so i guess i’m following more now lol

followers: just checked this as well - 2856. wonder how many it would be if i didn’t block porn bots and assholes.

favourite colour: rainbow or black. honestly depends on what we’re talking about but i’ll go with this answer because it makes me happy :D (my entire house outside is blue and green)

average hours of sleep: never it’s never enough. i’ll go with 5 even though idk if that’s true. i got like 3-4 last night.

piercings: none, actually

instruments: none

what i’m wearing: sweatpants and a harry shirt

how many blankets do you sleep with: 1 or 2 depending. i’m actually sort of shopping for new bedding because my one quilt is too thin but with 2 i sweat a lot (i kind of hope it’s menopause because i’d like to go ahead and stop bleeding every 4 weeks)

dream job: i’d love to lend my skills (math? organizational? mgmt? momness?) to some sort of charity/nonprofit that helps lgbt+ youth

dream trip: europe to visit a bunch of larrie conspiracy theorists so i can tell them they’re wrong to their faces

favourite food: i’m going to say eggs because kk and nic hate them

nationality: sigh (i’m from the united states y’all)

current fave song: oh idk. i’ve been listening to amy winehouse’s version of ‘will you still love me tomorrow?’

tagging @louandhazaf @dinosaursmate @homosociallyyours

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curly-q-reviews · 6 years ago

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ROAD TO THE OSCAR MAYER WIENER AWARDS 2K19

Black Panther, 2018 (dir. Ryan Coogler)

Nominated for: Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing

ok y’all lets get this party started with a movie i didnt get to catch in theaters (i think i ended up renting it) but people were absolutely raving about it all of last year, and for good reason i gotta say! it was one of the better marvel films that came out last year (though in my humble opinion Infinity War takes the gold)

speaking of marvel lets talk about it for a spell! lets have a lil sit-down chit-chat shall we!! cause its kind of insane how much of an american media phenomenon marvel has become, they are arguably single-handedly responsible for reviving the superhero movie subgenre and now these types of movies bring hollywood more dineros than they probably know what to do with (besides make more superhero movies). what used to be a niche market where only your most hardcore of nerdy types dared to dwell has been embraced into the mainstream wholeheartedly, and now its hard to imagine the american film industry without them.

from a film critique standpoint, marvel movies seem to be a hit-or-miss as far as quality, however i cant really think of a particular marvel movie that i thought was a total piece of hot garbage (the first two Thor movies come close but they were more boring than anything else). however last year was a real success for the studio, they just kept pumping out quality movies left and right and once disney managed to get its grubby lil mouse paws on Spider-man it was a done deal baby. DC and other companies have tried again and again to recreate the success that Marvel has managed and so far they’ve failed to various degrees. Marvel’s just got that special something with their cinematic universe, some magical combo of great actors and creative directors and an ever-expanding budget that keeps them staying at the top every time.

so whats my stance on superhero movies??? well theyre not my usual cup of tea but i gotta say they’re real damn entertaining. i kinda view them like a high-speed ride at an amusement park, super fun and thrilling and exhilarating and just a real good time! but thats about as far as it goes for me, and im sure thats the same for a lot of people. to be honest its kinda refreshing to have movies that quality-wise are up to my standards that i dont have to think too hard about. so for me the movies i typically go for are like museums, whereas superhero movies (and action movies in general) are like a carnival. both entertaining and fun, but the latter is just all about letting loose and not wondering about the why’s and how’s. when i think about it, this kinda mindset is for sure a factor in how these movies got so popular, because with the shitshow that is our current government and the potential imminent death of our planet people are once again looking for movies as a form of escapism, rather than a way to get deep and philosophical and ask the tough questions and see something profound.

with that being said, despite some exceptions that have proven me wrong to my utter joy and delight (im looking at u Logan), i expect movies that are nominated for wiener awards to be more like museums than like carnivals y’know what i mean? u catchin my drift??? u takin what im dishin out???? the academy awards have a long history of prestige, of nominating the best of the best of any given year. quite a few movies that won oscars are now considered to be timeless classics. which is why superhero movies, at least the typical marvel types that are chocked to the brim with CGI and epic massive fight scenes and explosions, dont really strike me as anything that could eventually become a timeless classic. the amount of computer-generated effects alone will make these movies feel really dated as soon as like five years from now with how fast technology is progressing. i just dont see it happening.

