#kind of inspired by how she says she's not a fan of halloween

[finalgirllx]

horror movie nights | roommate!ellie williams with a halloween loving!reader self-indulgent fluff bc i want this to happen to me just besties doing bestie things- right? right?

ellie isn't big on halloween, where you're absolutely obsessed with everything about it. she seems at least okay with, if not indifferent toward the festivities, which you take as a green light to drag her along to everything. maybe it was willful ignorance, but you were just super excited to have her by your side during the spooky season.

like, she does help you put up an egregious amount of gaudy decorations in your shared space, offering faint smiles while you buzz about skeletons, pumpkins, and cobwebs draped on every surface.

you fail to notice that her smiles aren't directed towards the festivities but instead your reactions to them-- how happy it makes you.

since ellie usually has no problem complaining when she doesn't like something, you remain oblivious, continuing as normal with going all out on your halloween plans.

she even agrees to watch a scary movie with you, and you naturally assume she'll enjoy it just as much.

that's how you end up on your thrifted couch long after dark, cozied up with your sides pressed snugly together under a blanket.

the campy slasher flick assaults your eyes with jump scare after jump scare. you're having a blast, with whole-body jolts and little squeals escaping you whenever a good scare gets you.

your enjoyment drops, however, when you notice ellie's posture in stark contrast to your enthusiasm. she's unnervingly stiff, trying hard to appear calm and collected while feeling anything but.

the only part of her that isn't uncannily rigid is her hands trembling in her lap atop the blankets.

without thinking, you wordlessly slide your hand over hers, intertwining your fingers in your first show of physical affection.

you sense a short-circuit in ellie as soon as she registers the unexpected contact. you feel her rigidity melt into your hold, her body visibly relaxing into the couch in a more content state.

you're not completely off the hook, though, as she squeezes the fuck out of your hand during the most intense scenes of the movie. but you're totally fine with that.

hell, you're emboldened enough to make more attempts to bond in a way that comforts her. you lean in impossibly close, making little jokes, pointing out absurd facts to make it all feel less real. it works almost too perfectly, as ellie starts to tease you about your extensive knowledge about these tiny movie details-- to which you remind her of her sci-fi collectibles.

you find you love whispering things in her ear that makes them blush, and by the end of the film, you're cuddling in such a way that could only feel less platonic if you were actually-----

neither of you acknowledged the rising tension afterward. but it does get easier to start showing your roommate..bestie..more physical affection onward.  © finalgirllx. pic creds: ellqsaep on tt

[charmedreincarnation]

TW: SA, possibly death??

Hey there fellow witches and warlocks, it's spooky season and I am loving it! I recently discovered the void state through yoga nidra and your reverse psychology method charm, and I was ready to manifest my dream life. October is my birth month and my favorite season, so I was excited to see what the universe had in store for me and whoa did it come through.

It's unfortunate to see that SA victims like me and others are still getting death and rape threats. I was inspired by a blog who shared her experience with yoga nidra, but then deactivated due to trolls sending her horrible messages. It's sad to see people hating on others' success, but we won't let them bring us down.

I manifested everything I desired of course my mind came through!! - from my desired face, body, aura, zodiac, personality, voice, talents, friends, family, and so much more. A few things I've manifested include a dark academia mansion, billionaire parents who aren't known, a witchy and Halloween-themed small business, and an eco-friendly private jet.

I know some of you may be concerned about the "death note" I've manifested, but it's just for fun - I'm a huge fan of Light Yagami from Death Note. I won't actually use it, but it's a cool spook factor to have.

Here’s a tiny list anyways ⬇️

🎃Desired face, body, aura zodiac, personality, voice, talents, friends, family and so much more. I had this long wattpadd story ass list that I obviously won’t share here but trust me my mind came through .

🎃open minded witchy family, dark academia ass mansion, Pinterest dark academia wardrobe in my massive closet that’s the size of a room, billionaire parents who aren’t known (I love my privacy and I love being mysterious), wattpadd billionaire love story to happen in the future. Yes not now…. I’ve been ugly all my life so I want to be a slut right for a bit not sorry, everyone loves and falls in love with me, Idgaf personality, Scorpio sun moon and rising, bold attitude that is adored, but a kind heart for the people I love and so much more. Again like most people I had a very long list on my google documents

🎃I own a witchy candy and Halloween small business!!! but I’m going to be making 100 million dollars a year so I will be a billionaire in the future. I like working and having a craft and it’s just so me, ugh I love my life !!! But I’m going to hire my two best friends that I manifested so we can all be successful rich witch bitches who travel the world and have too much money to spend

🎃an environment friendly private jet. It won’t affect the environment as I love the environment but I also hate flying commercial! I’m also vegan now, I couldn’t be one before due to health issues, but I love animals 🥹🥹🥹 and now I’m rich enough to have healthy tasty cruelty free food.

🎃anyone who sends death threats, rape threats, or engages in a bitter manner on that tea page including the owner will never get into the void until they grow up and acknowledge that they’re weirdos. I’m not as forgiving as these other big blogs. Bye ✌️

🎃anytime I say “you’ll die alone” when im arguing with a man 🤮🤮 (incels, misgyonists, racists not men who aren’t insufferable ofc love y’all) they actually will, and no one will ever love them, until they grow up and once again acklowege their faults. As you can see I’m very into vigilante justice and I’m petty 👻 I’m a witch anyways so now my craft will be perfect.

🎃all my spells and curses work! And any harm attempted to be done to me always backfires On the person 10x worse ! Yea this is my world everyone’s just living in it.

🎃psychokenis, my eyes being able to turn red, divine protection for me and my loved ones, the ability to speak to animals, and never aging. The last thing I manifested a way to benefit all !!!! research age regression and see how we will all be eternal youthful witch bitches in the future ;) I got inspired by my grandma who retired but us too old to enjoy her life. Now she can and we call be 150 and still sexy with 0 bodily pain. I also always hated how we slowly decompose and lose bodily function until we die.. like why can’t we be sexy and bodily abled forever!! This will also help with health issues and diseases like cancer! Just one way to give back for my blessings. And the rest is just to spook bitches tbh I don’t plan on actually doing anything but speaking to animals.

🎃I manifested a death note. Now before y’all start I just really love light yagami I don’t think I will actually use it or maybe I will just to spook bitches but whatever

🎃so much more that I don’t want to share because it’s too long!

So, fellow hot bitches and witches , keep manifesting your dreams and never let anyone bring you down. Remember, we were born to be happy, rich, and loved. It is in your DNA and my word is final !!!!! I’m gonna leave my dream life and be a whore now lova yaaaa 🖤🖤🖤

Lmfao slay 😭😭 idk if it’s too early or what but this sending me for some reason! Anyways I wish you all the best in your life and dreams. Have a great spooky season! I love witches and Halloween too 🧞‍♀️🧞‍♀️

[queerwithapen]

Translucent- Katsuki Bakugo X Izuku Midoriya

CW: 18+, animalistic tendencies, transparency kink, subtle degradation and humiliation, mark-making, slight sadism/masochism. The characters in this story are depicted as a ghost and a werewolf, and they are of legal age.

A/N: Happy belated Halloween! I actually wrote this based on a Patreon artwork that @hanodefanart did for Halloween! If you'd like to see the art that inspired this, please go check them out! Anyways, posting this late because time is an illusion and we can still enjoy some October smut even if the month ended 😋

Izuku had wished he could remember every second of how Kacchan had been treating him that night. He wanted to have that kind of pleasure engraved into his brain so vividly he could relive it when his eyes fluttered shut. He could see glimpses of how the wolf boy tongued his neck and had pushed his cloak up above his chest.

"Always so damn flushed," Kacchan teased. His index and thumb found one of Izuku's nipples, rolling it between his fingers, making it stand even more at attention than it already was.

A small noise left Izuku's lips, barely audible, but it only contributed to the heat already filling the room.

"C'mon Izuku, you can do better than that." Despite the already pleasure-driven haze in Izuku's head just at the anticipation of what was to come, he was cognizant enough to look up and see Kacchan smirking down at him, noticing just how enticing it made his canines look. "Or," Kacchan leaned down, his tongue finding the shell of Izuku's ear, "you gonna make me earn it?"

A shiver rushed down Izuku's back, making his hips involuntarily arch up just enough for Katsuki's eyes to flit down. "Kacchan—" he couldn't have stopped the name from tumbling past his lips even if he'd tried.

Katsuki pushed Izuku's hips down to the mattress with one hand, purposely putting it where he could graze his nails over the skin just above the waistband of Izuku's pants. The movement drew an involuntary breath, albeit a shaky one from Izuku. "C'mon 'Zuku, you gonna let me make you feel good?" He didn't even allow the nerd to speak in response, nails lightly scratching over what was exposed of Izuku's hip and biting the spot just beneath Izuku's ear in tandem.

Izuku couldn't keep his eyes open if he tried. The slight sting of both made his cock twitch in his pants and he only said Kacchan's name again, like a mantra, a plea for Katsuki to give him more without saying the words directly.

"You know how this works," Kacchan mumbled, breath fanning on the spot he just bit. "You gotta use your words." His tongue dragged over the slight indentations his canines left.

God, Izuku couldn't stop from whining. "Kacchan, please— need it," he breathed.

"Need what?" he tsked. "Gotta tell me exactly what you want. You got a big brain, use those pretty little words."

Izuku was sure he looked like a mess; like a whore on the verge of begging for it. He knew he was flushed to his ears, down his neck. His nipples were hard, equally flushed. He was throbbing in his pants and nothing more he wanted Kacchan to— "fuck me, please, Kacchan," he panted, his voice shaking with need and slight embarrassment. He wasn't one to curse much, but Kacchan's pupils always got a little more dilated when he heard Izuku's filter slip and ask for what he really wanted.

He knew that Kacchan said something then, but truthfully he couldn't recall because the wolf boy ruthlessly yanked Izuku's pants and underwear off, no longer willing to accept the pleasantries of the situation and eager to get to the main attraction. Izuku moaned at the force of it and with one she squeezed shut, he looked down at himself. His cock was flushed, the tip smeared with precum, and it twitched at the shift in temperature from his suffocatingly hot pants to the atmosphere of the room.

"Good fuckin' boy," Katsuki mumbled, eyes set on Izuku's cock for a good moment, taking him in. Some nights Kacchan preferred taking his time with Izuku, staking claim on every inch he could, leaving bites on his neck, his wrists, thighs, ass, anywhere soft enough to bite that would last a few days, but for now he just wanted to quickly take the nerd before taking the main event. "How much stretching will a whore like you need before I can fuck you, huh?"

The answer was not much.

His eyes were closed, panting by the time he felt Kacchan's fingers withdraw, and the empty feeling was enough to make him whine. "So fuckin' needy," Katsuki grumbled. However, Izuku didn't feel an absence for long. He felt the head of Kacchan's cock press against his hole and the noise of relief that left Izuku was an adrenaline spike for Katsuki.

"You gonna take it, 'Zuku? Gonna let me fill up that pretty little hole?"

"Kacchan—" he moaned again, embarrassed at the way Katsuki was talking about him, but the blonde knew he liked it, feeling Izuku's body try to pull him in.

"Greedy," he nipped at Izuku's neck and took in a deep breath of him before licking at the bite again. "You so cock-hungry you forget how to say anything other than Kacchan?" God, he fucking loved Izuku's scent, especially when he was like this- good and needy and just wanting more. Even though he was mocking the boy beneath him, his mouth was watering.

Izuku wasn't saying words at this point, too lost in gripping the pillow behind him and taking whatever Kacchan was willing to give him. His head was starting to feel fuzzier than before, realizing he was only moments away from being filled up so good by Kacchan. His body, in this haze and lack of focus, began to sort of fade out in a sense; parts of him started to appear not quite so solid, though he was too eager to even think about that fact.

Instead, he nearly blacked out for a second when Kacchan pushed in because his body was just screaming good, so good, so full! Katsuki grabbed Izuku's hips, not caring to be overly gentle, and yanked them so he was buried even deeper and Izuku's legs were around his waist, shaking.

"So fuckin' pretty when you arch like that," Katsuki growled. Though his eyes traveled down, ending on a sight that made a groan slip past his lips as his tongue dragged across one of his canines. "Well fuck, wouldn't ya look at that? I can see myself fucking you."

Izuku, blissed out, had to replay the words in his head. "Huh...?" He lifted his head up just enough to look down at where his body was somewhat translucent and some sense of alertness washed over him because he was embarrassed. "Kacchan— don't look—!"

"Embarrassed I can see how tight you're squeezin' me?" Katsuki leered closer, looking as though he were considering taking a bite, his breath fanning over Izuku's face.

Izuku began to mewl, but it was turned into a blatant cry of pleasure as Kacchan rutted into him. "Ngh— not f-fair!" He gasped.

"Tellin' me you don't like seeing how good I fill you up?" He nipped Izuku's jaw a little harder than earlier, his nails only the smallest bit of pressure from breaking skin.

Izuku's eyes fluttered shut as he took it. "J-just need you Kacchan—"

"You're gonna get it, don't you fuckin' worry—" Katsuki growled, his pace growing a little more vicious as skin against skin and Izuku's noises filled the room.

Izuku's mind climbed to that floaty place it always did when Kacchan did this and he didn't come back down until he was empty, leaking semen, and panting, whining at the loss of being filled.

Katsuki was littering Izuku's body with hickeys and actual bites, every little gesture saying mine without having to say a word.

Yeah, he was glad he was his. He couldn't imagine belonging to anyone else in the same way he belonged to Kacchan.

[thenightling]

Tim Burton and Racism

Tim Burton and racism

Now that "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice" is coming out people are looking back on an interview Tim Burton did where he unfortunately implied that diverse casting doesn't match his "aesthetic."

And he turned a Jewish folktale (Corpse Bride) into a story set in something that resembles nineteenth century England (even though he said he was heavily inspired by Mexican Dia de los Muertos celebrations.)

I will NOT justify him saying or doing these things (even though I have a soft spot or Corpse Bride). I will NOT justify his lack of diverse casting in the past. What I want to draw attention to is the fact that this sixty-five-year-old man seems willing to grow and change. And I want to give him the benefit of the doubt about this.

I am NOT an apologist. When Tim Burton's film-making quality went down in quality, along with his questionable views, I started to drift away from him when I had been a life long fan. I switched favorite directors over to the charming, kind, friendly, and sweet, approachable, scary-teddy-bear Goth, Guillermo del Toro. (I want that man's house and its contents!)

I will however look back on a few things about Tim Burton's previous films. One of Tim Burton's first projects was a lesser known TV adaptation (back when Disney Channel was experimental) of Hansel and Gretel, made as a homage in appreciation and love for Japanese film making.

Tim Burton had the great James Earl Jones play multiple Genies in Shelley Duval's Fairy Tale Theatre version of Aladdin. Consider how easy it would have been to have a white man in he role ala Robin Williams a few years later. This is not an excuse for his lack-of-diversity. I'm just listing these things as signs of his potential to grow and change.

Tim Burton was the first person to have a black man, Billy Dee Williams, play Harvey Dent (who comic fans will know is meant to later become Two Face.) Today you know someone would whine that this is woke / race-swap casting. But in 1989 it seemed that everyone just accepted it.

In Edward Scissorhands one of the only sympathetic characters- the ONLY good cop character, is a black man. A kind hearted officer who pities Edward and helps make it look like Edward is dead so he can escape toward the end of the movie.

