#mun would like to see more reviews
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scotianostra · 1 year ago
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Happy Birthday Percy James Patrick, AKA Scottish actor, Sylvester McCoy who was born 20th August 1943, in Dunoon.
His father was killed in the Second World War a couple of months before he was born, and he was brought up by his mother, his grandmother and aunts.
He attended St. Mun’s, primary School in the town and as Percy Smith he trained as a priest, joining Blair's College, a seminary in Aberdeen, for boys between the ages of twelve and sixteen he then gave it up and applied to become a Monk! This was rejected, as he was too young, so Percy returned to Dunoon and finished his education at Dunoon Grammar School.
On leaving school he took a holiday to the bright lights of London and ended up staying, taking a number of jobs, he sold insurance, acted as a bodyguard for the Rolling Stones, then gained a job selling tickets and keeping the books in a theatre box office. Eventually, he joined the Ken Campbell Roadshow. Along with Bob Hoskins, Jane Wood, and Dave Hill, McCoy started performing a range of sketches with the umbrella theme of “modern myths.”
McCoy found himself for a while in a double-act with Hoskins before Hoskins left to pursue his film career. When working with Ken Campbell in an improvised a circus-based act about a fictitious stuntman called Sylvester McCoy he thought it would be amusing if the program stated that this character was played by "Sylvester McCoy". While at the Royal Court Theatre, one of the critics missed the joke and assumed that Sylvester McCoy was a real person. McCoy liked the irony of this and adopted the name of his stage identity.
His big break came when McCoy was starring at the National Theatre in “The Pied Piper”, a musical play written especially for him, when he learned that the BBC was looking for a new lead actor to replace Colin Baker in “Doctor Who”. He later won the role as the seventh Doctor and the first Scottish one!
Following “Doctor Who,” McCoy continues to work extensively in theatre, films, radio, opera, and on television.He sees himself as an all round entertainer, his talents include,playing the xylophone and the spoons. He can also juggle and once gained a reputation for stuffing live ferrets down his trousers.
McCoy was considered for the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and must have made a lasting impression on the filmmakers as they were later to cast him as Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit films.
Like many other former Time Lords, Sylvester has televised the role, in 2022 we aw him return in The Power of the Doctor, I assume there is a chance he will crop up in the 60th anniversary specials, although I can't see him being mentioned as yet.
Sylvester is still keeping busy, he is lined up to appear in the BBC drama Father Brown, it will air next year. This year he appeared in the horror film, Necronomicon, it only has two reviews on IMDB, both slating it. The website also notes that he has four more projects in various stages of production.
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tuulikannel · 7 months ago
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That poll I reblogged, about having another name than your birth name, led me to think about my online nick... I can't remember for sure when it was, but I think it might have been around the year 2000 when I discovered fanfiction.net and started reading fanfics. And then I figured I should come up with some consistent nick to sign my (anon) reviews.
I've never really had any nicknames, so at first I didn't have a clue what to use. Then I thought that maybe something from Finnish mythology would be nice, and in the end ended up with Tuulikki. Tuuli means wind, -kki is an ancient ending for female names. It was also my mother's middle name, and I think this was relatively soon after her death (which means it'd have been in 2001). That made the choice pretty obvious to me.
Honestly, back then I had no idea I was picking a name I'd be using for years to come, everywhere online. ^^; I just wanted something with which to sign my reviews... After a while I dropped off the -kki ending (Tuulikki is very prone to being misspelled by non-Finns, I noticed ^^;;) and so I ended up with Tuuli. As both Tuuli and Tuulikki are often taken, I sometimes use other variations, like tuuli-chan (heh) back in the old days of LJ, or tuulikannel (wind harp) here on tumblr. That latter one's fitting also in the sense that I play kannel (or kantele as it's more commonly called. A Finnish traditional instrument.) Sometimes I've also used tuulentupa which literally means wind's cottage and figuratively, castle in the air. (We're not that fancy here, we just have cottages, no castles XD)
Another reason I like the name tuulikannel is that there is a poem by Eino Leino by that name. It made a great impact on me when I first read it, and only way later I've fully understood why. I did see myself in it. I have no idea what the poem really is about, but the beauty of poetry is that you can have your own interpretation... and I see someone aroace in it. But I think I'll put the rest of my poetry analysis behind a cut, cause I feel like I'm really going off on a tangent here, I was just gonna make a short post about my username... XD
Here's the first verse of that poem, in original Finnish followed by my extremely literal, not-even-attempting-to-rhyme translation:
Muut sydämen saivat, ma kantelen, muut murehti, nautti, ma en, ma en, en kurja ma elää, en kuolla voi, kun sykä ei syömeni, soi, vaan soi!
Others got a heart, I, a harp, others sorrowed, enjoyed, but not me, I, poor wretch, cannot live, nor die, as my heart doesn't beat, it only rings!
This makes me so strongly think about that comic about an aroace girl whose heart is blue, not red like everyone else's. (This one.) That feeling that there's something wrong with your heart - with you - when you can't feel what others feel. That feeling of being different, and the loneliness it brings.
Third verse (it's a longish poem, I'm not going to go through it all)
Mun syömeni tuulikannel on, sen kielissä laulu on lakkaamaton, se yössä, päivässä, yksinään soi ilmahan ijäti väräjävään.
My heart is a harp of the wind, in its strings an unending song, in the day, in the night, all alone, it echoes in the shivering air.
From the aroace pov, this is interesting to me. There is a song in the heart, but it sings it alone. Should the heart have a rhythm then, rather than a melody? A rhythm it could share with someone (two hearts beating as one...) But why is rhythm more important than melody? Or is the problem the loneliness of the heart? Perhaps the heart is longing for another one to join the song. Or perhaps it has simply been conditioned to feel that way, by the surrounding society. A lonely heart isn't a good thing, we all know that, right? And if you're alone, you got to be lonely! But surely the song of a single heart can be beautiful, too.
Jumping to the end of the poem, now:
Kiro katkera, julmuus jumalien: Itse orja, ma vapautta veisailen, itse lemmetön, lemmestä laulan ma, itse tunnoton, viritän tunteita!
A bitter curse, the cruelty of gods: I, a slave, hum freedom, I, loveless, sing about love, I, unfeeling, evoke emotions!
This ending. I've always felt it pretty strongly. Sure, I don't write much romance, but it does exist in my stories too. Yet it is something I personally know nothing about, and never will. I would not call this a bitter curse, though, but I do understand that view. Again, I'm think of that girl in the comic... I can understand how this could feel like a curse to some.
I first used tuulikannel for my writing journal on livejournal, and this poem was pretty much the reason why. It felt so perfect, back then. I do connect to it now, too, but I would like to give the poet a hug. ^^ Let your heart sing its songs! I do rather have a kantele as my heart than a drum, anyway. ^^
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jigschosai · 6 months ago
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Jigs Chosai's Dawntrail Epilogue
Dawntrail Ending Spoilers ahead
[From the mun: The last chapter of Dawntrial hit me hard. I'm guessing quite a bit harder than intended, and I'm thinking it's stemming from some things in my life that I thought were more resolved and accepted than they actually are. Originally, I had been planning just to do a short review (TLDW - it's really good and may end up being the favorite). When I finally got through everything, the piece below is what I had to write. I figured I'd share it, well, because for the same reason I wrote it I suppose.]
Jigs had skipped the celebration after his victory against Sphene and had taken the Aetheryte back to home.  To Ishgard.  He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.  He opened the door to his apartment and walked in.  Nashmeira was cooking something and hadn’t looked up.
“Welcome home.”  Nashmeira shifts her gaze from the cooktop to look at him.  She immediately turned off the top and rushed to him,” Jigs! What happened!?”
There was a clatter as Jigs dropped his sword and shield on the floor.  He half stumbled toward her and buried his face in her shoulder sobbing, nearly collapsing into her.  He cried for what felt like an age.  Nashmeira was quiet, just holding him and letting him get everything out.
He didn’t remember much between sobbing and what happened later.  Just snippets of memories.  Nashmeira helping him out of his armor and telling him to change clothes.  The whistle of the tea kettle.  Collapsing on the couch.
After a few sips of tea he had regained enough of his composure to tell her about Tural.  About seeing some people grow into leaders, and another into a monster.  About how the love for one’s people could drive leaders to extreme acts of both nobility and depravity.
He shared things about the meals he had, which inevitably led to stories about the people he shared those meals with.  Stories about the tribes, and traders.  Stories about history and memory.  Stories of people living on the frontier and those living in luxurious cities.  Then he told her of the Endless, and how important it was to him to remember them.
“Do you think I’m a monster?” he asked, his voice quiet and wavering.  He had pulled his knees up to his chin, pulling himself into as small a space as possible.  He needed to be broken and shattered for a time, and Nashmeira was the only one with whom he could show that part of himself.
Nashmeira was quiet for a few seconds, her expression equal parts concern and sympathy,” No, most certainly not.”
“Then why do I feel like one? They weren’t soldiers, or monsters, they were people living their lives of a sort.  Even if they were ok with …” he trailed off not finishing.
“Because you’re mourning.  You got to know them.  To know their joy, their pain.  You’re not mourning their passing, you’re mourning the absence from your life, despite knowing them such a short time.”
“I’ve lost people before… it never bothered me as much as this does, and I don’t know why.”
They were both quiet for a time.  Finally, Nashmeira spoke,” I only know you, and what you told me of the Unlost World, as well as my own experiences.  I can only guess at this.  Those you’ve lost have almost exclusively been due to conflict.  Their ends have largely been sudden, and sadly, violent.  To the best of my recollection, I don’t think you’ve ever lost someone who was ready to pass on.”
She paused, seemingly gathering her thoughts again,” It’s different.  And harder in some ways, because you always think there can be one more adventure, one more meal….one more day.  Though it’s the nature of things that all life must end and rejoin in the aethereal sea.  Being unable to do so is a tragedy in itself.”
Jigs looked up and brought his knees down, “My mind knows that.  I know how it would have ended if allowed to continue.  But even with that …my heart…” 
“It will get easier.  It always does,” Nashmeira smiled warmly at him, and took him in her arms.  “Mourn.  And do what you need to remember them, be it a piece of music, a trinket on your desk, or a story in your journal.  In time those memories will bring not pain, but comfort and warmth.”
This brought a fresh wave of sobs from Jigs, he remembered little else until he woke up next to her the next morning.  The pain had died down some, still present, but not overwhelming.  He’d move on, and he’d remember them.
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miss-polly · 1 year ago
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slides you my url n a crumpled 20 from the monopoly box
urls in review // @umbralined ;
Do I Follow Them?: On every blog you make!
Why Did I Follow Them?: I don't remember rip... It was 3 blogs ago but i love ya!
Do We Role Play?: In my heart and my dreams.
Do I Want To Role Play With Them: Gimme gimme gimme
An AU Idea For Our Muses: I'm really super vibing with our Ganon/Polly plot, i think we could do more with that, but honestly like. I just super want to see where the Dee/Polly plot goes. Maybe we could do something with human!Evan and Liddy? and I need Seisyll and Marius to meet each other. For reasons.
A Song For Our Muses: Like Real People Do by Hozier tbh
Do I Ship Our Muses?: Idk if the feelings would ever be reciprocated but Polly is so incredibly weak in the knees for Dierdre Sorry not sorry
What I Think About The Mun: Pupper is fantatic! Super fun to chat with, incredible art my dudes. if i had infinite dollars I would give them all of it in exchange for art. Your characters are so unique and fun to write with and read about, and you're awesome!
Overall Opinion: I love you mwah!!
Blog Rate: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10!
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siingular · 4 months ago
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╌ 𝓫𝓸𝓽𝓱 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓯𝓲𝔁𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓪 𝓛𝓲𝓼𝓪 ╌
# 𝓼𝓲𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾𝓵𝓪𝓻 --
study in - golden retriever in girl form, sunshine girl, the sweetest pop star, daddy issues, the purest form of magic, always the best friend, a hopeless romantic, a little too much people pleasing
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private and selective 𝙾𝚁𝙸𝙶𝙸𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁.  dark and triggering themes may be played out on this account   *please follow with caution* minors and personals do not interact. rules and bio in sites please review before interactions. 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 by alex ˢʰᵉ / ʰᵉʳ ------------ follows back from @nepowitch
𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 - 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 - @resurrectedicon , @bovparts , @biigscene
𝓼𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓼 - 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓬𝓪𝓵𝓵 - 𝓪𝓼𝓴 𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓼 - 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓸 - 𝓰𝓲𝓯 𝓹𝓪𝓬𝓴
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GUIDELINES <3
01.     alison is an oc of mine,  daughter of two of my own ocs found on @wallstalk this account is heavily affiliated with these other accounts,  and even though you or your character does not need to familiarize themselves with theses other ocs,  they will be mentioned time to time in threads.  also i would like to add,  although alison is famous,  i would never force your character to know who she is.  
