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werrrrrd · 17 days ago

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CHARLES XAVIER X OC pt.2

SUMMARY: May is a Mutant, she doesn't want to be and neither do her parents. She has the ability to control blood and after showing signs of aggression and poor control of her powers, her parents put her through treatment at an institution run by Doctor Shmidt. After going through horrendous things at the mutation corrective institution, she is forced to stay with Shaw, the man who put her through those things in the first place. Working with Shaw she explores the many things her powers allow her to do in mostly uncomfortable ways. She runs into Charles Xavier while his team tries to capture and detain Shaw and they have a stand off amongst mutants on both sides. Charles and May have an immediate connection that neither can explain and try reason with themselves while also trying to find a way to be near each other. Despite the things that May has experienced and the punishment she will receive if she is caught, all she wants to do is help Charles. With so much happening, May isnt sure how this is going to work or if she can make build up the courage to completely severe connections from Shaw

WARNINGS: shock therapy, Inappropriate touching/sexual assault, manipulation, death, suicide, surgery is mentioned including an undetailed description, slight malnutrition, forcive murder, abuse of authority, blood, lots of blood stuff since this is like her power, anger issues, aggression, mentions of murder as well as the actual murder, mind reading, OC is not very kind to herself, let me know if you notice any others. No sexual assault but definitely Shaw being creepy.

AN: First off, this story is VERY loosely based on x men first class and the happenings in that movie. I really don't regard what happens in the actual story line or the accuracy of setting or characters just because I felt like focusing on the romance plot line between May and Charles. I'm guessing you already know what the movie's plot is and you don't want to read another story that just follows along those exact lines. I hope that this doesn't bother anyone. Second, this story has a very long prologue. I wanted to give the character more backstory so that she could be better explained and her behaviors and tendencies made more sense to y'all. I hope that this does not discourage you from reading cause she's pretty cool. Of course you could skip the prologues and read the part where she actually interacts with Charles if you'd like but the prologue helps enrich the story so I hope you do read it. My OCs name is May but of course you could read it as a reader insert if you like, I didn't really describe her too much so this wouldn't be too hard to do. I honestly didn't put too much effort into writing it because I wanted to get it all out before I lost motivation. If you notice spell issues or parts that don't make sense feel free to let me know but most likely I will not be doing anything about it. Bear with me, there are plot points that don't really connect but please ignore because like I said if i don't get this out like RIGHT NOW, I will lose interest and ill have this whole thing that doesn't have an ending and that makes me sad. ANNEEYYWAYYS Tehe! Please enjoy

PROLOGUE II

Three years later

"Lou?" My voice rang out in the dark room. I wasn't sure if she was awake or not, it must have been 3 in the morning. I couldn't sleep, thinking about the look in Lou's eyes when she had gone to bed earlier. Something about it haunting. She was quiet but I heard her turn her head towards me. Hoping she was awake I asked my question

"What happened? Was that your mom that came to visit?"

She was quiet still but soon I heard her voice respond

"Yeah, that was my mom."

"What did she say?"

"Nothing."

I sat up and went to sit next to her on the bed. As I came she sat up and put her back against the wall.

"She just looked at me." It had been visitation day. The day when mutants parents could come to visit them. We considered ourselves lucky that our parents at least showed up. Some kids had to sit and watch the others talk with their families since theirs didn't come. Others didn't even bother leaving their rooms knowing they wouldn't get any visitors. Lou had run off to her mom while I talked with my sisters and parents.

"Have they made any progress?" My dad asks as he pulls me into a hug.

"I think so," I say smiling, "it's painful to use my powers. They said that that's a good sign and that my body will start to reject them soon."

My dad holds me in the hug for a second longer than usual.

"That's good news!" My mom adds. "maybe you'll be out by your birthday!"

Ellie, my youngest sister, hugs me next. "the neighbors are asking about you. We told them you'd be home from boarding school soon. Let's make that happen huh?" I smile and ruffle her hair. "I miss you" she frowns

"I miss you too"

Maxine sat on the chair, her recently born child in her arms and her husband sat behind her on his phone. She passed the baby to him before coming to hug me as well.

"How is she?" I asked, peeking over at her.

"She's fine." Her husband Calvin said shortly.

Maxine sighed, "she's healthy, smiling already." She said as she gently touched the ends of my hair. "You need a trim." She said

"I'm not allowed to have scissors but I'll see what I can do,"

"Why aren't you allowed scissors?" My mother questioned.