In an episode of the Beetlejuice animated series, it was a little black boy who was the only one who appreciated Lydia's Spooky Boutique that she and Beetlejuice attempted to open in a mall.

When Tim Burton made Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he made sure that Deep Roy (An Indian man who played all of the Oompa Loomps) was paid the same as the lead actor, Johnny Depp.

Deep Roy was also Napoleon Bone-apart (Gotta love the pun that dates back to Beetlejuice the animated series) in Corpse Bride.

Tim Burton's favorite composer is Jewish man, Danny Elfman, who has done nearly all of Tim Burton's movies.

I know that thanks to some statements by Caroline Thompson (who had a bitter falling out with some of the crew of Nightmare before Christmas) it is now believed that Oogie Boogie was a racist caricature and that "Oogie Boogie" started as a slur. I have yet to find actual evidence of this fact.

The notion of a Boogie man Boogying is quite old. "I'm your Boogie Man" is a popular Halloween song. I used to have a "Little bopper" dancing green monster in a fake leather jacket that rocked back and forth to the song.

Oogie Boogie was inspired by Cab Calloway. If he hadn't been played by a black man, THAT would have been racist.

Ken Page (The voice of Oogie Boogie) has debunked claims of racism in regard to the character and in fact the role has been very good to him. It's become a recurring job in his career for Nightmare before Christmas video games, the Haunted Mansion seasonal lay over, and even stage work in the Disney parks. His voice is currently featured in the Hocus Pocus Spooktacular stage show where he sings a slightly modified version of the Oogie Boogie song, this time addressing the Sanderson Sisters instead of "Sandy Claws." Ken Page never viewed the role as racist. And has even played Oogie in Nightmare before Christmas in concert multiple times.

Now we come "present day" Tim Burton where in 2022 Tim Burton became showrunner for Wednesday (the Addams Family spin-off on Netflix).

Here it felt like people were looking for reasons to accuse Tim Burton of racism. Even though the lead actress is a Latina woman, Jenna Ortega, and Luis Guzmán was Gomez people still latched on to things like "The only black characters are bullies!" which tells me they didn't really watch the show. Yes, a black boy is part of a group of bullies but he's also the only one who realizes that they are wrong and quickly turns against his former associates.

Moosa Mostafa (Islamic heritage) plays Wednesday's close friend, Eugene, with the delightful power to control bees.

And the charater Bianca is annoyingly mistaken as Wednesday's bully. Bianca was NEVER a bully! She was Wednesday's rival and frankly, Wednesday deserved to be taken down a peg. Bianca bested her in a fencing match, that is all. Later Bianca showed her true colors as a loyal friend and ally. She helped save Nevermore Academy. She was a hero.

Joy Sunday, the actress who plays Bianca, has repeatedly debunked attempts to claim Tim Burton was racist in casting her to play "The bully" Bianca (again, suggesting that the people making the accusation never watched the show). She has often said how well-treated she was and is treated on the set.

And there's heavy hints that she is going to have a very intriguing story unfold in the next season of Wednesday.

I am not justifying Tim Burton's previous lack of diversity. But I feel that he may have come to realize his mistakes. I think he might be trying to make amends with things like Wednesday. Jenna Ortega has become Tim Burton's favorite actress to work with. And I think she has, perhaps, had a positive influence on his views of diversity.

This isn't an attempt to justify his past failings. This is the suggestion that perhaps he is now willing to grow and change. He's sixty-five. How many sixty-five-year-olds are open minded enough to truly grow? I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. Actions speak louder than words and I saw a lot of positive change with how he handled / is handling Wednesday.

[creativecuteness]

One of a Kind Vamp Chapter 4: Style and Swag

Summary:

The day after Jeese's party, Dakota wakes up to a message telling the gang Rory and Erica were awake and mostly alive. So, what better way to celebrate than hitting the mall and shopping at a Hot Topic. What a way to spend the day.

Notes: Well, I really left this story to rot. I'm sorry okay getting locked out of my laptop really sucked the motivation out of me. Along with all my Halloween plans, which is what I've been trying to make up for this year. Anyway, this story was inspired by my first trip to Hot Topic a few years ago for my sister's birthday and let me tell you I'm not a fan of the place for reasons I'll get into in the story. Originally, I was just gonna list my favorite outfits Rory wore in the series and Dakota's opinion on them but I'm terrible at describing things, so I scrapped it in favor of this idea. So, this took me three days Rory week is in full swing let's have some fun fam Enjoy the story.

Dakota walked around the clothes racks as she waited for Rory to leave the changing room. In hindsight, she had no idea why she even agreed to this; going clothes shopping at a Hot Topic was not on her 2011 bingo card, nor was Rory becoming a vampire last night.

The invitation came out of the blue; she woke up to a text message from Jesse of all people, telling her Rory and Erica were awake and survived their respective transformations from human to fledgling and full-fledged vampire; how he got hers, Ethan, and even Benny’s phone numbers was something she didn’t care about, as she threw off the covers and ran to wake up her friends with the good news.

After rushing to Jesse’s place and confirming with their own eyes that the two blonds were safe (along with Emily drop-kicking Jesse to the ground once he opened the door.), The cult leader gave the gang the rundown on their new friend’s status in his group. Much to Benny, Ethan, and Sarah’s dismay, Rory chose to complete his transformation and drink human blood. But to show the group he wasn’t as bloodthirsty as Erica, he requested to drink from a bloodbag, much to their relief. However, Jesse and his friends weren’t as pleased with this showcase of humanity, but still Jesse agreed that he’d get Rory accustomed to their way of life eventually. After an hour of planning their next move on what to do with their friend’s newfound undead status, Erica and Gord suggested taking the gang to the mall to grab some new duds. Erica’s been waiting years to break out of her nerdy looks and become the hot, bad girl she knew she’s always meant to be. Rory, on the other hand, couldn't care less about changing his attitude, but if new clothes could bump up his high school rep, he’ll take it. And he gladly dragged the others along while going to whatever shop caught his eye.

They browsed for hours, just looking at everything and anything. Erica was having a field day, dragging Sarah and Gord to each store to try things on. Sarah had never seen Erica so overjoyed and was honestly happy herself; it felt fantastic to have her best friend back. After having lunch at the food court and going to a few stores Dakota and Mabel had their eyes on, the gang were about ready to head home. That was until Rory saw a Hot topic and just couldn’t resist heading inside.

Which led us to now: Dakota had never been in a Hot Topic before, and she couldn’t say she liked it. The clothing of chose was more for scene and emo kids, which was a style she was never into, despite most kids her age already being in that phase lifestyle. It was never for her; on top of that, the music was way too loud, and the song selection kind of sucked in her opinion. Heavy Metal and Punk Rock was so not her vibe, not to mention whosever idea it was to destroy shoppers eardrums while they browsed should be fired. She couldn’t go two steps in without her ears hurting; because of that, she stayed closer to the entrance, and she wasn’t the only one.

Vampire super hearing was a blessing and a curse. Sarah, Jesse, and Gord were more sensitive to the louder music and decided to stay outside. Erica wanted to see if she could find some Single Tear merchandise but ended up finding more outfit ideas and dragged Sarah inside to get her input. Meanwhile, Benny and Ethan went to a nearby store to grab their more sensitive ear friends some ear plugs, which Dakota and a few others gladly took them. Now they were able to walk around without the fear of going deaf.

“Pretty gaudy place, wouldn’t you say?!” Benny said to Ethan,

“Yeah, no kidding, I never understood why scene and emo was so popular or why anyone would willingly shop here!” His best friend agreed,

“Though I guess if you ever wanted a goth girlfriend, this would be the place to get one. The casher is kind of cute; you know if piercings are your thing.” Benny added, though he really wasn’t into the vibe of the store.

“Yeah, I guess so!” Ethan yelled, trying to hear himself over the music, “Do you think Rory and Erica are almost done? This music is starting to give me a headache.”

“You want to wait outside until everyone is finished shopping?”

“Yeah, I like that idea!” Ethan shouted back as he and Benny left the store.

Meanwhile, Dakota continued waiting; there wasn’t much in terms of clothing that fit her; however, the shelves that displayed Japanese rements were more her style. She was thinking of buying a few Kirby ones when Jesse came up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She gasped, spinning around to face him, rainbow wand in hand.

“Whoa, whoa, no need for that; I’m just here to chat.” He reassured her, holding his hands up in surrender.

“What do you want to talk about?” She questioned uneasily, not too keen on trusting the vampire that got them into this mess.

“Come on, let’s go to a quieter part of the store, so we don’t have to yell.”

The younger girl nodded and followed him.

Jesse leaned against the wall while Dakota kept her distance. However, it was quiet enough that she could remove her ear plugs.

“So, how do you like it here? You girl’s moved in recently, right?” He asked,

The other nodded. “Yeah, we moved in about a week ago. It was Amy’s idea; she and Emily’s parents grew up here.”

Jesse nodded with a thoughtful hum. “I see, for only being here a week. You’ve become pretty close to those geeks and my girlfriend.”

“Um, I think you mean ex-girlfriend.” She pointed out with a scowl, “And second of all, those geeks have names, Ethan, Benny, and Rory.” She spat, “Which you should know since Rory is a part of your quote-on-quote cult now.” She said, adding air quotes for emphasis.

Jesse put his hands up again. “Sorry, didn’t realize you were that protective over them.”

Dakota sighed, crossing her arms and turning away from him. “Look, Rory’s a good kid, and even if Erica has turned to the dark side, I don’t want him following suit.”

Jesse clicked his tongue, remembering an important detail: “Oh, that’s right. Word on the street is you’ve got a little thing for him.”

“Yeah, so what if I do?” She replied, arms crossed, still avoiding eye contact, “At least I found someone who makes me happy; unlike most girls, I tend to stay away from those shallow, popular kids.” Like you was left unsaid, but Jesse was able to figure it out by the way she glared at him.

“Ouch, that cuts deep.”

The other scoffed, rolling her eyes at him as she turned away. “You know, at first when Emily said there was something off about you, I thought she was just being paranoid. But now that I have firsthand experience of the things you pull, she was right to be suspicious of you; I will never forgive you for the way you hurt Sarah. Or for forcing her into a world she wants nothing to do with, along with turning Erica and Rory. I don’t care how happy they seem right now; you still had full intentions on killing us, some friend you are.”

Okay, now that really hurt his feelings; maybe that came out a little harsher than she meant to, but too late to take it back now. Besides, he deserved it.

Jesse opened his mouth to refute this point when Mabel ran up to them, smiling brightly.

“Guys, you have got to see Rory’s new outfit; he looks so cool.”

“I am so in.” Dakota smiled, following her best friend, while Jesse followed suit; however, their conversation wouldn’t leave his mind.

The moment the young girl’s eyes landed on the blonde, her breath hitched. Rory was wearing a red jacket with black sleeves, black jeans, and a chain necklace. And paired up with his black sunglasses, Rory looked so hot in Dakota’s eyes the rockstar vibes he gave off made her heart race.

“So, how do I look?” He asked, turning around so everyone got a good look,

“You look great, Rory.” Sarah giggled; she had to admit he did look cute.

“Meh, not date worthy, but you look the part at least.” Erica shrugged, and that was a compliment coming from her.

“So, what do you think, Dakota?” He asked, the most excited to get her input,

“I what?” She stuttered; she mentally cursed herself for staring. She may have confessed her feelings last night, but the two were far from dating.

“I asked what do you think of my new look.”

“You-You look great.” She smiled, a small blush appearing across her face. “I’m serious, Rory; you look like a rockstar!”

“Whoa, that’s a pretty high compliment coming from you, babe.”

“W-Well, it’s hard n-not to complement you when you’re looking t-this cute.” She stammered, her face getting redder by the minute.

“Okay, so we got our new clothes. I say, Let’s pay and get out of here. I have a hair appointment to get too.” Erica said, flipping her hair,

“Yeah, just give me a moment to change.” Rory nodded and returned to the changing room.

Seeing Rory laugh so merrily with Dakota and Mabel as they skipped down the street made Jesse realize how pure a soul the blond geek was. A little too pure for his own good but pure all the same, it wouldn’t be fair to corrupt such a kind heart. Besides, Erica fits the bloodthirsty look way more than Rory could ever hope to achieve. And later that day, when Rory got his hair done up in a failed pixie cut, that had the others laughing at the cute but slightly ridiculous hair style. Well, let’s just say Dakota has never wanted to kiss someone more.

And let’s also just say Rory was more than happy to make out with her behind the school, where no one suspected a thing.

First things first Dakota is 14 to 15 in this story, because there is no way he'd willingly make out with her during their canon age gap. For those who don't understand what I mean, Dakota is 10 in my mbav fanfic series Whitechapel Adventures and later turns 11 unless stated otherwise for this story anyway I've left her age up to readers interpretation for those who want to link these prompts in the WCA canon. Also, yes, the outfit Rory chose at the end is the outfit he had on during the end of the mbav movie that is without a doubt my all-time favorite outfit he ever wore next to his pre vamp blue jacket and his Keep Calm and Don't get Bite shirt. I freaking love his season two fits oh and his blue hat he wore backwards for the season 2 premiere and the episode Siren Song I so wished he wore it more it looked so cool on him. Anyway, I hope to continue updating this story as Rory week continues Whitechapel Adventures Origins will return soon hopefully, I can finish chapter two before next week ends. Anyway, thank you for your endless support and I will see you all next time love you. Oh and for those who don't know what Rements are search it up they are the cutest doll house furniture ever I recommend looking for the Kirby ones Kirby cafe is the best.

[im-a-goddamn-cat]

Blood Moon Waltz

Neggie/Negan Smith x Maggie Greene || Rated: G || Words: 1.3k

Summary: They are destined to be together as the Blood Moon says.

A/N: Hey, it's been a while haha. I've been suffering from bad writer's block which is why I haven't written in a while. But I really wanted to write something for Halloween so I wrote this real quick.

This is inspired by/very loosely based off an episode of a cartoon that I love called Star vs. the Forces of Evil; episode 15 of season 1 to be exact.

Here's some music to go with this fic if you're interested: https://youtu.be/gCFCDFq3Wss?si=v-bhxdYO_e9Z6IT-

Anyways, enjoy! :]

AO3 || FF.net || ↓

......

The crisp air blew the autumn leaves amongst the trees of the forest. Maggie sat and watched as the colorful display wisped around her and some up into the night sky. It was chilly but it wasn't bothersome to her as her thick fur provided her with enough warmth. It was one of the little things that made her thankful to be a werewolf rather than a creature with no fur. Wrapping her tail around herself and snuggling closer to the tree she was up against, she continued watching the leaves when her ears perked up as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

"Maggie, what are you doing over here alone?" Carol, one of the older wolves and a good friend of Maggie, said as she came around the tree to show herself.

"Just wanted some alone time," Maggie told her honestly.

"Come back to the festival, dear. You know how important tonight is."

Maggie sighed. "You know that's never been my thing, Carol."

"I know. But the Pairing is happening soon. You can't miss that… Who knows, you could be chosen this time."

Maggie looked away from her and up to the full moon which was bright red. The Blood Moon as her kind referred to it. The Blood Moon is a significant thing in werewolf culture. It appears every year on Halloween and when it does, werewolves from all packs gather at night to celebrate and, when it's at its peak, an event known as the Pairing happens. The Pairing is when the Blood Moon focuses its light on two wolves, sometimes more, exposing their love for each other and signifying that they are destined to be together, bonding their souls together for eternity as moonmates.

