#my real favourite will end up being the one that has shin’s ‘image of a great general’ moment in it ofc. but this was soooo perfect | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mmvalentine · 3 years ago

Note

hi!! how are you? I’m the one who sent you that dream prompt lol

I was thinking of this (way less weird) prompt: where feyre and Rhys knew each other since kids and were together, there’s a part of the books that Rhys says he and mor used to be sent to the cabin when they got into trouble (I think?) and here it is: Rhys has got himself in a fight with his dad and is sent there alone, but feyre finds a way to go to him without anyone knowing and they have the cabin all to themselves *insert smut here*

Hello little dreamer! Alright I've done so much prompt work these last couple of days and was trying to work through them chronologically because that's what seems fair but now I am tired and I just want to do one more and then take a break and this one is hands down my FAVOURITE of the ones left in my inbox right now. So you're getting bumped up!! Bit of a long one, fair warning.

A Chink in the Wall

Rhys has been alive for eighteen years, has known Feyre for seventeen, and has loved her for what feels like a thousand. He does not remember a time without Feyre, he has known she is his mate since before he knew what the word meant, and their progression from childhood best friends to lovers was something he does not remembering happening at one particular time, but gradually, the same way his legs had grown longer.

What he does remember is the first time they'd slept together, and how he'd spent so long thinking about it beforehand that he'd thought he'd go mad, only to discover the real madness was once they'd started and then couldn't stop. He'd thought he was hyper-aware of Feyre before- now the scent of her hit him like a brick any time she walked in the room, and once he'd caught her scent he needed to be touching her. Would start to shake and fall apart at the seams until he could pull her into his lap.

Over the years, Rhys's mother always told him that he was too rough with Feyre. Did it when they were kids and did it now, when Feyre would be around their house and he constantly had his hands under her hair or squeezing on her her hip or scratching at her belly.

"You can put her down for one second, for Cauldron's sake," she'd say over dinner.

And Rhys knew why. Had always known that as the High Lord's only son, he had power roiling off him in waves. He figured it was part of the reason why he was always moving, more and more as he got older. Whether it was sparring with the Illyrians or crawling thought the bedroom of Feyre's bedroom window, it felt like he leapt between extremes these days. Felt like he was always thirsty and needing to swallow down violence and pleasure and feeling like water. His father called it the "age of fighting and fucking;" his mother said this is why they couldn't have nice things.

But his mother doesn't know Feyre like he does. Feyre isn't some fragile little girl, she is the strongest person he knows. She is the only one who, when he is throwing all he has at her, can not only contain the energy flooding out of him in uncontrollable torrents, but still loves him all the same for it.

So these days, he does not like to be without her. Does not like to be too far from her, and although they both have curfews, Rhys does not often sleep alone.

Today is a exception.

Today, Rhys is fighting with his father because he stole a fine bottle of brandy from his father's shelf and snuck it between the bars of the cell where Azriel has been locked away. Again.

Rhys yells that what they are doing to Azriel is cruel and if they let it go on they are just as bad. His father yells back that it is not their place to meddle in another family's business and what does this have to do with Rhys being a sneak and a thief? Rhys says it is typical of his father to care more about alcohol than the life of a fae, and his father says and what exactly are you trying to say boy? And then he tells Rhys that he was not so old that Rhys's power is greater than his just yet, and then the fight breaks out.

Rhys does not like to reflect on what happens next too much because he wants to win so badly, wants to best his father just once, but he is eighteen and his father is nine hundred and twenty and the High Lord of the largest court in Prythian.

Suffice to say, the fight is over when Rhys has a black eye and bruised ribs, his father is holding him off the floor by his shirt front, and his mother is pleading with him to put him down.

He drops Rhys with a thud, and Rhys glowers at him.

"The cabin," his father snarls.

"Surely he's had punishment enough," his mother says, but his father does not look at her.

"You come swinging your fists at me?" he says to Rhys. His voice is quiet now, but glitters with rage. "You steal from me, you defy me, and then you come at me with your pathetic little claws out? Well. You can spend three days in isolation."

Rhys looks toward his mother, but there's nothing she can do. He opens his mouth to sling a final insult at his father, but space is already folding around him and he's being sent where no one else can winnow in or out without his father's explicit say so.

Rhys spends the next twenty minutes angrily pacing the cabin. He flings shadows aimlessly at the cabinets, curses his father eight times to sunday, and punches a hole in the wall. It is the latter that gets Feyre's attention.

Ouch, she says through the bond. I felt that one.

Rhys drops onto a couch heavily, the anger washing out of him at the sound of Feyre's voice in his mind.

I'm sorry, he says. I know you hate it when I break things.

Things. Your own knuckles. Yeah it's not my favourite.

Rhys sighs. I'm in the cabin, he tells her.

I know, she says. What did you do this time?

Got into a fight with my dad.

Well did you at least land a couple good ones?

Rhys grins, in spite of himself. I did manage to get a kick into his stomach, this time.

Good, Feyre says. Unlike his mother, she never tells him to try to get along with his father.

I miss you, Rhys says.

You saw me this morning, Feyre points out.

Yes, replied Rhys, but you had way too many clothes on. It didn't count. He can almost feel Feyre shifting in his mind.

You always think I'm wearing too many clothes, she says.

I do, Rhys agrees. Not naked is not good enough.

He slouches back on the couch and closes his eyes. Although he is not yet powerful enough to take down his father, his power is growing. Day by day it stretches and expands uncomfortably, like growing pains, and when he's not in Feyre's bed, sometimes the shadows hound him at night. They claw at him now, rake at his chest like a cat that thinks it's giving affection but leaves you in tatters.

He turns his thoughts back to more pleasant things.

Take it off, he growls at Feyre. Take it all off. I hate it when I can't see your skin.

And what makes you think I've been wearing clothes this whole time? Feyre asks. Rhys freezes, and is rock hard in an instant.

Show me, he shoots down the bond.

Ask nicely, Feyre answers.

Please, Rhys says. Runs his talons down the shields of her mind from top to bottom. Please. Sends her a memory of him kissing her every inch of skin. Please.

Feyre's shudder reaches him like a whisper, and then he's seeing through her eyes.

The interior of her bedroom. Where he spends more time than in his own. Clothes strewn on the floor- boots kicked off in the corner. Illyrian leathers dumped in a pile. Under garments hanging off the end of the bed.

Feyre's bare ankles crossed in front of her on her bed, on top of the covers.

Rhys shivers. He watches Feyre's gaze travel excruciatingly slowly upward, up her shins, past her knees, onto her lovely thighs.

More, Rhys breathes, but Feyre pauses. Her knees bend and the view shifts, as if she has been sitting up and is now laying back down. I need you like I need air, Rhys whimpers, and his hand grabs at the insistent ache in the front of his pants.

Mmm, sighs Feyre. Sometimes I need you. Sometimes I think I could just do it myself. Her gaze finally shifts and watches her own hand slide between her legs.

Oh you cruel thing! Rhys says. He is now practically panting the sight of her starting without him. He loves it. He hates it. It's nowhere near enough.

You know it's not as good by yourself, Rhys tells her.

I don't know, Feyre muses. I'm pretty sure it's faster. Rhys growls.

Who needs faster, he says, when I can be so, so slow. He shows her the image of him settling between her knees. Pressing kisses that start at her knee and travel down her inner thigh. Laying the flat of his tongue on her and licking a lazy stripe up her pussy that ends in a suckling kiss over her clit.

Feyre moans straight down the bond, and it cleaves through Rhys like a arrow shot true. Get over here, he tells her, and Feyre laughs breathlessly.

I can't, lover, she says. Your father has that place warded like a prison, remember? Rhys swears out loud and hurls more shadows uselessly against the walls of magic.

Alright, alright, Feyre says to him. You know just throwing things at it isn't going to work.

Fuck this, Rhys says savagely. You're my mate, he can't keep us apart.

Well, we just need to outsmart him, then, Feyre reasons. He might be stronger, but I've always thought you were smarter. Well, she amends. At least you were when you bothered to use your brain and before you were all... testosterone-y.

Rhys finds himself smiling. Testosterone-y?

Yeah, you know, Feyre says. The old upstairs brain. Remember that guy?

Rhys laughs. He is always in awe of how quickly Feyre calms him down. I thought you liked my downstairs brain, he says in his midnight voice.

Use your upstairs brain to get me through the wards, and I'll show you how much I like your downstairs brain.

And that is more than motivation enough.

Rhys gets up off the couch, and paces around the room again. My dad has always been lazy with spells, he says. He relies on his brute strength, and on everyone being afraid of him more than anything else.

Okay, Feyre says, picking up his train of thought. So... what if there's a weakness in his wards?

A chink in the wall, Rhys agrees.

Yes.

Rhys stands still, and reaches out his mind. Probes against the wards surrounding the cabin, and is aware of Feyre doing the same on the other side. They work their way right around the cabin, when finally, Feyre breathes, here.

And then Rhys gathers every bit of power he has in him, and pushes it all against that one spot. Reaches through it, throws everything he's got until his hand is breaking through, Feyre's grabbing a hold of him, they're folding space and he pulls.

There's a shudder that runs through the cabin, and then an extremely naked Feyre falls right into Rhys's chest and they collapse on the thick carpet together.

For a second, they just blink at each other in surprise.

"It worked," says Feyre. And then Rhys realises holy shit it worked, and smoothly rolls so that Feyre is on her back and he is all over her.

"Great work," is all he says, and then he blinks and his clothes vanish too so they are both naked and the heat of her against his bare cock is absolutely unbearable. He groans, slides his hand under one of her thighs, squeezing gently, and hooks it over his elbow before pushing straight into her, unable to stand not being inside her for one more second.

Feyre moans and lifts her hips to him, barely less eager. Rhys wonders idly if the age of fighting and fucking applies to females, and then as Feyre's nails scratch angry red lines over his shoulders he thinks it might just. He wonders how long this age will go on for, and if his desperate need for Feyre will ever abate. He hopes it doesn't.

"I thought you were going to be slow," Feyre says, breathless but with the most gorgeous light dancing in her eyes. Rhys's body screeches at him but he manages to get control of his movements. To move in and out of her languidly, lazily, tortuously slow. Feyre seems to enjoy it at first, keeps her eyes on his until they're rolling back in her head.

But the longer it goes on the more sensitive she becomes, until she is writhing in his arms seeking more friction, and every time he hits his base she jolts like she's being electrified. The fact that he is tormenting himself, too, seems absolutely worth it for the knowledge that he alone can wring this kind of pleasure from her.

"Still rather play by yourself?" he teases. "Does it feel like this when it's just your own fingers?"

Feyre snaps her eyes open at this, and between jagged breaths, teases him right back.

"Sometimes," she says. "When I'm touching myself and picturing you." A shiver runs through Rhys. "When I've got one hand between my legs and the other squeezing my breast." She demonstrates the last, and Rhys watches with hunger as her hand goes over her own chest.

"Fuck," he bites out, and picks up the pace a little.

"When I've got you curled around my mind and showing me that you're touching yourself too."

Rhys speeds up again.

"But mostly, no," she says, barely able to speak now. "No, nothing feels as good as when you're fucking me senseless."

And Rhys can't argue with that. He forgets his self-control completely and loses himself in her, in her body, in the intoxication of the sounds that she makes when he's inside her. The irony of his sentence to a remote location is that for once, they are able to make as much noise as they want and every time Feyre moans Rhys thinks he gets a little high.

By the time Rhys is close, they have started to breathe in tandem, and he locks his eyes on hers so that seconds later they are coming together. Rhys is breathless with the beauty of her, has always loved the look on her face when she climaxes, and suddenly the prospect of being locked up alone for three days seems mighty appealing.

Feyre sighs, eyes closed and chest moving deeply as she gets her breath back. Rhys draws out of her and then immediately misses her. He kisses her cheeks, her nipples, her stomach, and then without really thinking about it, closes his mouth around her clit and strokes it back and forth with his tongue.

Feyre sighs his name, and the sound of it is so sweet that he redoubles his efforts, until Feyre is rocking her hips to him and before he knows it, they're starting again.

Rhys thinks its going to be a very good three days indeed.

**** Little babies. Sigh I do love them so. Thank you my sweet anon for this lovely prompt.

Bonus: click here to see what Rhys's dark powers look like when they're still growing and trying to figure their shit out.

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST: @ghostlyrose2 @highladysith @stardelia @feysand-loml @tillyrubes10 @ratabrasileira @live-the-fangirl-life @maybekindasortaace @annejulianneh111 @thebonecarver @rowaelinismyotp @loosingdreams @whythefuckdoiexist @inejsarrow @swankii-art-teacher @sjmships @courtofjurdan @teddytdr @positivewitch @thalia-2-rose @darling-archeron @rapunzel1523 @fairchildjace @philosophorumaurum02 @story-scribbler @allthecolorsneverseen @asteria-of-mars

#feysand #feysand fic #acotar #smut #mine #asks #prompt fill

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ilovebeingcalledawhore · 3 years ago

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Content: fluff

Summary: When two teenagers meet at their highschool’s pool, they form a connection with the same love and longing for the sea and at some point they just find themselves falling in love, quite literally.

Pools, indoor swimming pools.

The moment I found out my highschool had indoor swimming pools at the back part of the gym, I was immediately won over. Swimmers trained early in the morning but the pools were left open but no student ever bothered to actually hang in there except for me.

After school, I get tutoring from teachers ‘till seven pm. Right before I go home I walk to the pools and just sit there. I watch the moonlight hitting the water.

Most of the time I stare at myself, maybe dip my fingers into the water.

It was the perfect place to rest. In there, I felt like nothing else mattered. I’d even call it a sanctuary. It was a safe place to run when all else breaks down.

Pausing the music playing through my earphones. I shove my phone into my bag and push the big grey gym door open.

Empty, as usual.

I walk through the dark and quiet basketball court - my eyes lighting up at the sight of the pool shown through its clear glass entrance door. Pushing it open, I sigh in satisfaction as the smell entered my nose.

I loved this place.

I was quietly walking when all of a sudden, “who are you?”

“Ahhh!” I scream, completely startled by the voice of whoever was in there. I start looking around and see a boy sitting by the pools edge. He had dark messy hair and the school uniform on. His pants were rolled up ending just above his knees so it wouldn’t get wet meanwhile his feet up to his shin were underwater.

“I’m gonna leave,” I mutter and I hear him chuckle as a response. “You’re already here, might as well stay.” He speaks softly and something about his voice attracted me. Though it took me a few seconds to finally agree, I sat at the other side of the pool. My legs crossed but my fingers dipped in the water

It was quiet but something about the silence was comforting, it didn’t feel awkward, it felt like being around an old friend. Clearing my throat to cut the silence, I start the converstaion with words that were on the tip of my tongue. “I’ve never seen you here before,” I speak, looking up to observe the way he replies. A half-hearted grin appears on his lips and he says, “I just found out about this yesterday and I needed it.”

My eyebrows furrow, how do you need a pool? I thought to myself - ‘till I remembered why I was here all along. “You needed it?” I asked and he nodded, finally looking up making your eyes meet. I felt my heart gradually start racing but I try to ignore it. “Yes, the beaches have been locked away and I needed water.” His reply made my heart swell because I felt the exact same way.

Beaches have been locked out ‘cause there was too much trash in them. The government finally took action and started a cleaning movement but volunteers weren’t allowed. They wanted the world to ignore it while they hid away the problems. I sighed in empathy, “I’m Y/n,” I say - our eyes connecting once more. “I’m Mark, Mark Lee.”

The very next day, I found myself walking back to the pools but this time with the slight hope of the mysterious boy to be there. Pushing the glass door open, I immediately look around but see no one. My heart drops in disappointment but I push the feeling away. I walked back to my spot, this time dipping my feet in. I didn’t have any problems ‘cause I was wearing the school’s skirt.

Taking out the small black speaker from my bag, I connect it to my phone and start playing my favourite song. I sigh in satisfaction, I felt good. Today wasn’t a stressful day, it was calm and went by smoothly - I was definitely in a great mood.

As I start to hum with the music mindlessly, I kept staring at the moonlight hitting the edges of the pool and little sparkle it made with the water, it was pretty. Everything was quiet and calm when all of a sudden I hear the same familiar voice from yesterday but this time, he was singing along to the song.

I yelped, completely startled by his sudden presence.

I turned around and saw him rolling the hem of his pants so he can dip his feet into the water. “You scared me!” I whisper and he smiled as a response. That was the first time I saw him give a genuine smile - and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel some type of way.

He finally dips his feet into the water and starts singing along to the music once more. I just sat there and admired him and his voice. He looked good under that moonlight but I was too shy to say it out loud, even admit to it. So I look away distracting myself, waiting for the song to end.

Then it did.

“You sing good,” I compliment him and he scratches the nape of his neck shyly.

A month has passed and the safe haven was now a habit. Even on nights when I’m told to come home early, I always find a way to come to the pools. Even for a minute, even for a few seconds, most of the time not for the water but for him.

In all honesty if I had to label him as anything, it’d be a human diary. He knows much more than my friends who I’ve been with for a year. I don’t know what it is about it but, telling your secrets to a stranger feels much more comforting.

At this point we know each others favourite colour, movie, song, artist. What we want to be when we grow up - what we don’t want to be when we grow up. What type of person we want to fall in love with - if were even in love with ourselves. Does he think aliens are real? How ‘bout mermaids? I know his dreams, goals, secrets, trauma, his biggest fear and his greatest regret and in equality, he knows mine.

Though I hate to admit to it, he makes my days. His presence, his voice, his thoughts - it came to the point where I don’t want to sleep anymore ‘cause for the first time reality was better.

Smiling to myself as I quietly walked through the gym to get to the pools. I push the door open but freeze, my hands still on the metal handle of the door. I heard sniffling and sobbing. At that very moment my heart dropped. If I were to expect anything it wasn’t this.

“Mark...” I whisper, but the whisper was enough to echo through the room in it’s silence. Finally walking in, I shut the door and quickly walking towards the pool. The image broke my heart. He sat there, his legs crossed together - not dipped in the water like I’m used to. “What’s wrong?” My brows furrow as I walked towards him.

He continued to sob into his hands, biting his lip to silence himself. But when he finally put his hands down, the tears running down his face made me sit next to him and hug him without hesitation. We’ve never been this close, only ever sitting across each other on different sides of the pool. He melts into me, his head going into the crook of my neck but this time, he started crying some more; not loudly but silently.

The tears just continued to roll down onto my shirt making me sigh in empathy.

Like I always do when my friends cry, I rub their heads in comfort. “It’ll get better,” I whisper and he nods into me. I look down to see if he’s calmed down but right when I do, our eyes meet. I give him a little smile, wiping the last tear that ran down his cheek.

We just sat there, our eyes connected somehow healing each other quietly. Taking in deep breaths, I continue to caress his face. When I cried, it was something my mom did to comfort me. “You feel better?” I ask and he looks away. “Yeah,” he whispers as he looks down and observes our other hand interlocked with each others. Something even I didn’t notice.

Mindlessly looking around, him still in your arms, you notice a small black bug atleast three meters away from you. “Oh my god,” you mutter, eyes getting wide and heartbeat racing as it crawled fast and closer towards you. “Ah!” You scream, frantically moving around but not making much progress ‘cause of the boy laying on you. “Mark there’s a bug!” You scream.

He turns around and sees the bug almost a meter away and he panics too. In all that movement you found yourselves with no other option but the pool. Panickly falling in you, you drag the boy with you.

“Ahhh!”

It was a split second underwater until you rose up again to take in air. As you did, you didn’t realise that the boy was so close to you, it was only until you calmed down that you felt his breath hit your lips. Smiling in amusement as you looked at each others state, you laugh in disbelief, observing your now extremely wet uniform.

“Mom’s gonna kill me,” you mutter to yourself but he chuckles to it. Slowly, you feel one of his arms wrapping around your waist and pulling you closer leaving no space in between your bodies. His other hands crawls up your arm, to your neck, to your chin making you face him.

Silence.

Hearts racing.

Hearts synching.

Seconds later his lips were on yours. His teeth bites into your lower lip drawing you closer. Your eyes widen in realisation, making you pull away gently. “What?” You ask, bewildered but not complaining. “No questions, just kiss me.” He replies and your breath hitches as he makes your legs wrap around his waist. “Kiss me,” he says again and without anymore hesitation, you do.

Bodies tangled.

Wet and messy hair.

Eyes shut.

Lips locked.

You fell in love, quite literally.

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nyxravessnow · 4 years ago

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Shin Tenimyu - Musical The New Prince of Tennis The First Stage Report

I saw the stream of the first performance of the The New Prince of Tennis musical awhile back and I wanted to write some of my thoughts. But I didn’t really enjoy the show and as I love tenimyu with all my heart, as it is my favourite show, I find it much harder to be super negative about the show when talking specifically about the show scene by scene. But with the casting news for 4th I thought that I would finish this so anyone who hasn’t seen the show can know my thoughts.

I tried to finish it, I really did. But I have no motivation to really talk in length about this show in a deep dive sort of way. I will keep what I did for the 1st half of the show but after that it will only be kinda a summary of my thoughts.

I have only seen the first night and I do not intend to see anymore of this show. I was incredibly disappointed and didn’t not make me want to see the show again or really any of the shin tenimyu shows but I will still watch those as a bad first show doesn’t mean all of them will be bad but I don’t think shin tenimyu will ever really be my thing.

I will say that Tokki, Raima and Maeda-chan are actors I love so I am a little biased towards them

Bare in mind that this was the first performance and while I am not taking that into consideration for my criticisms things could definitely improve before the final show, the one that will be on dvd.

Overall the show was about a 4-6/10 for me. There was only really one scene that brought it to a 6 and without it it would be a 4.

Music: 2/10.

Direction: 1.5/10.

Acting: 6/10

Spoilers under the cut

Actors

Imamaki Hikaru - Echizen Ryouma: All round a solid 6/10. He was cute and delivered his lines very well but still has far to go with his singing and the design on his hair really sticking out from the sides of his hat made him seem much younger which I was not a fan of. This was a problem I had with early Nichika of them making Echizen seem too young and innocent. Like of course he is 13 and is a child but he isn’t this cute adorable boy. He can be cocky and he isn’t all innocent so I hope they don’t keep making the Echizen’s appear super young in this way.

Yamada Kento - Tezuka Kunimitsu: 8/10. I don’t think I really have any issues with his Tezuka at all. He had a very good voice, really good acting.

Houjuyama Shun - Momoshiro Takeshi: 6/10. He has a really good voice for Momo when speaking but his singing leaves a lot to be desired. He didn’t really do very much in the show so I can’t rate him higher than a 6 as I don’t remember very much that he did bar the Oni match.

Gaku - Tachibana Kippei: 7/10. Similarly to Shun I don’t really remember him but his singing was quite good so this is where he landed

Takahashi Ryouya - Atobe Keigo: I’m sorry 1/10. He is an excellent singer and performer but there was nothing about his performance that made me think of Atobe. His voice was quite high, he was not very confident (Blending into the background when it wasn’t his match), saying his lines softly, moving softly. If I couldn’t see the wig I would not have known he was Atobe. I really hope that he can gain some confidence to play Atobe or else I think he was the wrong actor for the role.

Maeda Ryuutarou - Kirihara Akaya/Hiramatsu Raima - Tooyama Kintarou: 10/10. I put these two here together because what I want to say is the same for both. You could absolutely tell they had been in the show before. The two brought confidence not many others had to their roles. They controlled their stage and as soon as they stepped onto it they were their characters. Every movement and every line was exactly like the character. I am so happy that they are continuing in tenimyu and hope that they will help the cast get to their level by the end of this run or maybe in future shows.

Takemoto Yusuke - Shiraishi Kuranosuke: 9/10. By far my favourite of the new cast members. I know a lot of people were apprehensive that he might play Shiraishi as sexy too much but he didn’t at all. He was excellent. The only reason that he isn’t a five is there are still some tiny things he could polish but once those are polished he will be perfect.

Matsushima Hiroki - Chitose Senri: 7/10. Ngl I keep forgetting that he was in this show. His doubles with Tachibana was quite forgetful and he didn’t have any major moments but was also quite good and not many problems in his performance.

Shintani David - Lilident Krauser: 10/10. Like Maeda-chan and Raima you could tell that he had been in the show before, albeit much less than they had. For anyone who doesn’t know, he was an understudy and doubled as the part of Lilident in vs Rikkai Nationals. Very solid performance

(Warning I know much less about the high schoolers so this will be more on their acting in general rather than whether they were good as that character)

Ono Kento - Tokugawa Kazuya: ?/10. He was barely in the show and I have no idea how I could rate his performance. Pretty solid.

Okamoto Yuuki - Oni Juujirou: 8/10. Solid performance. Good enough singing for the role.

Aiba Hiroki - Irie Kanata: He wasn’t in the show so I can’t write a judgement of his performance

Yasue Kazuaki - Irie Kanata: 9/10. He was so excellent. Singing, acting, everything was top notch. Similarly to Yusuke he’s only not 10 because he has some small things to polish.

Chanhe (dunno how to spell his name) - Nakagauchi Sotomichi: 6/10. No real comments, pretty solid.

Matsushima Yuunosuke - Yamato Yudai: 6/10. Pretty good, singing okay.

Suzuki Ryouhei - Miyako Shinobu: 6/10. Didn’t have many lines or do very much, pretty overshadowed by Tokki (Will cover him next). What he did do was good, singing could use some improvement.

Tauchi Tokihiro - Matsudaira Chikahiko: 10/10. Absolutely perfect. He brought so much energy and character to his performance that I don’t think any other new actor brought. He owned the stage, even competing with Maeda-chan for my attention when on stage. He had so much presence and would draw your eyes to him. He made everything seem so natural and not acted. Like the continuing actors he became his character on stage rather than acted them out.

Takahashi Shunichi - Suzuki Shun and Tsurimoto Minami - Washio Issa: 6/10. Didn’t do too much, pretty solid performance.

Murakami Kouhei - Kurobe Yukio/Izumi Shuhei - Saito Itaru: 6/10. Pretty standard for a coach. Singing was good.

Kishi Yuuji - Mifune Nyuudou: 10/10. Absolutely amazing. Everything about his performance was perfect. By FAR the best voice in the cast, incredible singing.

Direction and choreography

I am not a director so I cannot be too specific about details but I can say what I liked and didn’t. (Every comment is specifically about the direction not singing or acting). I have studied theatre though so I do have some insight from that angle Also, please don’t criticise what I classified as the same scene and what as different.

Scene 1: Echizen in America, 1st song

Good beginning, very solid for a first show opening.

Scene 2: High schoolers practicing while middle schoolers arrive, coach song

Felt very reminiscent of the vs Fudomine shows where Echizen first arrives at Seigaku, I really liked this.

Scene 3: Middle schoolers and high schoolers collecting dropped balls, middle schooler song

Was not a fan. I didn’t like how close everyone was but also randomly placed. I know it is inevitable with such a small cast of middle schoolers but I would have liked to see them more with their teammates in little clusters and slowly appear in front of Seigaku. Maybe even projecting images of other middle schoolers getting balls if none are to appear.

I did like how Echizen arrives out of the back at the end though

Scene 4: Oni vs Momoshiro, Oni solo, Momo solo

Done pretty well, will talk in other section about stage design. Both actors were solid in their tennis, no missed moves that I saw. Built up Oni’s power well, showing him as a strong player. Showed Momo’s desperation well in the blocking.

Was not a fan of only having unknown high schoolers watching on. Makes sense in an anime or manga that has time to build up and unlimited cast but this show only has three hours to build up characters that may never return or become more important later. They did not need lines but would have been interesting to see them watching the match

Scene 5: Saito and Kurobe

Pretty simple scene, just the two talking. Pretty gay.

Scene 6: Saito talking to the middle schoolers about elimination matches, Saito solo

I think the middle schoolers could do with being less clumped up around him as it makes the cast of characters seem small and does not give an indication of scale. Liked the stillness of the middle and high schoolers during his song.