"A kid killed himself a couple months ago" I said remembering when the news had been broken to the rest of the kids. He was only 14, his name was dakshi. He had x-ray vision, but he couldn't turn it off, he constantly saw through things without being able to see normally. After months of shock therapy and other medications and treatments that had been completely ineffective, the scientists tried surgery. He ended up losing his sight completely. I had met him twice, once before the surgery where he had been a smart and clever boy who I was surprised how well he got along with the older kids. The second time was after the surgery. He stared blankly at the table as we ate our lunch. His tray was untouched and his friends nudged him to at least try and eat the lasagna that was in front of him. He didn't respond. Only two weeks later he had hung himself. A funeral was hosted in the institution so all of the mutants who knew him could say goodbye. His parents were there. Watching them as the kids came up to his coffin, they seemed unphased. If anything they seemed relieved. They didn't have to worry about their messed up kid getting fixed anymore. They were probably glad they didn't have to pretend to care anymore. After that the scientists decided to be more careful about the things we had in our rooms. Nothing about the experiments changed though.

"What a shame," my mom said.

I turned my attention back to the baby, trying to get closer so I could squish her cheeks or at least get a good look at her so I could see how much she had grown by the time I came back home. Calvin stood from his chair and stepped away from me staring at me defensively. I looked around confused before I felt a hand on my shoulder. Maxine sighed again.

"I'm sorry, we just think that it's for the best that you're not around the baby. At least until you're better" she looked at me sympathetically. My heart broke in my chest. The sadness was brief before I could feel my anger coming on. My outbursts had become more frequent and harder to keep under control as the years went by. My hands clenched and heat rose up my neck. I could've pushed the blood back down to hide the fact but it would have started one of those headaches that using my powers always started after the shock treatments. Instead I fumed silently. Maxine looked at me with just the slightest bit of fear in her expression. she had been afraid of me ever since I shut her mouth that day. She tried to conceal it but I could tell.

"Soon," my dad said putting his hand on my other shoulder, snapping me back into the room

"Maybe we should go now," Maxine swallowed

"We'll be back next time, I promise." With that they packed up and left.

I had been still standing there almost seeing red for several minutes afterwards. That's when I saw Lou. In front of her stood her mom, her back towards me. The look in Lou's eyes jolted me out of my fury. She shrank back out of the gaze of the woman, guilt and embarrassment flashing across her striped face.

Once Lou had come back to the room she looked sick and pale like she needed to vomit. I had asked her if she was ok and she only nodded softly. Soon she was in bed and I had laid down as well, too afraid to ask her what was wrong until it was hours later and the question was keeping me awake.

Then there with her back against the wall, she explained. "It seemed like a goodbye. Somehow. Just by the shame on her face, she told me she's not coming back next time. I don't know. I think she's just gonna leave me here."

"Lou,"

"It's fine." She said firmly. "It's fine because it's gonna work."

"Yeah..." If I'm being perfectly honest I had already begun doubting the effectiveness of the treatments. I mean I knew they were just experimenting but doctor shaw said they would take up to four years. That it wouldn't be a short process but it would be worth it. I hadn't lost all hope but it was slipping. I knew that.

I hear Lou's sniffles next to me. I turned to her to gather her into a hug that she willingly entered.

"It's gonna work." I said. Even if I didn't entirely believe it, I knew Lou would be ok anyways. I would love her no matter what. It was for Lou's sake that I hoped it would work. I don't know if she would be able to live with herself, looking in the mirror and seeing what her mother saw.

Lou began to slump in my arms. I laid her down gently and stroked her long black hair out of her face and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"Goodnight Lou, I love you." I whispered

"I love you too much."

In the morning Lou woke me.

"Hey, we got to go to our appointments."

I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. The thought of doing everything again was unbearable. But I slowly got up and dressed. If I wanted to go home I would have to do this. I wanted to be better. To be fixed. To make my parents proud of their family. I didn't want to be the mutation anymore.

I was back at the metal desk. Another volunteer standing in front of me, this time a girl. A makeshift running track was wound out in front of me. As The years went by the scientists had upped the challenge from single fingers, to arms and for the first time today, entire bodies. The girl was stretching just next to it while doctor Schmidt himself hooked me up to the wires that were connected to his computer in the other room. He had been monitoring my processes more closely the past few months. He kept telling me I was getting close. That I was the closest to rejecting my mutation of all the kids.

"We're doing something a little different today," he said "I want you to keep using your powers for as long as possible, even while being shocked. We'll lower the voltage for now so that you will be able to focus on them." He finished taping the last wire to my temple. "Do you understand?"he turned my head to look at him.

"Yes doctor,"

"Good," he smiled "Amanda, begin."

The woman began running on the track.

