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corleonecaretaker · 4 months ago

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Santino humping Michael's thigh hard, like he's such a bitch for it, he cries when he comes in his pants

(I just like to imagine Santino being a slut all the time... and him humping a thigh has been on my mind for so long, I'm going insane)

Uhh yeah just thought I'd share this thought with you :]

Hehehe, this is so Santino. I love that these two work as any combination of dom and sub. Thank you for the ask!!

Also, for new people: I'm writing these two as if the Corleone family was forced to join the High Table and serve Santino D'Antonio, who is in charge of the Camorra's US operations.

Urgent Business

Michael Corleone x Santino D'Antonio, AKA SaintAngel (John Wick Fandom Crossover), 926 words

TW: smut, biting, crying, what could be interpreted as stalking

It hadn’t been so long since they’d seen each other. But to Santino, it had been an eternity. Two months. Two months of hell in New York, trying to balance Michael’s demands with his family’s expectations, without revealing that he favored the Corleones. Why did he always feel like he was the one working for the Don instead of the other way around? He was wrapped around Michael’s finger, and he had to admit he liked it.

But he couldn’t take the loneliness anymore. A few long distance calls, panting desperately into the receiver to the sounds of Michael’s dirty talk, simply wasn’t enough. In February, he showed up unannounced in Nevada.

Michael entered his study that evening and froze, a hand still on the doorknob. “How did you get past the guards?”

“I had ‘urgent business’ with you. They know better than to refuse a representative from the Table.” Santino was sitting at his desk, wearing a smug grin.

Michael clicked the door shut and frowned. Any trace being caught off guard had already vanished. “Hmmm. And what business would that be, exactly?”

He toyed with Michael’s pen, spinning it between his fingers. “Don’t I deserve a reward, for everything I’ve being doing for you?”

The answer wasn’t immediate. Michael took his time, leaning against the wall to light a cigarette. Santino watched the movement of his lips gripping the paper lazily, the smooth, unhurried motions of the lighter. At last Michael returned his gaze, eyeing him, calculating. “You don’t deserve a reward for breaking into my study.” When Santino opened his mouth to protest, he raised a finger. “Yes, yes, not breaking in. You were allowed right in the door. But it’s the behavior of a sex-starved stalker, wouldn’t you agree?”

Santino flushed and stood up. “Whose fault is that, Mikey? You haven’t visited me,” he whined. Michael made no reply, didn’t even look at him. He just looked out the window at the setting sun.

Fine. Time to get his attention, then. This was the way their little games always went. Santino circled around the desk to drape himself over Michael’s chest, inhaling his smoke and nuzzling against his neck in an effort to distract him. But it was Santino who was getting hot and bothered. “You can’t tell me I’ve come all this way for nothing,” he panted, inches from Michael’s lips.

A small sigh. “This is what happens when you come into my home without permission, Santi. You don’t get to cum in me.”

An indignant whimper escaped his throat. The Don’s body was intoxicatingly close to him now, right within reach yet so far away. Desperate for relief, Santino wove their legs through each other, straddling his thigh. Pleading and promises fell from his lips unbidden. “Please, ah fuck…Michael, I need it. Please, you can’t do this to me. I’ll make it the best you’ve ever had. You can do anything to me. Choke me, bite me, ride me until I bleed, I don’t care. I’ve been sitting here all day, thinking about you…”

Michael chuckled. “You’re really that horny? Well, help yourself then. I’m not going to help you.” He took another drag, feigning disinterest and looking out the window again. But his hand was on the small of Santino’s back, supporting him.

That touch alone was enough to drive him crazy. It was completely undignified, but he didn’t care. He just started grinding against the Don’s thigh, grateful even for that little friction. “Bastard,” he swore breathlessly. “Look what you’ve done to me.” He squeezed his thighs against Michael’s, gripping solid muscle. Maybe it was his imagination, but it seemed like Michael shifted his knee upward, angling into it.

“Mmm…please, kiss me Mikey. Please.” He strained towards Michael’s lips but two fingers pressed against his own, pushing him back. He growled in frustration and retaliated by taking them into his mouth, sucking on them vigorously. Maybe he could get close like this…but in another moment they were pulled away again, producing another whine.

Santino was getting to be a real mess. Sweat beaded against his collar and tears were forming in his eyes. “Fuck! No…I need to cum so bad…”

“Fine then. Show me how much.”

Santino moaned and humped faster, heedless of the way the fabric burned and strained against his oversensitive cock. The humiliation of the whole thing started to overwhelm him. The agony of those lips so close to his, those blank eyes fixed on Santino’s burning cheeks. And the rhythm that felt so good but so filthy. He realized he really was going to cum in his pants like a dog humping his master’s leg, but he couldn’t seem to stop. His own legs started shaking and he nearly slid sideways but Michael held him in place, letting him rut as hard as he wanted.

Michael must have felt the change in his motions, because he clamped a hand over Santino’s mouth before he could moan too loudly. Santino bit down on the flesh without thinking, but it didn’t stop him from sobbing through his orgasm.

When his senses started to return, he realized he tasted iron.

“Fuck…I bit you…” he said brokenly, still gasping.

But their little game was over, and that gentle, strong hand just caressed his cheeks, wiping away tears. “It’s okay.” Michael guided him to the chair and pulled him into his lap, holding him.

Only then did Santino feel his tiredness. Perhaps Michael had needed him just as badly. “I missed you,” Don Corleone said softly, into his curls. “Thank you for coming.”

#jw godfather crossover #saintangel #michael corleone x santino d'antonio #santino d'antonio #michael corleone #the godfather fanfic #john wick fanfic #wickblr #// smoking

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thewhumpcaretaker · 7 months ago

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Santino needs comfort like LOTS OF COMFORT. Something happened, didn't go as planned and he got hurt. Like a stab wound or gun shot and John takes care of him. Not only takes care of his wound but also like gives him emotional support. Like, he can see that Santino's in pain mentally and physically and he has to give him support and comfort. What do you think about scenarios like this? How does John take care of him and how does Santino act? Santino needs love :< 💖

Aaaaaa Blue, your asks always shred my heart in the best way! 💔 Poor Santino. John is going to be so sweet to him.

The first priority he’ll have is to make sure that Santino survives, of course. Fortunately, he has a lot of experience with field medicine from keeping himself alive, so he knows how to do basic things like tie a tourniquet, remove bullets, etc. Also he definitely knows CPR. So he’ll do what’s necessary to keep Santino alive long enough to get him to a doctor.

Santino is going to be hiding his feelings to some extent, because that’s the default response for someone raised in the High Table, where one must always appear strong. Aside from medical needs, he’ll claim that he’s fine. But it will be very clear that he’s upset underneath.

John, on the other hand, will appear very calm. Deadly calm. He will be very angry at whoever did this to Santino. He’s about to go on a rampage as soon as Santino is safe.

For the time being, though, all his focus is on giving Santino comfort. He’ll hold him and won’t leave his side no matter what, including if he’s in some kind of hospital. John will sit by his bedside until he recovers. He will ask him what he’s feeling and if Santino doesn’t want to talk about it (which is very likely at first), he’ll tell him that he’s there to listen if he changes his mind and then he’ll just hold him for as long as it takes and tell him what he hopes he most needs to hear.

This is the time when John will tell him the things that really matter - major confessions of love or reminders of his promises to stay by Santino under any circumstances. He’ll talk about their future together, to make sure Santino knows that he’s going to survive. He’ll also tell him not to worry about anything. John is going to take care of this. Whoever did this will be dead very soon :D

#john wick headcanons #john x santino #john wick caretaker #santino d'antonio whumpee

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yizukikhons · 8 months ago

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I keep reblogging this at 2am because that's when the new ideas hit me I'm sorry @wolfsrainrules

Tim thought that his biggest opposition would be John. It was foolish perhaps to think that, but John is the one who was intimately entwined in the Underground, grew up knowing it's Rules as Gospel and lived by it's creed religiously. He forgot that John, as wealthy and successful as he was, was working class. He knew the feeling of being exploited. Expected to kill and die at the hands of people with more influence than himself, and how those sacred Rules never seemed to apply to those who had more power. Tim shares his plans for improving the Underworld and he's immediately on board. (If the systems Tim wants to implement had existed, Iosef would not have been able to accost him and his dog without consequences. John would've been able to get out-truly out-to be with Helen without bringing the Tarasov's into power, or making his marker with Santino. It keeps him up at night for days after Tim shares those plans)

Bruce nearly bursts into tears when Tim finally tells him. He's learning to live with this bloodier world, but to have Tim come to him and say 'I want to change it' with the same look in his eyes that he has whenever he talks of Gotham...it's both terrifying and exhilarating (His son is just like him. Oh God he's never been so proud or terrified in his life). He immediately sits down and starts setting up plans. They talk well into the night-even skipping patrol-talking about what outcomes they want and what kind of retaliation they can expect.

Jason is supportive. He looks up to Tim when it comes to the Underworld, and he's not so divorced from his vigilante roots to think that the system isn't broken. A Crime Alley kid through and through, he is also all too familiar with people exploiting systems to their advantage. It's Damian who is the most opposed. Unlike John or Jason, he is Underworld nobility. Born and bred to think that he is superior, and that it is his right to have others die in his name. Living with his father and siblings has deprogrammed a lot of that, but much like Tim he grew up thinking that this was the ONLY way that things could be, and he's still too young to fully grasp that his worldview isn't right. I like the idea of Tim having targets on his back for trying to change things. His attempts to change the Underworld has people both in and out of Gotham paying attention to him. Cobblepot thinks he's crazy. Living with Bruce is obviously turning him into an *ugh* idealist. It's also the most interesting thing to happen in decades (that kerfluffle with the Baba Yaga does not count. The Table is corrupt, what else is new?) Tim's ideas are even ones he (mostly) approves of! Go on little Bat! He won't stand in your way! (He can turn this to his advantage he's sure)

I feel like this story will eventually end with Tim becoming the head of the Gotham Underworld, sort of incorporating the prompt where he becomes the owner of the Gotham Continental. Gotham becomes it's own, strange world in the Underworld. A city with rules that leave many outsiders scratching their heads, but with results that no one can deny. Gotham becomes the best location for neutral grounds, for outside parties to come an negotiate at. They're subjected to strange codes of conduct, but the civility between disparate factions is undeniable. And if people try to start something, thinking that Tim's morals make him weak? They quickly find that Gotham is also not a place easily escaped. The city turns against them, clamping it's jaws around them like a steel trap. Even if they do make it out, any power they had will be in ruins by the time they get home. Tim makes it very clear that if he kills you? That's his MERCY. The Son of the Drake isn't weak for not killing, and that there are fates in the Underworld worse than death.

Stares off into the distance:

So.

Apparently my brain is just going to run along with various crossovers. Today, I bring you the thought of a John Wick fusion au (actually five differnet ones) with Batman/DC. (Again: a reminder that all my DC/Batman knowledge is fandom based)

@north-peach hellllppppp

Couple of thoughts for this.

The First: Janet Drake is one of the underworld's best. She's fantastic at manipulation and killing. She could walk herself out of a situation covered in blood, and convince people who saw it all happen that she never touched the body.

Tim grows up at her knee. He learns for the very best. And Janet teaches him everything she can- because despite the job and the crazy hours, and the travel, she loves her son. She wants to give him every opportunity to make it out alive from anything. Unharmed and not in trouble if possible, but alive most of all.

John Wick is a ghost story to the underworld. Tim has always been curious about people who could cause such a stir as his mother or John Wick might. When he meets him, he decides that man is Friend Shaped despite every sign saying Do Not. Despite every horror story saying it's a bad plan. (Much as he will later look at a story in a city of a cryptid said to be a manifestation of a city, a demon, a physical representation of all those who have died unavenged and decide the same)

More than that- John has ZERO idea how to handle Tim. He's a k i d. John's not gonna kill him for just...showing up all the time. It's not like he interferes or causes problems. In fact, he helps sometimes. Provides info, or a direction, a place to crash-

Tim confuses John.

Tim is also the very first to congratulate him, when he manages to get out of the underworld for Helen and mean it. To not even question the 'impossibility' of the Baba Yaga deciding he was done. John didn't bother to ask how Tim knew he'd left and why before the news actually broke out.

Tim watching John get out, go for it and SUCCEED is what gives him the courage to confess to his mother that he wanted to spend some time outside of the underworld, watching the curious case of Batman and Gotham. And Janet loves her son. So she arranges for it to be so.

They both know who Bruce Wayne is. Janet had figured it out before even Tim. She makes him promise that, if he needs her, he will call her, and lets him hunker in Gotham while he does what he wishes. She makes some trips back to Gotham, of course, but not so many that enemies can figure out there's someone important to her there. Janet is THE Femme Fatale. She has plenty of people who would go after her boy. And she's not having that.

Tim doesn't actually PLAN to get involved in vigilante life. At all. He's underworld born and bred. He's a survivor, manipulative, and can be a level of cunning and cold and ambitious that always makes his mother so so proud. He's not a do-right kind of person. He's not someone who does things for people outside of "me and mine" without a reason. Or if it goes against his moral code.

Except Jason Todd becomes one of "Me and Mine". He's a friend. A nosy vigilante who sees that his friend is alone and sets off his instincts as dangerous yes, but also as 'not a civilian' in a conventional sense. He's not a street rat, but he's not...normal either. And Tim? Tim, once he decides this Robin is his Robin, well he can't very well leave him undefended doing this ALONE can he? Though he understands by working with Robin, he cant use the tried and true methods of murder, as it could get pinned to Robin or Batman and he can't have that. If he wants to fly with Jason, he needs to fly by his rules. So a new vigilante is born that runs the streets with Robin. A little more vicious but in a cold and precise manner. Exacting. He doesn't let Jason go after his mother without doing the information gathering, and stops his death by Joker.

For a time, Tim finds himself pulled into the Wayne family, and he...thrives with them. He's happy. He learns under them. Expands his skillset, and still sent out to learn from people around the world. He is NOT fool enough to turn that away- his mother would somehow KNOW wherever she was if he turned down that kind of opportunity and he did not want to imagine the disappointment and response. NO THANK YOU.

When the underworld is kicked like a hornets' nest by John Wick coming back into the fold, Tim is...curious. He's kept an eye on John and Helen, if not stayed in direct and constant contact with them. He hadn't expected John to step foot back into the underworld.

And then his mother sends word to him, calls him back to the Continental, warns that the underworld is getting REALLY kicked up as a result. Tim...needs to go. He cannot imagine NOT answering his mother.

He arranges things on the Gotham end. Says temporary goodbyes and gets to the NY branch asap. Beats his mother there.