Maggie was never a fan of the huge celebration but even she knew Carol was right in that she should be there for the Pairing. At one time she thought that Glenn, another wolf from her pack and good friend, would be her moonmate but the moon has never chosen them even though they like each other and she wonders if someone else is destined to be her moonmate. There was someone else she was interested in as well but she knew he didn't love her back and the Blood Moon would never pair them.

Shaking the thoughts from her head, she looked back to Carol. "Okay, you're right. I'll come back."

Carol smiled at her. "Good."

Maggie stood up and followed Carol back to the clearing where the celebration was being held. The clearing was lit with torches and decorated with various flowers and plants to show respect to the moon. Wolves from packs everywhere were here. Many were socializing but some were also keeping to themselves, whether because they were shy or were also not fans of big parties. There was a feast of food that was prepared by all the packs, each one providing their share of whatever they had to offer. There was also water and other drinks, a popular one being apple cider.

Maggie went around and talked with some of the other wolves. After talking a bit, she stood off to the side and watched everyone. Looking over the crowd, she saw her family, friends, wolves from other packs that she recognized, and… Negan. That damn wolf. Negan was from another pack that her pack was on good terms with but that didn't stop him from being a pain in the ass sometimes. Him and Maggie had a love-hate relationship. They found each other aggravating but they were also very intrigued with each other in a way. Neither one can even remember how this weird rivalry-friendship started but neither would give it up.

Negan looked over and spotted Maggie as well. Usually Maggie was eager to banter with him but she wanted to be alone right now. She tried looking around and pretending not to see him but it was too late, he was already coming over. When he reached her, he grinned at her.

"Good evening, m'lady. My, don't you look lovely," Negan said half-teasingly and half-seriously.

Maggie rolled her eyes. "Uh huh. Hello Negan."

"You having a good time?" Negan asked her.

"Hmm… I was until you showed up," Maggie teased back.

Negan chuckled. "Funny. You want some cider? I can get us some."

Maggie thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yeah, that would be nice… Thank you."

Negan smiled. "Alright, be right back."

Negan left to get them some cider and then brought it back. He handed Maggie her cup and Maggie nodded in thanks. They then spent time talking while drinking their cider. Even though neither would admit it, they both enjoyed each other's company a lot… And even felt something deeper for each other.

Soon, their attention was directed to the sound of a wolf speaking up to the crowd. "Good evening fellow wolves," the voice, who Maggie recognized as Rick, her pack's leader, said. "It's time for the Pairing. The Blood Moon is about to choose moonmates. Let's all direct our attention to her as she decides," he told everyone.

Everyone watched as the Blood Moon's red shine began glowing brighter and forming a spotlight on the ground. Maggie wondered who the lucky wolves would be as the light moved to find its chosen ones. Slowly the light moved closer and closer to Maggie and Negan until they were engulfed in it. Both Negan and Maggie's eyes widened in shock at the revelation, and some other wolves must've been surprised too as they heard a few gasps from the crowd.

"Oh my… I didn't realize just how in love with me you are, Maggie," Negan spoke up teasingly.

Maggie blushed and looked away from him. She hated admitting it but he was right.

"Hehe… Well, I feel the same about you, darling," he told her honestly. He held out his paw in invitation for her to take hold of it. "May I have this dance?" he asked her. It is tradition that moonmates share a waltz after being chosen.

Maggie reached her paw out and took his in hers. "Yes," she answered and smiled at him.

They walked out to the middle of the clearing, the Blood Moon's light following them, and all the other wolves around them moved to make room and formed a circle around them to watch. Negan and Maggie took hold of each other and began to dance as the wolves in charge of the music began to play the traditional Blood Moon Waltz music. The beautiful, somewhat haunting tune filled the air as Negan and Maggie danced. The glow of red from the Blood Moon shined down on them and the autumn leaves on the ground began to float over and swirled around them as if on their volition.

As the music and their dance came to an end, the Blood Moon's glow bursted out in a wave of light across the forest, sending a sort of pleasurable shockwave through both Negan and Maggie. Then the light disappeared and the leaves fell back down to the ground. That must've been the soul bond, they both thought.

"Heh… I guess we're moonmates now," Negan said after a moment of silence.

"That we are," Maggie responded. "I never thought I'd admit this but… I was always secretly hoping we would be."

Negan smiled. "Me too, darling. For a long time now. I love you."

Maggie smiled back. "I love you too."

Negan and Maggie touched noses and then nuzzled their faces together as they went in for a hug as the other wolves watched and some of them let out "awwws." Negan didn't mind being the center of attention, meanwhile Maggie was usually uncomfortable with it but at this moment, she didn't care. They were both too happy and lost in each other to care about anyone else. 

They were moonmates now and would be forever. They never thought they would be because they didn't think the other would love them back but the Blood Moon knows all the desires of every wolf and guided them together as they should be. And they couldn't be happier.

......

A/N: Sorry if any of this doesn't make sense, I wrote this very rushed all in one day today. Thank you for reading! <3

[withhertea]

Maisie Peters: coming of age

With heartfelt songs of crushes and overcoming heartbreak on her number one album 'The Good Witch', 23-year-old Maisie Peters deftly captures the agony and ecstasy of youth. Here, she discusses her friendship with Ed Sheeran, the ups and downs of being online, and how she mines her personal life for inspiration.

By Charlotte Manning

It is Halloween when I sit down to chat with Maisie Peters. It almost feels too perfect a time to take a deep dive in and around her summer album release The Good Witch, packed full of spooky connotations and an exploration into, well, witchery. She promises that “some effort” is going into the costumes for tonight’s Bristol gig, teasing: “You’ll have to just wait and see.” 

This is a pop star who is used to being very much online. She’s wearing a non-serious T-shirt bearing Robert Pattinson’s face, and one of the first things I’m shown is a cat meme that I — also chronically online — have seen dozens of times before. “It’s been the most mental year of my life,” laughs Peters. “Everyone keeps joking that my eyes are getting smaller and smaller. I’m giving… Have you seen that cat meme? It’s like, ‘I’m awake, but at what cost?’ (She quickly searches for it on her phone.) This is what I’m giving right now. I sit across from people and give this tired cat that says, ‘Awake, but at what cost?’ And that is me.”

The 23-year-old is the recipient of The Breakthrough Award, supported by Volvo, at the first Rolling Stone UK Awards. It’s a category stacked full of young, rapidly emerging talent, including names such as Olivia Dean, Shygirl and Wunderhorse. But it’s Maisie who is this year’s stand-out. She played Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage the day her second album dropped, and when it quickly shot to number one in the UK Official Charts, Peters became the youngest female act to achieve this feat in nearly a decade, plus her UK tour culminated in a sold-out date at Wembley Arena. It doesn’t really get better than that, does it?

“We drove into Glastonbury and listened to the album; it had just come out, it was really cool and special,” she recalls. While her gigs often feel like a party, she had even more to celebrate this time around. Peters and her band stayed in a very apt “fairy-castle hotel” near the world-famous festival and decided to simply spend the album-release weekend living their best lives at Worthy Farm. “We played the show. It was kind of crazy because the new album came out that day. Imagine working on your job, and it’s the biggest weekend of the year? All systems go. This was the biggest week we were going to have. 

As I approach the O2 Academy Bristol via a slightly dodgy backstreet later that rainy evening, there are hundreds of buzzing fans queuing, who, like me, are largely girls in their twenties. I end up feeling pretty under-dressed in my reliable straight-cut jeans and ribbed crop-top gig combo. As I enter, it’s clear that under the sea of raincoats and umbrellas, a lot of preparation has gone into these outfits. A mixture of Halloween fancy dress (mainly witch costumes, of course), alongside pleated miniskirts with Y2K-style “baby tees” (concocted by Peters, which she often dons on tour) are there to greet me. This (now very signature) look came “very naturally” to her: “I thought it would be fun if we made little baby tees with lyrics on before the album came out, to tease at the shows. People were like, ‘Oh, my God, Maisie Peters has done another baby tee.’ Then people also started making their own. I thought, ‘Well, this is cute, this is a thing!’ So, I kept doing it. People started making their own, and it became almost like a little uniform for this album. To me, that’s what style is — it should be easy, and you should just feel good.”

At one point, the crowd scream the words to ‘Mr Perfectly Fine’ by Taylor Swift as the excitement builds. I somehow feel I’ve missed the memo on this being a collective anthem among fans, but it makes a lot of sense. Swift, Peters says, is an artist she’s “extremely honoured” to be often compared to as her star only continues to rise. “I love the music that she makes. I love her records; they’re all so important to me. I’m really, really honoured to be compared to her, and to be thought of in the same frame of mind, in anyone’s mind, as her. She’s a big inspiration of mine,” she says. 

From seamless guitar changes to refreshingly honest interactions with fans (“There’s nothing scarier than my romantic history… ghosts, demons, clowns. This year, I graduated from clown university”), the singer proves throughout the evening to be an absolute master of the crowd, a skill she’s no doubt developed in spades after spending time on tour with her ‘boss’, Ed Sheeran. 

After signing with Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records back in 2021, Peters has now released both albums under his label. The pair have a strong friendship, and she recounts an afternoon they spent watching Star Wars movies earlier this year during “the craziest one-day trip of my life” in New York. 

“We did America, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe… It was crazy,” she says of the experience. “I learned so much. I see videos of myself from the first Irish shows, where we began, and it feels like a different lifetime, a different version of myself. I just felt like a different person before this year. I’m so grateful that he took me around the world and believed in me.”

To nobody’s surprise, she marks her territory as the “number one Ed Sheeran fan in the world”. It would be hard to argue with that claim at this point. “He’s so generous and kind, and he’s really talented, and he’s smart,” she continues. “It’s a privilege to get to tour with somebody like that, someone that’s also just so good as a human being. It’s the easiest and the best thing because he’s so lovely.” 

Sheeran would later appear at her Wembley show to perform his own breakthrough hit ‘Lego House’ together in a gorgeous full-circle moment: “He let me play his Wembley, so I figured I should let him play mine,” she tells the crowd on her final night. This is a sentiment she jokes about again during her Rolling Stone UK cover shoot, teasing: “It’s great to be able to support up-and-coming artists.” 

At her Rolling Stone UK cover shoot, Peters’ warm persona lights up the room. She takes turns to chat to everyone in between being snapped, and answers questions to camera with ease, often checking the prompting notes she’s made on her phone. The soundtrack of the day is purely Girls Aloud — later that day it’s confirmed the group will be having a revival. How perfectly… witchy. 

Speaking of witchiness, sophomore album The Good Witch was written about a surprisingly short period in Peters’ life, and its contents again prove how well she can connect with her audience. “I really do write for the girls,” she observes. “I really made a whole album based on a relationship that lasted for one month and maybe two weeks.” The record is a painfully familiar look into the heartbreak, frustration and unpredictability of a short-lived romance, yet she provides drops of joy and growth in equal measure, meaning a sense of hope always remains at the core, never allowing the sadness to win. “I wrote this album about that time in my life. It depicts the same six months with, give or take, a few different songs.” 

But she doesn’t always write that way: “As I get older, I’ve tended to draw on my own life more frequently, but that’s not necessarily always chronologically accurate. I’ll write about something that happened four years ago like it was yesterday — it doesn’t matter to me. I am The Good Witch; I make what I want out of the things that are happening.” Peters has also remained adept at turning fleeting moments into the basis of a whole track. In 2022 fan-favourite release ‘Cate’s Brother’, she recalls meeting her housemate’s brother for the first time and quickly developing a huge crush. This led to intense lyrics, “And my heart went ‘Love him, he’s the one, and we shall wed,’” she sings.

The album and its subsequent deluxe version —released in October — touch on literary inspirations, including influences from the world of Greek mythology and fantasy, alongside a dose of religious imagery too. ‘The History of Man’ is a prime example, dotted with Biblical references: “So Samson blamed Delilah…”. Elsewhere, ‘In Guy on A Horse’, one of the deluxe tracks, Peters compares herself to Joan of Arc, depicting an elevated version of herself, as she criticises an ex-partner’s habit of looking down from his high horse.

“It wasn’t conscious. I wasn’t mood-boarding all my different literary inspirations or anything like that,” she explains, but there is an element to The Good Witch that acts as a conceptual album of sorts. “I got to write in that universe, which I loved. ‘The History of Man’ has some Greek mythology in it, and then ‘Wendy’ is essentially about Peter Pan. I was dancing around these universes.” 

Gender is another theme very present throughout much of the record, with Peters viewing her journey between debut You Signed Up for This to The Good Witch as “giving girl-to-woman”, having done a lot of growing in the past two years. “There are a lot of threads and themes that look at gender and in what it is to identify as a woman and what it is to know men, which sounds a bit dramatic,” she says. “It’s funny because if you were to count the most used words in The Good Witch, they are the words ‘obsessed’ and the word ‘man’. I don’t know what that reflects about me, but it’s something to think about…”

The extended album closes with gorgeously nostalgic ‘The Last One’, which very nearly made it into You Signed Up for This. “‘The Last One’, I wrote for my first album, but right at the end, so it didn’t make it. It feels like such a closing track. But ‘Tough Act’ became the closing track on my first album, so that was done [and] dusted.” She believes some songs can have extremely specific destinies in that they must be placed at certain points on a record “or it’s not going to happen”. She continues, “Sometimes I write a song, which I know is either the title track of the album, and it opens the album, or it will just never come out — ‘The Last One’ was one of those songs. But I love that song, and it feels really special it now gets to close The Good Witch.”

Her favourite lyric of the entire album comes from the song ‘Yoko’, dealing with misunderstandings that followed after Peters left a relationship she really hoped would work out, relating this to the common misconception surrounding Yoko Ono’s part in the break-up of The Beatles. “‘Yoko’ is one of my favourites, and I always wanted that to be on the album, but she didn’t quite make it. There’s a lyric in that song that’s my favourite lyric from this whole album: ‘You have a phone, you should have called’.”

While the two LPs in her discography may seem quite different on the surface, she feels there are many similarities. “I always say they are sister records to me,” she explains. “Even the Deluxe really emphasises that because there are songs on there that I wrote for the first album. The Deluxe is a good way to tie up any loose ends, I guess, and to make sure everything I wanted to say from those years, hopefully, is out. I mean, there’s always more things I want to say!”

Elsewhere, Peters’ online persona is generally an incredibly positive one, having created a space in which her fans clearly feel extremely comfortable, seen and safe. However, this hasn’t made her immune to her fair share of negativity on the internet too, something she’s experienced more this year than ever before. Yet she still manages to deliver a witty response to the not-so-nice comments she’s been on the other end of. “You can say with a wry smile, ‘At least I’m relevant,’” she smiles. “It’s really difficult, and you get bitten twice as hard when you’re someone that is online,” she says. “You’re engaging, and giving yourself to people, and then, suddenly, the mood changes, and people don’t like you, or don’t like what you’ve given them. You’re like, ‘But I was just trying to create, or I was just trying to show you this new song!’ It feels very personal, even though you try to turn it off.”