02.     I am a mutual only blog ,  meaning i will only be interacting with people who follow me and i also follow back. please if we are not mutuals ,  do not interact. any interactions outside of mutuals will be ignored ,  this does include pms ,  and if it’s continued i will have to block for my own comfort. 
03.     all types of shipping are welcomed on this account!  though i would never want anything to be forced and it will all be based on chemistry.  feel free to send any shippy or spicy memes her way even if we have never discussed shipping between our muses.  i never see something like that as forced,  and more so feeling things out. 
04.     I do tend to take a little while to respond to things being that I have a full time job working outside and it does usually take a lot out of me. my usual days off are tuesday and wednesday and i will be most active on those days. rping is a hobby for me and i would like to keep it that way ,  so please no pressure for responses.
05.     when it comes to triggers ,  i will tag anything i feel needs to be tagged with “trigger” TW or “trigger” CW if it is written but please keep in mind there will be many dark themes played out on this account. if there is anything you see that you wish to not, feel free to reach out and ask me to tag anything.  i don't mind and i will go on tagging it in the future.  the only thing i have blacklisted personally is  'animal death'  or anything along those lines.
06.     my name is alex and i’m 21+ so with that being said i will not follow anyone under the age of 18 nor do i think anyone under the age of 18 should follow me.  if i do find a minor following me it will be a hard block.  in addition to this rule ,  when it comes to nsfw content i am comfortable with writing it out  as well as fade to black.  admittedly i’m not great at writing smut and only feel comfortable writing with with muns i know well.  though i am fully open to mutuals sending in any nsfw content to salem.
07.     when someone follows me i will take the time to look over everything on their account and decide if i think our muses could interact and i would expect anyone else to do the same when i follow but if my follow sits there for a few weeks without a response ,  no hard feelings ,  i do not mind but i will just unfollow to keep my dash clean!  if for some reason i do not add you back please accept this and do not follow and refollow or interact with anything on my account.  this will result in a hard block.
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grandma-susan · 6 months ago
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9. when you look at a new blog, what is it that makes you press the follow button? is it the muse, the aesthetics, the writing–?
:: A few things contributes, below explain what I review before a follow and examples that might lead to not following.
1. Ease of navigation aka I can find your rules, about page, and any other supporting relevant links easily. If I have to jump through hoops to find things or scan the entirety of your blog with my mouse to find that little link or a password, I'm probably going to lose interest quickly. I want to know about you as mun and your muse, not play needle in a haystack.
2. Your muse and your rules align with mine. Primarily that if I state I myself or my muse does not want to interact with specific characters, like children, littles or regressors, then if you are a blog with a child muse, you can follow me, but I will not follow and I will not interact except for maybe a few asks here or there.
3. Your selectiveness level. If you are highly selective or private, then I will likely not bother you. Alternatively, if you are a highly selective and private, and you follow me, that generally confuses me especially if you have not sent me any asks, dms, or interacted in my notes. I personally have no idea how to approach you.
4. All my RP blogs are sideblogs. If you don't have a problem with a main following you, then I will follow you. But if your pinned post or you make a post stating personal or main blogs do not follow, then I won't bother you (anymore).
5. Minimal abbreviations or fandom lingo. There at alot of abbreviations and lingo now on Tumblr. I'm old now. I don't have time to keep track of them all, many abbreviations don't even mean the same thing as it did say 10 or even 5 years ago. And some of them are so vague in definition, I would just prefer you just type it the long way and explain what you want or don't want. Like I have no idea what the hell proshipping is. Its okay you don't have to explain it to me because I've gotten like 4 different definitions and I'm still confused. Just tell me what shipnames you like or don't like. Cuz like, a ship can be problematic for anyone or for any reason, how do I know what ships you find problematic if you don't say it? Like some person once told me Hunter and Willow was problematic and then there's a whole side of the fandom who are like this a great and healthy ship. So if you don't like Huntlo just say, No Huntlo. Just be CLEAR. I'm not a mind reader.
6. Writing style. I skim your writing. You don't have to match everything, but if it seems you are putting an ample amount of time to read, digest and type out a response that adequately responds to your partner's character's action, that's good, I'm following! If your partner is writing significantly more and is highly interactive like physical gestures, and questions and statement, but you respond every single time a single line of dialogue, then I'm not following. The tone of your writing also contributes. I also skim through your oocs and tags, to see the level of interaction you have with your partners, and try to get a feel of what kind of mun are you, like are you a serious mun or a play it by ear mun or easy going mun or nervous mun etc.
7. Post organization. I am not very picky with how one organizes their roleplay posts. You can have 100+ notes in a thread, your thread can have a string of 10 untrimmed posts, you can leave the ask in there, I don't care. But what I do care is if you are a chronic trimmer who trims out your partner's posts and only leave a string of your replies. Its a nightmare to read and search as a visitor who wants to read a thread between a certain 2 characters, but also as a partner, as it can be hard to find the thread we were working on, and when I type a response, I don't have access to what I wrote because I'm seeing 5 of your last responses with none of mine.
8. Multimuse. I don't mind multimuse blogs that have a curated list of muses for a fandom or two. But some blogs have over 10 muses, canon and OC, in multiple fandoms, and multiple AU's that's too messy for me to follow.
9. Last but not least, does your character strike my interest. Sometimes it only takes a few asks, or for me to read a few of your replies on your partner's blog for me to just bypass most of the above for me to follow you. Other times it takes a few replies or threads before we get the ball rolling. Thing is I will RP with just about anyone. I am a nervous RPer. I send out feelers via asks, and replies, dash commentary etc. to see if someone would be willing to RP with me, considering I'm not very skilled of thinking up a scenario where you and I could potentially have a strong interaction. Generally I have follow Karma, you follow me, I follow you, unless you don't pass some of the items above. But I do occasionally clean out my following list especially if we do not interact often.
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quinntessentiallyglee · 7 months ago
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Rachel: Testing. One, two, one, two. *clears throat*
Mazikeen: Do not sing.
Rachel: But-
Mazikeen: The mic works. Move on. Some of us have people to do.
Jonathan: Don't you mean things to do?
Mazikeen: *grins* I said what I said.
Quinn: *takes the mic from Rachel* And on that note-
Rachel: *grumbles* What note?
Quinn: *pats Rachel's arm* Later, Rach. We'll do Karaoke later. Promise.
Santana: That 'we' better not include me.
Dani: Don't be like that. You love Karaoke, we all love Karaoke, and we all love a happy Rachel.
Santana: *sighs, grumbles, nods her head* Fine. But I get veto on Rachel's first three song choices.
Rachel: What? Why! I have exce-
Tamsin: *clears throat, raises hand* Not that y'all shouldn't have that conversation, but can we maybe focus on why we're all here right now? Especially given how long it's been since the last time we did anything together. *looks pointedly in Mun's direction*
Mun: …
Everyone else: *stares at mun*
Mun: Tamsin's right. We should focus on why you're here today *mumbles "and definitely not me"*.
Tamsin: *crosses arms over chest* Mmhmm *turns back to the rest of the group* Anyway, as I was saying-
Mazikeen: Can we move it along already.
Tamsin: Not how I would have put it, but yes. I've got cupcakes in the oven and they'll need to come out any minute if everything is going to be ready for tonight.
Aurora: *takes mic from Quinn. gives the group a quick bow then, in proceeds in a clearly practiced voice* And what is happening tonight
Jade: I've seen Vega give a more believable performance
Distant voice: Hey!
Tamsin: *ignoring both as she turns to Aurora. Speaks into the mic* I'm so glad you asked. Tonight we're having a house party to kick off Pride Month!
Hannah: WOOHOO! Go Pride!
Tamsin: That's the spirit! Go Pride!
Hannah: Will there be Jello at this party?
Tamsin: Yes.
Hannah: WOOHOO! Go, Jello!
Melody: Hannah, Sweetie, Focus.
Hannah: I am focused.
Lennox: On something other than your stomach.
Guinevere: Well there be Jello shots?
Melody & Lennox: Not helping
Angela: Says you. I too would like to know the jello shot status of this party.
Tamsin: There will be drinks and snacks or all kinds, and I sent you all a menu for review a week ago so if there's something you want that isn't on there it's your own fault. *brushes her hair back behind her shoulder before giving a sharp "Shush" to quite the several grumblers in the background, then nods at Aurora*.
Aurora: *picking up as if the interruptions never happened* Pride month is a great reason to celebrate. Don't you agree? *Looks off to the side*
Mal: …
Aurora …
Aurora: *under her breath* That's your cue
Mal: …
Tamsin: Mal?
Mal: Why did I let you drag me into this?
Tamsin: Because we're family, and you love us
Mal: No, seriously.
Aurora: Because Evie heard us trying to convince you and she said it sounded like a great idea and you caved because you love her and would do anything to make her happy.
Mal: …
Mal: *heavy sigh* fine. But I'm doing this for Evie, not for you two.
Tamsin: Don't care.
Aurora: Still counts. *clears throat* Pride month is a great reason to celebrate. Don't you agree?
Mal: *in a monotone* You've got that right. *sees the looks from Tamsin and Aurora, sighs again. Smiles then repeats herself with much more enthusiasm*You've got that right! *grunts as she's immediately embraced by Tamsin and Aurora*
Santana: Wow. That was-
Rae: More than you for Pride?
Mazikeen: Are we done here?
Selina: Not going to stick around for the party?
Mazikeen: Like I said, I have people to do.
Aubrey: Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
Mazikeen: Where's the fun in that? leaves
Angela: Can we circle back around to the shots question?
Rebecca: Come with me. We'll make some together. *heads off to the kitchen with Angela*
Tamsin: Oooh, I'll come with. Got to check on my cupcakes. *follows Rebecca and Angela towards the kitchen*
Hannah: Dibs on the extra frosting! *follows Tamsin*
Lennox: Do not let her have more sugar! *follows Hannah*
Melody: I better go and keep Lennox stays away from the knives *follows Lennox
Selina: I'm going to get a quick little catnap in before the party *heads to her room*
Rachel: I'm going to pick out my song list for Karaoke--Without any vetoes! *Rushes off to her room, with a protesting Santana fast on her heels*
Dani and Quinn: *look at each other, shake their heads and, smiling, follow Rachel and Santana*
Jonathan: I should pick out something to wear for tonight. *heads to his room*
Lucas: Same.
Guinevere: Maybe shave off that beard while you're at it.
Lucas: What's wrong with the beard? I think it makes me look distinguished.
Guinevere: I makes you look like you don't own a razor.
Rae: I like it. I think it's sexy.
Lucas: *points to Rae as he heads for his room* See. Sexy and Distinguished.
Guinevere: *Laughing as she pushed Lucas towards the hall, looks back over her shoulder and shakes head at Rae*
Rae: *following behind Guinevere* I can't help it. I like scruffy. It's Genetic!
Jade: Was that a werewolf joke?
Raven: Probably. Mun has a lousy sense of humour.
Jade: Is that why you only got one line?
Raven: shrugs
Jade: You weren't kidding. *stands and heads for her room* I've heard better jokes out of Vega.
Distant Voice: Hey! Again!
Aurora: *looks around the nearly empty room, then lays head on Mal's shoulder* Well it was fun while it lasted.
Mal: Was it?
Aurora: Oh shush, you know you love us. And Evie will be here any minute for the party. We're going to have so much fun tonight. *dances away towards the kitchen where the sounds of several arguments can be heard*
Mal: There is no we. You and the other one are staying ten, no twenty feet from Evie at all times.
Aurora: *laughs*
Mal: *drops down onto couch* And they called me evil. *feels her phone vibrate and pulls it from her pocket. Smiles at the text from Evie confirming her arrival time for the party.
Mal: Beware, foreswear, Love is love everywhere.
~~~~~~~~~
A post? An Apartment verse post? With everyone (Sorry Raven)?
I know, I'm as shocked as you are. And apparently extremely rusty. Anyway, Happy Pride month to all. Love *is* Love, everywhere.
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bart-phobe · 10 months ago
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I watched the FNAF movie with mun. She was rather conflicted on it.
I will give my unbiased review here.
Pros:
has a character named Bob :)
the animatronics look stunning
Vanessa's story arc is compelling
the second half has more of the pleasure side of guilty pleasure
Spring Bonnie's entire scene at the end
wholesome sibling dynamic
Cons:
the intro character dies before you even know a single thing about him. at least show us what he uncovered that made William/the animatronics want him dead.
did not contain a remotely similar atmosphere as the FNAF games
characters are underdeveloped, some characters you'd expect to see are cut entirely just to make room for OCs and random things from other games (magic rainbow ice cream parlour?)
there was an entire section setting up the bandit characters that didn't need to be there. just make them random greedy bandits. save screentime for actual canon characters I beg you-
even the canon characters who did make it in felt like their potential was squandered. they could have gotten as close to the games storyline as possible, showing us just how scary and manipulative William was over Michael growing up, but nope! AU time. They're not related.
