#the only ginger I support /j

[jivderz]

Got around to the other one! (improvement goes crazy)

[ask-apostle-ghoul]

ooc// Headcanons about Apostle while I'm waiting for melatonin gummies to kick in. Sorry about the rambling I have so many thoughts about my boy over here!

Apostle definitely has a maine coon cat. Found it outside the abbey as a kitten and Sister Imperator let him keep it to show to the clergy that Apostle can be responsible with other creatures. His name is Biscotti (Apostle's favorite snack). Biscotti is mainly a comfort animal but can help hunt down pesky bugs that eat up the garden plants.

Apostle loves vinyl records. Listens to Abba, David Bowie, The Cure, Deftones, Simon and Garfunkel, etc. Often can be heard humming a song while he works. (The ghoulettes are trying to get him into Hozier, so far it's working.)

Knows a plethora of tea blends to help with anything. Nausea? Lemon and Ginger. Need to wind down? Chamomile or Lavender. Upset Tummy? Peppermint tea. Always has boxes in his office along with a self heating kettle with a couple of mugs. Always go to him if you need something to drink that isn't alcoholic.

Was the one trusted the most with Copia when Sister Imperator was busy. He had never met a newborn before, so he was very confused seeing this little squirmy thing barely the length of his forearm. Treated Copia like a son, so if Copia gets hurt by someone, that person isn't going to be alive for much longer. Had to be told many times you can't scruff a baby like you can a kitten.

With him being such a high member in the church, he was aware of what happened to Primo, Secondo, and Terzo. I would imagine he would have played a part in it as well somehow. Does he ever regret it? Who knows...

Definitely. DEFINITELY slept with Nihil on more than one occasion. Nihil was honestly Apostle's first experience with sex and helped Apostle explore what it could be like (And of course Sister Imperator included herself at times.) It was kind of a polyamorous relationship, unofficial, but it was there (Apostle was basically 'the other woman' for both Nihil and Sister Imperator without realizing, he was just too in love with the both of them to realize.)

He's a hopeless romantic deep down. Doesn't admit it, but he is.

Only time he is outwardly physically affectionate is when he's high as a kite after getting his horns trimmed. Just give him his guitar and he'll even play songs if he knows them (his favorite to do is to play the dance macabre riff)

Scratch him behind the horns, dude just melts at that, but only if you're close enough to him. If he doesn't trust you, he'll probably bite.

In speaking of biting, he has a bit of shark like anatomy. His teeth are constantly jagged and sharp and they do fall out, but new teeth grow right back. Some of the earlier era ghouls made a game out of it by taking some of the spare teeth and making shark tooth jewelry out of it (Apostle could care less what they do to be honest).

HE HAS SPOTS ON HIS BODY THAT GLOW BLUE. Yes, he has bioluminescence, crack his back and he'll be a fucking glowstick /j

Now onto the headcanons that revolve around the movie.

Apostle was unaware that Sister Imperator was dying. She purposely sabotaged important paperwork enough that Apostle couldn't go on the tour like he normally would. He stayed behind at the abbey to complete the paperwork and basically work in Sister Imperator's place while she was busy supporting her son. He would have literally gone feral if he was there at the KIA Forum when she collapsed and paramedics wouldn't have been able to get to her.

Whenever her body does come back for the viewing/funeral, Apostle is inconsolable, but he forces it back just so he can comfort and help Copia. Would he ever take the chance to mourn for himself? No... denial is a powerful thing.

The chamber ghoulettes are a weird dynamic with him. The chamber ghoulettes are Sister Imperator's personal ghoulettes, like assassins or bodyguards during important events, so Apostle obviously would know them. He kind of treats them like daughters sometimes? He'll make sure they're fed, resting well, taking care of themselves, but he wouldn't be a doting father figure (he's real awkward with that.) They remind him too much of his bandmates from the 60s and 70s. Apostle and the Chamber Ghoulettes just kind of acknowledge each other in a mutual respect.

While he wasn't aware Sister Imperator was dying... He was aware that Copia was a twin. I'd imagine Sister Imperator would have only been able to chose one twin to keep, and so she trusted the twin with the Sisters of Sin to raise. Apostle was aware the whole time, somewhat assisted from the sidelines/indirectly but he never interacted with Copia's twin due to the fear of the clergy figuring that out.

[fangirl--writes]

Jerome Valeska x Reader Drabble

Authors' Note: Little drabble based on this video: here.

It made me cackle.

________________________

You tiptoed down the hall the padding of your fuzzy socks absorbed your step as you snuck to the bathroom.

A sing song sort whistle  floated in your ears your grip on the pitcher tightened.  You almost felt bad…He was singing now at the top of his lungs, off key… your boyfriend was lost in his own world in the shower.

Too Perfect.

You could barely contain  the shit eating   smirk that started to overtake your face he was so in for it.

He, being Jerome Valeska, your boyfriend who had just  “returned” from a very brief stay in Arkham Asylum just last night bragging about his new record for shortest visit yet.

His ginger locks were a mess face full of grime and sweat and he smelled like a dumpster fire by the docks. Yet his ever present grin was there as he slung his arms around your shoulder nuzzling  in to kiss your cheek feverishly.

His hands sneakily drifted lower and lower stopping to squeeze your sides eliciting a squeak of surprise  before going to play with the zipper on your pants.

You shivered dropping your dish in the sink as his rough lips went down to work your neck starting to suck the tender spots in your nape.

“J..jer..ome~” you whined with a flushed face trying to wriggle free from his iron grasp. “you were only gone a few days..“

With a twist you slipped under his arm grabbing the counter corner for support.

“Ah but honey I just missed ya’ so much.” He stalked forward with his arms outstretched intent to wrap you up in his chest again. You recognized the haughty glint in his dark eyes swirling as he approached in your small kitchen.

Then it hit you again; the smell of low tide, wet dog and trash that REALLY needed to go out.

Your shoulders shook as you gagged.

“Sir. …No. No sir when was the last time you showered?” You retched holding a spoon out in defense.

At this the red head froze you could see  the hamster wheel working overtime  behind his eyes.

“Listen. You take a shower or a bath I’m not picky. Then we’ll talk.”

Needless to say he slept on the couch that night much to your dismay, you were going to have to deep clean the next afternoon .

The scream was abysmal, high pitched squeal of surprise that if you didn’t know any better was from a young child and not your manic red head who laughed in the face of death.

Your low snicker erupted into a fit of laughter your shoulders shaking  as you pulled the pitcher back stepping down from the stool you’d carefully hidden away earlier just for the occasion.

Your face flushed  rich crimson hues as you held your aching side hearing Jerome curse and squirm at the temperature change.

Payback

“AH Ah you little shit-“  Jerome growled acknowledging you directly his hand ripping back the shower curtain enough to peak out to reveal you red faced and howling.

With a quick breathe you poked your tongue out flashing a grin to match before  quickly turning to run  fully expectant to get away in victory until you felt the sudden pull of his soaking strong arms on the back of your damp shirt.

The pitcher fumbled from your hands hitting the floor as you shrieked “nA-NYOOOOOOOO” you grasped weakly at the counter top in attempt to save yourself from a watery grave.  

The edge slipped out from your fingers as a soaking wet hand wrapped around your middle further drenching you as he pulled you back into the shower still laughing like a maniac.

A wicked grin lined his lips his brows arched as he cackled at your poor misfortune-

“C’mere you..”  You heard him tease as your whole body fell back into his waiting arms.  Between abrupt giggles you squeaked feeling a tickle on your ribs. “NyOOO- No NO JEROWME.”

Escape was futile.

✨Gremlin Taglist✨:

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[anaxandria-writes]

20 questions for fic writers!

Thanks for the tag @lumosatnight [see here]!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

Technically 50 (I think) because one of them is in an anonymous collection so AO3 is telling me 49. I’m considering putting some more earlier works as anonymous so that number might change soon.

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

245,593… but I haven’t written at least 100k of that because they’re collabs where I did art (such as WLW Big Bang 2022).

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling (44)

Teen Wolf (3)

Marvel (3)

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Three Days, Three Perspectives [Drarry, E, 6.5k]

An Expensive Courtship [Drarry, E, 10.9k]

Petrichor [Steter, T, 2.5k]

Snapshots of a Pregnancy [Drarry, T, 3.8k]

🙀 ➡ 😻 ➡ 😽 [Stony, T, 5.2k]

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I’m terrible about doing this, so I’m very sporadic about it, but every comment means so much to me! I just see it and if I don’t respond immediately, they just pile up and then I never get to it? 100% getting better at replying with my ongoing WIP, What Large Hands You Have (The Better to Embrace You With) [Steter, M, 14.7k so far], since I’m posting as I write and the encouragement means SO much!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Half Past One [Drarry, M, 2.5k] which was a horror fic (my one and only one) that I wrote for a Wheel of Drarry mini exchange. There’s MCD. And gore.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I almost never not write happy endings, BUT I’m going to go with Pinocchio [Neville/Harry, E, 3.9k] because it’s crack-y, fun, and Harry gets off a ton of times. (Mostly unintentionally).

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I’ve had a couple rude-ish comments? Someone said that it would be better if it were longer, which was kind of ??? It was one of my first works and the mods reached out to me about it and they were super supportive and kind. (This is also the fic that is now anonymous, for unrelated reasons.)

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I’ve written some PWPs. A little of everything, really… and a fair number of my longer works include some sex scenes. I probably read more kinky content than I write (beyond the watersports fics because apparently I have multiple?), but yeah. Pro-smut here.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Nope. I’ve read a few, but it’s mostly not my thing.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Yes! And I only found out because the person didn’t realize that it was stealing to repost on Wattpad and then apologized and asked how I felt about it…

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

My tango fic, The Cabeceo [Drarry, E, 1.9k], was translated into Spanish by @stargazing-enby last year for HD Owl Post. Which was such an amazing and wonderful gift to receive, especially because *tango*. I definitely feel like I’ve grown a lot as a writer since I first wrote it, but it’s very near and dear to me and having a translation (which I can read!) even more so. If it gives anyone any ideas… I can read Portuguese and Spanish!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Co-written? No. I’ve done art for various people before and participated in several big bangs/reverse big bangs as both an author and an artist. (ETA: 100% have co-written multiple fics no idea how I forgot those when I first answered)

14. What’s your all time favourite ship?

Flintwood. (And yes, I’ve had full on spreads in my journal dedicated to Flintwood.) Don’t ask me why, but those are my athletic rivals to lovers absolute hands down favorite. For Teen Wolf, I started in Steter (so it remains my #1) and one of my all-time top comfort reads is a Steter fic, This Time Around by Green (and someone else who no longer is associated with the work), which I received a bound copy of last year as part of the Renegade Bookbinding Exchange.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

“Green Glows and Ginger Greens” is a Flintwood WIP that I have 20k written of, edited and posted chapter one and it’s been… 2 years. I hope to get back to it (and my other unposted Flintwood hanahaki I’ve been talking about for about as long), but it’s just… not happened.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Idea generation, maybe? I think I tend to be really good at coming up with ideas and starting writing projects that have the potential to be really interesting. I love kind of crack-y ideas, and I’ve been trying to be better at actually delving into those instead of going “this is too weird, no one will read it.” (Example: I wrote a fic from a bathroom’s POV and it still makes me laugh.)

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I tend to come up with ideas that spiral out of control, but I’m terrible at finishing things so I procrastinate and then it gets rushed and not as strong as it could be. Also not using betas that often because of said procrastination. And feeling awkward about it because I never leave enough time for editing.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I love it, especially when it’s a language I speak and am like “Yes! This adds some cultural context”, etc. But also, such an important thing to get people to double check that before just throwing it in.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Back when I was a wee bb in high school? Either Protector of the Small or Harry Potter. As an adult? Also Harry Potter.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

Completed on AO3? Herbology_Neville and DragonKeeperCW [Neville/Charlie, E, 11k] which was the fic I worked on whenever I was procrastinating on other fics. I’ve always wanted to go back to that universe and just haven’t had a chance, but… Neville and Charlie are adorable and I love them. I’m also loving the fic I’m posting now, as mentioned it’s What Large Hands You Have (The Better To Embrace You With), which was for Steter Bang because it really is reflective a lot of me as a person. Otherwise, I really loved the Green Glows/Snuggling, Smoothies, and Sons-in-Law universe (just need to finish both of those…)

Tagging (i never know who to tag!): @sugareey-makes-stuff (again, even though I know you were already tagged), @drwhoisginnyholmes, @makeitp1nk

[autisticempathydaemon]

Hiiii!!! this is for the match up thingy :3

im fixated on um. oh god. weight in gold - gallant, literally every hozier song ever and if im being honest - dodie. i really like the backing music and lyrics of all these songs and obviously i cant just choose one :3

ok i have no idea what this means but from highest? to lowest it’s apparently 6, 4, 3, 2, 8, 1, 5, 9 and 7

I ABSOLUTELY DO. i love learning so much,, i dont have a favourite but video games or historic events or horror are my favourite genre :3

i dont remember my childhood friends much but i conjured them up because everyone else had one and i felt left out. purely out of spite. but i loved them lots :3

ok. i sleep on my side with my leg out and switch between that and just on my stomach, suffocating in my pillow. and i never sleep in the silence. like i always have headphones on with music or asmr playing

i changed my name!!! i hated my birthname and the one i chose is much better. it also is the name of my sibling which i knew nothing about so i am basically a psychic

oh god. i reallt like gavins recent studying one annnnd ashers cookies one. and the damn bowling one. im gonna stop before i name 100 of them but i love them because they are so comforting and make me overflow in happiness :3 i love them

sam. sorry.. his videos r so boring to me BUT they make good sleep aids :3

princess and the frog, criminal minds and community. its a problem.

HUXLEY!!! oh my god i need to be his best friend and make him pottery SO bad. need to protect him with my life. oh my god. my beloved.

i talk a LOT about space and dinosaurs and the sea :3 i fucking love learning so i have a lot of lil facts from reading encyclopaedias and watching documentaries :3

oh god it changes every fucking time im in there but recently any flavoured milk and red doritos

amazing world of gumball. and uhh any other kids animation shows. reliving my childhood multiple years later smileyfaceemoji

other important stuff is probably my love language? main one is quality time and also gift giving in the sense that i WILL spend 17 hours straight on something if you merely mention it once. do not tempt me. i am the middle child of 5 but the eldest daughter and basically raised my younger siblings haha somoene help. um my MBTI is ISFP, ihave autism and adhd and have horribly high standards for myself!!! haha c: idk what else to say. i quite literallt am always chewing something and its either something that is definitely not edible and needs to be removed or strawberry gum. i also love fruit. so much. and lovingly bullying people is my love language. AND i apparently exude ‘ginger cat’ energy according to literally everyone i have the pleasure of knowing. so loved.

thank u so much for doing this, this was a mountain of an ask omgim sos sorry bff

You are such a dear- there was so much fun information in your ask for me to work with. Everything you gave me just makes me so sure and brings me such delight to talk about how perfect you would be with David!

One, ginger cat energy combined with big German shepherd energy? Cute as fuck, a match made in heaven. Two, an eldest daughter pairs perfectly with him and his only child/eldest brother in the pack vibes. It’s a lot of responsibility and obligation, I know from personal experience, and being able to chill out with that and just rely on him would be just what you need. Three, David is totally autistic, and we love an A4A couple.

Y’all would generally be just so cute and be exactly what you need in each other’s lives. Type Sixes are characterized as wanting security and support in their lives and relationships, and he heads a security companyyy (/j). Meanwhile you’d bring a joie de vivre and nurturing energy to his home and the pack that would be so appreciated. He’s not the only one who’d love to be around you; it’d be all the Shaws.

Song:

Feeling alive all over again/ As deep as the sky that's under my skin/ "Like being in love, " she says, "For the first time"/ Well, maybe I'm wrong, I'm feeling right/ Where I belong with you tonight/ Like being in love, to feel for the first time

My favorite David headcanon is that a lot of his music taste comes from rock/grunge music Gabe and Juliet (my hc name for his mom) used to play. That is exactly how I know this song, so I think it’s perfect for him. Plus, David seems like the type of guy where that first love is it. He imprints like a duck, mates for life like a penguin; he has you for his first and only love.