Through any negativity, Peters remains incredibly self-aware, and doesn’t seem to hold any resentment towards those directing the vitriol her way. “These people don’t know you. It’s normally a teenager tweeting, and good for them! I was a teenager tweeting once too. We’ve all done it. As long as I shall live, there will be teenagers tweeting, as they should.” Still, she admits it’s hard to not feel that she’s being “personally attacked”, and the comments have taken their toll at times. “People forget I’m still a person that’s seeing this. I’ve experienced that this year. I’ve found it really difficult. When you’re touring and away from home, and you’re really tired and running on empty, and then you just see X, Y and Z on TikTok or on Twitter about yourself, it really takes it out of you.”

Being present on the internet has been central to Peters’ career — she started out by posting videos of herself singing on YouTube when she was 15. But this year, she reached new peaks of online fame when her ‘There It Goes’ video went viral on TikTok in early autumn, painting a very relatable picture of the aftermath of an intense end-of-summer breakup in a vast city like London. Fans latched onto a couple of specific lines, “I’m doing better / I made it to September / I can finally breathe”, and “The comedown of closure / The girls and I do yoga / I wake up and it’s October / The loss is yours”. Fans started producing their own visuals to the track in cute clips which soon flooded the app. 

“Everybody wants something to take off on TikTok or to have a moment, but it was so fun that this moment was so organic,” she reflects. “What started happening was actually just this wonderful, sweet, pure, wholesome thing where people were using the sound, ‘I’m doing better / I made it to September,’ to round up little edits of their life and all the great things in it.” Peters admits she “couldn’t believe it” when she realised the song was going viral. “To see all these videos showcasing love and friendship, healing and growing and people just being themselves, I was like, ‘This is so cool.’ I’m so pleased and happy that was the moment, that’s what took off, because it’s so beautiful and lovely.” 

In what Peters calls a “cliche” answer, it’s her parents she immediately shouts out when asked who she wants to dedicate The Breakthrough Award, supported by Volvo, to, as they have been by her side on her incredible journey since she was a teen. “They drove me to pubs to play when I was 15,” recalls Peters. “My dad would come with me when I was busking so that if anything shady happened, he could be there, but he would also pretend not to be my dad, he’d just loiter around. They’ve always just been really supportive, so yeah, I would like to dedicate [this award] to them.”

On what’s next after this whirlwind year, Peters has a clear objective: “I’m going to bed!” she declares, itching to spend some time at home. “I haven’t spent more than two days at home since July. I’m going to be in London, just walking around, so say hi if you see me. God damn, I hope I’m in my rest and relaxation era.” She plans to spend the coming weeks “cooking meals and going to exercise classes” and generally doing very little. “Is it the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory grandparents who are in bed all day? That’s what I’m going to channel. I want to collect my thoughts a little bit. Then in the New Year, that’s when I’ll start making some more music. I have some thoughts and ideas [for the third album], but we’ll have to see what happens. Life takes you in surprising places sometimes.”

Taken from Issue 14 of Rolling Stone UK, our Awards Issue. You can buy it here.

Words: Charlotte Manning Photography: Lewis Vorn Fashion & Creative Director: Joseph Kocharian Styling: Luci Ellis Hair and makeup: Elizabeth Rita Styling assistant: Chessie Lulli

[rickie-the-storyteller]

Happy STS! Your characters are invited to a Halloween party; costumes required. Tell me what they're dressing up as and how the night goes. 🙃

Hey, @toribookworm22! Thanks for the ask, love. (And sorry for the late response. I'm really behind on all my asks... I've been super busy lately, with settling into uni and everything. Better late than never, right?

This scenario is fascinating to me. I've personally never really celebrated Halloween (my mum wasn't a particularly big fan of the general idea of it haha), but I liked watching Halloween specials on TV and seeing characters in costume there. They'd typically choose costumes/outfits that related to who the character is as a person in some way, or link it to a particular interest they'd have or something, which I often thought was a clever touch. My characters all have very distinct personalities and interests, so it's going to be fun thinking of costumes for all of them!

Let's go!

I think I'll just do this for the main characters in Steph's Crew as usual (even though it would be cool to do this for some of my other characters in my other work... part 2 maybe?)

Stephanie:

I could see Steph going with many different options, you know...she loves clothes and fashion/aesthetics, so she'd likely want to really lean into that. Here's a couple of ideas, though:

Catwoman costume - a sleek, confident choice that mirrors her bold personality. This was honestly the first thing to come to my mind (the second being one of those tight-fitting superhero costumes, which she'd probably also like), which I think says a lot haha.

The Phantom of the Opera - where she can fully embrace the elegance and mystery of that kind of character. She'd captivate everyone with her theatrical flair and presence. Plus, it's also kind of edgy at the same, which would definitely suit her lol.

Pirate costume - Steph would love this vibe... like, she'd love to just be a fierce pirate captain and boss everyone around (like she does on a regular day anyway lol). And I think she'd really pull this look off, too.

Punk rock queen - This connects with her rebellious nature... and I think this is probably the closest to how she is generally. Like, this one is the least "costume-y" to me. She could lean into this look/aesthetic with a leather jacket, spiked bracelets, and dramatic hair and makeup. And speaking of makeup...

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) style skull makeup - I've just rewatched Coco lol. But that movie is so pretty, bro (everything about it!). I think she'd maybe take inspiration from that whole thing. Maybe put her own spin on it in some way.

Bret:

This guy was easy lol. There was always one

Classic 80s punk rocker - Complete with wild hair, torn jeans, and an abundance of accessories (like crazy hair/wigs, sunglasses, etc). He loves rock music (as well as just music generally), and rock in particular is all about rebellion, which is a big part of Bret's character. Maybe he could even dress as a real rockstar...

The Joker - This could also be an interesting backup... a fitting choice for his rebellious and unpredictable nature. This also links to his character in the actual story, since Batman is actually a movie he suggests for a date with Elise lol. And speaking of...

Elise:

I have a couple of ideas for this girl, too. All sort of fitting the same vibe.

Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" - aka one of the few Disney Princesses that I somewhat resonated with growing up lol. I feel like El would be the same way. She and Belle have quite a lot in common! She has the wrong hair colour, though... so she'd need a wig, as well as a gorgeous golden ball gown (NOT the one from the 2017 live-action remake lol), and a book to maybe have as a prop or something.

Sherlock Holmes - another character known for their intellect and sharp attention to detail. She'd probably find him very cool and interesting lol. Plus, I think she's made a very good detective (which we kind of see in book 2, actually... kind of).

Hermione Granger - another brainy bookworm! Someone else she'd probably vibe with. These two girls have a ton in common, too (all the way down to falling in love with a boy that's suuuuper different from them personality-wise lol).

An enchanting forest nymph with delicate wings and a flower crown - she's really into fantasy. Especially fantasy creatures. And nymphs are fascinating due to what they symbolise/what they are associated with. They're female spirits of the natural world and are seen as the crafters of nature's wild beauty, from the growing of trees, flowers and shrubs, to the nurture of wild animals and birds, and the formation of grottos, springs, brooks etc. As such, they are often associated with the beautiful but fragile nature of the world in most stories.

Sooo... book characters, basically. Any kind of smart or powerful book character ever.

Dylan:

This guy should be fun!

Superhero outfit! Like, The Flash, for example - This could reflect his athleticism and enthusiasm.

Some famous sports legend - Complete with a sports jersey and a fake championship trophy. I know almost nothing about sports, so I couldn't give any specific examples... but maybe a footballer/basketball player? Since those are his two favourite sports.

A dashing, debonair classic movie star from the golden age of Hollywood - He has the class, style and flair to pull off this look. I'd also suggest this for Ben (Stephanie's boyfriend), but he technically doesn't count as an official member of the crew (he's sort of there as an honourary member, purely due to his involvement with Steph, as well as his history with Alice and her family, but he doesn't do much with them due to being busy with his own stuff. And not going to school with them in book 1)

The Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland" - Suits his energetic, playful and slightly eccentric nature. Also matches with Alice

Thor - Greek god of thunder! As well as a strong and heroic choice that matches his athletic and supportive nature. I loved the Thor Ragnarok Marvel movie lol.

Alice:

Last but not least...

Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" - That way she'd never have to pretend to have a different name.

A fairy godmother - to compliment Mary's Cinderella! The twins often do this sort of stuff together.

A detective - Lowkey, she'd probably be more likely to go as Sherlock Holmes than Elise... she's very big on mysteries. Ally would make a fantastic, quick-witted and sassy detective. Complete with the iconic trench coat and magnifying glass, of course.

Wednesday Addams - Ok... but this one is perfect for her lol. Alice is just meant to be Wednesday. I mean, Wednesday is already her favourite Addams Family character... and she definitely has the wit and energy for it. She shares Wednesday's dark humour and a touch of vulnerability that makes her as popular as she is. Although, she'd probably struggle with maintaining that cold, stern, deadpan demeanour.

As for how the night would go down... well, how about this:

___

(Stephanie and Ben pull up to the party venue. Steph is all dressed up in her Catwoman suit inspired by the movie starring Halle Berry)

Stephanie: You sure you don't want to come? Not even for a little bit?

Ben: I really shouldn't, babe. I've got work tomorrow.

Stephanie: Just pop in and say hi to the gang real quick. It won't hurt.

Ben: Honey, I'm busy. I really can't stay long, you know that.

Stephanie: (sighs) I know...

Ben: Try and have a good time without me, yeah?

Stephanie: Alright...probably shouldn't be too hard.

Ben: (chuckles) Really?

Stephanie: Yeah. (shrugs) I mean, you're not THAT fun.

Ben: (laughs) Hey!

(The two hug and kiss, and then Stephanie leaves the car and goes inside to meet up with her other friends, who are all dressed up in their costumes)

Stephanie: Well, don't you all look like the cat's meow?

Elise (dressed as Belle): Hey, sweetie! (gives Steph a hug)

Dylan (as The Flash): You look really good, Steph.

Stephanie: Aw, really?

Dylan: (smiles) Yeah, you do. I love your costume.

Stephanie: Thanks, bro.

Alice (dressed as Wednesday Addams): That's funny.

Stephanie: What's funny?

Alice: The fact that you called him "bro" when he was clearly trying to make a move on you.

Stephanie and Dylan: What?!

Alice: Oh, come on, Dylan. I know what you're like with women. I mean, seriously... "You look really good?" "I love your costume?" That's code for, "You're looking like a hot tasty snack today, babe."

(Stephanie laughs out loud and continues laughing as she walks away with Elise. Dylan looks mortified)

Dylan: Why are you being like this, Ally?

Alice: It's the costume, Dylan. Being Wednesday just does something to me, I don't know.

Dylan: Well, whatever it is, I hope you're back to normal tomorrow...

(Stephanie and Elise head over to Bret and Mary)

Stephanie: Look at you two! Loving the punk vibe, Bret. Where did you get all this stuff from?

Bret (dressed as an 80s punk rocker): What are you talking about? This is regular Tuesday evening attire for me.

Mary (dressed as Cinderella): Yep. Same here.

Stephanie: (laughs) Ok, but seriously. Where did you get this stuff?

Bret: Does it really matter where I got it?

Elise: His uncle Gordon let him borrow some of this stuff.

Bret: EL!

Elise: What?! Oh, come on, there's no reason to be like that, babe. I think it's cool that you're making an effort to fix things with him.

Stephanie: Yeah, me too. What got you to change your mind about him?

Bret: (sighs) He and Aunt Rach have agreed to give their relationship another shot. Only God knows why. But I figured, he's going to have more and more of a presence in my life, so I may as well make the best of it, right?

(A new song comes on)

Elise: Ooh, I love this song! Somebody come dance with me!

(Mary goes with Elise to the dance floor, and they start bouncing around and singing along to "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha. Bret and Stephanie watch)

Stephanie: So... you fancy a dance on the wild side or what?

Bret: (shrugs) Sure! No slow dances, though.

Stephanie: Oh, why not? Nothing's going to happen, you know.

Bret: Oh, it's not that. I just don't have the patience for swaying on the spot for ages, you know?

Stephanie: Right... yeah.

Bret: Plus, El is literally right there. So...

Stephanie: Yeah. You're right. Come on, let's go!

(Sooner or later, the whole crew is having fun together on the dance floor)

[tawneybel]

Wednesday Season 1 Review

Song of the day: “808s and Goth Bitches” by KIRAW. Wednesday isn’t a goth bitch. I am, though.

It took me a while to finish all eight episodes. And even longer to get around to posting a review. Let’s start off by saying Wednesday surpassed expectations! Not that I thought it would suck.

People are okay with the original Addams Family comics being adult-oriented. (Not as in X-rated. Being published in The New Yorker.) They’re okay with the kid-friendly adaptations. But a spinoff primarily for teenage girls? Stop the presses! 

I was first acquainted with the Addamses through The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries. Might post a Scooby-Review someday.

The PG-13 film duology was watched in preparation, so I was expecting some exemplar dark comedy. And Wednesday was full of it! Wednesday made me want to give The Addams Family 2019 another chance, too.

I took notes while watching, then went back and added some thoughts afterwards.

Wednesday’s Child Is Full of Woe

Another show where adults play teenagers. Tyler Galpin’s actor Hunter Doohan is like twenty-nine now. 

Already it has some great lines (e.g., “Like electroshock therapy without the satisfying burn”). It’s more inspired by the aforementioned live-action films than the comic or other adaptations. Or so I assume, based on my limited knowledge of them. 

I know fans say the Addamses aren’t technically supernatural, “goths are just like that,” but it actually explains a lot. Cousin Itt, Thing, possibly Calpurnia… their extended family in general. 

The duology with Christina Ricci didn’t have Wednesday’s narration. It’s nice to see her uniquely creepy and kooky perspective. Her exile to Nevermore Academy reminds me of how Gomez and Fester went to that camp for juvenile offenders. 

Wednesday is sassy to her parents, which some reviewers complained about, but it makes sense. She’s a teenager. Although there still is some Dawson casting. Ricci!Wednesday is a preteen.

Adaptations, spinoffs, etc. don’t have to be for every fan of a franchise’s previous works. Again, the comics were published in The New Yorker. Which, while “sophisticated,” isn’t family-oriented. 

Unlike other goths, I don’t want to be Wednesday, whose rudeness is amusing. (I really wouldn’t want to hang out with her or her relatives irl, either.) Despite that, they’re all still highly likable as characters. It’s still super easy to empathize with Wednesday at times. Totally understandable why she’d be pissed off with Enid admitting to kinda cyberstalking her. 

I respect Wednesday’s devotion to gothiness. She’s not a tryhard. She succeeds. Both her and Enid could easily have come off as annoying, but are highly likable. Enid would fit in with Teen Wolf’s main pack, probably. No transformation? No problem. She doesn’t just have retractable claws, she has manicured, multi-colored ones. 

It initially felt like an odd decision to make Nevermore’s cliques vampires, werewolves, telepaths, and sirens. Kind of like a live-action Monster High, only watchable. The only main question this episode left me was, “Why were the Pilgrim World employees rude to the sheriff’s son?”

Woe Is the Loneliest Number

The carousel’s brakes broke at Wednesday’s eighth birthday party? I want to see one of hers or Pugsley’s birthdays so bad. D: This episode features another gothic event, Nevermore Academy’s annual Poe Cup. Seemingly inspired by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s four houses, their inter-house Quidditch matches, and the Triwizard (plus Harry) Tournament. 

Thankfully I read His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allan Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined last year. It’s twenty-six Poean texts in all, including the source material. Didn’t have “The Black Cat” or “The Gold-Bug,” though.