Balloon Boy was the only jumpscare that got us because his was the only one that wasn't spoiled in the trailer-
The multitude of pointless scenes bothered me in the first half, but things started to pick up in the second, which gave it a good enough climax. I felt like there was not enough horror, and not enough comedy either.
Final verdict: 6/10. The movie is fine on its own, but as a FNAF movie, it feels like what would happen if they made a Stanley Parable movie, and cut the narrator's entire role. You didn't "bring heart" to FNAF. You cut out the old heart and replaced it with mediocrity.
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swynlake-rp · 1 year ago
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Do you remember? The 21st night of September?
OTMS
MUN: P! Quite a few of our members wanted to shout P out for jumping right in, even after being away from the RP game for a while. We couldn’t agree more! We loved to see P embracing the chaos of the PanDEMONium event, even giving Bruno a major injury in his first event. And we always appreciate P’s friendly check-ins on main. 
CHARACTER: WILLOW! Willow took some big steps in her journey this month, and we loved to see her epic battle against the demons and how it affected her relationship with Amity. We’re not crying, you’re crying!!
THREAD: THE DARLINGS/ALICE ELFHAME ARC! The Darlings and Alice’s battle with the faery queen and its resulting fallout came to its epic conclusion this month. There were tough goodbyes, there were beautiful new beginnings, and there was not a dry eye in sight :’)
Honorable mention: EVERYONE’S DEMON BATTLES! We loved to see how game members were to jump into the action, and a big shoutout to Belle and Snow for bringing it all about. We’re excited to see what’s next!
TASK: ASHLEE’S LAST SUMMER IN SWYNLAKE! This was such a beautiful tribute to Ashlee’s journey and a great way to celebrate her growth. As one member put it, “She's come so far and seeing that made me incredibly emotional.”
BOARD UPDATES 
THE FOREST IS CLOSED: No one may come and go from the forest without a permit, or you will be charged a fine. Permits can be requested through the mayor’s office. If you would like your character to illegally enter the forest, please contact the admin.
NO BOARD ELECTIONS: This is OOC for now, but just a reminder as discussed in the original Irontown plot pitch: there will not be Board elections this year, while the Board is under review. More information will come shortly. Your characters don’t know about this just yet! We will have a condensed election season in the new year, if your character is interested in running. 
APPLICATIONS FOR SHERIFF: As many of you saw, our sheriff has skipped town, oh no. It will be up to the interim mayor to find a new one with the help of the Board. In the meantime Errol Woolf will act as interim sheriff. If you are interested in having your character apply to be sheriff, please just message the admin! Character must be 25+ and a Mundus (closeted Magicks also may apply). Applications close at the end of September. 
TASKS
REQUIRED AUTUMN PAIRED THREAD: The air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and we’re bringing back paired threads, this time with an autumn theme! Some ideas to get you started: the start of the school year, raking leaves, carving pumpkins, PSL season, the annual fall carnival! Getting this thread started is REQUIRED if you would like a new character this month. 
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT: Your character is assigned to read, annotate, and give a presentation on a poem or a passage of writing for school. For this task, write your character’s annotations of the poem or passage, OR share their slideshow presentation that they gave the class (or do both, if you’re looking for a challenge!) Minimum 200 words + graphic. 
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 6-13: FRESHERS WEEK PARTY! Kick off the start of the university fall semester with an epic rager!!!!!!! Let’s go! Canonically on Sept. 8
SEPTEMBER 10-16: FALL CARNIVAL! Swynlake’s annual fall carnival is back! Rides and games and treats, galore! Happening on Discord – but also we encourage dashboard shenanigans. Canonically runs through the same dates.
SEPTEMBER 20-27: BOARD MEETING! Are you upset about the forest closing? Concerned about the pause in elections? Let your voice be heard! Canonically on Sept. 21
SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 4TH: BUILD A BRAND NETWORKING EVENT: In line with their mission to connect Pride U students with their dream careers, Phineas and Pip are hosting a networking event with lots of prospective employers invited. Canonically October 2nd 
BIRTHDAYS
Characters:
Gregory Eeyore – September 1
Dian Morey – September 3
Vishaka Chakraborty – September 8
Lucian ‘Lucky’ Doyle – September 12
Anastasia Tremaine – September 13
Kiig'nc 'King' La'ornh – September 14
Babette Durand – September 20
Su Qin – September 20
Mazhar Morey – September 21
Alana Triton – September 23
Willis Tibbs – September 29
PLOT ROUND-UP! 
DnD Arc featuring Mirabel, Dipper, and Eilonwy: Mirabel, Eilonwy and Dipper are putting a DnD party together! Eilonwy teaches Mirabel about DnD and helps her build a character. They ask Dipper to DM. Eilonwy has also suggested getting a few more friends involved... 
Tiana and Hatter try to invent a new food that Seb can eat! featuring Tiana, Hatter, and Sebastian: Ever since Tiana found out that Sebastian Morey can only eat an extremely limited number of foods, Tiana has been on a mission to invent an allergy-friendly version of one of her restaurant's dishes. She's enlisted the help of Hatter, a kitchen witch, and while their first attempt was unsuccessful, they're committed to keep trying!
Catfish Cyrano featuring Tanya, Penny, and Jenny: All summer, Penny has been messaging Tanya as "Charlotte," her online alter ego that she uses to escape the assumptions people make about her as a famous actress/pop star. When Tanya wanted to see a photo of her face, Penny panicked and sent Jenny's face— creating a very complicated love triangle! Tanya has fallen for Penny, but only as "Charlotte," and with Jenny's face, who's just trying to help out and be a good friend. After the showcase, it looks like it all may come to a head….
In The Dark Of The Night featuring Holley, Gil, and Clayton: The RAS saved an owl bear… but Holley got shot in the leg! In a moment of clarity, Gil decided to go and save her instead of chasing down Clayton, so Clayton got away…
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sincerely-krp · 1 year ago
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Another admin here! I see good and bad things about the reviews idea. On the one hand, it gives people a chance to get an idea of what an rp is like - though I strongly believe people should make their own opinions regardless of what is say on any other blog (unless it’s something incredibly bad like tons of racism, bullying etc). However, the other side is it puts admins and their communities at risk, still, of untrue things being posted. Perhaps a good middle ground would be to communicate with the admins. Get consent to take reviews. And should there be something on the negative side, contact the admin team and give them a chance to address the issue within their community first instead of posting things that may not be true or the admin simply may not be aware of. Even an overall average rating could be damaging to a directory as many people will take that number as gospel and believe it. Regardless of wanting their own opinions and regardless of how many ratings make up that average.
I understand there can be less than ideal admin teams out there, but there are also muns who will runs to complain on anon about things without even considering about going to the admins. Generally because they just want to give the rp a bad name and don’t actually care about resolving their issue, or because the full story also shines a bad light on themselves as well and they just want to play victim.
From the perspective of being just another mun who likes to rp, I also agree though with people who have said they just want a generic collective of rps to look through - much the same as what krpnet was - without all these reviews and opinions clouding things. When I’m looking for a rp to join, I want to be able to find them easily and I don’t make a habit of looking at blogs like these for reviews or opinions about other directories.
A simply laid out collective of rps and people using their brains to form their own opinions instead of relying others might actually start to make things more enjoyable again
notable context: if there is anything nonconstructive, toxic, etc. the review will not be posted. if there is anything negative, it must be uploaded alongside proof, and that is sent to admins. there is no average rating. the reviews are not anon.
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calamitousrpgarchive · 2 years ago
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Any most wanted or open connection and when do you all hold acceptances
Hello, hello!! Yes, we have several connections that we'd like filled. I will place them under "read more" since they have descriptions in them. And we hold acceptances any day! Once we get an application, we will review it and discuss it, and if we feel we need more information before accepting, then we contact the person!
Other than the open connections, we'd love to see more of the following species: fae, merfolk, wolves, and demons!
However, if you have muse for someone or a species other than the ones listed, go for that! Muse is always important.
If you have any other questions, please let us know!
LUELLA EDWARDS (LAUREN COHAN) IS LOOKING FOR HER PROTEGE. THEY ARE AROUND THE AGE OF 100-250 ARE A VAMPIRE AND THEY LOOK LIKE UTP. YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT THE MUN @OFTRAGXDY TO DISCUSS THE CONNECTION. THE PREMISE OF THE CONNECTION IS: LUELLA DID NOT WANT THE LIFE OF A VAMPIRE. SHE WAS TURNED WITHOUT HER CONSENT, AND THEREFORE, WOULD NEVER TURN SOMEONE ELSE UNLESS THEY ABSOLUTELY NEEDED IT. SUCH AS, SOMEONE BEING ON THEIR DEATH BED. THE PERSON SHE CHOSE TO TURN NOT ONLY CONSENTED, BUT BEGGED LUELLA TO CHANGE THEM AS THEY WERE DYING. SHE WAS HESITANT AT FIRST, BUT SHE’D BE LYING IF SHE SAID SHE DIDN’T WANT A BOND OF HER OWN. SHE CRAVED IT; CRAVED SOME TYPE OF FAMILIAL CONNECTION THAT WASN’T JUST ONE OF HER AND HER OWN MAKER. SO, SHE AGREED, TURNING THEM AS GENTLY AS SHE COULD. SHE IS GENTLE WITH THEM, ONLY HARSH WHEN NEEDED TO BE. SHE STRIVES TO TEACH THEM EVERYTHING SHE KNOWS, AND THEN SOME. SHE WANTS TO BE THERE FOR THEM, NO MATTER WHAT. IT CAN BE A MOTHER/SON/DAUGHTER CONNECTION, OR A GOOD FRIENDSHIP CONNECTION, ETC. I’M OPEN TO IDEAS!
HAYDEN LIU (KRISTEN KREUK) IS LOOKING FOR HER EX-BOYFRIEND. THEY ARE AROUND THE AGE OF 38-41, ARE A UTP (CURRENTLY OR FORMERLY HUMAN), AND THEY LOOK LIKE UTP. YOU DO NEED TO CONTACT THE MUN @FRCCDXM TO DISCUSS THE CONNECTION. THE PREMISE OF THE CONNECTION IS: HAYDEN’S FIRST BOYFRIEND WHEN THEY EWRE TEENAGERS, SHE EVENTUALY GOT PREGNANT AT THE AGE OF 16 AND HAD A DAUGHTER (ALSO A WC) AND THEY WOULD HAVE BROKEN UP ANY TIME AFTER THAT. THEY COULD HAVE LASTED A WHILE OR NOT LONG AFTER THE NEWS CAME OUT, OPEN TO TALKING ABOUT IT! SHE HASN’T DATED SINCE HIM AND HAS FOCUSED MORE ON HUNTING AND THEIR DAUGHTER. HE CAN HAVE AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE INVOLVEMENT AS YOU LIKE.
AURELIA DALTON (SARAH PAULSON) IS LOOKING FOR HER LOVER/CONFIDANT. THEY ARE AROUND THE AGE OF 600+, ARE A FAE, AND THEY LOOK LIKE ANY FEMALE / NB OVER 30. YOU DO NEED TO CONTACT THE MUN @DEATHBEAKONS TO DISCUSS THE CONNECTION. THE PREMISE OF THE CONNECTION IS: YOU ARE THE ONE WHO SACRIFICED YOURSELF TO SET AURELIA FREE; THE ONE SHE WORKED WITH FOR DECADES TO CREATE A PLAN TO GET OUT OF THE HOLE THAT YOU BOTH, AND SO MANY OTHERS, WERE THROWN INTO AND FORGOTTEN ABOUT. SHE SHARED SO MUCH WITH YOU, SHOWED YOU HOW SCARED AND HURT SHE WAS, HOW MUCH SHE MISSED HER SON AND HOW MUCH IT BROKE HER KNOWING THAT JASPER WAS GROWING UP WITHOUT HER. HE WOULD BE HER ONLY BIOLOGICAL CHILD, SOMETHING THAT HE COULDN’T HAVE BEEN OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE SHE WAS TAKEN. THEY RIPPED EVERY OPPORTUNITY OF A FAMILY FROM HER AND YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT HURT HER. THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE PLAN; ONE THAT SAW THE NEED FOR A DISTRACTION THAT WASN’T PLANNED. YOU WERE THAT DISTRACTION AS YOU BEGGED HER TO FLEE, TO GO HOME AND GO TO HER BOY. NOT A DAY HAS GONE BY THAT SHE HASN’T THOUGHT ABOUT YOU, AND SHE HAS TRIED MANY, MANY TIMES TO FIND YOU BUT SHE BARELY REMEMBERS THE JOURNEY BACK TO CALAMITY… BESIDES, AURELIA ASSUMES YOU DIED FOR HELPING HER ESCAPE. 
