#just her plot being responsable and helping people learn from her mistakes

[furoruisa]

If they are going to make Bela bi they can do it w someone that is good or at least show they can change

[lurkingshan]

10 Things I Love About Triage

I am extraordinarily late to this party but I am here to scream about Triage, a show which I started on a whim after a stray comment from @incandescentflower and subsequently finished in two sittings. This drama has been on my list forever (I didn't watch it live because the distribution was wacky) and then it just kept getting overlooked as I fought to keep up with the deluge of Thai BL coming at us at all times. But I am very glad I finally hunted it down and made the time and I would like to tell you why!

Hello Again, Dr. Sammon

I am on record as a Sammon fan. She is one of the best writers working in Thai BL and she has a knack for mystery and suspense. Her narratives are always really well constructed with tight plotting and smart character work, and Triage is no exception. This story feels confident, steady, and complete in a way few Thai BLs do.

The time travel rules are blessedly consistent

Part of what makes the story sing is it's a time travel plot that actually gets the particulars right. In a time loop, the details are everything, and this show understands that. The series of events are consistent, the rules of the time travel mechanics are clearly explained, and when our protagonists learn something new, it always lines up with something we'd gotten hints about before or gives us new context for old information. There are no loose threads in this show.

My boy Tin is going through it

Tin is a fantastic protagonist. He starts the show disillusioned with his work and hilariously grumpy about this time loop situation--he is a busy ER doctor and he does not have time for this--but as he starts to piece together how the loop works he gets more methodical in his approach, and eventually becomes emotionally invested in his mission to save Tol. Tin felt really well-calibrated in that he was smart and he tried all the things you would be shouting at the screen for him to try, but he's still a human being with flaws and insecurities and so he makes mistakes, learns, and has to try again. The show really successfully put us in the frustration with him.

Tol makes for an interesting damsel

Because he's kind of an asshole! Tol is rude and disrespectful when he first meets Tin, he hangs around with some truly awful bullies, he treats Rit like garbage, and he's all around an arrogant dick. Until he isn't. I like the choice to make the focus of our mission such a difficult character, not only because it makes Tin's challenge that much harder, but also because it invites us to consider the reasons why someone might be behaving the way he is and whether they can be redeemed.

This show has everything: action, romance, and agony

It's truly an emotional rollercoaster all the way through, and you can't relax for a moment. The pacing is relentless through most of the show, and even as a bond develops between Tin and Tol and they begin a tentative romance, danger is lurking around every corner. As soon as these boys started making out in episode 9 I knew something awful was coming for me and IT SURE DID.

Jinta, the ultimate frenemy

On that note let's talk about Jinta, my nemesis!! Jinta is some kind of unspecified deity/whimsical god and the one who appears to be responsible for putting Tin and Tol in this loop. Is he trying to help them? Is he trying to torture them? I definitely think it's both! He seems to delight in showing up to taunt Tin as he struggles to figure out how to get through to Tol, and when it's Tol's turn on the merry-go-round he sends him to the darkest timeline for his high stakes final attempt to save Tin just because he can. I love/hate you, sir!

Sing and Gap and the darkest timeline

Speaking of which, can we talk about how appropriate it is that Sing and Gap are a couple only in the darkest timeline? I don't know if people were shipping this for real during the live watch, but I definitely was not and so I started cackling when we got to the worst possible timeline and Sing was suddenly calling Gap his boyfriend. Sammon, you are hilarious and I salute you.

Fantastic side characters

Let's talk about the sides I did love. First of all, aside from his weird aggressive flirting/not flirting thing with Gap, I actually did like Sing's friendship with Tin a lot. I also loved the hospital gang who were around to alternately tease and help Tin, most especially Toy and Fang. Toy is a sweetheart and a gossip who never misses a trick, and Fang is an actual badass who first cracked the case with that evil doctor and saved Tin's life. They are fabulous. Rit was also an excellent character with a lot of complexity and he added some much needed depth to the school storyline (does anyone else think he was basically the proto-DFF Non?). And while Mai and Heart were not my favorite people, I did appreciate that the show gave them a sympathetic portrayal instead of making them evil villains (we had the organ harvesters for that).

That beautiful clocktower

I must give a shoutout to this gorgeous clocktower featured in several important scenes. I got so excited every time it showed up. Fun fact: in the first clocktower scene I was like oh hey I recognize that from gifs, but it can't be that scene because it's too early for a kis--TIN WHAT ARE YOU DOING! (I was right, it was too early for a kiss and Tol was Big Mad but bless you for going for it anyway, Tin).

The romance is balanced and rootable

And on that note, let me give a shoutout to the romance part of this story for actually feeling balanced. This is not an epic swoony love affair, but more a story of two people putting in the time to understand and empathize with each other. Sometimes in these kind of time loop stories the romance can end up feeling very one-sided because one character is holding all the knowledge and all the cards. But in this show we have the neat trick of Tol taking over the loop to try to save Tin in the final arc, which means he got to go through a similar process of getting to know the darkest version of his lover and figuring out how to get through to him. I was delighted by all the events of the long loop playing out again, but this time with Tin being the obstinate one. Tol got a taste of his own medicine and it left me feeling like they were both equally invested in this relationship.

TL;DR: If you haven't watched this yet, you really should! It's a fast binge and a great time with some Thai BL favorites. It's unfortunately still not available for international streaming, but it's very easy to find grey now and it's worth the effort. Go forth!

[southtopaz]

PSYCHO KILLER - SCREAM

Summary: in which Iris Morris has to navigate her personal relationships while surviving a psycho.

Warnings: Fem!reader, angst, mention of violence, swearing, Tara Carpenter x Fem reader, multiple parts, slow burn

Word count: +4,5k

A/n: the next 3 chapters won’t follow Scream 6 plot as I wanted to add more storyline to the characters outside of the movies. If you want to read just Scream 6 plot, skip to Part 12. English is not my first language, so I apologize for any grammatical mistake.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12

Iris wiped down the counter of the bustling coffee shop she worked at, her focus shifting to the door as it swung open. Tara walked in, beaming, and Iris's face lit up with surprise. "What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, stepping around the register.

"I finished earlier today so I thought I'd come visit you! How's your day been?" Tara leaned on the counter, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Extremely busy, talked to way too many people today, my social battery is over". Iris replied, rolling her eyes tiredly. "And don't even get me started on the Karens and the grumpy customers".

Tara laughed a little bit at her distress as she rubbed her shoulder in comfort. "But tell me, What about you?"

"Same old, we learned some things about movie making and then we watched a short film, it was a great day". Tara replied. "I was thinking we could check out that new taco place tonight. You in?"

Iris grinned, her excitement bubbling. "Absolutely!. I can't wait to relax" They exchanged ideas, the hum of the café fading as they planned their evening, savoring the joy of just being together.

Iris wiped her hands on her apron, leaning closer to Tara. "You have no idea how much I needed this surprise," she said, brushing her hand softly against Tara's.

Tara smiled, her voice softening. "I just wanted to see you. How about we get some beers with those tacos?"

"That sounds perfect," Iris replied, her heart fluttering at the thought of their evening. "I think you just made my day ten times better".

Just as Tara opened her mouth to respond, Miles, Iris's coworker, chimed in from the other side of the counter. "Hey, Iris, can you stop flirting with your girlfriend and get back to work?"

Both women flushed, exchanging quick glances. "We're just friends!" Iris blurted, her cheeks burning.

"Well can you and your friend stop flirting with each other and get back to work?".

"... We were not....". Iris paused mid-sentence as she noticed Miles turning away to focus on the coffee machine, oblivious to her response. "Okaaaay," she said with a sheepish smile at Tara. "Can you give me just five minutes? I need to help with the line forming." Tara nodded, a playful glint in her eye, and Iris turned back to her work, stealing glances at her friend as she poured drinks and took orders.

Iris busily attended to the steady stream of customers, exchanging smiles and friendly greeting as she prepared drinks. The shop buzzed with energy until the final customer stepped in.

It was a girl around their age, she had blonde wavy hair that framed her heart-shaped face. Her striking green eyes were bright and expressive and she had a light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks, while her confident smile reveals a hint of playfulness. She was pretty and she definitely knew it.

"Hello, what can I get for you?".

The girl, with a confident grin, approached the counter. "Hey there, can I get a caramel macchiato?".

"Sure anything else?"

"That depends, do you want to drink something?" She winked, her flirtation unmistakable.

Iris blushed under this girl's gaze, she wasn't used to this type of attention. She chuckled awkwardly, trying to remain professional. "Just the macchiato then". she replied, glancing at Tara, who stood nearby, her expression darkening with each passing second.

The girl jokingly pouted and then she gave her card. "How come I never saw you here... Iris?". She asked as she tried to read her name tag.

"You probably did, you just don't remember".

"I'm pretty sure I would".

Tara crossed her arms, her jaw tightening as she watched the interaction unfold. Iris turned to start making coffee, but the girl walked around the counter to keep talking to her.

"I'm Ashley, nice to meet you," the blonde said, her smile bright.

"Likewise," Iris replied, trying to remain friendly. Tara felt a surge of annoyance—why was Iris being so nice to this girl?

Finally it seemed that Ashley felt someone sending daggers at her way and she turned around, seeing Tara for the first time and she quickly took notice of the girl's face.

"You guys together?" Ashley asked, raising an eyebrow.

Before Tara could respond, Iris quickly answered, "She's my best friend."

"Oh cool," Ashley said, smirking at Tara, who scoffed in indignation.

"Here's your coffee," Iris said, trying to shift the focus back.

"Thank you, cutie," Ashley said, and Tara almost gagged in disgust. Who even said that these days?

"Would it be too bold of me to give you my number?" The way the blonde leaned in closer made Tara's stomach churn, and she couldn't help but glare, silently willing Iris to step back and focus on her instead.

"I mean, I... sure?" Iris stammered, caught off guard.

Ashley grabbed a napkin and scribbled her number, quickly handing it to Iris. "Don't feel pressure to call me, but I'd really like it if you did." With a final smile, she turned and left, leaving Iris staring at the napkin in surprise.

As Iris turned to wipe the counter once again, she caught Tara's eye and noticed the mix of irritation and sadness on her face.

"What?" Iris asked, noticing Tara's tense expression.

"Nothing. I can't believe you accepted her number," Tara replied, frustration lacing her voice.

"I didn't want to be mean," Iris defended.

"Well, are you going to call her?" Tara shot back.

"I don't know, maybe? I haven't really thought about dating again, but it might be good for me."

Tara lowered her gaze for a moment before meeting Iris's eyes again. "Yeah, who knows?"