Runner-ups:

Vincent would be a cute runner up because he also has ginger cat energy once he dropped that flirty, Lestat-esque facade, so you’d make a fun, chaotic pair. Elliott, I like because I think you’d like a lot of the same things. He strikes me as the type of guy who would love a good Criminal Minds binge.

note: you’ve got great taste in movies and tv Community is one of my favorite shows 💕 also, thank you for being my fiftieth matchup 💌

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

[fibula-rasa]

Lost, but Not Forgotten: Racing Hearts (1923)

[alternate title: Have a Heart]

Direction: Paul Powell

Scenario: Will M. Ritchey

Story: Byron Morgan 

Camera: Bert Baldridge

Studio: Paramount & Famous-Players Lasky

Performers: Agnes Ayres, Richard Dix, Theodore Roberts, Robert Cain, J. Farrel McDonald, Warren Rogers, Robert Brower, James A. Murphy

Racing Stunts: James A. Murphy, Jerry Wonderlich (or Wunderlich), & Agnes Ayres

Premiere: Opening week: 18 February 1923, Rivoli Theatre, New York, NY

Status: presumed entirely lost

Length: 5,691ft or roughly 60 minutes

Synopsis (synthesized from magazine summaries of the plot):

Does advertising work? Virginia “Ginger” Kent (Ayres) thinks it’s just the ticket to save her family’s failing automobile company. Unfortunately, her cigar-champing father, John Kent (Roberts) abhors advertising. 

Ginger takes matters into her own hands and speeds her way through a town where she knows the judge really throws the book at speeding motorists. Her hope is that getting her name and the name of her father’s car, “Granada,” in the papers will drum up interest. However, on that very day, Roddy Smith (Dix) is temporarily filling in for the local traffic cop. Roddy happens to be the son of the manufacturer of a rival car called the “Mono.” Roddy instantly falls in love with Ginger and convinces the judge to let her walk—inadvertently foiling her plan to get the Granada in print. 

Later, Ginger’s father takes a business trip to London, leaving Ginger with instructions to fulfill in his absence. Ginger sees an opening and forges instructions for the factory’s foreman to build a racing car according to her specifications.

Meanwhile, an employee of the Kent’s is secretly talking to Smith, Sr. about the Kent’s financial troubles and trying to finagle a buy out. Smith, Sr. directs his son to go undercover and scope out the Granada operations. Roddy ends up hired to work on the racing car.

Ginger plans on entering the car in The Vanderbilt Cup, taking place in Santa Monica. Everything is going smoothly, until just before the race. The factory superintendent (Cain) that Ginger chose to race the car is a turncoat and has taken money from Smith, Sr. to throw the race. Roddy is also revealed to be a Smith in disguise and his father forces him to drive one of his own company’s cars in the race. So, in a momentous turn of events, Ginger has to race the car herself.

In the final stretch of the race, Ginger is in the lead—until she runs out of gas! Roddy sacrifices his chance at winning and uses his car to push Ginger across the finish line, which results in him crashing out. It’s all worth it though, as the Kent company is saved and Roddy and Ginger couple up.

Additional points of interest: In the opening sequence of the film, to illustrate stunt advertising, a car is seen floating above a city attached to a balloon. I couldn’t quite sort how/where this would fit into the plot synopsis, so I stuck it here!

Real-life racer Jimmy Murphy not only does stunt driving for the film, but also has a cameo as an out-of-work racecar driver. 

Ayres reportedly did some of her own driving on the racetrack, exceeding 100mph!

Buy me a ☕

Transcribed sources & annotations below:

Paramount Pep, 30 October 1922

Agnes Ayres a Speed Demon

“Racing Hearts” has been chosen as the title of the new Agnes Ayres picture which has just gone into production under the direction of Paul Powell. This story is an original by Byron Morgan, who is well known for his unusual success as a writer of fiction which has automobile racing as a background. Miss Ayres is seen in the production at the wheel driving a racing car at a rate of one hundred miles an hour. She has been practicing for this production on the Los Angeles Speedway during the past two weeks, using a genuine racing car which has been a victor in several big contests. When the big racing scenes of the production are staged Miss Ayres will be supported by a half dozen of the greatest automobile drivers in America, men who have won fame at races at Indianapolis and other speedways throughout the country. The scenario is by Will M. Ritchey. The cast of this picture includes Richard Dix in the male lead, Theodore Roberts, Robert Cain, J. Farrel McDonald and Warren Rogers.

NOTE: One of many mentions of Ayres doing her own driving, and at 100 mph! With a 1922/3 car!

---

Paramount Pep, 6 November 1922

In and Around Paramountown

The famous Jerry Wonderlich, victor of many a racing duel, is heading the group of automobile racers appearing in “Racing Hearts,” the latest Agnes Ayres production. Miss Ayres herself drives in race scenes of this picture at a rate in excess of 100 miles an hour. Richard Dix, her leading man, is called upon to meet this speed in another motor car, and likewise to travel at over 60 miles an hour upon a motorcycle.

It is said that the production is entirely different from the usual run of Agnes Ayres’ pictures, and presents her in a virile, out-door type of rôle. “Racing Hearts” was written for Miss Ayres by Byron Morgan, perhaps America’s greatest writer of automobile racing fiction. The story was adapted for the screen by Will M. Ritchey and is being directed by Paul Powell.

NOTE: Jerry Wunderlich/Wonderlich filmed this movie in between his two Indy 500 appearances. Unfortunately, like James Murphy, Racing Hearts appears to be his only feature film work!

---

Moving Picture World, 11 November 1922

News from the Producers

Conducted by T.S. da Ponte

Changes Titles of Two

Three new titles have been chosen for as many forthcoming Paramount pictures.

William de Mille’s recently completed production from an original story by Clara Beranger, in which Bebe Daniels, Lewis Stone, Kathlyn Williams and Harrison Ford have the important roles, has been permanently titled, “The World’s Applause.” “Notoriety” was the title originally chosen, but when it was found that another company had a prior claim, it was changed temporarily to “Paths of Glory,” which in turn has now given way to “The World’s Applause.”

Mary Miles Minter’s latest picture, just completed under the direction of Charles Maigne and adapted from Stephen French Whitman’s novel, “Sacrifice,” is to be called “Drums of Destiny.”

“Racing Hearts” is the title chosen for the new picture Agnes Ayres is just starting under the direction of Paul Powell. This is a story by Byron Morgan, author of the Wallace Reid automobile racing pictures, and Miss Ayres has the role of a race driver who goes in and wins a thrilling speed contest when the regular driver fails to show up.

NOTE: Both “Drums of Destiny” (titled “Drums of Fate” on release in 1923) and “The World’s Applause” are also lost films. I covered “The World’s Applause” first in this series.

---

Paramount Pep, 13 November 1922

Racing Scenes

Outdoor racing scenes have been completed for “Racing Hearts,” the new Agnes Ayres picture. Paul Powell is now working indoors at a set representing the interior of a racing garage on the eve of a big speed battle in which Miss Ayres drives a car at over 100 miles an hour. The famous Jerry Wonderluch and other nationally known racing drivers take part in this sequence.

---

Paramount Pep, 27 November 1922

The Nono Doll 

Although Paris started the fad of the Nono dolls as mascot, Agnes Ayres soon acquired one as a regular part of fashion. 

We understand Miss Ayres will display her little pet in her latest picture, “Racing Hearts.” 

NOTE: I have not been able to find anything about Nono Dolls as they relate to Paris in the 1920s, but I’m assuming that they are a brand of boudoir doll, which were popular with flappers at the time.

---

Motion Picture News, December 1922

Agnes Ayres Picture Has Thrills Aplenty:

REMEMBER those wonderful automobile pictures—”Too Much Speed,” “The Roaring Road,” “Excuse My Dust,’ “What’s Your Hurry?” Across the Continent,” etc.—that Wally Reid made from the stories of Byron Morgan? Will you ever forget them? Well, in “Racing Hearts” you have Agnes Ayres risking her precious life in just that kind of a picture by the same author. Like the others, it’s a comedy-drama with thrill following thrill upon the automobile racetrack and boulevard. Some famous drivers take part in the race which Agnes wins in a most sensational finish. Yes, Theodore Roberts, with his familiar cigar, is here again as the father, with Richard Dix playing the leading man’s part and Robert Cain doing a lot of dirty work. Paul Powell directed this one—one of those triple-guaranteed speed pictures that can’t go wrong.

There is no present-day fiction writer who possesses more of the human touch than Clarence Budington Kelland, whose stories appear in Red Book. “Contraband,” another production in which Miss Ayres appears for Paramount was published serially, starting in the issue of May, 1922, and is the story of a young girl, charming, attractive, but poor, who suddenly finds herself, through the death of an uncle, owner of a small-town newspaper. She moves in and runs it, and runs it right, without fear or favor, thereby provoking the anger of a wealthy old rascal who holds a mortgage on the paper and is determined by hook or crook to own and control it.

How Miss Ayres, as Carmel Lee, confounds him and sets him where he belongs, makes great screen entertainment. The scenario is by Beulah Marie Dix and Paul Powell is the director.

NOTE: I looked up the other film mentioned here, “Contraband,” but it looks like it wasn’t completed or released. Apparently they began production on it in late January 1923, with Wesley Ruggles in the director’s chair and may have shot for a handful of weeks, but I wasn’t able to find reference to it beyond it being “in production.”

---

Paramount Pep, 13 December 1922

Around Paramountown 

(Continued from page 12) 

Agnes Ayres’ picture, “Racing Hearts,” will progress rapidly to its conclusion. It was necessary that Paul Powell, the director, have a number of racing cars for use in the big race scene of the picture and these were not available until after the annual event. This is a Byron Morgan automobile story adapted by Will M. Ritchey, and Richard Dix plays the male lead with Theodore Roberts, Robert Cain and others in the cast. 

---

Camera, 16 December 1922

Complete 

“Long Skirts,” starring Fatty Karr, directed by Bruce Mitchell for East Coast Productions. Federal. 

“The White Flower” starring Betty Compson: written and directed by Julia Crawford Ivers; Paramount. 

“Racing Hearts,” starring Agnes Ayres; directed by Paul Powell; Paramount. 

NOTE: Couldn’t find much information at all about “Long Skirts” other than its production and completion, but if it was released it was likely in 1923. It’s a two-reeler also starring Joe Murphy, Lilymae Lyle (or Lilymae Wilkinson), Geary O’Dell (or Garry O’Dell), Phillip Dunham. It was written by Ward Hayes and shot by Vernon Walker.

“The White Flower” (premiered March 4, 1923, considered lost)

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Exhibitor’s Herald, 23 December 1922

Baron deForrest on a recent visit to Paramount studios on Coast stated that London had turned down all censorship and blue laws. Cheer-o for London. In the picture are the baron, his son and Theodore Roberts, playing in “Racing Hearts.” Note the manner in which Los Angeles press played up Paramount convention held there.

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Motion Picture News, 27 January 1923

Racing Hearts” Completed by Powell 

Paul Powell has completed his Paramount production of ” Racing Hearts,” starring Agnes Ayres, and the film is now in the cutting room at the Lasky studio. Heavy rains delayed the production of this automobile story by Byron Morgan, making it too dangerous to undertake the big road racing scenes. 

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Moving Picture World, 27 January 1923

Five New Paramounts Finished on Coast

A perfect picture of industry last week, the Paramount West Coast studio has been comparatively quiet for several days. For the first time in many months, only four companies are at work, where nine units were busy for many weeks before.

The five companies that completed production almost to a day were Joseph Henaberry’s unit producing “The Tiger’s Claw,” starring Jack Holt, with Eva Novak and Eileen Pringle in the leading feminine roles; “Bella Donna,” George Fitzmaurice’s production, which is Pola Negri’s first American starring vehicle; Walter Hiers’ first starring picture for Paramount; “Mr. Billings Spends His Dime,” while the cutting and assembling was completed on “The White Flower,” starring Betty Compson, and “Racing Hearts,” in which Agnes Ayres starred.

The four companies now on production at the studio are the William de Mille unit, producing “Grumpy,” with Theodore Roberts, May McAvoy and Conrad Nagel featured; “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” unit, in which Mary Miles Minter stars and Antonio Moreno is featured in support; “Prodigal Daughters,” Sam Wood’s production starring Gloria Swanson, and “The Law of the Lawless,” starring Dorothy Dalton, with Theodore Kosloff and Charles de Roche featured in support.

That the studio will soon be once more a hive of industry is indicated by the fact that production will begin within the next few days on “The Rustle of Silk,” starring Betty Compson; “Contraband,” starring Agnes Ayres; “The Cheat,” starring Pola Negri and other pictures.

NOTE: “The Tiger’s Claw” (premiered 18 March 1923, presumed lost), 

“Bella Donna” (premiered 1 April 1923, reported to be extant at Gosfilmofond Archive, but not accessible via home video or online. It’s listed in their online catalog but without details about the holding.), 

“Mr. Billings Spends His Dime” (premiered 19 March 1923, presumed lost), 

“The White Flower” (premiered March 4, 1923, presumed lost) 

“Grumpy” (premiered 11 March 1923, reported to be extant at Gosfilmofond Archive, but not accessible via home video or online.  It’s listed in their online catalog [under “БРЮЗГА“] but without details about the holding.), 

“The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” (premiered 15 March 1923, presumed lost),

“Prodigal Daughters” (premiered 15 April 1923, presumed lost),

“The Law of the Lawless” (premiered 22 July 1923, presumed lost),

 “The Rustle of Silk” (premiered 13 May 1923, presumed lost),

“Contraband” seems to have never been completed or released, as described in a note above.

“The Cheat” (premiered 27 August 1923, presumed lost)

Welllll, that’s a depressing list.

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Paramount Pep, 21 February 1923

Our New Leading Man 

One of the latest to sign up as a leading man is Richard Dix, shown here in the Mono-flyer that he drove in the big race playing opposite Agnes Ayres in “Racing Hearts.” 

As stated in a previous issue of PEP, Mr. Dix has signed a contract for five years. 

Congratulations and a hearty welcome to our big family.

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Camera, 24 February 1923

THE SILENT TREND

Frankly, it has been difficult for the average picture-goer to understand why Agnes Ayres is a star! And, it must be confessed that she has disappointed in several of her screen characterizations. But, she seems to have found her plane to some extent in “Racing Hearts,” her latest picture for Paramount. In this photodrama of geared-up action, she does the best work of her career—not truly stellar performing of artistic finesse, but satisfactory interpreting of a role for which she is suited. Here is an automobile story quite unusual in that it has provided opportunity for just about the most exciting auto races ever filmed. During some of the more exciting race moments, it is impossible to restrain yourself from getting up on your feet and letting out an obstreperous whoop. Near the finish there is a mishap in the form of a “spill” and this all but makes one swoon. To attain such heights of arousing excitement is an achievement for which Paul Powell deserves credit. One of the unusually interesting features of “Racing Hearts” is, Jimmy Murphy, the real thing in the automobile-racing world, who appears briefly in the role of a driver out of a job. Richard Dix is in the cast contributing those ingratiating qualities of his, and Theodore Roberts is also among them in his usual flawless acting form. 

NOTE: A recurring comment about this film is that Agnes Ayres found her footing as a star in this film, even though she had been in prominent roles for years by this point. (I’m assuming here that this was a commonly held opinion—though we can’t really know since so many of her films are lost.) Prior to this film Byron Morgan had provided stories for a handful of racing vehicles (pun intended) for Wallace Reid, one of which featured Ayres as the romantic interest: “Too Much Speed” (1921, presumed lost). It’s kind of sweet that taking the same type of story but remixing it so Ayres would be both the lead and the racer fit her so well.

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Exhibitor’s Herald, 24 February 1923

REVIEWS

AGNES AYRES IN 

RACING HEARTS 

(PARAMOUNT) 

Here’s a capital automobile story, chock full of action and one of the best staged and most exciting automobile races ever screened. It fairly raises you out of your seat. Many opportunities for exploitation in this one. Directed by Paul Powell. Seven reels. 

We feel sure you’ll like this latest Paramount picture, which is all about a pretty girl, a good looking hero, a stubborn father and rival automobile manufacturers. Agnes Ayres does some of the best work of her entire career. And you’ll like Richard Dix, a natural and thorough actor, with a winning smile and a wonderful personality. Add to this Theodore Roberts, with a pocketful of cigars, stubborn owner of a manufacturing plant; Robert Cain, as Claxton, in his employ, and tricky; Warren Rogers, as Jimmy Britt and J. Farrell MacDonald, as Silas Martin, a banker. A flash is given also of Jimmy Murphy, who poses briefly as a driver of high-speed cars, out of a job. 

The story is quite ordinary, based on the old, old theme of rivalry between two automobile families, and yet by careful handling and an especially well handled automobile race, is made to live and become acutely interesting, as well as very human and real. 