JAXON REED (JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN) IS LOOKING FOR HIS SON. THEY ARE AROUND THE AGE OF 80, ARE A BORN WEREWOLF, AND THEY LOOK LIKE UTP (KEEPING FC OF FATHER IN MIND). YOU DO NEED TO CONTACT THE MUN @THEJAXON-REED TO DISCUSS THE CONNECTION. THE PREMISE OF THE CONNECTION IS: JAXON REED BECAME A MEMBER OF THE SYNDICO PACK MANY, MANY YEARS AGO. ONE COULD EVEN SAY HE HAS BEEN THERE PRACTICALLY SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING, BUT THAT WAS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. BACK THEN, HE USED TO BE AN OMEGA; A ROGUE WOLF WHO USED TO HANG AROUND THE DAUGHTER OF ONE OF THE ALPHA’S IN THE AREA, LUCILLE. IT IS RUMORED THAT THE TWO WERE CLOSE. INTIMATE… ENOUGH TO LOVE EACH OTHER DEEPLY SO, BUT NOTHING WAS EVER MADE OFFICIAL. IN FACT, NOT LONG AFTER, LUCILLE WAS FORCED INTO AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE AS A NECESSARY MEANS TO UNIFY PACKS. AND AS IF THAT DIDN’T BREAK JAXON’S HEART ENOUGH, HE SOON LEARNED THAT SHE WAS CARRYING HIS SON, MORGAN. SHE TOLD JAX BUT NEVER TOLD THE WOLF SHE CAME TO MARRY AND LET HIM BELIEVE HE WAS THEIRS INSTEAD. JAX AGREED TO KEEP THE WHOLE THING UNDERWRAPS AND DID EVERYTHING RIGHT BY BOTH LUCILLE AND MORGAN… EVEN WHEN IT CAME TO RESPECTING HER HUSBAND OR THE FACT THAT HE HAD A HAND IN RAISING HIS OWN SON. JAX WAS ALWAYS THERE AND THAT IS MOSTLY WHAT HIS SON REMEMBERS.
 HAYDEN LIU (KRISTIN KREUK) IS LOOKING FOR HER DAUGHTER. THEY ARE AROUND THE AGE OF 23, ARE A HUMAN, AND THEY LOOK LIKE UTP (HALF CHINESE). YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONTACT THE MUN @FRCCDXM TO DISCUSS THE CONNECTION. THE PREMISE OF THE CONNECTION IS: HAYDEN GOT PREGNANT BY HER BOYFRIEND AT 16. HER FATHER RAISED THE CHILD FOR THE MOST PART DURING THE FIRST FEW YEARS SO HAYDEN COULD CONTINUE TO TRAIN AS A HUNTER. HAYDEN WANTED TO BE A HUNTER LIKE HER FATHER BUT WOULD HAVE NEVER TRIED TO PUSH THAT PATH ONTO HER OWN DAUGHTER. THEY HAVE A DECENT BUT SOMEWHAT STRAINED RELATIONSHIP DUE TO HAYDEN NOT BEING GREAT AT EXPRESSING HER EMOTIONS OR HOW MUCH SHE CARES FOR HER DAUGHTER. 
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napkinscrawls · 2 years ago
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.Breakfast in bed. .Preparing the other's drink for them.
Sister Imperator & ghoul!oc (ft. Aether) | 790 words | tense workplace environment | imposter syndrome | tea rituals
Nimo ponders their dependancy on Sister Imperator, & meets Aether for the first time. AO3
Chai Kee Mun, strong brewed, black, no sugar, poured over a teaspoonful of clotted cream hidden in the bottom of the cup for her to mix at her discretion.
Sister Imperator is never satisfied, but at least she is content with this tea. It's not part of Nimo's job description but something they did regardless, a show of power they assume, Imperator's only love. Besides, the few minutes spent preparing this was the closest they got to a break. The fact it was the only time she didn't give them a detailed review on their performance & mainly shortcomings? Didn't hurt.
She used to, when she was younger & in a more perilous position within the church, use honey instead. It was harder to see in the tea & allowed her to keep a stoic front, in the machismo of the clergy even how one takes tea was seen as weakness. At a certain point she switched to cream. Nimo would never say why, ridiculous as they knew the reason was. The minutiae of these power plays were pathetic no matter how long Nimo has been made witness to them.
They picked out her favourite cup for today. Sister Imperator of course does not have favourites, Nimo knows this, but it helps humanise the woman. They set the dark ceramic mug with a gold lip onto the tray, alongside the silver teapot & a small covered bowl that hides the smaller amount of perilous clotted cream.
Now for the 4 minute walk back to her office.
The smell of the brewing chai made Nimo feel nothing, actively & overwhelming nothing. They have smelt this tea for so long. In the beginning it made them want to crawl out of their skin, they could barely carry the pot from the shaking, over time it made them angry, now Nimo just shuts off all thought. It was somewhat relaxing. If only they didn't know it was a sign of their spineless obedience.
They had been trying to be something, something new, but then Sister Imperator, in her first great bid for power, swept in & made all their effort meaningless. Did she pity them? Is that why Nimo is now serving tea to the woman? So many cups of tea, unpoisoned & served perfectly. Decades of perfect service.
No, Nimo is beginning to think they do hate this walk back to her office.
The halls aren't empty but every sibling of sin they pass ignore them, Nimo has long since become part of the furniture. Imperator's detached shadow. Even the ghouls pretended they weren't there. Nimo had seen the pack evolve over the eras, squabbling for dominance for weeks & also accept new members in a day. But Nimo was never so much as sniffed by them. A part of them fears the ghouls knew something. Something Imperator would have them bit-bound for.
Approaching the woman's office, Nimo stiffened their posture, a figure stood in the middle of the hallway, facing the Sister's door. One of Papa Emeritus IV's ghouls. As if to mock their prior thoughts, the ghoul's head snaps to them at the sound of their approach. Quintessence type, Nimo believes, tilts his head & watches them reach the door from the distance he keeps them at.
Why are the band ghouls like this? Boring holes into the back of their head. Unnerving.
Knocking in their own rhythm, Imperator orders them in, only for her tea, of course. The Papa was there, sweating bullets as always. Nimo almost felt sympathy for him, Imperator has that effect on everyone nowadays.
Excusing themself as silently as they entered, Nimo pulls the door closed behind them. The quintessence ghoul was still there. They bite back their anxiety & step to the side, into their usual stand-by position with hands behind their back, they stared at the far wall. A statue, Nimo the statue.
Just don't move.
"How'd you do that?" The quintessence ghoul speaks to them.
Nimo blinks.
The ghoul steps into their view & points down at their tail.
What's wrong with their tail? It was still, hung flat against their leg. What that weird?
"You're so still." He emphasises by gesturing with both hands to frame Nimo's straight posture.
Nimo opens their mouth but no sound came out. When was the last time they had spoken? Sister Imperator certainly never encourages conversation.
The door shoots open & a quickly retreating Papa shuffles out, bowing repeatedly a he closes the door with both hands. Once the door was closed he smooths his clothes like he hadn't been shitting bricks in there. Spinning around he begins listing off plans to Aether who's attention is firmly on his Papa now.
Nimo swallows his answer & watches the two bustle up the hall. They sway their tail tentatively.
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matandchitza · 2 years ago
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The Highway Family (2022) - A Flawed Attempt on Empathy and Awareness
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This review contains unmarked spoilers, proceed at your own risk. Though I wrote this as I love reviewing stuff despite not intending for it to be read, I still put on a spoiler warning in case people come across this anyway.
These are all my personal opinions, they’re not correct! They’re just my personal views, in case someone finds this for some reason haha.
I just finished watching a Korean movie titled “The Highway Family” directed by Lee Sang-mun, which was released in late 2022 according to Google and IMDB.
And it was unfortunately a bland ride someone who decently likes slow burns and social awareness dramas couldn’t enjoy, though I tried my best to.
The plot summary over at IMDB would say, and I cite, “When a middle-aged, grieving woman gives money to a family out of kindness, only to learn they are homeless and living at the highway rest area, a life-altering series of events unfolds.“
And that sounds like a great synopsis to a drama where a family turns over a new leaf and is given a second chance at a start after living through poverty throughout their entire lives by a that grieving woman (Young-su).
Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be what this movie would turn out to be.
Plot write-up/summary:
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The movie has a good start, introducing the family and their silly antics, camping out in places they aren’t supposed to camp in and emphasizing the cute interactions between the parents and their children despite their current situation, and showing that perhaps not all children who grow up in poverty are the stereotypical unhappy and starving children.
It establishes them as humans, people who were just given the wrong end of the stick, if that metaphor is correct for situations like this.
After a short montage of the family traveling to a rest stop, the father, Ki-woo, asks a random couple for 20,000 won, stating that he doesn’t have enough gas money to refill his tank and additionally mentioning that he lost his wallet.
But he asks for their bank account so he can wire the money back, so he’s nice! Nah, just kidding, he never pays back any of the people he scammed.
When that doesn’t work, he brings out the kids, Eun-yi and Taek.
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The two kids showing up are usually enough to goat people into giving them his money, which they fortunately use to feed the kids some instant ramen. Which definitely can’t be good for them to be eating all the time, but what other choice do they have anyway?
Though I definitely would never condone scamming people out of 20,000 won (which is like $15 according to Google), they at least had a morally sound reason to do that, and he at least used the money to feed his wife and children.
They then get kicked out of the rest stop after lingering a bit too long and provoking an officer (not police) and snapping one of their tent’s poles in that altercation.
But before they leave, they scam a nice lady who offers an additional 50,000 won above the 20,000 they usually get from scamming, this lady is Young-su, who had seen Eun-yi trying to drink tap water earlier.
After that happens, Young-su leaves the rest stop, as she glances at her car’s dashboard to see how little gas she has left but still smiling regardless as she continues driving.
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They then move to another rest stop, despite Taek’s protest of being too tired to walk. He then throws a fit, where he runs off away from the family. Ji-sook sends Eun-yi to fetch her brother, where she surprisingly handles his tantrum well and gets him to calm down after he trips in the middle of running away by offering him candy she kept to herself.
This works well, as mentioned above, only for Taek to start chewing, have one of his baby tooth fall off right then, and start crying again. I guess this was comedic to people watching in theaters, but I think I was one of those who didn’t really care too much. (Sorry..)
Eun-yi doubles down and offers him more candy, calming him down completely. She then throws off his tooth into the nearby bushes and prays. (Is this a cultural thing in South Korea? Not sure, despite having watched K-Dramas for 3 years at this point)
The family then begins their trip to their next rest stop, walking through tunnels to get to their destination.
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I’m getting a bit lazy as I type, so here’s a TL;DR of what happened after they establish all the important characters:
They get to another rest stop, where Ki-woo scams an unsuspecting elderly couple out of the usual 20,000 won and thanks them as they drive off, with the mandatory “I’ll wire it back to your bank account” excuse;
Young-su coincidentally drives to the rest stop they’re in, spots Ki-woo scamming an unsuspecting elderly couple and puts on a disguise to watch the family;
Eun-yi and Taek starts playing a game of hide and seek, where Taek with his genius (what seems to be) six year old mind, decides to hide under a truck of all places, and nearly gets RUN OVER until Young-su swoops in to save them. To add: now that I think about it, this movie was ALWAYS one step away from turning into a horror or thriller movie;
Young-su drags the kids to the parents, berating them for their failure to watch the kids. Ki-woo at this point had completely forgotten who she was (or it was an act, couldn’t tell since the actor really looked dumbfounded lol). He starts to be passive-aggressive with her, where she just goes “Yeah, no. I’m calling the police.”;
Cue Young-su calling the police on them and them running off to a new rest stop, but not before Ji-sook falls down, giving Young-su a chance to catch up and probe her. This reveals that she’s pregnant with another child. She then runs off and consoles Ki-woo, who has a bit of a violent breakdown and threatening Young-su with death in the chaos;
They then catch the family, taking them to the nearby police station. Ki-woo is arrested and Young-su takes the family to live with them.
They live decent lives until Ki-woo breaks out from his cell, which coincidentally sparks a few unfortunate incidents to happen. Taek tears his ligament after being accidentally crushed by furniture that Young-su’s husband and their employee was transporting (he’s completely fine outside of that tear), despite being told not to get out of the car after he insists to come with them. Young-su and Ji-sook was already in the hospital for a medical checkup of Ji-sook’s baby. Young-su and her husband’s relationship sours further.
Cue Ki-woo meeting Eun-yi after escaping, telling her to pass a note to Ji-sook after admiring his daughter’s new ability to write and read (Eun-yi was completely illiterate up to this point);
Ji-sook then goes “Yeah, sorry, no. I’m not going back to that life, PLEASE leave.” when she meets him, sending him into another very bad violent breakdown after he leaves;
Ki-woo completely loses it. He first dine and dashes a poor ahjumma selling fried food and threatened her with a skewer, and then going through a grocery store and just ravaging it and eating whatever he comes across. When confronted by staff, he throws a watermelon and some other fruits and vegetables at them then runs off. He then... umm.. smears his face with what looks to be feces and picks up a flaming bucket;
He comes back to Young-su’s house as they are having BBQ together with Ji-sook, completely broken at this point and sets her furniture on fire in the struggle to restrain him, everyone survives but Ki-woo.