Scene 7: Echizen and Kinchan meet Tokugawa and Oni, Echizen vs Tokugawa, Echizen and Tokugawa duet

I really love the way Oni and Tokugawa are tall and imposing and unmoving or slow moving on the outside of the stage where as Echizen and Kinchan are being active in the middle, shows contrast between the characters well.

I really like there not being a net here reinforcing that Kinchan and Echizen just run off and do their own thing with no regard for officiality.

Did not like the two random ensemble cast members appearing to watch and commentate, felt very weird and slightly meta.

Scene 8: Elimination matches

I have EXTREMELY mixed feelings here. On the one hand I think the direction is excellent with the spotlight, the figures who lose falling and the single lines echoing. On the other hand, I hate that they didn’t have many of the matches and skipped over them completely, especially the lack of cast members (which I will touch on later). If they do the elimination matches in another show and this was building up to it then I take back my negative comments and I’ll be very happy about that. But if not I think this was not enough to cover them, especially since so many were missed out

Scene 9: Kinchan vs Oni, Kinchan and Oni duet

I really love this scene. A lot of, again, slow movements from Oni contrasting the never still form of Kinchan. Probably my favourite choreography from the show with Kinchan darting back under Oni’s legs. Doubles to show Oni’s maturity vs Kinchan’s childishness as well as showing Oni not taking Kinchan too seriously and letting him just run around aimlessly before he beats him.

Scene 10: Irie and Chitose talking

No real comments, they just stood and talked.

Scene 11: Saito takes Kinchan and Echizen to the mountain

Liked them lying on the floor together, part of a series of things linking Kinchan and Echizen together. It was a bit weird seeing Tokugawa just watching them lie on the floor and catching their breath before giving them a message and leaving. Liked Saito picking them up by their collars, gives the impression that he doesn’t care that they are children. Which he doesn’t. Scene of climbing suffers from lack of actors as this could be a good place to add in comedy, which the show is lacking, but since they only have Momo, Echizen and Kinchan, none is created.

Scene 12: Mifune solo (ft. Echizen and Kinchan )

Loved how he is sat in the beginning, instantly shows his character. Along with his heavy slow movements and slightly hunched back. Liked it showing the middle schoolers climbing in the background, showing that he is not caring about their effort or wellbeing in getting to him. Liked the breaks to show Echizen and Kinchan and the complete shift in tone, will talk more about later in song, but also in lighting and speed of movement.

Scene 13: Middle schoolers arrive at the camp, hs vs ms outside match

Love the distance between the high schoolers, creating a sense of scale. Despite looking down usually being a sign of strength from the person standing you got a sense of Mifune’s power as they are all looking down on him sipping his sake.

Loved the lighting for the high schoolers vs middle schoolers match. Fluid movements of the hs vs the random movements of the middle schoolers.

Scene 14: Training back at the main camp, ms getting their place on court 5

Really liked the running on a off stage but would have liked to see characters return to stage and run off again like a consistant training menu and would have liked to see the words detailing their training be on the screen for a tad longer.

Liked the short matches between the ms and hs but would have liked to see the hs look a bit more helpless in their movements.

Scene 15: Coaches talking, court 5 and 3 meet, Irie and Tokugawa chat

Coaches talking is pretty standard

Liked the ms entering from different sides vs court 3 entering from the same side. Gives the impression that court 3 is a team whereas 5 is a lot of good individual players thrown together.

Chat again, pretty standard

Scene 16: Oni talking to his court, court 5 song

I like them being spread out. Like them walking around at the beginning of the song with only Oni spotlighted to show he is bringing them together.

Scene 17: Yamato and Tezuka talk

Like the distance between them, showing how far apart they had grown due to time and also in personality, contrasted later during their duet.

Scene 18: Lining up, Nakagauchi vs Liladent

Liked contrast between Oni being just behind court 5 whereas Tokugawa is behind the bench (?). Of course court 3 isn’t Tokugawa’s court but it reminded me of Oni actively helping his court vs Tokugawa sending Echizen away to improve.

Pretty standard tenimyu match with no songs. Liked the show of Nakagauchi’s power by showing him being thrown into a fence, like Taka-san one of the strongest middle schoolers was in Shiten, but being unaffected by this. Of course I know it was done in the original so they also had to do it but I like how the direction is similar in both cases.

Scene 19: Shiraishi and Akaya vs Miyako and Matsudaira

BEST SCENE OF THE SHOW. If every scene was like this one the show would be 10/10. Without this scene the show would be a 4/10 or perhaps lower.

Miyako and Matsudaira’s song was great.

Shiraishi’s solo was so good.

Shiraishi and Akaya’s duet is by far and away the best song in the show. The only song that really felt like ‘tenimyu’ and reminded me of what I loved about tenimyu.

Scene 20: Camp training, Mifune sends Echizen/Kinchan/Momo to get Sake, Mifune solo

Pretty solid, suffering from a lack of actors and it felt a bit flat. Mifune’s singing was amazing again, though I think he did slightly get too many songs bc Mifune isn’t as important to the plot as the musical seems to make out, as far as I’m aware.

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So, that’s the first half.

IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ SOMETHING VERY NEGATIVE AND HARSH, PLEASE STOP HERE.

This show might be one of my least favourite 2.5d shows I have ever seen. The dancing was okay, the singing wasn’t great, the show did not feel well thoughtout and it was just so disappointing. So, many of the actors were rather underwhelming and despite so much going on the show felt boring.

I may have not read the shintenipuri manga but I have seen the anime and it is really funny. This show was barely funny, so many jokes were cut out seemingly for no reason other than the characters who made the jokes not being there. But I do not understand why there weren’t there. I get they couldn’t have every shintenipuri character there but there are quite a few I think they could have added that would have brought a lot, not just to fill the numbers as the stage did feel quite empty quite a few times. Sanada, for example, would have been a very good addition to the cast he speaks to a few of the people there, he rallies the middle schoolers going up the mountain and they already use him quite a bit through voice recording so I do not see why they couldn’t actually cast him.

The show was just lacking the heart that normal tenimyu has. Every tenimyu show before this, even the ones I haven’t enjoyed as much like Remarkable Match Fudomine or Seigaku vs Shitenhoji 2nd season, made me want to watch them again. They still drew me in and got me invested in the characters, partly because of excellent chemistry between the actors. Honestly, so few of these actors had good chemistry with one another. Raima and Maeda-chan quite honestly felt good with everyone. Tokki and Ryouhei were good as Miyako and Matsudaira, Kento and Yuunosuke weren’t bad as Yamato and Tezuka and Ryoya and Kazu were pretty okay. I didn’t feel a connection between almost anyone else. I don’t know if this was the actors not feeling comfortable with each other or the fast pace of the show that left no time for actors to develop in character chemistry but I am leaning towards the 2nd as the backstage photos would suggest they got on well.

This show felt like tenimyu’s attempt to make a Toho show. And it did not work. The show took itself way too seriously instead of in normal tenimyu where they seem to have a blast and it’s okay to understand that the show is ridiculous. I don’t know if this is at all what they were attempting but with the new attitude and the actors from Toho, especially Mifune’s actor who they gave a lot of solos to, it certainly felt like that to me.

I am not just being negative about shin tenimyu because I wanted tenimyu to stay the same forever. I was very prepared for new things in shin tenimyu but I don’t think the approach of let’s keep virtually nothing from past tenimyu really appealed to me. I honestly did like some of the new stuff they tried but I think they should have kept more things the same and phased stuff out later down the line when people were more onboard with shintenimyu. I.e. not in their first show.

I will talk more about the issues I had with casting in my next post as I will finally talk about the casting of 11th Seigaku and 4th Fudomine.

RANT OVER

Okay, now I’ve gotten a lot of my negative thoughts out of the way.

Thanks for reading this half review, and I’m sorry it took so long. I personally wouldn’t recommened to anyone who is a massive tenimyu fan to check out this show but please don’t just take my word but see what other people think to.

Please continue to support my reviews and leave a like and maybe send me a message so we can chat about stuff.

#self #rant #shin tenimyu the first stage #the new prince of tennis musical #the first stage #review #negative

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what-is-your-plan-today · 4 years ago

Text

Riding High Ch 24: Kintsugi

Chapter Summary: Fliss has a final show down with her ex-John…

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words. Very light smut…NSFW and NO UNDER 18s!!!

Chapter Pairings: Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: So this one drained me, but I have to say I think it’s my favourite piece that I’ve ever written. As always, thanks to @icanfeelastormbrewing for readin this and making sure it hit the spot”

Chapter Song: Die A Happy Man by Thomas Rhett (PLEASE give this one a listen, as it absolutely 100% summarises how Frank feels towards Fliss…I can’t put it into words any better!)

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist

If I never get to see the Northern Lights, or if I never get to see the Eiffel tower at night, oh if all I got his your hand in my hand, baby I could die a happy man.

Fliss stared at her ex-husband as she continued to reverse, until her back hit the side of the kitchen unit.

“No hello?” John asked, cocking his head to one side.

“How did you…” Fliss took a deep breath “How did you know I was here?” “Guess” John said with a shrug as he looked around the kitchen, his cold grey eyes scanning the wooden units, matching counter tops and stainless steel appliances. He wrinkled his nose, the décor clearly not to his taste, before he turned back to Fliss. “It’s not that hard to figure out really, Sugar…” Fliss swallowed as she stared at him, pondering whether or not screaming for Evelyn was the right thing to do. If she did so she alerted him to the fact that someone else was in the house, and risked riling him. He always hated it when she screamed. If she kept him talking, kept him calm, then Evelyn had to come downstairs at some point…surely…

Or at least she hoped.

She licked her lips and looked at John, giving him a shrug “How could you know I was back in the area?” “I didn’t…” he said, “Not until this afternoon anyway…” And then the penny dropped. And Fliss felt like such a fucking idiot.

“Richard…” she let out a breath, cursing herself for not even considering the fact that his brother could have been in the hospital.

“Clever girl…” John smiled “Turns out Orthopaedic Surgeons are in short supply…he was doing some Locum work and spotted you…”

“That still doesn’t explain how you got this address.” “I didn’t. I followed you.” “You…you followed me?” Fliss frowned “So you were what? Watching me at the hospital?” “Watching the main door but…yeah…” Fliss shook her head, a soft huff escaping her “You that desperate to see me John? Seriously…” “Watch your mouth…” he said, sternly “You know I don’t like it when you take an attitude, Felicity.”

“You didn’t like anything full stop.” Fliss said, looking at him. “When I had an attitude, when I didn’t…” “I won’t tell you again…” John stepped forward. “Last warning Felicity…”

Fliss swallowed, she was scared, there was no denying that. But as she stared back at John’s face, she realised that something was different. It felt like a different fear. She was afraid of being hurt, yes, but she wasn’t afraid of John. It was strange, almost liberating in a way to know that, despite the fact she understood she was in a precarious position, the man in front of her held no power over her now.

She was free, free from his mental abuse, free from his hold. Because she had a new life, a new home, both with Frank and Mary. And a new love, a real love, a love that was gentle and nurturing and…fucking normal.

All John could do now was hurt her, physically, and if he gave her a beating…so fucking what?

She’d heal…just like she had before, but this time the only healing she’d need would be physical…because her soul and her mind had already mended. She was whole again, and no matter what he did or said John wouldn’t break her that way again.

She tipped her chin up to look at him, defiantly, and she saw the anger flick across his face. He hated it when she made eye contact with him like this, he saw it as challenging his authority.

Well that was exactly what she was fucking doing.

“You have no tight to be here John.” she said, her voice calm and firm. “You’ll be back inside tomorrow…do yourself a favour and go home before your ankle bracelet sends a trip to say you’ve broken your curfew.” John’s tongue poked the inside of his cheek as he looked at Fliss, before he gave a snort.

“I know full well what’s at stake.” he shrugged “I go back inside, serve the rest of my sentence…be out in another 2 years…I’ll track you down again.” “Course you will.” Fliss said, shrugging “And then what? You come kick the shit out of me? And go to jail again? It’ll be a never ending circle John, and for what?” At that John’s hand raised and he back handed her straight across the face. It was enough to knock her side ways and she stumbled slightly, before she steadied herself and raised her hand to her right cheek where the blow had landed. Taking a look around she realised he’d inadvertently knocked her towards the door that led to the lounge. If she could just make it in there, she had a chance…a chance of out running him…maybe.

“Don’t talk to me like that.” he snarled and her attention flicked back to him as he strode towards her. “You’re mine…you always will be…” “No I’m not.” she spat, glaring at him, standing her ground. “I don’t belong to anyone…” “Not even Frank?” John looked at her and she shook her head.

“I love Frank, I don’t belong to him, there’s a difference.” she shook her head “I’m not a fucking possession, I’m his girlfriend…”

“You’re my Felicity…” John’s voice was gathering in pitch and volume, the way it always did when he was annoyed but Fliss felt nothing but anger in response at that fact that he still thought he had any claim to her whatsoever.

“I’m Frank’s Lissy…” she shot back “YOU’RE MY WIFE!” John roared. “NOT ANY MORE!” Fliss screamed in retaliation “You were the worst mistake of my life!” John’s hand flew out and he gripped her chin, painfully, forcing her to look at him.

“Don’t you dare speak to me like that.” he looked at her, shaking his head, his dark grey eyes flashing with rage.

“I’ll speak to you how I want…” Fliss said, as his left hand tightened its grip on her face before his right grabbed her wrist painfully and he twisted the joint sharply, an action she knew was designed to break it. As always, he stopped short of the point where he knew he would snap the bone and he looked at her curiously, as she stood stock still, not a whimper of pain nor a word of pleading or begging for him to stop slipped through from her lips. Instead she looked at him, and smiled.

“You can break every bone in my body and it won’t matter” she looked at him “Because you already broke me, in a way I never thought possible, you made me feel I was worth nothing. But you’re wrong. I’m worth everything!” “And I suppose Frank tells you that?” John said, his hand twisting a little more.

“Yes he does.” she said simply “But more importantly, he makes me feel it. Because he loves me with everything he has. He’s gentle, kind, warm…and that makes him ten times the man you’ll ever be.”

She knew that would rile him, and as she watched his face contorted into a snarl. The hand that was gripping her wrist let go and moved to the side ready to strike again, but Fliss lashed out with her foot and kicked him as hard as she could in the shin. John, having severely underestimated exactly how different Fliss now was, hadn’t been expecting that. She’d never hit back before. His hand released her wrist and Fliss turned on the spot and ran for the door. However, he was quicker and she felt him grab hold of her hair, and at that point she started to scream.

She screamed and screamed as she kicked out behind her, and with a sharp tug she was yanked backwards. John turned them both, sending her flying back into the kitchen where she stumbled and her head connected with the corner of the wooden unit. With a pop she felt the skin split on her temple and the warm flow of blood as it trickled down her face. Dazed, she began to push herself up, scrambling forward but John was there again, his hand once more fisting in her hair as he pulled her to her feet.

“You little bitch!” she snarled, his hands closing around her neck as he pushed her up against the wall, “I’ll fucking kill you…” With that be began to squeeze her neck, the fury etched into every line of his face. Still fighting, Fliss hit out with everything she had, her hands connecting with his face, chest, shoulders, but the fact was he was simply too strong. As his grip tightened further, a silence started to wash over her, almost like she was floating, a sense she had felt once before when he had almost drowned her in the bath. But unlike then, she had something to fight for, something to live for. Or more specifically someone. She gripped at his fingers with her own, attempting to prise them off her throat but to no avail. So, instead she raised her knee, but the lack of oxygen was making her weak and John simply sneered, forcing his knees in between her legs, effectively rendering them useless.

The white spots started to float in front of her vision, and her mind flicked to Frank and Mary…before she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore. She allowed her lids shut and she clung to the image of her Sailor, of their little blonde-haired Short Stack…because she was damned if John’s face was going to be the last thing she ever saw.

But suddenly the pressure was gone and her throat opened again. Her legs buckled and she slumped to the floor coughing and spluttering as she took a huge, painful gasp of air. She continued to breathe deeply, her lungs felt like they were on fire, and then a pair of gentle hands softly came to rest on her cheeks.

“Fliss…” Evelyn spoke, looking at her, “It’s ok…you’re ok…” Fliss coughed some more, Evelyn smoothing her hair back, speaking softly to her and as Fliss began to focus, her hand flew to her painful neck whilst her eyes fixed on the floor behind Evelyn. John lay face down, unmoving, fragments of shattered glass all over the floor, glistening in the soft kitchen lights. Fliss tried to speak, to ask Evelyn what had happened but her words wouldn’t form and the woman gently shook her head.

“Shhh” she soothed gently “Just breathe…” “Police…” Fliss managed to croak and Evelyn nodded.

“Already on their way.” she said, “I called them as soon as I heard the screaming…” The tears then began to sting Fliss’ eyes and Evelyn gently wrapped her arms around her as she shook, staring down at John on the floor. Fliss gave an involuntary gasp as she saw the crimson liquid billowing around his head like some kind of macabre halo. Evelyn turned to look at him and gave a tut.

“That’s not blood, more’s the pity…it’s Malbec…and a damned good one too. What a waste.” Evelyn sighed as Fliss looked at her, before both their eyes darted to John as he stirred a little on the floor.

“Can you stand?” Evelyn said and Fliss nodded. Together they both rose, Evelyn keeping hold of Fliss as she was a little shaky, led her down the hallway where she grabbed two jackets from the coat stand along with a set of keys and led her outside, locking the door behind them. She sat Fliss down on the step and gently draped a jacket over her shoulder, before she pulled one on over the towelled robe she was wearing and sat next to her, not saying a word.

Before long the sounds of sirens filled their ears and Fliss glanced up to see a number of flashing lights in the distance. A police car zoomed up the drive and skidded to a halt just in front of where they sat. Evelyn gave Fliss’ shoulder a squeeze as she stood up to greet the officers and spoke to them both before one of them nodded and walked to Fliss, crouching down in front of her.

“Ma’am?” his voice was quiet and kind. Fliss looked at him and he gave her a soft smile “You wanna sit in the car whilst we go inside?” “Yeah…” Fliss nodded. The officer helped her to her feet and walked her slowly down the steps, sitting her in the back of the car before he straightened up and spoke into his radio, before he looked at his colleague who gave him a nod. Evelyn said something and they followed her up the steps to the door which she unlocked and then moved back to allow the two men to step inside.

The rest of what happened was pretty much a blur to Fliss. She was aware of an ambulance arriving, and a paramedic checking her over, declaring that her neck would be sore for a while, as would her face…but Fliss knew that from various previous experiences of his beatings. However, the gash on her temple needed attention, or sutures to be specific. Evelyn assured the paramedic that she would have Fliss taken to the hospital to avoid them having to call another ambulance, and satisfied with that, the paramedic covered the wound temporarily and then headed into the house to where her colleague was attending to John.

The police spoke again to Fliss, this time asking her questions, and she explained what had happened. She told them how John had found her, how he had gotten into the house, how he had attacked her. The two officers were satisfied it was a pretty clear cut case of self-defence, especially as they had enough history on John as it was. He’d also broken his curfew too, which meant there was an instant warrant for his arrest even without this incident.

Eventually they wheeled John out of the house, he was moving and groaning slightly. Fliss followed him with her eyes before she heard Evelyn’s indignant voice hit her ears.

“Stay in the area in case you need to speak to me again? My son’s girlfriend has just been attacked, my granddaughter is currently in hospital recovering from an operation, where the hell do you think I’m going to go? Cape Fucking Verde for a holiday?”

Fliss turned to look at Evelyn, a small smile flickered across her face as the woman was glaring at the police officer, who was looking a little abashed at her fury.

“I know I’m not going to be winning any Mother of the Year prizes any time soon but give me some bloody credit…” Evelyn shook her head before as she glanced at Fliss and her face softened a little before she looked back at the police officer “Now, I’m going to go back into my house, get dressed and then how about you make yourself useful and drop us at the hospital so I don’t have to call my driver?” *******

Frank was dozing in the chair when the door to Mary’s room opened. He looked up, blinking and frowned as he saw his Mother. She was dressed in a pair of sweat pants and a large, oversized knitted sweater.

“What…” he began to say but she jerked her head, gesturing for him to step outside the room. With a glance at Mary who was sleeping, he stood up and headed into the corridor.

“There’s been an incident…” Evelyn spoke.

“Incident, what do you mean?” he asked, before he realised she was on her own “Where’s Lissy?” “She’s downstairs…” Evelyn said, her voice calm.

“Downstairs?” Frank’s brow furrowed as his throat went dry “What the fuck is going on?” “Her ex-husband…” Evelyn said and Frank felt his chest constrict “He followed her home, got into the house…”

Frank let out a loud yell, and Evelyn softly touched his arm “She’s ok, Frank, just a few bruises…”

“I’ll fucking kill him…” Frank snarled and Evelyn shook her head.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” she said simply “You’ll end up inside yourself!” “It’ll be worth it…” “No, it won’t.” Evelyn said simply “The police have him. But if it makes you feel any better I gave him a good whack on the back of the head with a wine bottle…” Frank blinked, and he looked at his mother for a second, before his brain kicked in again.

“I need to see her…” “Yes, I know.” she said “I’ll stay with Mary, you go. She’s down on the ER…” “Ok…thanks…” He said, and without so much as a glance back he sprinted off towards the stairs, deciding not to wait for the elevator. He took the steps 2 at a time, ignoring the curious and occasionally annoyed glances he got from people he either dodged round or bumped into.

He burst out of the stairwell onto the ward and stopped, glancing around for someone to point him in the right direction when he did a double take as he saw a stretcher being wheeled in his direction, which was accompanied by a police officer and a security guard. He paused, and as it neared him he recognised the man on it instantly from the photo’s he had seen and felt the blood beginning to pound in his ears. Frank stood, stock still, chest heaving, fists clenching by his side as it came closer and then he got the first proper up-close look at the man who’d made his girl’s life hell. The group paused by the elevator opposite him and he watched as John looked round. When he spotted Frank his face fell into a look of recognition.

“Ah, here he is…” John said, “The boyfriend…” How he knew who he was, Frank didn’t give a shit. His eyes locked onto John's steel grey ones, the sneer on the man's face grew wider, goading, taunting him as he continued to speak, making various comments about Fliss, and Frank made towards the gurney, his striding matching his mood, murderous. He was going to kill the bastard, rip him limb from limb. But, as he crossed the linoleum floor, his Mother’s voice flickered in his head and then for some reason the warning she had departed less than 5 minutes earlier morphed into something Bill had said to him once as they had been sat outside with a beer… "He's a master manipulator, Frank. Anything anyone gave him could and would find a way to use it, and that's the only thing that stopped me beating him within an inch of his life that evening, the fact that it might have jeopardised the case against him." He stopped dead in the middle of the corridor. As it stood, John was fucked. He had breached his parole in countless ways and there was a fresh assault charge too. He was going back inside and he knew that, so he was trying to goad Frank into doing something stupid, something that would put him behind bars too, leaving Fliss broken. Because that's what this was about. Breaking Fliss. Frank knew that John would have realised by now that he couldn't break her in the way he once could. The card and calls would have proven that, which is why he sent the photo of Mary and why he was goading Frank. He was going for the one area in which he knows she has a weakness. Her Achilles heel...the people she loves.

“What you stopping for?” John practically yelled as a police officer told him to shut up. “You know she told me before how gentle you are with her…we all know how rough she likes it at times…” Frank's chest heaved as John's taunts about Fliss continued to ring in his ears. As some further crude remark about her bedroom antics hit his consciousness Frank clenched his fist, simply trying to think of something to say, something that left the cunt in no uncertain terms as to why exactly he wasn’t going to give him what he wanted, and be goaded into kicking 7 bells of shit out of him... And then he suddenly why should he? If he gave the bastard the satisfaction of realising that the very thing Frank wanted to do he couldn't then he was letting John gain a victory. A small one, but a victory none the less... And Frank was giving him fuck all, well, almost fuck all. Because there was one thing he could do that would show the bastard the utter level of contempt he deserved.

In a flash Frank lunged forward, and as the officer by John's bed stepped into his path, Frank leaned round him, snapped his head back, and spat right in John's face.

There was a moment’s pause before John yelled out, jerking the hand that wasn't cuffed to the bed to his face, screaming every name under the sun at Frank who took a step back as the police officer sternly gave him a warning. "You're an irrelevant sack of shit." Frank snarled, looking at John, before he backed away completely, hands up in surrender to the officer who was pushing him back. "That the best you got?" John yelled, "what about the promise you made to my brother, about killing me if I came near your family or her?" At that Frank let out a bark of a laugh "I never said I'd kill you, just put you in hospital...but looks like my mother beat me to it. How does that feel, huh, ass hole? Being put in here by a 65 year old woman?" Another growl of rage and this time the police officer turned to Frank "Sir, I'm gonna have to ask you to leave...I'm assuming you're Miss Gallagher's partner?" Shit...Fliss... he needed to be with her. She was far more important. He nodded to the officer "I'm going..." and the man gave him a curt nod as he turned to leave. "How does it feel...to know Felicity will never be over me?" John's voice continued to follow him as he walked. "That she's so broken and ruined? She ran from Boston even when I wasn't there anymore, what does that tell you, huh?” Oh now that really was pathetic! A desperate, final shot and Frank barked out a laugh as he turned around, folding his arms.

"Kintsugi." He said simply "Ever heard of it? It's an ancient Japanese art form. Broken ceramics, things like that are fixed with a glue laced with powdered gold. The repaired item is different, but no less beautiful than it was before, often even more so in some eyes." Frank shrugged with a smile "And that's Fliss. Is she the same person she was before she met you? Probably not…but I tell you something I will love the person she is now for a lifetime." John's face slipped, and in that moment Frank knew he had won. He had refused to give John any semblance of control and he couldn't help the satisfied smirk that spread across his face. "But you are right about one thing." Frank added "She did run. And she ran to South Pass, where I met her...so for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart." John sat still for a moment before he jerked up and began to try and get off the gurney, screaming threats of murder and whatever else he could conjure. Frank smirked as the police officers all piled in to restrain John, and he took one last look before he turned and strode away. Beating John on a cerebral level might not have given Frank the physical relief of kicking the crap out of him, but he knew that his words would stick with him much longer than a few broken bones and that was far more satisfying.

Frank eventually stopped a Nurse who kindly directed him to where he could find Fliss and he strode onto the ward where he headed towards the minor treatment room at the back. He yanked the door open and saw a Doctor was gently examining her temple which now sported a cut and a few stitches. But that wasn’t what got to Frank, it was the finger shaped bruises that covered her neck which made his breath hitch and he looked at Fliss as her eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, baby girl…” he stuttered out and crossed the room. The doctor tactfully stepped away and Frank dropped onto the bed next to her as he pulled her to him and she buried her face into his neck as he pressed a kiss to the top of the head. He looked at the Doctor who gave him a small nod before he left the room, closing the door. Frank couldn’t think of anything to say, nor did he actually trust his voice at this moment so he simply held her close, his face pressed into her hair. Eventually he felt her pull back slightly, and he glanced down at her, taking her face in her hands.

“Let me see you…” he said gently, his eyes scanning the injuries he hadn’t already noticed and saw that her right eye was slightly swollen, and there was an angry red mark on her cheek which was going to bruise. She raised her right hand to gently place her hand over his and he saw the angry marks around her wrist too.

“I’m so sorry….” Frank looked at her, his eyes filling with tears.

“Hey…” Fliss said softly, her voice was raspy as her hands cupped his cheeks “This is not your fault.”

Frank shook his head, closing his eyes as Fliss gently placed a soft kiss to his lips.

“I fought back” she said, pulling away to look at him “Something I would never have had the courage to do if it hadn’t been for you. The last year we’ve spent together, you taught me I was worth so much more, and knowing that today…well, I wasn’t the same meek old little lamb he used to knock about.” “The lamb became a lion, huh?” Frank smiled, brushing her hair back.