"Now you, May" Shaw stepped back with his clipboard in his hand. I focused my mind on her blood, feeling it flow in her body through her entire system. Pumping faster the longer she ran. I felt her heart beating in her chest and the blood rushing in her head. I made it all stop. Suddenly the runner stopped and she didn't crumble. I kept her held up, suspended where I held her blood in place. The shock began,

"Nnngh," I whimpered, trying to keep my hold on her blood but it slipped and she collapsed as my hands went still.

"Without your hands remember,"

"I'm sorry," we had been working on keeping my hands still and doing it with just my mind. My hands seemed to help me keep control of where the blood went. But the scientist thought I would benefit if it was better controlled in my mind.

"It's fine, just try again. We didn't expect you to get it on the first try." Shaw said calmly. He didn't look calm. He looked itchy, tense.

Amanda rose from the ground panting

"I couldn't breathe" she turned angrily toward doctor shaw. "You said it wouldn't hurt."

"I apologize Amanda. May here, hasn't been able to control blood without letting some of it remain to pump through the heart and keep your system running. It should cause slight issues for only short periods of time. Can we continue?" He said impatiently. She breathed hard but seemed to shake it off. A stab of guilt coursed through me. I had hurt someone again.

"Fine, we can keep going." She said before starting up a jog once again. Shaw looked at me to go again.

I felt her blood again. This time I tried to leave enough of it to keep her alive. I used my mind to stop her run. Once again she was suspended, her eyes bulged slightly but I felt some of her blood remain running through her body and through her heart and up to her brain. My hands flexed and twitched again. The shock began and I winced again. This time I could keep my focus for a little while longer. Soon though, I began panting under the strain. Sweat glistened on my face and my body tensed under the electricity. I lost my hold and Amanda dropped again, this time she caught herself. She muttered a curse but seemed to recover quickly. The shock stopped and my muscles eased, some of them cramping up. I was given a minute or so to recover and wipe the sweat off my face onto the sleeve of my shoulder.

"Great job! She didn't go pale this time, you must have figured out how to leave some left over for her to keep breathing. Unfortunately we are not here to fine tune your powers but to get rid of them. We're going to up the voltage again."

Inwardly I wanted to cry. It already hurt too much and added with the mental strain was exhausting.

"Can we get those hand binds again," he said to the room. Soon someone came in with the two metal slots that were locked to the desk that my hands were secured inside of to keep me from moving them.

"Again." Shaw demanded

Amanda begrudgingly began running again. I tried to do the same thing again. Leave her system enough blood to run her main functions, but without hands I couldn't be so precise. She froze in the air. Her eyes bulged again, wider this time and I quiet whine sounded from her open mouth. The shock began. I could feel my mind take control of her entire blood mass. All of it freezing up in her veins and her head going fuzzy and eyes unfocusing. I could feel her heart stop. My eyes widened too, I tried to stop but the electric shock was causing my body to seize, my hands flexed in their slots and my wrists strained to try and pull them out

"S-stop" I said

"We can't stop the shocks May, you know this," shaw said but wasn't looking at me

"I cant. She's gon- ah -gonna die!" I shook in my chair. Shaw didn't respond, he only stared at Amanda. My mind was racing, I looked between Shaw and Amanda and opened my mouth to scream. My powers were taking over and I couldn't override it. Amanda's eyes began to roll. A sick choking sound erupted from her throat.

Finally the shock stopped and I took control of the power and stopped it completely. Amanda crumpled to the ground and shook. She didn't gasp for air, only convulsed on the track. My hand binds unlatched on their own and i shot off the chair towards her

I reached her and knelt down beside her on the rough track. The blood in her body moved extremely slowly through her heart and to her brain. I could feel it beginning to still, something must have responded to the complete lack of motion in her blood and was shutting her entire body down. I didn't know if this meant she was dying or if she was just going unconscious. I was too afraid to think coherently. I just put my hands on her chest and pushed the blood through it, hoping her body would catch on and begin pumping blood itself again.

My ears began ringing as I used my powers, a strong headache forming. It started off small and ignorable but grew to pound in my head and make me feel dizzy and lightheaded. I'd never had a reaction to using my mutation like this before. It was causing my vision to go in and out of focus. I still pushed Amanda's blood through her body, Color was coming back to her face but I didn't know if that was because of me or because it was actually working. I felt sick to my stomach, Like I could throw up. Suddenly Amanda shot up, gasping for air, and her hand flew to my face. A loud smack sounded in the otherwise silent room. I reeled, my hand going to where she had smacked me. A sharp stinging blossomed on my cheek. Tears pricked my eyes as the sensation of the smack and the lingering migraine overwhelmed me. Amanda heaved and got to her hands and knees

“You almost fucking killed me!” she screamed. “I-im sorry I didn't mean to! “ She lunged at me, pushing me to the ground, pulling at my hair and scratching me. A fist landed on my cheekbone but I was unable to protect myself. Soon Scientists and assistants came running in to pull her off me. I was left panting on the ground while Amanda tried to reach for me while being dragged off. Once she was out of the room Shaw walked up to me. “Up,” he demanded. I blinked at the ground. So much had just happened and My mind hadnt quite caught up with me yet “up! Now.” his voice was raised. It took me a moment before I finally came to a stand, my knees wobbling.