The movie ends with Eun-yi’s internal monologue to her father, stating that she’s happy now and is living well with Young-su. The movie then cuts to a shot of them after the incident, showing Young-soo and her husband embracing the two children, as they cry.
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The Review
Reading the plot summary I made above, I could say that the movie was very messy in terms of its plot points.
It goes from 0 to 100 quickly, and not in a good way. It tries to portray a neutral ground on poverty and to bring awareness of it, only to end up creating this weirdly tense experience even though the first half seems to hint at a emotional drama movie rather than a thriller movie.
I’m aware that the two genres (thriller and drama) can go hand-in-hand when pulled off well (Juvenile Justice), it’s just that from the promotional material for this movie just gives a different vibe than what I got watching the end product.
So I’ll rate this movie on 3 categories: cinematography, characterization and story.
Story
The plot was very messy to say the least, it just outright swapped genres from a drama to a f!cking thriller-tragedy after Ki-woo decided to go out like that in the end.
My expectations for the movie was a pure ‘0 to hero’ kind of drama. Where despite Ki-woo and his violent breakdowns, he eventually begins seeking help and eventually gets back on his feet with the support of the people around him.
I know that this type of plot is overdone, but in my opinion it would’ve been better with this approach alongside the scenes of Ki-woo struggling.
Another problem is how his violent breakdowns are never properly explained in the movie, and it becomes a bit problematic and it ends up clashing with other plot points if this aspect of him suddenly became a vital plot point while trying to present Ji-wook trying to get back on her feet without Ki-woo through proper means. They then could’ve shown Ji-wook getting proper mental health assistance and reuniting with kids after he gets better mentally, as this life has left some obvious scars on his psyche and he clearly needs it based on how he acts after the first half. If only they went with this route instead and didn’t go with the violent prison break plot point.
This could’ve been good, but ended up falling flat hard and failing to convey anything important socially regarding poverty and the people who struggle through it.
Final rating: 2/5, this was not a good social awareness drama nor a good thriller.
Cinematography
Okay, this movie has a few saving graces, and one of them is its cinematography. It has a few good shots that stand out, with some being wallpaper worthy:
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This movie seems to love playing with symmetrically balanced compositions and wide shots, which I dig!
The way the movie is graded in some scenes seem to remind me of older Korean films for some reason, though I can’t grasp exactly why.
Final rating: 4.5/5
Characterization
In my opinion, also quite weak. None of the characters stand out too much but Eun-yi, who’s overall mature, really knows how to read situations, and caring towards her troublemaking and selfish younger brother. What makes her particularly stand out is her calm and composed personality, and I personally feel like she was more fleshed out than the other characters.
Even Young-su, Ki-woo, and Ji-sook didn’t stand out this much in comparison to her, as their overall characterization was weak and they weren’t really fleshed out as the plot progressed.
Final rating: 2.5/5
Overall Rating: 3
Verdict: One size doesn’t fit all, some may enjoy this movie, but I clearly didn’t enjoy it too much. It could’ve been better with a bit of a more polished story. This movie attempted to bring empathy and awareness, only to sadly fail in doing so. With overall weak characters, there was no one I could really latch on to. The acting was good, but overall standard quality where it isn’t bad nor mediocre, but it wasn’t too great either. Granted, they were probably limited by the kinda weak script.
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resurrectedicon · 2 years ago
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IT WAS CLEARLY MY DESTINY TO DIE AND BE REBORN -    JUST LIKE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.   
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# 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐍 --
private and selective  cannon divergent   𝙼𝙰𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙽 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙶𝙾𝙼𝙴𝚁𝚈  of american horror story - coven.  dark and triggering themes may be played out on this account   *please follow with caution* minors and personals do not interact. rules and bio in sites please review before interactions. 𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟒 adored by alex ˢʰᵉ / ʰᵉʳ RULES UNDER READ MORE
blog roll - kyle spencer , peeta mellark , horror multi afilliated with - @newbrckenscene , @killersnatch , @nepowarlock
𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 , 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 ,  𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 ,  𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 , 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨
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001. i have been writing Madison since 2014 so i am a little protective of her and i do also have a bunch of back story that will be cannon to how i write her as a character. how i write her will follow the cannon story line of ahs - coven , but anything after or before events in the show will be based on my own headcannons for madison.
002. I am a mutual only blog , meaning i will only be interacting with people who follow me and i also follow back. please if we are not mutuals , do not interact. any interactions outside of mutuals will be ignored , this does include pms , and if it’s continued i will have to block for my own comfort.
004. I do tend to take a little while to respond to things being that I have a full time job working outside and it does usually take a lot out of me. my usual days off are Tuesday and wednesday and i will be most active on those days. rping is a hobby for me and i would like to keep it that way , so please no pressure for responses.
005. when it comes to triggers , i will tag anything i feel needs to be tagged with “trigger” TW or “trigger” CW if it is written but please keep in mind there will be many dark themes played out on this account. if there is anything you see that you wish to not, feel free to reach out and ask me to tag anything. i don't mind and i will go on tagging it in the future. the only thing i have blacklisted personally is 'animal death' or anything along those lines.
006. my name is alex and i’m 21+ so with that being said i will not follow anyone under the age of 18 nor do i think anyone under the age of 18 should follow me. if i do find a minor following me it will be a hard block. in addition to this rule , when it comes to nsfw content i am comfortable with writing it out as well as fade to black. admittedly i’m not great at writing smut and only feel comfortable writing with with muns i know well. though i am fully open to mutuals sending in any nsfw content to madison no matter what.
007. when someone follows me i will take the time to look over everything on their account and decide if i think our muses could interact and i would expect anyone else to do the same when i follow but if my follow sits there for a few weeks without a response , no hard feelings , i do not mind but i will just unfollow to keep my dash clean! if for some reason i do not add you back please accept this and do not follow and refollow or interact with anything on my account. this will result in a hard block.
008. madison will be played out cannon divergent to an extent. i do acknowledge the events of coven though many of madison’s actions will have different intentions based on my head cannons. please be aware , she is not a fan of anyone in the coven and hates them all and this will be played out, please don’t expect madison to be excited to hear about or see anyone from the school (unless plotted otherwise). i also don’t acknowledge any of the event of apocalypse seeing as she wouldn’t remember any of those events happening.
009. shipping is welcomed on this account , just remember who madison is. she will fall for people fast and has been known to be toxic and jealous often. when it comes to cannon shipping , i do not ship madison and kyle at all. I believe madison used kyle as a distraction and was never fully in love with him. things could be plotted out possibly but keep in mind that madison HATES kyle and it is very unlikely they would even be friends. he did kill her after all.
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ellawritesficssometimes · 7 years ago
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My Save Year: ch. 4
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12554533/1/My-Save-Year
Summary: Depressed and rejected by his family, Arthur longs for a new beginning during his first year of university. There he meets Alfred, an optimistic bright-eyed oaf with a sunny smile. An unlikely romance develops between them, one that was already doomed from the beginning. (USUK, multichapter)
Mid-October…
Prof. Braginski dismissed us from the lecture fifteen minutes earlier than usual. The new location of the lecture was desolate, much farther from the other buildings on campus. This was already the third switch up of classrooms; the class was nearly down to half its size. Most students dropped out because of the course’s inconsistency, choosing to take the online version instead.
Francis, Antonio, Lovino, Gilbert, and myself, on the other hand, stubbornly stuck it through with the original course. We were very much visual learners and had to see the material presented to us in order to truly engage with it.
Although, it was hard to listen to Prof. Braginski without feeling sorry for him. The man looked like he hadn’t caught a wink of sleep judging by the dark bags under his eyes. Everyone in the University stayed far away from him because of the paranormal rumours attached to his reputation.
Hell, we’d all experienced the random bangs and moans of ghosts haunting the classrooms he taught at. Although, only Francis and I could hear the latter. Still, it was hard for anyone to dispute that there was some sort of paranormal activity going on.
So far, this third location proved to be the quietest in terms of hauntings. The lights flickered, but that’s about it. We were located in a dingy basement of a church, using desks that were hardly big enough to place a laptop on. It was crowded and humid despite the cool fall weather outside.
Just as I was about to leave with Francis – we managed to tolerate each other now, and could even be considered just a tad bit more than acquaintances – Prof. Braginski asked me to stay back.
I complied and met the professor at the front podium.
Prof. Braginski gathered his papers before neatly placing them in his briefcase. “Ah, Mr. Kirkland, I’ve been meaning to speak to you for a while now,” he said apologetically, snow-white hair shining under the artificial fluorescent lights.
“I’m sure you’re aware that you’ve received the highest mark in the class for the first assignment, da?”
I nodded my head. My cheeks warmed. I was unsure of myself and quite frankly didn’t know how to react to praise. “Yes, sir, you sent me an email to inform me of this last week.”
Prof. Braginski straightened, readjusting his scarf in preparation for baring against the cold weather. “That long ago, huh?” he chuckled. “My apologies. If it’s any consolation, I have been quite busy lately with booking new classroom locations, as well as re-grading assignments. Many people in the class weren’t pleased with the results they received. Most of the time, these are the students who don’t attend any of my lectures.”
I nodded awkwardly, still unsure of what to say. The Russian was very intimidating up-close. He looked like he was capable of cracking a spoon with his thumb alone.
“Anyways, I just wanted to congratulate you,” Prof. Braginski continued. His violet eyes shined with kindness. “I know what’s its like to be an emerging writer. It’s tough, because you never truly know if you’re good enough. You’re always criticizing your writing, unable to see the talent laying right out before you like a shining beacon. Doubt is blinding like that.
“I try to tell students not to think that way when they get better. Just because you improve doesn’t mean that you were horrible before… I expect a lot of things from you, Mr. Kirkland. It was an immense pleasure reading your work. You just have such a way of getting down to the gritty details of how a character feels. It was almost paralyzing to read, and yet, I couldn’t unglue my eyes from the paper.”
“T-thank you, sir,” I stammered robotically. “This means a lot to me. Really, it does.”
“Anytime,” Prof. Braginski smiled. “All it takes is a bit of encouragement. We writers, we’re always so insecure about ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is a little push from someone who knows exactly what you’re going through.”
“I know what you mean,” I replied, wide-eyed. Briefly, my thoughts traced back to Alfred before focusing on Prof. Braginski’s slightly hooked nose. I was too shy to establish direct eye contact with him.
“So, have you started on the second prompt yet? I’m sure that you have. The deadline is fast approaching. What is it? Two weeks until it’s due?”
Our second prompt was to write a historical fiction piece. The time or genre didn’t matter so long as it was before 1960. We could depict anything we wanted to.
“Yes, sir,” I answered politely. “I’ve begun research in the library, and intend to continue it right now, actually. This was my last class of the day.”
“Oh, well, I won’t keep you for much longer then,” Prof. Braginski pursed his lips in approval. “Now, keep in mind this offer may not stand if I decide to leave next semester, but if I do decide to stay, I’m always looking for an assistant. This position would build you a lot of credit, and I’d be happy to invite you to a writer’s residency program afterwards. I see lots of potential in you, and I would hate for it to go unrecognized.”
“I…I don’t know what to say other than thank you,” I said, mouth gaped open like a bloody idiot. “I don’t know what I did to deserve–”
“Nyet! None of that,” Prof. Braginski interrupted, kindly. “You deserve every opportunity this world has to offer. I only offer this to students who I believe have a future in writing. Don’t question it, but rather accept your talent for what it is and hone in on it; tweak it; perfect it; and then, share it to the world, touch and reach the hearts of others, and maybe then, you’ll achieve the happiness you’ve long sought after.”
There was a knowing look in Prof. Braginski’s eyes as he clapped a hand over my shoulder. “When I was your age, I was stunted by a fear of rejection. It brought me many pains, and…” he paused. I could almost swear that tears were swimming in his old, wise gaze.
“…some ‘experiences’ I would rather not talk about. The point is, Mr. Kirkland, is to never let doubt plague you from achieving what you want. Don’t think, act. Now go, you have another marvelous one-shot to write for me. I very much look forward to reading it once it’s complete.”
Stunned, I stumbled forward. I had completely blanked out and forgotten what I had said to Prof. Braginski as I left the lecture room.
I was finally able to breathe again once I made it into the library.
The relief didn’t last long as I had to duck and creep past the study tables on the first floor. Matthew was holding his weekly Friday Homework club session, and since Francis was a stalker, he had long decided to attend them.
All right, to be fair, Gilbert first went to the meetings, and since Gilbert went, Antonio and Francis went too. Lovino was also forced to attend because of Antonio.
What was important was that Francis mainly came to these meetings because he wanted to check up on me. I avoided him because I didn’t want him to find out what I was doing here, other than working. I’d solve the case of the rooftop without his help, thank you very much.