Makes it just in time to see John Wick pull a gun on Continental Grounds and shoot a newly crowned seat at the Table and is caught up in the chaos.

His family are going to end UP in the chaos themselves, because they will not cannot leave Tim in it alone. The connections Tim has are MUCH a surprise, he's done very well in hiding exactly what he used to do, and WHY he has a contact and hand in everything, and can ALWAYS get his family what they need. The Second: Tim Drake still grows up at Janet's knee. He learns it all. Thrives in it all. He ends up NOT going down the road of hitman or assassin or any number of things he could have done. Instead Tim Drake chooses to be a Information Broker that claims Gotham eventually, and by means of getting taken in by Bruce, the Wayne Manor and grounds around it become neutral grounds much like the Continental, if you want Tim's services to remain open to you. If you pull the underworld onto the ground...well. Just because Tim goes by Bruce's rules, and just because he PREFERS the route of nonviolence does not in any way mean he would not kill to protect it. To prove a point. To make a statement. To allow one to get away with it is to allow danger to his family and he WILL NOT, no matter that they all are perfectly capable of defending themselves. The Underworld is entirely different than their villains. To not kill the offender is to open themselves to weakness and targets. So Tim WILL.

Gotham is not Wayne Manor. The City is fair game to the underworld. Wayne Manor is NOT.

The Third:

Janet raises her boy at her knee still. Tim chooses the route of Doctor instead. He sets up in Gotham, and decides he likes the foolish vigilantes enough to step in when it's needed and save their lives. He becomes known to the Batfam as a Doc that will not ask questions, but is absolutely one of the most capable people they've seen. If Leslie isn't available, or not close enough, they go to Tim, if Tim doesn't find them, because he certainly seems to know when they need it.

The Batfam does sometimes find him having dealt with Some Things underworld involved so they are WORRIED about their idiot, despite the fact that Tim can and will Wreck everyone that causes problems in his area. He has also shown up stripping off blood covered scrub tops or whatever cause hes coming in hot from another healing thing, and they all wonder and worry and just- it's fine. Everything is fine.

They worry anyway.

Despite the fact that Tim has friends seemingly everywhere, from all walks of life, favors all over, and connections to seemingly everything as a result of his work. (He has absolutely been offered favors as payment, hits, assassinations and all sorts of things. He never turns them away. Janet taught him better. Instead he has markers and logs, books and written promises all stacked away. He remembers them all of course, but better to have written proof somewhere, something official. The Continental holds it for him.

The Fourth:

Gotham HAS a Continental Hotel due to all of its.....everything. Janet Drake runs it. Tim knows EVERYONE and everything, and has absolutely run the counter often. Bruce doesn't know what it is. Ra's absolutely does. Tim is the next to take over the branch and EVERYONE knows it.

He ends up occasionally, when people step on his morals, providing information to the Bat.

Jason managed to find his way inside by accident, and may or may not get himself heavily involved in the underworld even BEFORE the Red Hood thing.

The Fifth:

Same concept as 4 except BRUCE WAYNE runs the Continental and the ripples of everything therein.

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the-darklings · 3 years ago

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❛ there’s so many things i wanna do to you. ❜ + santino/v : ))))

pairing: santino d'antonio & clara!v

prompt: ❛there’s so many things i wanna do to you.❜

wc: 941

warnings: slight nsft, but more angsty lmao; also santino being santino & v being v : )

note: RIs have been giving me grief lately so technically clara!v but no major descriptors are used : ) also, I know some of you prefer this format. also thank you ash for my whole life!!! muah (●'◡'●)

There are insistent, troubling occurrences when Santino sees the hands that have morphed V.

Hands that had influenced her and changed her with years and hardships. Most wisdom stems from Winston, other times — more unfortunately — Santino sees John. In the solemn determination, in the premeditated control in how she approaches situations. There are flecks of steely control coming to life from shadowing Winston’s side for years. Learning from the best to match the best. Winston’s beloved little hatchling.

Winston would have gladly kept her to himself, Santino is perfectly aware. Made her his heir, made her his protegee. She’s always been that, albeit undeclared. New York is as good as hers. Her roots and support running deep there.

But years have taught Santino the virtue of patience. Hard-earned and fickle as it may be, his faith has been rewarded.

“So grumpy,” she breathes, pressing her heated lips between his furrowed brows. “What’s troubling you, Santi?”

Many things. Doubts, primarily. The kind he would never voice aloud, not even to her, though his trust in her is bone-deep. She earned it so long ago, Santino can’t recall who the boy she met even was. Foolish, brash, arrogant — he’s still those things, in a sense, but where she had once seen him as a nuisance, now she considers him hers, and hers alone.

She can be as stubborn, as unyielding as her namesake. Seen as cruel by many, too dangerous by an even larger number. Cold and calculated and reactionary all at once. Right now, Santino wants her to react, wants her craving him with the same desperation he’s spent years waiting and craving her. Years have passed in purgatory and even winning her no longer truly feels like winning after all. Part of him is convinced this is too good to be true, that he never recovered from the bullet John planted in his head — that she never saved him.

“Santi,” she chides, a warning sliding into her low call. “I can hear you thinking. Am I not entertaining you adequately?”

He can’t form a fucking thought when she grinds against him like that. Half naked, dishevelled, and far too tempting. Mean in her iron-like grip and stare. Expression awashed by shadows and eyes glinting, serpentine and seductive. Perhaps it should worry him. A man of his status should think better than invite a woman capable of killing him with her bare hands to his bed, his life, but if not her then who?

“There’s so many things I wanna do to you,” she mumbles hotly against his jaw, a hot puff of breath fanning, wet with her desire. Her fingers tighten in his curls, tugging, claiming, and a groan bubbles up in his throat, trembling there. “Where should I start, Santi? Your neck, chest… lower?"

She traces a single finger down the column of his throat, and Santino senses her sly smile tucked against his chin. She laughs softly; a dangerous sound he feels unmade by, fractured. Her hips slot between his hands. He’s gripping her tightly to him but she likes it even tighter, harder, meaner. Santino’s breaths thin into shallow and deep.

Fuck. Fuck he can’t think straight when she gets like this. When ghosts and pain haunting her melt away, leaving the woman she could have been had life been kinder. These appearances are becoming more frequent, and it prompts only one request from him:

“Become Lady Camorra,” he rasps, guiding her closer for a kiss, for a taste, his arms full of her. “Marry me, amore.”

One desire she refuses to satisfy. Body and soul he can have her. Fuck her until he’s incoherent, but this, she will not give him. He understands what he’s asking. Marrying him is not the issue, he knows, but forcing herself to become what she doesn’t wish to be, is.

It’s not me, she had told him, her regret clear.

Power suits her. Beautifully, fitting her like a glove. She’s born for it. He’s been telling her this for years, and she’s more inclined to believe him now. But not this kind of power. She never stops gazing out into the world as if she’s not quite certain where she belongs, if anywhere. As if she should be somewhere else, doing something different. He thought her coming to him, choosing him, would have erased that. That her waking up in his arms and kissing him unabashedly, owning him so effortlessly, means she’s finally his. At long last, his.

But…

A soft smile curls her mouth, leaning closer to kiss him gently, regretfully. It’s a wordless denial. He’s tasted plenty from her to no longer be stung by them.

Heels of her hands pushing on his shoulders, she guides him down on the bed, her toned thighs straddling him.

“I love you, Santi.”

He knows. She loves too much. It’s what tied her to John for years. Even now, she still holds love for him in her heart. She only says it if she means it. He would never doubt as much.

She kisses him again, wet and sweet. His hands drag down her waist, her bare thighs, desperate to capture as many of these moments as he can. Her love is honeyed and warm, a fire warming and burning, palpable in every stroke and skim of her lips on his.

“I love you more, amore,” he exhales. He always has. He says it again, so deep inside her, he hardly feels himself. Moving with her, in her.

Santino hopes one day he will stop feeling like she’s about to slip away from him even when she’s right there in his arms.

#santino d'antonio #john wick #john wick fic #santino d'antonio x reader #(albeit loosely)#s: i can wait #nsft

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overheardatthecontinental · 4 years ago

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Talk Chapter 15

AO3 Link

Thank you @meetmeinthematinee for reading it over for me once again before I posted this chapter. You are very much appreciated <3 :)

Lorenzo had agreed. Miraculously, the head of the family determined they would all participate. In exchange for John’s testimony and the promise that the Syndicate would be up for grabs once Mateo and DeLuca were removed from the picture.

John goes over the overarching plan, allowing Lorenzo to interject.

He finds himself more than willing to let Lorenzo take control, so long as they both get what they want.

Santino would be the first to disappear. John was already there and had been seen by Santino’s entourage. When word of his death reached the Underworld, there would be half a dozen witnesses to say the last man who saw him alive was John Wick.

Word would reach DeLuca before John even sent him the photo evidence.

But that meant Santino couldn’t stay in New York. Too many people had access to Santino’s penthouse. And Lorenzo didn’t trust his son to not blow their cover by getting bored and posting on social media. John had to agree, although he didn’t like it.

He liked Ares suggestion even less.

Santino goes with you, she signs, I’ll stay here to tell his death. Then, I can take Gianna from the city and find you.

He’s loathe to agree but that could work .

Gianna’s ‘death’ would be next, after all. Lorenzo agreed to inform his daughter of the plan that evening when they were set to attend a banquet. There, they would be given the news of Santino’s untimely demise and immediately adjourn.

Ares would stay behind to get Gianna and drive her from the city, where her death could also be staged.

DeLuca would see the D’Antonio’s dropping and think himself nearly victorious. Friday morning, he would stage Lorenzo’s death and bring DeLuca the results.

He’s so fucking close. He longs to finish it all, but he can’t rush this. It might set DeLuca off.

He has to follow the plan.

Starting with Santino.

Faking Santino’s death turns into a fucking mess . Santino spends more than an hour going from room to room to choose the best background in which to fake his death. The kitchen, he explains, was undignified. As was the bathroom. The hallway was plebian . The game room juvenile .

After an hour, he returns to the kitchen where John waits while Ares pours red food coloring into a mixing bowl, along with corn syrup and a powdery substance. Somehow, he get’s the idea that it’s not the first time she’s pulled something like this.

“I want to be killed in the library.” Santino announces.

Ares nearly chokes as she starts to laugh, a hand on the counter to support herself. Even John is taken aback at the request.

“ You ,” John confirms, “want to be killed in the library?”

“What do you mean you?” Santino repeats, “I read.”

Ares, who had begun to recover, loses it again.

“I do!”

John looks away from Ares, fighting a smile, “What’s wrong with the living room?”

“You wish me to die on a couch ?” Santino sounds disgusted at the very thought.

Unbelievable.

“Library it is.” John sighs. They’re probably all overthinking it.

“Good. I’ll go throw some books about.”

“Why?”

“So it looks like I put up a fight.”

John spares a glance to Ares. The younger assassin is really struggling to hold it together and John can’t blame her.

“I wouldn’t give you the opportunity for a fight.”

Santino huffs, “So I am supposed to do nothing?”

“If I was actually out to kill you,” John reasons, “I would just walk up to you and shoot you in the head.”

“So boring!” And the mafiaso storms out of the room.

I’ll give him defensive marks. It’ll appease him . Ares signs, clearly having thought it through.

“Why do you work for him?” John asks aloud as he signs along.

The pay is good. And I go to galas.

“Huh. Wouldn’t have pegged you for liking that kind of thing.”

Ares gives him a sick grin as she signs, I get to meet a lot of rich, married women unhappy with their husbands.

John shakes his head, “You’re worse than a man.”

Trust me. I’m much better than a man.

Finding nothing to say to that, John turns on his heel and walks out of the kitchen.

It takes Santino another hour to determine where in the library he would best look displayed. He decides against the bookshelves and maps out a fight that will never happen. Santino recants the details of the fight with vivid imagery, seeming not to care that John isn’t listening.

Ares carefully paints a layer of blood onto Santino’s head while he grumbles about all the more dignified ways that John could have chosen to kill him.

When he’s finally ready to be posed, the mafia prince starts babbling on about the lighting in the room.

John is aware that Santino is entirely a political player, but it blows his mind that someone that self-absorbed could really be tied for number two in wielding the power of the Camorra.

It was unreal.

His headache is real by the time Santino actually manages to stay still and in place long enough for John to snap a couple of photos, all highlighting the wound and Santino’s dead eyes.

John is ready to leave then, but Santino insists on showering before they leave. Washing his face, he says, is not enough and he doesn’t trust that the shower John has in his safe house will be sufficient.

When he is done, John is still ready to go. To get back home to Helen, just as he had promised her. But Santino needs to pack. When the mafiaso finally reports being ready, he has more suitcases than will fit in John’s car.

Finally, Ares takes pity on them both and promises to bring the suitcases the following day, convincing Santino an overnight bag would be enough. They finally settle upon two overnight bags. As Santino goes through his things to pick out the necessities, Ares turns to John.

You should hit me, she signs.

“I’m sorry, what?”

You should hit me, Ares repeats. When I go to alert L.D., I should look like I was in a fight. Hit me.

It’s a fair point, John thinks. If DeLuca had done his homework on his cousin, he would know that Santino didn’t go anywhere without his head of security.

“You sure?” John asks as he signs.

She bows her head in the start of a nod and John strikes hard and fast. The younger assassin stumbles back crashing into the coffee table. It breaks under her weight and she makes a harsh face in pain.

John offers a hand to help her back up but she waves it off, wincing as she pushes herself up to her feet. Dusting herself off, she signs Be seeing you, John Wick.

He responds in kind before taking Santino out to the garage before the mafiaso could come up with another reason to slow them down. John takes great joy in locking Santino in his trunk before leaving the building, avoiding any chance of witnesses or cameras seeing him.

The plan had been to let Santino out once they crossed city lines and were certain they would not be seen. It had been Lorenzo’s idea to put him in the trunk and John was all to happy too oblige that request. ��

But the plan quickly changes when he spots the tail.

So much, he thinks, for getting home early.

He changes courses, pretending not to notice the black sedan four cars back, and heads upstate. It might add more to his trip but, assuming the tail was reporting back to anyone, it would keep them from knowing that he was actually headed for Vermont.

John’s gut tells him its Verdugo, but he can’t know that for sure.

Regardless, he waits until it is just them on an empty stretch of highway before he rolls down the window and sticks his middle finger out and up, letting the tail know that he sees him. He’s watching him, even as he’s being watched.

The car slows immensely at the sight and John watches in his rearview as the car turns around in the middle of the road.

He shakes his head.

Whoever was following him had probably been under the assumption that Helen was being held within the city, or at least close enough by that they could tail John to find her.

But tailing anybody for four hours without being caught was damn near impossible.