"You okay?" Iris asked, puzzled by Tara's sudden shift in mood.

"Yeah, I'm just getting a headache. I'm gonna head home. See you there." Without waiting for a response, Tara turned and left, leaving Iris staring after her, a mix of concern and confusion swirling in her mind.

A few days later, Iris found herself sitting across from Ashley at a trendy little restaurant. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and clinking glasses, but Iris felt a tightness in her chest. She wasn't sure on going on this date but she figured what's the worse that could happen? She needed to move on somehow and maybe going on dates would help her. When she mentioned her date to Sam and Tara, Sam had looked surprised, cautioning her to be careful, while Tara simply told her to have fun before retreating to her room. The sudden shift in Tara's demeanor left Iris feeling confused and slightly hurt as she didn't understand why Tara was suddenly avoiding her.

As the conversation flowed, Iris attempted to focus on Ashley's stories, but her thoughts drifted back to Tara, a constant, unwelcome distraction. Ashley was charming and confident, her laughter infectious, yet each time she leaned in closer, a flicker of doubt ignited within Iris.

The memories of her last relationship flooded back, betrayals that left scars she hadn't fully healed. And she found herself wondering if she could ever go past that. Everytime they laughed she kept thinking if Ashley was going to pull a knife and stab her in the stomach until she realized how insane she was sounding.

"So, what do you like to do for fun?" Ashley asked, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I, um... I like hanging out with friends," Iris replied, her thoughts drifting to how much she missed Tara's presence. "Especially Tara. She's always up for something fun."

Ashley raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance flashing across her face. "Is that the girl from the other day?" At Iris nod of acknowledging, she continued. "Sounds like you really enjoy her company."

Iris bit her lip, realizing she had mentioned Tara too often. "Yeah, she's important to me," she admitted, feeling a pang of guilt.

As the date continued, Iris struggled to engage. She kept imagining Tara's smile, her laughter, and the way she seemed mad at her when she left that night. The connection with Ashley felt forced, and every time she tried to push aside her lingering trust issues, they bubbled back to the surface.

By the time dessert arrived, Iris knew this wasn't working but she continued engaging on the date to not make it worse for the other girl who was clearly trying. When the bill came, Ashley offered to pay but Iris declined as she felt like it was the least she could do, after all, she wasn't really planning on seeing her again.

As they wrapped up the evening, Iris smiled weakly, grateful for Ashley's tries, but deep down, she felt a mix of relief and disappointment.

After their date, Ashley walked Iris home, their footsteps echoing softly against the pavement until they reached her front door.

"This is me," Iris said, managing a weak smile. "Thank you for coming with me."

"It's no problem, really," Ashley replied, stepping closer with a hint of eagerness. "So, I had fun—maybe I can get a kiss?" She leaned in confidently, and in that moment, Iris felt an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. As their lips touched, she felt... nothing. The kiss was light and fleeting, and Iris pulled back almost instinctively, a wave of confusion washing over her.

"I'll see you Ashley". The girl quickly realizing that Iris wasn't going to invite her in, said goodbye and left.

When she stepped into her apartment, the familiar scent hit her, but it did little to lift her spirits. She sighed heavily, letting her purse and jacket tumble onto the sofa, feeling the weight of the world settle on her shoulders. The silence enveloped her as she trudged to her room, her feet dragging across the floor. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she dropped her head into her hands, disappointment curling in her chest.

It wasn't long before the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. She looked up to see Sam standing in the doorway, concern etched across her face.

"Hey, so the date didn't go well? Did she suck?" She asked, trying to inject some levity into the moment.

"She was actually really charming and nice," Iris replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Then why do you look like that?" Sam pressed, her brow furrowed with worry.

"I just can't," she murmured, frustration lacing her words.

"Can't what? Have fun on a date? Of course you can."

"Do you have fun on dates?" she shot back, her heart racing.

"I don't go on dates at all," she admitted, her tone somber.

"And why is that?" she asked, sensing the familiar heaviness that hovered between them.

"You know why," she said quietly, their shared history hanging in the air like a ghost.

They both sighed, the sound filled with a shared despair. "Then I guess you also know why I didn't have fun today," she confessed, feeling the sting of her own vulnerability. "She was sweet, and maybe if I didn't carry all this baggage, I could have actually liked her. But I spent the whole night fighting with my thoughts, literally thinking about anything and Ashley was the last thing on my mind."

"What else did you think about?" Sam asked, her gaze piercing yet gentle.

"Just stuff. It doesn't matter," she replied, but they both knew it did.

"I understand that. Are you going to start therapy? You study psychology and yet you don't go," she nudged, a note of concern slipping into her voice.

"I know, I have to. I thought I could do it by myself, but clearly, it's not working," she admitted, shame creeping in.

Sam moved beside her, enveloping her in a tight hug, the kind that felt like a lifeline. "Eventually, we are going to be fine," she whispered, the warmth of her words wrapping around her like a security blanket.

"Aren't you afraid you're never going to love someone again?" she asked, the vulnerability creeping back in.

"It's not something I'm thinking about right now," she replied, though her eyes revealed a deeper turmoil. "But you, Iris, you have to understand that nothing that happened was your fault."

"What if that's the only type of love I'm ever going to get? Toxic and manic?" Her voice trembled, the fear clawing at her insides.

"One day, you're going to find someone who will love you the way you deserve to be loved, warm and healthy," she reassured her, her sincerity grounding her.

"I hope so," she whispered, the hope feeling like a fragile thread.

"Who knows? Maybe it's someone you already know or someone you haven't met yet," she said, a hint of optimism breaking through.

"I'm just scared, Sam. I'm so angry and terrified that I will never love again," she confessed, the tears threatening to spill.

"Don't think like that okay? That love is going to knock on your door one day, and I hope you don't let it go to waste," she replied, her voice unwavering.

"One day, you're going to find it too, you know?" Iris added softly.

"We will see. Now come here," she said, pulling her into another embrace, a moment of solace amidst the storm.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their quiet moment. Tara entered, her expression shifting to concern as she assessed the atmosphere.

"Hey, I saw you were here," she said, her eyes flitting between the two. "Are you guys okay?"

Sam stood up to give them space. "Yeah, I'm gonna go to my room. You guys talk," she said, offering a soft smile before slipping outside.

Tara settled next to Iris, who looked at her in surprise. "I thought you didn't want to talk to me," Iris said, her heart racing.

"Why wouldn't I?" Tara murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor, a hint of sadness in her tone.

"I don't know, but I'm glad you're here," Iris said, tentatively reaching for her hand. Their fingers brushed, sending a small spark through her.

"Did you have fun?" Tara asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Not really," Iris admitted, the weight of her disappointment still heavy.

"Why not?" Tara probed gently.

"It turns out I'm too traumatized," Iris laughed quietly, the sound tinged with bitterness. "Also, I just didn't like her."

"Well, she certainly did like you a lot," Tara remarked, a small scoff escaping her lips.

Iris chuckled at that, warmth spreading in her chest. "I don't care. I'd rather be here," she said, her fingers intertwining with Tara's. "With you."

She felt Tara's sharp intake of breath and the way her grip tightened. "I'm glad. I'd rather be here with you too," Tara whispered, her eyes searching Iris's.

Tara leaned in closer, their shoulders brushing, the warmth radiating between them. Iris could feel the soft thud of her heart, an echo of hope. They sat in a comfortable silence, fingers still intertwined, the weight of the past lifting just a little in the warmth of their connection.

Two months had slipped by since that failed night and Iris and Tara had gotten closer than ever. Their friendship had deepened, filled with laughter, late-night talks, and moments that made Iris's heart race. Yet every time the atmosphere turned slightly out of the friendship context—when their hands brushed or their eyes lingered a moment too long—something within Iris would clench, and she would pull away, retreating into her protective shell.

When Iris returned home from work, she felt a sense of excitement bubbling inside her. She had planned a night in with Tara and Sam, as it was her turn to pick a movie and she decided to go with a classic one she knew Tara would love and  she also packed a bag of her favorite snacks. The smell of home assaulted her nostrils as she unlocked the door of their shared aparment. 

Iris stepped inside and paused, taking in the sight of Tara sprawled on the sofa, her hair slightly disheveled and a silly smile on her face as she looked up from her phone. "Hey, girl!" Iris beamed, plopping down beside her, the cushions sinking beneath them. "So, I found the perfect movie for today. It's kinda old, don't know if you know it, but I think you'll love it!"

Tara grimaced slightly, her brow furrowing as she cleared her throat. "Mmm, I can't today."

"Why not? You okay? We can do something else..." Iris's heart sank at the prospect of their plans being changed.

"I have a date," Tara announced.

"What?" Iris's voice rose an octave, disbelief washing over her.

"I have a da—" Tara began, but Iris quickly interrupted "Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time."

"Since when do you have dates?" Iris emphasized the word "dates," making exaggerated air quotes with her fingers, disbelief and annoyance flooding her senses.

"Since now," Tara replied, her tone nonchalant as she met Iris's gaze.

"But why?" Iris pressed, a knot in her stomach tightening and she didn't really understand why.

"Well, it's easy, Iris. If you want someone to go on a date with you, you just ask them." Tara fixed her with a serious stare. "So he asked me, and I said yes."

"Now why the fuck would you say yes?" Iris stood abruptly, a surge of frustration fueling her actions.

"Why wouldn't I? Maybe going out with someone would do me good." The words felt like a punch to Iris's gut, echoing the same phrase she had given to Tara when she had gone out with Ashley, which only made her blood boil.

"Well, you can't go," Iris declared, as if she had the final word in the matter.

"What the fuck? Of course I can go!" Tara shot back, rising from the sofa as well, the tension in the room palpable.

"No, you can't! It's dangerous! You don't know who this person is! What if he's some random trying to be Ghostface?" Iris's protective instincts were on high alert, her heart racing.

"Bullshit, you didn't think about any of that when you went out with Ashley!" Tara retorted, her frustration matching Iris's.

"It's different," Iris countered, her voice rising as they stared each other down, the atmosphere crackling with unspoken emotions.

"Why?" Tara demanded, her eyes challenging Iris to say something, the air thick with tension.

"What's his name? Do I know him? What does he look like?" Iris fired off a rapid series of questions, anger overtaking her.

"What's up with all these questions?" Tara stood her ground, a mix of irritation and curiosity on her face.

"I'm just asking, that's all! You're still not answering!" Iris felt her pulse quicken.

"This is insane. It almost sounds like you're jealous," Tara said, her voice low and curious, a smirk forming on her lips at the idea. "but that would be impossible, right?"