“Something like that.” Fliss shrugged “And he’s going back in side. The Police reckon he’ll serve the original 2 years he had left and be looking at another couple for Assault, violation of his probation terms, breaking his curfew…” “With a bit of luck someone will kill him when he’s inside.” Frank spat and Fliss arched her eyebrow. “Sorry…” he said as she smiled, and shook her head.

“I love you.” he said again after a moment’s pause, his forehead pressing against hers “I don’t ever want to be without you. Ever.”

“You won’t be.” she looked at him “I promise.”

Frank smiled again, giving her a soft kiss before he pulled her back into her arms and she sighed, the tension in her shoulders, melting away at his embrace.

It wasn’t too long before the doctor came back and stated that, provided Fliss had someone at home, he was happy to discharge her. Frank assured him that she wouldn’t be alone and so, with care sheet that Fliss really didn’t need they both made their way back up to Mary’s room…well, that is after Frank made Fliss face up to the one call she didn’t want to make…

Bill was absolutely raging when he found out what was happening, so much so Fliss couldn’t deal with speaking to him so she passed the phone to Frank who had thankfully found his calm head at this point. After he spoke to Fliss’ dad, he managed to convince him not to hop on the next available flight, instead told them to come tomorrow when Mary had been discharged and things had calmed down a little. He knew it was slightly hypocritical, given the way he had hot footed immediately to Boston to be with Mary, but Fliss had begged him to put them off for at least a night as she was talked out after being interviewed by the police and wanted to rest. With a final gruff goodbye, Bill hung up and Frank curled his arm round Fliss as they walked towards Mary’s room.

They had been back in there for about 5 minutes when the Ward Sister appeared and at first was rather shitty with Frank at the fact Mary’s room was sporting 2 additional visitors out of bounds, until she spotted Fliss’ injuries. Her demeanour softened slightly but she was still insistent that Fliss and Evelyn needed to leave, but did allow them to wait in the room instead of the main reception until their car arrived.

Frank didn’t want his girl out of his sight, he wanted nothing more than to hold her all night long, humming songs into her ear the way he often did when they were huddled together, making her laugh as he changed the lyrics to various songs to include her name, his, Mary’s, Thor’s, Fred’s Cap’s, Heidi’s…or whoever else came to mind. He wanted her safe in his arms, wanted to be there when she woke up, but he knew she needed a good rest and even if she could stay, she wouldn’t get that on a camp bed. So, when the time came he reluctantly released her from where she had been sat on his lap and after she gently dropped a kiss on Mary’s head, the girl having slept through all of this, he followed them out into the corridor.

Evelyn turned to Frank but before she could speak he swept her into a hug and pressed his face into her hair, placing a soft kiss to the crown of her head.

“Thank you.” he said softly, before he released her. Evelyn stepped back, tears in her eyes as she gave him a small smile then turned to the elevator, leaving him to say goodnight to Fliss.

“Get some rest…and if you need me for anything, if you can’t sleep…whatever, call me ok?” he asked, his large hands gently cupping her face. “I love you.” “I love you too.” she said softly as his lips met hers in a soft but lingering kiss. He pressed his forehead to hers, their noses gently bumping against one another before she smiled and stepped away “I’ll see you tomorrow.

He held her hand for as long as he could, her fingers gently slipping out of his until eventually her hand was free and she turned and headed after Evelyn. He stood watching until they were in the elevator, giving them both one last wave before he turned back into the room. Once in there he cast a look at Mary before he slumped down on the chair he’d been in, the weariness seeping into every bone in his body as he bent forward, arms resting on his knees, face buried into his hands and he began to cry.

**** Frank climbed out of the car and lifted Mary onto his hip as he followed his Mother and Fliss into the cool hallway and he set Mary down and looked around his once childhood home. It looked, smelt, felt the same. He could almost see Diane sliding down the banister, him catching her at the bottom until their stepfather found them and threatened to flay them both alive if he caught them doing it again for fear of them breaking their necks. He could remember playing basketball on the large drive after Walter put a hoop up for him over the garage, the long nights of homework in the study, essays his mother made him re-write over when they weren’t good enough, always groaning when he was told it was time to practice his piano…he doubted he could even remember a single scale now, what a waste of time and money…

“Why don’t you go get some sleep.” Fliss looked at him, and her voice once again made him want to cry. It was so soft and croaky, but the doctor had said it might take a week or so for her vocal chords to recover. Another reminder of what the fucker had done to her. “I’ll wake you in a few hours when it’s time to go get Mum and Dad.” “You’re in your old room.” Evelyn said gently

Frank nodded and turned to Mary. “Don’t be running around like a lunatic, you heard what the doctor said.” Mary looked at him, her hands on her hips “I’m not stupid.” “Jury’s out.” he teased and she glared at him.

“We’ll watch some TV.” Fliss assured him, her hand rubbing at his back.

“Was kinda hoping you’d come lay with me.” he said softy.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Evelyn nodded, “Me and Mary can occupy ourselves.” “Oh, can we do some of those equations…” Frank glared at Evelyn, who held her hands up “I haven’t once made her do maths…” “They were in a book I found.” Mary looked at Frank. “They look really interesting…” “Frank…” Fliss soothed “If she wants to do Math, what harm is it gonna do? She’s gonna be missing a few weeks of school.” “Fine.” he sighed “But…oh,I dunno, just…” He trailed off shaking his head, he was too beat to argue anymore. He turned and headed up the stairs without another word.

“Is he mad at me?” Mary asked, her eyes wide.

“No, honey of course not.” Fliss shook her head, her hand cupping Mary’s cheek “He’s just tired, it’s been a long few days…” “Are you feeling ok now? Frank told me you got attacked but I wasn’t supposed to ask you, but I wanted to…”

“I’m fine.” Fliss assured her. “Just bruised…nowhere near as much recovery to do as you.”

Satisfied Mary nodded and Evelyn told her to go and sit on the sofa and Fliss headed upstairs. Frank was already in the shower by the time she got into the room so she kicked off her trainers and flicked on the TV, absentmindedly watching the news channel that filled the screen. She took a deep breath, her eyes flicking to the closed door of the en-suite. She knew Frank was hurting, beating himself up about both her and Mary, and there was nothing to do other than let him sleep for a while and hopefully wake with a clear head.

Her mind began to wander back over the last 12 months and everything they’d been through. From nearly not actually getting together thanks to his little Friday night fuck with Bonnie, to that day she had bared her soul, told him everything. With a fond smile she remembered how he’d held her that night, the way he’d tenderly washed her in the shower when she was too broken to do anything herself…and then an idea came to her. Maybe she could show him some of that strength he always provided her.

She stripped off, adjusted her pony tail so her hair was piled up on her head, out of the way, and walked into the en-suite, casting a look as Frank was in the large cubicle, his head bowed, water beating down on him. His head turned to look at her and he gave her a questioning look as she stepped in next to him.

“Lissy?” he asked, and she gently took his hands, lacing her fingers into his before she stood on her tiptoes to give him a soft kiss.

“Turn round.” she said softly.

He did as he was told, his back to her and she gently slid her hands up his back and began to work at his shoulders which were ever so tense. With a soft sigh he relaxed into her touch, her thumbs working at the stiff muscles along the blades and his neck. He rolled his head from side to side, and stayed still, hissing slightly as she hit a particularly bad spot but then told her not to stop as she eased off. It was bliss. Eventually he felt her touch lighten before she instructed him to stay where he was, reaching round for the shampoo that was hooked on the shelves at the side. She began to massage his scalp, her nails scratching at his skin and he gave a soft moan tipping his head back. When she was done he turned, rinsing off and then glancing down he gave Fliss a soft smile as he dipped his head and kissed her softly.

“Feeling better?” she asked and he smiled, nodding.

“Should be me doing that for you.” he said softly, and she shook her head.

“Frank, I’m fine.”

“I didn’t mean to be so crabby.” he sighed, and she shrugged.

“You’re tired.” she said, reaching behind him to turn the water off. “Tell me honestly, how much sleep did you get?”

“3, maybe 3 and a half hours” he sighed as she stepped out of the cubicle and wrapped herself in a robe, handing him a towel. He quickly dried himself off, wrapped it around his waist and followed her into the bed room. Fliss picked up her phone and smiled.

“Mum and Dad are at the airport already.” she said, “They’ll be here in about 5 hours…which means you can get some sleep.” Frank nodded before he pulled the towel away, slipped on a pair of clean boxers and then roughly rubbed at his hair. Fliss laughed softly as he emerged, his dark brown strands stuck up everywhere and she moved over, smoothing them down with her hands. Once they were finished they both slipped under the duvet and she gestured so that Frank could lay his head on her chest. She softly placed a kiss to his forehead, her fingers running through his hair.

Less than 10 minutes later, he was out for the count.

He slept for a good 3 hours and when he woke he felt a lot better. Things slid into perspective a little. Yes, John had hurt Fliss, but she was ok, and he was out of their lives. Yes, Mary had been taken ill, but the operation on the whole had been small all things considering and in a week or so post a final check-up she should be cleared to fly home. Alan had messaged him telling him not to worry about work, so he knew he could stay with Mary here until the time was right, and his mother wasn’t irritating him half as much as he thought she would. In fact, she was being positively maternal, making him a sandwich and a coffee, fussing over him as he sat at the table in the kitchen,. Another time it might have freaked him out but not now. He knew something had shifted over the last 48 hours and so he wasn’t going to dwell on it, he was going to simply let it roll. Whilst she was playing ball, so would he.

Frank declined Evelyn’s offer of sending a driver for Bill and Verity, because he knew Fliss would want to be there in person, and as did he. So at just after 3 and an argument with Mary about the fact she was absolutely not going with them on account of her needing to recover, to which she had replied some smart arsed remark about Fliss also being hurt, which his mother had simply stepped in and uttered a line he had heard so many times growing up ‘you do as we say, not as we do…” she stropped off to the living room, seething and that had allowed them to slip out, borrowing his mother’s Mercedes SUV for the trip.

It wasn’t a long drive through to Logan, and they chatted away as they headed over into the city, Fliss smiling and telling him how much she was looking forward to New York, that is if Mary was ok enough to go. Frank had assured her she would be, the recovery time wasn’t that long and knew full well Mary would have a tantrum to end all tantrums if he stated it was a no-go. Besides, he himself had big plans for that trip. There was no way in hell they were missing it.

They parked up, strode through to the arrivals and bought themselves a coffee, settling down to wait and it was about half an hour later Fliss’s eyes flicked to a spot over his shoulder and she gave a huge grin. She pushed her chair back and jogged across the lounge, throwing herself at her father.

“Oh, Titch…” Bill mumbled into her hair, his voice cracking as she wrapped her arms round him and Verity joined them, the 3 of them embracing. Frank hung back a little, until Verity waved him over and he walked over, giving V a hug before he shook Bill’s hand, the man pulling him into a huge embrace. He didn’t miss the angry look on Bill’s face as he took in Fliss’ injuries, nor the tears in Verity’s but neither of them said anything about it. As they all moved to head to the exit, Frank offered to take their case, but Bill declined.

“Not quite over the hill yet Frank.” he teased and Frank laughed.

“I wouldn’t dream of suggesting so.” he grinned as they made their way over towards the car.

“How’s Mary?” Verity asked, as Frank opened the trunk to allow Bill to toss his bag in.

“Still a pain in the ass.” Frank said, and Verity scoffed.

“You leave my little Pudding alone.” she said.

“She had a tantrum.” Fliss grinned “Frank made her stay home to rest. She didn’t appreciate being left behind.” “Clearly desperate to see me.” Bill said simply, as Fliss told him to get into the front passenger seat. “Everyone knows I’m her favourite.” “That’s because you ruin her.” Frank said simply. Bill shrugged, a smirk on his face.

“Isn’t that what Granddads do?” he asked. Frank smiled, and looked at him as Bill’s smirk grew wider and Frank sighed.

“What did you bring her?”

“Nothing…” he protested, “Well, except a new pair of Tigger Pyjamas and a few books…” Frank rolled his eyes “Like I said, ruined.”

The drive home was pleasant. Frank took the long way round so that Bill and Verity who, despite Fliss having lived here for some time, had never spent long in the city because of John, could see the sights. They made arrangements to have a day out, Fliss gushing about the shops she could visit to buy some stuff for New York, Frank smiling at her in the rear-view mirror, before he glanced at Bill, the man’s jovial nature seemed to be ebbing away with each mile they drove.

Once they arrived back home, Fliss led Verity up the steps to the house whilst Frank hung back with Bill, heading to the trunk. As soon as the women were inside, Bill rounded on him.

“What the fuck happened?” he said, his eyes searching Frank’s “How did he find her? Why was she alone?”

Frank took a deep breath and explained all about Richard tipping him off, how he had followed her, how she wasn’t alone but his mother was upstairs, how she’d stupidly not closed the door properly, how Fliss had fought him back, but he’d still overpowered her until his Mother had smashed a bottle over his head. He didn’t miss the pained expression that crossed Bill’s face as the large man simply shook his head a growl erupting from his throat.

“I’m so sorry Bill.” Frank hung his head, and at that Bill’s eyes turned to see the man in front of him, looking down at his feet.

“Sorry?” Bill frowned “What the hell are you sorry for?” “I wasn’t there…I should have kept her safe…” “You weren’t there because your little girl was in hospital.” Bill said, looking at him. “Frank, you couldn’t have been in two places at once…” “She wouldn’t have been in Boston if it wasn’t for me…I should have made her stay home…” “Right, you listen to me…” Bill said, his hand gripping Frank’s shoulder. “Look at me Frank.” Frank turned his head up to look at Bill, who stared straight back.

“You DO NOT blame yourself, Son.” Bill shook his head. “You hear me? Christ knows I tortured myself for long enough about keeping her safe. She’s my daughter and…” he trailed off, his own eyes misting up. “But one thing I realised over the last few years, this is no one’s fault but his.”

Frank sniffed and looked away. He knew Bill was right, but that still didn’t ease the enormous ball of guilt he felt in his gut.

“You said she fought back?” Bill said and Frank nodded. “Well, if you want any evidence of exactly how much you have kept her safe that’s it right there…she’s a different person. She’s the old Fliss, the one we knew way back before he ever turned up.” Bill wiped at his eyes as he glanced at the house then back to Frank. “And I cannot begin to thank you for the change we’ve seen in her.”

“Me?” Frank frowned.

“Yes, you.” Bill insisted “None of us can go back, Frank. The only thing we can do is move forward and you’ve helped her do that. You’ve given her something, something else to focus on other than her work and memories…” he took a deep breath, his hand falling back to Frank’s shoulder, his eyes locking onto his “…and when the time comes, I want you to know you don’t need to ask my permission, because there’s no one else on this earth I’d trust more than you to care for her for the rest of her life.”

Bill’s words sunk in and Frank looked at him, his eyes misting over before the man pulled him in for a fatherly hug, gently slapping his back.

“Right, now that’s over with…” Bill stepped away, turning for his bag “Please tell me your mother has some decent scotch because fuck do I need a stiff drink.”

****** None of them stayed up late that night. They retired to bed at little after 9 and Fliss snuggled up next to Frank, her head laying on his chest. The only problem with that, was that Frank then woke at 3 the next morning, and couldn’t get back to sleep. He glanced at Fliss who was fast asleep besides him and gently climbed out of bed. The chilly air hit him and he shivered slightly, grabbing a t-shirt off the side which he shrugged on before he headed down stairs to grab a bottle of water. As he reached the bottom steps the soft sound of classical music hit his ears and there was a chink of light flowing from underneath the study door. He knew instantly it was his mother. He headed into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water and was about to head back upstairs when he paused, his eyes drifting to the study door. He hesitated, before he made his decision and walked back gently pushing it open.

Evelyn looked up, frowning slightly “Frank?” “Needed a drink, saw the light was on.” he said simply “Couldn’t sleep?” “Something like that.” she mused.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

With a soft smile she beckoned him over and he walked into the room, noticing for the first time she had a photo album open. Frank peered down and felt his own smile creep across his face as he looked at the photo of him, along with his Mother, Father and Diane on Francis Street Beach in Nantucket. It was the year before his Father died.

“I remember that trip.” Frank said softly. “Spur of the moment decision to go for a long weekend in the holidays. Dad capsized the kayak on purpose because I kept splashing him.”

“You were so excited to go.” Evelyn smiled. “Because the beach had the same name as you.” Frank huffed a laugh.

“I know you’ve heard me say this countless times but you really are ridiculously like Preston.” Evelyn looked at him and Frank looked down at her as he straightened back up, cracking open the bottle of water he had. “Seeing you with Fliss…” she trailed off and sighed, “I loved Walter...but it was nothing compared to how I felt about your father.” Frank looked at her, as she gently ran her hand over the photo on the page “I often wonder if he had still been here how different things would have been, but then I remind myself that he was-“ she trailed off and stopped dead. “Anyway, no point-“ “He was what?” Frank frowned.

“Nothing…” “Mother.” he said sternly. Evelyn looked at him and he stared straight back before she took a deep breath and hung her head slightly.

"He was leaving me. He said he didn't love me anymore...hadn't for a while and once the issue with Diane’s schooling was sorted, he was moving out." Frank blinked. That had surprised him because as far as he had been aware his mother and father had been solid as a rock until his Fathers accident. He looked at his mother who was looking back down at the photo album, her face sad…and suddenly to Frank it all made sense. "That's why you wanted to hurt me, all the business with Mary?" Frank looked at her, folding his arms and Evelyn shifted slightly "Because I hurt you first. I left you, just like dad?" Evelyn sighed "I'm not proud if it...but yes, I expect some psychologist could boil it down to that. But, it wasn’t all about hurting you Frank…I failed Diane and when I heard about Mary, how she had inherited your sister’s talents…I saw it as a perfect opportunity to try and make amends”

Frank rubbed at his eyes. He didn’t have it in him to be angry about any of this. Maybe last year, but not now. His mother had simply confirmed what he had suspected, but he was glad she’d admitted it finally. That it had been partly spite, and partly because she accepted some responsibility over Diane. Evelyn wasn’t to blame for Diane’s death, he knew that and would never in a million years dream of accusing her of such, but Diane had suffered from a mental illness which Evelyn had chosen to ignore. But he now understood that she hadn’t been ignoring it because she thought it was a weakness…his mother had feared it.

“I'm not proud of how I behaved Frank” Evelyn looked at him and his eyes flickered back to her. “Far from it. But knowing Mary now, I'm not sure I'd change it because...I love her. And I'm glad she’s in my life. And you too for that matter.”

“What’s done is done.” he said gently, “I’m tired of being angry and bitter about it.” “Me too.” Evelyn said.

“Well…” Frank said, thinking back to what Bill had said to him earlier “There’s nothing we can do about the past. I suppose it’s how we choose to deal with things going forward that matters.”

Kintsugi…

Evelyn looked at him “That’s very philosophical” she teased and Frank gave a chuckle.

“Old habits die hard.” he shrugged before he sighed "Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked quietly, “About Dad?” "Preston was your hero.” Evelyn looked at him, smiling softy “And rightly so, he was an amazing man. And I thought you deserved to at least have some good memories of one parent"

Frank looked at her as she held his gaze, her words echoing around his brain. She’d been trying to protect him, behaving again in a way that she thought was best. Shielding him from hurt and anger and pain.

Being a mom.

With a soft nod he acknowledged her point and with a final smile he bid her goodnight and headed upstairs. Slipping back into bed, he gently pressed a kiss to Fliss’ neck, holding her close to his chest, simply laying still, and then she shifted and turned to face him.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” he asked softly and she shook her head.

“No, but I woke up and you weren’t here…” she said as he brushed her waves off her face, his thumb gently skating her bruised cheek “Where did you go?”

“To grab a drink” he said, “then I was talking to Mother…” “Everything ok?” Fliss asked and he took a deep breath, nodding.

“Yeah, yeah I think it is, or at least it will be.” She smiled softly at him in the dim light and he dipped his head to kiss her gently, his hand dropping to her hip. She moved closer, tipping her pelvis up to meet his and he gave a sigh into her mouth as he felt her rub up against his crotch.

“You want something?” he asked, and she gave a soft chuckle.

“You gonna make me beg?” she asked.

“Never baby girl…” he smiled, rolling her over onto her back.

Before long they were both naked, sharing kisses, soft teasing touches. Frank’s mouth softly caressed her bruised neck, her collar bone before moving down to her breasts, lavishing affection at her pebbled nipples causing her to arch her back, pressing into his touch. He loved the way she keened underneath him, her body begging him for more, so needy and so ready for him. When neither of them could stand it any longer, both aching for one another, Frank’s hands gently cupped her face as he pushed into her, causing her to gasp slightly. He gently rolled his hips, his movements slow, deep, rocking into her as opposed to thrusting, not wanting any inch of his body to be away from hers.

It was slow, soft and quiet. Everything about it was pure love and affection, not for one single moment about chasing that surge of ecstasy. But when that relief inevitably came, Fliss head tipped back in a silent cry, as Frank nuzzled at her jaw with his nose before he slanted his mouth over hers, kissing her deeply before he himself came, hard, with a surge that he wasn’t quite sure he’d felt before. As they lay there, tangled around one another, soft kisses and touches being shared in the afterglow, Frank found himself wondering just how on Earth she kept managing to make him fall deeper in love with her by the day.

He knew he would probably never get the answer to that, but he didn’t care. All he knew was this woman was his world, his home.

And he was going to make her his wife.

#riding high #frank adler x ofc #frank adler #gifted #gifted fan fic

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itsbuckysworld · 5 years ago

Text

Late Night Bangers

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Guest Appearance: None. World: AU Genre: Fluff. Neighbours AU Warnings: none really. Buck can be considered a jerk if you’re easily annoyed with annoying neighbours then, there’s that. Word Count: 2.9K

Summary: Your cute neighbour keeps blasting music in the worst of times. It’s great music, but annoying nonetheless.

Prompt: It’s 3 AM and you’re blasting off classic rock at full volume and your music taste might be awesome but soME PEOPLE are trying to sLEEP - for @sebashtiansatan‘s writing challenge. Thanks Elif for hosting this and sorry for the tardiness I hope you enjoy this one I quite liked writing it!

Smooches! xoxo L

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Song List:

Burnin’ For You - Blue Öyster Cult

Space Station #5 - Montrose

I Wanna Be With You - The Raspberries

Rock Bottom - UFO

This Time - UFO

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Time everlasting Time to play b-sides Time ain't on my side Time I'll never know

You find yourself kicking and punching the sheets off your body angrily, they keep tangling around your shins. Huffing and puffing as you wrap your night robe around you and brush your hair from your face, you look at the clock by your bedside table. 3:12AM

Un-fucking-believable.

The guitar solo is just beginning when you find yourself stomping down the hall to the other person who lives in your floor. Your fists bang against their white door, almost knocking the 6 on the apartment sign.

The chorus fades a little as your neighbour lowers the volume after what you assume is them realising there’s someone at the door. Soon the door is being pulled open. You come face to face with your neighbour’s piercing blue eyes and disheveled brown hair, almost black against the red-ish lights he has going on the living room and he leaned casually against the doorframe.

You hadn’t really met your neighbour before. You shared smiles and waves when he first moved in, and if you were correct his name was James Barnes or something, at least that’s what you saw when one of his letters was delivered to you by mistake. He came and went whenever, often times you wouldn’t see him for days, but his nonchalant demeanor never made you worry. He seemed like the type to just go about his life without interacting much with people and by the look of his apartment over his shoulder, he probably didn’t spend much time there, or didn’t care for having his place all tidy and worthy of an interior decor magazine cover.

Your eyes ran him over. His boots had little metal accents that went with his many bracelets and tatted left arm. He looked tired but maybe that was part of the look, and it made his blue irises pop, as if they were alight, shining over you. Messy hair, ends kissing the nape of his neck. The deep V-neck shirt so casual and contrasting against the black ripped jeans and dark accents of his tattoos. The red outline that the lights in the back cast around him made him look…

You shook your head rid of thoughts of him and his appearance when you noticed his eyebrow lift in confusion at your staring.

“Uh, hi,” you stammered before clearing your throat and putting your best ‘dealing with annoying neighbours’ face. You know, the one that is kind yet authoritative, definitely a little mean, but soft. “So, Blue Öyster Cult, great band” his eyebrows lifted in surprise at your sentence and you forced out a casual giggle, a cover up for the grin you could feel creeping up at the sight of his half smirk. “It’s just… you know, 3:00AM? Would it be too much to ask you to, maybe, tone it down?”

At this, he turns his head back and stands up straight. “Oh” is his only response, as if he hadn’t noticed the time. “Sorry, sure thing… Bucky, by the way” he introduces himself cheekily and all you can do is nod your head, worried your voice won’t come out.

“Y/N” you chirp.

His smile is apologetic and kind as he points behind himself as if saying ‘I’ll do that now’ and it almost leaves you breathless. He looks so tough and rough, like the cool biker guys in movies, like he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks about him and he isn’t afraid to break the rules and get in trouble – all kinds of good, fun, naughty, tongue in cheek trouble – and charm his way out of it. The last thing you’d pair him with is that kind and warm of a smile, and it takes your brain for a spin. His hands rest on the door, motioning that he’s going to close it soon, but you just have to interject.

“Cool” you sway on the balls of your feet for a few seconds, before saying goodnight and rushing back to your apartment.

As you lay in bed you hear the very distant beginning of Don’t Fear The Reaper, but before you can groan, it fades and you can finally rest, not before images of your Bucky flash across your mind. Now that’s a way to meet your neighbour.

↤↤↤↤↤ ↦↦↦↦↦

Oh, what a time we had Livin' underground I move to station number five See you next time around

You slam your book closed, the force of the bang sending your pens tumbling to the ground. There’s a strangled scream in your throat as you clench your fists to your sides and stand up.

This fucking–

You catch yourself mid sentence, annoyed beyond repair. Is he for real? For a moment you wished he lived under you so you could stomp out your anger right on the spot, instead of having to slip on some sandals and shuffle across the hall like a headless woman on a mission.

You knock on his door, so damn hard your fist throbs and you can feel your heartbeat in your hand – definitely faster than the Montrose song playing, and probably louder, whatever to knock some sense into him. Barnes, as you have turned to call him in your head since the last time you so gleefully interacted, is clad in a tank top, and his blue jeans that hang way too low on his hips to not give you chills, have grease stains all over – is he going for some type of troubled rocker from the 70’s aesthetic? Because he’s really giving it his all… and it suits him goddamn – his hair is pushed back from his eyes, a lone strand curls over his forehead and rests almost on the tip of his long eyelashes. His breathing is jagged and you picture him dancing to the tune, if anything to keep your brain from picturing any other… Reasons for his panting.

The door isn’t fully opened yet by the time you’re leaning a little to the left and catching his eyes.

“Hi Barnes!” the overly chipper and very annoyed greeting comes almost out of gritted teeth. “Montrose yeah? Very underrated band, real good sound –”

“They definitely don’t get the credit they deserve –”

“It’s eleven pm on a Thursday though, and some of us have assignments to power through? So it’d be really, really helpful if you could just… Kick it down a notch?– or two.”

His eyes do you once over, then one more time, a slight smirk appearing on his face, much like the one he gave you that night at 3:00AM. Does he always smirk this way? And since when is it hot that he does so?

“Sure thing, smooth legs”

His door is slammed to your face before you can react to the nickname, and you’re left in front of his apartment, mouth agape and hand frozen mid air, dismayed. The song fades down as he lowers the volume behind his entryway. You can’t run any faster back into your humble abode, resting your forehead against your door when it’s closed. Your cheeks are red in your reflection in the mirror, and you’re suddenly hyper aware of your pajama shorts.

There’s not much progress made to your assignment, as you decide to just dive into bed and will yourself to sleep.