Yet another reason John had moved her out of state.

He pulls over not long after at State Park just off the road to let Santino out of the trunk.

The mobster whines and John does his best to ignore him as he drives. He makes his path convoluted, impossible to follow just in case whoever had been following him switched cars. Unlikely, he thinks, but paranoia reigns supreme.

Spending six hours in a car with Santino, John discovers, might be the closest he has ever come to experiencing Hell on Earth and by the time they reach the safehouse, John considers that it really might just be easier to murder this particular D’Antonio and be done with it.

“This is it?” Santino sounds unimpressed as John parks the car next to Marcus’. John couldn’t give a shit what Santino thought as turns the car off.

He hurries inside, anxious to set eyes upon her again. To reassure himself of her safety.

It’s silent as he walks in, so different than the night before when he’d walked in on Helen breaking Marcus down. He walks down the hall and into the living room as Santino follows, looking around in disdain at the cottage.

Marcus rounds the corner, eyes narrowing as he spots Santino. His eyes shoot to John, sending a glare. Bringing Santino had not been part of the initial plan.

John gives a shrug considering he didn’t have a choice and thinks not exactly thrilled about this either.

“What the hell—” Santino starts but is shushed by Marcus.

The assassin holds a finger up over his lips and gestures with his head towards the couch. John walks around.

Helen is asleep, her legs tucked in close to her. She has changed back into his shirt and boxers. Her dark curls have fallen over her cheek. He can’t resist but to reach down and push the locks back from her face.

“She tried to wait up for you, but she fell asleep a little before midnight.” Marcus says softly so as not to disturb her.

He can’t help but smile at that. His perfect girl.

John slips his jacket off and drapes it over the couch. “I’ll put her to bed and be back in a few.”

He bends, slipping a hand underneath her legs and another behind her back, scooping her up and into his arms. She makes a soft moan of surprise at the contact but quickly leans into him, resting her head upon his shoulder and burying her face in the crook of his neck.

He makes a conscious effort to ignore Santino’s curious gaze.

John takes her down the hall and to the room they share. He’s not sure how he feels or what he thinks anymore.

After months of thinking he would never hold her like this, followed by nights where she sleeps in his arms, he no longer feels a grasp on reality. His worst fear—that Helen might be harmed or used against him has already come true. And he has never benefited more from a singular fact.

He adjusts his grip on her as he pulls back the covers on the side of the bed he now deems as hers.

He’s spent a lifetime sleeping alone. Now he wonders if he will spend the rest of his life sleeping on the left of the bed, just to imagine the nights where she slept to his right.

Carefully, he lays her down. There is another soft moan, this time of protest, as he lets go. She turns her head onto the pillow, snuggling in.

I love you , he thinks as he drags the blankets up and around Helen, tucking her in.

He bends down and kisses her head. His fingers glide along her hair and he finds himself at peace knowing he’ll join her soon. After he stops Marcus from murdering Santino.

John sighs and forces himself to go back out into the living room where the assassin and mafiaso stand, glaring at one another.

“This wasn’t part of the plan, John.” Marcus says without looking away.

“It was a judgment call. Santino is too well-known in the city. We decided it was best if we got him out for the time being.”

“Rest assured, Marcus, I have no interest in being in this prehistoric hut with either of you.”

“It’s only for twelve hours.” John says before Marcus can respond. “Ares will be by tomorrow to pick up him. Then he’s off to spend the remainder of the week at a spa an hour north of here.”

Marcus, thankfully, has the self-control to not say anything else and nods.

“Now that is settled, you can show me to my room.” Santino announces.

Well, that was something John hadn’t considered. For any normal person, it was only going to be one night and that wouldn’t be much of an issue. He could grin and bare it on the pull-out couch with Marcus or the floor. But Santino…

Marcus snorts and walks away, into the kitchen.

“You’ll be sharing the pull-out with Marcus.” John says.

Santino loudly proclaims, “I’ll do no such—”

John doesn’t even realize he’s moving until his hand is around Santino’s neck and the knife in his pocket has been flipped open and pressed to Santino’s stomach. “Wake her,” he says darkly, “And you and I are going to have a problem.”

“More importantly, Helen ’s going to have a problem.” Marcus adds. “John will just kill you. Helen’ll make you wish you’d never been born.”

“Okay, okay, okay…” Santino holds up his hands. John releases him and the mafiaso straightens his jacket with a glare, “I don’t see the need to be so, so dramatic!”

After spending several hours staging Santino’s death, followed by six hours in a car with the mafiaso, John has nothing to say to the accusation that he was the dramatic one.

“Couch or the floor.” John says, “It’s one night. You can handle it.”

He huffs, “Is there at least a bathroom in this shack? Or must I relieve myself in the woods, like an animal?”

John is tempted to lie but points down the hall to the bathroom. Santino stalks off, taking his bag with him. When the door has closed, Marcus turns to him.

“Now I might require a marker.”

John snorts, “I just spent six hours in the car with him.”

Marcus inclines his head, the start of a smile on his face, “You might just need a therapist.”

He can’t help but smile at that, at the thought of Helen already asleep and tucked into his bed. “I might.” John agrees, before asking, “How was she today?”

“Good. She was getting restless, so we went for a run. Then I gave her a crash course in handguns.”

John’s head shoots up, “You did what?”

“She asked.” Marcus says, “And I don’t blame her, considering everything going on.”

“You taught Helen to shoot a gun?”

“A handgun. She already knew a bit about rifles. Went hunting with her grandfather as a kid, but we both agreed that rifles would likely be impractical for her.”

John flounders for a moment, torn between the diametrically opposed thoughts of what the fuck and good . It was probably a good idea for her to have some basic self-defense training. It would probably make her feel better in the long run, knowing that she could take care of herself.

But another part of him, a darker more possessive part, hated that it had to be done. He should be enough to protect her. And if anyone was going to teach her to protect herself, it should be him .

But it wasn’t. It couldn’t be. He was out doing what he could to keep her safe, but Marcus was the one actually watching over her.

Jealousy, he realizes. He was jealous.

Which was entirely unfair. Marcus was doing him the favor of a lifetime, ensuring her safety when John couldn’t but he was also spending more time with her. When John came home, they were able to talk but they mostly just slept. And while he wouldn’t trade the hours spent with her curled up in his arms for anything, he was coming to hate the daylight because it meant he would have to go.

But that wasn’t Marcus’ fault.

He tampers down on the feeling and thinks, instead, of the image it presents.

“How was she?” He asks, unable to help the quirk of his lips at the thought of Helen with a gun.

“A fucking natural.” Marcus says, matching John’s grin, “She overthinks things a bit, gets in her own head, but she’s good. Given a bit of practice, she’ll be a force.”

She’s already a force , John thinks, but he gets what Marcus means. Without a gun, Helen had been able to talk herself out of captivity. She’d systematically been able to manipulate and break her captors down until they were willing to pursue her interests.

Add a gun to the mix…

“Who knows,” Marcus adds, “Maybe I’ll have her use Santino for target practice tomorrow.”

John smirks, “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry about Santino.”

“Santino’s mother is sorry about Santino.”

His father, too, but John doesn’t say that.

“But it will be fine,” Marcus continues, “Whatever it takes.”

John nods, “You good if I go to bed?”

“Go for it. I’ll deal with the dipshit.”

John inclines his head in thanks and heads down the hall, undoing his vest. He folds it, draping it over an arm as he opens the door to the bedroom.

He changes into his pajamas in the dark as quietly as he can manage before he makes his way to his side of the bed. John pulls back the covers and slips in beside her. He can’t quite make out her features in the dark but stirs as the bed shifts under his weight.

“John?” She murmurs softly.

“I’m here.” He tells her, opening an arm.

Helen hums softly and curls into him. “Missed you.” She says as she nuzzles into him.

“I missed you too.”

John closes his eyes and allows the warmth of her body to lull him to sleep.

….

It would be so easy, John thinks upon waking, to kiss her.

Helen is still asleep, her head resting on his bicep, her arm stretched up and over his chest. Her palm rests over his heart.

She’s facing him, lips parted ever so slightly.

Soft and pink and perfect and all he would have to do is bend down. Brush his lips against hers.

He knows he shouldn’t kiss her while she’s sleeping. That borders on creepy and disrespectful. Then again, considering the fact that he stalked her for months , breaking into her house to watch her sleep, this really didn’t seem like that much of an invasion.

It also occurs to John that he’s never kissed anyone before.

He’s been kissed, a handful of times. Grabby partners or experimenting in his youth, he’d allowed others to kiss him to try it. To know what it felt like. He hadn’t been impressed nor had he understood the fascination with tasting another in such an intimate manner.

Yet now he can barely withhold from leaning forward. Tasting her .

She shifts in her sleep, her leg reaching out over his own.

He settles with kissing her head, holding her in his arms for just a little longer.

If all has gone well, he’ll meet Sofia in Jersey in just a matter of hours. Hopefully, she’s already landed with Isabella DeLuca. If not, he still has the D’Antonio’s on his side.

Ares should be able to follow his instructions to pick Helen up.

A part of him is concerned that now three more people will know the whereabouts of his safehouse. But Santino won’t care enough to remember, Gianna has no use for four million dollars, and Ares wouldn’t act against the wishes of her boss.

Honestly, he thinks, it will all be fine. And they’re so fucking close to all this being over.

Which leads him to a whole new set of worries that he can’t begin to touch now.

John looks back down at the woman asleep in his arms. He loves her so much that it makes his heart swell. He wonders if it's actually possible for the heart to just burst.

He’s interrupted with his thoughts when a door slams. Helen jolts in her sleep, eyes opening as she startles await.

“It’s okay,” John quickly soothes, ready to fucking murder Santino. He strokes a hand up and down her back, “It’s okay.”

“The fuck…” She mumbles, eyes closing as she turns her head into his arm.

“Just a door.” He says, shaking his head as he gently takes his arm back, lowering her head to the pillow. “Go back to sleep.”

“You getting’ up?”

“Yeah.”

She makes a noise of disapproval and John can’t help but smile. “Go back to sleep.”

Helen grumbles a bit as John slips from the bed.

John walks to the door, careful to be gentle as he closes it behind him. The bathroom door is closed and the water is running. He can only guess that it’s Santino. He heads down the hall and into the living room where Marcus is closing the pull-out back into the couch.

“What the hell?” John asks, gesturing with his head towards the bathroom.

“He wanted espresso. I told him there was coffee. He told me to make him a cup. I told him to go fuck himself.”

John rolls his eyes, “Just a few more hours.”

“You owe me so bad for putting me in a bed with Santino.” John tosses one of the couch cushions to Marcus, who places it back where it goes, “Did he wake her?”

John nods, “I told her to go back to sleep but I give it fifty-fifty.”

As he says it, John walks over to the kitchen. He dumps the coffee grounds from the previous day and refills it with fresh ones, adding more than yesterday to account for their added guest.

“Ah, thank you, John. It seems one of you is a gracious host.” Santino says, fully dressed in a dark purple suit that is very out of place for the cottage. He pulls out a chair and sits at the small table. “I like my coffee with Splenda and crème.”

“We got sugar and milk.”

The mafiaso’s shoulders slump as he leans back into his seat, muttering in Italian.

“You do realize you’re a grown adult, don’t you?” Marcus asks incredulously.

Despite the fact that Marcus was older and had spent longer in the Underworld than John had, Marcus had mostly been involved with the mid-level mob stuff. He was assigned tasks and he completed them. Like John, he wasn’t ambitious enough to actual get political himself.

Unlike John, he worked for a single organization. Being freelance, albeit with ties to certain organizations, John was more exposed to high ranking officials and their families. He’d seen first-hand the way that heirs were treated and honored without accomplishment.

John expects this kind of behavior from Santino.

Marcus doesn’t expect it from anybody .

Santino replies scathingly and John ignores it, focusing instead on the morning ritual or preparing coffee. He refills the water tank, setting the carafe back under the filter when he feels arms reaching around him, a warm body pressing against his back as Helen rests her head against him.

He realizes, then, that he hadn’t actually warned her about Santino.

She’d been asleep when they got home, and he had hoped she would fall back asleep after the loud slam. It would seem that was not the case.

Apparently, she either hadn’t noticed the mafiaso in her sleepy state or was uncaring.

John flips on the coffee maker before reaching an arm back to hug her. She loosens her grip as he turns to put his back to the counter. When he is settled, she rests her head against his chest.

“Who’s the suit?” she asks as she yawns, telling John it was the second option.

He has to stop himself from smiling at just how precious she is when she’s half-asleep. “Santino.”

She hums, “And he’s here why?”

Marcus gives a bark of laughter as John’s lips twitch. Santino makes a face of offense and John can’t bring himself to care.

“We faked his death yesterday. He needs a place to lay low where he won’t be seen by anybody he knows. His bodyguard is coming later today to pick him up and take him to a spa up north. He’ll only be here for a few more hours.”

“Better be sure of that,” Marcus says, “Otherwise we’re switching bed partners tonight.”

“Not gonna happen.” Helen replies before John can think of a way to appropriately say not a chance in fucking hell, “John’s a cuddler and I don’t share.”

He feels his face flush as Marcus laughs aloud again. Even Santino visibly brightens at the statement, saying, “Is he, now?”

John swallows but manages to tease back, “Says the one wrapped around me.”

She shrugs, “You’re warm.”

“Good to know you have your uses, isn’t it, John?” Marcus says, walking over to the fridge, “What do you want for breakfast, sweetheart?”

“I’m not picky.” She picks her head up from John’s chest, looking over her shoulder, “Whatever’s easy.”

“Well, I would like a protein scramble.”

“I’d like to set you on fire.” Marcus mutters as he digs through the fridge, “Eggs and sausage it is.”

He reaches over the fridge, wordlessly handing John the milk. John grabs it and kisses Helen’s head. “Go sit down, I’ll bring you your coffee.” He promises.

She makes a face but nods, dragging her hand across his stomach as she walks away. The line between them continues to blur and all he wants is to pull her back into his arms, already regretting telling her to go.

There are a hundred reasons why he doesn’t, but he tells himself it's so he can make her coffee. He pours the milk in first, as she likes it, before filling both their coffee mugs. She’s chosen the seat across from Santino and John wonders if it's to put herself farther away from the mafiaso or so she can see him, better analyze his movements.

He sets the mug in front of her, trailing his own fingers across her shoulders as he makes his way to sit on her other side. John doesn’t realize he’s even doing it until he removes his hand and sits down.

“How long have the two of you been together?” Santino asks curiously.

John tries to think of an answer, but he’s saved from having to say anything when Helen mirrors his body language, inclining her head, “Why do you want to know?”