There is a “spill” near the finish of the race that’s a real thriller and the blase film fan that doesn’t get a “kick” out of that race is dead from the neck up. 

The story runs thus: Virginia Kent. known as “Ginger,” Kent forges a letter of instructions to the foreman of her father’s plant, which permits her to hire outside help and build a racing machine, while her father is in Europe on a business trip. Roddy Smith, son of a rival manufacturer, is hired as an expert mechanic by Virginia. The machine is finished and he has tentatively agreed to drive it in the Vanderbilt race, when his father exposes him to Virginia. She hires an unscrupulous superintendent in the factory to drive the car, but he plans to lose the race, and thus ruin her father. At the last moment he is exposed. and Virginia drives the car. On the home stretch of the last lap of the race her gas gives out, and Kent who is driving his father’s car, pushes her over the tape, but wrecks his own car. Of course the romance started in the factory is continued and it all ends happily.

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Moving Picture World, 24 February 1923

“Racing Hearts” 

Agnes Ayres Makes Good in Her Dramatic Picture for Paramount. 

Reviewed by Joseph Ester 

Speed fans will get their fill when they see “Racing Hearts,” Agnes Ayres’ latest Paramount production. Automobiles play a big part throughout the film and the stunt of sending a motor car aloft as ballast for a balloon right at the beginning to attract attention of people of the city marks it as a novel picture. 

Plenty of action is the big theme and there is always something doing when Agnes Ayres as Ginger, the daughter of John Kent, automobile manufacturer, capably played by Theodore Roberts, is on the scene. ‘Racing Hearts” serves to bring out Miss Ayres in a new characterization, and Richard Dix as Roddy Smith has to step some to keep up with her, but makes the grade and helps to turn out an interesting picture. 

The big race scene when Miss Ayres takes the seat of the driver who turns yellow at the last minute and refuses to drive and the smashup of Roddy Smith to allow her to win the race are realistic and keep the audience interested to the end of the film. There are flashes of real comedy in this picture that help to relieve the excitement of the racing sets, and, under the direction of Paul Powell, the picture is handled in a capable manner. 

Any person with red blood in their veins will like ‘Racing Hearts,” and you can use plenty of publicity in playing up this picture, as it is worth it. 

Cast 

Virginia Kent…Agnes Ayres 

John Kent…Theodore Roberts 

Roddy Smith..Richard Dix 

Fred Claxton…Robert Cain

Jimmy Britt…Warren Rogers 

Silas Martin…J Farrell MacDonald 

Based upon story by Byron Morgan. 

Scenario by Will M. Ritchey. 

Photography by Bert Baldridge. 

Direction Paul Powell. 

Length, 5,600 feet. 

Story 

Virginia Kent, speeding in her father’s car, is arrested by Roddy Smith, not a real cop but substituting on that particular day. Mr. Kent’s motor car business Is in bad shape and his manager tries to get Roddy’s father, a competitor, to buy up the Kent business. Affairs lead to a race in which Virginia begs Roddy to drive her father’s car, but, as he is pledged to drive his own father’s, she is forced to enter the race herself. She wins and Roddy wins her.

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The Film Daily, 25 February 1923

Pleasing Romance And Good Auto Race Chief Points of Appeal 

Agnes Ayres in 

“RACING HEARTS” 

Paramount 

DIRECTOR…Paul Powell 

AUTHOR…Byron Morgan 

SCENARIO…Will M. Ritchey 

CAMERAMAN…Bert Baldridge 

AS A WHOLE…Slight but agreeable feature that contains fair excitement in racing sequence 

STORY…Satisfying romance with rather familiar situations although they are nicely handled 

DIRECTION…All right ; racing sequence effectively done and furnishes some thrills. 

PHOTOGRAPHY…First rate 

LIGHTINGS…Good 

STAR…Pleasing and usually convincing 

SUPPORT…Very good ; Richard Dix, good lead and Theodore Roberts splendid, as usual 

EXTERIORS…Appropriate 

INTERIORS…Not many 

DETAIL…Ample 

CHARACTER OF STORY…Daughter of automobile manufacturer, in latter’s absence, has racer built that wins and makes the car famous 

LENGTH OF PRODUCTION…5,691 feet 

Agnes Ayres has a story somewhat different from her recent vehicles in Byron Morgan’s “Racing Hearts,” an automobile story that furnishes a satisfying entertainment, of rather light weight but containing sufficient good incident, pleasing romantic situations and a cast that gets it over. The theme doesn’t vary greatly from some of those that served Wallace Reid so capably in several of his pictures that proved thoroughly popular, so “Racing Hearts,” will undoubtedly be well received by a majority. 

Richard Dix, who is rapidly coming to the fore as a leading man, plays the role that Reid did so well—the good looking young racer who mixes love with his favorite sport. Dix handles the role very well and, while he isn’t quite as convincingly romantic as Wallie, he will please them and he makes a satisfying opposite for the star. Agnes Ayres makes the most of the role of the automobile manufacturer’s daughter who hits upon a scheme to make her father’s product sell by stunt advertising, an idea abhored by the old gentleman—Theodore Roberts contributing the humorous touches as the contrary parent. 

In spite of the very slight material at hand, Director Paul Powell has succeeded very well in maintaining an even interest throughout and where it was necessary to do some padding, he has done so without lessening the speed. Toward the end he supplies some first rate thrills in the racing sequence and the cameraman is also to be credited with good work in shooting these scenes. 

Of course there is never any doubt as to what the outcome will be but this won’t spoil the picture for those who like stories of a highly romantic flavoring such as this. There is a wicked villain who plots with the owner of one of the competing cars to prevent the other winning but it is all very mild plotting and never threatens to cause any serious damage to the love affair of the daughter and son, respectively, of the contesting owners. The only standard make of car that gets any prominence in the film is the Durant, the others are all made up names. 

Story : Virginia Kent’s father refuses to go in for “stunt” advertising so his make of automobile, the Granada, is not nearly as popular as that of his enemy, the Mono, made by Smith whose son, Roddy, is in love with Virginia. How Virginia, in her father’s absence, has a racer built and entered in the road race, and drives it to victory herself when she learns the driver has been bought by Smith, is coupled with the reunion of Virginia and Roddy who drove his father’s car off the track to allow Virginia to win. 

Star’s Admirers Will Like It And Racing Sequence Will Interest

Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor

Admirers of automobile racing stories will be well pleased with this latest Agnes Ayres picture, “Racing Hearts,” and there are enough good talking points in it for you to get them interested without a great deal of trouble. A trailer of the racing sequence will make them want to come back to see the entire picture, especially if you show a shot of the final spill. 

The star’s admirers will like her work in this and you can promise them a story a little different from those she has had recently. Talk about the good supporting cast using the names of Richard Dix, Theodore Roberts. Stunt advertising and exploitation will also do very well to arouse their curiosity.

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Educational Screen, March 1923

THE THEATRICAL FIELD

RACING HEARTS (Paramount)

This is one of Byron Morgan’s stories the “roaring road,” the sort of thing that Wallace Reid used to romp through so debonairly. Theodore Roberts is familiar as the fierce, cigar-chewing old manufacturer of automobiles, l who doesn’t believe it pays to advertise. Agnes Ayres plays his headstrong daughter who takes advantage of his absence to have a racing car built in the hope of winning the Vanderbilt cup, and recouping the fortunes of the factory. Richard Dix is pleasant as the rival manufacturer’s son who loses the race and wins the girl. The famous racing driver, “Jimmy” Murphy is played by a modest and camera-shy young man by the name of James A. Murphy, greatly to the delight of race enthusiasts who recognize him. Some very good race scenes, including one or two narrow escapes and one honest-to-goodness spill, furnish the excitement. (Community.)

NOTE: Tragically, Jimmy Murphy died in a race in September of 1924. While there is some extant footage of him racing, Racing Hearts is his only known feature film appearance!

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Screen Opinions, 1 March 1923

“RACING HEARTS”—Class A 

(Adapted from story of same name) 

Story:—Daughter Overrules Father’s Aversion to Advertising; Wins Road Race 

VALUE 

Photography—Very good—Bert Baldridge.

TYPE OF PICTURE—Sporting—Fascinating.

Moral Standard—Average.

Story—Very good—Comedy-drama—Family.

Star—Very good—Agnes Ayres.

Author—Very good—Byron Morgan.

Direction—Very good—-Paul Powell. 

Adaptation—Very good—Will M. Ritchey. 

Technique—Good.

Spiritual Influence—Neutral.

Producer—Paramount 

CAST 

Virginia Kent…Agnes Ayres 

Roddy Smith…Richard Dix

John Kent…Theodore Roberts

Fred Claxton…Robert Cain

Jimmy Britt…Warren Rogers

Silas Martin…J. Farrell MacDonald 

March 1 to 15, 1923. 

Footage—5,000 ft. 

Distributor—Famous Players 

Our Opinion 

MORAL O’THE PLAY—It Pays to Advertise. 

Spirited Comedy-Drama Presents Agnes Ayres in Peppy Role 

“Racing Hearts” brings memories of that splendid series of automobile stories in which Wallace Reid appeared not so very long ago. And the fact that Theodore Roberts is cast as before in the role of an automobile manufacturer and father to an irrepressible young person serves to intensify the impression that the late actor should have his place in the cast. However, Agnes Ayres gives such a spirited performance, looking as pert and winsome as any flapper, that we are amply satisfied, and Richard Dix, as the regretful son of the opposing party, who has fallen before the smiles of the fascinating Virginia Kent, is quite as we would picture the romantic son of a sport king. Theodore Roberts is as always master of the situation, and Robert Cain is excellent as the heavy. The cast is good throughout, with Robert Brower, Warren Rogers and J. Farrell MacDonald getting in fine work. The racing scenes are well photographed, and one or two real thrills are staged in which accidents which seem to be very real occur. You can bank on this picture. Book it on the reputation of former auto racing pictures. 

STORY OF THE PLAY 

Virginia Kent, daughter of John Kent, manufacturer of the Grenada automobile; is so impressed with the idea that her father is losing. out to his chief competitor, Smith, of the Mono machine, that she decides to try a little advertising of her own. Her first venture is in speeding at sixty miles an hour, which, however, fails to get her into jail, and thereby into the newspapers, because Roddy Smith, who is substituting for the cop, falls in love with her at first sight. Later, when Dad is over in London, she has a racing car built for Granada, and because the driver is being bribed by Smith, Sr., she drives it to victory herself. The story ends with Dad’s fortunes taking a turn for the better, and Virginia and the son of the enemy betrothed.

PROGRAM COPY—”Racing Hearts”—Featuring Agnes Ayres 

If you are longing to see another of those peppy Paramount automobile pictures with hairbreadth escapes on a dusty track, don’t miss “Racing Hearts,” with Agnes Ayres, Theodore Roberts and Richard Dix. It’s a pippin’!

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Exhibitor’s Trade Review, 3 March 1923

RIVOLI 

1. Overture—Rienzi (Richard Wagner) 

2. Risenfeld’s Classical Jazz 

3. Rivoli Pictorial 

4. Message of Emile Coue 

5. Gavotte Louis XIII 

a) Miriam Lax, Soprano 

b) Inga Wank, mezzo soprano 

c) Jean Booth, contralto 

d) The Serova Dancers 

6. Feature—Agnes Ayres in Racing Hearts 

7. Mighty Lak’ a Rose Marcel Atwell, soprano (Ethelbert Nevin) 

8. Casey Jones, Jr. 

Press Comments 

World—Is quite a snappy little film comedy. Tribune—The story is simple, but amusing. A picture called “The Message of Emile Coue” is very well done. American—I think it was the longest race I have ever seen screened. In its way it was palpitant and vibratory, and those who thrill at races will thrill at this. Globe—It is a very much patched-up affair with a plot that is too complicated. Be it said, however, that the automobile race is the best that we have ever witnessed. Journal—”Racing Hearts” contains something more than a speed contest and a love story. Mail—If you like thrills furnished by spills of racing cars you will like this picture. Telegram—An exciting automobile romance in which Miss Ayres is the first woman of the screen to pilot a racing car in an actual contest. Eve. World—It’s a good picture and well worth an afternoon or evening’s time. Sun—After seeing this picture you decide that woman’s place, in the case of Miss Ayres, is behind the steering wheel. 

NOTE: The Message of Émile Coué (1923) is a short film of Coué’s lecture on “autosuggestion.” I wasn’t able to find if the short is extant.

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Exhibitor’s Trade Review, 3 March 1923

Racing Hearts 

Released by Paramount. Story by Byron Morgan. Scenario by Will M. Ritchey. Cameraman Bert Baldridge. Directed by Paul Powell. Running time approximately one hour.

CAST AND SYNOPSIS 

Virginia Kent, Agnes Ayres; Roddy Smith, Richard Dix, John Kent, Theodore Roberts; Fred Claxton, Robert Cain ; Jimmy Brit, Warren Rogers ; Silas Martin, J. Farrell MacDonald. 

Virginia Kent, the daughter of an automobile manufacturer believes in advertising and speeds her car through the city streets in hopes of being arrested and getting publicity for the “Grenada.” She is arrested by Roddy Smith a temporary motor cop but in reality the son of her father’s competitor. The case is dismissed in court. Upon learning that her father is going away for a short while she has him sign a letter which gives her the authority to have a racing car built according to her own specifications. Roddy Smith gets a job as mechanic in the Grenada factory and builds the car for her. She enters it in the races and at the last moment learns that her driver has been bought. She determines to drive herself. Roddy Smith is compelled to drive his father’s car against her. During the race she has been ahead but on the last lap runs out of gas. Roddy runs into her machine and pushes it over the line. He is injured in the accident but Virginia comes to him and then everything is all right. 

“Racing Hearts” is a good automobile romance and should easily satisfy the lovers of action. It is a lively combination of comedy and society drama and affords pleasant diversion all the way through. Although the material is typically that which is spoken of as being “good movie stuff” it serves its purpose and carries its thrills. 

Points of Appeal.—The auto race is exciting from start to finish. Also the romance through the story is enjoyable and there are numerous comedy situations that bring the laughs. It should prove to be a good box office attraction in practically any house. The picture has been done with some good interiors and realistic outdoor shots. There are also some changes of costumes by the star that will interest the ladies. 

Cast.—Agnes Ayres as Virginia Kent is attractive in the role. She possesses a great amount of personality that radiates on the screen. Richard Dix is also good as Roddy Smith and is of the agreeable hero type. Theodore Roberts, as John Kent is included in the cast with his ever present cigar. Others in the story give satisfactory portrayals.  Photography, Lighting, Direction.—The photography and lighting throughout the picture is excellent. There are some unusually fine shots made at the race track and the interiors are always good. Direction has been well handled.

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Motion Picture News, 17 March 1923

“Adam and Eva” and “Racing Hearts” Due 11th 

On March 11 Paramount will release the Cosmopolitan production, “Adam and Eva,” starring Marion Davies, and Agnes Ayres in “Racing Hearts,” both comedy-dramas, though widely different in theme and treatment. 

Guy Bolton and George Middleton’s stage play, “Adam and Eva,” was adapted for the screen by Luther Reed and directed by Robert G. Vignola. Joseph Urban designed the settings. T. Roy Barnes has the leading male role, with Tom Lewis, William Norris, Percy Ames, William Davidson, Bradley Barker and John Powers most prominent in the support. 

“Racing Hearts” is an automobile race story by Byron Morgan. Will M. Ritchey wrote the scenario and Paul Powell directed. A race scene was staged at the Santa Monica course near Los Angeles for this picture. Playing opposite Miss Ayres is Richard Dix. Theodore Roberts, J. Farrell MacDonald and Robert Cain are in the cast. 

NOTE: Adam and Eva (premiered 11 February 1923) exists only in fragments but I’ve seen a couple minutes of it and read the plot description and it is exceedingly cute. Here’s hoping the rest of the film turns up somewhere soon!

The Vanderbilt Cup was a real road race, though it wasn’t run in the 1920s, however the last competition was run at a course in Santa Monica in 1916.

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Moving Picture World, 17 March 1923

Eight Productions Scheduled by Paramount for Release in March 

During the month of March Paramount will release eight productions, included among the high lights being Cecil B. DeMille’s production, “Adam’s Rib”; two Cosmopolitan productions, “Adam and Eva” and “The Nth Commandment”; Allan Dwan’s “The Glimpses of the Moon,” his first under his new contract with Paramount, and the initial starring picture of Walter Hiers, “Mr. Billings Spends His Dime.” 