↤↤↤↤↤ ↦↦↦↦↦

Well tonight (tonight) The night (the night) We always knew it would feel so right So come on baby, I just want to be with you

The TV won’t go any louder, and neither do you want to be that neighbour. Funny. If only a certain someone would think the same way as you. You sigh in exasperation. Is it ever going to end?

It isn’t even very late, you’re aware of that, but watching this documentary is too important for your class and Barnes blasting Raspberries isn’t really going to help. Although truth be told, it was one of your favourite songs by them, so you weren’t that mad. Still, this couldn’t be happening again.

You stop short in front of his door when you notice something different in the familiar tune. It doesn’t take you long to realise it’s him. It’s Bucky singing at the top of his lungs.

‘Baby oh, I want to be with you. So baaaad, I want to be with you.’

You can’t help but smile and giggle at the realization. He’s so off tune, but he sounds like he’s having a blast, and you would be lying if you said you didn’t want to sing along. It was the power of that song, there was no way you could just not jam out to it. This time around your knocks are firm, but not as angry as previous instances. Bucky opens the door and you almost die of laughter at the sight, covering your huge grin with your hand once more.

His hair is pulled back in a bun, however tiny since it’s not long enough, and he’s donned a bright blue apron that just ties the whole ripped jeans, dark tattoos and combat boots look together. He’s still holding onto the spoon when he gives you a wide grin.

“Hey there sweet cheeks!” you clear your throat, trying to put on your best mean face, except the whole combination of factors – Bucky looking adorable and this song being too damn catchy – made it impossible.

“Ok so, this is probably my favourite Raspberries song so I’m going to let it slide– just this once! –” you add quickly with a raise of your hand as you see his face light up. This didn’t mean he had permission to blast your ears off, no siree. “But after that, I really have to focus on this documentary for my class so, if you could please?”

“Say no more!” He rushes back into his house, leaving you right outside his entrance, you can still see him as he reaches over to the radio and turns up the volume, using his huge spoon as a microphone as he sings along and shakes his hips to the tune. Your head falls back in laughter at the sight, hands coming up to decline his offer to join him. He continues to shake his shoulders your way as he returns back to the door frame, and you roll your eyes faking annoyance. You sway your hips to the beat of the song on your way back to your apartment and you can hear him holler and edge you on before closing the door behind you.

Another quick glimpse to the mirror by your entrance way and the red cheeks are there again, this time accompanied by a huge grin. You can’t help but hide your face in your hands before skipping to the couch and letting your body fall on it.

When the song’s over, Bucky keeps his promise and you resume your documentary with peace and quiet.

↤↤↤↤↤ ↦↦↦↦↦

Now you look so peaceful, lyin' there asleep With the wings of God above you Before the spirits meet Rock bottom, rock bottom, rock bottom

You’re going to murder him. You let him play one song and he takes advantage of the whole damn thing. Whatever nice moment was shared, definitely gone down the drain. Lasted a week. The bastard.

“Barnes!” you yell, slamming your hand on his door. He had to go back to disturbing your sleep, hadn’t he? Bloody 2:30AM and you’ve got your ultimatum on the tip of your tongue. Next time you’re calling the cops on his rock-punk ass.

“Hey” he says, nonchalant, like he doesn’t know what he’s doing, except the smirk, the god forsaken smirk, on his face screams he enjoys pushing your buttons this way.

“I get it! UFO is finally on spotify. Yay the hype, but for fuck’s sake–” “Wait, you know UFO?” he interrupts you, and it both shocks you and makes your blood boil that out of everything, he’s more interested in the fact that you know the band? They weren’t that obscure, your dad loved them and – NOT THE POINT.

“Yes” you say matter-of-factly “Misdemeanor is probably their best album– Now that doesn’t mean you can go about blasting it at two in the morning!” your arms are raised above your head and you hate that you’re getting so heated but it’s all his fault. Him and his bright eyes that look at you a little surprised, a little confused, and his great music taste that disturbed you more often than not. You point an accusatory finger at him “I’m free tomorrow but I swear to god, that does not mean I want to go to sleep at freaking 4AM because of you! I don’t want to call the cops on you Barnes, I don’t. But I’m real tired of this. Please, keep it down”

And you don’t let him say anything else or reply to your threat. He hears your feet stomping back and the slam of your door, and that’s all he gets from you after that scolding.

You settle into your pillow as the guitar solo fades in the distance, hopefully proof that he’s going to heed your words and keep his noise to a minimum. At least for a while.

↤↤↤↤↤ ↦↦↦↦↦

There’s an unexpected knock to your door the following day. It’s a lazy afternoon, free from work or class, and all for you to catch up on some movies. You place down the bowl of popcorn and groan – you didn’t really want to move from your couch today.

Opening the door there’s no disguising the shock that paints your features. For a moment you wonder if your movie was too loud because that’d be ironic and quite possibly the only reason you could think of as to why Bucky Barnes is at your door. Bucky Barnes and his typical black boots, ripped jeans and band t-shirt. The leather jacket over his shoulders gives him a little extra charm, and you’re reminded in a nano-second that he’s probably the most annoying neighbour you’ve had, and his very good looks don’t exempt him of all the noise complaints you could have filled out since he’s moved in.

“Hey” his voice is soft and calm, almost apologetic, as if he knows he’s interrupted your day once more, this time not with his loud music.

“Hi?”

Suddenly there’s two slips of paper in front of your face. UFO Live in Concert, you read, and are immediately left in confusion. Bucky blinks, long lashes kissing the apples of his cheeks and he clears his throat.

“They’re playing this very underground gig at a small venue downtown… Tonight. I know the guy who manages it” There’s a sway to his frame and you realise he’s nervously dancing on the balls of his feet and his cheeks are rosy in the freezing AC of the hallway. “Do you maybe… want to?”

“Go to the show?” Bucky nods, like an excited child, and it’s adorable to say the least, that bastard. “Together?”

“Yeah I- uhm...” another clear of his throat and he’s taking a step back, as if he’s assumed he’s stepped over some line. “You like them too, and you said you were free so, I thought… We could go and you can… You can tell me more about how you knew of an album by them I didn’t even know existed”

You almost fall to your knees, but not because of any romantic movie swoon moment or anything like that, but because all of the strength in your body is suddenly being directed towards trying to keep a silly grin off your face. Ok, maybe a swooning moment then. You reach out and grab one ticket from his hand, your fingertips grazing his slowly and causing your cheeks to feel warm.

“If I go, will you promise to keep your music down?”

“Will try my best. Or... Maybe I don’t have to blast it if you just… Come over and listen with me?” There’s that smirk of his again, whatever nerves he was showing before have seemed to completely dissipate, giving way to his charming dorky self. Gosh, you hate him, and you hate that he makes you laugh with that face he pulls.

“Hmm, we’ll see” you give him a coy grin and walk away, leaving him at the doorstep, hopeful and confused, as you venture deep into your apartment and over to where your stereo sits. Your fingers delicately run over your music collection. “What are you waiting for?” you look over your shoulder back at him, signalling him to come in with your head “If we’re going to this, I have to get ready and you –” you point at him with the vinyl in hand, before swiftly turning around and letting it drop on the record player – “have to listen to Misdemeanor”

Bucky lets out a chuckle, his nervous hands fix his leather jacket before sinking them deep into his pockets. He lets himself in and closes the door as the first few notes of the first song play out. He takes in the guitar riff, the drums, the synths, everything making him want to tap his foot. He reads over the song list on the vinyl cover with a wide smirk on his face, his eyes sneakily looking up, teeth poking out to bite his lip as he looks you up and down, he catches a glimpse of you swaying into your room to the beat of the song before you close your door slightly, and Bucky can already tell this is going to be his favourite album by UFO as well.

This time, let it be me I'll be the one that you can see This time I'll be your man I'm right here baby, here in your hand.

↤↤↤↤↤ ↦↦↦↦↦

hope you enjoyed this I had fun imagining this and tried my best to write something decent. Give the songs in this piece a listen they are so good!

FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED! HERES MY ASK, HERE’S MY MASTERLIST

Have a wonderful day! Stay safe!

Smooches, L xo <3

#elifs2kwritingchallenge #Bucky Barnes x reader #Bucky Barnes AU #rocker!AU #Neighbour!AU #Bucky Barnes #my writing #Bucky Barnes fluff #meet cute #late night bangers #writing challenges I've participated in #sebashtiansatan

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julia-cross · 5 years ago

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WHO: Julia Cross & Cain Icaro @masterxcain WHAT: Cain makes a house call to exact his revenge on Julia WHEN: Wednesday Night Warnings: violence, etc

CAIN

With all the news about Julia being released; one of the people involved in the bombing that stole his beloved submissive from him, Cain had started planning. He had to find her home, figure out which tools to bring... he had so many options. Naturally, he settled on Lucille and his favourite barbed whip. Glad in his best leather, right down to his boots, he checked his phone for the address and directions, put his small earbuds in, and was out the door. What he was about to do was probably not the most acceptable thing in the world, but his anger, his upset, and his grief, were definitely in control. With ACDC blasting in his headphones, he rode his motorcycle through the streets of New Eden, his GPS chiming in every so often for turns and such, until he pulled up right outside her house. He had to admit, it was a nice house. Not nicer than his, but damn. He turned off the engine, dismounted, and stomped himself up the steps, before kicking down the front door. “Honey, I’m hooome!”

JULIA

Things were quiet, they always were. Julia sat in her living room, tea n hand, knees balled into her chest. Greta had gone out for groceries which was always a good opportunity to get some time by the Foyer with Cujo instead of holing up in her room which always made Greta give her that same concerned face. What she wasn't expecting was for the door to suddenly come busting down, and to wind up shooting to her feet to find CAIN standing in her doorway, weapons in hands. Julia's heart started pounding in her ears so fast she could barely think. "What the hell!? Get out of my house!"

CAIN

“You were the one involved with the bombing.” His voice low, raspy, almost a growl. His eyes appeared dark, and he was beyond angry. He stomped further into her home, swinging the bat aimlessly near his leg. “You’re the reason he’s fucking gone!” He continued to move towards her, bat swinging, as he pulled his whip out with his other hand. “I contemplated finding you in public, but then I realized that I want to have all of this to myself. Get the revenge I have longed for for seven years.”

JULIA

It felt like someone had taken the air out of the room. Julia’s heart was hammering. She scrambled from the couch back toward the stairs but didn’t make it far. Cujo has run somewhere under a couch and she momentarily wished she could be that small and fast. Or that he was anything like the real Cujo. “Public would have been hard,” She answered despite her hammering heart and heavy breathing and wide eyes, “I don’t get out much.”

CAIN

Cain let out a very dark chuckle, and walked slowly towards her. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I made this decision.” He started to crack the whip towards her, grazing her arm or leg, just to start. “You know, I didn’t hate switches nearly as much before the bombing. They were just like pests to me, I ignored them, it was easy. All that has changed.” He cracked it harder, “and you’re the one to blame.” He was a mere 5 feet from her at this point, smirk on his lips, as he cracked the whip, harshly, across her stomach.

JULIA

Julia was nearly frozen where she stood, this man getting closer, talking the way he was. "Get out of my house," she warned, trying everything to hide the panic in her voice. But when he swung the whip harder and the top of it cracked against her stomach, that was enough to make Julia move and fast. "She turned on her toes and took off toward the kitchen, toward maybe find a weapon or her phone or anything.(edited)

CAIN

“It’s a little late for that, don’t you think? And last I checked, you have no authority to order me to do a damn thing.” Seeing her run, it just made him smile that much more, “giving me a chase, wonderful.” He followed after her, walking at a steady pace, though not rushing himself. On his walk, he spotted her phone on a counter, and picked it up, slipping it into his pocket, before continuing. “You should have known this was coming, your murderous cunt. 27 innocent people were killed. Did you never expect the loved ones to come after you?”

JULIA

Her eyes scanned the counter, looking for her phone. Julia remembered bringing it in here, when she'd been making tea. But it was gone now, gone like Cujo and Greta and anyone else but her and this man she didn't even know with his whip and his bat and his leather jacket. There are no knives on the counter top either, nothing that might help her. Her father had taught her to defend herself a thousand times, specifically for moments like this and now when it matters, she feels frozen. "I was a kid," she muttered, trying to back up again, to put space between them. "I don't -- look, I'm sorry. I am. I didn't know anyone would die. "

CAIN

“You planted a bomb and didn’t expect people to die? Are you dense?” His voice getting angrier the more he spoke. “Kid or not, what you did was beyond forgiveness.” He pulled off his leather jacket, leaving him in a dress shirt with sleeves rolled up, the name Freddie in a heard on his forearm, with birth and death dates underneath. He cracked the whip again, getting closer. “You will pay for this.”

JULIA

"I didn't...." Julia shook her head, unable to keep the panic out of her voice now. "I didn't." But she knew it didn't matter. She'd said before it didn't matter. When people had threatened her or spray painted her house she'd even said out loud that maybe she deserved that. Her eyes flashed momentarily to the tattoo on his arm, but she couldn't focus, couldn't read it. All that Julia had in her was panic. She shook her head again, backed up another step, "get out of my house. I went to jail, I -- I've paid for it, I'm paying for it. Leave me alone."

CAIN

“Heh. Jail... right.” He charged right up to her, and wrapped his hand around her throat, and lifted her slightly up off the ground. “Prison isn’t going to get the Justice for Freddie that I fucking deserve.” He growled out, tightening his grip ever-so-slightly.

JULIA

Before she could do anything, his hands were around her throat, feet off the ground. Julia struggled, trying to twist out of his grip, the panic in her eyes now clear. Her hand wrapped around his wrist like that might somehow get him off. Freddie. She knew the name. Could see the face. Julia had long since memorized the victims. But she couldn't say that out loud, not with his hand at her throat so instead, she swung her leg, just enough to get in an attempt at a kick to his shins.

CAIN

“You can struggle all you want, you can’t hurt me any more than you already have.” He carried her to a better, more open space, before throwing her onto the ground. He made quick work to pull out his whip, and crack is hard against her back. “That’s just a warm up. I’m going to hit you 27 times. One for each innocent fucking victim.”

JULIA

Something about his words hit Julia in the gut. She wasn't a stranger to that feeling to that guilt, to knowing how much pain other people were in because of what she'd done, and she could see it in this man's eyes. But she only gets a look for a second before he tosses her to the ground, his whip cracking hard against her back. Panic hits again and Julia scrambles, despite the pain it causes, despite the disoriented feeling and trying to get her breath, she does her best to try and get to her feet and move away from him.

CAIN

In order to stop her from running, he picks up Lucille and bashes the bat against her left calf, nice and hard. Then does the same to her right ribs, though not as hard. He wasn’t planning on killing her. “Stay down, or you’ll make it worse.” He brought the whip back and lashed her back again. “Count them!”

JULIA

Julia got just a foot away before something smashed down against her leg. It hurts more than anything he's done so far and the image of the barbs she'd seen ont he bat flash in her mind as it comes down again on her ribs. "Stop it!" The words come out panicked and loud, tears springing to her eyes as she tries to pull herself away, tries to get back up on her hands. "Get out of my house!"

CAIN

Her fear and her pain honestly just egged him on. He wasn’t about to stop. He hit her with the whip four more times, “do I need to break your arm too?” He didn’t want to do that much damage, well, he did, but he was trying not to. Five more lashings. “You killed almost 30 people. You’ll feel pain for the death of each!”

JULIA

Julia felt like she couldn't breathe, every lash of his whip only made her more terrified, of the anger in his voice and what his plans were. All that kept going through her mind was escape, was getting away from him before she ended up dead. Her head spun. She pressed up on her palms again, wobbly, dizzy. "Stop," she begged into the floor. "Stop, I'm sorry..."

CAIN

“You’re SORRY?! Sorry isn’t going to fucking bring them back. Sorry isn’t going to bring him back!” Three more lashes, a pause, then three more. He had made sure to not lash so hard that it would severely break the skin, not wanting to risk her bleeding out, he wasn’t planning on committing a homicide.

JULIA

Julia knows, she knows. Sorry won't bring them back. Sorry won't change any of it. Because if it could have brought them back, she'd have tried. The lashes hurt so much know she can't think straight. "I'm sorry.." she repeats again, desperately willing her body to have the strength to get away. "I didn't know."

CAIN

Tears started to well in his eyes, but he fought them back. He wasn’t about to cry. Not like this. Not here. He did four more lashes of the whip against her back. “That’s 20! Seven more.”

JULIA

With each added lash, Julia starts to bare her teeth down, starts to try to find her strength. She presses her hands into the floor again, tries to fight her way shakily back upward, even if not all the way, even just enough to move away from him, to move away from the constant rain of the whip against her back. It's like fight or flight, and all her animal instinct wants to do is get away from him, no matter how much it hurts, at any means possible. "Get out of my house," she mumbles again as she tries to push herself forward against the floor, letting that anger and defensiveness give her some kind of strength.

CAIN

Cain quirked a brow, amused with her determination, but it wasn’t about to stop him. He stepped towards her, and gave the last seven fast and hard, knowing that the repeating could be more painful than waiting between. When he was finished, he dialled 911 on her phone and tossed it on the floor beside her. He then stepped over her, without say a word, and walked out of the house, to his bike, the engine revving, loudly, as he drove off.

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kpoptimeout · 6 years ago

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My Top 10 K-Dramas of 2018 - What’s Yours?

2018 is ending soon and K-Dramaland has once again brought us so many goodies this year. As per our blog’s tradition [For 2017 faves click here], below are my Top 10 favs of the year (my faves in alphabetical order so it might not be yours so please don’t judge)

My only specific criteria this year is that the show must have had started in 2018 to be considered a 2018 series (Hence, Hwayugi and I’m Not A Robot were in last year’s list and honourable mentions)

Lawless Lawyer (tvN)

Every year we have a few stellar Korean legal dramas and Lawless Lawyer is one of them. Starring veterans Lee Joongi and Son Yeji, the drama details a gangster turned lawyer who used unorthodox techniques to win cases and a lawyer-childhood friend-love interest who got into trouble for attacking a judge. After his return from the military, Lee Joongi has acted in many internationally well-received dramas but “Lawless Lawyer” is the first since his return to gain massive commercial success within South Korea and becoming one of the highest viewed dramas on Korean cable channel history. Son Yeji was also able to show her acting chops and shed her pretty girl image through this drama. It is understandable why this drama did well - it was action-packed, had a well-plotted storyline and also the right laughs at the right moments. If you love an amazing legal drama, go watch Lawless Lawyer already!

Memories Of The Alhambra (tvN/Netflix)

You know it’s nearing the year’s end when tvN drops another high budget and experimental drama with a star-studded cast to steal you and the critics’ hearts. This year it is Memories Of The Alhambra, which is an ambitious project jointly produced by tvN and Netflix. Following the success of jointly produced Mr. Sunshine which also made the list, the two studios teamed up for an even crazier project - instead of the guaranteed tear-jerking historical drama they went for a sci-fi/fantasy thriller exploring virtual and augmented reality and business in the digital age. You know they are taking this project seriously when they got the writer for “W” (the Lee Jongsuk and Han Hyojoo hit about the collapse of a comic book world into reality) Song Jaejung to write this screenplay. The show with top cast featuring Hallyu stars and veterans Hyun Bin, Park Shin Hye, and EXO’s Chanyeol with exhilarating graphics and filming in Grenada has been topping online and domestic Korean viewership since its broadcast on December 1st. If you enjoy creative sci-fi adventures with Asian leads, this is the drama for you!

Mr. Sunshine (tvN/Netflix)

One of the first tvN and Netflix collaborations, Mr. Sunshine was an unsurprising hit starring world-famous Korean actor Lee Byung Hoon and South Korea’s favourite young actress Kim Taeri. Other main cast include skilled and popular actors like Yoo Yeonseok, Byung Yohan and Kim Minjung. Throw in the historical Joseon setting and the imminent colonisation by foreign powers, you have a recipe for an awards-sweeper and crowd-pleaser! Besides a plot that easily draws in audiences, the set designs, colour grading, music, and costumes are all phenomenal and is a feast for the senses. My only knit-picking critique is it seems unrealistic that a Korean man can rise to as high a rank as Lee Byung Hoon’s Eugene Choi character in the racist 1800s United States no matter how brilliant Eugene Choi was. But besides that, if you love a historical epic with romance and war, this is the drama you would enjoy!

Ms. Hammurabi (JTBC)

This drama sees Go Ara and Song Dong Il reuniting in their father-daughter/mentor-mentee like dynamic following hit dramas Reply 1994 and Hwarang, with Go Ara being an idealistic former music student who dropped out and self-studied to become a judge, and Song Dong Il being the old geezer and life mentor who only managed to become a judge later in life. They are joined by INFINITE’s L being a by the books judge who likes Go Ara’s wholesome character. The drama is exceptionally touching, not only for its realistic depiction of life as judges in civilian law countries but also as a reflection of people chasing their dreams in different stages of their life. The drama also expertly deals with real-world issues like gender discrimination in the workplace, prejudice to marginalised groups and the issues that come with an inflexible hierarchical structure in South Korea. While there is romance between the leads, this is shown subtly and naturally, without it becoming a distraction to the engaging storyline. If you enjoy a thoughtful drama about society with great acting, this is a drama you would enjoy.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty (JTBC)

Maybe I am slightly biased because I loved the webtoon but I think My ID is Gangnam Beauty is one of the best Korean rom-coms of the year. First I thought the casting was spot-on - ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo perfectly encapsulated the cold and awkward Do Kyungseok and Im Soohyang was able to display the insecurities of Kang Mirae even after plastic surgery well. The drama does a good job of touching on Korean society’s toxic beauty visual standards - it still makes the female lead insecure even after she gets plastic surgery and she gets ridiculed before and after plastic surgery. Meanwhile second female lead Hyun Soo Ah, played by Jo Woori, also struggles as a natural beauty due to fears of people no longer liking her should she ever fall below their expectations in any way. This is a thoughtful drama that does not just demonise characters for the sake of drama but gives us lots of food for thought about why people act the way they do regarding appearances. If you like a drama that is fun and cute but also has a good message, you should check out this drama!

My Mister (tvN)

There are dramas where you skip some scenes because you want to get to the main point. There are some dramas where you want every second of it. My Mister was one of those dramas you watch every second of. It was that good. While many Kdramas still having idealistic female leads who slowly get jaded and turn badass only near the end/are always protected by men and never turn badass, My Mister finally does the move of making the female poor but super resourceful, brilliant and cynical, and already super jaded to begin with. Played by top singer and actress IU, the female lead Lee Jian reverses the usual female lead tropes by slowly learning to see some good in the world and learn to dream following a life of extreme poverty and hardship. The other highlight of the drama is the male lead played by talented actor Lee Sunkyun, whose relationship with his brothers and mother, as well as his crumbling marriage with his wife provide a lot of food for thought on the meaning of family and life. By acting as a mentor of IU’s character while also being saved by IU from lots of drama unknowingly, we see two broken souls learn from each other to be better people. The drama also showcased how romance is not the only meaningful love that exists between communities. If you love an insightful slice-of-life drama with realistic intrigues, betrayals, and character development, you would love My Mister.

Radio Romance (KBS2)

Honestly at this point HIGHLIGHT’s Dojoon is just nation’s drama boyfriend and he continues to pick the good scripts as we can see in Radio Romance. The drama is simple - the assistant writer played by Kim Sohyun’s radio show might get cancelled and she manages to somehow get the top radio star played by Dojoon to host her show. Shenanigans happen and romance blossoms. It is stereotypical but done well, with the right amount of twists and just knowing when it should bounce back from the laughs and side stories. If dramas are all dishes, Radio Romance is like that cheesecake that tastes sweet and light, not so filling that it will you sick. It is the dessert you would always go for to feel good. If you like to watch something that makes you feel warm inside, this is the drama for you!

Something in the Rain (JTBC)

I am usually not super into “the younger dongsaeng has a romance with noona who he knows growing up all of a sudden” stories but there was something special about Something in the Rain. When I first began watching this drama, it did not feel like watching a regular Kdrama at all and more like an indie film from the West. There is a feeling of emptiness at the beginning, possibly to signify the resident noona and veteran actress Son Yejin’s unsuccessful love life. There was a lot of dialogue and cuts and it felt like watching a documentary about the lives of the characters. But it was this formatting of Something in the Rain that makes it feel so genuine. The pace of the leads building up their romance was steady and natural. Hence, it made issues they faced feel all the more real too. If you enjoy a realistic slice-of-life portrayal of romance, you would love this drama!

The Guest (OCN)

When I saw the trailer I already knew this was some scary shit. Following its many successful thrillers last year, OCN decided to dive in the more horror side of a thriller in The Guest. To fit this aesthetic, the drama was broadcasted only at 11pm instead of primetime but still had massive success and rightly so. The acting by the three leads Kim Dong Wook (man who can see ghosts and the future), Kim Jaewook (the cold, exorcist priest), and Jung Eunchae (a detective who does not believe in the supernatural) is phenomenal, making their team up to catch criminal possessed by ghosts all the more exhilarating. The actors who play the possessed are also amazing, making for most of the scares in this drama. If you enjoy a mystery and the horror genre, this is the Kdrama for you!

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (tvN)

Being the most searched Kdrama on Google in South Korea this year, it would not make sense for What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? not to make this list. The drama revolves around the successful but extremely narcissistic company vice chairman played by Park Seojoon and his capable no-nonsense secretary played by Park Minyoung, with the latter quitting after paying off family debts and not being in the mood to work for her annoying boss anymore. The whole process where Park Seojoon tries to retain his secretary of course blossoms into romance etc. etc. One of the reasons this drama did so well was that not only did it have a strong and capable female lead but Park Seojoon defied expectations in his role. As another Kdrama based on a webtoon, original webtoon readers felt like he was not similar to the male lead and were not sure how he would handle the role. But Park Seojoon did a fantastic job, to the point I wanted to bang my head on the table or slap his character whenever he did narcissistic shit. If you want a high-quality rom-com with some unorthodox twists, this is the drama to watch!

Honourable Mentions:

100 Days My Prince (tvN): The fourth highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history starring EXO’s D.O and Nam Jihyun, the drama details the marriage between a noblewoman on the run and a crown prince who lost his memory during a failed assassination attempt.

Are You Human? (KBS2): With the actual development of AI in recent years, more Kdramas have embraced the topic of robot-human romances. Seo Kang Joon and Gong Seungyeon star in this story involving a bodyguard and the AI of a chaebol masquerading as the real chaebol who is in a coma.

Still 17 (SBS): A drama involving a 30-year-old man who doesn’t want to grow up due to trauma (Yang Sejong) and a woman who wakes up after a 13-year coma so acts like a 17-year-old even though she is 30 (Shin Hyesun).

Welcome to Waikiki (JTBC): A comedy-drama starring rising actors Kim Junghyun, Lee Yikyung, and Son Seungwon who run a failing guesthouse called Waikiki. Oh, and there’s a single mother and a baby in this crazy mix!

What’s your Top 10 K-Dramas of the Year? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below and may the drama sharing begin (and the road to more excuse for holiday procrastination!)

Also, if you want to check out underrated K-Pop songs of 2018, here are the lists for idol songs, artist songs, and OSTs!

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whatdoyoumeanitsnotawesome · 6 years ago

Note

Ship meme: Wayne and Katy 5, 9, 10

ship headcanon meme from THIS POST (check it out if you haven’t already)

5. Who says ‘I love you’ first?

That depends on how you’re counting. Katy says the words, easy as breathing, has done since she could talk, no problem. It’s never a formality or a reflex, it’s 100% genuine every time she says it. Wayne only says it a handful of times, but he shows it every day, cooking and doing dishes together, planting her favourite flowers in the vegetable patch, carrying the basket of wet laundry for her so she can peg it out, bringing her coffee in bed for their traditional Sunday morning lie-in.