“I’m curious.”

She is watching the mafiaso closely and John wonders what she’s thinking, what she’s looking for. After a few moments, Helen sits back, coffee in hand, “We’ve been seeing each other for seven months.”

John can see Marcus smirk at her answer.

It sounds… normal. And it’s not technically a lie. He had been seeing her weekly for seven months so if John has to confirm it, he won’t stumble. Again, he wishes he knew what was going on inside her head. He can see in her eyes that she has a theory but she’s testing it, carefully laying traps all around.

“That’s a long time to keep a secret.” Santino replies.

“We were aware of the consequences should it get out.” She sips her coffee.

“Indeed. Now your life is on the line…”

John opens his mouth to warn Santino off, but Helen gives him a gentle kick under the table, stopping him before he can utter a sound. He closes his mouth, turning his attention back to his love. Her face betrays nothing, but he can see the sparkle in her eyes.

She’s in her element.

“As is yours,” she’s using her counseling voice now. The gentle one that John knows is designed solely to lead him into a false sense of security. “Do you fear death, Santino?”

“Of course not,” the answer slips easily from him, “But regardless, it is not a present concern. Half of New York is not out looking for me .”

She looks thoughtful, “And yet, your life is on the line in the same way mine is. Hanging on the same thread in balance.”

John can’t look away.

“Not the same thread, my dear. After all, you’re being targeted for your relationship. I’m being targeted for my power.”

“Does it bother you, then, that my life is worth that of yourself and your family in the eyes of DeLuca?”

“DeLuca is a fool.” Santino snaps and, again, John is prepared to interfere when Helen, again, kicks him under the table.

John stops himself, catching the eye of Marcus. Even as he cooks, Marcus is grinning like a fool as he listens in.

Helen leans forward, setting her mug back on the table.

“Why do you say that?”

“He thinks he can defeat the Camorra, defeat me, in such a simplistic manner? No. No, I think not.”

“You’re very confident.”

“I have good reason to be. I am aware of how to take care of myself. To squash bugs like Mateo. Of course, it is not your fault that you cannot say the same. It takes a great deal of training and intelligence to understand how to survive in a world such as ours.”

Helen gives a subtle nod that both Santino and Marcus miss but the quirk of her lips tells John she’s figured out what she wanted to. She sits back in her seat, sipping at her coffee.

“John, come get your plates.” Marcus calls over and John stands, this time letting his hand skim Helen’s shoulders consciously. She leans into the touch and it thrills him more than words can ever say. “Santino, if you want a drink, come get it.”

The mafioso grumbles but follows John into the kitchen.

John sets the first plate in front of Helen, leaning down as he does to whisper in her ear, “Having fun?”

She smirks, leaning back to whisper, “Are all Italian mafiosos narcissistic or have I just been lucky?”

“You’ve just been lucky. I swear, they’re not all like Santino or DeLuca.”

“Oh, those two are entirely different kinds of narcissists. DeLuca’s a covert narcissist. I can’t decide whether Santino’s bordering on sadistic or sociopathic or a little of both.

“What makes you say that?’ And there’s a start of a smile on his face that comes from just listening to her at work.

“The lack of empathy is startling, which makes me think sociopathic but did you hear how he kept bringing it back to me? Not focusing on my experience, but on his perception of my fear. He wants me to be afraid. It amuses him, which makes me think sadism.”

John hums and quotes, “In order to know virtue, we must first acquaint ourselves with vice?”

“Marquis de Sade.” Helen annotes, “A nihilist if ever there was one.” She glances over to John, “Whichever way Santino lands, I’m dying to pick his brain apart.”

John pats her shoulder, “You should have him for a few more hours. That should keep you busy for a while.”

He stands back up, walking around to her other side before settling back in her seat.

“How long are you here?” Helen asks softly, her expression falling from one of amusement to resignation.

“I need to get going as soon as possible.” He admits.

Marcus pulls out a chair, setting down his own plate as John takes a bite, “What’s the plan for today?” The other assassin asks.

“If all goes well, Ares should have already staged Gianna’s death and she’ll drop off the pictures when she gets here.”

“And Lorenzo?”

“Tomorrow. I’ll go straight from him to DeLuca.” John glances at Helen as Santino sits back down, “The contract should be lifted then.”

“And if he tries for the double-cross, we’ll have Isabella.”

John nods, “I’m meeting Sofia at noon to go over the plan, make sure Isabella’s secured.”

“That shouldn’t take long.” Marcus says with a nod.

“No,” John agrees, “I’ll spend the rest of the day in the city.” He leaves out that it will be spent reminding people that it would be in their best interests not to pursue the contract.

John feels Helen’s eyes on him as he eats, idly listening to Marcus and Santino argue over bullshit.

One day closer to the nightmare being over.

A part of John is disgusted with himself for even thinking he might miss these nights and early mornings spent by her side. But he can't lie to himself anymore.

He's grown addicted to her presence, just as he had on his late night visits.

And he's not entirely sure what to do with that. Not sure how to admit the fact he doesn't know how he'll ever grow used to a life without her sunshine.

But like she can feel him slipping, Helen reaches out, resting her hand on top of his. He turns his own, letting her entwine her fingers with his.

She deserves so much better than him.

But everyday it's getting harder to remember that.

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ultrahpfan5blog · 4 years ago

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Thoughts on John Wick trilogy

Obviously the series isn’t done yet, but it was quite fun rewatching the three films recently. In terms of pure action, I don’t think there is a series more entertaining currently running.

I think the first John Wick is probably still my favorite of the lot. Its definitely a simpler movie and it feels a little different than the other two. Whereas the other two movies expand the world considerably, this movie still feels relatively grounded to our world with the added flavor of the Continental. But essentially, it is a revenge movie of a hitman going after the Russian mob. I honestly thought the movie was going to be so silly when I found out that John was going to be taking revenge for his dog, but they handled it quite brilliantly in the movie. I also think Viggo is the best villain of the series so far and the movie portrays the legend of John Wick so well. In no movie have I seen villains been so terrified of the hero right from the beginning. The scene where Viggo finds out what his son did to John is one those classic reaction scenes which became a great meme. The action is exhilarating. The club shootout sequence is the highlight but there is plenty littered across the movie. Because its a revenge movie, it also feels a bit more emotional and personal than the next two movies. Reeves is fantastic and I honestly think this is the best role he’s ever played. Willem Dafoe is a welcome presence in a small but important role. Alfie Allen is perfect as Iosef. you want his punk ass to be dead almost immediately which immediately has us rooting for John. Nyqvist was excellent as Viggo. Ian McShane is another highlight of the series in general, as Winston. Lance Reddick is also a great addition as Charon. His deadpan is always amusing. If I have one complaint, it is that the final fight sequence is kind of meh. After all the fights, we see John struggling with Viggo at the end which is kind of unconvincing. But its only for a minute or so at the end of the movie. Otherwise its almost a picture perfect action movie with just enough mythology thrown in to have it be interesting without overwhelming the story.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is probably my 3rd favorite of the series, though it is pretty much neck and neck with Parabellum. I think its better than Chapter 3 in some ways and worse in some ways. This film is really the expansion of the mythology. The film really digs into how big this world of assassins is and how many services are there. It is really quite fun watching this expansion. It was also nice to see some other characters be introduced into this world, like Common’s Cassian. It was nice for John to be up against an assassin who is his equal who was not an out and out villain. The action is again fantastic throughout. You have a whole car chase and smash sequence in the beginning, plenty of gun fights in Rome, knife fights and hand to hand combat fights among many others. The film does start to get slightly on the ridiculous territory when it comes to the world. Whereas as the first film felt like it could be our world with a hidden society of villains, this movie just makes it as if every second person is an assassin in the organization. NYC in particular seems like its basically just full of assassins and everyone is part of this society. I mean, its still enormously entertaining to watch John plough through half of NYC, but it makes John more into a superhero than the more human figure he was in the first film. Santino was another perfectly smug villain whose death we cheered. All the returning cast were excellent. I particularly liked Claudia Gerini as Gianna in her one scene. Lawrence Fishburne also seemed to be having a lot of fun as the Bowry King.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum is probably the best of the three movies in terms of pure action. The action set pieces are long, brilliantly choreographed, and highly entertaining. And in all honesty, the action sequences in this movie are probably the most creative of the entire series. You have chase scenes on horseback, on bikes, shootouts with dogs mangling men’s body parts, knife fights, hand to hand combat fights, chase sequence on bikes. Basically everything you can think of. The kills are also some of the most brutal ones around and in some cases they are pretty funny. In terms of story, it might be the weakest of the three movies because, unlike the previous two films, it feels a little incomplete. Whereas the first film completed John’s revenge against Viggo and Iosef, and in the second film, John deals with Santino by the end, the villain in this film does not die. The Adjudicator is just as smug and arrogant as the previous two villains and its a little frustrating that we don’t see any comeuppance. Also, I’m not completely sold on the change of hearts for John and Winston. John makes the decision to become an assassin and kill Winston and then changes his mind the next scene. Winston’s change of allegiances might be expanded more upon in the next film and there may be more to it, but I would be bummed out if he genuinely becomes a villain after being one of the most likable characters in the series. He and Charon have much more central roles in this film and it was great to see them. Halle Berry also has a great supporting role in the film and she kicks ass as well. The film ends John at exactly the same point Chapter 2 left off, which is cut off and pissed off at the high table. So that probably doesn’t bode well for the high table, given how he has an ally in Fishburne’s Bowry King. Despite the faults, the action is so overwhelmingly good that you can just shrug away the issues. That’s not really the point of the movies in this series anyways.

#john wick #john wick: chapter 2 #john wick: chapter 3 - parabellum #keanu reeves

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layce2015 · 5 years ago

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John Wick Chapter 2 (John Wick x Reader)

Chapter 4: Do You Fear Damnation?

Chapter 1 / Chapter 3

As the church bell tolls, you and John, carrying the bags of weapons, walk down the deserted streets and head over to a locked gate. John pulls out the keys he was giving and the two of you walk in then you two go inside of the catacombs. Both of you started to pull out the guns from the bag, made sure that they were loaded and started to place them at certain parts of the cave.

Once you two were done with that, both of you make your way out of the catacombs and come out to this party that was going on with people dancing, drinking and a band playing on the stage. Both of you walk around until John stops and looks at this woman, who was wearing a large fur coat over her dress and her hair was pulled back in a bun. She was also surrounded by some guards.

"I'm guessing that's her." You said to John. He nods then takes your hand in his as you see the woman leave and head to a large building. John leads you to this building.

Once inside, both of you hid in the large bathroom just as you hear the doors open. Gianna walks inside, all alone. The perfect time to come in. She walks over to this large mirror and looks herself over when she noticed John standing behind her. "John." She said, slightly surprise that he was here. "Gianna." John said and she turns to him.

"There was a time not so long ago in which I considered us as friends." Gianna said. "I still do." John said as he starts to walk towards her. "Yet here you are. Death's very emissary. What brought you back, John?" She asked. "A marker." John replied. "Held by?" She asked. "Your brother." John replied and she looks down as if she had some idea that this would happen.

"Tell me, John. This marker... Is it how you got out?" She asked him. John nods as he walks closer to her. "And what is her name, this woman whose life has ended my own?" Gianna asked and that's when you walked out from behind the pillars. "Oh. You brought her here." Gianna exclaims, her eyes widen in shock as you look at her and start to walk over to John.

"What is your name?" Gianna asks you. "(Y/n)." You replied. "(Y/n)." Gianna repeated, softly, as she looks you over. Then she turns to John. "Is she worth the price that you now seek to pay?" She asks as she points at you. John nods as you said. "Believe me, ma'am. John didn't want to do this...but your brother didn't give him much of a choice. I'm only here to support my husband." Then Gianna looks over at you with interest and intrigue.

"Do you have a sister, (y/n)?" She asks and you look away in slight sadness as the memories of your sister flood your mind. "I did. She's...she's gone." You replied and Gianna continued to stare at you with interest. Then she walks up to you and asks. "And what was her name?"

"Helen." You replied, holding back the tears.

"Helen." Gianna mutters then she looks over at you as you start to feel slightly uncomfortable. You felt like Gianna was scanning you, John noticed your hand was fidgeting again. "Now, let me tell you what happens when I die." Gianna said as she walks in front of you and John but mostly staring at you. "Santino will lay claim to my seat at the table. He will take New York. And your husband will have been the one who gifted it to him. What would your sister think about that, (y/n)?" She asks and you stare at her then look to the side. "What would she think about your husband? Or you, her own sister?" Gianna asked and you look at her with guilt then turn your head away.

Honestly, if Helen was still alive....she'd probably be freaking out and ask you if you were crazy for sticking around. And would raise hell over it. She was a very protective big sister and wanted nothing but the best for you. She did like John but if she found out about this, she would have done everything in her power to get you away from him.

Maybe...it's better this way that she's gone. You thought then another thought came to your head. Am I a bad sister for thinking that?

As you were thinking this, Gianna looks at you, nods as if to confirm her hypothesis, and turns around to this mirror and take off her fur coat. She looks over herself in the sparkly silver dress then she turns back to face you two and unzips her dress. You raised an eyebrow at this when Gianna slips her dress off, standing there naked in front of you and your husband, then she starts to walks towards the tub and pulled this blade out of her hair.

Then she places the blade against her right arm and starts to slit it open. You recoil, in disgust, at this as she goes to cut her other arm. "Why?" John asked her as blood runs down her arms then she turns to face you two as she starts to sit down in the tub. "Because I lived my life my way. And I will die my way." Shd replied and she sits down and spreads her arms out in the water, the blood seeping into the water at an alarming rate.

"Do you fear damnation, John?" Gianna asks John. "Yes." John replied and you give him a concerned look as he goes over to the side of the tub. "You know, I always thought I could escape it. That I'd see it coming. That I'd see you." She said as you come up to her and sit down next to her on the edge of the large tub. You reach down into the water and grabbed her hand and held it, comfortingly. She looks up at you in shock as you give her a kind and gentle smile, just trying to give her reassurance.

"I see...why...you...like her, John." Gianna said, softly, then her eyes started to close and the grip of her hand in yours was loose. Her head started to slump over to the side and you place her hand back into the water as John comes up and shoots her in the head. You take a deep breath then look up at John, who looks back at you. Both of you share a look then you get up and he places a hand behind your back and starts to lead you out.

Both of you walk out of the building and out to the screaming people and the music blasting when a voice calls out. "John?" John turns around and you follow to see a tall African American man in a nice suit, this was on the guards of Gianna's that you recognized earlier. "Cassian." John said as Cassian looks at him.