First on the schedule is Betty Compson in “The White Flower,” which is listed for release the 4th. Julia Crawford Ivers wrote the story and scenario and directed the picture. The story is laid in Hawaii, and it was there that Mrs. Ivers took the company for the filming of the exterior scenes. Edmund Lowe is Miss Compson’s leading man. 

Cosmopolitan’s “Adam and Eva,” starring Marion Davies, is scheduled for the 11th. Robert G. Vignola, who produced “Knighthood,” also directed this picture, which is an adaptation by Luther Reed of the stage comedy-drama success by Guy Bolton and George Middleton. The settings were designed by Joseph Urban, who was the art director of “Knighthood.” 

Agnes Ayres in “Racing Hearts” is also scheduled for the 11th. This is an automobile race picture from the pen of Byron Morgan, who wrote “The Roaring Road,” “Too Much Speed,” “Across the Continent” and other automobile stories in which Wallace Reid starred. Will M. Ritchey adapted “Racing Hearts” and Paul Powell directed. Miss Ayres’ leading man is Richard Dix. 

On March 18 Walter Hiers, long a popular leading player under the Paramount banner, is formally introduced as a star in “Mr. Billings Spends His Dime,” a comedy by Dana Burnet. Wesley Ruggles directed from a scenario by Albert Shelby LeVino. Featured as Hiers’ leading woman is Jacqueline Logan.

On the same date comes “The Nth Commandment,” from the  Cosmopolitan studios. This drama was written by Fannie Hurst, scenarized by Frances Marion and directed by Frank Borzage—the same trio that was responsible for “Humoresque.” Coleen Moore, James Morrison and Eddie Phillips are featured, with other prominent roles in the hands of Charlotte Merrian and George Cooper. 

Allan Dwan’s production, “The Glimpses of the Moon,” with Bebe Daniels and Nita Naldi, is announced for release March 25. This is a picturization of Edith Wharton’s novel, treating the subject of trial marriage. E. Lloyd Sheldon wrote the scenario for the production. 

Alice Brady in “The Leopardess” is the other release for the 25th. This is an adaptation by J. Clarkson Miller of the novel by Katharine Newlin Burt. Edward Langford and Montagu Love have the two chief supporting roles.

NOTE: “Adam’s Rib” (premiered 4 March 1923, extant—copy held at George Eastman House), 

“Adam and Eva” (mentioned above), 

“The Nth Commandment” (premiered 18 March 1923, only incomplete copy known to survive), 

“The Glimpses of the Moon” (premiered 25 March 1923, presumed lost), 

“Mr. Billings Spends His Dime” (mentioned above), 

“The White Flower” (mentioned above), 

“When Knighthood was in Flower (premiered 21 September 1922, extant AND fully restored! Available on DVD + Blu via Undercrank Productions!), 

“The Roaring Road” (premiered , extant—copy held at UCLA Film & TV Archive), 

“Too Much Speed” (mentioned above), 

“Across the Continent” (premiered 4 June 1922, presumed lost), 

“The Leopardess” (premiered 23 March 1923, presumed lost)

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Moving Picture World, 17 March 1923

Abandoned a Stunt for Racing Hearts 

Once more the man who says that exploitation does not pay has been proven a liar. This time it happened in Faribault, Minn. 

The Grand Theatre did not expect to make as much money with Racing Hearts as with Bella Donna, but Hearts was a corking good picture and they decided to give it every chance. 

A Buick dealer was persuaded to put a car in his window with a sign to the effect that this particular car would sail over the city attached to a balloon, as in the opening scenes of Racing Hearts. 

At once Pro Bono Publico and Constant Reader dashed off notes to the newspapers casting gloomy forebodings as to what would happen if a rope broke and the falling car mashed a few of the citizens. The fact that Pro and Con seemed to use the same typewriter did not bother the editor. He knew the press agent brought both letters in, but it made good reading. 

It served to set off the real letter writers and the paper was flooded with protests, so the Grand very gracefully announced that it had no desire to endanger life with its stunts and it had countermanded the order for a balloon. It’s the Blood and Sand Bullfight in a new guise, but it worked even better, because it was more plausible. 

Then M.J. Glazer arranged with Paramounteer Jack Hellman to send up a student barber from Minneapolis and announced him as the same man who bobbed Agnes Ayres’ hair. He would operate in the Grand foyer free of charge. Sixteen girls climbed into the chair the opening night and the rest of the town was there to look on. Simple, inexpensive and most profitable. Better yet, let him make a small charge for a local charity. It beat Bella to the money. 

NOTE: The chance that somebody out there’s grandmother got their hair bobbed in a movie theater lobby in Faribault, Minnesota is delightful to me.

One of the newly bobbed customers, from Exhibitor’s Trade Review, 26 May 1923

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Screenland, April 1923

Little Hints for PLAYGOERS

“RACING HEARTS”

Paramount

A crack-a-jack racing picture, with Agnes Ayres and Richard Dix enveloped in a cloud of dust from start to finish. The up-to-date daughter of a conservative automobile manufacturer sets out to prove to her sire that it pays to advertise. She wins her point, the Vanderbilt Cup race and a brand new, grade-A husband. Agnes is pretty and more capable than usual, while Richard Dix fits into the semi-comedy role very pleasingly indeed. Theodore Roberts and cigar are very much present and Robert Cain makes a nice hissable villain. It’s a good picture.

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Motion Picture News, 14 April 1923

Three Newspaper Features Are Planted on “Racing Hearts” 

Rockford, Ill. — In exploiting ” Racing Hearts” at the Palm theatre, Bill Danziger, Paramount exploiteer, put over three different newspaper features, giving the papers the “low-down” in each instance. 

Danziger framed an interview with Agnes Ayres in which the Paramount star was quoted as remarking that women would never make as good automobile drivers as men. The newspaper followed this up by sending a reporter to interview women known to drive cars. They protested in vigorous terms, and the copy was worked into a two-column front-page spread. 

The next gag was a Saturday matinee for the blind. The management invited every sightless person in town to “see” “Racing Hearts.” They got about forty responses and so Danziger invited forty school teachers to attend and act as the “eyes” of the victims. During the progress of the picture, the teachers leaned over and whispered the entire story. This made an interesting experiment and the newspapers took it up for a three-column spread under a big head. 

The third stunt was a faked interview with ” Jimmy Murphy” who, Danziger said, was one of the greatest racing drivers in the country. Murphy spoke on the line that gasoline as a fuel was nearly exhausted and the only thing that would save the industry wou(l)d be a new alcoholic substance made from potatoes. 

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Moving Picture World, 14 April 1923

Tied Film Fashions to Racing Hearts 

Because the stage of the Palace Theatre, Fort Smith, Ark., is too small to permit the use of models in a fashion show, Hugo Plath put it on a film and ran that off, giving about as much satisfaction. It was a special for Racing Hearts, but only one angle of the campaign. 

An auto agency sent several new model cars around town for an entire week before the opening as well as during the engagement, and bannered these for the attraction. The week of the showing a car was displayed in the lobby. This had the wheels jacked up and these were given motion by a small electric motor. The car could have been worked under its own power, but the resultant gases would have been the reverse of an attractor, so the silent and odorless motor was used. Mr. Plath can trace a number of direct ticket sales to this feature. 

He made a miniature road race in the windows of the automobile company, to hook in and to announce that Jim Murphy, the champion race driver, would be seen in the film. 

For the lobby display he used two-foot hearts, one to each letter of the title. This and the automobile was sufficient to get attention. 

As the merchants who were represented on the film paid the cost of making it, Mr. Plath’s expense was around five dollars for a decided increase in business, and he shipped the display on to the Palace Theatre, Muskogee, further cutting the cost.

---

Exhibitor’s Trade Review, 21 April 1923

“RACING HEARTS” 

(Paramount) 

MARK STRAND, ALBANY. — 30-60. Three days. Considering the season, this picture played to very satisfactory business. 

Exploitation.—Strand type. 

Short Subjects.—”Torchy Steps Out;” Topical News. 

Press Comments.—Altogether a bright, clean, enjoyable picture.—News. Acted at just the right speed.—Times-Union. Next to going to the races, the best thing is “Racing Hearts.”—Knickerbocker Press. Gives you your money’s worth and a little more.—Journal.

BUTTERFLY, MILWAUKEE.— 40-50. Business not as good during second week of showing, but held up reasonably well. 

Short Subjects.—Christie comedy; Selznick news; prologue. 

NEW, BALTIMORE.—25. 25-50. Big business. 

Exploitation.—Newspaper advertising on large scale; lobby displays, posters, cards, etc. 

Short Subjects.—News; “Five Fifteen;” Vocal Solo. 

Press Comment.— “Racing Hearts” has about the best auto race that we have ever seen filmed. It’s a peach.—Evening Sun. “Racing Hearts” is fast-flying entertainment and the cast is excellent.—News. 

NEWMAN THEATRE, KANSAS CITY, MO.—15-25-35-50-75. Theodore Roberts usually draws well here. Good week’s attendance. 

Exploitation.—A cut of Theodore Roberts, inside a heart, was featured in Sunday newspaper space. Also billboard and lobby display. 

Short Subjects.—”A Tough Winter;” “Newman News and Views.” 

Press Comments.—One of Byron Morgan’s best racing stories and travels along the screen in an entertaining manner.—Star-Times. One like Wally Reid used to race through and win the girl as the roadster came tearing across the continent.—Journal Post. 

NOTE: “Torchy Steps Out” (25 June 1922, status unknown) a two-reel comedy starring Johnny Hines for Educational Pictures,

“Five Fifteen” (21 January 1923, status unknown) a two-reel comedy starring Slim Summerville for Fox,”A Tough Winter” (4 February 1923, extant as of 2022!) The first reel was long lost, but found in Gosfilmofond’s Archive and is now available on their youtube channel. I really enjoy the first reel of this, tho it kind of falls apart with the time-jump/scene change for the second reel.

---

Motion Picture News, 28 April 1923

“Racing Hearts” lobby display at the Olympic Theatre, Pittsburg, of which Tom Schrader is manager

---

Photoplay, May 1923

RACING HEARTS—Paramount

ANOTHER Byron Morgan automobile tale of a road race like those of the series made popular by poor Wallie Reid. This one has Richard Dix in the Reid rôle of the motor daredevil, with Agnes Ayres as the heroine who isn’t afraid to step on the gas. This may entertain you—unless the auto stuff has been worn threadbare. To us the motor seems to miss.

NOTE: A lot of the snippets about the film bring up Wallace Reid, who starred in a number of racing movies (and even took up racing himself). Unfortunately, Reid passed away in January of 1923 while attempting to recover from a morphine addiction.

---

Motion Picture News, June 1923

Balloon Ascension Hoax Pulled to Exploit “Racing Hearts”

Kankakee, Ill.—Manager William Cadoret, of the Majestic theatre, and Bill Danziger, Paramount exploiteer, gained publicity for “Racing Hearts” in the Daily Republican through a hoax which they framed up.

They tied up with the Buick agency in connection with “Racing Hearts” and for two days previous to the exhibition of the picture ads were run in the paper announcing that a Buick car, attached to a gas balloon would be lifted eight miles above the head of the shortest citizen of Kankakee. This created considerable comment and was given much free space under the “amusement” and “theatrical” columns.

On the day the picture would be shown another ad appeared stating that because of innumerable protests from the public, the Buick car would not go up, as previously stated, as it would mean too great a risk and would endanger too many lives.

In addition, a general merchants’ tieup campaign was waged in which the music store tied up for harmonicas, the United Cigar Stores for cigars, thereby exploiting Theodore Roberts; the town’s largest auto supply company tied up for accessories, throwing in the automobile angle, and nine confectionery stores had a “Racing Hearts” sundae.

NOTE: The amount of tie-in exploitations of this movie is outrageous, no wonder exhibitors seem so eager to run it, despite a noted lack of faith in Agnes Ayres as a star at the time.

---

Moving Picture World, 7 July 1923

RACING HEARTS. (5,600 feet). Star, Agnes Ayres. Theodore Roberts saved this picture as usual when he takes a character part. On the strength of Roberts the picture took well here. Agnes Ayres also pleased, however, with her nerve in the races. Exciting throughout. Used panels, newspaper. Had good attendance. Draw mixed class in town of 5,000. Admission. 10-25, war tax included. L. Laws, T. & D. Theatre (1,072 seats), Watsonville, California.

---

Motion Picture News, 23 October 1923

RACING HEARTS. Produced by Famous Players. Distributed by Paramount. Released March 11, 1923. Star, Agnes Ayres. Director, Paul Powell. Length, 5,691 feet.

Synopsis: Automobile romance that winds up with a race through some beautiful California country. Based on rivalry between automobile families. Auto manufacturer’s daughter has racing car made without his consent in effort to gain publicity. Enters in the race, wins and the make of car becomes famous.

References: Reviewed issue Feb. 24, 1923, page 941.

First Run Showings: Pages 817, Feb 17; 929, Feb. 24; 1038, 1040, Mar. 3; 1165; Mar. 10; 1392-3. Mar. 24; 1556, Mar. 31; 1674-5, Apr. 7; 1785-7, April 14; 1896, Apr. 21; 2381, May 19; 2866, June 16, 1923

Advertising: Two page insert, Dec. 23, 1922; 240-41, Jan 20, 1923.

Lobby Displays: Pages 2058, Apr. 28; 2171, May 5; 2385, May 19; 288, July 21; 744, Aug. 18, 1923.

Exploitation: Pages 1790, 1794, 1797, Apr. 14; 2392, May 19; 2766, June 9, 1923.

Newspaper Displays: Page 1272, Mar. 17, 1923.

---

Exhibitor’s Trade Review, 12 January 1924

`Racing Hearts’ 

Auto Picture Released by Paramount 

BRIEF: Virginia Kent believes that her father’s automobile concern needs publicity to save it from ruin. She tricks him into consenting to have a special car built and when Claxton, the traitor manager of the concern who has been bribed by a rival concern to throw the grand prize race, tries to quit just before the event, Virginia takes his place and drives the car to victory. A love affair between Virginia and Roddy, son of the rival concern’s owner, who drives one of  his father’s cars in the race is cleverly woven in.

SPEED is the keynote of this entire picture and speed is what they love! It’s a comedy of Cupid and cars. A good story seasoned with love and last lap thrills. 

Since Henry F. made the auto as customary as the bath tub this type of picture is sure to go well any place from Broadway to the tiniest village. The record of this picture verifies the nationwide interest in autos and speed. It rode over to success on the gasolinemania wave. And it’s the kind of picture they’ll come to see again because they can get the same thrill and satisfaction out of it. 

Plenty of tie-ups and exploitation stunts are possible. Dress up a racing car with the legend, “This is the car that won the Grand Prize Race. See it at the … Theatre in ‘Racing Hearts.'” A Cadillac car is also used in the picture. Tie-up with Cadillac dealers. Try to get hold of photographs of famous races for a good lobby display. Your local newspaper or automobile agencies may have them. 

For novel advertising, a motor car corporation in the picture hitches one of its machines to a large balloon and sails it over the city, attracting the attention of thousands. This suggests the idea of having a balloon ascension of your own. Secure a good sized balloon and on it arrange a trapeze-like apparatus. On this can be hung a large banner that can be read for miles around. The wording should be to the effect that this is a miniature of the balloon used in the Paramount picture “Racing Hearts’ starring Agnes Ayres and showing at the Blank Theatre next Monday. 

---

Moving Picture World, 26 January 1924

RACING HEARTS. (5,600 feet). Star, Agnes Ayres. It is a pleasure to look at Miss Ayres and a blessing to the box office and one’s list of satisfied patrons to show such a picture as “Racing Hearts.” There is comedy, romance and an auto race that even kept the hardboiled ones interested. Theodore Roberts has no equal and Richard Dix is fine. Wish there were more like this one. Better than the average program picture. Had good attendance. Used slide, photos, boards. A suitable picture for Sunday. Guy C. Sawyer, Town Hall Theatre, Chester, Vermont.

---

Variety, 22 February 1923

RACING HEARTS

Famous Players production starring Agnes Ayres, with Theodore Roberts and Richard Dix featured.

Adapted from Byron Morgan’s story by Will M. Ritchey. Directed by Paul Powell. Shown at the Rivoli, week February 18, 1923.

Virginia Kent…Agnes Ayres

Roddy Smith…Richard Dix

John Kent…Theodore Roberts

Fred Claxton…Robert Cain

Jimmy Britt…Warren Rogers

Silas Martin…J. Farrell MacDonald

A rather light little comedy drama of the automobile world. It carries as its big punch an automobile road race which should be satisfying enough for the most blase seeker of thrills. Its cast it is fairly strong on names, having both Theodore Roberts and Richard Dix as featured members under the name of the star. There is nothing, however, about the picture that is going to cause any unusual jam at the box office, although as entertainment it is fairly satisfying.