It was hard enough coming up with excuses of why I couldn’t attend the meetings as all five of us walked over to the library together after class. Apparently, studying alone was beginning to lose its potency as an effective justification for not joining them.
Francis turned and eyed the bookcase I was using to hide/ walk behind. He was waiting for me to walk into the library, likely planning to use another guilt-trip tactic. Just because I tolerated him now didn’t mean that I wanted to spend every waking minute with him. Living together was more than enough.
Sapphire eyes narrowed before shifting their gaze to Matthew, who had cleared his throat several times to garner the Frenchman’s attention.
“Francis, focus on your work!” Matthew timidly scolded. He had about as much assertiveness as an endangered baby panda.
“Ah…oui,” Francis bashfully rubbed the back of his neck.
“Kesesese! Oh look, you made the little birdie angry,” Gilbert cackled.
“Gilbert, what did I say about you calling me that?” Matthew deadpanned.
“I’ll keep calling you as such until you finally agree to go out on a date with me,” Gilbert countered, a definite smirk on his face judging by the tone he used. “They don’t call me five meters for nothing…”
Lovino yawned and picked up his mobile. “Hi, yes, operator? I’d like to report a case of unnecessary sexual harassment.”
Antonio snickered. Lovino’s comment was unnecessary. Shy as he was, Matthew was more than capable of looking after himself.
“I’m starting to think that they call you five meters because of all the restraining orders people have filed against you,” Matthew huffed.
“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
Smirking, I left for the rickety metal staircase leading up to the third floor. I couldn’t use the elevator, since it was in plain sight of the study group. God forbid that I had more than one social interaction today.
I wanted to look at the records’ section again. I was contemplating doing a piece about someone who had lived here in the past. Obviously, I would adjust the storyline and names and keep it tasteful, but I think it would be interesting if I wrote about what it was like to have attended this university many years ago. The spirits here that I’ve met already only attested to how rich and dark the school’s history was.
But, before I got to that, I had a certain yank to greet. Alfred waited for me at 4PM on weekdays where we met and chatted on the library’s rooftop. On the weekends, we had also grown accustomed to studying at the ‘food’ table in the fiction section together. As you can probably guess, I had yet to come up with any leads about the food snatching.
Not yet anyway.
The moment I stepped foot onto the rooftop, Alfred exploded. He was even more jittery than usual. “Dude, where were you? You’re late! I…I was beginning to worry,” he trailed off, solemnly reseating himself as I sat next to him on a bench. He was perfectly comfortable with me sitting next to him now.
“Sorry, one of my professors asked me to stay back,” I apologized for reasons inexplicable. When Alfred pouted like that I immediately felt sorry regardless if his sadness was irrational or not.
“He wanted to congratulate me for doing well on my first assignment. You know, the one I sent in last month?” I explained.
Alfred angrily scribbled in his notebook. “Yeah, yeah, you told me,” he muttered. “Good for you.”
I rolled my eyes. “What’s wrong now?”
Alfred ignored me. His cheeks weren’t just pink from the cold.
“Alfred, don’t be a twat. Tell me.”
“I thought you got tired of me and weren’t going to come again!” Alfred blurted out. “Sorry! I know I’m being irrational!” he chuckled. “Anxiety man, it really likes to mess with your brain, huh?”
“You’re correct. You are being irrational. We’ve been friends for how long now? Six weeks? Seven? I’m not just going to abandon you, Alfred. I couldn’t stand it if I did. Loud and crude as you may be, I truly enjoy talking to you. Just like you keep encouraging me to believe in myself, I’ll do the same for you. I like being your friend.”
“Say that. Say it again.”
“Why?” I smirked.
“Please?”
“I like being your friend, Alfred,” I huffed, crossing both my arms and ankles. Great, how was I going to tell him that I had to leave to do research?
Alfred broke out into a grin. “Thanks, buddy. I really needed that.”
I shrugged. “Anytime. Honestly, you can be so weird sometimes.”
Alfred ignored me again and began jotting down more ideas in his notebook. I had to look away when his tongue poked out of the corner of his mouth.
“So,” I let out a deep breath. Cold air clouded around my face. “How’s class going for you? Are you working on another assignment?”
“Nope, just brainstorming ideas for my War AU,” Alfred chirped. “I can do that literary bullshit essay late at night like I usually do. Class is good, boring, but good. You?”
I deadpanned. Classic Alfred. If something didn’t peak his interest, he would torture himself and leave an assignment until the very last minute. What infuriated me was that he got higher marks than students who had started weeks before him. He was naturally talented. If only he put more effort into his studies…
Alfred was bright, but not keen.
I faltered. I didn’t want to leave Alfred just yet. Watching him work and brainstorm was a guilty pleasure of mine. He wore his emotions on his face. My heart fluttered every time his eyebrows would furrow, lips pursed in thought, cerulean eyes sparking with determination. I’ll repeat myself again: he was beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, but I couldn’t have him.
“Hey,” I started. “I’m supposed to write a historical piece for my next one-shot. Would you… mind if I took a look at your ideas? I could really use the inspiration.”
Alfred’s head shot up, blond cowlick bouncing. His expression was more surprised than anything else, but he didn’t look opposed to it. “Sure, man. Suit yourself. Not that any of this is good.”
He handed the bounded notebook to me. I intended to cradle it gently, as it was very valuable to him, but ended up gasping as the notebook landed sharply on my lap – it was a lot heavier than I had expected.
“Jesus Roosevelt Christ!” I cussed. “How much does this thing weigh?”
Alfred blushed, placing a gloved fist over his mouth. “I don’t know…this is years of ideas and ink you’re looking at.”
“Clearly,” I said as I flipped through the notebook. Several extra notebooks and papers had been clipped into the binding, which explained the extra weight. Still, it was unimaginable how much this thing weighed. I could barely hold it up without feeling like my wrists were about to snap.
“Say something already!” Alfred spluttered, red up to his face, neck, and ears. “You’re killing me here!”
After some time had passed, I closed the notebook having briefly glanced over the plot and historical notes. I didn’t need to do this, I was merely fibbing around so that I didn’t have to leave Alfred right away.
I had told myself before that I wouldn’t stay with him for long. Half an hour later, and it still wasn’t enough. Spending time with Alfred was like a drug. You craved it, needed it. Instead of a high, he gave me praise and acceptance. To me, this was the only satisfaction I would ever need and couldn’t nearly get enough of.
“It’s so thorough,” I remarked in awe. “And here I thought I was a good researcher. I can’t imagine how much thought was put into this. And the characterization, my word! You really root for Allen to survive the war in the end. It’s just a pity that it seems like you’re intending to have his mental health be his final undoing. You’re not going to kill him off, are you?”
Alfred’s solemn expression indicated the opposite.
“That’s so cruel!” I complained.
“Yeah, well, life is unfair like that,” Alfred grumbled, leaning back to drape his arms over the bench. God, how I wanted him to wrap his arms around me.
I fidgeted with my hands, thinking about how I was going to break the news to Alfred. He treasured our time spent together just as much as I did, only for different reasons.
“Thank you for showing me something so personal,” I murmured softly. “That was very sweet of you.”
“Did it help?”
“Yeah,” I smiled. “I really think that it did. Which brings me to my next point. I’m afraid I can’t stay here any longer. I have some research to do for the piece, and now that my professor is expecting a lot more from me, it’s got to be absolutely perfect.”
I stood up and slung my backpack over my shoulder.
Alfred spluttered. “Wha–?! You’re leaving?! Already?!”
I gave Alfred a sad look. “Yes, that’s what I just said, didn’t I?”
“No!” Alfred fumed. He slammed his notebook into his satchel.
“What do you mean, no?!” I snapped, irritation setting in.
“You heard me, Artie,” Alfred growled. He curled his gloved hands into fists as he stood up to loom over me. “This is our daily meeting time, so wherever you go, I go.”
“Alfred,” I deadpanned, promptly ignoring the putrid nickname. “You can’t just follow me around. I have work to do.”
“Yes I can! Watch me!”
“You’re going to get bored,” I shook my head in disbelief. Meanwhile, my heartbeat sped up, hammering in my chest uncontrollably. He was going out of his way to spend time with me. Me!
“No, I won’t. Now stop talking, and get researching. I’ll eat and supervise.”
I scoffed when Alfred pulled out a PB & J sandwich from his jacket. He really fancied those from the school’s cafeteria.
“Fine,” I growled. “Just don’t be too loud. And that means chewing with your mouth closed!”
“Yep! Mhmmghgph.”
“Oh dear god,” I sighed, holding open the library’s door for him. “How can you switch from being sweet and endearing to insufferable in thirty seconds flat?”
Alfred swallowed heavily. “Beats me.”
“Don’t you have something better to do? How come you don’t socialize with your actual classmates?” I asked. I let go of the door and it swung shut with a satisfying click.
This was something I had always wondered. I only ever saw Alfred in the library, or very rarely in the cafeteria. I didn’t know what he did in his spare time, let alone which dorm building he was residing in. He was a mystery, but I never asked these things out of fear of breaching his privacy and very fragile personal bubble.
We walked together comfortably on the soft padded carpeting and approached the balcony railing that overlooked the entire library. I took a sharp right and Alfred followed.
“I do,” Alfred replied. “But you’re the one I hang out with outside of class. I like you the most. I’m getting better at initiating conversations, though! It must be because of the practice I have with you.”
Of all people, the yank had learned how to socialize better from me. How ironic.
Still, that comment made me blush furiously; I had to turn away. If he kept saying things like that…
“So!” Alfred whistled. “What type of reaching are ya doin’?”
“I’m looking up biographies or newspaper articles about people who used to attend the university. We’re supposed to write a story about the past. I figured I would write a historical fiction piece about one of the lores people on campus like to gossip about. I mean, seriously. If I hear one more suicide horror story, my ears are going to bleed!” I sighed.
Alfred inhaled sharply. “That’s uh, real weird, Artie. Where are you taking us anyway?”
“You mean where am I going?” I smugly corrected. “You’re the one following me, remember? And, the records section, of course. I have to base this piece on someone, even if I am going to change up a few things.”
“Oh,” Alfred squeaked.
I stopped abruptly, turning to shed Alfred with an annoyed glare. “Let me guess,” I started. “You’re afraid there’s going to be more ghosts in this section?”
“Well, yeah dude, that’s a fact! I know this library from head to toe! I…uh came here a lot earlier in the summer than you did! The records section is the worse because it’s about real people! I would know, I used to sit there before I moved to the rooftop!”
“Tsk! You’re such a baby.”
“Am not!” Alfred protested.
“Are…” I turned around and realized that Alfred was gone.
I nearly jumped three feet in the air when Matthew came walking around a nearby bookshelf. “I thought I heard you up here, Arthur. Francis was looking for you earlier. He wanted you to come down and join us, but the meeting’s over now… Eh, who were you talking to? I thought I heard another voice?”
“Oh just some ridiculous yank who’s a total baby and is scared of ghosts!” I spoke up just in case Alfred was nearby.
“How nice, you made a friend,” Matthew smiled. He looked eerily maternal. I stifled a sigh. “I’ll let you two fight it out then,” he smirked. There was a knowing expression on his face. “And Arthur?”
“Yes?”
“You should really start coming to the meetings. Your other friends in it would really like you to go.”
“Maybe,” I shrugged.
“Mhmmm. Bye now.”
“Like hell I will,” I finished when Matthew’s soft chuckles had faded away.
Without a certain loud-mouth to interrupt me, I began pawing through several records. I flipped through maybe five of them before jumping again at the sound of a pop can opening.
“What the hell are you doing?!” I hissed, angry because I had nearly dropped the record book I was holding.
Alfred guzzled down a can of Fanta. “What?” he whined, letting out a loud “AH!” as the carbonated bubbles scraped at his throat. “There was a vending machine nearby and I wanted something to wash the sandwich down.”
I pointed a sharp index finger at a bin around the corner. “Garbage, now. You know full well that I work at this library. You’re breaking one of the only rules here.”
“But Artieeee!”
“Don’t you ‘but Artie’ me! Now I’m going to count to ten, and if that’s not in the garbage by the time I’m done…”
“I’m not doin’ it.”
“1…”
“…”
“2…”
“…”
“3…”
“Fine! Whatever! Be a stick in the mud, see if I care.”
“Hmmph! That’s what I thought,” I conceitedly murmured to myself, and then smugly resumed my research.
Alfred had his revenge when he snuck up on me from behind and playfully jabbed my side with his thumb.
“Gotcha!”
“AH!” Since I was a very ticklish person, I jolted and accidently elbowed Alfred in the stomach.
“OOMPH!” Alfred turned and staggered backwards. He grabbed at my waist to prevent himself from falling. All he managed to do was bring me down with him.
Disorientated, it took me a solid thirty seconds before I was aware of my compromising position. I was straddling Alfred.
Horror quickly set in.