"You working?" Cassian asked. "Yeah. You?" John said. "Yeah. Got a partner now?" Cassian asked as he nods towards you. "This is (y/n), my wife." John said and Cassian nods. "Good night?" Cassian asked John. "Afraid so." John said and you could tell that he felt bad. "I'm sorry to hear that." Cassian said and John, subtly, pushes you back as he reaches for his gun.

Then at the same time Cassian and John pull out their guns and opened fired at each other, making them fall back as you stumbled back a bit. The men start to sit up but you grab John's arm and help him back to his feet and the two of you ran off.

Both of you ran up to the stage and started running on it when a couple of guys came after you two. Without a second thought, you pulled out your gun and shot one of the men as John shoots at the other. The crowd started cheering, thinking that this was party of the show, while you stared at the man's body for a second in shock. You couldn't believe it, you actually shot a human being!

As you were thinking this, John grabs your hand, pulling you out of your thoughts, and both of you ran off the stage and out towards the crowd as more men started to come after you. Both of you started firing and that's when the crowd realized that this was not part of the show, it was real, and they started running away while you and John started to shoot at any guards that was coming at you.

Both of you go and hide behind a wall and pop out of it and started shooting at a couple more guards before you two walked out. Then one of the guards grabbed you from behind and you let out a yelp and started to struggle in the man's arms. John turns just as he heard you let out a yell and saw one of the guards had grabbed you. He goes to aim his gun when another man comes up to him from his left but he turns and headshot the man just as you slammed the back of your head into the man's face.

You elbow him in his side and he let's go of you as he stumbles backwards. Then you, quickly, turn around and shoot him in the stomach and the shoulder just as John shoots him in the head.

More started coming but you two took them out then you headed into the catacombs. It was quiet down here as you and John looked around, so you two catch your breath for a moment then John slams his hand against his chest, knocking all of the bullet shells off of him. "You okay?" He asked you as you did the same to your chest and you hear the shells fall. "Yeah... just...still recovering from actually shooting some men for the first time, is all." you said, breathless, then you turn to your husband.

"How do you deal with it, John?" You asked him, curiously, and he stares at you for a moment. "I just do everything I can to stay alive. So I just think about surviving. And you." He replies and your lips twitch into a smirk. "Believe me, (y/n), I don't enjoy it but....it has to be done." He said and you think about this for a moment and then nod at him before you two start to walk along the tunnels.

Both of you hold up your pistols, aiming it at every corner you two took but there was nothing until you saw Ares standing at the end of the tunnel. "Loose ends?" John asked her. Just one...or should I say two... Ares signed then she gives the middle finger to both of you. "Yeah..." John grumbles while you looked at at him, confused. But then you realized what was going on when some men started to come out from behind her and open fire.

Both of you began to run the other direction and fire back. After grabbing two different guns you two hid, both of you started to fire at them and make your way out. It felt never-ending as there seemed to be a truck load of men waiting for the two of you as you and John kept shooting and killing these men.

All you could think of was thank God for these bullet proof vest, the impact of the bullets did hurt but at least they didn't enter your body. Although you think a couple of bullets might've grazed your arms as you felt something go across your arms, like a paper cut feeling.

Finally, you and John were able to get away from Ares' men and made it towards the exit. Both of you were catching your breathes as you two walked out onto the streets and started to make you way back to the hotel. "Sooo....tell me. Do all of your jobs go that smoothly?" You asked John, sarcastically, and he chuckles and shakes his. "No, not..." he started to say when he stopped. You stopped too and just then you heard a car coming.

And in that moment, John wraps his arms around you, pulls you to his side and does a jump just as a car comes at you two. You hold onto John as both of you hit the hood of the car then fall to the side. Cassian comes out of the car and starts to fire his gun but you and John duck down behind the side of the car. "You and your wife not havin' a good time, are ya, John?" Cassian asked and both of you run, ducking behind cars, and fire at him while he fired at you two.

Then he runs on top of a car, ran across it, jumps and lands on John. The two men started to fight when John flips him over his back then he runs over to you, grabs your hand and both of you run. But Cassian catches up to you two and begins to fight John, who let's go of your hand. You try to help but then you were knocked down the stairs, you three were on top of, and you tumbled down.

John, seeing this, now becomes even angrier as he and Cassian punch and kick each other until they started to tumble down stairs as well.

You got to the bottom of the long staircase and groaned in pain as you hear John and Cassian fight and land next to you. Your vision was a bit blurry but you could hear them struggle and then you heard gunshots. This scared you but once your vision came back, you see that none of the men were shot but they got up and started punching at each other.

You get up, pull off the bracelet and push the buttons, releasing the blade. You run towards Cassian and stabbed him, he screams and turns towards you and starts to attack you. But you swung your blade at him and you were able to slice at his hand. He screams in pain then kicks you backwards just as John grabs him and throws him to the side and stands in front of you, protectively, as you get back up.

Cassian runs at him and they continue their fight but then Cassian was able to grab hold of John and was holding him down. You raised your gun at him but as you pulled the trigger, it clicked meaning no bullets. Damn it! You thought, angrily, as John pulls out a gun and starts to fire at Cassian but misses. Cassian pulls John up and then your run at them and launched yourself at Cassian, making all three of you crash through this window.

Before you could react, Cassian grabs you then pins you down the ground and you try to stab him with your knife bracelet but he knocks the blade out of your hand and John wraps an arm around his neck. "Gentlemen! Madame!" A voice shouted but you three kept struggling against each other.

"Gentlemen and madame!" The voice said, firmly, and all of you stopped fighting and see Julius standing on top of the stairs. John let's go of Cassian as Cassian let's go of you and starts to get up. John goes to help you up, just as you pick up your knife bracelet, as Julius walks down the steps and towards the three of you. "Do I need to remind you that there will be no business conducted on the continental grounds?" He asked, in a firm voice. "No, signore." Cassian said. "No, sir." You and John said and Julius nods.

"Now, may I suggest a visit to the bar, so you can calm yourselves." Julius said then John turns to Cassian. "Gin, wasn't it?" He asked him. "Yes. Bourbon, right?" Cassian said. "Yeah." John replied then Cassian looks towards you. "And for the lady?" He asked. "(Favorite alcohol)." You replied and the three of you start to head to the bar.

After receiving your drinks, the three of you down the drinks before John turns to Cassian. "I had a marker." He informed Cassian. "Whose?" Cassian asked. "Her brother." John replied and Cassian looks at him. "I see. You had no choice." He said. "He wants her seat at the table." You said. "He'll get it now." Cassian said and John nods. "Yeah."

"So you're free." Cassian said and John looks over at him. "Am I?" He asked. "No. Not at all. You killed my ward. Someone I was close to. An eye for an eye, John. You know how it goes." Cassian said then he shifts his gaze at you then back to John. "I'll make it quick. I promise." He told John and you shift in your seat at this. "I appreciate that. I'll try and do the same." John said as he glares and both of you finished your drinks then John started to dig in his pocket but Cassian stops him.

"This round's on me." He said and he pulls out a couple of coins and lays it on the bar. "Consider it a professional courtesy." Cassian said then he gets up and leaves. You let out a sigh and placed your right hand over your eyes as John takes your left hand in his right hand. You and him exchange a look before you noticed Ares sitting on a couch some few feet away from you two.

You nodded toward her direction and John turns to see her. Having a tough night? She asked through her sign language. Can I buy you two a drink? She asks. "No. Thanks." John said the both of you get up from the bar just as Ares said Not him...me. Be seeing you John Wick. John stares at her then signs back to her. Not if I see you first. Then both of you walk away.

Both of you head to another part of the lobby and you two sit down on a couch. You let out a heavy sigh as you lean back on the couch and you close your eyes. Then you felt John take your hand in his and you intertwine your fingers through his and held on.

You open your eyes and look over at your husband and both of you look into each other's eyes when a phone rings. You furrow your brow as John look over to his side to see an old rotorary phone on the side table next to the couch. He reaches out to the phone and answers it. "Hello, John." Santino greets and John becomes angry once he hears Santino's voice. You felt John squeezing your hand and you sit up and place a hand on his shoulder.

"I understand if you are upset. And I know it might feel personal. But what kind of man would I be if I didn't avenge my sister's murder?" Santino said but John doesn't reply and hangs up immediately. John picks up the receiver again and starts to make a call. "Could you let management know my wife and I'll be checking out in the morning." John said into the phone then he hangs up and the two of you head to your room. And honestly you couldn't wait to get into bed and rest.

After today you needed it.

But you have no idea about the danger that was coming to you two.

"Operator. How may I direct your call?" A female operator greets. "Accounts payable." Santino said. "One moment, please." The lady said and she transfers his call.

"Accounts payable. How may I help you?" Another operator greets. "I'd like to open an account." Santino said. "Name on the account?" The operator asked. "John Wick." Santino said. "Verification?" She asked. "9305-05." He replied. "State of contract?" She asked. "Open." He said. "Denomination?" asked the operator. "Seven million. And add an extra five million for the capture of his wife, (y/n) Wick." Santino said.

"Processing. Please hold." She said and she begins to type up the contract. "Order confirmed." She said after a few minutes then transferred the message to another part of the operations. There they typed it up and transferred it to any assassins available.

The next morning, you and John got up and dressed into different suits. Both suits were similar to the ones you two wore last night but John was wearing a white shirt and you were wearing a dark blue blouse. Both of you bagged up the clothes you wore last night and then began to check out.

"I appreciate the service." John said to Julius as he leads you two to the elevators. "My pleasure. You will find safe passage below. Transportation is waiting for you. May you have a safe journey, Mr. and Mrs. Wick." Julius said as you and John entered the elevator. After he said this the doors to the elevator closed and you two make your way back home.

"What is this?" Santino asked Winston, who hands him the marker. "He completed the task. The marker is over. Mark it." Winston said. "If Mr. Wick isn't dead already, he soon will be." Santino sneers and Winston glares at him. "Will you mark it, sir?" He asked him. Reluctantly, Santino sits up in his chair, grabs the marker, opens it then pricks his thumb on the needle at the top and places his bloody thumb print next to the print John made all those years ago.

"You have no idea what's coming, do you?" Winston asked. "I have everyone in New York looking for him and his wife. I doubt we will see them again." Santino said, arrogantly. "Do you now? You stabbed the devil in the back and forced him back into the life that he had just left and, in turn, throwing his wife into the middle of this. A mere innocent girl. You incinerated the priest's temple. Burned it to the ground. Now he's free of the marker, what do you think he'll do? Especially now that you've put a contract on his wife as well? He had a glimpse of the other side and he embraced it. But you, signor D'Antonio...took it away from him and his wife." Winston said.

"He was already back." Santino said. "Oh, he came back for love, not for you." Winston said. "He owed me. I had every right." Santino said as he stands up and gets into Winston's face. "And now he's coming again. He did tell you not to do this. He did warn you. A deal's, a deal." Winston said before he walks off, leaving Santino alone in his room.

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manic-intent · 6 years ago

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A Readme for Reading Me

[ Updated: 2021. Whew! So many changes over 2 years. ]

Now that I’ve finally bothered to get around to installing a theme that allows featured/sticky posts (it’s Anchor, for those curious), here’s something I’ve always been meaning to add to this hellsite.

Permissions

I’ve always held all my fanwork as creative commons -- so do what you like: podfic, translation, writing in the same 'verse, your uni work, other fanworks, whatever. For translations, if you do it through AO3 you don't need to let me know. AO3 has a function to post as a translation. If it's posted outside AO3, please link back to my work and drop me a note so I can put up a link to the translation in the A/N.

My fave fics (of my own work)

If you’re new to my work it’s probably best if you check out the many categories I’ve written for on AO3 and read something from something you recognise. My own faves though are:

Petrichor | Stormpilot, Star Wars

Made Men | John/Santino, John Wick

Shadow of the Panther | Series, M’Baku/T’Challa, Black Panther

American Outlaws | Arthur/John, Red Dead Redemption 2

The Dragon Gate | Ryuzo/Jin, Ghost of Tsushima

About me

I’m a left-wing cis WoC grey-asexual treehugger in my 30s. Don’t like, don’t read. I don’t understand this new fandom preoccupation with how older women cannot be in fandom. If you’re looking for a squeaky clean read, don’t bother with my work. If you don’t support lgbtqa+ rights, don’t bother reading.

What my username means

I... I actually don’t remember. It was from World of Warcraft. Now and then I wish I picked a different pseud, but I’ve been using this one for so long that I probably can’t change it anymore. Ah well.

About my writing

As of the time of this post I have over 400 fics up on AO3, and that’s only the output I have since AO3 was up -- there’s older stuff on my livejournal. Yes, I’m that old. I’ve been writing for over 15 years and I can’t say I’m always proud of my older work, back when my language was less inclusive and I had way more writing quirks. I go back and edit sometimes if I see something egregious, but usually, I don’t have the time.

My favourite thing to write is dialogue, followed by epilogues. I find writing action scenes painful. And while smut scenes are often a key part of my story sequences, writing them is really boring for me... I often have to just edit them repeatedly to add in adjectives. Maybe it’s because I’m on the asexual spectrum.

The older I get, the more conscious I am of social issues and the language I use. I don’t just want to produce fiction, especially if it’s longfic. I want to write something that will teach people something. That’s why my fics often have further reading recs, or cite links to the research I’ve done. I want to write like I’m an arsonist. I want to write my own takes on things -- I personally find writing to predictable tropes boring. I will often criticise canon itself, or canon-adjacent things. I want readers to read my work and think about it after they’re done, the way I do whenever I read a very good book or an article. And yeah, my politics will be obvious in my fics. It’s what I believe in after all.

About betas

I don’t use betas for my fanwork, partly because of the speed I update and partly because I edit my own work several times. I love Grammarly -- the free one works on AO3′s posting panel/window too, for a quick final check. I also periodically go back and check my own work over and over. No one will read my work as much as I do, because no one loves my work as much as I do. I write what I love to read after all.

That being said, if you can get a beta and it works with your style, get one. My work improved immensely when I finally went through the editing process for my novel and for book/story submissions.

About fandom collaborations

I don’t do them, sorry. I don’t really know how that would work with my style of writing, and I don’t really feel the urge to do it. YMMV, but I like exploring on my own.

Prompts

If you want to give me a prompt, you’d have to donate to charity. Details here.

How much do I write

I love writing. It’s the most fun I can have by myself. If I could, I’d do it all the time. I write all the time. Even if I’m just walking down the street, I’m writing bits and pieces of nothing in my head. I try to write at least a few hundred words a day. If I’m working on a fic, I average 3k a day. The story just needs to come out somehow.