and that brings us to the first wiener award nominee ill be talking about, Black Panther. this isnt director Ryan Coogler’s first time at the rodeo; his first feature film Fruitvale Station received critical acclaim in 2013, and the spiritual Rocky sequel Creed actually got nominated for some oscars a few years ago. so we’ve got a promising and talented director at the helm which is a great start! we’ve also got a stellar cast with the likes of michael b. jordan (who has been in all of Coogler’s films so far), lupita nyong’o, angela bassett, and forest whitaker in the bunch. it also has the astronomical financial backing of Supreme Overlord Disney so u know this is gonna be some high-quality shit.

so i’m gonna tell y’all why i think this movie got nominated for so many oscars, because in a way i do think this movie is deserving of noms from the academy. theres no denying that it is very groundbreaking for a movie of this scale and magnitude to have a black director and a nearly all-black cast. in fact, i think a lot of the crew members (including set and costume design) were black as well. thats fuckin huge my guy. and this movie was by no means a flop either; it ended up being one of the highest-grossing films of 2018 and stayed in theaters for a loooong-ass time. and not only were the people on this project mostly black, the movie itself is a story praising and showing off the beauty of african culture without exotifying or demeaning it in any way. like i can say 100% without a doubt that this movie deserves its best costume design nom cause holy shit the outfits in this movie are stunning, just the perfect blend of ancient/current tribal african aesthetics and a more futuristic sleek style that any fashion enthusiast can drool over.

i cant say much about best musical score or best sound mixing or anything like that cause it all seemed like typical marvel stuff to me and wasnt all that memorable. however i can say that the production design on this movie, while it didnt impress me as much as costuming, did still impress me. the one thing i gotta knock it on is all the fucken CGI, like whole entire towns and landscapes were digitally rendered. i wouldve been a lot more impressed and would agree more to the production design nom if they used more practical effects and real sets/locations.

so. best picture. this is where i feel the most conflicted. cause this is where i now have to look past all the pretty fancy visuals and music and look at the actual meat of this movie, its story and characters. usually best picture noms also get noms for things like best actress, best script, and best director, cause those are all really important elements of a good film. ur movie can look and sound as pretty as it wants but if the storys shit and the characters are shit and the actings shit then u dont have much going for u.

and by no means am i saying that Black Panther was shitty in these aspects, it was just well. passable. it was ok. but nothing to write home about

we got some good performances from newcomers letitia wright and chadwick boseman, lupita kills it as always, but then everyone else was like. okay. michael b. jordan didnt really do his best in this and idk if its the script’s fault or something but it was weird. and speaking of the script it was uuuuhhhhh well. not great. every time i think about that “what are those” reference i die a little inside. and the story overall wasnt really anything new when u break it down, just another “son of king struggles to take his place” narrative. and that aspect of the story couldve actually been more developed into something interesting, i found myself really intrigued with the political scenes. but there just wasnt enough of that cause they needed to make more room for the PEW PEW POW EXPLOSIONS

granted, movies with lots of shimmer but little substance have been nominated for best picture before (just look at James Cameron’s Avatar which is apparently getting a sequel now????????). and its not even that this movie is completely devoid of substance cause theres some interesting things going on plot-wise, and some stand-out characters too (shuri is the boss and no one can tell me otherwise). its just, u know, a good superhero movie. nothing really profound about the story itself except for the cultural, historical, and social context behind it.

so lemme get back to why i think this movie got a best picture nom. i think the academy wants to keep up their appearance of being #woke now by continuing to nominate more than one poc-heavy project each year, but they seem to be caring less and less about the actual overall quality of these movies. and theres even some movies on the noms list that i think actually have what it takes to be a strong oscars contender, like If Beale Street Could Talk and BlacKkKlansmen. but i think in Black Panther’s case, they were under a lot of pressure to give it top noms (or any noms at all) because of the intensely positive response this movie got, as well as the accusations of racism to people who didnt think it was as great as fans were saying.