Once Katy told him she was thinking about keeping bees, to save them some money instead of hiring them every Spring for pollination. So he looks up plans and builds her some boxes the very next day. He calls around town to find a hive that someone wants shot of, and buys a secondhand but still-in-good-nick spinner and a beesuit and veil. It’s worth it, the splinters and stings and running around, all of it, when she pops the first bite of honeycomb into his mouth and smiles at him.

9. What is the most embarrassing thing they have done in front of each other?

This one’s tough, because they’re never really uncomfortable enough with each other that they get embarrassed.

The first time they get drunk, like, properly drunk, they’re in their study room, chilling on the secondhand loveseat they got from Uncle Eddie and Aunt Marian. They’re sixteen tomorrow, and consider themselves very grown up, capable of handling pretty much anything, including liquor. Their parents are the lax sort, so they’ve had a wee dram here and there, usually in tea, or warm milk with honey if they’re ill.

Tonight though, it’s the day before their birthday, they’re supervision-free, it’s the height of summer, and their parents are away on a date, so the twins decide to start their revels early. They nick the whiskey from the kitchen and make sure to load up on snacks to bring upstairs with them so they don’t have to chance sneaking back down to the kitchen after their parents get home. Very responsible, very forward-thinking; they’re totally nailing adulting. They’re not even going anywhere, so they can’t possibly get into too much trouble, right?

Wrong.

They’re getting quietly tanked, chirping an old episode of MST3K, and booze is as booze does, so Katy has to wee. She stands up to go, or rather, she tries to stand up. All the alcohol goes to her head all at once, and she immediately over-balances. The only thing that saves her from taking a header into the coffee table is Wayne throwing his arms around her and pulling her back into his lap. Concussion successfully avoided, yay, but the pressure around her middle only exacerbates her original problem.

‘Wayne, you gotta let me up, I gotta go.’ She pats his arm, tapping out.

‘You gonna be alright?’ Wayne seems sceptical, but releases her nonetheless. It’s not fair he sounds so much more sober than she feels.

‘I’ll be fine, I just wasn’t expecting it.’ To be honest, Katy’d expected being drunk to feel kinda similar to smoking pot, which she’s pretty used to by now. She stands up much more slowly this time, moving very deliberately, and makes her way to the washroom between the study and their bedroom. Her fingers refuse to cooperate with the pocket door and the button of her shorts, but she does eventually get things sorted before she gets too desperate.

While she’s sitting there, she decides to make things easier on her future self and change into pyjama shorts. She’s a genius, she’s handling this so well. The pocket door to the bedroom gives her just as much trouble as the one leading to the study. Rather than tempting Fate by attempting to stand on one leg, Katy sits on the bed to get changed. She’s just pulling her shorts up when Wayne chooses that moment to bang on the door.

‘Are you okay in there?’ he calls through the door.

‘I’m just putting on some pyjamas.’

Wayne sounds disgruntled. ‘It’s been twenty minutes. I thought maybe you’d fallen again.’

Awwwwwww. He was always looking out for her. Katy slides the door open and leans against the frame, smiling. ‘Were you worried about me?’

Wayne’s habitual squint is a bit uneven, so maybe he’s not as unaffected as she thought. Good to know. ‘I don’t wanna hafta explain to our parents that I’m suddenly an only child, no.’

Witty as ever. ‘C’mon, let’s go back to the sofa.’ Katy slides an arm around Wayne and they lean against each other as they walk a little unsteadily back to the loveseat. Once they’re settled back down, they keep absently nibbling their snacks and passing the whiskey back and forth. It gets late enough that they hear the truck coming up the laneway, and they share a moment of visceral, heart-stopping paranoia, like somehow their parents are gonna just know, via telepathy or some other Spooky Parent Power.

Normality reasserts itself when after a couple of minutes, there’s a complete lack of doors opening and shutting. Wayne barely leans out the window before he registers the slight sway of the truck, and for the sake of his sanity he launches himself backwards before he can see anything unfortunate, but he hadn’t counted on Katy being right behind him and he bowls them both over in his haste.

‘Oof,’ is all she says, staring up at the ceiling. A moment of silence passes between them before Wayne speaks.

“They’re gonna be in the truck a while.’

Another moment of silence while this works its way through Katy’s brain. ‘Oh my God,’ she moans, voice full of despair, ‘we have to ride in that truck!’ She rolls over next to him and buries her face in his shoulder. ‘I really, really wish you hadn’t’a said that.’

Wayne sighs, puts his arm around her shoulders, and pats her sympathetically. ‘Sorry, kiddo, but if I have to suffer, so do you.’

‘That is not covered under for better or for worse,’ she says, muffled.

‘Twins for life, honey. No getting divorced.’

Katy raises her head to look at him and digs her pointy little chin into his ribs extra hard, just ‘cos she can. ‘You’re a terrible person. I’m gonna trade you in.’

Wayne adopts the snootiest Customer Service voice he can muster. ‘I’m afraid the sixty-day return policy has lapsed.’ He grins. ‘You’re stuck with me.’

She hums, ‘Well, if that’s the case. I suppose you do have your uses.’ Katy snuggles closer and lays her head back down. ‘You’re pretty comfy, for a start.’

‘Oh, well. As long as I’m useful.’

‘Like a good piece of furniture. Decorative and sturdy.’

They giggle quietly until they hear the back door open and shut. There’s the sound of feet on the stairs, and then a quick tapping at the study door as their parents wish them goodnight in passing, and they warmly return the sentiment from their spot on the floor.

When they hear their parents’ door close, Katy whispers, ‘There’s one way to try and erase that image.’

Wayne nods. ‘That’s a Texas-sized 10-4.’

They relocate back to the sofa again, piling pillows on one end and stretching out across it as they resume passing the bottle back and forth. Eventually, the television switches over to a new programme, and by that time, their parents’ snores are echoing through the house. They’re both so relaxed it almost feels like a Sin, breaking the peace, but Katy’s had the most excellent idea and it would be rude and selfish if she didn’t share it.

‘Hey, Wayne,’ she queries.

His hand pauses petting her hair. ‘Katy Kat?’

‘Wanna go have a smoke on the roof?’

Oh, that’s class. ‘I’d have a dart.’

The biggest benefit to their room being on the complete opposite side of the house from their parents’ is that it’s practically soundproof. They don’t hear any night noises they don’t wanna hear, and they get easy access to the roof via the porch gable and the big window in the study. Wayne gets the gear from the sock drawer and they climb out on top of the porch, only a little wobbly. From there, Wayne hoists himself up onto the roof proper, then pulls Katy up after, and they settle in for a dart and a joint respectively. They’re flushed and warm from the drink, and the smokes go straight to their heads, leaving them dizzy and giggly; but the night air is bracing and helps cool them off.

They lay back together and point out all the constellations they can remember, then start making up new ones and giving them the most ridiculous backstories they can come up with. After about half an hour, the whiskey jacket wears off and Katy gets cold enough she wants to go inside. Getting down is a lot more of a challenge than getting up had been. Any other time they’d just jump for it, or else they’re sneaking out and shinning it down the tree, but those are both too noisy to be real options. They eventually work out that they have to sit down and then lower themselves in a weird sort of reverse pull-up type manoeuver. Or, well, Wayne has to lower himself and then lift Katy down. There’s a close call as she shifts her weight forward when he’s not expecting it, but they recover and no one falls or breaks anything, so they carefully climb back in the window.

Safely ensconced back on the couch, they’re in that space between drunk and sober where judgement has left the building, but you’re absolutely certain you’re making an unbiased, totally objective decision to have another drink. Killing the last third of the bottle seems like a brilliant idea. Things take a sharp nose-dive from that point. Where before they’d been slowly sipping at the whiskey, now they take gulps; after all, they’d handled it so far, right? The television plays softly in the background, but they’ve long since lost the plot. Whatever’s going on, it involves a robot, a Cat-man, an idiot, and some prick with an H on his forehead. Drunchies are no joke, and before they know it all the snacks have mysteriously disappeared and they’ve no memory of finishing them.

That was the tipping point, it seems, because the nausea comes on, creeping up like a thief in an alley, the heartburn and the churning bile and the spins, and oh fuck, the spins. Katy’s head feels tight like a migraine, but also weirdly floaty, like she’s too high. Wayne’s not doing much better himself, breathing slow and heavy and focussed on one spot on the ceiling to try and quell the urge to spit. If they’re very, very still, they might be able to power through this.

Luck is not on their side. Katy needs the bin, now. She turns to ask Wayne to grab it and-

A strangled ‘Wayne,’ is all the warning he gets before Katy hurls right in his lap. For a moment, he’s too stunned to do anything, but then she retches and does it again, and that’s what triggers his gag reflex, the sound and the smell and the warm liquid splash, and Wayne tosses his cookies even as he’s reaching for the rubbish bin. That sets Katy off again, and they’re caught in a vicious cycle of calling Huey until there’s nothing left in either of them to bring up.

They have to use every towel in the bathroom to clean up the mess, dry heaving the whole time, until it’s as good as they’re going to get it in the middle of the night. They rinse their mouths out and brush their teeth very gingerly, trying not to set off another round of gastrointestinal rebellion. Katy still feels hot and woozy and not a little gross, and she refuses to get in bed like this and mess up the nice, clean sheets. Wayne doesn’t exactly smell like a bed of roses either, so they sluice off and get into fresh, non-puky pyjamas. Katy’s head is clear enough by then that she has the foresight to make them both drink some goddamn water and take some aspirin before they get in bed.

The next morning is a special level of Hell, ‘cos it turns out their parents are totally on to them. Busted. As if being wretchedly hungover weren’t punishment enough, their parents make sure to be extra loud and unsympathetic to their misery. Birthday pancakes bring no joy, the smell of frying bacon is revolting, and the very idea of anything as acidic as orange juice has them both on the razor’s edge of being ill again.

Wayne and Katy Suffer through breakfast and cleaning up the kitchen after, until some buckets, brushes, and heavy-duty surface cleaner are shoved into their hands. They trudge upstairs and start scrubbing the puke out of the floorboards. Every part of the sofa needs to be cleaned as well; the cushions, the upholstery, the cover. Even the remote for the television. All of this on top of their regular chores leaves them shaky and exhausted by lunchtime.

The bollocking they get is definitely well-deserved, but neither of the twins has the strength to tolerate it. Wayne just crawls under the table and lays face-down and still, waiting for death, and Katy pillows her abominably sore head on her arms and tunes out until it’s over. They’re grounded for the foreseeable future, and just to make sure they don’t have any time to get into any more mischief, they’ll be doing chores over at Uncle Eddie’s as well as at home. The only pity they’re shown is a sleeve of dry crackers and some ginger beer to settle their bellies. The rest of the day is spent hauling bales and mucking stalls.

After dinner they go straight to bed, no shuckin’ and jivin’. They pinkie swear that next time, they’re gonna take about fifty percent off the whiskey and double down on the water. They grow up to be champion lushes, the pair of ‘em.

10. What two songs, two books and two luxury items do they take to a desert island?

Katy:

Music: House of Tom Bombadil by Nickel Creek, ‘cos Katy’s secretly a huge Nerd, and A Thousand Years by Christina Perri even though it’s so Basic White Girl, because no matter how cheesy, she genuinely loves it.

Books: The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett (her favourite since childhood,) and How to Invent Everything by Ryan North, a surprisingly useful survival guide.

Luxury Items: A tarpaulin, because Katy’s nothing if not Practical, and sunscreen for Wayne, ‘cos he’ll never think of it and he burns like paper.

Wayne:

Music: Wayne actually has the most rubbish taste in music. If he likes anything good, it’s purely by accident. He brings a cover of Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore as Gaeilge and Animals by Nickleback.

Books: Le Petit Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. It’s his favourite, and it’s set in a desert, so. And since he knows every word off by heart in English and in French, to keep him engaged he’ll also bring Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence. Sure, it’s on-theme and all.

Luxury Items: A flint and a hammer hatchet. With these he can make simple tools, and with simple tools he can make complex tools, and with complex tools he can make anything.

(Edit: I only just now realised that perhaps this meant two total, as in one of each item for each of them, rather than they both bring two of each item. Oh, well. What’s done is done.)

#letterkenny #wayne #uaithne #katy kat #caitríona #Anonymous #original post #my writing #fanfiction #ask meme #ship headcanon meme #fanfic #fic

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inkytealeaf · 6 years ago

Text

Non-arcana stuff I wanted to write with the newest ocs. First part of a long thing I guess

TW: emotional manipulation, suicide/self-harm attempt, school bullying implied

He closed his eyes as his father slammed his fist on the table, making the tea cup roll then fall on the floor.

Milo knew his discussion with his father wouldn’t go as good as he had expected it. He knew he wouldn’t listen to him, listen to what was lying on his heart. When was the last time they had a correct discussion, without screams, without ending in tears? Milo couldn’t remember, but he had thought that talking to him about this, first thing in the morning, would be the best thing to do.

The man was sitting in front of him, the newspaper he was reading now soaked with Earl Grey, his face red, the vein on his forehead throbbing, fists clenched and spitting words Milo was now used to hearing every now and then.

A shame. A worthless son. Someone he had expected so much from. Someone who wasn’t seeing how lucky he was.

Milo was used to it, but it wasn’t making the words less painful.

He could see so much of himself in his father. They had the same droopy eyelids, the same ash-blond hair cut short, the same long and thin nose, the same mannerisms. And Milo hated this. He didn’t want to look like his father, become his father, so he had started to let his hair grow. He was sick of hearing people, classmates, tell him how they were alike, how he would be a great successor to his father in his company, how lucky he was that his father was working days and nights, so he would want for nothing, how thoughtful he was with his son since his wife left him for another man.

If only they knew.

Milo had always wished for a father, not someone who wouldn’t even speak to him once he’d come back from work. He wanted a father who would ask him how his day had been, if everything had been alright in high school, if he had some difficulties with his homework and needed help. A father who would tease him about a girlfriend and give him a few advices – useless to his mind – and who would even tell him to ask her to spend an afternoon at home. He wanted a father who would laugh with him and sooth his every fear and doubt.

Instead, when Milo would come back home after a day putting up with his classmates’ daily teasing – and sometimes when luck wasn’t on his side, their punches and insults – it was only to hear his father tell him how ashamed he was his son couldn’t even defend himself against a few other boys. His father would take their treatment as a joke, telling him boys were like that sometimes when they were envious, jealous of someone else’s wealth and that he should start to get used to it. Man up, face them and show them who you are. You’re my son, I didn’t raise a faggot.

Today’s discussion though, wasn’t about his bullies, but rather about his course choice.

His family – the one and only part he was still in touch with; his father’s – was full of CEOs, from father to son, so naturally Milo had to follow this path, whether he liked it or not. He had to be the best, had to have a good reputation and always give a good image of himself, no matter the situations.

He had to be the exact copy of his father.

“Dad, please, let me explain,” Milo started, hands shaking on his hips. He couldn’t look at his father, he didn’t want to see the shame and deception shinning in his eyes.

“There is nothing to explain, young man,” His father’s loud voice made him step backwards. He has never been violent with him, physically, but Milo shouldn’t feel too sure about it. Maybe one day he would get fed up with him and hit him, telling him it was his fault. Maybe he would tell him again his mother left them because of him, because she saw what kind of son he would become.

“If only you could… I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with–”

“Nothing wrong with what, Milo?” He said, his face close to Milo’s, so close he could see the veins in his eyes. “You want to turn your back on a good and stable future? And for what reason, because a girl told you you were good with your hands? Because she told you how good your drawings were?” He hit Milo’s chest with each question, making him step backwards even more until Milo felt the fridge against his back. “Everybody can draw, that won’t feed you. That isn’t a real job, boy!”

“Dad…”

“I’m working so hard every day for you so you can have something too eat, a good house, the best you could wish for, decent clothes and shoes, and this is how you thank me? After all I did for you since your mother left us?”

“No, that’s not what I meant! I…”

“You could at least be a little more grateful. Be happy you still have me.”

That too, Milo was used to hearing it. From his father, his aunt, his uncle, his older cousins, even from some of his friends. All would tell him how lucky he was to have a father so loving, a father who would do everything for his son, a father who only cared about his well-being. But did they know about the emotional manipulation? Did they know about the belittlement?

A curse made him open his eyes he hadn’t even noticed he’d closed and watched his father tie one of his many watches around his wrist before taking his bag and left the kitchen. As he put his shoes on, he turned to Milo one last time, eyebrows knitted together and sighed before saying, “You’re making me late with all your nonsense. I don’t know what I’ll do with you, but this discussion isn’t over. Thank you for ruining my morning, by the way.”

The front door slammed when he left the house. It was only when Milo couldn’t hear his car that he slid down against the fridge. He wrapped his too long legs with his arms and hid his face against his knees as he began to sob violently.

He didn’t know how many days – maybe weeks – he would be able to still endure all of this. The abuses at school, the ones at home, he wanted it all to end. Was it too selfish to have dreams? Was it too selfish to hope and follow them? Was it too selfish to be different?

Milo knew his father had no other choice than to follow his own father’s path and lead his company. But did it mean this was Milo’s future? He was a lively young man, he had no will to end like his father, trapped in the last floor of a building with so many responsibilities and pressure on his shoulders. Milo wasn’t built for that job.

He was weak, like his father would always say.

An hour passed before his legs and throat started to hurt him. Milo was tired, tired of crying, tired of going to school only to hear their words full of hate, tired of waiting for his father to come home and endure again the emotional abuse. Milo stood up, slowly, leaning on the worktop as tears began again to run on his cheeks. He dragged himself to the stairs and walked to his room leaving the door open and fell on his bed. He screamed in the pillows, hit the mattress, and clutched the blankets so tightly he sank his nails in his palms, making them bleed.

He should have known his father would never listen to him, listen to his projects for his own future. He had already planned everything for Milo since his birth. How could he understand that it wasn’t in Milo’s plan to succeed him? He didn’t want that. What Milo wanted was to become a book illustrator, something that was making him feel at ease. How could his father understand that it was one of the few things that was making him feel better?

His mother wouldn’t have been like that, surely not. She would have supported him, like she’s always done before she left them. Milo remembered how kind she was with everyone, their neighbours, his friends, his teachers. He remembered how she would always take time to read him a bedtime story, he remembered her being the first one to come into his room every time he would wake up from a nightmare, how warm her arms were around him, how nice she’d always smelt, her bright smile.

He had no idea what she could be doing now, nor where she could be. His father never wanted to talk about her. She left them one day as Milo was coming back from school and was surprised to not see her in the house. Her shoes were gone, her beautiful dresses too, and even the bright red pendant Milo had almost broken when he still was a baby. He had asked he father where she was, but his answer hadn’t been the kind he’d wanted to hear. She met someone and left with him. Forget her kiddo, she doesn’t love you anymore.

It couldn’t be true. He knew his mother loved him dearly, even today, wherever she could be. She wouldn’t have accepted how his father was treating him, she would have done something to end the bullying.

But she wasn’t here with him, and he needed her more than anything.

His tears had long dried on his cheeks and neck when he got up from the bed and dragged himself to his desk. Textbooks, a full pencil case, a cup he forgot to bring downstairs again, his favourite novel, more school stuff, and just under his trembling hand, a shinning cutter blade. Would the pain stop if he’d put an end to his life? Or was he really the coward his father thought he was?

With shaking hands, he put the tip of the blade on his wrist and told himself to count to three, breathing slowly in and out, his mind blank, ready.

His eyes laid on a picture framed in wood. A picture of himself and one of his best friends.

The blade flew across the room, his eyes wide as he tugged on his hair, falling back on the bed. He was a coward after all. A selfish coward. He couldn’t do this to her, couldn’t do this to Maeva.

They practically grew up together, Maeva’s father being his dad’s childhood friend. With only four years separating them, Maeva was there for him since his mother left. It was more difficult at school, but whenever she could, she was there to kick some asses. They had done so many things together, shared so many secrets and tears. He couldn’t leave her like that.

Milo grabbed his phone on the nightstand and quickly dialled her number.

“Hello?” A sleepy voice answered after five beeps. “Who’s the idiot who’s waking me up at… not even 8 in the morning?”

“I’m sorry Maeva…”

“Milo?” He heard her stand up and open the door of her wardrobe, already getting ready for whatever reason he’d called her. It wasn’t the first time, and she didn’t need to hear an explanation. “Are you okay? What’s happening?”

“I’m so sorry… Could you come, please? I, I made a mistake.”

“I’m on my way, dear,” Keys jingled, and a door slammed.

“The door’s open.”

“Good, don’t touch anything. I’m with you soon.”

True to her words, Milo heard the front door open a few minutes after they’d hung up.

Maeva scurried in the stairs, the sound of her boots on the wood echoing through the house, and stepped in his room, panting.

As soon as she wrapped her arms around his body, Milo couldn’t help himself but shed more tears once again. His hands clutched on her forearms, he let her kiss the back of his head, whispering soothing words against his hair, the smell of cigarettes embracing him, a sign she’s been worrying on her way here.

Milo didn’t know he could still cry so much after all the tears he had shed not even an hour before. And it felt good to have her with him, pressed against his back and drawing circles on his body. Her presence had always been so soothing to him, even as kids.

He would have never found the strength to kill himself.

She moved behind him, removed her boots, and straddled him to lay before him. Face to face. Her hair was a mess of red curls, a few strands stuck against her tanned skin, her brown eyes smudged with the eyeliner she hadn’t removed last night. A ball of her bridge piercing was missing, and she had changed her spike on her bottom lip for a ring. Maeva rested her head in the palm of her head and the smile she gave him brought tears to his eyes.

“I, I tried to talk to my dad,” Milo said after a long moment of silence, his voice hoarse.

“Tell me.”

And Milo did. He told her everything, the screams, his father’s words, his will to die sign of a moment of panic, a thought that it was his only solution.

Maeva listened to him, silently, only wiping away the tears under his eyes. He needed to cry, and she would let him cry as long as he wanted to.

“So, I guess you didn’t tell him about your little secret.” Maeva said as he hid his face against her neck and wrapped his arms around her.

“It would have been worse. He might even punch me or kill me.”

“He would?”

“Not everyone has an open-minded father like yours, Maeva.”

“You’re right.” It hadn’t been easy for her father to accept the fact that his daughter loved girls, but he had never stopped loving her and her happiness was more important to her parents than who she was dating. She sat up suddenly, startling Milo who yawned in his hand. Her eyes shining and with a bright smile on her lips she said, “I have an idea. Go take a shower, I’ll pack your stuff.”

“For what?”

“You’re moving in with me.”

“Maeva.” He sighed then sat against the headboard. “I appreciated it, a lot, but you know I can’t. I’m still underage.”

“Not in a few couple of weeks.”

“He won’t let me leave. You know it.”

“Right…” She bit her bottom lip, arms crossed thinking about another solution. “We’ll find something else, I promise. Now go take your shower, we’re leaving.”

“Why?”

“You need to be with friends today I saw the blade when I came, you’re not gonna get rid of me buddy.”

For the first time since he woke up, Milo’s lips stretched in a smile. He didn’t know what to do, none of them knew, but he knew he could count on her.

He never was alone.

#original story that still has no name #i don't know how to tag this #milo #maeva #not putting it on my writeblr because it has nothing to do with any of my wips and i'm not gonna turn this in a novel #tw: emotional manipulation #tw: suicide attempt #tw: self-harm #tw: bullying #my writing

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imgilmoregirl · 7 years ago

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Vowed For Eternity (Chapter 2)

AO3 Link

Belle realised sadly, that she could only observe Rumplestiltskin when he was in his chambers. She got some time thinking about and decided that the obvious conclusion for that was that he had another mirror like this one and it was it what was allowing her to see him. This conclusion got her a little concerned, wondering if he could see her through it too, so whenever she wasn't trying to peek a look at his life, she left the mirror aside with the reflecting surface facing the dark coloured desk.

During her first week at the Dark Castle, Belle discovered a lot of interesting things. The first one and that seemed to lead all the other was that Rumplestiltskin's magic commanded this place. Meals appeared for her four times a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The bathtub filled itself with hot water right after the sunset and as soon as she got out of bed, the covers readjusted themselves, so she never need to do anything, not even cleaning, as her room never seemed to collect any dust. It gave her poor options of what to do and after the princess ended the last book she brought from home, she thought she would just start getting made locked in that place with nothing to do, but more books appeared in her desk, as if Rumple knew exactly what she was up to and when.

But even so, life in that place was incredible boring and frustrating. Belle missed having someone to talk so much that after the second week, she would speak her thoughts aloud just to be sure that her voice still worked. However, her favourite part of the day continued to be the one where she got a glimpse of Rumplestiltskin through the mirror.

He didn't stay much in his chambers, she realised, not even during the evening when he should be sleeping, but when he usually appeared in sight he was doing interesting things like packing tiny bottles and weird objects in a small leather bag or just walking around with a parchment in hands, seeming to analyse it carefully. She saw him writing one once, three times he had to pull the mirror away, because he started to undress, and in some occasions, she watched him sleeping in wonder.

The scenes she saw were so normal and simple, that she started to ponder why he made himself a best when he was near people, when he acted like a perfectly common man when he was alone.

A whole month had passed by, when something unexpected happened. Belle was already in bed, reading by the light of the candles when she caught, with the corner of her eyes, a movement in the image of the mirror that was laid by her side. Quickly leaving the book aside to take a look at it, finding Rumplestiltskin grumbling and wandering around like a summer storm. He was irritated, that was clear and she didn't know what could have happened to get him in such a nervous state, but Belle was almost exploding into laugher with such a funny image.

She chuckled slightly as he mumbled something unintelligible, furrowing to the fireplace and taking off his leather coat before reaching for the jar that was on the little table in the corner of the room, filling a cup with what she knew to be water, as a identical set as this one, was placed in her own room. He drank thirty and then threw the silver cup against the wall, what instead of scaring her only made Belle guffaw.

"Oh, your silly man," she said to the image on mirror.

The Dark One immediately froze, which made Belle's heart attempt to stop. He looked around, uncertain, eyes narrowed and a frown on his brow.

"Who is there?" Rumplestiltskin asked to the empty chambers.

"Oh, no," Belle swallowed.

How was it possible that he was hearing her now when he never did before? Did his mirror showed him her image too? She had no answer for that, but she thought she might never have had spoken a thing the other times she was watching him through the mirror and the fear of getting caught made the blood feel like ice in her veins.

"Belle?" The imp called. "Belle, your little wicked girl, how did you manage to escape that tower?"

He stepped forward, trying to get a better view of the full chambers to see where she might be hiding when his glance fell to the mirror that was placed in his desk and with a wave of his hand, the spell he had taken from it the night he brought his new wife to the castle, settled itself again, making it glow and show the image of Belle's frightened face staring at it.

"What the hell are you doing?" He screamed at her. "How did you enchant this mirror?"

"I - " the girl started to say, but needed to gather a lot more courage to continue. "I didn't. When I arrived here I was crying, I think some tears fell down to the surface and then it just shined and started to show your room."

He breathed, angrily, walking closer to get a better view of the girl. Her hands were cold and shaken around the mirror, because ever since the wedding she hadn't shared a word with her husband and he now was staring right at her through that magic object that strangely connected them. Suddenly very aware that she is only wearing a thin nightgown, Belle wraps herself in the pink shawl she has on her shoulders, trying to give herself some modesty.

The imp's reptilian eyes analyse her carefully, still showing that same irritation, but with some curiosity shinning in them.

"It wasn't supposed to happen," Rumplestiltskin said, moody. "Have you been watching me?"

Belle's cheeks flushed with colour at the question. She thought about lying, but she knew that he could see the real answer stamped in her face.

"Yes," she muttered, ashamed.

"Oh, but you won't anymore, because this will end today, dearie."

He lifted his hand and she immediately got startled, because she knew that if he wished to end her only distraction, then he must do this with magic and it would be done quickly.