My process

I have no process. I’m an organic writer, which means, in part, that I write without outlines. You can read more about that here. My usual fics usually run for about 10-13 chapters (30k+ words) because that’s usually when I start to get bored of a story idea and have to close it off.

The closest I can think of for a process is my reading. I try to read widely, particularly nonfiction longform journalism. The New Yorker, Longreads, whatever I see online that I like. For books, I finish about one a week, and my to-read list is still endless. I mostly read SF&F off rec lists, and I try to read diversely nowadays, prioritising minority authors. Some of my faves are:

NK Jemisin, in particular, the Broken Earth series

Liu Cixin, in particular, Remembrance of Earth’s Past series

Nnedi Okorafor, in particular, Akata Witch

Brian Catling, the Vorrh

Ann Leckie, the Ancillary series

Emily St John Mandel, Station Eleven

Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Marjorie Liu, Monstress

I write fanfic on iAWriter and everything else on Scrivener. My favourite writing font is iAWriter’s Nitti. You can get their doublespaced Duospace font for free if you google it. I usually write after work as a way of decompressing, often for a few hours a day, on the couch, with my cats. I do write warm ups, usually terribad porny stuff that I will almost never bother to clean up and publish save in exceptional circumstances (Old Friends, Old Problems is an example of this).

The Bechdel Test and other things

Nowadays I try to make it a point to pass the Bechdel Test in all my longfic. My longfics have never been romance-driven anyway, because I personally don’t like reading romances. Any romance in one of my stories will just be an ancillary part of a plot. So if you’re skim reading any of my work to get to the smut, or get to the slash, you’re probably better off reading something else.

About commenting

Say whatever you want in the comments of my fic, tbh I don’t care. It’s nice to receive nice comments, of course, but they don’t drive my writing. Similarly, I usually just laugh off nasty or annoying comments. I do read concrit, but since it’s fanfic and not stuff I’m being paid to write, I’m under no obligation to listen to any of it.

Twitter

I’m on twitter @manic_intent, but it’s an account that is 60% politically driven rage, 20% fandom, 10% writing updates, and 10% writing adjacent commentary. I will post about what I’m currently reading and what I read for research. It is, however, a very spammy account #neversorry

Yes, I’m published

You can pick up my latest book, Ion Curtain, over here. It’s a queer m/m space opera!

My first book, The Firebird’s Tale, is out of print after the closure of the press it was with, but you can still get my postapocalyptic novella, Cradle and Grave, over at Neon Hemlock. If you’re able, R&R on Goodreads and Amazon! My short stories have been published by Uncanny, Strange Horizons, Asimov’s, Fantasy Magazine and more. You can find them here.

I’ve been trying to write more original work and less fanwork recently, so nowadays I might disappear off AO3 for a few weeks now and then. I find original work a lot harder to write than fanfic.

Any advice

YMMV but if you can help it, don’t chase likes and kudos, especially if you eventually want to get published. Publishing is a rejection game. Write what you love and what you want to read and you will have readers. More about that here ♥︎

A final note

Here’s a huge thank you to all my readers over the years, especially those who follow me into new fandoms even if they don’t know anything about it. Those who point out errors or where I’m going wrong, who are just as invested in my work being better as I am. I will keep trying to get better. Thanks again.

#featured #my writing #on writing

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ljones41 · 5 years ago

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"JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM" (2019) Review

"JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM" (2019) Review I have seen all three films in the "JOHN WICK" franchise so far. All three of them. However, "JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM" is the first film I saw in the movie theaters. And it is the first I have reviewed for my blog.

"JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM" picked up a few minutes later after the franchise's last film, "JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2"left off. In the latter, former assassin John Wick had been approached by Italian crime lord Santino D'Antonio to assassinate his sister Gianna, so he can claim her seat at the "High Table", a council of 12 high-level crime lords. Although reluctant to complete the task, John is forced to accept D'Antonio's request since the latter had helped him with a task that allowed him to retire as an assassin and marry his late wife. However, Gianna committed suicide before John could kill her and D'Antonio put a contract on the former under the guise of "avenging his sister's death". Determined to get revenge for this betrayal, John pursued D'Antonio to the Continental Hotel, a refuge for the underworld's assassins where no "business" is allowed, and kills the Italian gangster. Because he had broken the hotel's "no killing" rule, John is declared "excommunicado" by his handlers at the High Table and placed under a $14 million bounty. In this third film, John struggles to evade nearly every assassin, while he tries to retrieve a crucifix necklace and a "marker" medallion from a secret cache in a book at the New York City Public Library. He needs both items to present to the Director, a woman from his past, and use as a "ticket" for safe passage to Casablanca, Morocco. With the help of an old friend and fellow assassin named Sofia, John hopes to fend off other assassins long enough to reach the Elder of the "High Table" and find a way to call off the bounty. However, John eventually learns that he will have to pay a few steep prices to achieve his goal. I wish I could say that I loved "JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM". Hell, I wish I could say that I loved all of the John Wick movies. But I did not. I merely liked them. What kept me from loving these three films? The level of action featured in them."JOHN WICK 3" opened with the main protagonist leaving the Continental Hotel and making his way to the main New York Public Library in order to retrieve two objects that would help him leave the country. I do not know how long this sequence lasted, but it almost seemed like forever. Wick seemed to encounter one assassin after the other, city block after city block. Even when he reached the library, he had to fight off another assassin. Then he was forced to defend himself against more assassins as he struggled to reach the Director, a Russian-born who had raised him. There was such an overwhelming slew of action in this film that I was to appreciate the more dramatic moments with great relief. When I had asked one of my relatives on how she felt about the movie, her response was . . . "action porn". She liked the movie, but like me, found the amount of action in it rather overwhelming. I honestly cannot think of anything else that turned me off about "JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM". Ironically, as much as I found the onslaught of action a bit off putting, there were a handful of scenes that I genuinely enjoyed, thanks to Chad Stahelski's direction. There were three sequences that stood out for me. One involved Wick's unexpected encounter with a rather large assassin inside the New York Library. His final fight against a New York City assassin named Zero and the latter's men at the New York Continental Hotel almost struck me as surreal. But if I had to select my favorite action sequence, it has to be his battle against a group of assassins in Casablanca, with the aide of his old friend, Sofia. Watching Keanu Reeves and Halle Barry fight side by side against a slew of killers proved to be more than satisfying for me. And exciting. I also suspect that this deluge of action had allowed the film's five screenwriters to create a more streamlined narrative. Five screenwriters? This movie required five screenwriters? Anyway, one of the aspects of the John Wick films that I found refreshing is that the narratives for the three films were not repetitive. "JOHN WICK 3" marked the first time that the hero is forced to face the consequences of his actions. There is a reason why once or twice, a self-reflective Wick had to admit that he had brought his current crisis upon himself. More importantly, he also realized that his decision to become a professional assassin and criminal in the first place had brought him to this point in his life. In age in which the questionable decisions and actions of many protagonists in movies and television are either swept under the table or whitewashed, John Wick's self-reflection struck me as a breath of fresh air. "JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM" featured some solid performances from its supporting cast. The likes of Lance Reddick, Anjelica Huston, Jerome Flynn, Randall Duk Kim and Yayan Ruhian did not exactly blow my mind, but I found their performances impressive. Saïd Taghmaoui gave a brief, yet impressive performance as the Elder, leader of the High Table; whom John Wick struggles to reach to overturn the contract against him. Asia Kate Dillon was memorable as the Adjudicator, a member of the High Table who castigated both Winston and the Bowery King for helping Wick in the previous film. However, I thought her character seemed like a remake of the character she portrays on Showtime's "BILLIONS". Ian McShane was elegant and charismatic as ever as Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, who found himself in trouble for giving Wick a head start on the contract in the second film. Laurence Fishburne was equally charismatic as the New York crime lord known as the Bowery King. But unlike McShane, I also found his performance rather theatrical in an entertaining way. Another colorful performance came from Mark Dacascos, who portrayed Zero, a Japanese assassin based in New York City, who is recruited by the Adjudicator to kill Wick or anyone else whom the High Table wanted dead. Berry radiated charismatic, style and gravitas as an old friend of Wick named Sofia, who helps him reach the Elder. I really enjoyed both her dramatic and action scenes with the leading man. Speaking of the latter, Keanu Reeves was perfect, as usual as the ex-assassin John Wick. I think I enjoyed his performance in this film a bit more, due to the pathos he infused in scenes that featured Wick's self reflections about his profession and past. In a nutshell, I would never regard "JOHN WICK: CHAPER 3 - PARABELLUM" as among the best action movies I have seen. Like the other movies in the JOHN WICK franchise, I thought it was over saturated with too many action sequences. But . . . the movie did feature a solid and well-written narrative that picked up from where the second movie in the franchise left off. More importantly, I was impressed that for once, the main protagonist was paying the consequences of his past actions. In the end, I thought director Chad Stahelski had delivered a solid and entertaining film with a talented cast led by Keanu Reeves.

#john wick #john wick franchise #john wick chapter 3 #john wick chapter 3 parabellum #keanu reeves #chad stahelski #ian mcshane #Halle Berry #laurence fishburne #anjelica huston #asia kate dillon #said taghmaoui #jerome flynn #lance reddick #mark dacascos #randall duk kim

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brothermarc7theatre · 5 years ago

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“Tootsie” show #792

How refreshing that my first show of my NYC 2019 trip was Tootsie. Yes, the 1982 film of the same name has been given the musical treatment. To give where credit is due, I am happy to report that, in a rare instance, the Tony voters completely nailed what this show is deserving of winning; Robert Horn’s book is impeccably written, astute in its approach of 2019 sensitivities of women speaking out, and men taking and domineering the professional and artistic worlds. Mr. Horn’s book pairs effectively well with David Yazbek’s lyrics in checking the boxes by addressing female empowerment, consent, and appropriateness between men and women. Further, Santino Fontana is absolutely divine in this Tony-winning performance; he takes the audience on a journey of incredible timing, physicality, inflection, and vocal calisthenics. It cannot be easy delivering this role with a female-falsetto in scene and song while being equal parts believable as man and woman. Harping more on the score and book, Mr. Yazbek and Mr. Horn have provided Mr. Fontana lyrics and dialogue that push the plot and give his “I Want” songs ample time to develop and move. If not for the rest of the fabulous performances, these two Tony-winning efforts would be reason enough to put on your best heels and leap on over to the Marquis Theatre to check out Tootise. But wait, there’s plenty more!

(Santino Fontana (Michael/Dorothy); Photo credit: Matthew Murphy)

Vocally, Mr. Fontana’s opening solo “Whaddya Do” kicks off his supreme bari-tenor in strong fashion, assuring the audience his sturdy leading man chops are here to stay. However, more than just an engaging singer, Mr. Fontana’s comedic timing and ability to play many of director Scott Ellis’ bits to their full extent, are done so without mugging or losing steam. Mr. Fontana’s back-and-forth from struggling actor who creates a backstory for a tomato, Michael Dorsey, to the sturdy, excellent-listener, leading actress, Dorothy Michaels, doesn’t drone on nor take audiences out of reality. When the costume changes happen, whether on, off, or below stage, they are quick and dazzling each time. It wouldn’t be a complete performance for Mr. Fontana without his Act One triumph, “Unstoppable,” and Act Two lament, “Talk to Me Dorothy,” to put a bow on this wonderful acting-singing-moving turn.

(Seated: Santino Fontana (Michael/Dorothy), Standing: Lilli Cooper (Julie); Photo credit: Matthew Murphy)

Supported by a stellar supporting cast and ensemble, Lilli Cooper is a terrific Julie, an actress playing Juliet opposite Dorothy Michael’s Nurse, as part of the revived Romeo and Juliet, helmed for Broadway by zany, sexist, egotistical director, Ron Carlisle. Ms. Cooper is flawless in her vocal prowess, especially in the Act Two, “Gone, Gone, Gone,” a song which should be bopping on Top 40 radio (that’s meant as a compliment), and showcases a vocal range and riffed decoration that is one of Mr. Yazbek’s more memorable tunes. Another win for Mr. Yazbek’s lyrics in her songs are allowing her “I Had” songs time to flesh out and let the audience in on Julie’s past and how she’s feeling in the present. Ms. Cooper’s romantic connection opposite Mr. Fontana’s differing characters is one that is soothing and wholesome to follow, a logical relationship of trust and vulnerability that has its major road block approach at a most inopportune time, hence the comedy. Andy Grotelueschen, playing Michael’s bartender/waiter/hopeful playwright roommate, Jeff, is outstanding in his performance, re-writing what it means to deliver a punchline and/or set up a joke to its peak comedic worth. His true musical time to shine is not wasted in “Jeff Sums it Up.”

(Sarah Stiles (Sandy) and Andy Grotelueschen (Jeff); Photo credit: Matthew Murphy)

Sarah Stiles is a scene-stealing gift to the musical stage as Sandy, the neurotic, depressed, and a slew of other reasons to see a therapist, ex-girlfriend of Michael. Sandy is a hardworking actress who isn’t working, and her neuroses are on full display in her big-voiced patter “What’s Gonna Happen” and its several reprises. Ms. Stiles has a gift for the pregnant pause, knowing how long a bit should last, and never reaches or begs the audience to laugh. John Behlmann delivers a featured standout performance as Max Van Horn, the clueless, dunce, but oh-so-hot leading actor in the Romeo and Juliet, aptly named Juliet’s Curse, show within the show. Mr. Behlmann’s commitment and ability to sustain the dumbness of Max is a feat of astonishing proportion, never coming across as annoying or a burden to the progress of his scenes. Mr. Behlmann’s beautiful voice is on great display in “This Thing,” a hilarious, big-voiced ditty where Max pronounces his love for an unsuspecting cast member. Reg Rogers delivers a wonderfully devilish turn as aforementioned putz director, Ron. His physicality and dripping delivery of the most sarcastic and pompous of lines are excellent throughout the musical. In total, Mr. Horn’s book and Mr. Yazbek’s score are champions at giving every role just enough scene and song to have the support and investment needed in what stakes they have in the show.

(L to R: Julie Halston (Rita), James Moye (Ensemble), Santino Fontana (Michael/Dorothy), Lilli Cooper (Julie), John Behlmann (Max); Photo credit: Matthew Murphy)

David Rockwell’s scenic design does the job needed to portray “big Broadway musical” while still giving intimacy to Michael and Jeff’s apartment scenes, with appropriate décor and ratty furniture. William Ivey Long’s costumes are on par with the big, bright, buoyancy of the show, helping the leads pop with character and color; he even throws in a few joke garbs along the way which have made their viral way into the 2000s. Denis Jones’ choreography is appropriate throughout the production, a nice balance of simple with some clever turns, and even a few nods to modern moves that this generation is certainly versed in. And bringing it together is a fantastic helming by Scott Ellis, who is no stranger to making a big musical work so well. Mr. Ellis’ style, pacing, and attention to the comedy matches exactly what the musical calls for, having just enough humor and heart injected into the body of the show, while also getting out of the way when appropriate and simply letting the lines and the actors do their work. A capital job, through and through, Tootsie is most certainly the musical for you!