“You know you aren't allowed to use your powers unless you are hooked up and able to receive the shocks.” Shaw looked at me with disappointment in his eyes. “This is what you mutants do, your powers hurt people. You cannot be trusted.” something flashed on his mouth for just a moment, it looked like a slight smirk before it slipped back into his stern angry frown.

“But i-”

“Shut up and go to your room.” I was shocked by the harshness of his words. He hadn't ever been so angry with me before.

As I walked through the fluorescent lit halls past the courtyard I wondered If I had ruined everything. Had that single moment of using my powers set myself back years of progress. The thought made me want to cry, want to scream, want to bang my head on the walls. I had almost killed someone that day, and yet Shaw had made me feel as though my saving her was the worst thing of all.

#james macavoy x reader #charles xavier #charles xavier x reader #James macavoy #x reader #Charles Xavier x oc

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zuzzebat12 · 4 months ago

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The Replica AU

(This is a PLATONIC AU and story! Do not ship or make something inappropriate out of this AU or any of my work. Enjoy!)

(I know it's a rather plain name, lol- but I'm still working on it!)

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ Part one? ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

A couple months after the Krang battle..

The musk turtle was inside her containment unit, she was a baby turtle, yet was a bit too small... only about two to three inches tall.

She shivered, it was cold inside.. She knew how to walk and run pretty quickly by the scientists that mutated her.

She was supposed to be the replica of the same turtles that saved the world. Everyone was grateful for their help, but the scientists wanted a replica or at least something alike the mutants that saved the world, and all to themselves too.

So after many failed experiments, they finally successfully mutated a female musk turtle.

A female musk turtle in fact, but WAY smaller than normal. The scientists decided to leave it at that, happy that they finally had a mutant turtle of their own.

They'd do anything to get her to be at the level of the teenage mutants, but they didn't even realize one thing..

The musk turtle mutant was just a child. She had her limits, and they pushed it.

The musk turtle would sometimes fall asleep during those harsh trainings, and it took a long time to just wake her up.

She'd sometimes even hide in her shell, or scratch and bite at the scientists, but it was all because she was scared.

She didn't really know her purpose, and she was so young that she couldn't even speak or talk yet.

One day, the tiny musk turtle was playing with one of her toys before a loud and huge explosion came and the scientists ran, leaving her behind.

"Run!" one of the scientists yelled.

"What about the mutant?" another one asked.

"We can't think about that thing now! We can send someone to check later!" a scientist hollered.

The mutant heard it all, she hid in her shell as the rubble came down.

"Owww..." Leo groaned, he looked around.

"Uhhh.. guys..?" he called back to his brothers.

"We're good, just some bumps and bruises!" Donnie assured, "And- Wait.. Holy french toast.. where are we? Is this a lab?" he asked.

They all looked around, taking it all in before hearing a chirp.

They all looked down, before seeing a black shell, it seemed scratched up due to the debris, but it was okay.

"Is that a shell?" Mikey asked, he got up. Kneeling down, he poked it gently, making the shell shake and a screech-like chirp came from it. "Oops.. sorry about that.." Mikey apologized.

Donnie picked up the shell gently, "Hmm.. one thing for sure is that this is a musk turtle.. somehow became a mutant.. I wonder.." he pondered before hearing a another chirp.

The tiny turtle finally stuck all her limbs and head out the shell, looking up at him. She gasped, looking around, seeing other mutant turtles. But she didn't know they were a threat or an ally of some sorts.

The brothers scooted around eachother, looking at the miniature musk turtle in Donnie's hands.

"Never thought I'd see another mutant before.. especially one that's so small." Donnie said. "What should we do?" he questioned the others

The musk turtle curled up, trying to seek warmth.

"Let's get back to the lair, we'll figure something out there. They're freezing out here." Raph instructed.

-- Back at the lair.. --

The turtle was laid down on a beanbag chair, piles of blankets were put on her as the other mutants tried figuring out what to do.

"Based on appearance, the smaller mutant seems to be a female." Donnie said.