Much to my surprise, Alfred didn’t panic. Instead he laughed, squinting up at me as his glasses were left askew on the bridge of his nose. His cerulean eyes seemed bluer under the fluorescent lights; it was an indescribable shade.
So was how red my face was.
“Bahahaha! Your face!” Alfred reached out to pinch my cheeks. “It’s so red!”
Silence.
“Oh, go fuck yourself!” I scowled and rigidly crawled off him. I stood up and brushed off the dirt from my pants, attempting to maintain some dignity.
“Aw, Arthur come back!” Alfred protested. He scrambled to his feet. “It was just a joke, I’m sorry! I’m also sorry for messing up your research!”
I looked over my shoulder, lips pursed in a death glare. “Good night, Alfred. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I grudgingly admitted that last part. I could never stay mad at him for too long. The way that his hair stuck up unevenly from the fall almost made me laugh, almost.
“Night!” Alfred giggled. He was shaking his head as if I were the weird one.
Unfortunately, I had a much larger problem in my pants to hide and eventually get rid of.
Several hours later…
I furiously rubbed at my eyes, hoping to alleviate a late-night grogginess spell. Each day, I had a set number of course readings and work to do. If I didn’t finish what I had set out to accomplish, I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Perhaps, this was my OCD, but I absolutely despised being behind on my work. My anxiety simply wouldn’t be able to handle it.
I was stubborn, but at least this trait didn’t bring me unnecessary stress caused by procrastination. Yes, Francis, I’m talking about you, you overstuffed amphibian.
As of now, the Frenchman had gone to bed early, intending to get some beauty sleep. For once, he wasn’t out partying. Either way, he was a chronic procrastinator. Just watching him do his assignments at the last minute gave me high blood pressure, and I didn’t even like him!
“Come on,” I grumbled to myself, both squinting and widening my eyes. The pages were getting fuzzier and fuzzier.
It didn’t help that my level of focus was next to shit since the incident with Alfred in the library a few hours ago. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and when I did, I would cringe so hard stars danced before my eyes.
I leaned against the frame of my bed and straightened my posture. I had lost count how many times I’ve cracked my shoulders and spine. It was taking me over three hours just to get through thirty pages of material. Normally, something like this would take me an hour and a half at most.
A voice in my head begged for me to sleep, and my heavy-lidded eyes pleaded for this as well.
I hadn’t realized that my eyes had already closed until a large bang against my windowsill startled me back into focus. Again, with the irony here.
“I’m probably just imagining things,” I muttered. “Come on now, only ten more pages to go. I can do this.”
Not thirty seconds later, my window banged again.
Irritated, I swung my legs over the bed. The cold tiling pressing into the soles of my feet caused me to wince in discomfort. I padded over to the window anyway and narrowed my eyes.
“AH-! FUCK!” I gasped without a shred of elegance. A tall, hulking figure was perched on the tree outside my window. They were on the closet branch, waving at me with a massive hand. Were they going to throw a rock at me this time?
What if it was those delinquents from the bar area? Did they know where I lived now?
Panic crept up my throat. I could hardly breathe, and yet, I was frozen; motionless; terrified of what would happen next. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I willed them back.
“Artie!” The figure bellowed. Their voice was muffled by the glass panelling.
The clouds outside cleared. Under the moonlight, a gleam of spectacles and cerulean eyes reflected back at me.
I grabbed at my chest as if it would somehow stop my heart from beating as fast and unhealthily as it was now.
“Alfred!” I snapped. “What the hell are you doing here?! It’s one in the morning!”
Alfred motioned for me to open the window. “Can’t hear you, dude!” he mouthed, gloved hands cupped around his mouth. There was a devilish smirk on his face that didn’t sit right with me.
Because I was embarrassed, I couldn’t hope to stop myself from being rude. I wasn’t expecting company, not ever, but certainly not at this hour. I was wearing sweats and a hoodie; being presentable was far out of the question.
SLAM!
I opened the window harshly and scowled. “I said, what are you doing here?! It’s one in the morning, you imbecile!”
This was the first time I had seen Alfred outside of the library or cafeteria. I was being bombarded with too many surprises I wasn’t nearly prepared enough to deal with.
Alfred shrunk back. “I…ah…wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn’t mean to scare you off. I only meant to tease ya, and I guess it really backfired, huh?”
I blushed at the reminder. I couldn’t even bring myself to think about what I had done when I had gotten home earlier. Looking myself in the bathroom mirror in shame afterwards was more than enough.
“Apology accepted,” I scoffed. This whole encounter was just too ridiculous for me to process. “I’m sorry too. I get flustered easily. Although, what you’re doing right now isn’t helping. How did you even find out where I live?”
Alfred’s face brightened. “You told me you lived in the Gaul dorm, remember? This window was the only one with the lights on, and since you’re always studying, I figured this would be your room,” he explained. “You’re very predictable, Arthur. It doesn’t take a genius to figure you out.”
“Brilliant,” I remarked sarcastically. “You’re a true detective if I’ve ever seen one.”
“So,” Alfred shifted nervously. “You wanna come out and gaze at the stars with me?”
“Honestly,” I crossed my arms. “You make no bloody sense. First, you come to apologize to me when you could have done that tomorrow, and now you expect me to sit with you on a flimsy tree branch that likely won’t be able to hold up both of our weights?”
“I didn’t want to wait!” Alfred blurted out. “It was really bugging me. You just left so abruptly. I thought I hurt your feelings and then I felt really shitty about it and then I couldn’t sleep, so I came here because residence doesn’t let you in past 11 PM and now you’re being really mean and ah! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Crap! You must think I’m so weird… Also, this branch is a lot sturdier than it looks, man! I mean, it’s holding up my dead ass weight, ain’t it?!”
Silence.
Alfred rubbed at the back of his neck again and bit his lip. He was breathing heavily, too petrified to form a coherent sentence.
I caved almost immediately. Seeing Alfred be sad like this was too painful to watch.
“Fine,” I sighed. “But if I fall, I’m suing you. And are you really that surprised that I’m being mean to you? I thought you were trying to assault me! You nearly gave me a heart attack!”
“Oh god!” Alfred gasped, sheepish. “I didn’t think of that! Not that I think anything through, ahaha!” he laughed nervously. “I just thought it was a nice night to enjoy. You would see this for yourself if you came out here.”
“Well, I can’t do that if you’re not going to help me,” I countered. “Not everyone has the figure of an Olympic athlete like you do. I’m not exactly made for climbing.”
Alfred smirked and crawled closer to the window. He extended a gloved hand, smug in all of his entirety. “My dearest pasty prince, may I escort you onto this branch?” he mused.
“Forget it,” I snarled. “If you’re going to be insufferable, I’ll just go back to doing my work.”
“No! Please!” Alfred whined. “Artie! Come on! It’s so nice out! Take a break for once.”
Silence.
Alfred’s cerulean eyes widened, tearing up for dramatic effect. “Please,” he said, waggling his massive hand at me. His long fingers grabbed at empty air.
Silence.
“Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?”
My eyes twitched. Don’t look. Don’t look.
Damn it, I looked.
“Ple–!”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, fine!” I snapped.
Laughing, Alfred took my hand. With a grunt, he hoisted me up onto the branch. He held my waist with both hands until I settled on the branch, comfortably next to him. There was a decent amount of distance between us. I pretended not to acknowledge the jolts of electricity that shot up my spine every time he touched me.  
“See, isn’t it nice out?” Alfred said serenely, pointing up at the near perfect night.
I furrowed my brows. Just twenty minutes ago, it had been pitch-black out and now there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. The moon shone against us, a bright yellow orb that painted the campus with a dream-like dewy light.
“Yes, actually,” I admitted, glancing at the cluster of stars dotting the night. If you looked even closer, you could just barely make out the murky trails of several nebulas. The campus was in a remote enough location where star-gazing was far easier than it was in urban areas.
“I can’t remember the last time I was able to see full constellations,” I continued. “Actually, I just haven’t bothered to do something as simple as this for a long time now. You’re right, Alfred. It is nice.”
Alfred playfully bumped his shoulder against mine. “Thought so. You’re always so busy that you never look up to enjoy the simple things in life. I’ve yet to see you relax. Being high-strung must be a talent of yours.”
“Haha, very funny,” I yawned.
“Woah,” Alfred exclaimed when I began to sway without realizing. “Just how tired are you exactly?”
“Very,” I murmured. “I’ll be…fine.”
“No, no you’re not. Can I um…” Alfred faltered, craning his neck to look at me. “Can I wrap my arm around you? I just want to make sure you don’t fall!!!”
Turns out I wasn’t the only one blushing profusely.
“W-what?!” I spluttered, only to falter when Alfred shrunk back, embodying a kicked puppy position. “Well, ah, I mean, if you’re comfortable doing it, sure?” I squeaked.
Without another word, Alfred wrapped an arm around my torso in support. He was warm. I could feel the heat emanating from underneath his bomber jacket.
“T-thanks,” I whispered.
“Any time,” Alfred just about squealed, his voice a few octaves higher than normal.
Silence, again.
I willed myself not to breathe too much. Not that I was able to. Alfred was so close. I could smell him: leather, and the gruff scent of polish and hair gel. His arms were strong in their grip. I wanted to lean closer, but knew it wouldn’t be appropriate given our relationship.
Instead, I focused on admiring the night sky. If I met those wondrous cerulean eyes one more time, I didn’t know if I’d be able to handle it. They weren’t mine to look at. For now, I could only cherish them.
“Hey,” Alfred spoke up again. His entire body was tense. If he pointed up his chin any higher, he’d surely break his neck.
“Yes?” I replied, breathless.
“I really am sorry for earlier. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“It’s fine. You just startled me, that’s all.”
Alfred chuckled. “Just like I did now?”
“Yes,” I smiled faintly. “Just like you did now, you stupid yank.”
“Aw come on, that’s not nice,” Alfred chided.
“Oh shut up,” I huffed. “You’ve patronized me enough tonight. Just let me enjoy this moment while it lasts. Soon it’ll be over, and then I’ll be thrust back into the never-ending cycle of lectures, papers, and mid-terms. I need an outlet to vent my frustrations onto; you just so happen to be it.”
“Fair enough,” Alfred snickered. “But, didn’t you say something about having an annoying roommate? Don’t you get to vent your frustrations onto him?”
“Oh, believe me I do,” I said in loathing. “I try to avoid him most of the time, though. Unfortunately, he has a tendency to find me wherever I am. Our meeting spot on the rooftop is the only place I can hide from him.”
“Is he really that bad?” Alfred asked.
“Absolutely intolerable,” I shuddered. “He blasts music all day, drinks wine, and parties just about every other night. Not to mention that he constantly picks at me for, well, everything. My clothes, my diet, my hair…my writing; apparently it’s really depressing and cryptic. He usually shuts up after I tell him his writing sounds like it’s written from the perspective of a sixteen year old drama queen. God, I can’t stand angst. Maybe it’s because my life is already full of it enough as it is.”
Alfred shrugged. “I don’t know, dude. Maybe your roommate is just trying to pull out the best in you. I’ve seen what you bring for lunch. Not that I’m a master chef or anything, but bread and butter isn’t enough to get you through the day. I don’t mind how you dress, and as for your writing? As long as he’s not malicious, it’s okay to accept constructive criticism. I’m sure he cares about you a lot more than you think. He wouldn’t bother if he didn’t.”
“Alfred,” I groaned. “I’m trying to vent. I don’t need a rational explanation and analysis like you’re my frigging therapist. I’m angry, leave me be.”
“I’m just saying,” Alfred protested, albeit weakly. “It won’t do ya any good if you keep pushing away people.”
“You currently have your arm wrapped around me,” I slyly remarked. “I hardly see that as pushing people away.”
“Touche,” Alfred admitted.
“How about you?” I asked, re-directing the conversation. “Surely, you can’t be that great of a roommate if you’re out this late at night. Aren’t they going to be angry when you come back and wake them up?”
Truth is, I had no idea where Alfred lived on campus. We had never even spoken about the subject.
“Nah,” Alfred waved his free hand. “I’m in a single. All I have to worry about is sneaking past my res supervisor. It was pretty easy considering most people are partying in their rooms at this time.”
I nodded my head, stifling my jealousy. What I would have given to have a room to myself. If only I wasn’t dirt poor. No matter, this was what I came here for. I’d get a degree and make myself a solid career.
“Are you always this impulsive?”
“Yes.”
“That was a rhetorical question,” I deadpanned.
“I know, it’s just fun bugging you,” Alfred countered with ease. “I like how your eyebrows furrow together. It’s cute.”
Words cannot how flustered I became after that comment.
Thankfully, a distraction in the form of a very drunk Italian saved me from responding.
“Antonio, you bastard,” Lovino slurred twenty feet below. “Come here, and sweep me off my feet. I c-can’t walk, ahahaha!”
Antonio stumbled forward and giddily wrapped his arms around Lovino. “You’re so cold, mi amor. That coat isn’t warm enough for you. Here, allow me to help.”