Richard Dix has the role of the son of the owner of one auto manufacturing plant. He is a go-getter type of youth who believes in advertising stunts and his father sanctions his wild splurges for publicity. A rival company is headed by Theodore Roberts and the star appears as his daughter. She is also a believer in advertising, but her father is a conservative and won’t go in for racing or any of the unusual stunts that are utilized to popularize a car.

In an effort to obtain publicity for her father’s machine the girl drives it at 45 miles an hour through a town where the magistrate is noted for sending speeders to jail in the hope that is sent to the hoosegow she will get that name and that of the car in print. It is in this town that the rival auto shops are located and the son of the owner is acting as a motor cop temporarily, he persuading the judge to discharge the girl because it would appear as though his father’s firm was behind the pinch as a sort of spite rivalry.

The next day the boy gets an assignment from his father to obtain a position in the rival plant to make a survey of conditions there, as it is known that they are pinched for money and it is possible that the plant will shortly be on the market. Once on the job he is given the task of designing a racing car under the direction of the girl. Her father in the meantime having left for London to close a foreign deal for his cars. The girl has written into the set of instructions that her father left a command that a racing car be built.

Then comes the day of the big road race, with the usual crooked driver stuff and the girl jumping in at the last minute and winning the race, although she manages to cross the line with the assistance of a bump from the rival company’s car, which was driven by the son of the owner. Of course prior to this the girl has discovered his identity and accused him of spying, but the finish of the race finds them clinched in each other’s arms.

There are some fairly good comedy moments in the picture but it is the race that will get to the fans. That feature was well handled in direction.

[designaday]

Ultimate Playlist: Women’s Names, F-J

Now we run into a few letters of the alphabet that aren’t quite as popular for women’s names. One F, two G’s, one H, and one I.

Miss Fritchie by Eddie From Ohio Based on a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, this song tells the story of Barbara Fritchie, who waved her Union flag as Stonewall Jackson marched the Confederate army into Frederick, Maryland.

The Simple Joys of Maidenhood by Lerner & Loewe, sung by Julie Andrews From the musical Camelot, this song finds Guenevere singing to St. Genevieve about her hesitancy to marry and become queen.

Ginger Faye by Eddie From Ohio “This here’s the story ’bout Ginger Faye,” a young woman from the University of Virginia, recently married, who arrives in Queensland, Australia, only to be pulled off the dock and drowned by a crocodile.

Heather Graham by Da Vinci’s Notebook This comedic, a cappella group sings a song about having a crush on the popular, American actress.

Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls The song eclipsed the movie it was written for, City of Angels, which is about an angel who is willing to give up his immortality to be with the woman he falls in love with.

Jane by Jefferson Starship A hard rocking love song about a woman playing hard-to-get.

Jane by Barenaked Ladies Co-written with Stephen Duffy, the song was inspired by a grocery store clerk Duffy was attracted to. In the song, after an initial relationship, Jane decides they should just stay friends.

Salvation Jane by INXS Salvation Jane is the name of an Australian flower, and the lyrics of the song seem to be about humanity’s impact on nature, but there’s definitely some personification going on.

Janey Don’t You Lose Heart by Bruce Springsteen Janey has apparently been having a hard time of it. Bruce’s compassion is going to hold her up.

Janie’s Got A Gun by Aerosmith This Janie is in worse shape than the previous one. Tired of being sexually abused by her father, she shoots him in the head. The song was inspired by two news articles Steven Tyler read in Time and Newsweek.

Little Jeannie by Elton John The lyrics of this love song were written by Gary Osborne about a specific person with a different name he never revealed.

8675309 / Jenny by Tommy Tutone This song amounts to a joke, the punchline (found in the bridge) being that the singer found Jenny’s phone number written on the wall of a bathroom stall. Unfortunately, as the song hit #4 on the charts in the US back in 1981, one unlucky woman received 22,000 phone calls.

Jelly Man Kelly by James Taylor Yes, the song is titled after a boy, but in the second verse, we find “the part about Jenny Mahenny. She’s the fireman’s daughter.” James performed the song on Sesame Street episode 1,800 in 1980.

Jolene by Dolly Parton Named by Rolling Stone as one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” this crossover country hit was inspired by a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with Dolly’s husband while they were newly married.

Why Judy Why by Billy Joel Named after Billy’s sister, whom he often turned to for support growing up, the song is about a man going through a breakup and turning to his friend Judy for comfort.

Justice and Independence ’85 by John Cougar Mellencamp A political allegory, the song tells the tale of a man born on the 4th of July named Independence Day who married a girl named Justice. After giving birth to a son called “the Nation,” she leaves.

[kaeyazuha]

𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬

❝ i kinda wanna request comfort with childe (smh iys always him 🙄/j) where we comfort him after he got a rlly bad day (imagine where he lost some mission and got a good scolding. If it possible aha) and yk he's sobbing in our arm and we comfort him. ❞

; Mmmm yummy reverse comfort <33 Thanks for your request, I hope you like it!

; 7/23/22

; Reverse Comfort/Fluff

; CW: strong language, physical touch

There were many words used to describe the 11th Harbinger: eccentric, bloodthirsty, wild, cheery, suave, quick-witted, strong, loud, excitable, even charming and handsome from a few fans he denies having. But, none of these match him right now. Gods, he looked like a ghost. Pale skin almost snow white at this rate, scars open and eyes half-closed, his leg bounced up and down and caused the floorboard below to creak in a rather annoying manner. He stared at nothing in particular, dulled and hazy eyes unfocused when he zoned out. You were almost afraid to find out what happened. Almost.

You hummed quietly, leaning your head against the doorway while staring at him with confliction and pity swirling in your eyes. He was given a mission from the Tsaritsa not too long ago, one that he refused to tell anyone about because it was specifically for him. His chance to prove himself to her highness, an opportunity to show that despite his age, he was top of his game amongst the rest of the Harbingers. You tried to be supportive despite knowing the dangers of this mission, but that glint in his eye looked akin to that of a child in a candy store. But, one after another, fight after fight and gash after gash, the mission slipped from his fingers and into the clutches of the enemies.

He came home two days earlier than he told you, sign one of a change in plans. He refused to look you in the eye, two signs of his ashamement. He went straight to your shared room without a single word uttered despite your concerned questioning, sign three of a mission gone completely wrong. You sighed, slowly walking over to your corpse of a lover with a med kit in hand, and you started to cleanse his dirtied skin with an endearing smile. At first, he resisted, dead eyes remaining fixed on the floor while his arm twitched away from you. However, you persisted and dragged it back to you with a stubborn frown, and he let out a small but dry chuckle at that. “You don’t need to do this.” Finally, he spoke, you inwardly chided. Tartaglia looked over to you, and you winced at the completely lost expression on his face. You’d think you were talking to a puppet rather than your lover had it not been for the human sadness in those blue eyes.

“I want to do this,” You stroked your right hand along his ginger tufts of hair, smiling at the way he leaned into your hand. “I promise.” A moment of peaceful silence filled the air, your legs beginning to cramp with the uncomfortable position of you bent down and his body weight leaned against your hand. He chuckled dryly, shifting around until he could guide you onto his lap. Not even giving you a moment to settle in, Childe rested his forehead on your shoulder while his arms lazily wrapped around your waist. You smiled warmly down at him, playfully ruffling his hair before starting to play with it again. His hair felt soft per usual, but messy and unkempt. The light sound of Liyue ambiance outside (the sound of the wind caressing the trees and distant flutes playing never ceased to sooth you) coaxed your eyes to rest and your head to sway, leaning to one side lazily-- until the sudden quivering of his shoulders and the feeling of your shirt dampening jolted you awake. “Ajax…?” You questioned hesitantly, unsure of his reaction-- you’ve never seen him cry before, he’s never been comfortable with the idea of allowing himself to be so vulnerable.

Gloved, trembling fingers clutched onto the material of your shirt, which dulled the feeling of his nails digging into your back. You could only pray that with how deep he buried himself into your chest, that he didn’t hear the erratic, thundering beats of your heart-- you didn’t know what to do when he suddenly started to cry! Regaining your composure, you leaned back and cupped Childe’s jaw, guiding him to look up at you while you wiped at his wetted cheeks. “Don’t be ashamed, love. Let it out.” Reddened eyes only welled up further at your gentle voice and kind gaze-- gods he works around politicians and professional liars, he’s been trained that the world is cruel and unforgiving, but then you go and make him feel special, it’s utterly bewildering to him. You held him like a green leaf cradles a dew drop; gentle, yet securely with your touch as warm as the sunlight reflecting off the morning dew. 

Your nose scrunched up a bit in confusion, your cheeks feeling oddly hot under his intense stare. As if those crystalline blue eyes burned holes through your soul, you averted your gaze and chuckled almost awkwardly. “No, please, don’t look away.” His grip around your waist tightened and he pulled his head away from your chest just long enough to try and find your eyes, tilting his head to match your position. Ajax smiled up at you sadly, leaning his cheek on your stomach as your hand found solace in his hair. “Looking at you reminds me that I have something to lose after all.” With those words, you grew further concerned, and you sat down before pulling him in to rest his head on your chest again. If it weren’t for the heavy atmosphere, you’d laugh and relish in the way he nuzzled into your shirt.

“What…do you mean?” Not wanting to assume, you questioned him. He was silent for a moment, as were you, and the quiet sound of your hand brushing over his hair filled the silence. His shirt felt soft to the touch, warm against your hand, and with enough pressure you could feel the scars gathered upon his skin like old memories in a photobook. 

Like a flower that’s begun to bloom, he slowly decided to open up to you. After years of internalizing everything, he feared allowing someone else to see his sins and darkest secrets-- but this was a start. “I’m just tired of fighting for one cause. A cause I believe in, but look at me.” He chuckled dryly. “Amongst the harbingers, I’m just a kid. Sure, my lackeys look up to me, but only until they see how great everybody else is.” Childe refused to meet your gaze, afraid of the second surge of watery heat gathering in his eyes. “This mission was a failure, (Y/n). I had one job, and I went and fucked it up. I just had to retrieve certain information, that’s it! But it’s been months now, and they’ve pawned the job off onto somebody else. It’s--I- we've gotten nowhere-- fuck it’s my faul--”

“Enough.” Your tone, despite the sound of his superiors’ cold and spiteful voice etched into his soul, sent chills down his spine. He tensed when your palm raised at his side, expecting something-- anything, after all that whining, you must think he’s pathetic! Of course he wouldn’t blame you for smacking some sense into him, he’d do the same if his superiors hadn’t done it for him. Yet, the impact never came. Rather, he was left confused at the soft feeling of your calloused fingers wiping at his wetted cheeks. “Don’t blame yourself. None of this information involves you directly, correct? Then how can you blame yourself? They sent you on a wild goose chase, for hell’s sake. Besides, 'certain information' in the Fatui could easily be a death sentence and we both know it.” You clicked your tongue at the end of your statement, the bitterness and concealed anger of what the Fatui has put him through starting to show through.

You sighed, grabbing a nearby blanket and wrapping it around his quivering shoulders as he cried into your shirt once more. Best to get some tissues the next time you stand up, you mentally noted. In this moment, you didn’t know exactly how to feel. Happy that he opened up to you, sad for the pain he’s gone through, angry at the Fatui for hurting him this way, pity for the wounds he’s suffered both internally and externally, everything swirled together into one confusing amalgamation that left you with no choice but to focus on him for right now. Not that you were complaining, of course. Instead, you smiled. You smiled at the way he snuggled up into your arms like a child after a nightmare, you smiled when he let out a breathy sigh at the feeling of your hands gliding along his back, you smiled when red eyes met yours with the softest gaze you’d seen from him, and you smiled at the way he held you as close as humanly possible and then scooted upwards to whisper in your ear:

“Thank you, for everything. I love you more than you could ever believe- hell, I can hardly believe it sometimes.” He laughed, resting his head on your shoulder now. 

“Thank you for loving me.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚✧˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Word Count: 1523

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚✧˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

- Ky♡♡

𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧; 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻!

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@storytravelled ; @irethepotato ; @euphoric-author ; @lordbugs ; @straymoon96 ;  @hoshikistarlette ; @lianglee11 ; @sup-zfam ; @myaaki ; @roriver ; @rizakari ; @httpshaolvr ; @leena-shii ; @kaerui-kaisen ; @akaiyuki ; @marigold-petals ; @frenchtoaf ; @fijispritee ; @nejibot

[eatsbop]

You as a Character in HTF

Your role will be..

(First letter of the title of the last song you listened to)

MC/protagonist - C, L, P, H

Antagonist - W, A, G, M

Deuteragonist/secondary main character - K, X, B, N

Love interest - R, F, T, Q

Confidant - J, I, V , U

Supporting/tertiary character - Y, S, E

The foil - O, Z, D

You'll be a Newtuber under..

(Last video you watched on Youtube)

XJ Company - food related, stuying/educational, tech/gadget related, animal video, asmr, news/political, celebrity related, drama/gossip, music/music related

Yoo Hobin Company - comedy, makeup/fashion, lifestyle/vlog, reviews, gaming, crafting/tutorial, self improvement, health/fitness, fancam

Non-streamer - I don't watch Youtube/I can't remember, other

Your fighting style is..

(Last candy you ate)

Taekwondo - bubblegum, cola flavor candy

Kyokushin - milk, custard

Judo - mint

Ju-jitsu - gummy, sour, jelly

Boxing - chocolate

Kickboxing - peanut butter, with nuts, chocolate with nuts

Wrestling - coffee, caramel, toffee, butterscotch

Ssireum - ginseng, ginger, throat medicine, matcha

MMA - berry/fruit flavor, yogurt flavor, with dried berry/fruit

Freestyle, good old bash and smash - just sweet, sugar flavor, honey, unconventional flavor (like squid or cheese), other, I hate candies/can't remember

Character you'll be initially shipped with..

(Something you must wear when going outside, besides the basics = clothes, shoes.. etc, mask is a basic wear, dude.. please wear a mask)

Seong Taehoon - watch

Ji Yeonwoo - earphones/headphones

Lee Dowoon - earring/s

Han Gyeoul - ring/s

Woo Jihyeok - eyewear that is not prescription

Han Wangguk - nose ring, eyebrow ring, lip ring.. bellybutton ring?

Yeo Rumi - necklace

Hwang Mangi - hair accessory, hair extensions, baseball cap, beanies, etc

Gaeul - a lucky charm

Baek Seongjoon - perfume

Lee Jinho - make up

Kim Munseong - bracelet, anklet

Choi Bomi - company/student id i guess??

Yoo Hobin - you just need your wallet, phone, keys, bus card.. anything besides clothes and shoes is an excess

Your "business partner / ride or die"..

(Second letter of the title of the last manga/manhwa/comic you read)

Yoo Hobin - V, X

Seong Taehoon - G, B

Ji Yeonwoo - C, W

Lee Dowoon - A, K

Han Gyeoul - P, Q

Woo Jihyeok - L, I

Han Wangguk - it has only one letter / it's a number or punctuation mark

Yeo Rumi - N, F

Hwang Mangi - D, U

Gaeul - Z, O

Baek Seongjoon - Y, T

Lee Jinho - S, J

Kim Munseong - M, H

Choi Bomi - E, R

Character who will have an unhealthy obsession with you..

(Type of curtain you have in your bedroom)

Yoo Hobin - stripe, polkadot, gingham

Seong Taehoon - blackout curtain

Ji Yeonwoo - insulated

Lee Dowoon - no window in your bedroom

Han Gyeoul - big prints

Woo Jihyeok - blinds

Han Wangguk - small prints

Yeo Rumi - lace, tulle, sheer

Hwang Mangi - maybe like a seashell curtain or bead curtain (i'm so scared of you, you're so fancy and accommodating)

Gaeul - cartoon/anime print

Baek Seongjoon - just white

Lee Jinho - you use a tarp lmao, no curtain, your window type doesn't need one

Kim Munseong - solid dark color

Choi Bomi - solid light color

Character who will have a huge wholesome crush on you..