"Of course it would be impossible, jealous? Me? I'm not jealous! Don't be ridiculous! I'm only asking because I'm worried about your safety! They could be a total creep for all I know!" Iris's emotions spilled out, raw and vulnerable.

"Eee, what's going on?" Both Sam and Mindy appeared from the kitchen, drawn by the rising tension in the room.

"Tara is going out with a potential killer" Iris declared dramatically.

"Iris, what the fuck?" Tara looked incredulous.

"What?" Sam was now fully alert, glancing back and forth between them.

"No one is a potential killer. His name is Drew, and he's Chad's friend from football," Tara clarified, rolling her eyes.

"And? C'mon, Sam, back me up!" Iris implored, frustation creeping into her voice.

Sam hesitated, torn between agreeing with Iris and her sister's firm stance. She sensed the urgency in Iris's eyes but also the pleading look in Tara's expression. Seeing Iris acting so weird about it was definetely something to talk about, maybe this would be the push the girl needed to finally do something. Plus she had a tracking device on Tara, she will be keeping an eye on her. "Okay, go, but you message me all the time, and I'm keeping the tracker," Sam finally relented.

"You still have that tracker? Jesus, Sam," Tara remarked, half-amused, half-annoyed. Sam simply stared at her, unwavering. "Fine."

Iris felt a wave of disbelief wash over her. "So just like that?" She couldn't hide her shock.

"Just like that," Tara affirmed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she patted Iris's arm before heading to her room to get ready.

"I can't believe you let her go!" Iris exclaimed, her disbelief bubbling over.

"Well, what did you want me to do? Lock her up in the room?" Sam countered, her brow raised in challenge.

"Yes!" Iris's response came out sharper than intended.

Mindy, who had been watching the entire scene unfold with barely contained laughter, chimed in. "You're so jealous I almost feel sorry for you." she declared, amusement lighting up her face. "But then I remember you are an idiot and I go back to normal".

"For the last time, I'm not jealous!" Iris shot back, her cheeks flushing.

"Saying it ten thousand times doesn't make it true!" Mindy teased, her laughter infectious.

"Fuck off, Mindy, and fuck you too, Sam!" Iris huffed, storming off to her room. "Fucking traitor" She mumbled under her breath. As she slammed the door behind her, she could still hear the sound of their laughter echoing down the hall, only fueling the fire of her annoyance.

Inside her room, Iris paced back and forth, the weight of her emotions crashing over her. She didn't understand what she was feeling but she hated it and she needed it to stop. She tossed her phone onto the bed, staring out the window at the night sky, which seemed to reflect her inner turmoil. The thought of Tara laughing with another person, enjoying a night that could be shared with her, twisted her stomach into knots but she wasn't fucking jealous, she was just worried. Honestly who the hell would name their child Drew?.

Iris lounged on the sofa, the soft fabric cradling her as she flicked through channels mindlessly, the muted glow of the TV casting gentle shadows around the room. She had lost track of time, her thoughts drifting between the day's events and the comforting rhythm of her breathing. Just as she began to feel the weight of solitude, the front door creaked open, and she turned around meeting with Tara who gently waved at her.

Iris's expression went from surprised to concern, it was still too early for her date to be over. "Tara!" Iris jumped up. "You're back already?"

"Yeah, it was... not great," Tara admitted, biting her lip as she approached Iris. "I realized pretty quickly it wasn't what I wanted."

Iris couldn't help but admire Tara as she stepped through the room, the soft glow of the hallway light catching the shimmer of her dress. The deep emerald fabric hugged her curves in all the right places and a delicate silver necklace, adorned with a small, glistening pendant, glinted as she moved, adding a touch of elegance. Tara's hair fell in effortless waves around her shoulders, framing her face beautifully, and Iris felt a swell of admiration, thinking how effortlessly stunning her friend looked, an image that would linger in her mind long after the day ended.

"Oh, that sounds awful. I'm really sorry," Iris said, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words. The tension from earlier still hung in the air, frustration and embarrassment swirling inside her. She had replayed the incident in her mind, and while the anger lingered, it was overshadowed by her embarrassment over her own outburst.

"Na, it's okay. I don't really care," Tara replied, settling onto the couch beside her. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her casual demeanor surprising Iris. "Plus, he wasn't really my type."

Iris couldn't help but chuckle at Tara's attempt at humor. "What's your type then? Muscular guys, blondes?"

Tara paused, her gaze fixed on Iris as if she were analyzing her, weighing her words carefully. "Brunettes with a terrible sense of humor."

"That's oddly specific," Iris laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Is this the moment you tell me you have a crush on Chad?" She pretended to gag dramatically, eliciting a soft smile from Tara, who continued to gaze at her with an intensity that made Iris's heart flutter.

"Oh yeah, the love of my life," Tara teased, and they both burst into laughter. "Maybe we can watch a movie?"

"You're not tired?" Iris asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not for you," Tara replied, a soft grin spreading across her face. Iris felt a warm blush creep up her cheeks, so she looked away, nodding in agreement. "Give me five minutes so I can get into my pajamas."

A few minutes later, Tara returned, her comfy sweatpants and oversized tee a stark contrast to her earlier outfit. They settled onto the couch, the soft cushions sinking beneath them as Tara reached for the remote, while Iris pulled a cozy blanket over their laps. As Tara scrolled through the options, Iris found her voice again.

"I'm sorry," Iris blurted out, guilt flooding her system. "I shouldn't have freaked out earlier. I just—"

"No, Iris, it's okay," Tara interrupted, stepping closer. "I get it. You care about me. I just... I didn't expect you to be so upset about me going out with someone."

"But I get it, with everything that happened last year, it's not easy to trust people".

Iris was surprised by Tara's understanding and as she nodded in agreement she couldn't help but feel bad as it felt like she was lying. She just didn't know at who, Tara or herself.

"Still, I'm sorry, it won't happen again".

"Okay, I appreciate it". After a few moments of silence, Tara spoke again, glancing up with a smile. "I found this rom com, thought it might be fun."

"I'm in," They exchanged casual remarks about the movie, the tension from earlier fading away, replaced now by a cozy atmosphere.

As the story unfolded on screen, Iris felt Tara shift closer, their thighs brushing against each other. She glanced at the girl who was utterly absorbed in the film, her eyes bright and animated.

She felt Tara move uncomfortably in the couch just as she brought the blanket closer to her.

"You know you're taking all the blanket away from me," Iris said with a playful grin, her voice light with amusement.

Tara looked at her, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I'm cold," she replied, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips, her eyes darting back to the screen.

"Well, come closer then," Iris suggested, her tone inviting.

Iris felt the warmth of Tara's body enveloping her, a soothing presence that made her heart swell. She instinctively draped her arm around Tara, pulling her closer. Tara nestled into her side, letting out a contented sigh that sent a rush of warmth through Iris.

"Is this okay?" Iris asked softly, glancing down at Tara, who was now looking up at her with a smile.

"More than okay," Tara replied, her eyes sparkling.

"You know, if you wanted to cuddle, you could have just asked," Iris said, wiggling her eyebrows. Moments later, she felt a gentle slap on her arm.

"You think you're funny but you're just a little shit"

"Thank you". Iris couldn't help but smile, feeling a wave of affection wash over her.

As the movie progressed, Iris found herself losing track of the plot, completely captivated by the feeling of Tara curled against her. She absentmindedly played with a strand of Tara's hair, twirling it around her fingers, each touch sending tingles down her spine.

Tara shifted slightly, her arm slipping around Iris's waist, pulling her in even closer. The intimacy felt electric, their bodies fitting together like two puzzle pieces. Iris's heart raced as Tara nestled her face into the crook of Iris's neck, breathing in the familiar scent that always calmed her. She found herself lost in thoughts about how Tara had looked for her date, a vision that lingered vividly in her mind. Suddenly, an urge to express her feelings bubbled up within her, and she felt this need to share what she thought.

"You know, I don't really remember the last time I saw you in a dress," Iris said, a teasing smile creeping onto her lips.

"Yeah, it's not really my thing, but I wanted to try something new," Tara replied, laughter spilling from her lips like music, a sound that resonated deep within Iris. "Did I look ridiculous?"

Iris shook her head, her pulse quickening. "I thought you looked beautiful." The words slipped out, filled with sincerity and warmth.

Tara's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, and she locked eyes with Iris, her expression a mix of surprise and delight. "Really?" she asked, her voice slightly trembling, as if she could hardly believe it.

"Yeah, stunning," Iris replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tara didn't say anything else but she reached out , intertwining her fingers with Iris's. As they continued watching the movie, their hands remained clasped, the warmth radiating between them a comforting reminder of their bond.

[whydoyoucare866]

Moonlight

PAIRINGS:

Titans!Jason todd x reader

SUMMARY:

Bruce has taken in Jason Todd as his youngest son and the new robin some months ago, Bruce’s goddaughter also came back to Gotham after being away for a year.

Some months after meeting Jason she starts a friends with benefits relationship with him, suddenly Jason has to move to the Titans tower and two weeks later Bruce sends her too, but, why is Jason ignoring her and acting like he doesn’t know her and why does it get worse when Rose Wilson arrives to the tower??

A/N: in this story Dick and Jason will not have such a big age gap as they do in the show, Dick will be 23 while Jason will be 19, but for the sake of the plot it will, also ignore that there’s already a dc character called moonlight, also the powers I made up for her make no sense at all but we’ll have to deal with it.

TWS: slow burn, angst, blood, canon violence, mentions of death, anxiety, jealousy, friends to friends with benefits to enemies to lovers?, maybe death of a main character (haven’t decided yet) change of plot

Keep in mind that English is not my first language, I also know nothing about guns, human anatomy or fighting in the language so I'm sorry if I make a lot of mistakes

Story Masterlist / Main Masterlist

Superman by Eminem was playing as the car Bruce sent to get you from the airport approached the gothic styled manor you hadn't seen in a year or so, the way everything looked the same brought you a sense of comfort, you knew Dick wasn’t Robin anymore, you were really close to Dick and he had told you all about how Bruce was a bad father and how he didn’t want to become him, you understood him, although you couldn’t help but feel bad for Bruce, you knew he was trying his best and he may not have been the best father, but he was a great godfather, it probably was because he wasn’t 100% responsible of you, he didn’t have to teach you about emotions, life, problems, or shit like that, he just had to spoil you and talk to you, so it was probably easier for him.