"But what I'm trying to figure out is how and why she was there in the first place!" Leo added, he crossed his arms over his chest, letting out a sigh.

"I've never seen another mutant turtle before, and she seems so young.. definitely younger than all of us." Mikey followed, he turned to look at her. "She seemed all alone as well.. she even had scratches on her shell."

Raph was the most concerned, yet determined and confident. "She'll be fine, and we'll protect her no matter what! That's what we do."

They all smiled and agreed, though the lingering concern for the baby turtle seemed all too much.

ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̽‿̩͙‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̽‿̩͙‿̩͙‿̩̩̽‿̩͙‿̩͙‿̩̩̽‿̩͙‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̽‿̩͙‘⸊ˎ

When the musk turtle woke up, she squirmed a bit to get out of the blankets, she slipped and began to fall, luckily Leo was close by.

He caught her in his hands, and almost had a heart attack seeing her fall down like that.

The tiny mutant squeaked in surprise, she looked down at his hands and raised up hers in front of her face.

Leo was confused on what she was doing until he realized and smiled. "Yeah, we have the same hands. Pretty cool, huh lil' buddy?" he chuckled.

The musk turtle giggled, raising one of her hands towards him.

Leo's smile got wider, as he gently shifted her into one of his handd, using his free hand and lifting it up, palm facing her as he let her put her palm of his.

The little mutant did so, making it feel so odd but adorable at the same time. His hand was much bigger than hers, but it felt like a perfect fit.

The smaller mutant gasped, smiling as well.

━━━━━━༺༻ ━━━━━━

"Y'all are telling me that you found a new mutant turtle that's also a girl? Right after you somehow flew into a lab or facility while fighting some goons?" April asked.

She came over when they called a couple minutes ago.

"Yep, here she is.. she's a bit shy though." Raph chuckled softly.

The little musk turtle mutant sat in Raph's hands, she looked up at April, slowly entering her shell as she did so.

"Hey.. it's okay! You don't have to be scared of me! I'm a friend. If you're a friend to them, you're a friend to me!" April reassured, she grinned as she did so.

The mutant came out her shell, she chirped, tilting her head.

April smiled at her, seeming friendly enough to the little mutant. "There ya go! See? Nothing to be scared of."

The little musk turtle smiled back, happy to find a new family.

✧─── ･｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧

End of Part One.

Probably will make a part two soon if this gets attention or something- lol.

Anyway, if there's any questions to be asked about this AU, please ask. The ask box is open, and I'd love if anyone would like to ask about this after reading.

Bye! Have a good day/night

#g/t #g/t rottmnt #rottmnt gt #angie the musk turtle 🐢🩵#g/t sfw #G/t fluff #save rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #the replica au #YAYY ANOTHER AU

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agent-lotus · 3 months ago

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Respite

Ruby happily played with the Counting Sheep at the desk while Lotus spun wool into thread. "Hey Lotus, why do you like sheep so much?" The question had been on her mind for awhile. "Because well, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep." They answered. "I've heard that before. Is it some philosophical question about the nature of robot?" She asked. "It is the name of a science fiction book by Philip K Dick." Ruby snickered at his last name. "It is about a bounty hunter named Rick Deckard who must hunt down and retire e.i. kill six androids posing as humans. And the special J.R. Isidor who is harboring three of the androids on Deckard's list." They continued.

"What's a special? Is it like special ed?" Ruby inquired. "A special is someone who has been mutated by the radio active dust. Isidor is what is referred to as a chicken head because he has brain damage from the dust?" Lotus explained. "Okay, so how does all of this relate to you liking sheep?" She was a bit lost now. "Before the start of the book, there was a nuclear war. The fallout killed most of the life on Earth. Animals became sacred and also status symbols like a fancy car or expensive watch. Those who can not afford to own a real animal buy fake electric ones. They are so sophisticate that they have to be looked after just like the real thing. Deckard owns an electric sheep." They had decided to hold off on explaining Mercerism to Ruby.

Her eyes lit up. "Can I read it?" Now that she had gotten past her initial question, this book sounded interesting. The copper gears in the android's eye began to turn. On one hand, the book contains nothing particularly inappropriate. No bad words, little violence, and sex while talked about was not shown or described in detail. Yet it was complicated and dense. Even after a year and seven months they were still expending processing power to try and comprehend it.

"I am going to say no. It is more complicated than even I can process myself." Lotus told them. Ruby pouted in a half hearted manner. "I have something else we can read." They pulled a book from the shelf. "Here, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams." They smiled. "Can you read it to me?" They nod. "After we put the sheep away." The pair helped the Counting Sheep back into their terrarium. Then Ruby sat on the bed and Lotus sat next to them. Happy to read the book together.