#tootsie #tootsiethemusical #broadway #theatre #musical #musicaltheatre #newyork #marquistheatre #tonyawards #theatrereview

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bluelolblue · 11 months ago

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I Heart You

Rating: Explicit

Fandom: John Wick

Relationship: Santino D'Antonio/John Wick

Chapters: 7

Warnings: Not anything serious, just horny. You'll see the tags on AO3. It's alternative universe - college/university. If you don't like smut, you may feel a bit uncomfy. I won't force anyone to read it if they don't want to.

Sumarry: Santino starts doing onlyfans to get some money and meets John who gives him more money than any of his viwers. A lot happens between them, a lot of good stuff.

John lets him do whatever he wants. Literally.

Santino discovers a new feeling he thought he couldn't feel. A good pleasant feeling John managed to give him.

Snippet for chapter 1 ⬇️

Chapter 1

Santino D'Antonio has onlyfans. None of his family members know about this, none of his friends know and they especially don't know that he's...gay.

He is doing onlyfans to get some more money for a college. Well to change a college. This one that he's going to is just too boring, I mean it's what his father had chosen. But he doesn't want to listen to his father anymore, he had enough of his bullshit.

The new college is one of the best known colleges so it's extra expensive.

And Santino gets what he wants no matter what it is. That's how he got his own apartment. With his papà's money. A little bit of sweet talk that annoyed his papà was enough.

Not that he isn't working, he is doing a small part time job in his father's art museum in New York, just the basis of it. Helping with the new stuff and boxes, those type of things. He just wants some more money so that he has his own money for college and his own personal stuff.

Finding onlyfans as a quick way of getting money was a great idea for him. He already had one dildo he bought for himself but he needed more. Much more.

At first he was only posting few pictures, starting slowly. Posting ass pictures in his boxers, both ass and dick in boxers pictures, then in more tight underwear which got more attention so he continued to post those until he got confident enough to post his naked body.

That got even more attention, both from guys and girls. He started to enjoy that attention, posting more what his audience wanted to see. Posting more of his naked ass and dick, showing off his body.

Until someone commented:

"You could start making videos, like livestreams."

...

Read the rest on AO3 :)

Notes here for Tumblr (different than on AO3): So I was on Tumblr for a very long time but all I did was like stuff, I never posted anything. After a while I decided to maybe start posting my fanfics here. I like to write it's like my hobby and I do it for fun, not just fanfics but I also write my original stuff with my oc's. But that will probably never be published. John Wick fandom, hello!

I am LittleRealSimp on AO3. It's a silly username ik but it was like a joke with my bestie lol. Anyways, I started to write this to see how many of us still remember and love this ship (and the characters). Especially Santino, he's my favorite villain (will forever be, man's so handsome).

I was nervous (actually still am) about posting here BUT I decided to get out of my comfort zone and hope for the best. Also, I'm really thankful for all the support on AO3 (I don't know if some of you guys are on Tumblr but thanks for the kudos, I appreciate it a lot :3). This was my first fanfic posted :D.

#santino d’antonio #john wick #Santino/John #John Wick/Santino D'Antonio #my writing #my fanfiction #john being a sugar daddy #santino is kinky

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belizedeservesbetter · 6 years ago

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Tootsie is Actually Really Good!

It needs some work but I had an absolute BLAST at this show

Let’s get one thing first out of the way. This is a hideous playbill. That is the blandest and most generic playbill art design they could’ve chosen and for some reason they thought that was good choice. I said this right from the start but Tootsie’s art and marketing has been atrocious. What is that font?! It’s so ugly! Why is the digital marquee outside a mixture of this and occasionally that photo of Santino as Dorothy? They need a new marketing team.

The show itself though is pretty damn good.

The book is absolutely fantastic. Like I was so shocked by how good the book was. Huge kudos to Robert Horn for writing a really hilarious book that stayed true to the movie while reinventing it for a modern day stage adaptation. The best part about this musical is its book and it’s a gem. I can’t wait till more people see it so all of Max’s lines become quotable jokes that everyone uses because his character was hilarious.

Performances were solid all around, with special kudos to Andy Grotelueschen as Jeff and John Behlmann as Max. They both completely stole the show. Jeff (played by Bill Murray in the movie) has a small role, but Grotelueschen made him the best role. He has some of the best lines and the best jokes and one of the better songs. Max is a character created for the stage version and I loved him so much. I expected him to be annoying but he was actually one of the better parts of the show.

Sarah Stiles was absolutely amazing as Sandy, but I’ll talk about her a bit later because I have some problems with her character. But I wanted to mention how good she was because wow she was really fantastic.

The music itself is good. Like the instrumental bits. The lyrics weren’t memorable or that great but the instrumental backing was really lovely. The overture was spectacular, and it made me miss overtures a whole lot. This was really good music for classic musical theatre choreography and there was a whole lot of that. The dancing was really good and also very self-aware in how ridiculous musical theatre choreo can be sometimes.

That’s also what I really liked about Tootsie. It knew what it was and it knew what it was doing. This musical didn’t hold back on its themes and Michael Dorsey’s faults. It never tried to pull a “well what he’s doing isn’t that bad.” They were very frank in how Michael becoming Dorothy would harm individuals, yes, but also women in theatre. I also liked what they did with Julie (played by Lilli Cooper) in that she had a whole song talking about her career and her relationships with the end point being that she’s fine being single cause she loves her career. They were also very honest and out there about how creepy directors and be and how women just have to deal with it because otherwise they’ll never work again. Yes, it was all very baseline feminism and there were moments where you could definitely tell it was written by an all-male creative team but overall I liked what they were trying to say.

And this show was fun! It was so fun! It was funny and fun and I had an absolute blast watching it! Everyone was so good! The costumes were so pretty! The set was fun! The dancing was fun! There’s so much joy in this show and you can tell everyone on that stage is having a blast, especially Santino Fontana.

Of course Santino Fontana is very good. I’ll say that right off the bat. He’s hilarious and in good voice and really shines when he gets to be Dorothy. And how they did Dorothy was mostly successful. Fontana was at his best when he was Dorothy. As Michael, I will say a lot of the time he was Acting with a capital A. That might just be a choice, but it wasn’t a good one. I’ll also say that I wasn’t completely blown away by him either. Like I went into Tootsie with the mindset of “Oh okay Santino is probably gonna win the Tony this year” but after seeing this I think Damon Daunno in Oklahoma! gave the better leading actor in a musical performance. I wanted to see this show and think that Santino Fontana is an amazing actor and no one can play this role but him, but honestly I can list five actors off the top of my head who could do this role in their sleep and maybe even better. Gavin Creel. Lesli Odom Jr. Andy Karl (though one more Pretty Woman performance from him and he’s off the list). Jake Gyllenhaal. Ethan Slater. I could keep going. Easily.

And I was a bit disappointed by David Yazbeck’s score. Yes it was pretty, but that was it. There was nothing very wow about it. It was a very generic and safe score, and after The Band’s Visit I expect that same level of quality from him now. This was very much if he took the score from The Fully Monty and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and squished them together. Sarah Stiles’ song is very very very reminiscent of Model Behavior from the latter show. The ballads in the show weren’t very good either, and there were too many of them in Act Two. None of Michael’s emotional ballads really landed. They were kind of boring and inconsequential actually.

Speaking of Sarah Stiles, what happened to Sandy during Act Two? She’s missing for all but one scene basically and that scene is very much a “Well we gotta end her character’s storyline some way!” and it felt very rushed and out of nowhere. Same with Michael’s decision to become Dorothy in the first place. One scene we seeing him running around New York and the next he’s in the audition as Dorothy. I wish there was something more there to indicate what he’s about to do.

Really, this musical depends on you knowing the plot of the movie. I happen to love the movie so I knew what to expect, but I feel like if I haven’t seen the movie I might have been a bit confused. That’s also where my biggest problem comes in, which is also the biggest departure from the film.

Instead of becoming a soap opera star, Dorothy gets the role in this new Broadway musical (Juliet’s Curse) and it’s a bad musical so she changes the whole thing, so much so that they rename the show and do everything she wants. All while in tech. I get that this is theatre and I should suspend my disbelief, but my writer brain lost it at the thought of an actor being so high and mighty that they literally change the entire show while in tech - including costumes and set design. I don’t care how bad your show is or how good of an actor you are - you’re not the creative team! You’re the cast! You don’t get to do these things! All of it really reminded me of the “not a lab rat” thing that happened a while ago and it actually made me really mad.

Likewise, the whole point of Tootsie is that Dorothy Michaels becomes super famous really fast. That very obviously can’t happen if you’re in previews for a Broadway show. You’re not going to propel to superstardom within an instant, but I felt that the show assumes we know that Dorothy becomes famous because we know that’s what happens in the movie. This show is really dependent on you the audience filling in the blanks with your film knowledge, so really that makes it hard for this show to stand on its own two feet sometimes. Like I said, I loved this musical. But I also love the movie so I was able to get everything that wasn’t there and had a good time.

Also, Santino Fontana and Lilli Cooper have no romantic chemistry. Like none. I loved the friendship between Dorothy and Julie. But there was nothing else there. That can’t be fixed, so I don’t know what they can do about that.

Overall, even though it seems like I shit on an important aspect of this musical, I really really enjoyed it. Like I said, the book and the supporting performances and the very self-aware of how ridiculous it all was aspect of Tootsie made it a really really solid musical. I’d see it again in a heartbeat.

**side edit: I need to add that while the marketing team has been promoting the show the wrong way and that merch bag is really inexcusable, the show itself isn’t transphobic. They actually address the situation in a “Michael, what you’re doing is going to harm others” way. The line on the merch bag I believe is directly from the movie and was the only line in the show that really made me wince. In context it makes sense, but still.

#tootsie #broadway #santino fontana #lilli cooper #review #voice

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ronniemarkellpodcast · 6 years ago

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The Hunter Becomes The Hunted In JOHN WICK CHAPTER 3: Parabellum Article by Ronnie Gorham

If you told me back in 2014 that one of the most epic action series in the last decade would begin because of the death of a puppy, I would have thought you were crazy. Instead, here we are with the latest installment in the John Wick saga, JOHN WICK CHAPTER 3: Parabellum. But, does this one live up to the hype? Is Mr. Wick able to kill his way out of trouble this time? Or, have his actions and consequences finally caught up with him?

Photo Credit: Lionsgate/Niko Tavernise

JOHN WICK CHAPTER 3: Parabellum

The film picks up immediately where John Wick: Chapter 2 left off. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) finds himself in trouble with the High Table (secret assassin crime organization) after brutally murdering crime lord Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio) on Continental grounds, even if he deserved it. As a consequence of breaking one of the society’s most cardinal rules, the High Table wants John to pay for his crime with his life. He is given a one hour head start by Winston (Ian McShane) before he is declared “excommunicado” and all his privileges and access to the Continental are immediately revoked.

Photo Credit: Lionsgate/Niko Tavernise

To make matters worse the High Table issues a worldwide bounty of $14 million—and growing to the man or woman who kills John Wick. The High Table sends an Adjudicator played brilliantly by Asia Kate Dillion (BILLIONS, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK) to the hotel to ensure that John and anyone involved in assisting him is dealt with accordingly. (You know what that means) The Adjudicator hires Zero (Mark Dacascos) as a zany sushi chef/assassin and his band of merry ninjas to handle Wick and serve extreme punishment to anyone who has supported him. Dacascos not only knocks his role out the park but manages to add his own zing of humor to such a psychotic mercenary character.

Third Times the Charm

John Wick is not only a fantastic time at the cinema but it easily avoids the usual tropes that tend to plague Hollywood sequels. It never feels like it’s trying to go over the top with the action or trying to make John Wick into something he’s not. Instead, the third installment feels fresh, re-energized, and still manages to leave a lot to the imagination. One of the best things that returning director Chad Stahleski keeps bringing to the John Wick Universe is the element of surprise. One of the coolest attributes about the John Wick film besides the massive body counts and top notch action scenes is the amount of mystery they entail.

Photo Credit: Lionsgate/Niko Tavernise

Ask yourself, how much do you know about John Wick? We know he’s an insanely good assassin who lost a wife and dog. That’s about the only information that was clearly given but with each film, we learn more about the man some know as the Baba Yaga. Stahleski along with writers have done an excellent job of spoon feeding us information and then leaving us to question everything else. The only flaw the film has is for newcomers to the franchise beware that the movie gives no explanation to the previous films. (So for the uninitiated, you might want to watch the first two films first)

Possible Expansion of the John Wick Universe

Halle Berry returns to action films as Sofia, John’s old assassin acquaintance. Along with her two attack dogs, Berry may leave some fans calling for a spin-off with a more in-depth look at her backstory and connection to John. Next, there’s the always elegant Angelica Houston as The Director. She easily steals every scene she’s in as the charismatic ballerina/assassin breeder. Both characters not only help expand the John Wick Universe but give us a slight insight into John’s mysterious past and upbringing.

Is It Worth Seeing?

If you haven’t seen it already, you need to watch this flick. John Wick: Chapter 3 has it all. The action and stakes are really taken to another level in this one. It dishes out some impressive set locations, awesome action scenes, and even dogs get to kill people in this one. The world of the Wick universe keeps expanding and this latest installment is no exception. It’s hands down one of the best action movies you’ll see this year.

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lipsyncforyourlife · 10 years ago

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VIOLET CHACHKI WINNER OF RUPAULS DRAG RACE SEASON 7

VIOLET CHACHKI CLAIMS THE TITLE OF "AMERICA’S NEXT DRAG SUPERSTAR" ON THE SEASON FINALE OF "RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE" ON LOGO

RuPaul Returns to Logo this Summer with Special Season

Kicking Off Logo’s New ‘Sunday Funday’

New York, NY – June 1, 2015 — After months of gagworthy challenges, jaw-dropping runway looks and feverish fan anticipation, Violet Chachki has been crowned the winner of this season of Logo’s hit reality competition series, "RuPaul’s Drag Race." Sashaying away with the title of "America’s Next Drag Superstar" and a $100,000 prize, Violet beat out 13 of the nation’s fiercest queens including Miss Congeniality Winner, Katya. Last season’s winner, Bianca del Rio, was on hand to pass down the crown in front of a capacity crowd at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles with America’s favorite twerker and Drag Race superfan Miley Cyrus taking part in the ceremony.