(The last thing you read that is not a manga/manhwa/comic, or a tumblr post)

Yoo Hobin - bills, receipt, flyers, nice.. you scored some discount coupons, grocery receipt.. you know, it do be that way sometimes

Seong Taehoon - NPC dialouge, in-game chat box, discord chat

Ji Yeonwoo - textbook, assigned reading for a class, maybe the dictionary.. you need a nap

Lee Dowoon - work schedule, class schedule, to do list, emails, texts, alarm notifications/reminders, push notification.. yeah, take it easy man

Han Gyeoul -  twitter thread, youtube comment section, r/

Woo Jihyeok - product manual, product description, product label, reviews, 2 star, 5 star, don't buy this, i was scammed, recommended, critical reviews

Han Wangguk - song lyrics

Yeo Rumi - restaurant/cafe menu

Hwang Mangi - street sign.. a sign, any sign, give me a sign hit me baby one more time

Gaeul - anime/movie/etc subtitle

Baek Seongjoon - some kind of legal document, terms and conditions, a contract

Lee Jinho - a novel, just a book, a magazine

Kim Munseong - poetry

Choi Bomi - malware alert, other

Your archenemy..

(Last letter of the title of the last song you listened to)

Yoo Hobin - Y

Seong Taehoon - U, T

Ji Yeonwoo - G, Z

Lee Dowoon - J, N

Han Gyeoul - A, K

Woo Jihyeok - X, R

Han Wangguk - H, P

Yeo Rumi - O, I

Hwang Mangi - V, S

Gaeul - D, L

Baek Seongjoon - F, C

Lee Jinho - W, B

Kim Munseong - M, E

Choi Bomi - Q

Character you'll end up with..

(The month of your birthday + the date of your birthday = the number of seconds you need to count before taking a screenshot of this gif)

[mono-dot-jpeg]

aaitl: [first fight and first words]

summary; it was a very big surprise to xiao and ganyu that they would be meeting the next adeptus in line. especially when the next adeptus is a child.

genre; fluff, this is just family, i need emotional support from liyue god family, dad! zhongli, child! reader, ALL PLATONIC, zhongli is a doting dad and i will die on that hill, dragon hybrid! reader, xiao is just a grumpy older brother, angst (if you squint,,, like really hard), i swear to god if someone comments peepaw zhongli i will cry /j

word count; 1.4k

masterlist | < previous | next >

[gender neutral]

warnings: none [read: childe slander from a child /j]

the child is now 1 year old :)

"pfft-"

"h-hey! that wasn't nice." childe looked at you as you had your tongue stuck out a bit and cheeks puffed. "you don't do that to others." you blew a raspberry again at his face as your scales flared up with your cheeks.

how did this situation come to be?

well, it all started with hu tao…

hu tao needed more hands on deck due to the death of rex lapis and that meant zhongli was needed. however, he couldn't bring you to work (even if hu tao was glad to have you around). so with that, zhongli decided to assign childe as your babysitter.

"please be careful with them. they tend to be rather needy sometimes." zhongli told the ginger. the young male waved off zhongli's worries as he told him that he was certainly experienced in taking care of children. "they might be much more different from a normal child though.." zhongli warned.

"don't worry mr. zhongli! i'll be sure to take care of them well!" childe reassured the man. childe couldn't blame him for being so worried, this was the first time zhongli was leaving you with someone you certainly weren't fond of and this would be the first time you would not be with zhongli. you didn’t like this already. your body squirming as much as it could in the arms of the strong harbinger while he waves goodbye to the older male. “see you later mr. zhongli!” he said cheerily as he continued to hold you like a cat, hands under the arms and letting you hang and squirm.

and just like that… the fight between an adeptus child and a fatui harbinger has come.

“you know you’re really ruining my chances of being with zhongli right?” he poked at your cheek, smirking at the annoyed look on your face as you tried to reach your arms out to stop him. “now i understand that you’re a kid and all and you need the attention of your dad, but i want his attention too, little dragon.” was childe really talking to you as if you understood him? yes. did you understand him? unfortunately, yes. “but the only way to do that…”

you can feel his cold arms starting to cradle you properly. “...is to please you. so i suggest that you make this easier for me and you and just let me keep you happy!” while his motives aren’t the most cruel, you certainly didn’t want this ginger with your father. the least your father could do is pick someone better in your opinion. “and i’m not that bad of a guy! i’m a family guy too! i think you’re really adorable and mr. zhongli gave all those good genes to you!” he cooed. your cheek is squished against his chest as you glare up at him the best you could. squirming again, a ‘buh!’ sound leaves your lips as childe coos at you.

“oh you’re so cute!” that was a yell of defiance, you fiend. you think, looking at him. “come on! i’ll be sure to make you like me by the end of zhongli’s shift! and i heard he’s gonna be home late! so we got plenty of time!” you sort of muster a sound that was similar to a whine as the young male hugs you. "we're gonna be good friends, little dragon!"

you struggled in his arms, wondering how to possibly get out of this situation. maybe i can make him miserable during this! wait… what if papa gets mad at me? you huffed at the thought of zhongli scolding you. while he was really gentle with you, there was a small chance that he would scold you as he knew you weren't in the mindset of a baby.

"come on little dragon! you must be feeling hungry soon right?" the scales on your cheeks perked up at the mention of food as your tummy grumbles. "that cute little belly needs some food, huh?" you really want to wipe that stupid grin on his face but alas he was your only source of being able to remotely do anything. he patted your tummy as he spoke, "i'm sure mr. zhongli has some wonderful food for you!" he laughed.

i will not succumb to your stupid affections. you thought as you watch him grab the food you normally eat and grabbing a bib to keep you clean. "so this is what mr. zhongli has been using my money for. spoiling you!" he booped your nose, your face scrunching adorably as he did. "you're just like my siblings when they were younger!" he comments, wrapping the bib on you.

and so here you both were, one trying to get the other to eat and the other refusing the soft food.

"pfft!"

"h-hey! that's not nice!" childe looked at you as you had your tongue stuck out a bit and cheeks puffed. "you don't do that to others." you blew a raspberry again at his face as your scales flared up with your cheeks. "you gotta eat, little dragon!" he pouted childishly. if some people didn't know any better, childe was more of a baby than you were.

so here you both were, in a situation you both didn't wanna be in but had not much of a choice in the matter. well… maybe childe had a choice, you did not.

"i'll tell ya what, if you finish eating, we can go visit mr. zhongli, sound like a deal?" at the mention of your dad, you start to open your mouth to be fed. "that's the spirit, little dragon!" he smiled brightly, feeding you. you didn't want to eat such mushy food but unfortunately you were only a mere baby. you almost wanted to spit it out if not for the look on childe's face that is very much determined to make you finish eating. "no spitting out. i don't think mr. zhongli would like to see you be all cranky because you didn't eat."

mr. zhongli would kill me if i made you go hungry.. childe thought, avoiding the thought of the ever so calm man being angry for once.

"buh!" you could only yell out, smacking your hands against the table. your scales puffed out with your cheeks as your tail is swaying out of anger. "bah!"

"just a little bit more okay? then we can go visit, alright?" you huffed as you glare at the small spoonful of food before opening your mouth. "that's a good dragon!" he smiled, patting your head. you attempted to bite his hand but failed in doing so, making the male laugh. "no biting! not like you can really bite that hard right?" he hovered his hand above your head as if to tease you.

"bah! bah!" you struggled to speak, you just wanted your dad.

"hm? baba? do you want your baba?" you had heard some of liyue's common language enough back then, thank god you remembered it for now. you nodded, starting to get teary as you were starting to miss him more. he was only gone for a few hours but it felt like forever especially in your form.

"baba!" you whined as you let childe pick you up, holding you in his arms and patting your back.

"aiya, it's okay little dragon, we're gonna see him okay?" he tried to calm you down.

"baba!" you cried. childe was quick to go find the ex-archon before things could get too dicey for him (even if he was experienced with dealing with kids).

zhongli was a bit more relaxed now, his workload draining down to a mere few small packets of papers that he could manage.

that relaxation was quick to end as he had heard the cry of his child and childe hushing the baby. before zhongli could even stand up to get to you, childe had come barging in. "i'm sorry if i disturbed you or anything mr. zhongli! y/n really started to miss you." good thing childe had explained the situation or else this would not end well. "also y/n has something to say. come on little dragon."

cradled in childe's arms, you reached out for zhongli, "baba!" your teary eyes and squished cheeks were more than enough for him to hold you in his arms. "baba!" your hands sort of pawed at his clothes, struggling to grasp at them.

zhongli is close to speechless, hearing your tiny voice call for him. but soon a gentle smile is curved on his lips and he's resting his forehead against yours, "baba is here. don't worry."

[papillon-mechant]

Welcome to: Papillon’s moots movie night!

This celebration is a little appreciation for all of my lovely moots. I want to say thank you to all my lovely moots who support me and are just all amazing people!!! this is for you guys!!! this is a moots only celebration, meaning only my mutuals can participate, anyone else will just be ignored.

celebration open from 5/16-5/19

concession stand: here you can pick from your favorite characters + aus to request a blurb

candies 🍬

sweetarts: james potter

hot tamales: sirius black

sour patch kids: remus lupin

skittles: poly!marauders

twizzlers: ron weasley

lemonheads: george weasley

pop rocks: fred weasley

sno caps: draco malfoy

nerds: poly!dron

foods 🍽

popcorn: professor!au

pretzel: step!au

wings: mafia!au

nachos: roommate!au

pizza: camboy/girl!au

mozzarella sticks: bestfriend!au

sample platter: whatever you want!!! give me an au!!

drink fountain: here you can choose from different games and asks to participate in !

mountain dew: i’ll tell you why i followed you (and you can tell me why you did if you’d like)

fanta: i’ll tell you my favorite fic of yours (and you can tell me yours if you’d like)

pepsi: i’ll give you a song that reminds me of you/your blog

coke: i’ll make a moodboard for the vibe i think you give

ginger ale: i’ll give you a picture of what i think you look like (also please tell me if your a poc bc i don’t wanna mix any of that up lol)

iced tea: intimidation scale! tell me on a scale of 1-10 how much i intimidate you and why, and i’ll do the same

lemonade: games!!! (ex. cym, this or that, fmk, ect.)

the amazing moots that this celebration is for:

@jamespottersmommy @squishytomatoes @ronweasleysslut @myfictionaldreams @pretty-pillow-princess @pixiehollands @sunshinexhotchner @getawayfrommewerewolf @daphgreen444 @elysian-i @dr4cking @saintlike78 @sarahisslytherin @scarletslxt @weaselbrownie @fairydxll @malfoysstilinski @bellatrixscurls @mellifluousart @guinevererosa @fictionalcomforts @chissmalfoy @peppers-analytics @nsuncatcher @letterstotheflre @draconisxcaput @carnationbasement @ronweasleysgf @ameliora-j @ameliasbitvh @embrassemoi @prettybabybaby @enviedear @looneybot (if we’re moots and i forgot to tag you PLEASEEE tell me. you all deserve to be celebrated)

[genshin-latte]

Heyheyhey!! May i request a Diluc hc on how he is while his wife is pregnant? I just really love the concept of Diluc with children wjanwnwown And if you allow it can you write one with Childe too 👉👈 wiwnsiwwkw i just love these two way too much Have a great day and do take care of yourself!!

Diluc Childe combo that is like the worst combo you could have requested /j anyway this turned out longer than expected

Diluc initially doesn’t understand very much about these things but seeing him put so much effort in learning about pregnancies for you was rather adorable. He practically has an entire collection of books about pregnancy and all his free time goes into browsing to prepare for your labor.

He’s tries to not look like a mess of a soon-to-be father but he’s very nervous and those who know him will be able to tell. Expect him to check on you every 10 minutes, making sure you and your child are both still breathing.

Although he does all he can to make sure he’s prepared, He might get a little confused at first. He’s caught off guard with your sudden mood swings and symptoms. He might get a little distant because he’s afraid he’ll make things worse, you may need to talk to him about your feelings.

He makes sure to prepare warm ginger tea every morning and that you have plenty of space to rest whenever your morning sickness hits.

He has never dreaded his work so much. Whether it’s appointments or his job as the bar, he hates having to leave your side. The thought of you is always on the back of his mind. He’ll be by your side as much as he can, and when he’s away he’ll ensure you’re in good hands. Although that only lessens his worries slightly.

He absolutely spoils you, any food you’re craving? Do you want to buy a new dress? Just say the word he’ll get it on your front door, 30 minutes tops.

His protective nature shoots out the roof. Although he doesn’t want to restrict you, he prefers if you stay within his eye sight in public. Especially during your late pregnancy, he wants to ensure that you’re safe at all times.

Cannot keep his hands off you. He’d reflexively carress your stomach during cuddles, tracing comforting circles with his thumb. He’d plant kisses on it whenever he’s given the chance. In public, you’d occasionally find his hand slightly stroke the side of your stomach.

Plans everything ahead, your child name, prepares them a room, a bed, everything. He might keep up his stoic expression most of the time but he gets very excited when you have to shop for your child. Just the thought of it fills him with joy

Although he might have a childlike exterior , Childe is actually rather well versed in these kinds of things. Perhaps it was his experience as an older brother, or because he comes from a big family. But he handles things quite well.

The thought of you bearing his child fills him with so much joy. He’d still tease you, you can’t avoid that. But his jokes become a lot more gentle and it usually ends with kisses and cuddles.

Holds your hair back during your morning sickness. He’ll personally cook for you, and prepares a cup of warm tea. He always ensures you’re enjoying your meals.

He’s quite patient with your moodswings, he distances himself when it gets overwhelming but most of the time, he’ll indulge your needs.

Puts his job aside as much as he can. He knows you need his support more than ever, and as loyal as he is to the Tsarita, he’d never wanted to ditch his job more than ever. But this is Tartaglia we’re talking about, he’ll find a way to juggle his reponsibilities, one way or another.

Expect his family to invite you over once they hear the news. In fact, they’ll suggest you stay with them until your child’s birth. Knowing Childe is rather busy and if you were to stay with his family he’d at least be able to ensure you’re in good hands.

His siblings get super excited at the news, both his younger and older siblings would make a huge fuss out of it. They’d make sure to take turns to visit you, bringing gifts. You’d find them teasing Childe from time to time.

When you’re alone, he’d place his ear on your stomach to hear your baby. Plants kisses on it whenever he can, his hand always somehow ends up there. He gives you lots of cuddles, saying something about having to double it for the baby.

[the-good-bad-truth]

Megan fox started modeling at 13 and knew she wanted to act at 2. M's done about 29 movies and 8 shows w/most being cameos, few episodes or minor characters that were a combo of: Bi/lesbian,sexy, evil, popular, mean girl, hating boys, or stuck up. Her biggest movies were Transformers and Jennifer's body. I learned later she was fired from transformers or as she claims left to pursue diff. films because she described director Michael Bay as Hitler, Napoleon, a madman,awkward, having no social skills and fragile. This doesn't excuse them sexualizing her but there's a common theme on how Megan talks about men. She will call them lil boys but scary monsters in the same sentence. She is right about some men but to talk about the ones she loves. I think she does have a tendency to exaggerate or say dark things but should've known that media twist celebs' words but they also shouldn't have insulted her. Jennifer's body(2009) was good although I can think of 2 movies w/ similar plots and vibes. Ginger Snaps(2000) is about sisters who make horror vids but one ends up going crazy after she becomes werewolf. Tamara(2005), is about a girl who get tricked by her bullies & comes back to life for revenge. I also don't get why the characters relationship is praised cuz J would kill boys that liked needy or boys who did nothing. JB and other MF movies ended up not doing well at the time and the media grew tired of seeing her face. I think she was tired also that she turned her focus on her family. Brian was the only support she had since he at one point knew how it was to be famous. He was there for her breakout role, and stood by her even when she was allegedly w/ shia Labeouf during their engagement. He was her protector or safety net. Think about how women say I have a bf so a guy will back off. They were also always on/off, M filed for divorce 3x even during his diagnosis of vertigo, then she'd get pregnant or they'd make up. One time she told him to go or she'd stab him & would scribble marker on walls. She took it out on him cuz of her insecurity issues, lack of career & missing the spotlight. She wanted back in but she grew impatient especially when her comeback movies didn't do good. This made her break it off w/Brian who was blamed for "holding her back" & saw a chance to become popular again when she heard about mgk. This is why she's holding onto him cuz w/out him she doesn't have much to offer. She also likes to put her issues on others like blaming her career failures on Brian alleged possessiveness, blacklisting and mean feminist. She says she isn't accepted by feminist or the me too movement because of who she was. I get it a bit cuz of the stereotype that some attractive women have it easy. But she made it seem like feminism or me too was something you apply or get initiated into. She also didn't want to speak about Roe v Wade cuz she wasn't the right person unless it or any other news effects her aura. That was stupid of her to say cuz it's like ur a woman, no? This issue effects you or ur female fans, right? She says she's close to nature and socially conscious. If she is socially conscious then why she want to play a Native superhero when she's white and 1/200th native, called herself the native tiger and child of the Cherokee tribe. In the same insta, she also called one son a kamikaze(japanese suicidal pilot) free spirit. Maybe she's dramatic and not at all painting the males in her life as destructive. She's collaborated with Boohoo 2x that have overpriced cheap material clothes, scam customers, not size inclusive, made in sweatshops by underpaid workers(mostly likely female workers) in 3rd world countries and basically bad for the environment. I think she should've shown up to the launch events tho cuz she at least had a purpose being there. She's this intelligent woman but can't do a quick google but she says she never w/her phone although she's always recording mgk, but what do I know? It's also like u learn all about astrology & can memorize a random man's whole birth chart, but can't type in boohoo scandal.