“The Black Cat”: Like standard black cat costumes you’d see on Halloween, only a bit cooler. 

“The Cask of Amontillado”: Edgy harlequins, like from a joker card. 

“The Gold-Bug”: I only read this story once years ago and it was in a more child-friendly anthology, so probably condensed. The original had a really stereotypical black character, though. So I can understand why people would be upset Bianca was team captain. It might also be a reclamation thing on her part. I didn’t mention her earlier, because I thought she’d turn out to be a typical bully, but Bianca’s actually cool. Not sure why some of the fandom labeled her a villain. 

“The Pit and the Pendulum”: Are the Hufflepuffs, obvi. 

There’s something about boarding school stories, supernatural or no, that are so fun. Anyway, this episode introduces the tomb of Joseph Crackstone. What a name. This is so Potter-esque. There’s also a cool botany class. Compare to Herbology with Prof. Sprout. 

Uhh… what else? Headmistress, if you want the children to be “well-rounded,” you’re in the wrong Burton work. Wednesday! Don’t go near the apiary in dark clothes! She’s great. We have no way to know if she’s just messing with people or not sometimes. 

Takeaway from this episode: Nevermore is a good successor to Hogwarts.  

Friend or Woe

“Nightshades” is a cool name for a secret club, but there are other poisonous plants besides belladonna. As its members should know from aforementioned Botany. (While watching this, my dad sent me an article about herbal/mushroom teas, dangers of. First time I’ve heard of chaga, though.)

“Do you want a matching black eye?” -Wednesday to merguy. In hindsight, he might have been the first Addams Family character to be naked, besides Cousin Itt. Who hasn’t made an appearance so far. The act of giving double barrel black eyes is known as “raccooning,” btw. According to that one guy on Justified.

It’s nice to see that even though Jericho is “normie,” its thrift store Uriah’s Heap has taxidermy roadkill. Which could be considered more ethical than hunting for the sole purpose of stuffing. 

I hope Netflix knows Puritans and Pilgrims weren’t the same. 🤨 Taking Addams Family Values into account, it’s unsurprising Wednesday’s unhappy about Pilgrim cosplay. Even if it’s in black and white.

Another callback to the ‘90s movies is her beef with GSUSA. “I eat Girl Scouts for breakfast.” What’s it with her and Scouts? I always felt bad for them because they’re expected to work outside in cold weather. 

Wednesday realizing the girl in the Meeting House painting is Goody Addams is the most excited we’ve seen her so far, I believe. 

“Whitewashing of American history,” “mansplaining…” (“Sexsplaining” flows better, imo.) I like how her social justice leanings are divorced from her general assholery. Like, she could be performative about it, but no, she’s genuinely pissed at injustice.  And does something about it.

Woe What a Night

Wednesday was probably so, so happy to be in a morgue. More so than most macabre goths. Also, using a mortician’s recorder then actually getting to play deadly hide-and-seek in a mortuary cabinet! 

Interesting ep for ships. Personally, I’m not picky about who Wednesday ends up with, or even if she ends up with any of the introduced characters so far. I thought she was going to volunteer Enid as a date to Xavier. Whose Rave’N fit made him look kind of like a hatless Doug Dimmadome.

“Give me a call if I ever move up your to-do list.” -Tyler Galpin. Cold. (Note, after finishing this season, I still prefer her with Tyler. :P) It was nice of her to include Eugene in her hunt for the monster, even if it was mostly because she utilized the apiary to store crime scene photos. 

So Morticia’s maiden name is Frump? I kind of wondered if she and Gomez had a cousband thing going on. (Not my thing, just noting it.) *googles* Okay, I should’ve watched the TV series. The live-action one. I am woefully behind on Addams lore. 

You Reap What You Woe

Ah, Gomez, smiling during his own arrest. Perhaps reminded of his juvenile offender days. Maybe.

Oh good, Eugene’s not dead. Yet. Janet referred to her son’s bees as his “fuzzy wuzzy babies.” 🥺 I hope this show sparked an interest in beekeeping for at least some viewers. 

I don’t usually look great in yellow, but I want Bianca mom’s scaly coat. Glamorous family. Glamily. Again, she’s the protagonist’s rival, but not villainous. At all. She’s not worse than Wednesday, really. 

Like her daughter, it makes sense that Morticia would have more than one admirer. Even back then, some people just really wanted a goth GF. I wondered if she thought his name was “Garrote” Gates. “His mistook her kindness for interest.” A tale as old as time. No Garrett, you stupid prep, get off the goth campus. >:( 

Besides the identity of the monster, the biggest question so far is, “How many times has Gomez played Russian roulette with Wednesday if they’ve been playing since she was twelve??” Eating rattlesnake isn’t even that weird compared to what the Addamses usually do.

I’ve seen people complain that Wednesday had the family be Mexican when Luis Guzman and Jenna Ortega are Puerto Rican, but the keyword is “ancestor,” I guess. The whole werewolf conversion camp thing with Enid was even clunkier. 

This is going to make me sound stupider than usual, but at first I thought “FIRE WILL RAIN” was a command. Like, fire someone named “Will Rain.” “FIRE WILL RAIN” is still an improvement over “ENEMIES OF THE HEIR… BEWARE.” 

Quid Pro Woe

Enid’s outfits look so comfy. Between the fuzzy pink coat and her Rave’N outfit. Theme: Yeti? Without an actual yeti present? Disappointment.

Aw, she planned a surprise party and even Thing was wearing a tiny party hat.

@judge-m0rt1s and I really wanna see Enid go pastel goth and try to get Wednesday to embrace it. Their characterizations could’ve easily been annoying, but their dynamic’s cute. I felt a little bad for poor infatuated Tyler. With their matching snoods, I’m sure he suspected Enid and Wednesday were dating. 

I still can’t get over how much of a name “Crackstone” is. 

If You Don’t Woe by Now

Fester finally shows up! Aw, Wednesday’s smiling at her uncle. (If I ever rewatch this season, I’m going to keep a smile tally.) I’m used to Christopher Lloyd’s gruff voice.

“Group electroshock therapy.” Between her mention of ECT in the first ep, the taser, and Ricci!Wednesday’s use of an electric chair on Pugsley… Maybe Wednesday should become an electrician. Eh? Eh? 

Penny’s Pooch Patrol is everything. 

For someone who’s into Gothic lit, I haven’t seen much Jekyll & Hyde media. Hopefully this show also gets people into aspects of goth culture besides fashion. Besides Harry Potter and Teen Wolf, this show also reminds me a bit of NBC’s Grimm. 

Aw, Tyler’s determined to get Wednesday to go out with him.  I love how persistent he is, despite her warnings. At first I was really impressed by the crypt picnic date, projector and all, but I can’t get into Legally Blonde. But, oh, so Tyler’s actually a deranged monster? Nice. 

(It’s still funny how the actor’s almost thirty.) 

A Murder of Woes

Not only is Tyler a Hyde, he’s aware he’s a Hyde. And HE GOT CORRUPT. :D

I wish Bianca had used her siren powers to get Tyler to tell the truth while Wednesday had him chained up. Wednesday’s methods are crude. But she definitely has a strong sense of justice. She had a point, Weems!

I get not wanting the school to go, uh, but uh… Weems isn’t the greatest headmistress. (Cool character, though.) “I didn’t ask what she identified as.” You don’t identify as a Hyde! Francois just was one. 

Marilyn (Laurel) had a weird MD/LB thing going on with Tyler. (I say “weird,” because she’s evil.) Morticia and Gomez are supposed to be the kinkiest.

When Wednesday’s the one bound to a chair.... “Kind of a déjà vu thing we got going on, huh?” “Except I won’t cry and whine like a child.” YOU TELL HIM, WEDNESDAY. She’s masochistic, and probably right. 

Goody Addams… Goody’s supposed to be her given name, but Goody is an abbreviation of Goodwoman. Basically a Puritan honorific equivalent of Mrs.

Outcasts “stole” Crackstone’s land? Wednesday already got postcolonial. Don’t make her do it again. >:( 

Hell yeah, Bianca, stab that undead mofo! Also, Eugene returns. With his bees! It was kind of funny seeing Laurel shoot at a swarm with a handgun. 

In conclusion, Tim Burton redeemed himself with Wednesday, after a string of movies I didn’t particularly care for. I love how the show took common tropes but made them entertaining as heck. Like the whole bloodline/sacrifice/night of the (whatever) thing. Goody’s ghost healing her was a bit of a deus ex machina, though. 

[lgcxhaeun]

— SIDE EVENT 016: HALLOWEEN 2022

time was running out. there was a deadline to do this particular “mission” and many of her other companions have accomplished it. they wouldn’t tell her how though. the only thing she’s noted from everyone that it’s getting harder and harder for him to say yes. just her luck that she would be amongst the last to get a photo of him. she expects him to duck for cover the minute he sees a trainee in the vicinity. 

haeun went through the possibilities in her mind. she could hide in one of the cabinets or lockers and hope that he passes by with the camera crew. but that wouldn’t work out as there was no telling where in the building he’d be unless she were to somehow get intel. and how the hell would she manage that? another idea was to fully paint herself and dress to blend in with the walls of the legacy building hallways but that was quickly shot down too. she’s not a special effects makeup artist and the blend needed to match the shade of the walls was too hard (she did try that much, at least). she could pull a heist and maybe bribe a crew member for their outfit to blend in on the “set” and take a picture that way but she didn’t have that kind of money available to her.

her last option was to just go for it.

haeun was a genuine fan of dbsd. they had released a lot of good music and more important, she was a fan of all of their choreographies. she learned damn near half of them while growing up. she actually did a rendition of dope as a part of her dance medley for her audition to legacy. and haneul himself was a bit of an inspiration to her as she too wanted to be the rapper and dancer of her (future) group. but now wasn’t the time to be a fan (she’s already been to their hi-touch before and she doubts he remembers her). she had something to accomplish.

haeun was actually complaining to her best friend about still not having a picture when he dropped the best bit of information he could ever have. “he’s in the west wing right now getting ready to film,” koda tells her, pointing to the opposite end of the hall. haeun would only need to sprint down three corridors to get there. haneul was close.

“koda you are a genius,” she tells him, giving him a strong hug and booking it before her best friend could say anything more. he has half a mind to follow just to see how it plays out but he decides to let haeun potentially embarrass herself on her own.

and embarrass herself she does.

the minute she catches him she cries out, “oh! haneul sunbaenim!” and attempts to slow down her jog to a walk. keyword is attempt. the minute she slows, her shoe skids on the floor, catching it awkwardly and sending her flying to the ground. she bangs her chin on the floor and immediately cradles it, photo forgotten. she earns the attention of the entire crew making sure she’s okay. haeun’s eyes are brimmed with tears from the impact but she waves them off. it was just the initiate shock of the fall that got her.

but now she’s too fucking embarrassed to take a picture with haneul.

he looks at her, face still twisted with concern. she doubts any other trainee has tripped and fell right in front of him while trying to snag the picture. she can’t even tell him she’s a big fan and he inspires her. why would he want to inspire a klutz like her? she rubs her chin, which is now red. he chuckles, waving her over to his side. haeun really wants to cry and run back to koda for comfort but she cannot ignore a company senior.

“i’m sorry sunbaenim...i just wanted to take a picture,” she tells him, fanning her heated face and wiping away the tears that gathered. he tells her it’s okay, offering her a gold coin and telling her they can take a selfie...together. haeun opens her mouth to protest; she looks a mess right now! but seo haneul does not budge. he does offer her the rest of the gold coins if she didn’t want the picture but he will only take a picture with her.

blushing, flustered and embarrassed, haeun hands over her phone to the male idol. he smiles at her before holding up the phone. haeun manages to do a cute pose with a hand sign to cover her reddening chin. after the photo is taken she gives haneul a deep bow of respect. “thank you for taking of me, sunbaenim. i promise to work hard and be more careful!”

[kevinsreviewcatalogue]

Review: MaXXXine (2024)

MaXXXine (2024)

Rated R for strong violence, gore, sexual content, graphic nudity, language and drug use

<Originally posted at https://kevinsreviewcatalogue.blogspot.com/2024/07/review-maxxxine-2024.html>

Score: 4 out of 5

Ti West's recent trilogy of retro horror flicks that began with X and continued with its prequel Pearl has already cemented itself as a series of modern classics, some of the best horror films of this young decade, a series that has made West a household name among horror fans and made their leading lady Mia Goth into a scream queen. Not without reason, either, as those two films really are as good as everybody says, X an excellent and brutal throwback slasher that had a lot to say about the entertainment industry and Pearl a chilling, technicolor psychological horror film about a woman's descent into madness. And just as X ended with a tease of Pearl, so too did Pearl end with a tease of the trilogy closer: MaXXXine, a film that would follow X's protagonist Maxine Minx in Hollywood circa 1985.

While the trailers promised a return to the slasher throwback well of X, this time in the city rather than on a dusty farm, what West has actually made here is a throwback to a different kind of horror flick: the giallo, a kind of lurid murder mystery that the Italian film industry in the '60s and '70s specialized in and churned out by the dozens ("giallo" being the Italian word for yellow, the name coming from an Italian publisher of pulp literature famous for using yellow covers), and which is often seen as a prototype for the slasher genre that combined it with hardboiled detective fiction and served as a bridge between them. (Note how many early slashers like Prom Night, Black Christmas, and to an extent even Halloween have subplots about the police searching for the killer.) I would not say that MaXXXine is as good a film as the greatest of its giallo inspirations, nor does it quite reach the heights of the preceding films in the trilogy. The villain's identity was both fairly easy to figure out and something that seemed to come out of left field, and the plot went all over the place in a way that only kind of came together by the end. It succeeded most in its non-horror moments when it focused on Maxine's trials and tribulations in Hollywood, her grappling with the trauma in her past, and exploring the blurry boundaries between "adult entertainment" and mainstream cinema, and fortunately, this was where most of the film's attention seemed to lay, with it being focused on fleshing out its title character as much as Pearl was focused on its own. As a conclusion to a great horror trilogy, it's undoubtedly the weakest of the three films, but it still stands on its feet as an effective character piece and a conclusion to Maxine's story.

The film picks up six years after the end of X, with Maxine Minx living the dream in Hollywood as a successful porn star who drives a nice Mercedes convertible with a vanity license plate. That said, she knows that, as a 32-year-old woman who's not getting any younger, her days in porn are numbered, and her only shot at continued success is to transition to "mainstream" film, which she finds when she lands a leading role in the slasher sequel The Puritan II. All this takes place against the backdrop of the Night Stalker murders that gripped Los Angeles in the mid-'80s, with Maxine getting drawn into them after her friends and colleagues start turning up dead. What's more, the killer knows about what went down at that Texas farm back in 1979, leaving the porno tape recovered from the murder scene at Maxine's door. Even as she "goes legit" in a film that will be released in theaters beyond America's red light districts, it seems that Maxine can't quite escape her sordid past.