As you grew closer to the manor you noticed that Bruce and Alfred were already waiting for you by the door with some guy, he looked a little bit younger than you, but not too much, you couldn’t see him very well from the distance, but he seemed to be in casual clothes so you assumed he lived here, he was probably another stray that Bruce took in after Dick left so you paid it no mind. Eventually you arrived to the mansion and you could cry, it had been a year since you had last seen Bruce and Alfred, it had been a year since your dad had died, he was the only parent you ever knew, your mom wasn’t a deadbeat who abandoned you or anything like that, but she wasn’t “normal” she had special abilities (which you also have) that you didn’t know were special until you showed them to a boy in kindergarten and made him cry out of fear, at that moment you didn’t get why the boy had cried when you just tried to show him how your hands could glow, you then got a long talk from your mom about how most people don’t have the same abilities as you, therefore you have to keep them a secret, otherwise people would be scared or even worse it would put you at risk because there were bad people who wanted those abilities for themselves. You learned to take the talk seriously when your mom got killed by some scientist who wanted to have her powers and it was all thanks to not hiding them too well, leaving your dad and yourself on your own.

The sound of the car’s door opening pulled you out of your thoughts, and you immediately started getting off the car, you started walking towards the entrance of the Manor and all of the memories came flooding back making you emotional, you approached Bruce and just crashed into him with a hug, he became stiff, but he tried to comfort you as you cried in his arms, you hadn’t seen him ever since your dad had died, you had ran away from your problems and went to Europe for a year thinking it would help, but it didn’t, you were completely alone at Europe, at least here in Gotham you had Bruce and Dick and Alfred, you weren’t completely alone, but over there you were, and it just made you realize how much you missed and appreciated them.

When you calmed down, you moved on to Alfred who looked just as neat as always and also hugged him tight, after all Alfred reminded you of a loving grandfather and always gave you comfort, Alfred pulled away and excused himself to bake your favorite desserts, just like he always did whenever you were sad, it all felt so familiar that you felt comfort for the first time in a year. After hugging Bruce and Alfred and breaking down you realized there was still a boy who probably didn’t know who you were and had to witness you being a mess as his first impression of you, poor boy probably would be really uncomfortable after seeing a stranger come into his house and break down while he just stood there, the thought of it made you feel embarrassed making the atmosphere really awkward as you just stood staring at each other not knowing what to do, or say, Bruce took on the tense atmosphere and started introducing you to each other in hopes that the tension would fade away. You learned that his name was Jason Todd and he had just gotten taken in a year ago, some months after you left for Europe, Bruce also told you about how he found him and how he was now the new Robin, Jason have you a short nod as his way of saying hi and then Bruce started telling him about you, he told Jason about your abilities and how you were the vigilante known as moonlight which made Jason look excited, Bruce seeing Jason’s reaction told you how he was a fan of Robin and Moonlight and it sparked a bit of pride inside of you, but then made you feel embarrassed as you realized you had probably disappointed the boy by showing him how weak you actually were.

After the introductions finished, Alfred came out telling you all to get inside and to let you go to your room and accommodate, which you thanked him, You loved Bruce and Jason seemed nice, but you were exhausted after flying and you just wanted to get some rest, Alfred guided you to your room as if you hadn’t bern there a thousand times and insisted on carrying your luggage for you even though you said you could handle it.

“Here we are Miss (Y/N), you already know where Master Bruce’s and my rooms are in case you need anything, and if you ever need Master Jason his room is the one that’s right in front of yours in Master Dick’s old room .”

You thanked Alfred who excused himself and went to the kitchen and you decided you were too tired to unpack and that you would do it tomorrow, so you took the book you were reading and your headphones out of your bag and laid down to read a bit, you were really tired and after some pages your eyes started to get really heavy and you felt yourself drifting off to sleep.

taglist:

@fairyeoll @singitoutgirl26

[sleepy-crypt1d]

One of my favorite parts of COF that I find is commonly overlooked is the fact that it doesn't sanitized itself for a broader audience, it comes in with a message, with a story to tell that's hard to swallow with characters that are realistic and heartbreaking, and it doesn't apologize for this once.

Something interesting that occurred to me was how people who have never experienced severe mental health struggles view COF- the specific instance I'm thinking of is when I was explaining the plot to my mom, and had explained the different endings to her and how to get those endings, and what each one seemed to imply both for Simon and his relationship with those in his life, and her takeaway from the conversation was- "I don't like that the mentally ill main character becomes a killer. I don't like that he's the bad guy"

And this was interesting to me because, that's kind of the whole reason why I started to love Simon in the first place.

So infrequently are we shown mentally ill characters who do bad things yet still deserve redemption. Who still deserve to be treated as a person, because they are one. In a world that is becoming largely comfortable with the idea "bad person = deserves to die" it was insanely refreshing to see a character like Simon, who we see hurt people, who we see become obsessed and stalkerish and violent, gain redemption through healing. Through therapy and community and the belief from others that he will get better. That he isn't a lost cause.

In ending 2, one of the darker endings of the experience, we learn that Simon is alone. That his friends and family have all left him. That he's been abandoned due to his disability and general mental health struggles, and this was devastating to me. Upsetting to a degree that had me thinking about it for days afterward. Not helped by Simon's plea to Dr. Purnell to not feel bad because "not everyone can be saved". The way Simon views himself is much too similar to my own view of myself as someone who has struggled with similar issues.

As someone who was led down a path of harm due to untreated issues and still struggles with believing I "deserve" redemption.

Because I do, and so does he.

And it's always so upsetting seeing so many people who view victims as one note stories. As people who just cry sometimes and have trouble talking to people or get sad every once in awhile. Mental health is messy and hard to live with and life ruining at times, and this stripping of it's nuance is so frustrating to see happen over and over and over again.

Victims are not your savior story. They are not cookie cutter helpless children that need to be protected. Abuse and severe struggles do not make you stronger, they do not make you better, they do not magically make you more empathetic or loving and I'm fucking tired of that narrative. I'm tired of being talked over by people who've never experienced it or other victims who think they're the "good" ones because, well, they never did that which means anyone who did is horrible. I'm tired of stories of illness being sanitized for other people's comfort.

Victims can become perpetrators, that does not take away from their victim status. That does not change the fact that they still deserve help. That does not take away from their personhood. They are a human being that needs help, not a death sentence. Should they take accountability? Of fucking course. Does their trauma absolve them of wrongdoing? No. But I'm tired of people acting like cycles don't exist, like the second you act out on your trauma you're past saving.

Simon's story is perfect the way it is. A story of redemption and acceptance, of learning to live and grow and learn from past mistakes and find a way to live peacefully. To take responsibility and attempt to rekindle the relationships you lost, the ones you hurt.

Ending 4 and his admittance to the hospital, as well as his continued friendship with Sophie but acceptance of his loss of a romantic one, is heart breakingly bittersweet in a way that is hard for me to describe. Him getting better but living with what he's done, growing from it and learning to live anyways.

Another part of this is that, in his happy ending, in the ending where he does get better; he doesn't do it alone. Largely, the narrative of community is lost in these stories, how helpful a support system can be. Simon gets better because he has people there for him, because he has Purnell and Sophie and his mom looking out for him. He has his doctors and the staff at the hospital and people who know he can get better, that he's still a person deserving and capable of good.

People need people, and this seems an obvious note to me in the story of COF. Simon needs people. He needed people the entire time. Someone, anyone, to listen to him and give him the hand he needed.

And it's so refreshing to see a character like Simon still be loved and cared about and helped even when he was "the bad guy". Let mental ill characters be realistic. I'm begging you.

[alice1505]

I made the mistake of rewatching Sherlock because I never did finish it back in the day (I was -clenches fist- seething over the queerbaiting and rage quit after not fully watching episode 1 of s4) and I'm here to make my side hyperfixation (what year is this??? Who am I???) Tumblr's problem. The more I sit with s4, the less I like it 😂 There were pieces and elements I liked, but overall, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Forgive me if any or all if these points have been talked to death, I missed all the discourse and I'm hella late, but I need to flail and send my thoughts into the void because what even WAS that season? I can't believe I avoided it for years, got drawn in by a couple of tiktoks making fun (affectionately) of superwholock Era and That Scene about the fucking phone charger port, binged all of it, only to be left with..... that. Not nearly as disappointing or rage inducing as spn's ending but by God, did it leave a hole in me. So please ignore my rambling thoughts as I slap them down here for my own sanity.

• First and foremost, what - and I can't stress this enough - the fuck was UP with the assassination of John's entire character???? What was that??? Why????

• Related to that point - I can appreciate the angst point and potential it provides, as I'm reading many, many fics, but AYO WHY didn't anyone rip John an entire new one for that beat down he did on Sherlock????? Hello???? 911?????

• Tell me why everything felt so stilted and borderline icy. Like I get the high emotions and shit, but after a certain point... 😭 was there a falling out between Benedict and Martin that I'm not aware of? Did they just try to ungay everything so hard and were so pissed at the audience picking up everything THAT THEY PUT???? into this show and their interactions that they just hit the brakes hard enough to make everything feel weird???

• A lot of it felt weird. Off kilter a little. Forced in some places, toned down in others (and toned down where it shouldn't have been), a nod to ships but weirdly/hatefully??? Idk if that makes sense. Like the whole Sherlock and Molly phone call (I do not mean any hate to this ship, I really hope it doesn't come off this way. Not my cup of tea but you are valid). Why was Molly so upset BEFORE the call? Did I miss something? Also I don't personally think or feel she'd still have those feelings for him??? I??? I am bamboozled.

• to that whole point, Eurus was.... Hmm. Mmmm. She was. Something. (Confused derogatory)

• I like Mary as a character. I also hated her. (Definitely biased by my shipper trash ass self for johnlock, I'm sorry). Wtf were those messages, please. Edit: AND ANOTHER THING. John's reaction to Sherlock's death - awful, gut wrenching, beautiful, my heart breaks with and for him, utterly devasting. John's reaction to Mary's death - had me sitting there like🧍‍♀️(it was weird. so weird. awkward. w h y. (we know why, but also the acting choices were Something TM, in both cases! for different reasons!) i'm sorry i just can't get past my anger and put off-ness with mary, fun as she could be)

• why did mycroft and John switch roles 😭 pls. The last episode was just. So Much. The lackluster responses from John, to John, to Sherlock, between them, like.... hello???? Who are these people?? Help me. Moriarty saved me for a brief shining moment tho, God bless.