[hereticcryptid]

Read this before hating on me for liking Severus Snape.

Read the whole thing.

Droped a branch on Petunia

Acidental magic, mate. No one can be blamed for that.

Hated the marauders

The marauders were tormenting him on a daily basis. No wonder why.

Tryed to get the marauders expelled

They were tormenting him, one of them had attemped to kill him and sexually assaulted him. No wonder why, in a decent school they would be expelled if not arrested after the werewolf incident.

Came up with sectumsempra

Legit defense. Marauders used illegal harmful hexes on him. And they had attemped to kill him. It's just me, but I would carry around a knife too if someone tryed to kill me. And if he really wanted to harm, he wouldn't bother to make a counter-curse.

Hanged out with future death eaters

You mean his housemates? The people he was living with? He would be even more an outcast if he didn't. Than he would be left with no friends after the mudblood incident. Not to say that, being pro-muggle and a halfblood, he would very likely get killed on his sleep.

Called Lily a mudblood

Yes. In a traumatising and humiliating moment, while being sexually assaulted. And she had to keep herself from smiling. I would call her a bitch, at least.

Believed in blood purity

Haha nope. No, he didn't. "Don't say that word!"

Interested in dark arts

So, if I like seing blood in movies, I am a psycopath? If I like manipulation tecnics, am I a evil master manipulator? If I like war tecnics, will I start WW3? Dark arts are hella interesting. I would study them too.

Joined the DEs

Out of despair and hopelessness. He had lost his only conection to the light, he had all the reasons to resent muggles and they were the only people who valued & respected him. Besides, he was a bullied poor halfblood outcast, the perfect victim of cults. And he defected after a few years, spending the rest of his life trying to bring them down.

Told the profecy

Man was a death eater working for a mind reading madman. Want did you want him to do?

Bullied the students

Maybe he was a little mean. He was the best teacher tho. Never endanged anyone's life, until year 7 where the choice was go to the forest or get tortured. Not like Miss McGonnagal who sent them to the dark forest (and locked Neville in the corridor while there was an allegate mass murderer in the school), or like Mr. Lupin who was a danger himself & covered the said mass murederer.

Attemped to get Lupin fired and outed him

First, he didn't out him. The ministry already knew, the anti-werewolf law already existed, if he had quit without being outed, he would most likely not get a job anyway. Lupin wasn't fired, he quit. Second, no wonder why he wanted him fired! He was already in a triggering place, and then Dumbledore decided to hire the person that almost killed him! Besides, as a werewolf, Lupin was endangering the students. And he covered for Sirius, an allegate mass murderer, for the sake of an old friendship. And you guys should be thankfull that he made Lupin quit, if you don't remember, DADA was cursed. If Lupin didn't quit, probably something worse would happen.

Threw a jar at Harry

Man had lost his temper. Harry had just witnessed the most embarassing thing that happened in his life. Besides, if he wanted the jar to hit Harry, it would've. And not even Harry was mad about this, so, who are we to be?

And now... let's dive into the fanon ocean! Yay...

(Until now this was by chronological order, but with fanon that's hard so it won't be)

Was evil from the beggining

No. At the beggining, he was just a poor abused inocent kid, who was made "evil" by the bullying and lack of support system.

Was toxic

Welp, sorry to ruin your fun, but if there was anyone toxic in that friendship, it was Lily. Dismissing the bullying, not listening to him, ignoring her duties as a perfect to stop that kind of stuff, blaming him for what Mulciber did to Mary, marrying his childhood bullie (and man who harrassed her constantly!). What did Sev do? Hanged out with his housemates? Lily only brought him pain.

Wouldn't give a shit if Voldy targeted the Longbottoms

Can't fight this one. It is true. But you really don't want to play the if game with me.

Told Voldy to spare Lily, but not Harry nor James

You really act like if he told Voldy to kill Harry and James. He didn't. He simply asked Voldy to spare the person he cared about. He would be asked many questions that don't have an answer at all if he asked him to spare James, and straight up killed if he asked for Harry. And I personally wouldn't give a shit about my bullie and his son. Would you?

Would be happy if J&H were dead

This one is the stupidiest. Are you for real? Lily's death made him (further) depressed and suicidal. But dead family and alive Lily? Wouldn't be able to even look at her. Dunno about you, but I would kill myself if I got the love of my life's family killed.

Was obsessed

*annoyed grunt* We've debunked this so many times... 1. If he was obsessed, the obsession would've died with Lily. You don't give your life away for obsession. 2. He was a potions prodigy. He could easely feed Lily amortentia or take felix felicis. But he didn't. 3. He left her alone after the fallout. Just that says everything. 4. So you are not allowed to grieve? To be depressed after someone you loved died?

The classic would r@p3 Harry if he was a ginger female

Haha... I'm scared of you. Genually scared of you. First, having a p3d0phily teory about kids books says more about you than about the target of the teory. Second, what would you do if a miniature of the person you loved and helped killing appeared in front of you? He wouldn't be able to teach with her in the room. Too triggering.

Was a n@zi

Death eaters are not n@zis. They are a terrorist group/cult. But n@zis? They are kids throwing a tantum when compared to them. Never left England, would welcome "jewishes" (muggleborns) or "half jewishes" (halfbloods) if they were particulary gifted or/and shared they beliefs. Oh! And that stupid myth that Hitl3r is half jewish! Does this sound like the nazis? I don't think so.

It wasn't bullying

Yes it was. 4/1. It is bullying. Rich atractive kids against poor ugly kid. It is bullying. No suport system vs no need of suport system. It IS bullying. Sirius didn't deny it. They said James had to change. It is bullying.

James changed

He didn't. He kept hexing Severus on Lily's back. Dieing for your family doesn't mean you're good. Being on the right side doesn't mean you're good.

Did I miss anything, fellow homosnapiens? If I did, tell me so I can add.

[missdawnandherdusk]

the lakes

Draco Malfoy X Reader

Request: @youareinllve​: Imagine spending summer break at the Malfoy manor and you realize that this is the first time in a while that draco seems like a kid again, with no pressure from his family or Voldemort or the death eaters, just draco, your draco again, just having fun in a lake. (also see the lakes)

A/N: So I think this is the softest thing that I’ve ever written in my life and that’s saying something (especially for those of you who have been around for a while). It also has brilliant cadence, so if you can, read it aloud: it’s that much more enchanting if you can. By no means will this always be how I write, because it is more poetic than prose, but I don’t mind doing it now and against especially with a muse like folklore. Let me know what you think! Seriously, I thrive on y’all feedback/comments/reblogs.

There were few days that I could call my own. The days when no one expected me to sit this way, talk that way, act perfectly. I could be young. I could be free. I could be loved. I could be with him.

There were few days that I could call him my own. The days when no one expected him to walk this way, speak that way, act like a Malfoy. He could be young. He could be free. He could be loved. He could be with me.

There were no tight-fitting robes. There were no school uniforms. There were no hours spent on hair and makeup. There was no time wasted in reflections. There were no side eye glances to steal.

There was the lightness of cotton. It was sundresses, cuffed trousers and flowy shirts. It was wide brimmed sun hats and bare feet. It was the softness of grass and the strength of the stones and comfort of earth.

It was his smile. The way it met his eyes. The way it called me in.

Into that cold water. That crystal-clear water. The water that matched the shade of his eyes.

 ~

Meet me at the lake,

Yours, Draco

~

That’s all it would take. That was when I knew the day was mine. When I knew he was. It was a trip to Windermere. To the wood skirting around his large suffocating manor. It was meeting him at the lake, where our days went to live and die.

“Took you long enough,” I’d tease as he passed the first few trees, his eyes scanning the foliage for me.

“Not all of us can apparate yet,” He’d jest back, taking my hand.

The warmth of his hand in mine matched the smile on his face. The sharp points of his cheekbones and jaw meeting the soft curves of his lips and eyelashes. The grass struggling to grow in the speckled light beckoned us forward. Our shoes, coats, and griefs left under a tree where our initials were carved. Sunlight filtered in golden and green through the trees lighting him softly.

Draco would take my hand and pull me close. His hands would rest on my waist as his nose nuzzled against mine in the calm lighting. Our breaths and the rustling of leaves were the only things heard. The only things that mattered to listen to. His lips would be soft and alluring on mine—just as his smile was.

The shock of the chilled water would elicit the most irresistible laughter and shouts of joy. The squishy earth beneath my toes would have me draped over Draco’s shoulders, just to avoid the prickling feeling. My dislike of the sensation would have him laughing yet again, and perhaps he’d roll his eyes at my ridiculousness. But he’d never complain. Instead he’d hold me or draw me deeper into the water.

The lake. The deep water. As soon as we could dive beneath it, our worries were gone. There was no war looming. There were no evil overlords. No heroes. No ransoms. There was no good versus bad. There was no sides. No houses. No prejudices.

There was me. 

There was Draco.

There was the hum of insects. There was the swaying of wisteria. His smile pressed against my skin.

“I love you,” He’d whisper. “More than anything,” 

“Never more than I love you,” I’d reply.

The enchanted water of that lake would take us to the banks. The outcropped rocks surrounded by flowers that were free to grow. That grew despite the adversity that it faced. The blanket would be soft under my touch as we carved a little square of the wildflowers to call our own.

Draco’s eyes would watch the distance, gazing upon the peaks of the mountains. Being with Draco seemed to make everything hurt less. No matter what it was, he had a way of soothing all of my worries and strife.

“How do I love thee?” He’d quote as I lay beside him watching the blueness of the heavens above.

“Let me count the ways,” I’d muse back, propping up on my arm so that I could catch a glimpse of the grey that his eyes held.

“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach,” The words would tumble from his lips with practiced ease, with the same grace as the breeze persuading the grass to waver.

“I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.” My words would barely be heard above the babbling of the lost brook as the sun would stretch out its last efforts of warmth and guidance.

Draco would sit up then, tucking my drying hair behind my ear in a feeble attempt to tame it against the will of the wind gods that accompanied us.

“I love thee freely, as men strive for right.” An air of melancholy would haunt his words as shades began to seep back into our Eden.

“I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.” The gentle reminder would ward off the ghosts of who we were supposed to be as a smile would be mirrored on his face as it was mine. Again, we were free.

“I love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.” Draco would become theatrical at these lines, feigning distress and he draped over my lap. A laugh would fall from my lips and onto the perfection of his features.

“I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints.” My fingers would dust over his cheek, drawing down his jaw, to trace the pink of his lips.

“I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life,” His grey eyes would vow this to me. Each and every day that belonged to us he would declare these words.

“And, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.” I’d promise back.

As the sun gave into his sister for the night, there was no escaping the world that demanded us back. The world filled with grief and sorrow.

The truth was: Draco and I didn’t belong in that world. The world of heroes and villains. The world of happily ever after’s and storybook endings. We weren’t made for rumors and gossip. Our love didn’t fit in newspapers or hushed conversations.

We belonged to the poets. To the sad prose. We belonged to the orishas of that lake and the wood and the flowers and the earth. Thousands of nymphs and naiads for us to be in the comfort and care of. The fae that would welcome us and protect our love. Our love that grew deep roots and beautiful flowers with no one around to spoil it.

Those were the days that we’d set off without our beloved to the lakes.

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[sensei-aishitemasu]

2020 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

2020 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

It’s that time again! Our SIXTH ANNUAL BLACK-OWNED GIFT GUIDE IS HERE!!!! This Black Friday, try and support a Black-owned business for all your gift-giving needs. For last years gift guide, click here. For the 2018 gift guide, click here. For the 2017 gift guide, click here. For the 2016 gift guide, click here. For the 2015 gift guide, click here.

Similar to previous lists, I kept every individual item listed under $100! Click on the links to be taken to the websites in order to peruse more yourselves: all businesses listed are Black-owned, and many are run by Black women, Black Americans specifically, manufactured here in the United States, and/or sustainably and ethically sourced with philanthropic causes attached to sales! Check them out. 

In addition, this year there are THREE NEW CATEGORIES! Check out items for the ‘Goth/Kawaii,’ for your ‘Activist Bae,’ and for the ‘Esoteric’ down below.

[As always, this guide has been split into categories to make it easier to get through, but feel free to mix and match for the person in your life that fits all of (or none of!) these categories!]

For the Homebody:

Lettie Gooch Small Safety Matches, $18 Lettie Gooch Amber & Moss Soy Candle, $20 Lettie Gooch White Concrete White Tea & Ginger Candle, $28 Lettie Gooch Planetarium Throw Blanket, $68 Lettie Gooch Soleil Throw Blanket, $68

Debra Cartwright ‘Bike’ Watercolor Print, $38 Debra Cartwright ‘Aura’ Watercolor Print, $87 Debra Cartwright ‘Astro Millennial Ladies in Quarantine’ Coloring Book, $5

Harlem Candle Company ‘Brownstone’ Luxury Candle, $45 Harlem Candle Company ‘Lenox’ Luxury Room Spray, $30 Harlem Candle Company ‘Langston’ Luxury Room Spray, $30

Jungalow Genie Vase, $89 Jungalow Handwoven Peach Planter, $49 Jungalow Azul Face Pillow by Justina Blakeney X Loloi, $89 Jungalow Soft Mint Pillow, $89 Jungalow Aja Wallpaper in Green by Justina Blakeney, $5 (per sheet) Jungalow Tigris Wallpaper in Onyx by Justina Blakeney, $5 (per sheet) Jungalow Cream Looped Wool Rug, $99.00 Jungalow Silvia Teal & Berry Rug by Justina Blakeney X Loloi, $69.00 Jungalow Striped Orange Outdoor Rug, $59.00 Jungalow Reindeer Games Hook Pillow by Justina Blakeney, $60.00 Jungalow Peace Vase by Justina Blakeney, $68.00 

Kashmir Viii ‘S is for Soul’ Print, $35-$45 

Galerie LA Rooted Incense Holder, $45

Duchess365 358 Art Print, $23.99 

Jeff Manning Art ‘Aplomb’ Art Print, $45 Jeff Manning Art ‘Pacific’ Art Print, $30

Kicky Mats ‘Get Naked’ Bath Mat, $30 Kicky Mats ‘Did You Wash Your Hands?’ Doormat, $50 Kicky Mats ‘Go Away, Come Back With Wine’ Doormat, $50 Kicky Mats ‘Did You Call First?’ Doormat, $50

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Tobacco + Patchouli Gold Travel Tin, $11 228 Grant Street Candle Co. Wild Blackberry + Absinthe Amber Jar, $21 228 Grant Street Candle Co. Oakmoss + Amber Apothecary Jar, $32

Shea Makery Strawberry Cheesecake Signature Candle, $40 Shea Makery Cinna-Bowl Signature Candle, $40

The Silver Room Cider and Cedar Leaf Candle, $34 The Silver Room Rose Water & Tea Leaves Diffuser, $28 The Silver Room Minnie Ripperton - Les Fleur Vinyl, $26

Rituals + Ceremony Anonomy Sculptures, $79 Rituals + Ceremony USB Travel Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser, $25

Handcrafted Ceramic Watering Cans, $64

Fill More Waste Less Natural Loofah Sponge, $2.50 Fill More Waste Less Food Huggers, $12. 99 

Ment Nelson Backwoods Baptism Print, $50 Ment Nelson Old Sheldon Print, $40

Quarantine Games!