The supporting cast here is stacked with names big and small, a mix of veteran character actors, rising stars, and non-actor celebrities who, given what was undoubtedly a fairly small budget, seemingly all jumped at the chance to show up in the finale of the X trilogy. Giancarlo Esposito plays Maxine's agent in his typical fashion (i.e. a smooth, classy guy who you nonetheless just know is willing to get up to some dirty business to get his way) and does it well, Elizabeth Debicki makes her filmmaker character feel like somebody who has more superficial class than Maxine but is still just as ruthless in getting her way, Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale play a pair of police detectives who serve as comic relief (Cannavale's character in particular being a failed actor who still has a flair for the dramatic), Kevin Bacon makes for an utter sleazeball of a private detective trying to track Maxine down and dredge up her past for his mysterious employer, Lily Collins and Sophie Thatcher play Maxine's co-workers on the set of the slasher flick she's working on (Collins as her co-star and Thatcher as a special effects artist), and the pop singer Halsey plays one of Maxine's friends and fellow porn stars, and while many of them don't get more than a couple of scenes, each and every one of them threw themselves into their respective parts and made for a welcome presence on screen.

However, the main focus of the film is its title character, and once again, Mia Goth has come to play. She's undoubtedly been traumatized by her experience, but at the same time, she's also a woman of dubious morals who's driven to succeed, refuses to let anything stand in her way, and doesn't particularly care who she has to tread over in order to get there, her most famous quote in both this film and X being "I will not accept a life I do not deserve." She's never been the most traditional final girl, feeling almost like a parody of the concept in how she violates every rule of slasher movie survival and yet serves as the hero anyway, and that's what makes her such a compelling character, helped along by Goth's outstanding performance that easily lets us imagine the journey she's taken to get where she is now. She still has some shades of the church girl she was as a kid, but she's even more clearly somebody who simultaneously rebelled against her upbringing and perhaps internalized the one moral lesson her father never intended to teach her. Even with the rest of the film having its ups and downs, Goth served as its central anchor throughout, once more delivering an actor's showcase that will likely mark her as a generational talent.

The film's writing was undoubtedly its weakest point. There are multiple plot and thematic threads here, including the murders, Bacon's private eye, the events of X continuing to haunt Maxine, the similarities between the porn industry and Hollywood, the manner in which the horror genre is looked down upon as just one step above porn (hence how it's the genre that Maxine winds up working in), and the rise of the Christian Right and the Satanic Panic in the '80s, and the film does attempt to tie all of this together during the climax. The problem is that I don't think it managed to pull it off. The plot frequently meanders, jumping from plot point to plot point, and while most individual scenes worked very well on their own, they didn't quite gel together even knowing how they were supposed to. A big part of the problem comes down to the killer, who turns out to be a character who was barely in the film before the reveal, and while they'd been heavily alluded to before then such that it was easy to figure out who it was, they still weren't much of a presence in the movie until that pivotal scene, instead spending the film cloaked in shadow and identified by an admittedly menacing trench coat and black leather gloves. It was the same problem that the original Friday the 13th had of the big reveal both coming out of nowhere and being very predictable after a certain point, salvaged only by a capable performance from the actor playing the killer.

That said, while West fumbled with the writing, his work as a director was still on point. He capably recreates the sleazy side of the '80s in his recreation of retro Hollywood, while at the same time making a film that's a bit more chaste than X, a move that felt symbolic of Maxine "going legit" (notably, this time Goth doesn't have any nude scenes that aren't lifted straight from X; those all come from other actresses this time) and probably helped the film avoid getting an NC-17 rating even if it meant softening its bite. There's little gore, but what we do get is suitably grisly, from a convincing-looking severed head movie prop to a shot that probably ensures that no man will ever tell Goth to "step on me mommy." There aren't many big scares, but West does a great job building a tense atmosphere as Maxine feels both the killer and her past constantly haunting her, before ending it on a shootout as Maxine and the police confront the villain. Even when the story goes all over the place, West still makes this film a very compelling one to sit down and watch.

The Bottom Line

A flawed but still worthy conclusion to a great modern horror trilogy, MaXXXine is at its best when it sets out to capture a mood and showcase another great performance by Mia Goth, which is fortunately most of the important parts of the movie. If you liked the previous films, I'd happily recommend this one.

[lawain-dimensional-heroes]

"Oh-- right! Since I have this opportunity-- Miku-chan! You're really enjoying that city, right? Can you tell us a bit about why'd you like it?"

"Well, simply put it allowed me to be myself without my idol career being in the way. Even when I revealed my identity to the whole school on Halloween that didn't change. It was an experience I am happy to have, you know? I've met some new friends there, had some great memories there and actually got into a relationship as well-- it was an eye opener how much more freedom I've gotten in Lawain city."

"Wait really? You're dating someone!? That's great! Congratulations!-- You've earned it with all that hard work you've done and all the smiles you've brought to everyone!"

"Wait-- hold on. What about the fans' reaction? You know idol culture as much as we do and something as a relationship could rile up a certain group of fa--"

"--I perform for the fans who need a smile in their life-- and I'll give those fans-- fans who respect mine and other's private life the performance that brightens their day. Those who don't either need to deal with it or go find another idol that accepts them."

"Kind of harsh, you think? You seem rather angry talking about it."

"I've seen way too many idols who have a relationship get ruined by those kinds of fans... I want to be an idol who strive to make a better life for the idols of the future generation, that includes tacking the issue that love life comes with, whether willingly or unwillingly. We idols are meant to lift people's spirits, who is going to lift our spirits? That's why I continue to be an idol to this day."

"...I see what you mean, Miku-san. You want a better future for the idols-- make the work environment better for us all... That's very admirable, but you do know how difficult it'll be, right?"

"I know and it's exactly that why I am more driven to do so. We may be idols, butt we idols should support one another as well, right?"

"O-of course! And I'll support you too, Miku-chan!!"

"That's the spirit-- no wonder your names were one of the things I immediately remembered. Honestly, if I had a daughter she'd probably be just as kind and supportive about helping fellows out as you do-- honestly she'd probably be just like you."

"Yea-- wait....WHAT."

"Well what can we say here? Like mother like daughter-- seems like Miku's love for idols has passed down to ol' Minori."

"H-hey, I know she and I are idols who are fans and inspired by idols, but do I really look like I can be her daughter? She's too young looking to be my mom!"

"Not with that attitude--"

"...Does this happen a lot?"

"Not with our Miku, but I'm not opposed to this."

[hassiegfrieddoneanythingwrong]

Dare I give in to my brainrot and give you Siegfried for the character ask?

Is that cheating?

If it is, please wax poetic about what you think of Kijyo Koyo.

No, I don't consider this cheating, lol

Favorite thing about them:

He's a very dependable man, willing to help even when there's no reward in it for him. While he does have his faults (he can't help everyone/not able to those who need it, he's oblivious as to how much others really care about him, etc.), these aren't faults that I have a problem with. He's also very knowledgeable on tactics for the battlefield and he knows what kinds of food would be easy to bring with.

And then, of course, how adorably dorky he gets when he's in his Summer costume. Like, he genuinely thinks that glasses increases intelligence! It doesn't work like that as someone who has to wear glasses, but he's so earnest about it that I forgive him. It also helps that he does look good in them, too.

Least favorite thing about them:

WHEN WILL HE HAVE A MY ROOM LINE FOR HIS WIFE?!

The small rewrite from Kriemhild's profile saying that Hagen helped Siegfried in his planned death/assisted suicide, just so Kriemhild and Brunhild wouldn't go to war. On one hand, we all know that Siegfried will give up his life without a second thought for the greater good (like saving Sieg's life in Apocrypha, for example), but on the other hand, why is he iffy around people being behind his back and around bodies of water? I'm no psychologist or anything of the sort, but it just ticks me off.

Favorite line:

His Bond 5 line. ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

OTP:

For het ships, Siegfried x Jalter, and for slash ships, either Siegfried x Karna or Georgios (and either version of Guda/Ritsuka).

BroTP:

Siegfried and Sieg.

NoTP:

Okay, so despite the fact that I've sort of vague posted it before on my grievances concerning how Siegfried's and Kriemhild's relationship is handled, it's not my NoTP! (I'm just... heavily disappointed.)

I only have like, two that I consider my NoTP's, those being Siegfried x Sieg (even if the fandom didn't consider them father and son, it still feels wrong) and Siegfried x Summer/Saber Hokusai (Summer Hokusai didn't really... come across as "this character is 18" to me with how she acts, so the scene in Summer 4 where Guda and co. are entering Summer Melt's casino rubbed me the wrong way).

Random Headcanon:

This is inspired from a post that I one time saw in regards to his random "in the sky" appearance during the second Halloween event (can't remember if it was on here or somewhere else), but he makes a good DM.

Unpopular Opinion:

I'm probably the most controversial FGO Tumblr user for saying this, but Siegfried's and Kriemhild's relationship is really boring, since on Kriemhild's end, it's just her being a sort of discount version of her VA's current most popular role, and not anything original to the relationship (I could actually delve into why this pisses me off so much on a later post, I just gotta get myself mad enough to really do it).

Song I associate with them:

... I Need A Hero, specifically the Shrek 2 version (I will not apologize).

Favorite picture of them:

For official art, it'll be the Prince of Slayer CE (you have no idea how much time it took to choose just one piece of official artwork, either for Apocrypha or FGO).

For fanart/fan made art, instead of listing one (let's be honest I wouldn't be able to, lol), I'll list my favorite Siegfried fan artist from pixiv (mine), although sadly they've seem to moved on from Fate, since the last piece of art they've did was on March 1st, 2022. :(

[daddyy333]

Interviews | Jamie Campbell Bower x y/n

if you’d like you can reblog my original work, but please don’t post it without credit. if you take inspiration from my ideas please tag me, I’d like to see how someone else would write it

Word count: 0.9k

Warnings: pda?

summary: Jamie talks about you in interviews

“Hi, everyone we are here with Stranger things’ Jamie Campbell Bower who plays Vecna in Season 4 which just came out on May 27 on Netflix, how are you Jamie?” The interview said, looking over at him now. He smiled and said “I’m good, I’m good, I’m happy to be here, I’m glad everyone’s enjoying the show, how about you?”

“I’m glad to hear it, I’m good as well. So, you played a very scary character and reportedly had to spend lots of time in the makeup chair and that deep, scary voice was all your own. What was it like preparing for the role and playing this kind of character and figuring out the voice?” She asked and Jamie chuckled.

He sighed and said “it definitely was a bit stressful, but my wife helped a lot-” “wife?” The interviewer asked and Jamie’s eyes widened. He put his hand over his mouth, obviously having not meant to say that.

The interviewer laughed and he said “oh my- yes, yes my wife. God, I am a dead man when she gets here” “she’s coming” the interviewer asked and he sighed, shaking his head. “Yea, yea she’s uhm…she’s in the cast actually, she plays C/N”

“Oh my- Y/N Y/L/N is your wife?” The interviewer asked and Jamie blushed a little, thinking about you. He smiled and nodded. “actually, it’s Y/N bower, but yes she is my wife. We’ve been together a while, but never announced our marriage, did you do your homework?” He joked and the interviewer chuckled.

“Wow, well I already know you two are an amazing couple, you’re a very lucky man and she’s a very lucky woman. Anyways, back to the question, what was it like preparing for the role and playing this kind of character and figuring out the voice? You were talking about how y/n helped you…” she said and Jamie chuckled softly.

He nodded and said “yes, yes, she made sure I didn’t go too crazy preparing and would help me memorize my lines, and also visited me on set a lot and made it a bit easier with the long and stressful days of shooting. The voice took time to figure out, but it wasn’t too hard” “that’s good to hear. In addition, fans would like to know…” she continued, but stopped once she realized his eyes were on you as you had just arrived and she shook her head.

——————————————————

“Hey…” he said as you two finally caught up to each other on the carpet. You kissed his cheek and said “I heard you let it slip that we’re married” “I’m sorry” he said and you chuckled. You rubbed his back slightly and said “it’s okay, babe. We’ve kept the secret for a while anyways, now I can finally kiss your sexy face in public”

He blushed and looked away, chuckling. You smiled too, laughing a little with him. He pulled you in for a hug and you smiled, burying your head into his chest. He kissed your head and then realized you two were still posing for pictures and gasped.

“Baby, oh god there are still lots of cameras on us” he said and you chuckled, pulling away. He smoothed your hair back down for you and you looked at the camera men who were going insane at all the pda they just caught of you two.

——————————————————

“So, I heard you and a fellow cast member are married?” An interviewer on the Stranger things Brazil tour asked and Jamie blushed, thinking about you. He nodded and said “yes, yes we are”

“How long?” He asked and Jamie bit his lip softly, twisting the wedding ring around his finger. He sighed and said “well we’ve been together nearly 7 years now but we’ve only been married since 2019. We actually got married on Halloween, oh god it was lovely. We just ran down to the courthouse and got married and had the little ceremony and stuff about a week later. She looked absolutely beautiful, I mean seriously, that woman is a goddess, I’m telling you. She’s just- she’s perfect, and I’ve been dying to see her since the press tour started, we’ve haven’t had much time together and I feel like I just can’t function without her”

“My god, you’re obsessed” Joe said and Jamie blushed, covering his face as he realized how much he just said. The interviewer laughed and said “well at least we know it’s a happy marriage! Anyways…”

——————————————————

He saw you waiting in line for coffee from across the airport and smiled. He took a picture of you and sent it to you, with a message “look at this cute girl I just saw in the airport”. He saw you open it and your eyes widened, looking around. You recognized who he was immediately even with the disguise.

He smiled and walked over to you, quite fast, and picked you up in a tight hug as soon as you got to him. He kissed your head a million times and you giggled, wrapping your arms around him too. He sighed softly and pulled away enough to look at you.

He kissed you softly and you pulled away fast, burying your head in his chest. He smiled, chuckling. “Miss me?” He asked and you nodded. You giggled and said “I heard you missed me more. Joe told me you wouldn’t stop rambling about me in interviews” “shut up it’s not my fault I'm really freaking in love with you” he said and buried his head into your hair.

You laughed and said “it’s okay. If it makes you feel any better I did the same. I missed you too much!” “We are disgusting” he said, referring to how much pda you two showed all the time. You chuckled and said “so be it,” and kissed his soft lips.

As of now I’m writing for

Eddie Munson

Joseph Quinn

Jamie Bower

Steve Harrington

Robin Buckley

Eddissy

Maya Hawke

So just comment the taglist you want to be added to and I’ll add you :)

[kiss-me-muchoo]

𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 || 𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐅𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

✿ Synopsis: While working you discover Eddie Munson had a date with a cheerleader when you were supposed to be trying for a serious relationship. What’ll happen when he see you at the Halloween party?

✿ Warnings: not really, just sex insinuations, but no actual smut.

✿ A/N: this is NOT part of my pumpkin series // I was inspired by that ep of PLL: Original Sin when the girls throw a Halloween party to save Imogen’s house. Reader gives me Faran and Mouse vibes <3 oh and, BAD GRAMMAR 💀 oh all the mentioned songs are in the playlist below

It’s the start of the spooky times of the year!!💀👻🎃

Pumpkin series is NOW COMPLETE here👇

✿Masterlist✿

Playlist for Eddie here 👇

____________________________

Halloween was your favorite event of the year, no doubt. Hawkins was also a fan of the tradition, decorations started in mid-September, and lasted until the first days of November.

You worked at the local theater, and during that time, it was the best job, the theater had orange lights, fake webs, and apple caramel popcorn. Sometimes you’d let Steve and a random date have free entries, sometimes it was the bunch of kids; Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and the hellfire club, also your friends. It was curious, that Eddie and you never watched a movie together in the theater, because he preferred to stay with you in the cashier, eating popcorn, and switching the songs that played at the entrance, he mostly played rock music since you told him that metal didn’t fit the vibe of the vintage theater.