#event: unwanted grandparents

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bunsofhoney · 2 years ago

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Hey honey buns!

I'm just sitting in my corner shipping Wade, Peter, their past loves, other Spider-people, and Symbrock, in various configurations. Original fanfiction and reblogs of art and errata. NSFW content.

#My Work, #My Memes, and buns.txt have original content, or search by work title in the tags below for inspo and excerpts. Fic descriptions below the cut.

Questions welcome! Look for #ask game for ideas.

Follows from my secret identity @harrowitzer

AO3: BunsOfHoney | Buy me a kofi

For the record, my favorite/recommend works are:

Snake Oil

Better than Beyond Beef (and Tear You Apart)

The Bell Jar (and Bed Bugs)

Watching You Watch Me

Toxic

Xanadu AU

Ongoing relationship AU, mostly cannon but a little head cannon. Peter's in college.

Pumpkin Spice: Peter hates Halloween, and Wade tries to get him in the mood with gifts of a decorative gourd and expired Halloween candy. Violence ensues. Rated T.

Touching Exchanges: Spider-Man and Deadpool have been fighting together a lot. Peter is growing increasingly... excited...by the various ways Wade touches him while they're working together. Rated E.

Sense and Insensibility: Spider-Man and Deadpool have been palling around for months now, fighting together and building a rapport - but could it be something more? A major conspiracy falls in Peter's lap, and he and the Avengers need Wade's help to solve the case. To make matters worse, the mission takes Deadpool away right when things are getting steamy. Will the dynamic duo save the day, and will love win? Only Wade knows, because he read ahead. Thanks @babyblankyerror for some cute art :) Rated E.

Also there's an alternate Chapter 15 with a panic scene (rated T)

Love Heals All Wounds: One thing no one ever tells you about being in the Avengers: it's fucking hard work. Inspired by the art of @kodomon. Rated E.

Crime Rates and Ice Cream: It's too hot for the rooftops. It's too hot for leather and spandex. Peter and Wade look for something to cool them down. Something sticky and sweet, maybe. Inspired by @thefuzzyaya. Rated E.

Along Came a Spider: Wade is quite insistent about the inappropriate use of a nursery rhyme in the dressing room of a pop-up costume shop. Rated E.

Spatch' It To Ya: Wade's miffed when Peter doesn't call or text that he's running late. Oh and they're married now...A cute little spanking fic. Rated E.

Other AU

Flufftoberfest: A series of drabbles in which Peter, Wade, their friends, family, and exes get cozy. Rated T.

Toxic: Peter wakes up with a familiar if unsettling alien friend. He introduces them to Wade (it doesn't go well), fights some crime, learns about phenethylamine, and tries to start unraveling the mystery of Venom's illness. Oh, and don't forget the tentacles. Rated E. (In progress)

BAMFs: 5 times Assassin!Peter tries to kill Wade and 1 time he doesn't. That's it, that's the fic. Rated E (In progress)

The Bell Jar: Wade and Spidey are friends, but Wade doesn't know the high-value mark he's just kidnapped is also Spidey's secret identity. Written with prompts from #febuwhump2023. Rated T.

Bed Bugs: the sequel to The Bell Jar with lots of food and cuddles and angst and healing. Rated M.

Snake Oil : 1920s/religious AU. Peter Parker is the next in line to run the small Methodist church in Middle Grove, NY, a heritage he has begrudgingly accepted. But his flock is wooed when a snake oil salesman boasting supernatural healing powers comes to town. Peter is equal parts aggravated and entranced by the smooth-talking Wade Wilson, and the literal devil on his shoulder. Rated E.

Better than Beyond Beef Series: When a sudden explosion leaves them both badly injured, Wade discovers that Spider-Man's mutation can make him a little...feral. Wade makes an offer to help Spidey heal faster and satiate his craving. What's a little cannibalism between friends?

Part 1: Better Than Beyond Beef, Featuring Feral!Spidey, based on this post from @babyblankyerror. Rated T.

Part 2: Tear You Appart, an NSFW epilogue, basically PWP with hunting and chase scenes. Rated E.

Watching You Watch Me: Peter gets a little caught-up in watching Wade, who is caught-up in jerking it to Spider-Man pictures in the Daily Bugle. Or, five times Peter enjoyed watching Wade and one time he got caught. Rated E.

Parker Photography: "Photographer Peter Parker and his muse Wade Wilson who doesn't think is pretty due to scars but Peter thinks he's literal art." - @babyblankerror. Rated M.

Bullets and Unicorns: A 200 + 69(nice) word drabble about Peter's new gig as a cam boy. Rated M.