Trading Races, $19.99

Winsults, $25

Cards For All People - Black Card Revoked (First Edition), $17.99

Trap Wars - The Urban Game Night Experience, $22.99

Lyrically Correct 90's & 2000's Hip Hop/R&B Edition, $24.99

Black Wall Street - The Black History Board Game, $49.99

Pull Your Card Music Trivia: Hip Hop Edition, $14.99

Spill It Card Game, $23

'Verified' A Party Game for Social Media Lovers (Original Edition), $19.99

For the Foodie:

Kashmir Viii ‘The Black Power’ Mixtape Coasters, $40 Kashmir Viii ‘Reclaim It’ Mug, $16 Kashmir Viii ‘I Slay.’ Clutch, $45 

Galerie LA Peak and Valley Balance Blend, $30 

‘The Cooking Gene,’ by Michael W. Twitty, $28.99 

‘From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes From the Boss Dog’s Kitchen’ by Snoop Dogg, $24.95 

Essie Spice Signature Sauce Collection, $42 

‘Your Guide to Tasteful Manners’ with Love Cork Screw, $19.95 

‘Deliciously Vegan’ Cookbook by The Chic Natural, $28.95 

EAT Apron, $30

Midnight Reflections Crowned White Ceramic Mug, $19.99

The Spice Suite Utensils + Oven Mitts, $50 The Spice Suite ‘The Little Black Spice Book’ (E-book), $30

Rituals + Ceremony Circle Mug, $40 Rituals + Ceremony Agate 6pc Plate Set, $24

Blk + Grn Stainless Steel Tea Ball Infuser, $4

Fill More Waste Less Reusable Tea Strainer, $14.99

Good Thoughts Tea Co. Tea Spoon Set, $12

KazvareMadeIt Personalised Alphabet Mug Tile Print, $20.99 KazvareMadeIt Banananana Cushion, $55.80

Addie Rawr ‘Addie's Cocktail Collection’ (Cards & Prints), $3.75

For the Beauty Guru:

Lettie Gooch Blends Perfume: Earth, $30 Lettie Gooch Bloom Perfume Blend No. 586, $48 

Galerie LA Hand Sanitizer, $10 Galerie LA Cream Cleanser, $16 Galerie LA Citrine Sea Tropical Exfoliator, $18 Galerie LA Botanica Rose Roller, $14 Galerie LA Botanica Lavender Roller, $14 Galerie LA Aurora Superfood Elixer (Face Serum), $27 Galerie LA Jade Eye Mask, $44 Galerie LA Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $28.00 

Shea Makery Scar Healing Serum, $23 Shea Makery Cinnamon Bun Body Butter, $25 Shea Makery Glazed Donut Body Butter, $25 Shea Makery Milk + Honey + Syrup Bubble Bath, $22 Shea Makery Honeycomb Bath Set, $16

The Lip Bar Cheek and Eye Palette, $15  The Lip Bar ‘Goddess’ Lipgloss, $14 The Lip Bar ‘Bawse Lady’ Liquid Matte Lipstick, $13  The Lip Bar ‘4:00 Stuntin' Fast Face Kit,’ $99 The Lip Bar Limited Edition Easy Holiday Glam Collection, $25  The Lip Bar ‘Lip Bar Littles,’ $18.99 The Lip Bar Minimalist Lovers Bundle, $36

Auda B. Beauty Soy Polish Remover, $26 

Breukelen Polished ‘Paid and Full,’ $11 Breukelen Polished ‘Get Me Right’ Treatment Set, $25

Beauty Bakerie ‘Milk & Honey’ Highlighting Brush, $18 Beauty Bakerie ‘Coffee and Cocoa’ Bronzer Palette, $38 Beauty Bakerie ‘Black Egg-cellence’ Beauty Sponges, $18  Beauty Bakerie ‘Sugar Cookies’ Palette, $28 Beauty Bakerie ‘The Butter’ Hydrasilk Primer, $24

Mented Mini Brush Trio, $10 Mented Everyday Eyeshadow Palette, $28 Mented Brush Collection, $45 Mented Holiday Faves Trio, $50

Blac Minerals Highlight Bundle, $32 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Oil, $30  Danessa Myricks Waterproof Cream Palettes, $36 Danessa Myricks Luxe Cream Palettes ‘The Nudist,’ $44

Pear Nova ‘Holiday Essentials’ Nail Set, $90 

Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Voodoo, $18  Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Midnight Cowboy, $18 Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Black Orpheus, $18 Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Scarab, $18

Hunny Bunny Cuticle Cream, $4.50 Hunny Bunny Grapefruit Sugar Scrub, $20

Taupe Coat in Good Fortune, $11

More Brands To Try:

People of Color Beauty

Mischo Beauty

Suite Eleven

Brown Butter Beauty

Beija Flor Naturals

Plain Jane Beauty

Ancient Cosmetics

Hue Noir

Lotus Moon Skincare

For the Fashion Conscious:

Merit ‘Fate’ Bucket Hat, $20

Chris Cardi Signature TwistDYE Tee, $33

Lettie Gooch Black Mineral Washed Jacquard Leggings, $68 Lettie Gooch ‘Smiling On The Inside’ Mask, $28

Kashmir Viii Face Masks, $16 Kashmir Viii ‘Around The Way Girl’ Clutch, $45-$60

Galerie LA Hemp Tie Button Down Sage, $90 Galerie LA Gratia Jumpsuit Tumeric, $100 Galerie LA Red Zipper Wallet, $45 Galerie LA Dopp Kitt (Makeup Bag) in Navy, $40 Galerie LA Lunar Star Earrings, $100 Galerie LA Meria Sunglasses Coral Pink, $75 Galerie LA Oda Ring, $45 Galerie LA Sabbath Cocoon Tunic, $85

Tree Fairfax Keychain, $22.50 Tree Fairfax Lois Belt, $45

LoveCortnie Polka Dot Leather Key Chain Clasps, $15 LoveCortnie Small Leather Tassel, $17 LoveCortnie ‘Color Me’ Coin Purse, $30 LoveCortnie Envelope Card Holder (Black & White), $32

Rue 107 ‘Toni’ Bikini in XOXO Print, $98 Rue 107 Signature Pencil Skirt in XOXO Print, $68 Rue 107 Tied Cropped Tank in XOXO Print, $48 Rue 107 Tied Cropped Tank in Vintage Rose Print, $48 Rue 107 Signature Pencil Skirt in Vintage Rose Print, $68

Grant Blvd ‘Sustainable Shit Only’ Fanny Pack, $26

Ebony and Green Mindfulness Earrings, $10

For the Bookworm:

‘Daymares’ by Kenya Moss-Dyme, $12.99

‘Hood Feminism’ by Mikki Kendall, $26

‘The Source of Self-Regard’ by Toni Morrison, $28.95

‘Tar Baby’ by Toni Morrison, $15

‘The Beautiful Ones’ by Prince, $30

‘In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage’ by Alan Schroeder, $12.95

‘The Street: A Novel’ by Ann Petry, $15.99

‘Chasing Down a Dream: A Blessings Novel’ by Beverly Jenkins, $14.99

‘Rebel (Women Who Dare)’ by Beverly Jenkins, $5.98

‘Night Song’ by Beverly Jenkins, $8.99

‘Tempest’ by Beverly Jenkins, $5.98

‘Our Black Year: One Family's Quest to Buy Black in America's Racially Divided Economy’ by Maggie Anderson, $17

Rayo and Honey ‘Books Change Your Mind’ Pennant, $75

Jungalow Face Bookend Vase by Justina Blakeney, $98

Midnight Reflections Black Nerd Tote Bag, $18.99

Addie Rawr Book Club Dolls Stickers (Die Cut Stickers), $9.50

For the Kids:

Jungalow Leela Terracotta Rug by Justina Blakeney X Loloi, $89.00 Jungalow Pink Looped Wool Rug, $99.00

Galerie LA Kids Face Mask, $25

Duchess365 237 Canvas Print, $98.99 Duchess365 231 Tote Bag, $24.99 Duchess365 279 Art Print, $23.99 Duchess365 241 Framed Art Print, $47.99

Shea Makery PB & J Soap, $10 Shea Makery ‘Save A Life’ Mini Assorted Hand Soaps (Set of 12), $5

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, $16.99

‘Clean Getaway’ by Nic Stone, $16.99

‘Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid’ by Mikaela Ulmer, $16.19

ABC Me Flashcards, $20

IkdKids Rag Doll, $40

KaAn’s ‘Living The Dream’ Denim Jacket, $40

Yinibini Baby Badminton Playing Octopus Tee, $23 Yinibini Baby Fox Pullover Sweatshirt Jogger Set, $41 Yinibini Baby ROAR Lion Hooded Pullover, $45 Yinibini Narwhal Toy, $28

For the Masculine:

ALWD Signature DC PROPER Sweatshirt, $40

Chris Cardi ‘Bastards’ Tee, $30.03

Merit Flannel Shirt (Green), $65

Kashmir Viii ‘Everybody Eats, B,’ Tee, $45 Kashmir Viii ‘The Knockout’ Tee, $45

Galerie LA ‘Mister’ T-Shirt, $45

Jeff Manning Art ‘Overflow’ Art Print, $30 Jeff Manning Art ‘The Golden Age’ Art Print, $45 Jeff Manning Art ‘Overflowed Emotions’ Art Print, $50

Levi Fisher Beard Bundle, $39.99

Scotch Porter Face Care Collection, $28.99 Scotch Porter Journal, $9.99

Shea Makery Beard Oil, $15

Enbois Matte Lava Rock Bracelet, $40 Enbois Benji Matte Sunglasses, $45 Enbois Bracelets Collection - Cocoa, $50

The Silver Room Tourer Backpack, $95

Urban Profile Black Panther Shirt, $24.99

Solo Noir Starter Kit, $28.99

Bevel Shave Starter Bundle, $89.95 Bevel Skin Starter Set, $61.95

For the Tech Savvy:

Enbois iPhone Case, $12 Enbois Power Bank, $15 Enbois Grip Socket, $4

Chic Geeks Brown Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $75 Chic Geeks Brown Snakeskin iPad Case, $75 Chic Geeks Emerald Faux Crocodile iPhone Case, $50 Chic Geeks Grey Marble MacBook Case, $80 Chic Geeks Black Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $75

Khristian A. Howell Cava Melon Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99 Khristian A. Howell Cava Black Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99

NSPRE ‘Inferno’ Bluetooth Sunglasses, $71.99 NSPRE Micro SD Card (128GB), $21.98 NSPRE ‘The Ombres’ Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses, $59.99  NSPRE ‘The Solars’ Bluetooth BlueTech Glasses, $59.99

For the Goth/Kawaii:

VickiBeWicked Vinyl Sticker Heart Drippy Mushroom, Laptop Decal, $4 VickiBeWicked Rainbow Unicorn, Black Girl Magic Laptop Sleeve, $30.99 VickiBeWicked AfroGirls Masked Up Laptop Sleeve, $30.99 VickiBeWicked Pastel Horn Face Resin Keychain, $12.99 VickiBeWicked Red and White Splatter Skull Dangle Earrings, $7.50

Kashmir Viii ‘The KeKe’ Print, $35-$60

Adorned by Chi ‘Goth Club Presidenct’ Unisex Raglan T-Shirt, $34.99 Adorned by Chi ‘Pro Black’ Unisex Raglan T-Shirt, $34.99 Adorned by Chi ‘Pretty Girls Like Anime’ T-Shirt, $32.99 Adorned by Chi ‘Awkward’ Iron-On Patch, $11.99 Adorned by Chi ‘I Need My Space’ Hard Enamel Pin, $12.99

The Colour Polka Dot iPhone XS ‘Creepy Cute’ Rainbow Phone Case, $40 The Colour Polka Dot ‘Creepy Cute’ Spoopy Ornaments, $12 The Colour Polka Dot ‘Kawaii Cute’ Face Mask Case, $16

Embrii Shop Blush Pink Laptop Sleeve, $36

Gothic Lamb Anti Social Goth Club Tee, $28 Gothic Lamb ‘FedUp’ Tee, $24 Gothic Lamb ‘Make America Goth Again’ Tee, $28 Gothic Lamb ‘Melanin Manson’ Tee, $24

For the Esoteric:

Behati Life Third Eye Vision And Prophetic Dreams Intention Oil, $22 Behati Life New Moon Bath Soak Herbal Mix, $22 Behati Life Lunar Goddess Moon Magick Intention Oil, $22

Lettie Gooch Ecuadorian Palo Santo Quartz Crystal Bundle, $18

Jungalow Chaya Wallpaper in Amethyst by Justina Blakeney, $5

The Silver Room White Sage Bundle, $6

Grandma Baby's Black Gold Lenormand Tarot Deck, $44

Pretty Spirits ‘The Truth��� Decks, $50

The Afro Tarot, $88

The Hoodoo Tarot: 78-Card Deck and Book for Rootworkers by Tayannah Lee McQuillar, $18.66

‘Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success’ by Tayannah Lee McQuillar, $11.99

Rituals + Ceremony Palo Santo Pack, $7 Rituals + Ceremony Empowered Vibes Ceramic Incense Holder, $10 Rituals + Ceremony Adinkra Intention Candles, $23 Rituals + Ceremony Cleanse and Protect Ritual Kit, $34 Rituals + Ceremony Crystal Candles, $22 Rituals + Ceremony Crystal Bliss: Attract Love, Feed Your Spirit, Manifest Your Dreams Book, $14.99

Ebony and Green Raw Clear Quartz Earrings, $15

For Your Activist Bae:

Kashmir Viii ‘Kash’s Bacon Shack’ Clutch, $45 Kashmir Viii ‘Copy and Paste’ Tee, $45 Kasmir Viii ‘We Did It First’ Stickers, $5.25-$20 Kashmir Viii ‘Reclaim It’ Clock, $45 Kashmir Viii ‘The Black Family’ Tee, $45

Jeff Manning Art ‘MLK’ Art Print, $35 Jeff Manning Art ‘We Shall Prevail’ Art Print, $45

‘The Spook Who Sat By The Door’ by Sam Greenlee, $21.99 ‘The Black Panthers Speak,’ $20 The Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975, $22.95 A Beautiful Ghetto by Devin Allen, $26.95 ‘Are Prisons Obsolete?’ by Angela Davis, $15.95

Angela Davis T-Shirt, $25

Legendary Rootz ‘Black Girls Are The Purest Form of Art’ Tee, $25

Alex Carter ‘BLACK BUSINESS OWNERSHIP’ Tee, $50

Rayo and Honey ‘Much To Be Done & Undone’ Pennant, $75 Rayo and Honey ‘Black Lives Matter’ Pennant, $75 Rayo and Honey ‘Joy Is An Act Of Resistance’ Tote Bag, $65

‘They Carried Us: The Social Impact of Philadelphia’s Black Women Leaders’ by Allener M. Baker-Rogers & Fasaha M. Traylor, $ 28.99

Midnight Reflections Black Radical Woman Tank, $25.00

The Colour Polka Dot ‘Fuck Racism’ Resin Heart Keychain, $8

Rituals + Ceremony Be The Change Scented Candle, $24

Grant Blvd ‘Disrupter’ Tee, $30 Grant Blvd ‘End Cash Bail’ Hoodie, $54 

Cards, Notebooks and Wrapping Paper + Holiday Ornaments:

VickiBeWicked ‘Skull Santa’ and Candy Cane Greeting Cards, $2

Harlem Candle Company Set of 10 Vintage Nightclub Greeting Cards, $30

Kashmir Viii ‘Nina En Printemps’ (Nina Simone) Notebook, $14 Kashmir Viii ‘Boo Yow!’ Notebook, $14

Midnight Reflections Wrapping Paper 3-pack, $26.97

Midnight Reflections Claus Ceramic Ornaments, $15.99

Midnight Reflections Emoji Black Santa Christmas Stockings, $24.99

Bylianarae Note Cards, $15

KazvareMadeIt Rap Lines Inspirational Coloring Book, $18.20 KazvareMadeIt Lemonade Notebook, $18.20 KazvareMadeIt Fried Egg Wallpaper, $4.88 KazvareMadeIt Diamond Retro Wrapping Paper, $4.88

Khristian A. Howell ‘Speak To Me’ Wallpaper, $12 (sample pack) Khristian A. Howell ‘Palm Springs’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Sonar’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Twinkle’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Ansley Park’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Rosy’ Holiday Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Long Weekend’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Bonjour’ Card Set (10 pk), $18

GreenTop Gifts ‘Clarence Claus’ HOHOHO Gift Wrap, $7.50 GreenTop Gifts ‘Clarence Claus’ Do Not Open Gift Wrap, $7.50 GreenTop Gifts ‘Clarence Claus’ Candy Canes and Trees Gift Wrap, $7.50

Addie Rawr 2021 Planners (Preorder), $30 Addie Rawr The Great Gratitude Journal, $20 Addie Rawr The Great Gratitude Journal, $20