I had to look away for the sake of privacy when the two began to make out.
Alfred and I remained quiet until they had finally walked away.
“They’re sure having a good time,” Alfred said shyly, a hesitant smile on his face.
I don’t know what overcame me, but suddenly, a surge of boldness balled up in my chest. Seeing Antonio and Lovino together didn’t just make me jealous. I was motivated to test things out with Alfred, however small the chances they were.
If not, I was perfectly fine with being friends with him.
Still, there was a small sliver of hope. Alfred was bi. He had his arm wrapped around me. Everything was set into place, and appeared like they were in my favour. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation talking, but I didn’t care.
I leaned closer into Alfred, humming pleasantly. Alfred stiffened, but didn’t pull away.
Perhaps it was the sereneness of the moment, or that I was enjoying myself, but I desperately longed for more intimacy. It’s been too long since I’d experienced it. After years of keeping to myself, Alfred was the first person whom I had ever kept for more than just a couple weeks at a time.
I wanted him. More than that, I trusted him.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t me who made the next move.
Alfred brushed his right hand over my left. “You’re not wearing any gloves,” he murmured. “They…they must be cold, right?”
“Mhhhm, yeah, very cold,” I said, impatiently.
I curled my fingers so that my knuckles brushed into his palm. “Tell me something, Alfred. Are you comfortable?”
“Y-yeah why do you ask?”
I flipped our hands so that I was holding onto his. “How about now?”
“Yeah…very comfortable,” Alfred flushed. “I’m never shy with you, Arthur. You k-know that.”
I leaned closer, pressing my face a nose’s distance away from his. “How about now?” I blinked.
“I would be more comfortable if you kissed me,” Alfred said, bravely meeting my eyes.
“Took you long enough, lad,” I grinned. “I knew you were clever.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his. I moaned lowly when his tongue poked at my bottom lip. I opened in compliance, letting our tongues slip together in slow, experimental movements.
“Mmmph,” Alfred sighed, and closed his eyes. Large, steady hands raked through my hair while my own placed themselves against his rock-hard chest.
I couldn’t believe it. I was kissing Alfred Jones… and he was kissing me back no less, with just as much want and need as my own.
Our kisses became rougher, teeth clacking against each other; messily, hungrily.
I gasped when Alfred squeezed my hips, moving so that his back was placed against the trunk of the tree. Sometime in between our sloppy brushing, I had crawled over to straddle him.
“Easy,” I growled. “You’re going to leave bruises.”
“I’m sorry,” Alfred breathed into my neck, feathering the sensitive skin with delicate kisses. “I’ve just wanted to do this for so long now. You’re beautiful, Arthur. I can’t help it.”
I nearly sobbed right then and there, but instead focused on drinking up the pleasure of the moment. For once, I was being called beautiful. I wasn’t just thinking that of another person.
I needed a moment to breathe, to take in what had just happened. I resorted to pressing my forehead against Alfred’s, inhaling deeply.
Alfred grinned and rubbed his nose against mine. “You haven’t said anything. I’m worried.”
“That’s because I don’t know what to say,” I replied, sliding to rest my head against his collarbone. I was too shy to make eye contact. “Here I’ve had a crush on you all this time, and it turns out that you feel the same way. I’ve never had something work out for me so perfectly like this. Forgive me for being stunned by it.”
Alfred tucked his chin over my head, one arm rubbing my back in comforting circles. “Yup…” he trailed off, voice cracking. “That’s me for you: I think I’m being straight forward, but I only end up confusing people. I’ll probably never stop being impulsive.”
“Don’t!” I smirked.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t stop being impulsive. It’s the part of you that I like most. How you get antsy at every off-hand remark. Or how easy it is to make you happy. You’re precious, Alfred. I wouldn’t ever want you to change that about yourself.”
“You don’t know me, I mean, all of me,” Alfred murmured into my hair. “I suck sometimes by being awkward and getting mad easily, you just haven’t seen it yet. I say things that I don’t mean. I…I… shouldn’t have done this. It’s a wonder why you want to be friends with me. I…always fuck things up…”
I pulled away from Alfred, alarm setting in. “No.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, I said no. Don’t you dare give up now. Alfred, I’m in no rush to take things farther. I’ll be patient if I have to, because hell if we both know that I’m far from perfect myself. Still, you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. I couldn’t bear it if you left, not after all that we’ve shared together. I would be happy only being friends with you. Please, just don’t leave.”
Alfred’s arm tightened around me. “Okay,” he took a jagged breath. “Someone’s got to protect you, right? I won’t leave you, Artie. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me too. You make everything bad happening around me feel like it’s nothing. I just want to see you smile; to hold you close; to make sure you…take care of yourself.”
“I do take care of myself,” I hiccupped into his chest.
“No, you don’t. Come, I’m putting you to bed and then I’m going straight home. What kind of lunatic does homework this late anyway?”
“A nerd,” I dryly replied, trying not to look too disappointed as I pulled away from him.
“I must be in love with a lunatic nerd then,” Alfred smiled, shyly with a bigger one just begging to be released. He still looked so uncertain. I didn’t want him to feel this way, so I resorted to being sarcastic in the hopes of teasing him out of his shell.
“And I must be in love with a grammarless yank.”
“Selective grammarless yank,” Alfred corrected.
“Yes, yes, whatever. Now are you going to help me into my room or not?”
“Oops, yeah, sorry.”
After much protest, and awkward fumbling movements, Alfred helped me into my room. He also forced me to put my books away. I offered no protest. He had an insufferable habit of making it impossible to say no to him.
Once the lights were shut and I was tucked underneath the covers in an angry, curled position, Alfred smiled and sat next to me on the side.
“What?!” I snapped. “I did what you said, didn’t I?”
“Nothing,” Alfred whispered. “You just look really cute again, grumpy too.”
“If you’re trying to flatter or court me, it’s not working,” I scoffed, turning my back on him.
Alfred placed a hand on my waist. Even though there was a good amount of fabric between us, it still burned pleasantly. “Don’t be like that,” he tutted. “Artie, look at me.”
Reluctantly, I flopped onto my other side. My glare was still in place, but my hot cheeks took away from the act. “What?” I spat.
Alfred bent over to kiss my forehead. “Good night. I should really get going, though. I’ll see you tomorrow, all right?”
When he got up to leave, through the window as we had already agreed that Francis seeing him would cause way too much trouble and questions, I panicked. “Wait!” I hissed.
Alfred turned around, gaping. “Huh?”
I bit my lip. “Can you…stay?”
“Only until I fall asleep!” I added when I noticed the hesitant expression on his face.
The mattress shifted with another weight again. Things didn’t seem real. I was just so happy. “Okay, that I can do.”
“Good,” I said stiffly, and left it at that.
“Geez, Artie. Aren’t you just full of surprises?” Alfred laughed lightly. “I thought you didn’t need anyone else in your life?”
“Shut up. People change. It’s called character development.”
“Right, right. I’ll just let my handsome prescence lure you to sleep.”
He hadn’t just been teased out of his shell. He was lounging on top of it now.
“You’re lucky I’m exhausted,” I warned. “Otherwise – yawn – you would be expecting a good slap to the face for being so cheeky.”
“Literally.”
“Could you stop being such a smartass?” I snarled.
Alfred reached over to sweep a few strands of hair out of my eyes. “That I can’t do,” he said in a smug tone.
I rolled my eyes, too tired to argue. “Good night, Alfred. I hope you trip and fall on your way out.”
“You don’t actually mean that. Stop being so mean.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But it was still fun to say.”
“Shhh,” Alfred smoothed the back of my head. “You can argue with me all day tomorrow. But, you won’t be able to if you don’t get a good night’s rest.”
“Very true, love.”
“I just said shhh. You’re so stubborn, geez. I’m going to be here all night if you don’t stop.”
Precisely.
I hmphed but didn’t say anything more. Last night was the best sleep I’ve had in years. Why? Because someone other than Alistair genuinely liked me for me. I didn’t doze off with pervasive guilt, self-loathing or general anxiousness.
I was finally at peace.
The following morning, I staggered into the kitchen. I had woken up far later than usual, Alfred of course having already left some time last night.
I had a shift in an hour, so I would be able to see Alfred then. Honestly, I’d never understand why he was so adamant on being old-fashioned in everything he did. To not have a cellphone in this day and age was almost unheard of.
Francis was sitting at the small table we had set up, his laptop open with the latest news and a mug of coffee in his hands. He was already dressed and primed to perfection, whereas my hair was sticking up in every possible direction
I pretended to ignore Francis, refusing to let him sour my good mood. Hell, if he wasn’t there to stare at me, I probably would have allowed myself a small smile.
Someone liked me.
And I liked them back.
I still couldn’t get over it.
I drew the last straw when Francis tsked at me for my choice in breakfast: oatmeal and a slice of toast.
“What?!” I snapped. I was standing up, eating my toast over the sink. AS if I was going to sit down with him and engage in a civil conversation. Not when he was looking at me so critically.
Francis took a slow sip of his coffee, eyebrows raised. When he finished, he set down his mug in a dramatic, languid motion.
“You’ve been out communicating with spirits again, haven’t you?” he accused. “Arthur, it’s dangerous to do it alone, especially late at night. I would have come if they were bothering you that badly.”
“I did no such thing,” I said, and bit into my toast with a loud crunch.
Francis’s eyebrows raised even higher.
“I swear to God, I didn’t!” I snarled. “Stop looking at me like that. Even if I did, which I didn’t, I’ve already told you that if I need your help, I’ll ask!”
“Oui, whatever, keep lying to yourself. See if I care,” Francis sighed. He stood up from his seat and exited the kitchen.
“And what’s that supposed to mean?!”
Francis looked over his shoulder, sapphire eyes rolling. “I don’t know, ask yourself. You’re the one being suspicious.”
I turned away from Francis, furious.
My curiosity peaked when I realized that he had left his laptop open. Carefully, I leaned over the device.
In the search bar, he had typed in “How to get rid of nosy roommates.”
With a splutter, I blinked harshly when the webcam opened to snap a photo of me with a bright flash.
Francis poked his head into the kitchen, an obnoxious lilting smirk on his face. “What did I say: suspicious. Now I have my proof. The Arthur I know would never care about what I search, let alone think. You’re unusually happy, and it’s beginning to freak me out.”
So much for my good mood.
To be continued…
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hellsingocappreciation · 2 years ago
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✁ HOCA Blog Introduction
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Hey there! As you can tell from our username, this is an OC appreciation blog for the Hellsing fandom!
Hellsing is a small fandom and it can sometimes feel closed-off to people who enjoy creating content that doesn’t only involve canon characters/settings. As such, this blog was created as a means to encourage and help fans who have or desire to create OCs for Hellsing: Impure Souls/Hellsing Ultimate (and of course the manga, which should go without saying!)
But before going any further, an important note: this blog in no way intends to be an authority on who gets to create original characters, what those characters should be like, and/or what makes a good original character in Hellsing or in general. Though this blog was created to offer advice and lift up original characters in Hellsing, it may contain opinions or limitations that others may not agree with, and this is completely understandable. We may have differing ideas on what makes a character fit into the Hellsing-verse, but in no way is it our intention to gatekeep. The “Hellsing OC Appreciation'' (HOCA) blog is always open to constructive criticism and civil discussions, so long as they remain relevant to the subject at hand.
With that being said, here are the guidelines for this blog:
The Muns of this blog are very critical of Millennium OCs due to their inherent involvement with Nazism. We reserve the right to reject any Millennium OC we feel does not treat the sensitive subject matter appropriately or with enough respect. This blog is for all Hellsing fans, and we only promote work respectful to the backgrounds and experiences of Hellsing’s diverse fan base. If anyone is confused about what that is, they’re welcome to message us privately to review their OC.
We will have a little template for creators to fill out so that we and the Hellsing community can get to know your OC(s) better! Once we post the template, you are more than welcome to reblog it and add your character’s information to your post so that it can be viewed by others. If you are a bit unsure about your character’s information or have any anxiety about publishing this information for everyone to see, you may once again message us privately with the aforementioned template filled out if you’d prefer to be more private about it.
We feel that it is necessary to reiterate that this is a blog dedicated to uplifting and helping those with Hellsing original characters. This does not include self-inserts or reader-inserts, because a self/reader insert is not an original character. There is nothing wrong with a self/reader insert, but as they are not original characters, we ask that no one submit any self/reader inserts of any kind.
The "Hellsing OC Appreciation" blog aims to promote and encourage unique and interesting OC content within the Hellsing fandom. Since this is a small fandom, it goes without saying that much of the content we promote will be made by many of the same authors. It is our hope that in doing this, more people will gain the courage and inspiration to create new original characters and content for the Hellsing-verse!
Thank you for taking the time to read our guidelines! We hope that this will usher in more creativity and collaboration for the Hellsing fandom! If you would like to submit your Hellsing OC to our blog, please use the form below:
Hellsing OC Submission Form
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