also i have no doubt that Supreme Overlord Disney like threw piles and piles of money at the academy like they tend to do (cause i’d bet good money thats the only fucken way Incredibles 2 got nominated for anything)

well anyway ive gone on long enough about this, lemme know what y’all think. really the only nom im iffy about when it comes to this movie is Best Picture, but the others i think are well enough deserved, especially costume design. so i guess the one thing i struggle with is this: does a movie becoming a pop culture phenomenon and being groundbreaking in its cast and crew count as enough for it to be nominated for the top prize of the wiener awards, despite any fallbacks in script, direction, and acting? idk man im just hoping it doesnt get the award by default or something but then again maybe after watching all the other nominees it may turn out that the rest of them were worse than Black Panther i guess i’ll have to find out

stay tuned for my A Star Is Born review y’all stay fresh and funky eat ur vegetables stay in school u dont need drugs when ur high on life

#road to the oscar mayer weiner awards 2k19 #curly q reviews #black panther #oscars #academy awards #oscars 2019 #chadwick boseman #letitia wright #lupita nyong'o #forest whitaker #angela bassett #marvel #superhero movies #best picture #fruitvale station #creed #ryan coogler #thor #avengers infinity war

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starfiresupernova · 6 years ago

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11 Questions

I was tagged by both @jiyamarrii & @chasethesun18 to do this, so I’ll be answering 22 questions. But I love these things so I’m totally okay with it LOL. Anyway, let’s get started!

Laura’s Questions

1. Marvel or DC? TV-Verse or Film-Verse? Why? — The easy answer to this question is that I like all superhero stuff. I tend to watch more Marvel, but I’m a big fan of both. MCU? Yes please. Smallville? Sign me up. I haven’t watched the Marvel Netflix shows yet, but I really want to. Cloak and Dagger on Freeform is pretty good so far! I watched the first two seasons of Arrow and most of the Flash, but since the CW added all the other DC shows to their programming, I’ve been a little overwhelmed, but they’re still good! So yeah, long story short, I like it all :)

2. I’m looking for new TV shows to watch. Recommend me a show and tell me why you think I’d like it. — I can’t remember if you’ve watched Gilmore Girls or not, but I recommend it to everyone who wants something funny and heartwarming, but heartbreaking sometimes, too. Lorelai is my SPIRIT ANIMAL. Otherwise, I recommend Lost in Space on Netflix if you’re into Sci-Fi stuff (it’s also funny, and the characters are amazing). One Tree Hill is amazing if you’re into soapy teen dramas (like 90210 or Gossip Girl). The awesome thing about OTH though, is that it’s obviously drama, but it deals with other serious topics and it isn’t bitchy like GG. The characters are all different in their own way, and it’s my favorite teen drama show of all time.

3. Watch a random episode of Timeless. Tell me your opinions on the episode and I’ll try to guess which episode you watched. — Okay, so I know each episode like the back of my hand, so let’s go. It’s my second favorite episode of the entire show. The music is A+. (You’ve probably already guessed it by now lolol.) It has one of my top 5 favorite Lucy outfits. I’ve seen this episode so many times I’m pretty sure I can almost recite it word for word (and I’m not sorry about that).

4. Do you have a skin care routine? If yes, what is it? — Not really. I don’t use much on my skin to tell you the truth. I use the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing green tea scrub every other day, and once in a while I’ll use a Biore charcoal pore strip. Other than that I don’t use anything.

5. What are your favorite pair of shoes? Why? — This might sound completely childish, but I LOVE my shoes that have daisies on them. I got them at Payless, and they’re Minnie Mouse brand, but they’re black with little daisies printed on them and I love them so much. I need a new pair soon because they’re a few years old and they’re worn, but I love them to death.

6. What is your phone wallpaper? What is your desktop wallpaper? — My lock screen on my phone is a picture I found on Google Images of Timeless. It’s blue and has the Time Team and the Timeless logo with a cloud. My home screen on my phone is a cotton candy-esque background. My desktop wallpaper is the Timeless edit I made with the Taylor lyric “Time won’t fly, it’s like I’m paralyzed by it.”

7. If you could have dinner with one person, dead, alive, or fictional, who would it be and why? — I really want to say Lorelai Gilmore (or anyone from Gilmore Girls, honestly..) for this one. Eating at Luke’s Diner? Yes. Please. I’m all in.

8. What’s your favorite smell? Why? — This is very oddly specific, but I have this notebook that I got for Christmas last year. And every book/notebook/paper smells good, but THIS NOTEBOOK. It’s my favorite kind of paper smell. I know, it’s weird, but it’s amazing. Otherwise I love lemon, vanilla, and peppermint scents and the smell of the grill when we grill hamburgers/hot dogs.

9. Do you have any tattoos? If yes, what are they? Do you regret any of them? — I do not have any tattoos, but I want to get one in the near future.