"Violet Chachki has the biggest charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent that I’ve seen in a long time, "said RuPaul. "Classic style and youthful confidence speak to a new generation of fans, as well as to longtime lovers of the art of drag. I am thrilled to have her join the royal court of RuPaul’s Drag Race champions!"

"No words can express how truly grateful I am for this entire experience," said Violet Chachki. "When I started drag just, I set out to be the very best queen I could be. Being crowned ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar’ not only validates my life as a drag queen but also the journey I have been on thus far. I have to thank those who have loved and supported my every move, as well as my Drag Race Family and fellow Atlantan, Mama Ru."

Helping judge this season was a roster of celebrity guest judges that included Ariana Grande, Jessica Alba, Demi Lovato, John Waters, Kathy Griffin, Olivia Newton-John, Alyssa Milano, Kat Dennings, Jordin Sparks, Mel B, Tamar Braxton, Rebecca Romijn, Santino Rice, Isaac Mizrahi, Michael Urie, Rachael Harris, Lucian Piane and Merle Ginsberg.

Logo is giving fans more of Mamma Ru this summer as RuPaul returns with "RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 4 RuVealed" airing Sundays at 7:00 pm ET/PT. The never-before-seen look into the unforgettable season 4 kicks off the network’s ‘Sunday Funday’ featuring a slate of fresh summer programming packed with romance, food and style. Following "RuVealed," Executive Producers Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos turn the drab into fab with returning favorite "Secret Guide to Fabulous," hosted by hunky lifestyle experts John Gidding, Theodore Leaf and Rob Younkers. Logo’s new series "Food to Get You Laid," featuring expert chef Ronnie Woo spicing up stale relationships, joins the ‘Sunday Funday’ line-up later in the summer.

"RuPaul’s Drag Race" is produced by World of Wonder Productions with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Mandy Salangsang, Steven Corfe and RuPaul Charles serving as Executive Producers. Chris McCarthy, Pamela Post and Tim Palazzola serve as Executive Producers for Logo.

For more information on "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and sneak preview clips, go to LogoTV.com. For up-to-date "RuPaul’s Drag Race" news and exclusives, join the "RuPaul’s Drag Race" Facebook page or follow #DragRace conversation on Twitter at @RuPaulsDragRace. Follow along with live gifs from the show on Tumblr and additional content on the show’s Instagram page.

#Violet Chachki #Reunion S7 #Press Release #Press Release S7

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the-darklings · 4 years ago

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coa one year later & self-reflection

(*drags out a creaky metal chair and plops down on it heavily*)

Hi. It’s me, ya boi skinny--

Wait, wrong one. Do over.

Hi, it’s me, Kat, and I’m not dead. Clearly. Today being one year anniversary of COA has kinda put me in a reflective mood, so I guess I decided to sit down and just...talk about some things, thoughts and feelings I’ve been bottling inside for a hot sec. Especially given how radio silent I have gone on here and people deserve a bit of perspective.

And before anyone starts worrying, it’s all good, and I’m still around and currently in good health for the most part.

So, let’s take it back to the start. Regardless of how dramatic it may sound, we need to go back a year for that.

By technicality alone, COA actually turned one year old on October 12th. That’s when the first part was posted. However, the reason I’m treating today as the aforementioned birthday is simple: I had no intention of this story ever being more than a short two-parter. I told this to the discord gang already but COA was only going to have two parts. V was going to die in Tokyo and the rest of the story follows glimpses of John throughout the movies and it’s her ghost that haunts him. Skipping ahead, it was going to have a bittersweet ending of John eventually dying, having completed his task, only to be greeted by V, Daisy and Helen in the afterlife. A peace of sorts. Then, I realised that, well, no. I have more to say on this world and intrigue about this placeholder character V kept growing.

November 1st happened and I made a very last minute call to continue COA but with the added pressure of doing it during NaNoWriMo 2019. And boy did I. Most of the story was figured out during that very intense month. I posted Part 2 on this day a year ago because I was so eager to share it. Perhaps, in retrospect, a bit too eager.

For those of you who may not know this, I work as a writer full time for my actual every day job. I’m the main writer for an original webcomic called In the Bleak Midwinter on Webtoon.com and have been for almost two years now. Getting what is essentially your dream job is amazing. I’m very lucky on that front but it also taught me stark realities of having your job and only hobby overlap. It’s a dangerous creative mix. Especially because I was not used to being constraint in what I create or the feeling like I have to please anyone else. Writing as a job is a whole other avenue of creative exhaustion. I love my job a lot and am very, very lucky to have it but it doesn’t change the fact that those initial stages made me fall back on COA a lot for creative freedom that I craved so desperately. To an unhealthy degree looking back on it now.

But going back to November last year. NaNo time. I did it. Finished on the 24/25th I believe. A juicy final count of 52k+. All while maintaining a weekly update schedule for a fic that usually hit around 10k per update, if not more, even during those early days. Add writing an original story on top of that. Writing every day for hours on end (we are talking 10-12hr days) without any time for other hobbies or time for myself in general. I kept pushing and pushing and pushing. Losing weight and sleep in the process. I think the thing that convinced me that I should continue doing so is the fact that the outpour of support for COA ended up surpassing anything I ever expected or even dared to hope for. I’m not a huge numbers person but the outpour of love and just sheer investment in the story and characters blew me away. John Wick fandom is on the smaller side and has been going through downtime when I posted COA so my expectations were...well, small tbh. I like keeping expectations low to avoid any disappointments in general. But I’ve also always had an issue of being a massive 0 or 100 kind of person. If I love something, it consumes me. In this case, it brought me as much joy and freedom as much as it was steadily pushing me towards the ultimate crash.

That being said, I can’t thank you all enough for every comment, like, reblog and message and fanart. You’re the reason I got this far. With your support. It brightened some really dark days for me.

But.

To be frank, it’s never been about you guys. I never wrote or pushed because I felt like I had to appease anyone. That creative mindset is pure poison and I long since learned to let go of it. I kept pushing and kept working myself to the bone because I liked it. I liked how reading peoples’ responses made me feel. I liked the addictive nature of reading all the comments and theories after an update. I loved the idea of brightening peoples’ days and giving them something to cheer them up after what might have been a shitty day. Even if that was at expense of my own time/well being. But for a long time, it wasn’t. I love writing a lot but facts remain facts.

It was beyond unhealthy and burnout wasn’t a question of if but when and that when was approaching at neck-breaking speed.

So we come to the end of November. Part 4 has just come out. People were invested and I was invested alongside them. I was just finishing up Part 5 which (back then) was the biggest single chapter I’ve ever written and god I still recall my sheer dread because that was the beginning of Santino being established as a LI. Looking back on that now, it’s downright hilarious how worried I was about the reception of him and V together after John.

So honestly, I hit burnout at around Part 8. Because that’s the first time I recall struggling with writing a chapter. Part 8 came out on December 28th. I had a brief break for holidays. But my mistake was not taking longer back then. Because I continued writing with a barely healed burnout. Followed by almost a year of struggling and continuously creating through that state. It wasn’t like I eased off the pressure, either. Oh, no. The chapters grew in size, the world and the characters with it. AUs amassed quickly and while I adore every single one - again, I didn’t know how to pace myself well enough.

I’m spiteful though. The more the chapters struggled the more I pushed against the burnout. By the time Chicago arrived, however, I knew I was in trouble. I ended up writing 43k+ in a span of 2 months, I believe. And while to some it may not seem like a lot given the time frame, it’s a lot when you’re burnout to a crisp & writing an original story for work + deadlines. Which I was burned out and then some. Chicago was something I was looking forward to writing for months. I have built it up since Part 4. It was a long time coming. So while I’m still proud of it, I would be lying if I said that some scenes were not sacrificed for the sake of keeping to my invisible schedule that no one but me actually cared about. You guys have always been patient. I never felt pushed into anything. It’s always only ever been me doing the harm.

Chicago was the downwards spiral for me mentally. I felt like I was failing to live up to my own expectations. That people were drifting away from it. I was plagued by the thought that the story I poured so much into was falling apart and growing weaker. Which this has always been an issue with me: I am my own harshest critic. Always have been. In fact, I’m a downright mean little fucker when it comes to just tearing at myself. I know writing is for fun - and it is - but I still like the idea of being proud of my work which only made everything worse despite the love each update received.

This takes us to the beginning of June. Specifically, June the 2nd. Or, as I like to call it: Kat Makes Another Impulsive Decision but This One Actually Works Out For the Better. On this day, I created the COA Discord server. And damn, I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting when I did ngl. I did it for fun and as an escape more so than anything. But somehow it ended up being the best decision I made in a long while. I know some of you are reading this. So love you lots, dorks. It’s such a privilege to be able to call so many of you my friends even outside of COA now. That little community has given me some of the best memories from this year and helped me to crawl out of my own metaphorical pit I was stuck in. Mentally, I��m doing much better than I did beginning of this summer. Which could be summed up as a constant self-hatred cycle and a feeling of inadequacy.

That, however, does not mean my burnout magically disappeared. If anything Chapter 17 just put a nail in the coffin so to speak. 2020 has been a shitty year just across the board for obvious reasons I don’t need to go into here but that can only partially be attributed to my mental state. Chapter 17 was...exhaustive. To say the least. But I was determined to stick with my vision and not split it up. I was also starting to be a bit more forgiving towards myself in terms of how long I may take to write it thanks to guys on discord though the feeling of failure and worry never quite faded fully. I’m proud of Part 17. Truly. But that was also when I hit rock bottom creatively on COA. It drained me completely.

I tried writing Part 18 for weeks after, day in and day out, not getting past the first scene and hating every word I wrote. So I took a deep breath and stopped. Figured I let it marinate and wait instead of trying to piece one of the most crucial chapters in this story like some Frankenstein monster two sentences at the time.

So my solution was simple: give myself some distance from it and write other things. Get my spark back. Of course that’s always a good idea. Having multiple creative escapes is the best thing you can do for yourself creatively. There was just one tiny little problem.

I was still burned out. Still am. The problem went deeper than just being burned out over COA. I was burned out over writing itself.

Which is an issue for a person who only has writing as a creative outlet.

I don’t have any other way to express myself. So I was stuck in a runt, trying to write because it’s the only thing that makes me genuinely happy even when I really shouldn’t have. And let me tell you. It’s a shitty fucking feeling. My burnout worsened. I had a thousand ideas but every time I tried to get them down it felt forced, fragmented, and weak. Repetitive and dry. Now, this is also in part because English isn’t my native language, so my vocab is limited as a result, but I hit that sweet rock bottom in that regard, too.

So, I worked on V (but in her OC form Clara), Lucien and The Elites. All those characters have grown so much since you last read about them. I have multiple original projects planned down the line that will feature all of them existing in their own world, with their own stories and no longer constrained by JW canon.

Which, finally, takes us to the end of October and beginning of November 2020.

I was convinced that the best course of action was to do NaNo again but with an original story this time (involving V). Suffice to say, it took a grand total of maybe 5-6 days and hating every second of writing it while also feeling like this project I’m so passionate and excited to write (still am) is just...going down the toilet to be blunt, to realise I may have made the wrong call.

Still, the stubborn ass that I am, I pushed through. Convinced I can get into it if I just keep going. The realizations that I am sharing with you right now won’t have been possible if it hadn’t been for a rather curious turn of events about a week and a half ago.

I recently bought a gaming laptop, all in preparation for Cyberpunk 2077 dropping ofc. But, in the meantime, I kept recommending a game to a friend on the COA server. That game? Far Cry 5. (It’s a blast to play btw, just a side note.) And playing it brought back all the feelings of nostalgia from the days when I used to write for that fandom. So I revisited some old work. Checked the stuff I never published and that has been sitting ducks in my docs for months and hoo boy. Let me tell you it was a vibe check of the worst kind.

The stark difference in the prose and the ease with which it flowed was...startling. It made me remember why I love writing so much and how proud I used to be of what I wrote back in the day. Which is not to say I’m not proud now, but it was just such a sharp dip in quality it was impossible to ignore.

So I didn’t.

I paused NaNo, moving it to another month. I paused writing for everything but work, which with our season coming to an end I will also get a rest from soon, too. I kinda paused in general. For the first time in a while, I finally forced myself to switch off. Rest.

The reason why I haven’t been on here is simple: guilt and not having energy to be on here. I like making my blog a safe space for everyone. Similar to escape it has become for me. I couldn’t pretend I was fine when I wasn’t. I felt obliged to perform and being here became exhausting. I haven’t been checking my inbox. Haven’t done much of anything except occasionally dropping by and reblogging a random post so people know I’m alive.

And that’s that, folks. That’s where I am currently. Resting. Completely exhausted mentally but resting. Getting my energy back.

So where does that leave us, huh? If you read this far, dunno what to tell you. Thanks, I suppose. It’s still odd to think people actually care about my existence sometimes.

I know what you’re likely thinking, too. So does this mean COA is never gonna be finished? What is gonna happen to it? Are you abandoning it?

The answer: no. 17 out of 25 chapters and 250k+ in, I’m too far in not to give it a proper conclusion. Not because I owe it to anyone other than myself. I want this story to be a stepping stone for my future as a writer. I want to prove to myself that I can get this done and finish it. As of right now (as you can no doubt tell with how long it’s been since last update) it’s on a soft hiatus while I rest. This rest? Not sure how long it may last. Right now, my plan is till mid December at which point I will reevaluate. Ideally, I finish the year with an update. But my New Year’s resolution is to finish COA. That timeline has become a little more murky now but, again, ideally it’s within the first quarter of 2021. Will that happen? I don’t know. And I don’t want to make false promises, either.

All I’m saying is that it will be done. I’m just no longer sure how long, exactly, it may take me to reach that Epilogue. I don’t expect many people to stick around for however long it may take me, but if you do, thank you. Truly. I really and deeply mean that.

So what’s on the cards for this blog in the meantime? Well, CP77 is coming out in under a month (if it doesn’t get moved again lmao rip) and I expect that to be my soft return to posting my writing on here again. We will see where the muse takes me, if at all. Regardless though, I’m excited.

One doctorate thesis later, here we are at the end of this really long rambling session. I hope that this has given you some perspective on things going on behind the scenes. I spared you some of the gorier details but I think this post has been long overdue. I suppose I, myself, was just too unwilling to face these things despite knowing about them deep down for a while now. I’m too self-critical not to notice but acting on correcting this behavior has been a whole other matter clearly.

Thank you for reading this post, my writing in general, and supporting me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m still around. More is on the way in the future. I’ll be seeing you all real soon. And all my love to all of you.

Love,

- Kat.

#kat speaks #blog psa #i suppose

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