"No!" Belle screamed. "Please, don't do this. I've been feeling so alone here and seeing you comforts me."

Something between a chuckle and a gasp left his mouth.

"How could the image of a beast comfort you, girl?"

"You're not the monster you think you are," she said, waving her head at him. "And I'd like to talk to you more often."

Through the mirror, she could watch every single expression that passed through his face as if Rumplestiltskin was sitting there on the bed, right in front of her. She saw when his eyebrows narrowed and his mouth opened slightly in surprise, just as well as she saw when he pulled on his cruel Dark One mask again.

"Why?" He asked with genuine interest.

"Because I'm your wife, as much as you want to think otherwise," Belle answered with a shrug. "And because I think that you are fascinating."

This time, he really laughed, even though she could see that it was a contained laugh. "You know, I think I married a mad woman."

Belle giggled softly. Most days she didn't like to think that she was really the Dark One's wife, because apart from the vows they made, there was nothing that proved that she really was his. Rumplestiltskin didn't really speak to her, refused to consummate their marriage and locked her in that tower, expecting to never see her again. However, now that she was looking right at his eyes and seeing him more relaxed, joking about her, made Belle realise for the first time that maybe, being married to him wasn't such a horrible thing, at least if they were to share a life together, what clearly seemed impossible to happen.

"Maybe you did," the girl smirked, "but you'll never know for sure if you don't give yourself a change to truly know me."

"And tell me, dearie, why would I want to know you?"

"You wanted me here for some reason and I don't believe it was just to make my father suffer, like you said."

His lips tightened until they formed a thin line, but its corners were lifted in a discrete smile. Belle leaned against the pillows, fingers tracing the golden frame of the mirror.

"You think too much," Rumplestiltskin bounced.

"Well, what can I say?" She replied, innocently. "You gave me a lot of time to do so."

The imp rolled his eyes.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"No, I should be reading, but you interrupted me with your little attack. What was it about?"

His expression chanced, a sudden darkness taking it as he pulled away from the mirror, eyes avoiding to meet hers. That whatever had happened had affected him a lot, Belle already knew, but the way it made him seem to be lost behind his beastly mask again, made her understand that there was way more to Rumplestiltskin's story than she could ever guess.

Someone had done this to him, she didn't know who, when or how, but she knew that it was impossible that he, in his loneliness in that castle could have managed to stress himself that way. Unless of course, if he had talking objects and furniture, with wasn't that impossible since he was a powerful sorcerer, but she doubted that Rumplestiltskin was the type that felt so in need of company that would enchant things to talk to him. No, if he wanted company, then he would get a real living-breathing person.

And maybe, she concluded, that was his first intention when he brought her here, to have a companion. It made sense, as he strictly demanded her to be his wife, and Belle imagined that he had his own needs that he hoped to satisfy with her. She started to ask herself if he had ever been touched by a woman before or if he was just as innocent and inexperienced as her and that was why he decided not to consummate their marriage, afraid of make himself look like a young fool in bed.

The girl was so lost in thoughts that she barely heard when he spoke again.

"None from your business," Rumplestiltskin answered, harshly.

She moved her head trying to analyse him again, but he wouldn't let his eyes met hers. "You seemed pretty angry."

"I was."

"With who?"

He looked up at her, intrigued. She made way too many questions, but he was enjoying this time with her and he liked to see the way she laughed at him, the way she blushed, the way she payed attention to his face when he was speaking. Belle made his problems vanish away and some kind of strange joy settle itself on his heart, she looked beautiful in that moment that the only thing he hand to do was to run his fingers through her gorgeous curled hair.

"It is time for you to sleep," he said, trying to convince her to end this conversation as much as he was trying to convince himself.

Belle nodded, catching her lower lip between her teeth in a way that made him feel warmer. "Alright, I'll put the mirror down, but promise me that you won't undo the spell in it."

Chuckling, the imp waved his head at her apparent despair. The poor girl must have been having a horrible time in that tower, but her stay in that place was needed, for her own protection, because if she went out, he would be tempted to do all the things he had planned to with her before he found out how frightened she was in their wedding day.

"I don't want you to keep an eye on everything I do, of course I'll undo the spell."

"Rumplestiltskin, please," the girl begged. "I promise you that I'll keep it buried inside a drawer if you promise me that every evening you'll appear in it to talk to me."

"Ah, I have a little dealmaker here," he said with a smirk full of wonder. "There is only a problem with your plan, dearest: there is nothing that benefits me in it."

Belle rolled her eyes before casting him a sceptical glance that told him that now she didn't think that he was terrifying anymore, but she probably did think that he was a great idiot. It was almost like she could see through him, looking straight to the soul he hid behind his many walls.

"You'll have someone to talk too," she pointed out.

"Who said that I need it?"

"I am saying."

The imp took a long time to think about it, in which Belle kept waiting nervously with her heart tumbling inside her chest and causing her to feel a little breathless. She couldn't believe she had just made an offer like that for the Dark One, but the gods knew how desperate for any kind of human contact she was and talking to him, made her feel so good, that she just wanted it to become something usual.

"I'll be in front of the mirror tomorrow right after the sunset," Rumplestiltskin finally said. "You can speak, if it helps you feeling less lonely."

A big smile formed in her lips.

"I can't wait!"

Shaking his head, the imp stood up, clearly bringing the mirror with him as he didn't disappear from her sight. "Go to sleep, Belle."

She saw some parts of the rooms, before he placed the thing inside somewhere and it all went black. Still smiling she slipped off the bed and went straight to her dressed opening the first drawer and putting her own mirror inside with a low squealing of excitement. Tomorrow she would have someone to talk to again and that made her so indefinitely happy that for the first time in weeks Belle couldn't sleep immediately after she went back to bed.

She thought that she was dreaming. It was the only explanation that her foggy brain could form in her half-asleep state, eyes opening slightly with the sound of steps in her room, but not yet finding strength enough to make her wake fully. Her breath kept constant and her body felt heavy, but she was aware that something was happening inside her chambers.

Belle felt when the textured hand slid down her arm, she felt the careful fingers smoothing her hair and she wanted to grip at him, bring him close and beg him to stay, because she couldn't handle being alone anymore, but she was too tired, her conscience almost drowning back into the darkness. It didn't prevent her from feeling when his face bent over, dry lips brushing against her ever so gently and quickly that it could have not happened, but she knew that it had. He vanished right after that and she went back to sleep.

So, in the morning when Belle woke up, she expected to keep trying to conciliate her memories until it was evening again and she could face Rumplestiltskin and ask him what he thought he was doing in the night prior, but when she looked to the other side of the bed, she saw that a rose was placed in there.

The Dark One wanted Belle to know that he had visited her.

#rumbelle fic #gift fic #mine #writing #rumplestiltskin #belle french #dark castle #rumbelle

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blahblahblippyblah · 7 years ago

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Magnus Chase and a Plotless Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 7: Learning to be an Animagus

full story: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11429727/chapters/25899828

Alex tries to teach Magnus to be an animagus. Fluff.

Yes I know the spelling is terrible. I'm too lazy to go through to correct it. Also when I transfer from my phone to my computer it sometimes doubles paragraphs or sentences.

It was late Friday night as Magnus patrolled the 12th floor corridor. Magnus enjoyed being on duty at night. When he went to do his rounds around the castle to make sure no students were sneaking out of their dormitories he got to explore. There is no better time to explore and discover the secrets of Hogwarts than 2am. Magnus got to the end of the hall and pulled back a tapestry. He found what he was looking for. A new passageway of stone stairs. He wondered were this one went. He raised his wand so that the light from it illuminated the floor better and began climbing up the stairs. After about 200 steps he found himself down a weird corridor. He followed it and then found himself facing a tiny wooden door. He reached out and opened it. He found himself now at the top floor of the astronomy tower.

The moon was shinning in through the open windows. Magnus felt a slight breeze as he stepped into the tower. Magnus. In the window sat a black cat. When he walked in it turned its head. One eye glowed a bright yellow tinted brown the other glowed a deep dark brown. It watched him for a sec then turned to stare down at the grounds. He walked over to the window sill and gazed up at the moon and the starts in the clear inky black sky. The cat moved it's gave to the moon. He became lost in thought. Exactly a year ago he was staring up at his sky from a ratty sleeping bag in the middle of a deserted alley. If only last Magnus knew where he would be now. He stood there staring at the sky for a bit then signed and decided it was probably time to head back to his office. As he turned to walk away the cat shifted and jumped down onto the floor. As it fell down it glowed and transformed into the shape of a person. He shrieked out unmanly in fright.

"Calm down beantown. It's just me" Alex said laughing at Magnus look of shock.

"Wait your an animagus?" Magnus said looking confused.

"Ya I told you I dedicated my life to tranfiguration. Seems fitting that I also learn to change species since I change genders."

Magnus started up in shock at Alex. The dude was super impressive. Magnus had only met 1 other animagus before and that was Sam. Whe he first saw Sam in Lion form he had almost wet his pants. He also knew it wasn't an easy thing to learn and most wizards couldn't even fathom doing it.

"That's so cool. How long did I take you to learn to become a cat?" Magnus asked.

"Hmmmmm" Alex pondered. "It took me 3 years to learn the cat. I started in my 6th year at Hogwarts. The it took about a year to learn transforming into a Weasel. But after that I got the hang of it and it would only take about half a year each with lots of hard work."

Magnus's jaw dropped. "Wait you can transform into more than 1 animal?"

"Ya. First multi species animagus ever. I am up to 12 species so far. Registration with the ministry is a pain tho, because of me they had to invent another section on the forms" Alex explained as he jumped up to sit on the window sill.

"So what other animals can you turn into?" Magnus asked now super interested.

"The horsefly is my favourite. But being a cat is the easiest for sneaking around the castle. The grizzly bear is always a student favourite." Alex went on.

"Omg you my friend are the most impressive person I have ever met. That is literrraly the coolest thing ever." Magnus said walking over the the window to sit down as well.

Alex smiled and Magnus was pretty sure he saw him blush. It was hard to tell though since Alex's face was obscured in shawdows.

"so how hard is it? Would you be able to per say teach someone?" Magnus asked.

Alex tinted his head to Magnus and raised an eyebrow.

"You want to learn to be an animagus?"he asked.

"Well ya. If always wanted to be. I think it would definitely help out with taking care of magical creatures. Maybe I can be something big and scary like an elephant." Magnus said smiling.

Alex rolled his head back and laughed. "Well I can try and teach you. But it's the hardest thing your tiny brain will ever try to do." Alex joked, yet she still had a hint of seriousness.

"Would this be a bad time to mention I've never even been able to transfigure a pocket watch?" Magnus said.

"So your saying I'm going to have my work cut out for me. Well i guess it can't be any harder than teaching first years to sit still for 5 minutes." Alex said. And smiled at him. His eyes shinning in the residual moonlight.

Magnus smiled back. He could feel butterflies creeping into his throat making him want to choke or vomit as his stomach twisted uncomfortable to deal with their flapping. He had a feeling he was quickly falling for Alex. That meant trouble. He thought after Halloween when he realized what was happening he would be able to convince himself to not stare or think of Alex in that way, but every time they hung out together he fell deeper. Being alone with only Alex was even worse.

He was brought back to reality when Alex snapped his fingers in his face.

"Your're staring again? Are you Ok?" He asked punching his playfully on the arm.

Magnus shook his head. "Ya sorry."

"Anyway if your serious about learning come to my office Saturday after lunch. Well start this week." Alex said jumping down from the window sill.

"Sounds great' Magnus said.

"See you then" Alex said and waved. She turned towards the sort and slipped through it as a black cat.

A piece of chalk flew across the room and nailed Magnus between the eyes.

"Ow!" He exclaimed.

"Your not concentrating hard enough! I know it's hard for you to use your brain but you can at least try" Alex said his voice slightly raised.

"I am!" Magnus said back. He was starting to regret asking Alex to teach him how to be an animagus. The guy had no patience. In Magnuses defense he was trying really hard. He was concentrating hard than he ever had before. He could feel his face start turning red since he was focusing so hard he forgot to breath. Still he couldn't even manage to transfigure his ears.

He had been coming to Alex's office every 3rd night for the past 2 months. She was working him like a dog. Sometimes he didn't leave until late at night. Completely exhausted. Mentally and physically.

"Well your not focusing on the right thing then. When you close your eyes you need to see in your mind what you want to become then u need to feel it. What animal are you imagining?" Alex asked.

"I am trying to imagine a horse. But I can't see the details. I mean how am I suppose to know what I would look like as a horse." Magnus said frustrated.

"Ok let's just focus on one part then. Let's start with the tail. Your blonde so let's assume your tail would be blonde as well." Alex said as she walked over to Magnus in the middle of the room.

"Now feel where your tail would be imagine it and how it would feel to have a tail." Alex said as he sat on a desk in front of Magnus.

Magnus scrunched up his face and tightly closed his eyes. He tried his very best to imagine a tail coming out of the base of his spine. He tried to image the swishing a horses tail would do and how his would feel. Yet he felt nothing he couldn't imagine it. 'Come on Magnus. Feel the tail. Be the tail' He thought to himself. He found his mind wandering. Instead of a long swishy tail he felt that his tail was more stiff. It curled up instead and waved back and forth as he walked. It's hair was short and golden. Way softer than any horse tail. The fur was thick and warm. He shook his head and opened his eyes. Gods he was hopeless.

"I'm sorry Alex. Maybe I'm not cut out for this. I can't focus. My mind can't seem to stick on one thing long enough" he said defeated.

Magnus turned to walk to the chair when Alex let out a surprised gasp. Magnus Magnus turned to walk to the chair when Alex let out a surprised gasp. Magnus turned back to him wondering what he was now pointing at. He was surprised to see he was pointing at him. He looked down. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"What?" Magnus asked somewhat alarmed at the look on Alex's face. Alex just jumped down from the desk and ran over to him. Alex grabbed behind Magnus and spun him around. He reached out and Magnus felt something weird. Alex gently touched his tail. Magnus cranked his neck to see Alex running his hands through his thick furry tail that has sprouted from the base of his spine. It was golden in colour and about the same length of his arm.

"Omg I have a tail" Magnus exclaimed as Alex let go of it and started at it impressed.

"It would appear that your mind doesn't see you as a horse. Looks more like a dog tail... interesting." Alex said tapping his chin.

Magnus reached back and grabbed his tail. It was as real as his other body parts. Alex reached out again and started petting his tail. Magnus felt an electric current travel up his tail and then up his spine to the back of his neck. It flushed his face and caused him to blush. He felt embarrassed about the blushing but it was really distracting having Alex touch his tail.

"Its so soft" Alex said letting it go.

Magnus grabbed at it and held it against himself. It was so weird yet so cool. Then another thought came to mind.

"How do make it go away? I'm pretty sure Mallory would never let me live it down if I showed up to breakfast with a tail"

"Well essentially do the same thing you did to make it appear. Imagine yourself without the tail"

Magnus frowned. Now that he had the tail it was a little difficult to imagine it gone. He scrunched his face up again and tried his hardest. When he opened his eyes the tail was gone.

"I did it!" Magnus said super excited he reached over and hugged Alex forgetting about the fact Alex might hex him for it.

Thankfully he didn't. He hugged Magnus back. Magnuses stomached did a few back flips inside him.

"Your the best teacher ever" Magnus said as Alex broke up the hug.

"I know" Alex said. "I bet we could have you turning into whatever it is you transfigure into by Christmas."

"You think?" Magnus asked.

" Ya your a quick learner. Anyway it's not that late but I think we can call it a day. Wanna go get some coffee with me?" Alex asked.

"Sure" Magnus said. He followed Alex out of his classroom.

Alex and Magnus headed to the staff room and Alex put on a pot of coffee on the fire. He then crashed beside Magnus on the couch. He slung one arm around his shoulder and laid back into the cushions looking completely relaxed. The butterflies came back to Magnuses stomach.

" So ummm...what's new with you?" Magnus asked not knowing what to say.

Him and Alex usually hung out and talked all the time but he was having trouble coming up with something interesting to say whole Alex had his arm around his shoulder. He smelled like wet earth and clay with a hint of sandalwood.

"Nothing really. I helped Sam pick out a crib the other day. She said I can come to her next appointment. Amir wants her to go to a muggle doctor. Apparently the muggles have a way to take a picture of a baby while it's still in the womb."

"Cool. I bet your gonna be the best aunt and uncle ever."

Alex laughed. "That baby is also going to be the most spoiled kid in the world. Blitz has already made the kid enough fancy outfits so That it never has to wear the same thing twice for the next 2 years. Mallory has already started saving to get it's first broom and Hearth and Halfborn won't stop reading up on how to change diapers and stuff like that. I caught them both practicing on a cat together.

Magnus laughed. He too was guilty of secretly reading up on baby care with Hearth whiel Blitz sat at his sewing machine making baby clothes. Plus he was way better than Hearth. He could change a diaper in less than 30 seconds now. Hearth still couldn't figure out where to tuck and pin.

"Its definitely going to be the most lived baby ever" Magnus agreed.

Alex smiled in agreement. They sat watching the fire for a bit. He only extracted his arm from around Magnus when the kettle was done. He poured them 2 coffees and handed one to Magnus. Magnus slurped his coffee noisily.

"Hey Alex. Thanks again for teaching me. I really appreciate it." Magnus said.

"Hey no problem. I kinda like spending the extra alone time with you. Plus you look really cute with a tail" he said sipping his coffee. Magnus's stomach do a flip again.

" Oh do I Now?" He tried his best to joke. "I wonder why a dog though? Is it usual to not be able to choose the animals?"

Alex made a sideways smile and pondered for a bit. "Hmmm not always. I mean lots of wizards choose, but sometimes your personality is too much of you so there's not much you can do. You seem pretty confident I who you are so maybe that's why. I think the reason I can do so many animals by choice is because I'm never stable with whole am. I kinda transition more than just my gender. But also my personality and confidence. Also that brand of magic isn't very well know."

Magnus just nodded. "I kinda wish it wasn't a dog. The night my mother died, The fire that killed her. It was started by some werewolves. A gang I guess. I don't know why they wanted to kill us. But since then I haven't been very fond of dogs." Magnus said.

Alex just frowned at him sympathetically. He didn't say anything tho. Something Magnus appreciated about him. He hated when people gave him the old 'oh I'm so sorry for you' speech.

Alex just put his arm back around him shoulders and pulled him closer. Magnus slipped on arm around Alex's back. The contact made him feel closer to his friend, and a little more comfortable.

"If I have learned one thing it's that you don't get to choose who you are." Alex said eyes staying fixed on the fire. "We just have to learn to accept and live ourselves the way we are. If we don't we will never grow as people and never learn."

Magnus nodded and Alex leaned his head against his shoulder. His green hair tickled Magnus's ears and cheek. This time he didn't try and fight the butterflies. They sat like that all night watching the fire. At some point they must have fallen asleep because Magnus woke up the next morning in the same position. As he stirred so did Alex. The rising sun bathed the staff room in orange light. Alex didn't say anything about falling asleep together but she broke the silence by suggesting they head down to get breakfast.

#fierrochase #magnus chase #alex fierro #magnus chase and the gods of asgard #harry potter crossover

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gogocrazygo · 5 years ago

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Soooooo in these already boring times ( being stuck at home due to COVID-19), I have decided to get my running game on. I just bought new pair of running shoes so there is no stopping me right, or at least that’s what I thought.

When the lockdown started just under 2 months ago, I have moved in with my parents and started working from home. I feel lucky to be able to work this way, since I am aware that a lot of people have been put on furlough, lost their income completely or physically have to go in to work, putting their and others health at risk. To stay fit and generally SANE in these very different times, I have decided to run at least 2 – 4 times a week, normally 5 km, and sometimes even getting my little brother to tag along but on his bike. Other physical activities I would include in my stuck at home fitness venture would be resistance exercises, finger strength training for climbing and yoga for flexibility.

Unfortunately few weeks ago, a pain in my left shin (which I have had already for few weeks) has become so unbearable I could not walk on that leg after a run. I gave it some rest for a week and tried running again. That was a mistake! The pain came back even worse and sometimes I would struggle to even fall asleep. I gave myself another week off from running and tried to do it for the second time. Again, very silly mistake! Pain was so bad I through I must have shine splints of some sort, or damaged muscle.

Luckily one of my fellow climbing club buddies is a Podiatrist, so I thought I’ll seek some advice over the phone. After explaining my pains and what I have been doing around the time it started, he have unofficially diagnosed me with tibia stress fracture.

All joys, no more running for 6 weeks, just loads ice and chill for my leg 😦

So what can I do if I can’t put much pressure or consistent impact on my left tibia?

Some yoga and exercises can’t be bad right?

Anyways, I have decided to dedicate 30 min to 2 hours per day, 4 times a week at least for exercises including upper body and arms, loads core strengthening, yoga flows in morning and evening, and even some Joe Wicks with my little brother. I also thought there must be other things I can do to improve my fitness if I can’t do much cardio, so I have come up with few points that can help expand genera fitness and well-being knowledge:

Food for writing inspiration

gain a bit more understanding about physics behind running and exercise. How does the body work and what to do, to get the most out of your workout (check out these free online courses with Open University)

get more information about the right nutrition for your own little fitness plan ( check out these free online courses with Further Learn)

explore and map out exciting running events. These are normally inexpensive and fun to complete alone or with a team (one that I have been introduced to and attended 2 times already is the Wolf Run which is a 10 km mud run)

research what to do to get back on track in the most stable and safe way, and create a recovery plan. I find Youtube is very good tool for this type of research, with loads good reviews and ideas from other fitness individuals.

challenge different parts of the body with resistance training.

if running was your main fitness training, maybe look into working out your upper body, work on core or try and become more flexible. To do this successfully I would suggest giving yourself some goals e.g do 5 pull ups after 2 weeks training for it, train to plank for 2 minutes, get closer and closer to a split every week, hold yoga poses for few extra breaths etc.

add weights where appropriate into your normal workout .This will help you keep pushing your body where you can

turn to cycling if you have a bike

try and do some meditative practices. Simple 15-20 min relaxing body scans can really make you aware of sensations you have in your body. I think it helps me to concentrate energy in areas I want to work on

explore some nice new running routs for when you are back in the runners shoes

other activities I could think off all include being in closer contact with people or include being in public space like a swimming pool, which is most likely to be closed off during COVID-19

I think these areas are worth looking into if you want to keep up with good fitness practice and make yourself feel good, especially if you cant run. Of course if you already have a fitness plan in place, or following instructions given by physiotherapist, these might not fully apply to you.

If you are recovering from an injury like me, during COVID-19, I suggest not pushing it. Rest and recover to avoid further damage. If I have stopped, stepped back from running weeks ago and seek help, I might be at the end of my recover period. Instead, I have about 4 more weeks to go if not longer since I have made it worse by thinking it’s nothing serious.

I can imagine the lockdown or an injury could have some negative impact on our motivation, but this is the best time for self reflection and exploration of new challenges to set your mind to. Goal setting is very good for mental health, especially if you are reviewing them on daily bases and pushing yourself that little bit extra.

The above photos are from my random adventure, where I went to explore possibilities for a new and longer running rout. This was almost 10km, with good mixture of on and off road running. Best time for a walk right now is very early Sunday morning, unless you are isolating.

Fitness Channels I recommend:

MadFit real time workout channel (targeted at females, also include vegan food ideas)

Yoga With Adriene my favourite yoga channel with some awesome easy flows

HASfit fitness for all

Podcasts I listen to while getting ready for work, driving or running:

The Plant Proof Podcast by Simon Hill. His passion for plant based diet got him to interview doctors, nutritionists, sports people and individuals who have turned their life around thanks to plant based nutrition. My favourite podcast of all as he is so genuine and some of the interviews he has got are just mind blowing.

NutritionFacts Podcast by Dr Michael Greger- well renown physician, public speaker and advocate for whole-foods, plant based diet gives fact and figures on different foods we can eat or avoid to improve our health.

Generation V by Nimai Delgato is all about plant based nutrition in sports and fitness sector. Again very factual and interesting to listen to.

What to do if I can’t run? Soooooo in these already boring times ( being stuck at home due to COVID-19), I have decided to get my running game on.

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drink-n-watch · 5 years ago

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It occurs to me that I have no sense of seasonal orientation when it comes to this season of My Hero Academia. Other series seem to be ending so the season must be close to an end, yet I still feel like we’re in the opening episodes. That can be either a good or a bad thing. Still, to me, it’s like season 4 of My Hero Academia is still in its opening arc. Crow, do you get what I mean?

It’s funny you ask — I was just wondering about that today. For the other shows I’m reviewing, I’m preparing to close out the season and write the episode guides. For this one? It’s like it’s beyond mere seasons… Which, of course, is a hopelessly hyperbolic thing to day. Oh, I’m bold this week, there will be spoilers, and such…

And no shock — but you were right. Horribly, horribly right. Unless you think we should put this sentence later, since it’s pretty momentous and it might be better for later…

Ok, I said it could be a good or a bad thing…for me, it’s usually a good thing. Opening arcs and intros are often my favourite part of the story. I was that weird kid that really loved the Harry Potter series before he even learned of the existence of Hogwarts. I loved it after as well, but those early Dursley days have a special place in my heart.

assume a season’s worth of buildup could be frustrating for some viewers but I’m eating it up…

I think it’s the potential. Before the story gets underway, anything could happen. Once it chooses a route and gets moving, though, each plot point eliminates one or more possibilities. The closer to the end, the fewer possibilities. At least, that’s how it is for me.

I was planning to make this point in my closing paragraph. Crow, I’m sorry. It’s a good thing you’re here to keep some order!

Not sure I’m helping in that regard this week! Or if indeed I’m the one keeping order in general!

Oh guys, Crow is here and awesome as always. He’s also bold like our heroes. And we’re probably going to spoil episode 74 of My Hero Academia so if you haven’t seen it yet and want to go in blind, please go watch it now. Ok, one spoiler, it’s a great episode…

Are you sure you should have let that slip so soon? Just kidding.

The narrative framework of this week’s episode was pretty simple in fact. A brief opening tag reestablishes the context of the cooperation between the league of villains and the yakuza, then quickly moves on to the doublecross, allowing EraserHead, Nighteye and Deku to take out Irinaka fairly easily. Then the focus switches to Mirio/Lemillion who has to fight a number of yakuza solo in order to save Eri. In the process, we get a few brief flashbacks establishing both Chiaki and Mirio’s respective backgrounds and motivations rather effectively and showing how they are funhouse mirror images of each other.

That’s all really. Yet that’s not even scratching the surface.

I mentioned this before but Overhaul’s voice actor is doing some tremendous work this season. I thought so yet again in the opening scenes of this episode as we see him talking with Twice and Toga. He sort of chews his words and talks from the back of his throat for a uniquely menacing effect.

So much of the delivery in MHA is theatrically earnest and straight forward for obvious reasons, it’s part of the show’s identity after all, even in the villains, so the contrast is almost enerving. And really successful in my opinion.

I think the voice actors did a great job in general this week, but I gotta agree that Overhaul’s voice actor, Kenjirou Tsuda, did a fantastic job this week.

I was curious about both Twice and Toga being able to easily resist confession when asked about Shigaraki planning a double-cross. I’m not sure if they got off on a technicality. As in Shigaraki never used the word “betrayal” or something like that, if they have some type of ace in the hole against this quirk, or if their singular devotion to the league has made them immune.

I had the impression that Shigaraki never told them to betray or doublecross Overhaul. Shigaraki just said he trusted them. I took that to mean in the literal sense, which is why they’re so loyal to him. I also took it in the more broad sense that he trusted them to be themselves, and let’s face it: being themselves meant getting revenge for Magane.

Considering how insubordinate they both tend to be, and how loose an organization the League of Villains is in general, the latter seems unlikely. Then again, they both got immediately angry when their fallen friend was misgendered by Chiaki. And not a cartoonishly exaggerated rage either. A genuine show of pain and solidarity and protection for Magne. It was a small human moment that reminded us that what holds the league together is something that may ultimately prove much more terrifying than simple greed, vengeance or ambition.