He would drive you home and watch you bake a pumpkin pie for his campaigns. Even so, you weren’t dating yet, which awakened some insecurities in yourself. Not that you had tons of insecurities, but sometimes it felt like Eddie wasn’t sure to start a serious relationship with you. He liked you for sure, it felt so real when he flattered you and made time to spend with you, but, it wasn’t official yet.

Carrie was set to be the movie of the day, it was Tuesday the 29th, Halloween was on two days, and you didn’t have any plans, you hoped to spend the night with Eddie at his place, maybe even go out trick or treating. Anyways, it was Tuesday, almost 6:00 pm, and people were buying their tickets to see Carrie.

“The movie wasn’t even that spooky” Robin sighed behind you, seated on some small stairs beside the popcorn machines.

“I think girls liked it more than the guys…” you say pointing at the variety of girl groups. “Thanks and enjoy the movie…”

The customer smiled at you and walked away with his food.

“Oh shit, I’m not here!” before you can understand your friend’s words, you see the guy who just bought you food walking towards the hallways with more people, and you notice the red-haired Vicky, Robin’s crush. Then you look down at Robin, she’s clinging around your right leg, making you laugh.

“Dude, she’s gone. Don’t worry” your friend shrugs relieved, and you laugh patting her hair. When you turn again to attend to the next person on the line, you’re surprised to see Chrissy Cunningham greeting you with a cute smile.

“Hi, Chrissy!” she smiles and you’re surprised to see she’s not wearing her usual cheerleader attire.

“I knew you worked here but this is the first time I see you” her kind tone makes you realize how sweet she is, no wonder why she is so popular and had tons of friends.

“Curious, I feel like I’ve been here forever… apparently not” you respond giggling and she joins join, she chats a little, and at the end she asks for a blueberry slushie and the apple caramel popcorns. “I wanted to come yesterday with my friend Donna but she had this date with Eddie Munson”

What?

“Donna and Eddie? That metalhead! he didn’t said anything!” you try to sound calm and fun, but your anxiety and jealousy are creeping over.

“Yeah, she said they had a good time, and Eddie wanted to teach her to play guitar” you smile and exchange some words with the blond girl, then, she thanks you and walks away. Robin stands beside looking at Chrissy going away while she mumbles with a negative sound.

“That asshole! he and his mop hairs think they can play with your emotions?” you stay quiet, processing what just happened. Yesterday Eddie drove you home and said he would call you in the night, as usual. But he never told you anything about Donna.

“Maybe it wasn’t a date…” you try to reason, but she gently pushes you, so you look at him.

“Dude, it’s Donna Benson. Like, the second most popular cheerleader with the hottest lips in Hawkins” she yells whispering. Making you grab a cloth to clean the counter, unconsciously making it a little harder than you should.

“Thanks, Robin. That makes me feel so much better, for sure” she sighs and makes you stop cleaning, putting a hand over yours.

“What I meant it’s that she is a girl that every guy and girl wants, I wouldn’t be surprised if Eddie was a womanizer. But, you are you, you are amazing, you have more than just physical beauty, so fuck Munson. If he calls, you tell him that whatever was going on between you two, it’s over.” you knew she was right. You felt pretty enough to not care about Donna’s beauty, but your heart clenched a little over the fact that Eddie was playing with you.

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s just… I thought he was the one” thankfully there were no more customers, the movie had started, it was only you and Robin.

“I know, I saw you together a lot of times. It’ll get better, just before August, you weren’t even friends.” it was enough for the day, you didn’t want to think about Eddie for the rest of the day. You grabbed your stuff and turned off the machines with Robin’s help, you would wait for the movie to be over and get a bus with your friend, who miraculously lived in the same apartment complex as you.

__

Laying on your bed while watching a Casper marathon you roll your eyes as you hear your phone ringing again. You know it’s him, it’s Eddie.

You had ignored him all Wednesday, he gave you some space in the morning, but after watching your empty seat during lunch, he was literally begging you. He chased you like a lost puppy, appearing outside of the restroom every time you asked permission in class, then he would run to your car calling you, but you ignored him.

You sigh frustrated, it’s enough after the fifth time the phone rang, you answered.

“Thank God, What’ the fuck is wrong, angel? You have ignored me for more than twenty-four hours!” you want to laugh at his exaggeration, but you’re upset.

“Eddie… If you weren’t sure to give it a try with me, you should have told me.” he is surprised by your words, especially your calm tone.

“What?” he asks in confusion, you sigh lowering the volume of the tv.

“Yesterday Chrissy Cunningham told me that you were on a date with Donna Benson.” you could feel the embarrassment and jealousy emanating from your pores.

“Oh no, no, babe!, We went to see a movie because she didn’t have any cash to pay for some weed. She had this coupon! she even brought his baby brother!” the way he sounds, makes you wonder if he’s actually desperate to convince you or not. “It wasn’t a date!, and of course, I’m going serious with you”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” you take his little sounds as stressed sighs. Makes you feel nervous and twirl the cable of your pink phone.

“Well, yeah…” you really wanted to spend Halloween with him, you thought that he was going to ask you to be his girlfriend since the start of October, but he kept brushing away every opportunity to make it official.

“We’ll, no. How do you think I felt when Chrissy said that Donna was over the moon for you? she was dying for you to teach her to play guitar. Great job, Munson, now you have a new girl crushing for you.” as you seat straight at the edge of your bed, you hear him lighting a cigarette, you hate how often he smokes.

“No, honey pie. You’re not understanding, I lov-“ your heart races, you weren’t sure but it sounded as if he was about to say “I love you”.

“I don’t want to understand anything. I can’t trust you if you’re gonna randomly accept girls to hang out with, including their baby siblings, that’s not fair.” it wasn’t immature your reaction, you felt your right to feel betrayed because you two said you were on a level of exclusivity.

“So whatever was going on between us, is officially over.” before he can finish saying your name, you slam your phone back in its place. For some reason, you didn’t feel like crying all night and going to school all depressed on the day of Halloween. You wanted to feel great, have fun and forget about that stupid metal head. So you grab your phone again and call Robin.

“Hey, is our third musketeer there?” she laughs.

“Steve? yeah” relieved, you stand up, instantly feeling better.

“Tell him I changed my mind. We’re going to the party tomorrow” you hear Robin telling what you just said to Steve.

“Did you cut it off with Munson?” asked Steve suddenly, making Robin yell at him. Steve’s cousin was throwing a party, he was seventeen too, so you knew half of the school was going to be there, including Eddie, since he used to sell some drugs to the guy before he joined the Waterpolo team.

“We weren’t dating yet, but yeah. We need to go to find some costumes, honey” it wasn’t a secret that Steve didn’t like Eddie, especially after seeing how well he was getting along with the boys. But in your situation, you felt a little glad, because it mean no more grumpy Steve.

“That freak doesn’t deserve my best friend. Get your ass up, we’re picking you in fifteen”

You wanted a cool costume, you could bet every girl was going to wear a black leotard and cat ears, some angels, the cheesy vampires, and this girl with vulgar bikinis.

You wanted to look hot, but mostly pretty.

__

During school hours, you spent the day hiding from Eddie, with Robin’s help, she sneaked you to his band practice, where you were safely hidden from the evil dungeon master.

Steve picked you up from the back doors since Mike told you that Eddie was waiting for you at the entrance. And then, you went straight to Robin’s house to get ready for the party because your mom let you know that Eddie called her to ask if you were coming home.

You were looking at the dress on her bed, a red ridding hood costume. It was slightly very short, puffy, and red with black over the ribs and chest, with white, alluding to a gown from the 1600s of the early colonies in America.

“Maybe the undergarments are too much” you state, Robin picked the black undergarments that barely reached your thighs. She grabs the towel on your hair and lets it fall, giggling.

“No!, it’s perfect. You look hot but cute at the same time” she grabs a brush and tosses it to you with a hair tie and a red ribbon. “I know we’ve talked about this, but… What if I see her?

You knew she was talking about Vicky, and you didn’t like the idea a lot, the girl would flirt with Robin one day, and appear with some random dude the next time. You didn’t like how much power she had over Robin, especially when they weren’t exactly friends.

“Well, you can pretend you didn’t see her, or you can say hi. I know you like her, but you have to know if she’s going to make a move, or it’s just gonna be you all the time…” she nods seating on her bed. You know she feels weird about it, she gets very nervous trying to talk with girls. But she’s your friend and you don’t want anyone to break her heart.

“Apparently it’s easier if you like dudes” you raise an eyebrow and she laughs, hinting at your point. “Okay, maybe not always is easy”

“Boys can be worst than girls, believe me. Girls are just… complicated” she nods again, and your rest an arm around her. “I suggest we shouldn’t think about it tonight. Plus, if we talk about love problems with Steve again, he’s gonna get drunk and tell us all of his failure on dates”

Robins laughs veryhard. She agrees with you and your supposition, Steve might still be a famous guy but lately, he didn’t have a lot of luck in love.

__

It was 8:40, and Eddie hadn’t seen you at the party. He asked all the Hellfire club members, including Mike and Dustin walking around the house looking for you, and Garret waiting near the entrance with Jeff to wait for you, but there was no sign of you. He wanted to see you, wanted to make up everything before the party ended. When he turned to the living room of the house, his eyes opened and he leaned on the frame that lead to the crowded living room. He spotted you dancing with Robin Buckley, Into the Groove was on some stereo, it was loud and there was a lot of teens dancing, but from all the guests, your shiny red cape was like a mirrorball, gaining more attention than the new hit from Madonna.

He could see you were wearing a mini dress, with a medium red cape and the hottest black undergarments he’d ever seen, including your black converse. You were probably drinking, because you had an orange cup in your hand, and he thought you were the prettiest girl at the party. He was glad that he did some research on your decision for the costume.

He saw Donna, who was wearing a tiger leotard, but he didn’t dare to talk to her, her friends were the jocks, the drama kids and the cheerleaders. Donna was the ideal girl; athletic, perfect hair, perfect skin, popular… but nothing new, she didn’t have anything exciting. She was just the ordinary popular chick, she wasn’t you.

Eddie kept his distance for some minutes, watching you laugh and dance. The way the cape covered your head made you look so freakin’ cute to him, he just wanted to grab your cheeks and give you the biggest kiss ever. He remembered the day you two confessed you had feelings for each other. Back in September, when homecoming was coming, you told him you liked him, and he said the same. You went together and after the event, you had the longest make-out session in his van. That night you’d agreed to give it a try to have a formal relationship.

When his mind is back at the party, you weren’t dancing anymore, Eddie looks around worried, but he realized you just were seating on the big stairs near the kitchen. Robin was gone, and it was dark enough to light up the house with purple and orange lights, with fake webs and pumpkins scattered around the house. It was perfect to approach you, but that didn’t stop Eddie to feel his hands sweaty and his heart pounding so fast.

Eddie never felt so nervous about anything, except for you. Approaching you when he knew you were mad at him was very hard, he didn’t feel like the dungeon master, he just felt like a shy little boy.

“Hey…” it’s the first thing he says, his shyness is notorious. You shriek at his sudden appearance, but finally you just give him a little glance, nodding and trying to hide how nervous you also were.

“Hi…” you don’t know what to say, but you decide to look back at him when you see his outfit. His wearing some black jeans, a black sweatshirt and a lumberjack sweater, his usual rings, and accessories but… you laughed so hard when you noticed some werewolf ears and his nose painted with a little circle on the tip. “Wow, very much a coincidence that you are a wolf and I’m red ridding hood”

“Yeah, well…” he got so blushed when you pointed at his costume. “Let’s say mini Wheeler heard his sister jumbo Wheeler that you told her you were gonna be dressed as red ridding hood”

“Good for you, Munson” you state, still laughing, standing up from the stairs, trying to make your way downstairs, away from him. You loved the idea that he basically sent Mike to stalk you and Nancy but, that didn’t change anything.

“No, wait” he slightly pushes you back, stopping you by grabbing your arm. You roll your eyes, obeying him, taking a seat on the stairs again. “I was gonna tell you yesterday, but thankfully you hung up before I said it”

“I really like you, angel. I trust you and you demonstrated how much you care for me since I met you. I swear to you that I’m not interested in having a bunch of girl fans behind me, I only want you” he smiles looking at you pouting, he knows you do that when you’re feeling emotional. So he carefully grabs your chin to make you look directly at him.

“I know, it’s just… you are my first love, Eds. I’m scared to get hurt, all the books I’ve read have given me the highest expectations, and reality thought me it’s the opposite” you sound calm, but a little worried, choosing the best words to make him understand you.

“I feel the same, I’m not good with emotions, and suddenly you are the first girl who cares for me, wants to see me succeed, who makes wanna take a daily shower” the way you start laughing makes him go all heart eyes for you.

“Eddie, that’s gross.” he takes a seat beside you, taking your hands. You can feel a lot of eyes on you, there’s no secret that you’re almost relationship with Eddie Munson was so startling for half of Hawkins.

“I’m even willing to quit smoking for you, I know how much you hate it” your eyes go wide open, so you stroke your hands on his.

“No!, just… just do it when you really need it, like a serious stress or relaxing moment, You know?” he nods, smiling while looking at the crowd, for some seconds, he forgot he was at a Halloween party.

“Oh yeah! What I was about to say when you hung up yesterday was that… I love you.” instantly, you go and hide your face on his neck. He laughs and makes fun of you. “ Aw, babe! you are all red! You look so fucking cute” his arms trap you, but you are still able to playfully punch his chest.

“Shut up!…” then it hits you.

He just said he loves you.

“I-… I love you too. But I don’t want to see you taking any more girls as payment for weed” he nods constantly, and when you separate, his hand is at your cheek, and you know he’s about to kiss you. “Not that I’m showing how toxic I can be, but… you’re mine”

“So… Would you officially date me?” you nod happily, connecting your lips together.

Oh my god, Eddie Munson is going official with me. He’s kissing me with Lay All Your Love on Me playing at the party!

“I can taste liquor from your mouth” his lips were soft and he tasted like alcohol, and chocolate, making your heart warm.

“And you taste like vodka, honey pie” he kisses you again before standing up and offering you a hand.

“I wanna go dance before the song is over. I need to show Donna that you’re already taken” Eddie laughs very hard at your words, and pull you closer, whispering in your ear.

“I’m serious, I only have eyes for you” turning to your right, you leave a little kiss on his cheek. Then you grab his hand and pull him to dance.

Eddie Munson is the worst dancer, but you love it. It’s perfect, as he spins you and constantly kisses you on the cheeks, forehead, or lips.

You can see Donna Benson looking at you two, and you know she’s pissed, but it’s not your fault, she just choose the wrong metal head to like.

In a matter of seconds, you completely forgot about the party, Donna, everyone, it’s just you and Eddie. The way he caress your hips as you sway to the old tune of Five Ten Fiftyhold, and his sneaky hand starts to go up, through the curve of your waist, his chest against your back. The moment makes you rest your head on his chest, and then his hand is brushing over the edge of your breast, landing on the cleavage of your costume. You open your eyes when you realize you were about to let out a moan.

He set you on fire, and he knew it.