There's more I could spew, but that's what's sitting right at the top of my head. I guess all this just to say, if a show runner/writer really just fucking hates the audience they got (instead of the one they wanted), they probably shouldn't have fucking become a show runner/writer in the first place. Either hand it to someone who can actually handle it and listens, or fuck off. I will never understand when shows and plots and characters gets kamikaze'd because of a show runner being pissy and egotistical. Like ????? Grow up. Learn from Bryan Fuller and Hannibal or something.

Sorry for all the rambling, bless anyone who reads this and makes sense of it 😂

[highfantasy-soul]

NATLA Episode 5 - Spirited Away (1/3)

[Masterlist of my NATLA thoughts]

An explanation of what I'm doing here and my history with ATLA.

Of course, full spoilers ahead.

<previous/next>

This episode shifts from taking several episodes from season 1 of the animated show and weaving them together to even drawing from future seasons/shows! I saw elements of The Winter Solstice: part 1, Bato of the Water Tribe, The Swamp (season 2), The Storm, Siege of the North part 2, that episode in Legend of Korra season 2 where (spoilers) she meets Iroh in the spirit world and sees the people lost in the Fog of Lost Souls, and honorable mentions to The Waterbending Scroll, The Fortuneteller, and The Great Divide. While that might seem like a lot to combine into one episode, I think the writers did well to pick and choose the thematic elements of each episode that would naturally condense into a Spirit World trip as well as add to Zuko's story.

This was a characterization-heavy episode that really let us delve deep into several characters - namely Katara, and Sokka, but also Azula. I feel like because Zuko has soooo much to delve into, he gets really impactful character moments every episode, but episode 6 is really his time to shine, so that's why I don't include him in that list and Aang is similar - he gets a lot of his backstory examined all through the season while Katara and Sokka don't get a chance for flashbacks.

The intro does a great job letting us know that some time has passed - and the Gaang is getting better at working/surviving together. Love the detail that Katara is learning waterbending by experience and observation rather than just being naturally good at coming up with her own forms: she saw earthbenders do the earth disks, so she made her own ice ones! The burned forest is pulled almost directly from the animated show and I like how they're tying it to not only the themes of responsibility, but also of forgiving yourself for past mistakes and planting seeds for the future.

I like the choice to have Sokka interacting with a young girl in the forest who was looking for her stolen brother rather than an old man just randomly showing up and asking for their help. The active choice for Sokka to turn on 'big brother mode', drop the Pipenpadalopsikous easter egg, and the group to CHOOSE to go to the village to help all on their own gave the characters a lot of agency rather than just being tugged along with the plot by other characters. Since they cut the Imprisoned storyline where the Gaang took that agency in the animated version, I like that they gave them that same agency here in the live-action. The included detail that the forest didn't burn due to a battle, but just because the Fire Nation wanted a clearer path to march through just shows how devoid of care Israel is - sorry, The Fire Nation is - for the natural world. While at war, just destroy everything in your path - even centuries old orchards - sorry, forests.

The change in camera focus as Aang senses the issues in the Spirit World was a really cool cue for the watcher - makes it very other-worldly. Live-action Aang already understands that he can interact with the spirit world rather than in the animation when the villager has to prompt him 'yeah, you can do that stuff' and Aang reluctantly and with a great deal of apprehension says 'right, that's me'. While I like how Aang has no idea what he's doing as he hasn't had anyone to teach him about the spirit world, he goes about things differently in the live-action. He still doesn't know exactly what to do, but he does know meditation, so he tries that - and it takes awhile and does it funky, bringing Katara and Sokka in with him.

It's great to see Zuko on the old-school hunt for the Avatar and being a dick to his crew - these two episodes in Zuko's POV draw heavily from The Storm and Bato of the Water tribe and it's a great dynamic to see between him and his crew. Then we jump to Azula laying on the flattery thick with her father and dropping the 'water the most promising seed' line! Again, reinforcing the theme of future growth - and it might not always be positive growth. Linking the themes to both sides is just soooooo goooddd. Love too, how Azula gives her suggestion for what to do and Ozai agrees, an inverse of when he'll be so disparaging of Zuko's suggested tactics in the next episode.

But oooooohhhh the sly dressing down he gives Azula, her conflicted and angrily embarrassed reaction, and then Ozai's little smirk as he pokes and prods in JUST the right way to get Azula pitted against Zuko - love love love what they did with the royal family in season 1. It'll give SO much more depth to Zuko and Azula's rivalry next season!! It is heartbreaking though that Azula was so clearly angling to get some sort of approval from her father - some praise for her abilities - praise that with Ozai is probably very rare. The two children are just so desperate for positive reinforcement from their father and while Azula's sly remarks are, of course, underhanded, you see that she's doing it because she's just a child desperate for approval - not that she was just 'born a monster'.

The Gaang's dynamic is so cute here!! Like in the animated version, Katara having complete faith in Aang even though she's no idea how he's gonna do it, Aang desperately trying to do something he knows he should be able to do but no idea how, and Sokka complaining that he's hungry which is distracting Aang from his super serious business. Their interactions are almost a direct pull from the Siege of the North Part I from the animated series when Katara and Yue are talking behind Aang as he's trying to enter the Spirit World at the oasis. Instead of stumbling into the Spirit World on accident as he chases after Hei Bai, in the live-action, Aang has to meditate for a long time before finally reaching the point where he can cross over. The detail of Katara continuing to practice her forms as they wait is really great as we don’t actually get to see animated Katara practicing much - it's just The Waterbending Scroll, and every other time, she just does the waterbending form perfectly. Yes, her skills improve, but we really miss her practicing.

It's an interesting choice to bring Sokka and Katara with Aang into the Spirit World - I can see how, with the themes they're looking to explore with these episodes, that's how they chose to do it. The main ideas being that you need to come to terms with the past so you can look forward to the future, and a great way to do a flashback sequence is through the Spirit World. The animated show didn't really show Aang much in the spirit world through these episodes - he just met Fang and was given the Spirit message to get to Roku's temple - but nothing else really Spirit Worldy happened. And we just left Sokka and ignored the fact he was there. I like them combining Aang's jaunt into the spirit world during the Siege of the North episodes here because I think it's a great story beat to hit, but the siege episodes are already a LOT, so adding even more with the spirit world journey to meet Koh would probably be too much.

Won Shi Tong was an amazing addition to the spirit world. Instead of a random monkey (that costs tons of money to CGI), they've created a model for a character we'll see in season 2. I don't really understand people confused about his presence here - like….y'all, he's a spirit? He can float around wherever - probably can be both here in the spirit world and the library at the same time? Idk, it just seems like an odd thing to be confused over. Like, why would an ancient spirit not be able to jump over into the spirit world while also holding down their presence in the material plane? It really felt like manufactured outrage trying to FORCE an issue that’s…not an issue at all.

[katyspersonal]

K A T y

2, 9, 18, 24, 29, 32 for Ranni!

( Asks from this ( x ) meme)

2) Did you always like this character?

It actually took me some time! I am physically incapable of 'not caring' about any character, but at first I was as close to that state as I could be! Just that 'one of the main characters' deal with whom I had to patiently wait when something would click with me about her! And, well, it did, when I learned the full extent of her story and motivations!

9) Does this character remind you of anyone you know? Does that affect how you see them?

When I was 13, I had a close female friend who was closely tsundere-ish, secretive, extremely shrewd and even machiavellian! She had quite the reasonable takes on how the world and society worked, and cherished the dreams of somehow dismantling it. She even had cold and winter theme as her aesthetic (before we started to use this term)! She was so good at reading people that she could instantly guess my house situation despite me never even dropping hints online, let alone just sharing with anyone! And tried to find my step dad irl contacts to ruin him, in secrecy for me... How I wish her plan worked. x) The thing is, whereas that friend indeed was similar (excluding war crimes! .....as far as I know fhhfds), we haven't spoken in decade, and she is not occupying my mind space anymore. Forgotten until prompted. It is only right now, as I am typing this response, that I realise Ranni is similar to that person! So, whereas that friend doesn't effect how I vision Ranni, she might start to from this moment. :^)

18) Do you prefer to see this character suffer or know peace? Angst or comfort? Both?

Imagining her happy and peaceful is actually hard for me! She is just TOO far up the dark path. Machiavellism and weight of crimes she learned to accept feels like her very being. She is suffering, it is clear to see, but she is very cold and stoic against it. I prefer the angst for the character, but it feels like just proceeding with the canon than inflicting it. But on a smaller scale, I do enjoy peaceful moments with her depicted, like being silly with Blaidd, or, again, her younger years with family, especially Rykard!

24) Do you ever dream about this character? If so, describe a dream you once had about them.

No! She only appeared in a dream very briefly, once, without bearing on the plot besides giving me some sort of a very big key (like half of my height fsdh). I don't remember the context!

29) Do you affectionately bully this character?

I enjoy the "war criminal" joke here and there, of course XD And a few times I joke about her being 'edgy kid' or 'tsundere gf'! It is not something I dwell on often, because I do keep in mind the complexity of the situation and the gravity of the things she understood! I don't bully her more than say, Aldrich or Fauxsefka: it lasts for exactly 5 seconds before I remind myself and all 2 people that enjoy my posts that 'well aktyaly' these are very complex and their actions are strangely justified within their own setting and context, and it is so much about The Whole Thing and them having the spine to take up the quest against morality as they know it for greater thing, than about their own history. Basically the jokes are to lighten the mood for otherwise very serious character!

32) If you could make this character a meal, what would you make them?

I feel like she is used to most of the 'exquisite' meals, especially seafood ones living near Liurnia (so sorry, Boggart, no need for your help with this one :( ). I would opt for something that combines meat and fruit/berries!

It is hard to explain, I just feel like she'd appreciate the combination! (Also searching images was a mistake... now I feel so hungry that it makes me dizzy ;-;)

[sylvie-brett-two-ts]

Boden has his favorites and should be a thing to be addressed on the show, can you imagine if anyone but Stella caused a accident, falling sleep while driving? I bet their job would be at risk and their ability to lead would be questioned. On the other hand, imagine what others house must think, because 51 as a whole it's his favorite.

Thanks for the ask, this is only my 2nd one ever. Here comes a very long response lmao.

I agree that Boden has his favorites and it definitely bothers me from time to time. I certainly wish it was different or that they called it out, but I think a fair amount of it is also just lazy writing and doing what they need to in order to make the short-term story fit.

For example, it has always bothered me that Boden basically made fun of Hermann for asking for officer’s quarters and shut him down immediately when he asked about the blue office. Yet, in S10, he offered the blue office to Pelham no problem. A year later, Kidd is making the laundry room into officer’s quarters because the blue office apparently isn’t an option anymore. The reality is that his apparent preference for Pelham over Hermann and Kidd was really just because it worked for the comedy plot in each of the 3 episodes.