Um yeah, so that was the first few minutes… Let’s move this on.

I was a little disappointed that we really didn’t get a chance to see Eraser Head in action at all, or how he works with Deku. All of Deku’s Big Hero Moments in the series so far have been solo. I was looking forward to seeing how well he plays with others. It would be a pretty big subversion of his archetype if it turns out that Deku can’t share the spotlight. I might be here for that!

But the real meat of the episode was of course Mirio. I really like Mirio as a name by the way.

I didn’t know how to feel about an episode dedicated to Mirio. I mean, he’s sort of redundant with Deku so why not just give us some Deku character building. Our series’ protagonist has been largely absent all season, that’s a little weird.

I keep wondering if that’s the point — that Deku’s One for All is expressed very differently from All Might’s was, or Mirio’s might have been. That might be a bit too meta for this series, but maybe not.

So first off, Mirio gets to square off against Shin Nemoto, the creepy old timey doctor guy who can make people tell him the truth when he asks a question, (By the way, plague doctor designs seem to be in this season…) as well as Deidoro Sakaki, who has contagious drunkness.

You know, as soon as we saw his Quirk, I immediately wondered if he was a fan of your site. Or whatever form your site is in that world.

You would think drunk guy’s quirk would be right up my alley but I must say, he’s my least favourite so far. He basically makes you skip the fun part of drunk (i.e. pleasantly buzzed, when you and everyone around you are both beautiful and fascinating. The point where you should absolutely switch to water and make sure you are not even getting near car keys for a good long while) and plants you right in the bad part, you should never drink again, drunk. I have to imagine, this must be one of the most unpleasant quirks to be a victim of, especially in a tense and dangerous situation.

I thought that confession was a pretty great quirk, to begin with, as we saw it used early on, for its information gathering purposes. But I hadn’t considered that it could be used as a mind break. To force someone to confront a truth they’d rather ignore. That was brilliant! And it probably would have been devastating on anyone else. I think it could have easily stopped Deku for instance. But Mirio isn’t Deku…

So Mirio managed to get past the first two and unexpectedly catch up to Chiaki and Hari Kurono, his henchman, as they were taking little Eri away.

Ok, let me try to organize my thoughts here. This was a pretty epic fight and a lot of things happened. For one, Chiaki insisted that he had no children, therefore Eri isn’t his daughter. Which made sense to me as I really couldn’t imagine Chiaki in a romantic relationship. But then why would Nighteye assume this? Is Overhaul just playing mind games? I was thinking about this for embarrassingly long before I realized…of course, Chiaki isn’t Eri’s dad. Regardless of any genetic context, that’s just not what a dad is… duh… I’m slow sometimes…

In your defense, there are a ton of bad dads out there! I don’t know of any who would subject their daughters to the kind of experimentation Eri had endured, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility!

To me, this entire fight showed us two men who could have been friends. Who in some ways, were very much alike. Both are very skilled physical fighters who obviously dedicated a huge amount of time and energy to training because they felt they had to. Both are smart strategists, able to adapt their quirk to the situation and use it while considering both the context of the fight and the surroundings. And both understand that winning doesn’t come down to destroying the opponent as fast as possible.

Did you notice how Mirio, Overhaul, and Kurono all mentioned, at least in passing, how much time the other must have put into their training? I think that supports the point you’re making. So much so that I wonder what else they’re going to do with that idea.

Beyond that though, I sort of think that they would have gotten along if they grew up together. Chiaki is obviously someone who is filled with gratitude and actually fairly selfless. An idealist, His motivations have nothing to do with personal gain and his position of leadership is uncomfortable as he is awkward and clumsy with expressing emotions. Not completely unlike Tamaki… or Deku. But he’s also dedicated and willing to work tirelessly for a cause he believes in. Sound familiar?

On the other hand, Mirio is, well, a product of failure. Having had the privilege of being surrounded by love and support, Mirio doesn’t take any of it for granted. When something was twice as hard for him to do, he simply worked twice as much. He considers his challenges blessings and his setbacks accomplishments. He cannot be broken by facing his flaws because he never thought of himself as perfect and that was never even the point in his mind. It’s not about being worthy, it’s not about him, he doesn’t want to be a symbol. It’s about helping others whatever way you can.

In the end, Mirio’s power had absolutely nothing to do with his quirk.

I thought that was a beautiful thing when Shin asked, “What is he?!” about Mirio. Even Quirkless, he didn’t lose his close quarter combat skills. They were never part of his Quirk.

Speaking of losing his Quirk, shouldn’t we mention that happened? Nemoto caught up with Mirio, even though Lemillion thought he’d knocked the villain out. Overhaul threw Nemoto a single Quirk-stealing bullet. Nemoto, though, had seen how fine-grained Mirio’s control was. He had no idea where to shoot him so the bullet wouldn’t just pass through.

Did you see what he did?

He deliberately aimed straight at Eri. And fired.

Was it just me, or for an instant, did you also think that Eri might herself be happier without her Quirk? But of course, Mirio, being who he was, could only make one decision and stay true to himself. He put himself between her and Nemoto, and he took the bullet. And lost his Quirk.

I have to say, it’s something that to me, My Hero Academia’s heroes are always at their most impressive when they are at their “weakest”. And those quotes are very important! Mirio is nothing like Deku. He needed his own episode. And sadly, I think he needed to be limited in this way. Because Mirio’s heroism was plot destroying.

My Hero Academia is the story of how Deku became the world’s greatest hero, and that simply can’t happen as long as Lemillion is around. He is the better hero. He is the better symbol in a way because he doesn’t want to be. It’s a tour de force that really enhances Deku’s underdog status if a fangirl like me is willing to admit this. And that’s a brilliant bit of story building right there.

With all this said, I can’t lie, my heart jumped for joy when Deku burst through that wall after the credits. I simply cannot wait for the next episode.

I haven’t felt that kind of relief for a long time. I startled my poor cat when Deku burst through the wall — and it didn’t help that he wasn’t alone. Goodness knows they’re going to need all the help they can get!

My Hero Academia s4 ep74 – The Heart of a Hero It occurs to me that I have no sense of seasonal orientation when it comes to this season of My Hero Academia.

#action #anime #blonde bishie #Collab #episodic #My Hero Academia #shonen

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grapsandclaps · 6 years ago

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GRAPS AND CLAPS REVIEWS - PROGRESS WRESTLING CHAPTER 78 '24 HOUR PROGRESS PEOPLE'

Hello and welcome everyone to another edition of Graps and Claps, this time taking me on a short journey to Manchester for PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 78 '24 Hour Progress People' from the Ritz in the first time since a banging show in February at the same venue and the first time since the big Victoria Warehouse show in May so for the people in attendance the anticipation of seeing something that they hadn't seen live for a few months was high.

Having spent the last days at Southside Wrestling which if you want to check anything out from there weekend of 3 shows make sure you check out the all-womens show on the Friday night which nearly everyone stood out on the evening especially Kris Wolf, Millie McKenzie, Kanji and Shanna with the latter winning the Queen of the Ring title and duly defended it the next evening against former NXT wrestler Kimber Lee on the Saturday evening show.

There were also a couple of killer Mike Bailey matches on the Saturday shows vs Senza Volto in the afternoon and in the evening as part of a mixed tag team match where he teamed with his real life partner Veda Scott taking on another couple in the form of Xia Brookside & Sean Kustom that exceeded expectations by far, plus there was the continuation of my long running feud with Nottingham's No.1 Soy Boy Gabriel Kidd who offered me out to the car park for a word or two which never materialised. Truthfully though the Southside Sheffield Double Header's are usually great fun but tiring on the legs and your liver if you are drinking many £3 cans of Hooch!

With that said, let's get into my trip to PROGRESS on Sunday which started at 11am from Rochdale Train Station arriving into the first meeting spot of the Brewdog next to the Albert Hall concert venue due to Oxford Road being very busy due to the Manchester Derby between Manchester City and Manchester United and also the Remembrance Sunday commemorations. Only the one drink in here for me which was a Mad Hatter Brewery Choco Choc Choc (£4.80 2/3rds) that had a burnt orange after taste to it but it was spot on as a palate cleanser to commence the drinking for the day.

After a phone call from Athers of his whereabouts, we moved on to The Courtyard which is located not too far away from the Ritz and is widely known as more of a student drinking den with prices as low as £2.85 for pints of Pravha of which I had 3 pints of, take into account as well the half price 10 inch pizzas on a Sunday (£4) and you have a relatively cheap afternoon out before the graps. The only downfall about this place are the urine stained piss gutters and as Athers found out - no locks of note on the disabled toilet doors, meaning me and our Geoff had to play guardsmen to make sure the door was shut whilst Athers was doing his business.

Arriving at the Ritz for 230pm, we were supposed to be sat in 4th row seating but due to the sheer amount of people I know standing up for the afternoon we took our position in front of the merch desk which provided an excellent view for the afternoon's action, so without further ado let's get into what went down!

After the usual pleasantries from compere Jim, we got into the first match with Eddie Dennis receiving quite the ovation from the Manchester audience but was soon turned to jeers once the match got going against his opponent, the aforementioned 'Speedball' Mike Bailey who was looking to continue his blinding form from the weekend into this match. Early stages and Eddie used his considerable height advantage on Bailey as he he hit a sweet Cravat Neckbreaker for a two count, Bailey fired back though with a boot to the face following up with a twirling Shooting Star Press for a two count. It has to be noted that Bailey is very accustomed to using his body as a dangerous weapon using many variations of double knee stomps and splashes to wound his opponents, but on one occasion during this match, Bailey tried to his the double knees to Eddie on the Apron but missed leaving him with very sore shins - OUCH!

Back in the ring, Eddie hit a big powerbomb for 2 count but Bailey came back once again to hit a tornado roundhouse kick to Dennis whilst he was in the ring corner to floor Eddie, leaving Bailey to hit the Moonsault double knees from the top rope for a close two fall. Bailey though once again tried for the Moonsault knees but he missed leading to Eddie hitting a Next Stop Driver which got an amazing 2 count that brought a huge reaction from the crowd in attendance. Sadly though Eddie didn't rest on his laurels and duly put Bailey away with a Super Style Next Stop Driver for the win to end an amazing opener that set the tone for what would be one of the best PROGRESS show certainly in the last couple of years. Both lads deserved the round of applause from the Manchester faithful - fan-dabbie-dozzie!!!

Next up brought the usual Women being on 2nd spot, but this one brought the debut of local favourite Lana Austin who has been touted for ages for a spot on a PROGRESS chapter show as she has consistently been one of the most improved wrestler on the circuit and without one of the best women wrestlers out there in the UK and Europe. Knowing Lana very well through the North West over the years brought a sense of happiness seeing someone who has worked hard to get to this spot be very satisfying. Lana's opponent for the afternoon was Isla Dawn who had a fine match against Millie McKenzie at the last Camden show till The Spice Girls & All Saints came in and interfered,

The early feeling out process in this match was very much a 50/50 split from an offence side of things, but from a crowd side of things it was 99% in Lana's favour. Lana managed to stun Isla with the 'Peach Punch' arse smash to get a two count but it was when Lana missed a dive from the top rope that she was duly punished by Dawn who had Lana up in the electric chair position to be transitioned into a bridging suplex pin to get the unpopular 3 count in a fairly decent contest - better luck next time Lana!

Third up, it was like looking at a mirror image as 'Smashmouth' Chris Ridgeway took on the 'Killer Import' Jordan Devlin in what looked on paper to be a hard hitting contest and one that turned out to be just that. Devlin who has been tearing up the Irish scene by store had the upper hand as he hit a Spanish Fly at one stage to get a two count on Ridgeway. Devlin followed up with hard boots and then a brainbuster which was then reversed by Ridgeway into a choke to send Devlin sprawling for the ropes. Devlin though shook this off when reversing another choke into a Piper/Hart pin for a 2 count, Devlin once again went up top trying to hit a Moonsault but was caught once again by Ridgeway who locked in a triangle choke.

With both wrestlers at a standing base though, Devlin headbutted Ridgeway in a duel of two rutting stags to get a two count to elicit a standing ovation from those in attendance. Ridgeway fought back from this and hit a Cradle Piledriver not seen since the days of Jerry Lynn in ECW but Devlin managed somehow to roll through from this and hit a huge Package Piledriver to get the 3 count to win an excellent battle - this show ruled! One thing I didn't quite get was the appearance of Paul Robinson who challenged the defeated Chris Ridgeway saying 'Your supposed to be Hard as Fuck, but I am Harder than you' setting up a match possibly for the next Manchester show in December - surely the bloke who is Hard as Fuck shouldn't have been the one who was just defeated? Probably this was one of two minor gripes on this afternoon.

Your half time main event next with David Starr who has had a beard trim taking on Ilja Draganov who thankfully didn't come out to them Wembley jungle drums this time. To follow up what had already been an amazing first half, this delivered despite as we would find out a bit of a duff finish in one sense (I'm a clean finish man). This match had lariat battles galore between both me with sweat and souls escaping both wrestlers bodies eventually flooring both men on a couple of occasions, dives by both Starr and Ilja were hit to leave people running from there seats to move out of the way.

Back in the ring with the match ready to go off the scale, Ilja hit a huge Torpedo Moscow headbutt to Starr to leave him laying but as he was ready to win the match out came 'The Kiwi Buzzsaw' Travis Banks wearing some newly acquired threads to attack both Ilja and Starr to cause the No Contest much to the disgust of the crowd and firmly positioning Banks in the position of bad guy for the future as he possibly goes into two mouth watering clashes against both Ilja and Dave which makes sense as we close out 2018, but just the clean finish man in me though they could have left this as an after match angle but hey ho - it is what it is!

Back from half time now with the crowd firmly settled from a scorching first half we returned with Tag Team title action as Aussie Open (Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher) made the second defence of their titles against #CTK (Timothy Thatcher & Chris Brookes). The CTK tag team dominated early one with both Thatcher and Brookes getting the better of the Aussies but Davis and Fletcher came back with for instance Fletcher hitting a dive to the outside on both Timo and Brookes.

Back in the ring Brookes tried many variations of trying to roll up the Aussies and got multiple 2 counts from Referee Joel, but it Brookes who got a taste of his own medicine as Kyle Fletcher used a roll up of his own to pin Brookes in around 15 minutes to end a really good back and forth match.

Inspired but failed chant credit goes to my mate Davey who tried to get me to chant 'Brooksey & Tim' to the tune of 90s Children's TV show Rosie & Jim - sadly it fell flat on its arse but I enjoyed it.

Second to last match now with the Atlas Open Challenge with the Champion Trent Seven facing a mystery opponent with many names mentioned around the RItz on the afternoon but ending up with a great option in the form of Liverpool's No.1 Zack Gibson accompanied with his tag partner James Drake for whom he had a few miscommunication's with in the last few weeks. What followed was to be one of the most funniest mic battles with some reet cutting barbs against each other - the one about Trent Seven being the cheap option if Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate weren't available left me in stitches and literally leaving Trent lying on the floor.

It was one comment though that would come back to bite Gibson on the arse as he said that all Trent was famous for was getting beat in 6 seconds by Matt Riddle at SSS16 two years ago. As the bell sounded though as per Gibson's request he was caught unawares by Trent who rolled up the Scouse Mouth in 5 seconds to send the crowd in rapture and roars of laughter as Gibson's expense - this was great booking and just what was needed after all the action before it (Thumbs up and a ten from Len)! After the match, disgusted at his defeat Gibson had a pushing match with Drake who he left alone in the ring as it looks like the Grizzled Young Veterans will be searching out divorce proceedings as a tag team.

Now is the time for the Main Event with No.1 Contender Mark Haskins trying to do the impossible as he looked to beat the unstoppable Austrian Monster WALTER. Now I admit and like a few others didn't have high expectations that Haskins would pull off the victory on this evening in Manchester but as we would find out the impossible nearly came possible! In this match Haskins played the underdog in peril perfectly here getting the Manchester crowd who had once booed him against Zack Gibson in his first title run, fully behind the man from Malvern.

With Walter looking dominant early on, Haskins managed to at least get in some offence as he floored the Austrian to hit a double stomp for a two count, Haskins followed up with the bounce back dive to the outside, back in the ring Haskins managed of all things to wrap Walter in a Sharpshooter to get him close to tapping, but Walter reached around with his huge arms (it has to be said that Walter is looking more and more in solid shape to add to his menacing demeanor) to reverse the submission into a choke of his own which Haskins managed to get out of.

Haskins on a couple of occasions tried to roll through to lift Walter but on the second time of trying he was caught in a choke sleeper but rolled through over Walter to get a 2 count. Walter did hit a powerbomb which has put away opponents in the past for a 2 count, but when at a standing base Walter put away a valiant Haskins with the Steiner Screwdriver for the 3 count to end a breathless main event and what a fitting end to an almost perfect 3 and half hour show and for me made me believe in Mark Haskins as a threat once again for the future despite losing.

Show finished, it was time for the debrief and a bit of a tea in Wetherspoons to chat with the usual folks about what a great evening of action it was. By the time 8pm, I left to catch my train thinking of what a great day and weekend I have had at the wrestling with some top people and in no way feeling burn out from it, but glad of the rest now until Sunday 18th November and Tidal Wrestling in Leeds.

In closing though, I fully recommend you check out this show on PROGRESS On Demand when it arrives as it could easily be in my top 10 shows of the year and touching the top 5 from a live experience side of things. So I hope you have enjoyed reading this review, please leave any feeback give it a share, like or retweet and I will see you next time for Tidal Wrestling at the weekend.

#grapsandclaps

@oggypart3

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netunleashed-blog · 6 years ago

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Celebrity deaths in 2018: Famous faces lost this year from Zombie Boy to Ellie Soutter and Dale Winton