You turn to face him, and your smash your lips against his, its a dirty kiss. The way his hand gently takes your neck, and your fingers sliding through his hair, makes you wonder how badly he wants you. So you stand on your tip toes, with your lips barely touching his neck, near his ear. “I want you to make love to me, Eddie”

“Holy shit…” he whispers, squirming. He knew how hot you could be, but this was the the most intense moment of all. Nothing could replace the strong urge to take you, the way he was already throbbing at your touch and words. Since you started courting, he never pushed you to have sex, at the end, he was a virgin too. He wanted to make it special, or let it happen in the right moment. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Eddie. I feel on fire” that’s enough for him, he takes you hand and makes you exit the party, directly going to his van. “I want you to make me yours…”

“Fuck, let’s get the fuck out of here” You don’t worry about Robin or Steve, they look too drunk at one table, with piles of beer, they look like they’re laughing and crying at the same time.

When you get into his van, he stays quiet for a couple of minutes.

“I can’t believe this” you glance at him, as he turns on the vehicle.

“What thing?” he shrugs giggling.

“This, you and me.” his hand lands on your thigh, making you moan in the darkness of his car. “I’m am going to make you so happy, love”

“I can tell. But go on, this dress is not going to disappear by itself” he gives you a dirty look, and you pat his hand away.

“Ew, creep” he starts driving as he laughs and puts some of his cassettes.

“Oh, but you are the one making nasty comments that make my dick get hard as a rock” he looks at you as you stay in the red light, and he knows he’s so deep in love.

“I’m excited to meet him for the first time” you two burst in laugh.

“Okay, but those undergarments stay on” you nod and remember something else.

“Oh and the lingerie too!” Eddie pretends to be shocked, but in reality he is shocked, he was so hard that it was becoming painful.

“There’s also lingerie?” your fake innocent nods are tempting, and the way you are pulling up your dress to let him see a bit of your exposed legs, with the contrast of the black undergarments. It’s killing him.

“Red transparent chiffon” he pretends he dies and then wakes ups when the traffic light goes green. “And what about some red ridding hood role-play?

“I’m going over the fucking speed limit. We need to get to your home as soon as possible” his joke causes you to giggle. “As ridiculous as it sounds. I’m gonna make love to you, but I’ll fuck you so hard too”

“Oh my god! Eddie just drive and shut up” he loves your laugh, he loves to tease you, he loves you so much. “Anyways, keep teasing me… I love it”

Halloween of 85’, was such a dream.

_____________________________

Next thing I’m planning it’s this two parts fic about ballerina reader! x vampire Eddie!

(Pls don’t steal my idea yet)

[yurimother]

The Best Yuri of 2020

2020 was hell in every way, and many of us are looking forward to new possibilities and advances in 2021. However, the year brought us many small moments and gifts worth celebrating. Among these, the explosive growth and change within the Yuri genre are among the most precious and most outstanding achievements. This second century of Yuri opened with a bang, as phenomenal new works, creators, and moments made their mark and helped change the future genre.

This annual list is a celebration of just a handful of the fantastic titles, people, and events in Yuri. There are likely some even greater ones that did not make the list because there is so much content in both English and Japanese that even I cannot keep up. However, among the troves of treasure, these titles stood out as shining examples of Yuri excellence. Some were released this year, others were recently adapted into English, and still, others are established titles that rose to prominence to dominate the conversation and my mind this year, but every one of them is worthy of being on this list and in your heart.

Here is the Best Yuri of 2020!

15: The Curse of Kudan Remastered

Japanese Yuri visual novel developers show no sign of slowing down as they continue to push to new heights and try new ideas. These are the same amazing people who brought us the delightful educational Yuri game The Expression Amrilato and the hilarious and surprisingly queer OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbando’s. However, this most recent release, The Curse of Kudan Remastered, is their best work yet. Released near Halloween, this game brings a new edge of dark mystery and the occult to Yuri audiences worldwide.

The Curse of Kudan is available on MangaGamer, JAST USA, Denpasoft, and Sekai Project.

14: Adachi and Shimamura

English audiences were finally treated this year to Hitoma Iruma’s long-running and wildly successful Yuri light novel series, Adachi and Shimamura. Although the story struggles to gain traction, dedicated readers’ have their patience rewarded with a sweet tale full of gay pining. Alternatively, you can jump into its stellar anime adaptation, with gorgeous visuals and realized characters you will actually be willing to put up with the annoying Yashiro just to see where the title characters go. The series shows no sign of slowing down either, as the manga adaptation is coming to Western audiences next year.

Adachi and Shimamura is available to stream on Funimation. The light novel series is published by Seven Seas - https://amzn.to/3rTSZTK

Honorable Mention: Happy Go Lucky Days

The OVA adaptation of Fragtime got most of the attention this year. Still, director Takuya Satou and Pony Canyon also gave us this much-overlooked “love is love” anthology movie based on Takako Shimura’s manga (Sweet Blue Flowers, Wandering Son). The first short in the film, “Happy,” is easily the best Yuri anime of the year. It follows the beautiful yet realistic queer love story of two women hooking up at a mutual ex-girlfriend’s wedding, only for the relationship to blossom and warm viewers’ hearts. Sadly, while stylized, the budget demanded the animation cut a few too many corners. Additionally, the subsequent stories are at best tedious and at worst alarmingly problematic, which is why Happy Go Lucky Days only gets an honorable mention.

The OVA is streaming on HIDIVE

13: Mieri Hiranishi

The Yuri scene has many colorful creators with a breadth of different ideas and stories in the genre, yet few have provided as much humor and joy as Mieri. This talented creator spectacularly tumbled into the scene with her manga essay The Moment I Realized I Wasn’t Straight, which embodies the brutal honesty and realism of Nagata Kabi and matches it with exaggerated hilarity. She continues to chronicle her painful struggles of being a butch girl in love with butch girls in the monthly series The Girl that Can’t Get a Girlfriend. Alternatively, you can follow her on Twitter for just as much heart and laughter.

Read The Girl that Can’t get a Girlfriend on Tapas and Webtoon.

12: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

My Next Life as a Villainess has what can only be described as volcanic bisexual energy. Every character protagonist Catarina Claes encounters is entirely enthralled by her. Of course, she is far too preoccupied with her quest to avoid doom flags and change her ultimate fate to notice any romantic interest. The series is rewarding and well structured, as views are just as focused on how Catarina plans to avoid certain doom as they are with the various romantic misses her band of companions cooks up. While the “friendship ending” did not capitalize on its Yuri potential, it was perhaps the most satisfying possibility for this crazy harem, at least until season two comes out, which looks, unfortunately, to be significantly less queer.

My Next Life as a Villainess is streaming on Crunchyroll

11: Love Me for Who I Am

Kata Konayama’s manga series is less Yuri than a general LGBT work, but it has a lesbian character and explores her identity and struggles in great detail. Few titles before have captured the exciting and nervous waves of emotions that young people feel as they explore gender and sexual identities and try to find themselves. This heartfelt and extremely queer series rubberbands between cute moe dress up to tragic and gripping backstory, keeping readers on their toes the whole time.

Love me for Who I Am is published by Seven Seas - https://amzn.to/3rTSZTK

10: A Summer’s End – Hong Kong 1986

Oracle and Bone’s debut visual novel, A Summer’s End, is set in a vibrant and electric 1980’s Hong Kong. Drawing inspiration from classic Asian cinema, music, and fashion. The worlds of Michelle, a young office worker, and a free-spirited woman named Same collide. The two struggle to comprehend and accept each other’s feelings just as they struggle against society’s expectations and prejudices. An incredibly thoughtful and touching adventure, the creators incorporated vital contemporary elements include Asian LGBTQ rights and growing political unrest in Hong Kong, into this illustrious game.

The visual novel is available on Steam.

Honorable Mention: Goodbye, My Rose Garden

In the same vein as A Summer’s End, Goodbye, My Rose Garden is a beautiful period piece that incorporates LGBT views into its shattering narrative. The story follows a bright-eyed immigrant, Hanako, wanting to make a new life in England as an author at the dawn of the twentieth century. She takes a job as a maid to noblewoman Alice, but their relationship takes a turn when Alice asks Hanako to kill her. This poignant tale is beautiful and an honest depiction of love and its conflict with responsibility and society.

Goodbye, My Rose Garden is published by Seven Seas Entertainment - https://amzn.to/3hFSyaG

9: Shio Usui

Usui’s hit Shaikaijin Yuri manga Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon could easily take this spot even though it is not even out in English until February 2021. The manga is already making waves and receiving constant praise. The characters and their journey to discover love and self-acceptance are as charming as they are relatable and grounded. However, it is the creator, Usui, who really deserves acclaim. Not just for their work on Doughnuts, but having a second serialized story, Onna Tomodachi to Kekkon Shitemita, in monthly Yuri magazine Comic Yuri Hime simultaneously. It is even more remarkable when you consider these two iconic stories are Usui’s first long-running works, as they only contributed one-shots before.

8: Bloom Into You: Regarding Saeki Sayaka

Bloom Into You is possibly the most iconic Yuri series in the past decade, and while the manga deserves its own place on this list, the best thing to come out of the series as a whole is easily the light novels. This trilogy by Adachi and Shimamura creator Hitoma Iruma dives deep into supporting cast member Sayaka. Readers are treated to a delightful journey as she discovers her sexuality, experiences heartbreak, and finally finds herself breaking free and falling in love. With the help of gorgeous illustrations by Nakatani Nio herself, Iruma masterfully captures Sayaka’s unique voice and emotions in this wonderful series. Whether a fan of the originals or not, every Yurijin must check out Regarding Saeki Sayaka.

The light novel series is published by Seven Seas - https://amzn.to/3hFSyaG

7: Our Teachers are Dating

The best a Yuri can get. This workplace romance follows two teachers at the start of a new relationship taking nervous yet enthusiastic first steps, including saying I love you, going on their first date, and even sleeping together. It is so heartfelt and salacious that readers will squeal the whole time. Additionally, our heroines are supported in their relationship by everyone they know, their students, colleagues, and even the principal. It is a perfect world for these two lovebirds! Our Teachers are Dating would easily be number one or two in any other year, but the competition is fierce in 2020. So even though this is only number seven, it is still a master class Yuri manga.

The manga is published by Seven Seas Entertainment - https://amzn.to/38XY3O9

6: Amongst Us

Who would have thought that a comedy alternative universe story spinoff of a fantasy action series would be the single best Yuri webcomic this year? Shilin’s astounding artwork illustrations the hilarious and irresistible journey of girlfriends Blackbird and Veloce. These two eccentric young women get into all kinds of everyday mischief that bounces between tender and touching romance, completely outrageous comedy, and downright thirst-inducing sorcery. Seriously, you should buy the first volume for Veloce’s back muscles alone. The storyline skips between time, but both their established relationship and their meeting as teenagers are adorkable and captivating.

Amongst Us is available online free on Webtoon and the comic’s website. The first volume is in paperback on Shilin’s site.

Honorable Mention: Éclair

There are a lot of Yuri anthologies out there, and they have done some beautiful things. Many focus on themes like Syrup. Others collect a series of stories by an author into one bound work. However, out of all of them, Éclair is the most successful. ASCII Media Works took some of the genre’s most extraordinary creators and let them do whatever they wanted, and the results are spectacular. The incredible talent behind Éclair somehow packs a full volume’s worth of story and character into just a few pages with every chapter. While the first volume came overseas a few years ago, Yen Press gave Yurijin a gift this year by releasing the entire rest of the series in which readers can get lost.

The anthology series is published by Yen Press - https://amzn.to/38XY3O9

5: I’m in Love with the Villainess

A small trend of isekai Yuri with villainesses emerged recently, and I honestly had few hopes of I’m in Love with the Villainess. The series is pretty popular, but I often find that this does not denote quality, and with isekai having some institutional issues, I suspected this would fall flat. Then the volume three cover showcased an incredible accomplishment, allowing for a lesbian relationship to blossom into a family with children, and it blew me away. Finally, I read volume one and realized that the series has incredible character, some of the best world-building I have ever seen in a light novel, thoughtful discussions of inequality and societal issues, and most impressively, open and frank discussion of queer identity and life Yuri has ever seen! This one is something special.

The series is published by Seven Seas Entertainment - https://amzn.to/3nedvdZ

4: The Last of Us Part II

Yes, I know this one is not Yuri and that a portion of the population despises this game and will likely be exceptionally angry at me for including it. However, I maintain that it was an incredibly challenging masterpiece. Naughty Dog did not take the easy route out and delivered one of the most devastating media experiences I have ever seen. As I said in my article about the game, playing it changed me, and it sticks with me to this day. The Last of Us Part II earns its spot on this list because it pushed boundaries more with LGBTQ inclusion than any other AAA game. From brave inclusion of LGBTQ themes to queer characters and storylines at its center, the game changes gaming and it will never go back.

The Last of Us Part II is available on PlayStation 4

3: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

She-Ra feels like the culmination of all the LGBTQ progress western cartoons have made over the past few years. From The Legend of Korra to Steven Universe, young people are finally seeing more LGBTQ people represented on the small screen. This epic fantasy concluded with an amazing and powerful lesbian romance, delivering on its queer promise and revolutionized representation in a trope-defying crescendo.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is streaming on Netflix

2:  The Conditions of Paradise

The greatest single Yuri work of all in 2020 was the English release of Akiko Morishima’s breakthrough manga, The Conditions of Paradise. Initially released in 2007, this anthology detailed the love between adult women. It was in every way a manga ahead of its time, and seeing it finally get a small piece of the recognition it deserves overseas is a true gift. The fact that we can own this legendary piece of Yuri history and Morishima’s other anthologies is nothing short of a blessing from the Yuri goddess.

The Conditions of Paradise is published by Seven Seas Entertainment - https://amzn.to/38bh4xq

Honorable Mention: Otherside Picnic

This eerie sci-fi horror series combines the best of pulse-pounding thrillers, complex and intelligent hard science fiction, and exciting Yuri romance. Author Iori Miyazawa spends as much time crafting a well-paced and intriguing narrative about a mysterious world where occult creatures roam as he does establishing two believable and grounded heroes in Sorawo and Toriko. The romance between the two may be slow to start, but their chemistry is undeniable and as the stakes and story build, so too does their relationship. Not only are the light novels incredible, but the series’ manga adaptation is coming soon to the West as well as an upcoming TV anime in early 2021.

Otherside Picnic is streaming on Funimation. The light novels are published by J-Novel Club - https://amzn.to/3niiv1g

1. Yuri subgenres

For a long time, Yuri was not a genre of its own, but elements of romances or bonds between women found in other works. Now, thanks to an increasing library of works, the advent of social media, and a wider audience, Yuri is a genre on its own, with many creators telling different stories in different styles. However, 2020 saw the continued emergence of something extraordinary, subgenres. Yuri is now so vast, we can actually categorize the works within. Depending on their characters, like classic schoolgirl romances or spicy shakaijin office affairs, their world, such as fantasy or isekai series and thrilling science fiction adventures, and even other elements within. One of my personal favorites is the feminist Yuri that emerges from titles like Sexiled, where women celebrate the accomplishments of other women and dismantle power structures stacked against them. Now, no matter what kind of Yurijin you are, there is something for you to love.

I am happy to leave 2020 behind, but I bring with me a renewed love and admiration for Yuri. 2021 looks to be a somehow even better year for the genre, and I am thrilled to experience every minute of it that I can. Yuri has transformed into something far greater than I ever thought it would be, and let us all enjoy its evolution and expansion together in 2021.