As far as Stella causing the accident in S8, I disagree that if it were anyone else that their job would be at risk. Why would someone lose their job for getting in a car accident in their own vehicle and when they weren’t on the clock? I also don’t get why her ability to lead should be questioned. She wasn’t in a leadership position at that point, unless you’re referring to teaching classes at the academy? She was busting her ass and doing everything she could to keep up. Should she have asked for help and told Boden that it was too much to handle? Absolutely, but she’s human and makes mistakes. She also did learn that lesson and outright said that she now knows her body’s limits and won’t make the same mistakes again. And she hasn’t.

I definitely won’t argue that Stella is one of his favorites, but I just don’t agree with that being an example of him showing favoritism. He certainly favors 51 as a house and 2nd shift over the others at 51, but that’s partly because those are the people we see all the time and the show centers around their perspectives.

This might be a hot take, but I will say that overall it seems like Boden does not have the same level of appreciation and perhaps even respect for Sylvie professionally as he does for other long-running characters. I think a big part of it is actually just that he doesn’t value the paramedics the way he does firefighters, and besides Gabby, he kind of sees them all as the same. His attitude every time there was an opening since Sylvie has been PIC was just “fill it with whoever, it doesn’t matter.”

He supported Hermann, Casey, Kidd, and most recently Joe in professional growth and leadership opportunities, but hasn’t once shown any interest or awareness of professional growth for any of the paramedics. I get that’s because he’s a firefighter, but he constantly calls it his firehouse, so theoretically he should care about all of their careers. It’s really unfortunate that the show focused so intently on Chief Hawkins as just a love interest and chose to use his role as paramedic field chief in a negative way (showing favoritism to Violet, getting blackmailed by Emma, etc.), instead of using him to add more focus to the EMS side of the CFD.

[whaleji]

girlblogging like kafka; entry 1

nice weather in Istanbul. refreshing. visited the cistern basilica. lunch was delicious. I hate the feeling of men's eyes hovering over me like i'm food, ready to jump, only stopping themselves not out of respect for my existence and individuality, for the soul that's withheld within my jail of a body, but merely because my father is walking by my side. he could be anyone ; an uncle, a grandfather, a teacher, a lover, a brother ; he could be anyone, and yet they'd still stop no matter what, not because they see some things in me aside from my boobs and my face, not because they feel the shy shape of opinions and hobbies and drives behind my skull, or a purpose to my being on earth besides the role of a pleaser, no. no, they stop because of the knowledge that his being of the male sex and me of the female one makes me property. his property. and overstepping property would be uncouth, wouldn't it ? it wouldn't do. and so they limit themselves to wandering stares and disgusting smiles. smiles the opposite from angel's smiles in renaissance paintings, smiles full of vices and thoughts of violence. smiles twisted and tainted of superiority, smiles i want to violently peel from their faces and run over with my bare feet, smiles that make my blood boil and make me think of all those years being subtly told to allow men. to allow them my thoughts, my body, my life. to allow them everything by denying it to myself. strolled in a park for a while. was nice. read a bit. it was "les justes" by Camus. very interesting. 65 pages in as of now. explores themes of political commitment and insurrection. i'm feeling overwhelmed by being in my parents' constant presence for days after living by myself for a year now. i'm feeling suffocated. claustrophobic. inside and outside alike. listening to lana and mitski is what's helping the most, no matter how cliché. i see a lot of cats on the streets ever since we arrived in Turkey. i want to kidnap them all. i feel so bad for them, straying all day long, not knowing where to go, where they belong, fed only based on the rare acts of kindness of passing strangers and locals. the same goes for dogs, and people. it breaks my heart to see a homeless man dumpster dive while i pass by with the shameful knowledge that i eat more than i need in a day ever since i arrived. i fear the future. ten years from now and tomorrow alike. i want to get a job and then again i don't, not really. i've already worked before, and i know the feeling will subside, but i feel it still. i feel it at a very deep point within myself, always chasing it with a broom, trying to sweep it from my system. it's a bone crushing feeling that leaves me blank in the head and my heart hurting. it's the reason why i try to push back the time I get out of bed in the morning, fleeing responsibilities in the shape of friends and clocks and the sound of traffic. it's the reason why i withdraw inside myself at times, with the childish thought that my body disappears along with my consciousness, like a child that believes she's become invisible to others by closing her eyes. it feels like the issue here is that i'm like a self destructing piece of paper, a page that goes blank everyday, no matter how much you write in it. what's in the past remains in the past, i don't learn from my mistakes. it also has perks, like me being able to enjoy my favorite materials, books and movies alike, like i never experienced them in the first place. music is different. music i feel in my bones, and so it sticks. it never leaves my body. the same goes for literature and cinematography, but what i remember are feelings, nothing about the plot or content. i remember an experience rather than words on paper. rereading a favorite book feels like greeting an old friend. i'm filled with the memory of old feelings as they mingle among the new, confronting me to the person i was last time i read it. it gives me a singular glimpse into what i was, what i am, what i may become. today was hectic, but then again when is it not ?

[karmicretributixn]

opinions...?!

In order to properly start off a rewrite, I’m going to start by addressing the things I did and did not like about Halloween Ends. While I have my list of criticisms for this movie, I want to establish that I don’t think it’s a terrible movie. There were some things in it that I think were done well and gave the trilogy’s ending some less expected elements (which, when working with a source material that’s been sequeled and rebooted to hell with various but fairly similar plots, is admirable to at least attempt).

I feel like some types of content are implied given that it’s a slasher movie, but aside from the obvious gore and violence, some other stuff that will be involved in the discussion: suicide/suicidal ideation, mentions of incest, Black stereotyping

GOOD STUFF:

Establishing attempts to move on. While it is a bit of a longer time skip than I expected, Laurie really needed to reclaim her life for her own sake and for the sake of not seeing her stuck in the same emotional arc each and every movie. From becoming a better mother figure to Allyson to finding really endearing, awkward old people love with Frank (a character we’re at least somewhat familiar with already), I enjoyed seeing Laurie learn from the mistakes her former intense state of paranoia caused her to make and try to create a life for herself. It was an enjoyable glimpse into the Laurie we might have seen if Michael hadn’t plagued so much of her life, a person outside of fear. (I found her attempt to bake the pumpkin pie as a “Halloween tradition” to be really sweet and a sign of her genuinely trying to work past the trauma surrounding the holiday.) I would’ve liked to see more of this from Allyson as well outside of finding work. However, I felt the justifications for why she struggled to return to normalcy were valid; losing your mom alongside feeling responsible for the mental and emotional wellbeing of your grandmother who you’ve known to be unstable most of her life isn’t exactly the formula to create a normally functioning young adult.

“Suicide or cherry blossoms.” Sort of an extension of the above, but the idea that there are things worth living for even when it seems like it would be easier to die. Up until Michael’s final death, Laurie struggles to feel like she should live, especially when a decent amount of Haddonfield’s community blame her directly for the man’s most recent serial killings. We see her consider suicide through several means, whether by her own hands or through allowing Michael to take her life in order to finally sate his bloodlust (or so she believes). However, Laurie finds little things to hang onto, whether that be writing her book to try and help others through their own respective hells, finding a cute boy for her granddaughter to take to a Halloween party (you tried queen

Michael taking a temporary interest in someone specifically outside of the Strodes, even if just for his own gain. I don’t entirely enjoy how the writers developed Michael and Corey’s relationship primarily because it made Michael seem really underwhelming in a movie that’s… well, supposed to be about his famous reign of terror ending. However, I like the idea of Michael having a brief period of dependency on someone else because it drags them down to his level and provides a window into seeing more human aspects of him. Not exactly in the way we’d expect from a normal person (since Michael is… at least partially a supernatural being at this point? Lore really likes to go back and forth about that lol), but it at least indicates that the parts that are definitively human are starting to catch up with him (e.g. age). While it was primarily orchestrated by Corey, I feel like it would’ve been interesting for Michael to see Corey as his pet project, if at least to get more people for him to kill in order to charge his power back up to get back to his original mission of killing Laurie. (I’m… not even going to pretend like I know what the whole “killing to become stronger/undying” thing is about. I feel like it’s okay in concept, but when I feel like the movie tries to boil it down to “Michael is just a guy in a mask” at the end I’m just like ??? sorry you literally established that’s not true like 30 minutes ago)

STUFF I DID NOT PERSONALLY CARE FOR:

Corey’s character arc was a mess. It was already pretty bold to try and fit him into the final movie of the trilogy without having anything previously established about him while also trying to wrap up the existing plot, and I feel like the time crunch really did a disservice to what he could’ve been as a character. While I can appreciate how writers tried to set him up as a new “boogeyman” for the town of Haddonfield to focus on and vent their fears onto while Michael was still at large, I feel like there isn’t sufficient time for the audience to grow to care about Corey before he starts killing. The fact he becomes almost JD-esque makes his emotional struggles as a person seem really disingenuous in favor of creating a confident persona out of nowhere that stems from him doing… more of what initially ruined his reputation? His life? He wasn’t even at rock bottom anymore at the point of coming into contact with Michael. He had a job, a father figure that (while certainly imperfect) showed at least some understanding of his struggles both at home and in Haddonfield at large and tried to give him a footing to get his life back together. While Corey still certainly had reasons to have outbursts after a lot of inner turmoil, it still doesn’t make sense to me for him to resort to killing so quickly. Even when you feel like no one will ever see you as anything but a monster, why after getting a girlfriend who is apparently your everything now and doesn’t see you as a freak would you try and make things worse? Especially by teaming up with the guy who ruined her life via his own homicidal rages? It doesn’t even make sense under the context of Michael somehow infecting him with his “evil” (however that’s supposed to work) considering Corey still shows agency over his actions and wouldn’t have any reason to lean into the whole killing thing so hard. 

Speaking of evil… I’ve struggled with this since the original Halloween, but what exactly are we considering “evil”? The lack of definition starts to become concerning when the movie begins to draw direct parallels between Michael and Corey. There could have been an interesting opportunity to distinguish between someone who believes they’re inherently evil for doing something wrong by accident (killing Jeremy, in Corey’s case) and people who commit heinous acts with ill intent and don’t hold themselves to those moral standards. Instead, the movie attempts to group Corey and Michael together as being one in the same which is…ridiculous, quite frankly, given the fact one of them is a prolific serial killer with little to no visible signs of humanity and the other being a pariah who just doesn’t want to be bothered anymore and regularly expresses that he feels awful about causing the death of another. It would have been more compelling to see Corey stoop to Michael’s level, realize he himself was never that terrible despite what others said about him, and then help our main gang stop Michael once and for all. Killing himself in a near typical yandere fashion of “if I can’t have her, no one can” over a girl I dare say he barely knew was incredibly underwhelming and unfulfilling in terms of satisfying his character arc.