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shuuenmei · 4 years ago

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partner

TWST OC Week Day 7: AU

BEFORE WE BEGIN:

For the last day of TWST OC Week, I picked AU and after some brainstorming, I decided to pick a Pokémon AU.

Or rather, a Pokémon crossover AU where Yuu (Rei) comes from the Pokémon universe instead.

This was a personal AU I had in mind for some while but placed on a backburner since I wanted to focus on the main fic first.

But with TWST OC Week, I thought it’s a good chance to revisit the AU again.

Without further ado, here we go!

I’m glad to be doing this event and it’s been fun!

Yuu doesn’t know what to expect when a seemingly mutated, talking, Shiny Zorua threatened to burn her if she didn’t hand over her clothes.

She only realized that she wore a whole robe and new attire, but internally panicked when her bag wasn't around, nor the fact that she has no Pokéball at hand.

So she had to trap the unknown monster back in the coffin she initially awoke to before escaping.

By luck, she met a petite, but older than he seemed student who healed her burns but the monster chased after her before being stopped by a man who claimed to be the Headmaster of this strange academy she was brought to.

“Ah, I found this bag and belt with peculiar looking metallic balls attached to it earlier, they must be yours, yes?”

The Headmaster waved his hand to show her belt with six Pokéballs intact and sling bag.

She hastily took the items and thanked the man. “Thank you sir... it seems my things were separated from me when that monster attacked me.”

“Attacked?”

He turned to the monster and frowned. “So it comes down to the fault of your Familiar.”

What, he’s not-

The headmaster didn’t listen, but the boy...student, with her, Lilia, listened and they talked along the way.

Checking the things inside her bag and her Party on hand as they did so.

________________________________________________________________

The mutated talking Zorua burned the whole room just shortly after the talking magical mirror declared that she had no magic.

The experiences and senses she honed as a trainer being the saving grace that lets her avoid the flames.

As the whole room set into a panic, she took a Pokéball that held her longtime friend, family, and partner.

Gazing at the ball for a moment, she murmured.

“Let’s go, partner. You ready?”

The Pokémon inside it nodded at her with a resolute gaze.

With a nod, she threw the Pokéball to the air.

“Gabriel! Sparkling Aria!”

Her long trusted Primarina landed gracefully on the ground and sang, large water bubbles formed all around them, appearing out from the air and the bubbles burst.

Water spreads all over and extinguishes the flames that appeared.

“Fnah!? My flames!” The mutated Zorua exclaimed but she paid no heed to what was going on behind or around her.

She’s only focused on seeing the flames gone and snuffed out.

In spite of the chaotic situation she found herself into, she’s glad that she’s not alone.

________________________________________________________________

Gabriel made quick work on the flames and the flames are gone by seconds.

The mutated Zorua was caught and she observed a red-haired student chant. “Off With Your Head!”

A large lock shaped collar was magically put in place at the monster.

After some words were exchanged, the boy turned to her. “This is your familiar, is it not?”

The Headmaster chimed in. “Yes! Do something about him! This is your familiar is it-”

Water was blasted on his face before the man could finish.

Turning to her furious partner, she chided. “Hey! I know you’re offended that he assumed that the mutated Zorua who threatened me to go naked is part of the team but you can’t just shoot a Water Gun at anybody!”

“Eh...? He isn’t yours?” The man repeated.

“Gabriel wouldn’t have been offended enough to blast water on your face otherwise.”

“I, I see...” The man looked at her Primarina, who only gave him an angry look in return, readying another blast of water.

“Come on Gab, calm down.” She held and stroked her partner’s hair.

“Pardon me,” The red haired boy called for her, “... you said he threatened you to what?” The red haired boy questioned.

“I woke up from the coffin because that monster,” She pointed to it, “burned the coffin, and then told me to strip naked from these clothes or he’ll burn me to death.”

Silence followed.

“...If that’s the case,” A lavender haired student with the red haired boy spoke. “it’s no wonder your partner is upset enough to attack the headmaster for his wrong assumption.”

She nodded at him. “Gabriel’s my longtime partner, I’d never replace Gabriel over some mutated talking Zorua.”

“Mutated what?”

“A Zorua.” She spoke. She had some suspicion about what kind of world she got brought into but she had to ask. “Do you not have Pokémon here?”

“...What’s a Pokémon?”

Oh boy.

________________________________________________________________

With the monster who called himself as Grim sent away, her status as coming from another world where, in their words, people tame magical monsters on a daily basis, being open news to the students present, but unable to return back to where she once came from, the Headmaster lets her stay around as he finds a way to bring her back to her original world, added onto his own surprise that she is a girl, and that the academy is actually an all-boys school.