10. What is your horoscope for today? — Jun 11, 2018 - You enjoy caring for others and you intervene regularly in their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clear view of your own life, Leo. You could even decide to make the necessary arrangements for a trip abroad.

11. Beards: Yes or No? — UM YES.

(OBVIOUSLY I NEEDED TO INCLUDE WYATT’S MAGICAL BEARD)

I also love Xavier from No Tomorrow, Hugh Jackman, and John Krasinski. Their beards are also pretty magical.

Ryan’s Questions

1. If a book becomes a movie do you read it or watch it first? — Most of the time I don’t realize a movie was a book until after I see it. And then I always end up liking the movie better. (IE the Twilight saga) I always try to read the book first, but sometimes I’ll just watch the movie.

2. What’s your favorite Disney movie? — OOH OKAY LET’S GO. Tangled is my favorite all-animated Disney movie. Meet the Robinsons comes at a second. Enchanted is my all-time favorite Disney movie EVER. My Favorite Martian is my favorite all-non-animated Disney movie. Also The Princess Diaries comes at a close second.

3. If you could have one superpower what would it be? — If I got to choose I would want to have telekinesis. Matilda has solidified that dream LOL.

4. Do you believe in soul mates? — I’m not sure, to tell you the truth. I don’t like to think that there’s only ONE person in the entire world that I’m meant to be with, and that they’re my other half. I mean, it’s a nice concept, but also I feel like I would just be too worried that I won’t ever meet my soulmate because it could literally be anyone in the entire universe. I’m meh on the subject.

5. What’s your happiest memory? — Honestly I think my most happy memories are when I was really little, like in early elementary school? Like, ages 5-11 is when I think I was most happy. And don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy now and whatever, but I have more responsibility now and I was more carefree back then. One memory that sticks out is Christmas of 2010. I got my DSi XL and I was at my grandparents house with all of my cousins. We played around on the DS and took pictures, and I still have them saved on it. The very first picture I ever took on it. It was just such a happy time for me, and I love thinking back on it.

6. Most embarrassing memory? — I threw up in front of my entire classroom in 4th grade. It was terrible. And it happened so long ago, but I still can’t get over the fact that there are people my age who saw me throw up on the floor of our classroom. Nope. Let me go hide forever LOL.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years? — I don’t really like to plan that far ahead into the future, but in five years I’d like to be moved out of my parents’ house and working on getting my book published. (I’m still working on writing it at the moment, so hopefully I’ll be done with it by then and in the process of finding it a home.)

8. Who is/has been the most influential person in your life? — I have to go with my parents on this one. But only personality-wise. I’m not interested in what my parents do for a living, but I try to model my work-ethic and values after them. I’ve obviously grown my own personal tastes, but I see more of myself in them every day and I’m very proud of that.

9. If you could time travel to the start of this year and tell yourself something what would you tell yourself? — You won’t have everything figured out yet, and that’s okay. You’ll be pressured, but take things at your own pace. There’s nothing wrong with taking time to figure things out, no matter what everyone is telling you. You’ll get to where you want to be, you just have to take your time, and set your own pace.

10. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? — Wow, okay, this is going to sound lame. Are y’all ready? I stole a toy camera from Goodwill when I was, like, 6. I wanted it but I didn’t think my dad would let me, so I hid it in my coat pocket and never told anyone. That was literally the first thing that came to mind..

11. What’s your favorite thing about yourself? — I love that I don’t waver in my enjoyment of things. My sister mainly, always makes fun of me for wearing what I wear, for reading, and for listening to the kind of music that I listen to, but I’m very proud of all of those things and I don’t let it bother me. Yeah, it gets annoying when she tells me my taste in music sucks, but I will very happily listen to Two Weeks Late by Ashley Monroe at a high volume and sing along proudly. No shame. As Jessica Day so proudly states, “I break for birds! I rock a lot of polka-dots. I have touched glitter in the past twenty-four hours. I spend my entire day talking to children. And I find it fundamentally strange that you’re not a dessert person. That’s just weird and it freaks me out. And I’m sorry I don’t like Murphy Brown, and I hate your pantsuit; I wish it had ribbons on it or something to just make it slightly cuter. And that doesn’t mean I‘m not smart and tough and strong.”

Thanks for the tag, guys! This was fun :)

#personal #get to know me #tags

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