Allyson and Corey’s romantic relationship was awkward, rushed, and did not at all feel organic. The fact that Allyson was almost immediately and visibly interested in Corey upon meeting him literally made me cringe, it just really gave off “boy character meets girl character so obviously they will date!!”. Their following interactions also felt really sloppily put together and didn’t really generate a lot of meaningful chemistry outside of establishing a mutual hatred of where they live and, uh. Liking motorcycle rides at night and kissing. Considering they are both outcasts in their own right, it would’ve been nice to see them actually get to know each other and understand their respective struggles beyond just the obvious ones related to killing. (Corey and Allyson both also had family struggles regarding their mothers, but that literally never gets brought up aside from ragging on Laurie whenever possible.) I feel like their connection would’ve been better embodied by friendship and possibly misplaced romantic feelings sourced from feelings of isolation in their homes and community. The idea of a really sudden romantic relationship from Corey’s end also feels strange to me because... while I feel like it was a really extreme bomb to be dropped without elaborating on it much, it seems to be implied that he’s a victim of covert incest (overt when we see it at its height)? While that in itself doesn’t mean Corey should never have a romantic relationship, I feel like it was somewhat insensitive writing in light of that to give him a female partner that escalates their relationship fairly quickly. Not that it’s not mutual, but Allyson definitely seemed to be more of the leading force in initiating the romantic and physical parts of the relationship whereas Corey was initially more hesitant. (Maybe I’m reading too much into that, but it feels odd to me without them having more onscreen platonic chemistry leading up to that)

I noticed the movie tries really hard to recycle tropes typical of 80s movies and fit them into a movie set in 2022. First, you have the typical high school bullies that drive around in Rich Dad’s fancy car to harass our classic outcast on the side of the road (why are high schoolers bullying a 25 year old like he’s one of their peers? Not incorrect but definitely odd in execution). A radio station making inflammatory statements about happenings in the town also gives off that vibe. Then, you have the more obvious good boy-gone-bad with the motorcycle and survivor heroine duo who both think the place that hurt them needs to burn (cough Heathers cough). I feel like chances to incorporate some modernity were underutilized in favor of emulating the aesthetic created by the first Halloween movie. I think the most modern thing I saw was an iPhone, and even then, they looked like the ones from 2015 LOL

Whether by accident or not, many of the Black characters in this movie are portrayed as aggressive towards the main white characters. It’s never really a good look when a large portion of Black characters in a film display little personality outside of being an asshole, and the few who manage to not fall under this category are still found victim blaming white characters with what little screen time they have. Let’s round out their personality traits to make them more of a whole person with their respective place in a story rather than just an agent of physical/emotional conflict for other characters.

if you read this far. i am staring at you with beady eyes. i have more thoughts but i figured 2000 words might already be a lot for one post LMAO. let me know what you think or if you have any additional thoughts! (just be respectful pls)

[inamindfarfaraway]

And instead of Vanellope’s terrible arc where she abandons everyone she knows and loves to go Turbo, endangering two games full of people, she could have an arc about learning how to be a confident, responsible leader and happy, healthy, normal kid after living in isolation and persecution for so long. Ruling a society, being loved and respected by the other racers, having strong bonds of friendship and found family outside her game, regularly getting chosen by players… even with her memories back, it’s a lot to adjust to. A lot of pressure. She’s used to thinking of herself as a problem, a mistake, a danger. But now suddenly everyone sees the best in her. Surely everyone wants the best from her. They expect it, surely. No matter where she goes, she can’t stop being important. I can definitely see her struggling with insecurity, anxiety and imposter syndrome as she tries to turn her entire sense of self on its head after fifteen traumatic years. What if she messes up? What if she turns into a bad ruler like King Candy? What if some new villain or disasters takes everything away again? It’s happened before! You never know! She’s most players’ favourite character; what if she loses control of her glitch in front of them (I’d love to see it portrayed as a both positive and negative in different circumstances, like many autistic and ADHD traits, to continue its disability allegory in the first movie) and destroys her world? What if he was right and she is just the Glitch?

Ralph has his own thematically connected stuff going on about exploring his new identity as a good, happy, loved Bad Guy/Hero, but while Vanellope is already slipping at the start, he’s totally happy with his life before the plot happens. Maybe he has confront to deeper moral ambiguity, figure out what kind of Hero he wants to be and how okay he is with sacrificing things besides himself. Like, what if he has to make a choice that mirrors breaking the kart (ideally regarding Felix or a new character to differentiate it) that’s actually justified by the definite stakes? It feels equally wrong and does tangible harm, but is that excusable when it saves everyone? What is ‘the greater good’ in a universe greater and more complex than the arcade? The “Being a hero means doing the right thing, no matter what” idea is potent - and considering who brought it up, it would be another way to make Turbo haunt the narrative. Ralph having a more philosophically driven arc would pair nicely with Vanellope’s more emotionally driven one.

Anyway, he’s apprehensive about the internet, but she views it as an escape. Especially after they collide with the external internet plot of people researching the King Candy mystery and the Sugar Rush in Litwak’s Arcade, which massively triggers Vanellope’s buried issues. Firstly, she has to look at images of man who ruined her life, abused her and tried to kill her. Secondly, you know what else is abnormal in her specific cabinet? President Vanellope Von Schweetz. Her kart. Her outfit. Her dialogue. Her ‘power’. What if these stupid humans mess with her game trying to find answers? What if Litwak decides to reboot it? Maybe Sugar Rush is better off without her after all. The internet, aka the mortified ordeal of being perceived, does not help her handle this stress well. (Something something strangers on the internet feeling entitled to have an opinion on you, violating your privacy and taking your reputation wildly out of your control something something internet discourse rashly assigning morality to people based on superficial interpretations that deny the nuances of reality something something filter all the first movie’s concepts of heroism, villainy and performance through those themes. Works for Ralph’s ‘Okay, but how do you stay a hero?’ arc too). We get messy trauma response representation! We get people on the internet being realistically unfair and judgemental about that! We teach children that although the internet can be a wonderland of freedom, self-expression and meaningful relationships, it’s also a minefield of toxicity that could harm their mental health incredibly easily if they dive into it without guidance or protection!

So Vanellope is the one who risks going Turbo this time. Her wanting to stay in another game is explicitly self-destructive and bad. Maybe she eventually realizes that Slaughter Race appeals to her because its dark, gritty tone; dirty, messy aesthetic; and abundance of danger and crime subconsciously remind her of being a homeless fugitive relying on herself. And whether pleasant or not, the familiar is comfortable. Tracking the video game investigation could lead her to other glitches and modified characters, giving her a community like Ralph’s Bad Guys Anonymous. That’s the upside of the internet: you’re not alone. Another plot point could be her using wifi to travel to a regular Sugar Rush console and meeting who she would be if not for Turbo… and Ralph. Imagine that conversation. It could help her make peace with her differences and internalize that she deserves to be happy and does belong in her game. Her father figure Ralph anchors her the most, of course. Though Calhoun can talk her through living with trauma and how it’s worth it, despite the discomfort, to allow yourself to heal and move on. In the end Vanellope comes home and embraces her arcade life. But she keeps in touch with her online support system and sometimes visits certain areas of the internet with varying degrees of adult supervision.

Smth I’ve thought about ever since I first saw wreck it ralph is that in universe king candy is basically an irl creepypasta. Like he’s a racer that only exists in this one specific sugar rush cabinet, every other version off the game has princess vanellope. Literally no one knows he exists except for ppl who went to this one small arcade in the United States. And if the code for sugar rush has been dumped there is no trace of king candy bc he only exists in this one cabinet. I bet there’s ppl who traveled cross country just to see if king candy actually exists.

And then after the movie king candy disappears from the roster forever and is replaced by vanellope but she’s different than every other vanellope, different outfit different personality different kart different voice lines etc

It’s literally that one arcade cabinet creepypasta discussions and YouTube videos about it in universe must be crazy.

[anetherealpoetess]

no interesting update in glen powell's conservative dog-whistling controversy but i still wrote this long damn post anyway!

in case you missed it, i got myself a media degree, i believe glen powell is a republican who is about to vote for tr*mp for the third time, and i believe he is desperate to be a movie star, which means he needs to appeal to us dirty little liberals too. we're watching him navigate his attempt at movie-stardom in tiptoeing around his conservative opinions while still appealing to conservatives through a tactic called dog-whistling. (a tactic the new york times actually called out twisters for using a week or so ago. go the new york times!)

powell has responded to the new york times article highlighting twisters post-pandemic desperation to appeal to conservatives both in its plot and in its marketing by ignoring it, which is media 101: do not respond to negative media coverage. (i said he would not reply to the new york times in my last post about this situation. at least not for a good six months. not replying to these sorts of articles is what we learn very early on in our media degree.)

instead, powell has gone on instagram to provide a counter narrative for the media (also media 101), posting behind-the-scenes photos of twisters and writing a caption about how twisters received a 'universal response' (which could be seen as a low-key dig at the the new york times ... maybe. maybe. powell has shown he is not above playing subtext games.) (also does 'universal response' not remind you of 'critically reviewed' from schitt's creek!) (also 'universal' is the key word to powell's brand and his main issue: he wants to be universally beloved, despite being politically regressive.)

he talks about how he was once a kid who loved movies too (going for relatability here), reminds people he's from texas (he's desperate for texas to be a huge part of his branding), reminds people of his wet white shirt scene but through the context of memes so he doesn't come off looking desperate for attention (which imo the wet shirt didn't blow up organically as much as the movie hoped. manny jacinto's shirtless scene dropped around the same time and stole a lot of the heat) and more. anyway. here is the caption:

can i just say he did too much here. casuals don't have the energy to engage with this amount of information, both visual (he posted a lot of photos in one dump) and verbal. long story short, he is preaching to his choir. to sway anyone else he needed to go for cheeky and short, not sentimental and long. he has demonstrated the ability to be brief and funny. his team miscalculated here, but not in a dramatic way. it's fine. (still, ryan reynolds has easily outplayed powell and twisters in terms of marketing for reasons that are not the point of this post.)

twisters made the massive mistake of not pushing its release date forward by one week to get two weeks in front of deadpool, which is the movie of the year and has stolen all the money in the world. so this caption is both an attempt to remind people deadpool isn't the only movie at the theatres, but it is also a non-response reaction to the times. give the media something else to talk about other than the times article.

what remains interesting is that while olivia culpo and glen powell both participated in conservative dog-whistling in the same week, only culpo's dog-whistling generated controversy. (of course, the times did write about twisters conservatism, but powell has largely escaped scrutiny.) this is partly because culpo is a woman and isn't allowed the same amount of grace as a white men like powell, but also because culpo responded to the controversy.

this was stupid. this was so stupid! if she needed to respond, she should have just said 'i loved my dress and felt very pretty' and nothing more. instead she went on the defensive, played the victim, and fuelled the negative discussion around her trad-wife soft-launch in vogue. (it didn't help her that trad-wives are a trending topic right now due to ballerina farm.)

still, there is a lot of gendered stuff at play here when it comes to people's non-reaction to powell. twisters itself is a sexist film. not valuing helen hunt's contributions to the first film's success, having a male character explain to a female metrologist basic tornado facts, etc. culpo getting heat and not powell is hardly surprising. even if she hadn't responded, she still would have attracted negative commentary, which is actually justified, in my opinion. this trojan horsing of traditional gender dynamics into the mainstream is rampant and scary. i'm glad bridal tiktokers called her out. i just wish more media institutes like the new york times had the guts to call out twisters and powell too.

give it time though. i'm excited to see how this plays out.