http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=29621 Celebrity deaths in 2018: Famous faces lost this year from Zombie Boy to Ellie Soutter and Dale Winton - http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=29621 2017 was a tough year, as we said goodbye to some of our best known and well-loved figures - from Sir Bruce Forsyth and Keith Chegwin to John Hurt and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. And the losses have continued into 2018 with famous names from Verne Troyer to Ken Dodd, Avicii to Dale Winton, and Jim Bowen to Leslie Grantham sadly passing away. Fans have shared their memories and fellow stars paid tribute as they remembered those we have lost. Here's a look at all of the celebrities we've lost in 2018 so far who have inspired generations. AUGUST Zombie Boy Rick Genest, aka Zombie Boy (Image: REUTERS) Rick Genest, the heavily tattooed model known as Zombie Boy, died aged just 32 on August 1. He was known for his head-to-toe tattoos and starred alongside Lady Gaga in her Born This Way music video in 2011. His body was found in his apartment in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood in Montreal, Canada, on Wednesday. Gaga said the death is "beyond devastating" and revealed he had taken his own life. Read More JULY Ellie Soutter Ellie Soutter has died at the age of 18 Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter took her own life on July 25, her 18th birthday, the British Olympic Association confirmed. Soutter killed herself in a remote wooded area near her home in Les Gets, France, her heartbroken family has confirmed. Soutter claimed Team GB’s only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Erzurum, Turkeyin 2017. Her father, Tony Soutter, said "This cruel world took my Soul mate and "Bessie" from me yesterday on her 18th birthday. "I was so proud of the beautiful young woman she had turned into. Ellie I will miss you more than you could have ever imagined. Rest in peace you little Champion!" Read More Clive King David Clive King was born in Richmond, Surrey in 1924. In 1926 he moved with his parents to a farm in Kent, alongside which was an abandoned chalk-pit, which later became the setting for Stig of the Dump. Author Clive King, best known for his children's book Stig Of The Dump, died aged 94 on July 10, publisher Puffin books said. A statement said: "It is with sorrow that the family of Clive King, author of several popular children's books, including the much-loved classic Stig Of The Dump, announce that he passed away in the county of Norfolk where he had made his home on 10 July 2018, aged 94. "He is survived by his widow Penny and three children. The family have requested privacy at this time and our heartfelt condolences are with them." Read More Richard Swift Richard Swift died aged 41 on July 3. The producer, solo musician and multi-instrumentalist was best known for being a member of the Shins and the Arcs. A post on Swift's Facebook page read: "All the angels sing 'Que Sera Sera.'" Swift's Black Keys bandmate Dan Auerbach shared on Instagram: "I will miss you my friend." In June this year it was reported that Swift had been to a hospital with a 'life threatening condition.' Read More Alan Longmuir Alan Longmuir (Image: Daily Record) Alan Longmuir, the founder member of the Bay City Rollers died on July 2 following a short illness. The Edinburgh-born musician died in hospital at the age of 70 surrounded by loved ones after being flown home from Mexico two weeks ago where he had contracted an illness. Known as the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh", the Bay City Rollers started back in the 1960s. In 1976 Alan was replaced by rhythm guitarist Ian Mitchell, a man ten years his junior. He returned to the group in 1978. At the height of their fame, of course, the Scottish pop rockers could barely move without being mobbed by a tartan-clad army of teenage girls – screaming for their favourite Roller, begging for autographs and singing along to their smash hit Shang-A-Lang. Read More Dame Gillian Lynne Dame Gillian Lynne (Image: PA) Dame Gillian Lynne, whose credits included the hugely successful Cats and Phantom Of The Opera musicals, died on July 1, aged 92. Her husband, the actor Peter Land, said the renowned choreographer passed away at the Princess Grace Hospital in Marylebone, London. A major influence on dance and musical theatre, Lynne was best known for her work with Andrew Lloyd Webber. She also directed more than 50 productions on the West End and Broadway and received two Olivier Awards. In June, Lord Lloyd Webber renamed his New London Theatre as The Gillian Lynne Theatre - the first West End theatre to be named after a woman. Read More Peter Firmin Peter Firmin, creator of the kid's television series The Clangers, in 1999 (Image: Toby Melville/PA) Clangers co-creator Peter Firmin died on July 1 at the age of 89. The show's production company Coolabi said in a statement: "We are sad to announce that the artist Peter Firmin has passed away at his home in Kent after a short illness. He was eighty-nine. "During a career spanning over six decades Peter worked with great skill in a remarkably wide variety of creative disciplines as a fine artist, craftsman and author. "Of all his work he will probably be most fondly remembered for the characters he co-created and made. "With Ivan Owen he created the cheeky fox Basil Brush, and with his long-time business partner, Oliver Postgate, working as Smallfilms, he devised, created, painted, drew and built the marvellous and diverse worlds of Bagpuss, Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and Pogles Wood." Read More JUNE Steve Ditko The legendary comic book artist and co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee, died on June 29 at the age of 90. “Steve Ditko was one of the most amazing creators in the history of comics, and showed us there is a hero in all of us. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, and everyone who knew him,” DC Comics said on Friday. While working at Marvel in 1962, Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Lee approached Ditko with an idea for Spider-Man and it was Ditko who gave the superhero his iconic suit, red-and-blue colors and web shooters. Read More Matt Cappotelli Matt Cappotelli has passed away aged 38 Former WWE star Matt Cappotelli died on June 29 aged 38. Cappotelli, who won WWE reality show Tough Enough, passed away after battling brain cancer. He had first been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2005 before getting the all clear two years later. However, last year he had to undergo emergency surgery after the cancer returned. Read More Joe Jackson The patriarch of the Jackson family, and manager of the Jackson 5, died on June 27 at the age of 89 of cancer. He was the brains behind the Jackson 5 and in 2002 was awarded a proclamation in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the Best Entertainment Manager of All Time. Read More Carlos Lopez Jr Carlos Lopez Jr Carlos Lopez Jr died on June 25 at the age of 35. Carlos starred in Operation Repo, from 2012 to 2014 , and had several other small roles in TV shows like iCarly and CSI: Cyber. Operation Repo is an American TV show that dramatises supposed real-life stories of car repossession. Most recently, he portrayed a CIA station chief in Tom Cruise film American Made. Carlos also served in the army, reportedly completing a 27 month tour of combat with the 82nd Airborne. Read More Richard Harrison Richard Harrison (Image: Channel 5) Richard Harrison, the star of TV show Pawn Stars, died on June 25 at the age of 77. Better known as 'Old Man' on the show, Richard died surrounded by his family, his heartbroken son and co-star Rick confirmed with an Instagram post. "He passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved," wrote Rick. "He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over. He was my hero and I was fortunate to get a very cool ‘Old Man’ as my dad. Read More Vinnie Paul (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul passed away on June 22 aged 54. "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah," a statement said on the Pantera Twitter account. "No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time." The cause of death is currently unknown. Texas-born Vinnie co-founded the heavy metal band in the 1980s along with his late brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot. Read More Sophie Gradon Sophie Gradon (Image: ITV/PA) The 32-year-old model and former Love Island contestant passed away on June 21. The former reality star, who hailed from Newcastle, was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009 and was also a former Miss Newcastle. Sophie's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong wrote "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always". She made history on Love Island as one half of the show's first same-sex couple after she coupled up with Katie Salmon. Read More Peter Thomson Peter Thomson (Image: REUTERS) Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson died on June 20 at the age of 88. The legendary Australian had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and died at his home in Melbourne, Golf Australia said. Thomson won his first Open Championship title in 1954 - becoming the only player in the 20th or 21st century to win the tournament three years in succession. He also enjoyed impressive victories in 1958 and 1965 and was later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Read More Big Van Vader (Image: Handout) WWE legend Big Van Vader died on June 18 at the age of 63, according to his Twitter account. Real name Leon White, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2016 with doctors giving him two years to live. His Twitter account tweeted: "It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm." A second post, added: "Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time." Read More Leslie Grantham Leslie Grantham starred in EastEnders for many years (Image: Daily Mirror) EastEnders star Leslie Grantham died on June 15 aged 71 following a battle with cancer. The actor was most famous for portraying iconic character 'Dirty' Den Watts on the long-running BBC soap. Leslie also hosted game show Fort Boyard on Channel 5 and penned children's book called Jack Bates And The Wizard's Spell. Read More Errol Pickford Errol Pickford (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Former Royal Ballet principal dancer Errol Pickford died on Wednesday June 13, aged 51. Born in Perth, Australia in 1966 he originally trained as a gymnast before moving to the UK and practicing ballet at the Hammond School and The Royal Ballet School. He joined The Royal Ballet in 1984 and quickly excelled, becoming a soloist in 1986, first soloist in 1989 and principle in 1991. He had a version of Romeo and Juliet created especially for him by celebrated dancer and choreographer Kenneth MacMillan, and made history by becoming the first ever Western dancer to partner Bolshoi ballerina Nina Ananiahvii at the Armenia Gala in London's Covent Garden. The performance was even broadcast on TV. Read More Jackson Odell Jackson Odell had a role in TV comedy Arrested Development (Image: Getty Images North America) Jackson Odell, star of The Goldbergs, died on June 8 aged 20 Jackson starred in several hit TV shows including iCarly, Arrested Development and Modern Family. He was also a talented songwriter, penning a number of tracks for the movie 'Forever My Girl' including the the song 'Wings of an Angel', performed by Lauren Alaina. Read More Eunice Gayson Eunice Gayson was the very first Bond girl (Image: Hulton Archive) Eunice Gayson, the first ever Bond girl, died on June 8 aged 90. She was originally offered the part of Miss Moneypenny in Dr No, but the role eventually went to Lois Maxwell while Eunice became the super spy's love interest for the first two James Bond films. She later starred in a number of Hammer Horror films, and appeared on TV shows including The Saint and The Avengers. Read More Anthony Bourdain Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain died on June 8, aged 61. CNN, who he worked for, confirmed the news in a statement and revealed the cause of death as suicide. Bourdain had been in France working on an episode of his award-winning series Parts Unknown. His close friend, French chef Eric Ripert is reported to have found Bourdain unresponsive in his Strasbourg hotel room. Bourdain first shot to fame with the release of his book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures In The Culinary Underbelly, which became a New York Times bestseller. Read More Alan O'Neill Alan O'Neill (Image: WireImage) Sons of Anarchy star Alan O'Neill has died at the age of 47. The Irish-born actor is most famous for his role as Hugh in Sons of Anarchy, but his career dates back to the 1990s. He also played Keith McGrath in Fair City and starred in UK crime drama Inspector George Gently in 2009. Alan had also been cast in an upcoming movie called Charlie Lives. Read More Peter Stringfellow Peter Stringfellow (Image: PA) Peter Stringfellow died on June 7, aged 77, after a battle with cancer. The nightclub mogul, who had wanted to keep his illness private, died after spending time in hospital, a spokesman said. "It's very sad news. He passed away in the early hours of this morning. It was kept very private, he didn't want to tell. He wanted to keep it a secret," his publicist said. The iconic nightclub owner's name was put on the map after the Beatles played at his venue in April 1963. Read More Peter Stringfellow dies after secret cancer battle Kate Spade (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Iconic handbag designer Kate Spade died on June 5 at the age of 55 in a suspected suicide, say police. Sources said the mother-of-one left a note but the contents are unclear. Kate was mum to daughter Frances Beatrix, 13 and was married to Andy Spade. Her tragic death has shaken the fashion world to the core, as professionally Spade seemed to be going from strength to strength. She was a firm favourite with royals and the Hollywood elite. Read More MAY Jerry Maren Mandatory Credit: Photo by Unimedia Images/REX/Shutterstock (1051508bp) Jerry Maren, one of the last surviving munchkins from the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz' Hollywood Christmas Parade, Los Angeles, America - 29 Nov 2009 The Wizard Of Oz's 'oldest Munchkin' Jerry Maren died on May 24 at the age of 98. The American actor, who starred opposite Judy Garland in the 1939 classic, died after years of suffering from dementia. His major appearance in the film comes when he hands Judy Garland's Dorothy an oversized lollipop, and producers picked him to stand in the middle of the Munchkin trio. He had caught their attention with his singing and dancing talent, and fame soon followed. Read More Glynn Edwards Glynn Edwards (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Minder actor Glynn Edwards died on May 23, aged 87. The actor - who also starred in Zulu alongside Michael Caine - was best known for his role as Dave 'the barman' Harris who owned the Winchester Club in ITV's Minder. Read More Philip Roth (Image: REUTERS) Pulitzer-prize winning writer Philip Roth passed away on May 22 aged 85. The writer died from congestive heart failure, his close friend Judith Thurman told The New York Times. Roth was both hailed and derided for laying bare the neuroses and obsessions that haunted the modern Jewish-American experience. Read More Hugh Dane (Image: NBCUniversal) Hugh Dane, star of The Office, Bridesmaids and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, died on May 16 at the age of 75. Paying tribute to him with a clip of Hank and Dwight in The Office, co-star Rainn Wilson tweeted: "RIP Hugh Dane, aka Hank the security guard. He was one of the greats. So kind, funny, talented. We will all miss him. Donations can be made in his name to innercityculturalcenter.org." Hugh had been acting for nearly 30 years of his life, starting out in 1990 with a small role in the TV series Hunter. Read More Ray Wilson Ray Wilson walks out on to the pitch at Wembley Stadium in May 1963 (Image: mirrorpix Daily Mirror) England World Cup winner Ray Wilson died on May 15 aged 83. The outstanding left back, who spent most of his career with Huddersfield Town and Everton, is most famous for being part of the successful 1966 national side under Sir Alf Ramsey. Read More Jlloyd Samuel Jlloyd Samuel (Image: AFP/Getty Images) Former Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash on May 15, aged 37. Samuel's Range Rover was involved in a crash with a van in High Legh, Cheshire, after he had dropped his children off at school. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association confirmed the devastating news on their official Facebook page. Read More Tom Wolfe Tom Wolfe (Image: Redferns) Author and journalist Tom Wolfe died on Monday May 14 at the age of 87. Agent Lynn Nesbit confirmed the pioneer of journalism died from an infection in a Manhattan hospital. Famous for his psychedelic novel Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, the author will be remembered for his literary flair. Read More Margot Kidder Margot Kidder as Lois Lane (Image: Rex) Superman actress Margot Kidder died on Sunday May 13, aged 69. The actress who played Lois Lane in the 1978 hit film Superman passed away in her home, TMZ reported. Margot starred opposite Christopher Reeve in 1978's Superman and also in the 3 sequels. The star was still working up to her death, starring in "The Vagina Monologues" on Broadway. She was married three times and leaves a daughter. Read More Joe Tilley Joe Tilley The UK reality TV star who shot to fame on Jungletown was found dead at the foot of the Fin del Mundo's waterfall, End of the World, in Colombia. The search team have suggested he fell to his death. He starred in a Viceland television documentary called Jungletown – which featured American entrepreneur Ondi Timoner and hundreds of young people trying to build the world's "most sustainable modern town" deep in the Panamanian jungle. Read More Dame Tessa Jowell Dame Tessa Jowell MP Labour veteran Dame Tessa Jowell died after a year-long cancer battle aged 70. The former Blair minister succumbed to a gliobastoma multiforme brain tumour that was diagnosed last May. Dame Tessa's frontbench career lasted almost 20 years and she has been hailed as an "inspiration" with "unflinching tenacity." Former prime minister Tony Blair led emotional tributes saying: "There was no-one like Tessa and no-one better. I will miss her more than I can say." Read More Cathy Godbold Cathy Godbold has died at the age of 43 (Image: Facebook) Cathy Godbold, the Australian actress who starred in hit soap Home and Away, lost her battle with brain cancer on May 4 at the age of 43 - more than ten years after she was first diagnosed. Cathy played Meg in the soap during the 1990s and nobody can forget the iconic scene that saw her lose her battle with Leukaemia while she watched the sun rise for the last time in her boyfriend Blake Dean's arms. Despite her real-life terminal diagnosis, Cathy was upbeat in her final weeks, according to a close friend. Read More APRIL Michael Martin Michael Martin (Image: BBC) Former House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin died on April 29 after a short illness, aged 72. Michael Martin - latterly Lord Martin of Springburn after the Glasgow constituency he represented from 1979 to 2005 - was Speaker from 2000 to 2009. In October that year, the former Labour MP joined his predecessor as speaker, Baroness Boothroyd, on the crossbenches. Read More Michael Anderson Michael Anderson, Mike Todd and Frank Sinatra on the set of Around the World in 80 Days. (Image: MGM) Film director Michael Anderson died on April 25 aged 98. The British star was best known for his work on World War Two epic The Dam Busters and classic sci-fi movie Logan's Run. Before his death, Anderson was the oldest living person to have received a best director nomination at the Oscars for Around the World in 80 days. Read More Verne Troyer (Image: Getty Images Europe) Actor Verne Troyer, star of Austin Powers, died aged 49 on April 21. There was a statement on his Instagram page making reference to "depression and suicide." "Depression and Suicide are very serious issues," the statement read. "You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. "Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help." Read More Avicii Tim Bergling was just 28 (Image: WireImage) Swedish DJ Avicii has died in Muscat, Oman on April 20 at the age of 28. A representative for Avicii announced the news in a statement: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. "The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given." Avicii was behind best-selling EDM hits including Levels, Hey Brother and Wake Me Up with Aloe Blacc. Read More Dale Winton Dale Winton TV presented Dale Winton died aged 62 on April 18 2018. His long-term agent Jan Kennedy said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today. "While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief." Read More Bruno Sammartino (Image: Focus on Sport) Legendary WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Bruno Sammartino died, aged 82, on April 18 2018. Sammartino, who held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship title for more than 11 years, passed away at his home in Pittsburgh. WWE wrote on their website: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino passed away at age 82. "WWE extends its condolences to Sammartino’s family, friends and fans." Bruno Sammartino dead: WWE Hall of Fame legend passes away, aged 82 Barbara Bush Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Former US first lady Barbara Bush died on April 17, aged 92. Mrs Bush had reportedly been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, and had been in and out of hospital. The wife of former president George HW Bush, 93, and mother of ex-president George W Bush, 71, was being cared for at her home in Houston, Texas. She died surrounded by her family after deciding not to return to hospital following a series of recent hospitalisations. Read More Harry Anderson Actor Harry Anderson died on April 16, at the age of 65. The sad news of his death was announced by his son, Dashiell Anderson, who told TMZ that he had died of natural causes. Harry starred in TV horror movie It as the adult Richie Tozer - but will perhaps be best remembered for his recurring role as con man Harry 'The Hat' Gittes in sitcom Cheers. Read More Pamela Gidley The Twin Peaks actress died peacefully at her home in New Hampshire on April 16. Former child model Gidley first starred in a skateboarding movie Thrashin before finding fame with Twin Peaks. R. Lee Ermey The actor R. Lee Ermey, best known for his starring role in the film 'Full Metal Jacket', died on April 15 aged 74. His manager Bill Rogin confirmed the death on Sunday night in a tweet saying: "It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. "He will be greatly missed by all of us. "Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed." Read More Alex Beckett Alex Beckett starred in play The Way of the World (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Alex Beckett died aged 36 . The Welsh actor was best known for his role as Barney Lumsden in the BBC's award-winning Twenty Twelve and W1A. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London, before graduating in 2003. He starred in one episode of Emmerdale as PC Tony Read in 2006 and also appeared in The Bill in 2008. Alex was also a star of the stage - appearing in multiple productions over his career. Read More Timmy Matley Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Irish singer Timmy Matley passed away on April 11 aged 36, following a two year battle with skin cancer. Matley found fame as a member of the five piece singing group, The Overtones in 2010. Read More Eric Bristow (Image: Manchester Evening News) Darts legend Eric Bristow died at the age of 60 on 5 April . Known as the Crafty Cockney, Bristow was a five-time BDO world champion. PDC Chairman Barry Hearn led the tributes to Bristow, saying: “Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport. "He was a tremendous player and a huge character and even after his retirement fans would travel for miles to meet him and see him play." Read More Ray Wilkins England International Ray Wilkins with wife Jackie and son Ross in 1984 (Image: Bob Thomas/Getty Images) Chelsea and Manchester United legend Ray Wilkins died on April 4 aged 61 . Midfielder Wilkins helped United lift the FA Cup in 1982 during a 160 game spell at Old Trafford and earned 84 England caps. He also had a standout career at Stamford Bridge where he won the Player of the Year award in 1976 and 1977 before becoming assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea for their 2009/10 Premier League winning campaign. Read More MARCH Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Nelson Mandela with wife Winnie in 1963 just before he was sentenced to life imprisonment. (Image: Camera Press Digital) Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela died at the age of 81. The news came less than three months after Winnie was rushed to hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a kidney infection. She was married to former South African President Nelson for 38 years, including the 27 years he served in jail. During his lengthy incarceration, Winnie campaigned tirelessly for his release and for the rights of black South Africans, suffering years of detention, banishment and arrest by the white authorities. Blamed for the killing of activist Stompie Seipei, who was found near her Soweto home with his throat cut, she was convicted in 1991 of kidnapping and assaulting the 14-year-old because he was suspected of being an informer. Winnie and Mandela separated in 1992 and he sacked her from his cabinet in 1995 due to allegations of corruption. Despite their divorce in 1993 and Nelson's second marriage in 1998, they remained close until his death. Bill Maynard Bill Maynard (Image: PA) Heartbeat actor Bill Maynard died at the age of 89, shortly after breaking his hip in a fall off his mobility scooter, his family confirmed. Bill, real name Walter Williams, was best known for playing Greengrass in Heartbeat. Jacqueline Reddin, who is also an actress, told the Press Association: "He was larger than life and he just loved showbiz." Bill Maynard dead: Heartbeat's Greengrass' family pay tribute to 'larger than life' star who died in hospital after falling off mobility scooter DuShon Monique Brown DuShon Monique Brown (Image: Getty Images North America) Actress DuShon Monique Brown, who starred in American dramas including Prison Break and Chicago Fire, died at the age of 49. Just a few days previously, the actress had checked herself in to hospital after suffering chest pains. She was given tests and later released. It's thought she died of a suspected heart attack. Jim Bowen Jim Bowen Broadcaster and comedian Jim Bowen died on March 14, aged 80, his wife Phyllis confirmed. She announced the sad news to BBC Radio Lancashire. Jim was best known as the host of darts show Bullseye, joining as presenter in 1981 and working there until the programme ended in 1995. Read More Professor Stephen Hawking Professor Stephen Hawking (Image: PA) Acclaimed scientist and author Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14 aged 76 . Heralded as one of the smartest minds to grace the world, his book a Brief History Of Time became one of the best selling books in the field of astrophysics. Suffering from ALS, Hawking was confined to a wheelchair and had to use a voice simulator to talk. He made appearances in many TV shows including The Big Bang Theory and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Read More Craig Mack Craig Mack signed to Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment record label in the 1990s (Image: WireImage) Hip hop star Craig Mack died on March 12 aged 41 . The rapper was best known for his hit 1994 track Flava In Your Ear, the remix of which featured a young Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes early on in their careers. Read More Hubert de Givenchy Hubert de Givenchy at his Paris design house in 1955 (Image: Picture Post) French fashion phenomenon Hubert de Givenchy died on March 10 aged 91 The legendary clothing designer founded the House of Givenchy in 1952 and created outfits for the likes of US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn - including Hepburn's iconic dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Read More Sir Ken Dodd Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Sir Ken Dodd died at the age of 90 on March 11. The comedy legend had recently been forced to cancel all dates on an upcoming tour as he recovered from a serious infection. Doddy, famous for his long stand-up shows, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital. He married Anne Jones, his partner of 40 years, on Friday at their house, which was also the one he was born in. He died two days later on Mother's Day Read More Trevor Baylis Trevor Baylis' invention of a wind-up radio won him acclaim (Image: TMS) Trevor Baylis died on March 5 at the age of 80 Baylis was known for inventing a radio that could be powered by winding a crank for several seconds, instead of using batteries or mains electricity. In 2015 Baylis was appointed CBE for services to intellectual property, and was previously awarded the OBE for his radio design. Read More Sir Roger Bannister Sir Roger Bannister with his old running shoes (Image: PA) Sir Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, died on March 3. A statement released on behalf of Sir Roger's family said: "Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3rd March 2018, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them. "He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends." Bannister, aided by Sir Christopher Chataway and Chris Brasher as pacemakers, achieved the feat by running three minutes 59.4 seconds at the Iffley Road track on May 6, 1954. Bannister, who also won a Commonwealth and European Championship gold medal that year, went on to become a leading neurologist. Read More Davide Astori Davide Astori (Image: Getty Images Europe) Fiorentina announced on March 3 that their captain, Davide Astori , had died at the age of 31. The Italian international, with 14 caps to his name, was found dead at the La di Moret hotel in Udine, ahead of the Viola's meeting with Udinese on Sunday. Astori, who started his career at AC Milan, enjoyed a 12-year career in Serie A. He spent six years with Cagliari, making 174 appearances for the Sardinians during a six-year spell. Read More Patrick Doyle Patrick Doyle was a member of band Veronica Falls (Image: Redferns) Talented drummer Patrick Doyle died on March 3, according to his record label. Indie star Patrick, who had been a member of bands Veronica Falls, Boys Forever, The Royal We and Sexy Kids, most recently released music under his band Boys Forever with record label Amour Foo, who confirmed the news online. Taking to Twitter, the label's official account stated: "I'll remember you. Goodbye Patrick X," along with a photo of the musician. Read More David Ogden Stiers David Ogden Stiers (Image: B3972) M*A*S*H actor David Ogden Stiers passed away on March 3, aged 75, after a battle with bladder cancer. The actor, best known for his role as Major Charles Winchester on the classic TV show, joined in season six and went on to receive two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981 and 1982. In 1984 he earned another Emmy nomination for his supporting role as William Milligan Sloane in the NBC miniseries The First Olympics: Athens 1896. After finishing on M*A*S*H in 1983, he went on to appear in a number of other TV shows including Murder, She wrote, Frasier, Matlock, Touched by an Angel, Star Trek: The Next Generation and North and South. Read More FEBRUARY Emma Chambers Emma Chambers Comedy actress Emma Chambers passed away on February 24 from natural causes. Best known for her role as lovable but dim Alice in The Vicar Of Dibley, she played the part across the show's five series and special mini episodes for Comic Relief. Chambers also starred on the big screen in romantic comedy Notting Hill. Read More Eddy Amoo Eddy Amoo with brother Chris and bandmate Dave Smith (Image: Publicity pic) Singer Eddy Amoo died on February 23 aged 74 . Amoo was a member of the pioneering 70s UK soul band The Real Thing alongside his brother Chris Amoo and friends Dave Smith and Ray Lake. The group were famous for hits like You To Me Are Everything, Feel the Force and Can’t Get By Without You. Read More Billy Graham Graham preached to an estimated two billion people during his lifetime (Image: REUTERS) Reverend Billy Graham, the American evangelist who became one of the world's most influential preachers, died on February 21 aged 99. The Southern Baptist minister counselled every US president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, and had a close relationship with the Queen. Read More Reg E Cathey Reg E Cathey appeared in many iconic TV shows (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Actor Reg E Cathey died on February 9 aged 59 following a battle with lung cancer. With a distinctively deep voice, Cathey appeared in a variety of critically acclaimed TV shows. His most notable roles include BBQ restaurateur Freddy Hayes in Netflix's House of Cards , political advisor Norman Wilson in HBO's The Wire and prison boss Martin Querns in jail drama Oz. Reg also starred in a number of Hollywood movies, including Se7en and The Mask early on in his career, and portrayed Franklin Richards in 2015 superhero film Fantastic Four Read More John Gavin Actor John Gavin, known for his work in "Psycho", passed away on February 9, 2018 in Beverly Hills (Image: Moviepix) Flim actor John Gavin died on February 9 aged 86 following a long battle with leukaemia. In 1960 Gavin starred as Julius Caesar in the Stanley Kubrick classic Spartacus, and later went on to be cast in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho as Sam Loomis, lover of Janet Leigh's character Marion Crane. John also came close to playing James Bond , signing up to star as the super spy in Diamonds Are Forever after George Lazenby left the role. However, studio executives then replaced him with Sean Connery . Read More John Mahoney (Image: Los Angeles Times) Frasier star John Mahoney passed away on February 4 at the age of 77. The Blackpool-born star played the beloved dad Martin Crane in the hit US sitcom for its full 11-year run. He also worked as a voice actor and performed on Broadway. He passed away in hospice care in Chicago. Read More Dennis Edwards Dennis performs with The Temptations during NMAAM 2016 Black Music Honors in 2016 (Image: Getty Images North America) Dennis Edwards , former lead singer of legendary soul music group The Temptations, died on February 2 aged 74. The Grammy winner passed away in hospital just one day before his 75th birthday following complications from meningitis. Edwards lent his vocals to the band's biggest hits, including Papa Was a Rollin' Stone and I Can't Get Next To You. Read More JANUARY Mark E. Smith Mark E Smith of The Fall performing on stage in 2013 (Image: Redferns) Mark E. Smith , frontman of avant-garde band The Fall, died on January 24 aged 60. Smith founded the iconic post-punk group in 1976 after he attended a concert by the Sex Pistols. The musician had been the only constant member of the band, with a line-up that has changed numerous times over its 40-year history. Read More Jack Ketchum Horror writer Jack Ketchum was the recipient of four coveted Bram Stoker Awards American actor and horror writer Jack Ketchum died on January 24 at the age of 71 from cancer. Born Dallas Mayr but working under a pseudonym, Ketchum's novels won him a slew of awards, with many of his books being adapted into films. As well as a writing career spanning decades, Jack appeared in a handful of films based on his work. He played Teddy Panik in 2006's The Lost, Carnival in 2007's The Girl Next Door and twice as Dallas Mayr in Red and Offspring. Read More Connie Sawyer (Image: NBCUniversal) The American star dubbed Hollywood's hardest working actress, passed away in her retirement home at the age of 105 on January 23. A glittering career that spanned six decades, she appeared in fan favourites such as ER, Seinfeld and Will & Grace, as well as many more. She starred alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra, Meg Ryan and Sophie Tucker and got her first film role at the age of 49. Read More Jimmy Armfield England football star Jimmy Armfield died on January 22 after a long battle against cancer. The former Blackpool great - who played 43 times for his country - was 82. He played 627 games overall between 1954 and 1971, and later managed Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers after retiring from playing. Read More Howard Lew Lewis (Image: BBC) The comedian Howard Lew Lewis died aged 76 on January 20 in Edinburgh, displaying early signs of dementia. Lewis starred in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, Brush Strokes and Blackadder. Actors Tony Robinson and Chris Rankin both took to social media to share their sadness at his passing. Fredo Santana Fredo Santana died aged 27 (Image: Instagram/Fredo Santana) American rapper Fredo Santana, real name Derrick Coleman, died on January 20 at the age of 27. The star was a cousin of rapper Chief Keef. His debut album Trappin Ain't Dead was released in 2013 and featured a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Fredo also appeared in Drake's video for Hold On, We're Going Home, playing a man who kidnapped Drake's girlfriend. Read More Simon Shelton Barnes The actor who played Tinky Winky, the handbag-carrying Teletubbie in the BBC children’s series, died on January 17, just four days after his 52nd birthday. The uncle of Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack once said that being in the Teletubbies was “a bit like the Beatles or Take That of television”. As well as his work on Teletubbies, Simon played the terrifying Dark Knight in the 1990s CBB C show Incredible Games. Read More Jessica Falkholt (Image: piamiller/Instagram) Home and Away star Jessica Falkholt died on January 17 aged 29. Her death came three weeks after the devastating Boxing Day crash which killed her family. The Home and Away actress died six days after her life support was withdrawn. The close-knit Falkholt family were thought to be driving home to Sydney along the Princes Highway after a short festive break when their car was involved in the devastating head-on collsion. Jessica appeared as Hope Morrison in the Aussie soap Home and Away in 2016. The up and coming actress also starred in the upcoming supernatural thriller Harmony, set to be released in 2018. Read More Moya O'Sullivan (Image: Network 10) Neighbours star Moya O'Sullivan died aged 91 on January 16. Best known for playing Marlene Kratz, she was dubbed 'Australia's favourite mum and grandmother'. A popular figure, a tribute in The Sydney Morning Herald read: "Much loved by all, especially by her brother Peter, sister-in-law Kaaren, aunt to Mark, Cait and Bridget, great aunt to Phoebe and Ursela, grandmother to Harriet and James. "Also Andrew and Sarah. Bless her eternal soul." Ed Doolan Ed had previously spoken about his battle with dementia on a BBC One Inside Out West Midlands documentary (Image: Publicity picture) Legendary BBC radio presenter Ed Doolan died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of January 16. The star had been battling vascular dementia since 2013. Ed started his career in radio at BRMB (now Free Radio Birmingham) in 1974 before moving to BBC West Midlands in 1982. He was awarded the MBE for services to broadcasting and charity and was also the recipient of a Sony Gold Award. Read More Peter Wyngarde Peter Wyngarde on the set of TV show Jason King in 1971 (Image: Daily Mirror) Actor Peter Wyngarde died on January 15 at the age of 90 The star was best known for his role as sleuth Jason King in Department S and its spin-off Jason King. He also starred in the 1980 Flash Gordon movie as metal-masked villain General Klytus. Peter also starred in the very first British gay drama, South, which aired on ITV in 1959 and was met with a backlash of furious homophobic abuse from the public and media at the time. Read More Dolores O'Riordan Dolores O'Riordan was the lead singer of The Cranberries Cranberries star Dolores O'Riordan died on January 15 aged 46. As the lead singer of Irish rock band The Cranberries, she rose to international fame in the 1990s with their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? She also released two solo albums, and appeared as a judge on the Irish version of reality singing competition show The Voice. Read More Cyrille Regis Cyrille Regis playing for West Bromwich Albion (Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography) West Brom and Coventry legend Cyrille Regis died on January 14 aged 59 after suffering a heart attack. The former striker was a pioneer for black footballers in the late 1970s. Regis won five caps for England and was awarded an MBE in 2008. Cyrille Regis in his own words: Late football star on racism, his England debut and life as the underdog Hugh Wilson Hugh Wilson worked on Police Academy (Image: Copyright (c) 2014 Shutterstock. No use without permission.) Hugh Wilson died on January 14 at the age of 74. The director was well known for making films such as Police Academy and The First Wives Club. He also created the acclaimed sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati and won awards for his work, including an Emmy in 1988 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. Read More Keith Jackson Sports broadcaster Keith Jackson was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1999 (Image: Getty Images North America) Keith Jackson, the voice of American college football, died on January 12 aged 89. The legendary broadcaster spent 56 years covering the sport before his final game in 2006. Jackson served on American channel ABC Sports, and became synonymous with his trademark line "Whoa, Nellie." Read More Bella Emberg Bella Emberg (Image: Mirrorpix) Blunderwoman comedy star Bella Emberg died on January 12 at the age of 80. She found fame in the 1980s, most notably alongside Russ Abbot, with whom she shared a comedy partnership. Emberg also starred in TV shows as diverse as The Lily Savage Show and Doctor Who. Last summer she spoke exclusively to the Daily Mirror about her career in a fascinating interview. Read More Doreen Tracey Doreen joined The Mickey Mouse Club as one of the Mouseketeers in 1955 (Image: Getty) Doreen Tracey, one of the original Disney Mouseketeers, died on January 10 at the age of 74. The performer had battled cancer for two years, but sadly developed pneumonia as a complication. At the age of 12, Doreen became one of the child stars of The Mickey Mouse Club, the popular TV show which aired between 1955 and 1959. Read More Eddie Clarke Eddie Clarke (left) with drummer Phil Taylor and Lemmy Kilmister, the original members of Motorhead (Image: Redferns) Heavy metal star 'Fast' Eddie Clarke died on January 10 aged 67 following a battle with pneumonia. Guitarist Clarke was one of the founding members of Motorhead and the last surviving member of the band's original line-up. Read More Tommy Lawrence Tommy Lawrence showing off his new suit ahead of Liverpool's tour of the US in 1964 (Image: Daily Mirror) Former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence died on January 9 aged 77. Known as "The Flying Pig" by Reds fans, the Scot made 390 appearances for the Reds over 14 years in the first team. Lawrence hit the headlines in 2015 when he was stopped by a reporter in the street and asked for his memories of the 1967 derby match between Liverpool and Everton, with the interviewer unaware that he had played in that very match. Read More Jerry Van Dyke Jerry Van Dyke was the younger brother of Dick Van Dyke (Image: Getty) Comedian Jerry Van Dyke died on January 5 at the age of 86. Jerry made his television debut on The Dick Van Dyke show, later appearing on The Judy Garland Show and Coach, with his final TV role being for The Middle in 2015. He is survived by his wife Shirley, three children, and older brother Dick Van Dyke. Read More John Young Young was the Command Module pilot on the Apollo 10 lunar orbital mission in May 1969 (Image: SSPL via Getty Images) Astronaut John Young, the ninth man to walk on the Moon, died on January 5 aged 87. The former U.S Navy Test pilot became one of only 12 people ever to set foot on the surface of the Moon on a mission in 1972. Young is one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of the US space program. He flew into space twice as part of the mid-1960s Gemini program, twice on the Apollo lunar missions and twice on space shuttles in the 1980s. Read More Jon Paul Steuer Steuer appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation when he was younger (Image: trekonlinegame/Twitter) Star Trek actor Jon Paul Steuer died on January 1 aged 33. With an acting career that began at the age of 3, Steur eventually landed the role of Alexander Rozhenko, son of Lieutenant Worf, on Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1990. Later on, he starred in TV series Grace Under Fire as Quentin Kelly Steur went on to become a musician and restaurateur under the name Jonny P Jewels. Read More id Source link

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