[petalsmooth]

Case in point of people who did read the book but don't really care about Colin's characterization and feel no guilt at talking his character down to try to hold criticism at bay..even if not fair representation of the book.

IN the book he struggles with what show Colin struggles with. Lack of purpose, insecurity and even jealousy over Pen's accomplishments. But he is also QUITE RIGHT about the danger of being L.W. if discovered and warned Pen. Penelope admits this to him when Cressida discovers her.

Colin DOES apologize to Pen for allowing his insecurity to affect his reactions in the book and asks for her help in putting his travel journals together. Penelope apologizes and says he was right about possibility of discovery and placing them in this situation with Cressida and he helps her by organizing the wall of support with his family.

They are a TEAM who make mistakes and apologize when wrong. The show robbed Colin of his part and even made him part incompetent and naive. This is not an improvement on the book and honestly I don't give a damn if people want to pretend it is because they gave it to Penelope and she's your favorite.

In lesser but similar circumstance, they took away Penelope's suggestions directing his purpose. She was key to Colin not just because she loved him, but she helped him fill that other role that was empty.

They complimented each other in the book whereas the show had them go more alone. And I don't like it. And I can and will say that. And I hope more people say it because IF they are going to be in subsequent seasons I do NOT want them to do this to Colin again. Maybe they won't be main characters then, but any sub plot they DO get should not repeat this direction and the only way they know NOT to do that is if fans make it known the change was not appreciated.

It's ok to tell them what you like and didn't like. It's how hopefully they grow and learn and don't screw it up the next round. They made changes based on criticism of season 2, I see no reason you should believe they can't be responsive to this.

I don't want to focus entirely on this because liked many other things and the impression if I did would be otherwise. But I dislike people trying to say you can't criticize anything. The writers have said they listen to fans, Nicola and Luke have said they listen, they've all said some things occur because of fan imput. If you have no complaints great for you, but others do they should say so because maybe they'll listen next time.

We don't all consider Pen the only character that matters or Colin's purpose being to simply love her and service her in a bedroom. A book trait is that he is intelligent, and insightful and good at schemes whether pranks on siblings or Whistledown. This should not be removed from his personality.

[billconrad]

Writing Has Changed Me

    On 3/12/2016, I started writing a fictional book. Since that fateful day, I have noticed changes in my life. My attitude is slightly more liberal. I am a bit more socially responsible and a bit more carefree.

   Why did this occur? An author must get into the minds of the characters. These “people” need to think, react, feel, and act far differently than an author’s humble life. An author cannot simply duplicate themselves. Let me be clear. Nobody wants to read about the adventures of Bill Conrad, Super Engineer! Spoiler: His secret identity is a part-time author. Just yesterday, in an epic display of courage, he FULLY overcame an obsolete resistor. (Insert “We are the Champions” music.) Yeah, not best-seller material.

    A good story has conflict, personality, and depth. To achieve this, authors must connect with their characters. To do this, an author must put their (boring) life aside and think independently. Then, they can mentally build a fictional scene and plop characters inside. This effort requires compassion to be successful. I have invented scenes and characters so often that it took away some of my conservative personality, leading to a more balanced life.

    I had not thought about this change until I wrote this article. Granted, it is a minor change, but it is a change that I wholly attribute to a different type of thinking. Is this change an improvement? Honestly, I am not sure. Most people resist change. They like their simple lives, and I am no exception. If I were to guess, being slightly more liberal is a wonderful change. Am I comfortable with it? I think so. The change is defiantly a new chapter. Ha, get it? A book reference.

    After my first draft, my beta reader (mom) pointed out that my characters lacked depth and they did not have appropriate descriptions. A sad person walks into a room and says, “Hello.” How were they dressed? What did the room look like? Why were they sad? What was their name? Man or woman? Yeah, that was all missing.

   I solved this problem by putting more effort into studying the people I saw. They were no longer faces in the crowd but little gems to be described. That woman over there. Her hair is “flowing and fresh.” No. I can do better. Her hair is “naturally bouncy, and it brightens her face.” Better, but not great. Spice it up. Her hair is “spiky blue which makes her face pop.” Hmm. Now we are getting somewhere. Keep trying.

    I wanted to know a person’s backstory, history, choices, and why they were here at that moment. Since I do not enjoy striking up random conversations, I fill in the blanks based on their appearance. That man in the suit over there. I bet he is a rich guy. What would happen if somebody handed him $100? Would he accept the money or decline it?

    This change was a fascinating addition to my personality, but making up facts about a person I have not met can feel creepy. I certainly would not like a description of my nose or how I would react to a monster attack. I just threw this shirt on. I was not thinking of the bold statement it would make about my personality.

    Do I have any emotional attachment to random people I analyze or throw into plots? No, this is just a mental exercise, and I often forget these random thoughts. What about my co-workers and friends? Yes, I study them, but not too closely. People are wise, and staring gets noticed.

    Do I study myself? I have always studied myself. I try to be a better person, and I try to treat people better. I observe how others react to my decisions and learn from my mistakes. Writing has helped in this area, as I have a more focused approach. I also ask myself better questions.

    How significant is this change in my life? 10%. Does that mean I am 10% changed or 10 % better? Hard to say because my mind is telling me the percentage, and I know that my mental outlook is still conservative. How about 5% better? Umm, how about 5% mostly better? There is that conservative mind kicking in. What will happen in my future? I anticipate a 5% increase over the next 20 years. However, life is unpredictable. You, over there. Watch out. A monster is coming!

    You’re the best -Bill

    July 22, 2023

    Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:

    Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.

    Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.

    Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.

    Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.

    These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.

[thepoetoaster]

DID I DO IT?

DID I DO IT?

By Katherine O’Reilly

           I was only publicly humiliated once but once was more than enough. I was Jesus then and I was attending Monument High School in Great Barrington, MA where they would torture children who acted disobedient against authority. I specifically remember walking in the woods and seeing a wooden bench like device they would use to torture children with.

         Children were regularly publicly whipped in front of the whole school – it was practically a rite of passage. When it happened to me however, it felt like I was the only person who it had ever experienced it. It was the near the top of the list of the worst experiences my soul has ever endured. The pain wounded my soul deeply, but looking back I see the huge reason for it.

         Apparently I had written something on the chalkboard about how awful the education system was, and speaking freely then was a crime punishable by whipping. After that I dropped out like Holden Caulfield. I attribute that one decision to the massive success I experienced in my past life.

         I started reading and self-educating myself and learned about things like business, real estate and investing. I got a head start in the race ahead of everyone else. I started building houses and selling them and eventually earned enough to hire a team to help build the houses for me. I was extremely hard working. The first house I built came from the cash I earned from delivering mail and being a bell ringer.

         This experience of being whipped made me extremely angry and defiant. I started organizing plots to overthrow the British in the attic of the Blue House of Great Barrington. I certainly wasn’t the only one helping with the cause.

         Sarah was my sister; she reincarnated as my brother Elliot now. She was very angry with her mother Queen Natalie for being in favor of public execution and was avidly against it and in favor of free speech. She was a huge hero, one of Jesus’s closest confidants, who always inspired him with her brave and original spirit. She left the castle and moved into the Blue House with Jesus, Columbia and their baby I’ll call Molly, who reincarnated as my mother Mary now. They loved reading stories together back when stories weren’t censored and they would pull you in by the soul.

         Columbia, Molly and Sarah certainly weren’t the only ones helping Jesus with the cause. Jesus had an invisible friend we’ll call…. Katelynn.

         There was only one battle in the Revolutionary War to secure America’s Freedom from the British. Jesus wrote the Declaration of Independence when he was very young, I want to say late teens – early twenties.

         There was only battle in the Revolutionary War – or rather, there SHOULD have only been one. They should have learned their lesson when all of the soldiers dropped dead like flies the first time, but it actually happened twice.

         This led to HUGE hysteria and a massive witch hunt to find the person who did it. Frank Lewis was a witch trial lawyer at the time. He reincarnated as the lawyer who defended OJ Simpson, Robert Kardashian.    

         The first one they targeted was Columbia. Jesus organized a huge rebellion, shot the executioner and a massive riot ensued. Again, the British people who tried to stop it just dropped dead like flies.

         They were getting desperate to find the witch who was responsible for this. They blamed Jesus and Columbia and him were both about to be publicly executed but Jesus knew what was coming… wait for it. Again, they just dropped dead like flies.

         Frank was completely panicking and the next people he targeted were Molly and Sarah. This will go down in history as possibly the worst mistake a human being has ever made.

         Frank was found crucified in Salamanca, NY with a chalkboard next to him. This was actually the first time anyone had actually been crucified.

         A huge crowd gathered around in horror and shock to witness what had happened. The chalk started writing by itself like in Matilda and wrote out something along the lines of, “THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRY TO HURT JESUS’S FAMILY.” The cross and the skeleton still rests in Salamanca to this day.

         That and the mysterious murders that happened in succession right afterwards deterred anyone with half a brain from trying to hurt Jesus.

         Someone, a popular influencer or trendsetter perhaps, must have started the trend of wearing a cross as a symbol of loyalty to Jesus’s cause. A symbol of standing up for the underdog. A symbol of protecting the vulnerable.

         A symbol of ending public execution for good.