She isn’t too worried about being trapped here for the while.

If anything, once the news of her going missing goes around, the Ultra Recon Squad and those from Aether Foundation would likely go and find her via the Ultra Wormhole.

They would have gotten in touch with Selene too by then.

Meanwhile, she was brought to an unused dorm that was planned to be repurposed on a later date.

She is now looking at her PC Box via the Portable PC, a new technology from Galar that lets you open your PC anywhere and anytime that is just recently applied in Sinnoh PC’s.

Speaking of Sinnoh... she was last walking around Route 214 back home, wasn’t she?

How did she get here-

Gabriel’s nudging brought her out of her thoughts.

“...Yeah, we should make the best of things for the time being.” She nodded.

At least the Pokémon in her PC Box are safe and the PC can still be used, even in another world.

Though she had to think of how she can manage to bring some of her Pokémon out and not get them stuck in the PC Box for too long.

She got enough berries, over a hundred, she last counted, obtained from renovating her Poké Pelago for years, so food for her Pokémon and her own person wouldn’t be a problem.

She knows the basic housework and the like at least, and can cook things decently.

She also got enough clothes, be it undergarments and others.

But first…

“We got a lot to clean up, don’t we?”

Gabriel nodded at her.

Time to get started.

________________________________________________________________

She would have gotten started if not for the monster she mistook as a mutated Shiny Zorua sneaking back in, only behaving once she threatened to have Gabriel shoot water at him if he didn’t, and dealing with the resident ghosts who were bothering her, thinking she’d be easy to play around with if it weren’t for Gabriel being way powerful for the ghosts to handle.

She had to convince the Headmaster to let the monster, Grim, stay if not for the fact that he’d do more harm if he is kicked out again.

“Ah, speaking of, would you like to register Grim-kun together with you as a student?”

“...What?”

The Headmaster explained. “We have some cases where students register as a 2-in-1 student due to circumstances. Considering that of yours and Grim-kun’s desire to enter the school, wouldn’t it have worked out?”

“...No, I’d rather register with Gabriel and my Pokémon than to register together with Grim.”

“Fnah!? Why!?”

She shook her head and reasoned, staring at the Headmaster. “You’re implying as if you want to replace my longtime friend, partner and family over a stranger. I refuse to have my partners be replaced by anybody.”

She looked down at Grim next. “And honestly, you still need a lot of work to do and understand what’s appropriate and inappropriate for people. Telling people to strip naked and burn them if things don’t go your way is not it.”

“...That’s true.” The Headmaster agreed.

“...I shall register you and… who would be your main partner?”

“Gabriel.” She spoke without hesitation.

“Alright, Gabriel-kun and Yuu-san. You two will be students from tomorrow on, while Grim-kun will be on probation until he is deemed ready to be a student.”

She nodded.

Sounds good to her.

________________________________________________________________

“So you’re choosing Popplio, young Yuu?”

Yuu nodded at Hala.

She is only twelve this year.

Her parents advised her to move with her cousins to Hau’Oli city, Alola, from Sinnoh last year and she still needs some time to get used to Alola weather.

It’s too hot, and she personally missed the cold, chilly air of Sinnoh.

Then her uncle suggested she try and take the island challenge and see if she can dethrone the first ever champion of Alola, Selene, who took charge three years ago.

With little to do beyond hanging around Iki Town and wandering around Hau’Oli, with her cousins off to their own adventures, she decided she might as well take it.

The Popplio clapped in glee and hopped towards her.

She held her first… rather, second, Pokémon, smiling. “Nice to meet you, Gabriel.”

Popplio welcomed the nickname with a cheerful bark. Followed by another cry of triumph.

Gabriel stared at the newcomer.

She noticed it’s gaze and introduced Gabriel to her technically first Pokémon she befriended.

“Oh, this stardust looking little guy? The name’s Aster. Aster’s not really someone I want to use in battles since Aster doesn’t seem like the kind to like fights right now, but Aster’s a friend.”

Aster the Cosmog smiled at Gabriel, excited at the thought of having a new friend.

#black or white (fanfic)#Twisted Wonderland #Twst X Pokemon #Yuu (Rei)#Shiina Yuu (black or white)#twst grim #dire crowley #Shuu's fics #Shuu Art #even from an alternate universe yuu (rei) has zero mercy for grim #pokemon #pokemon x twisted wonderland #Twst OC Week

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kurtty-drabbles · 4 years ago

Text

And then she lives au

N/A: Just an idea that pops in my mind, Magneto had a daughter named Anya that was killed for manpain but what if she was alive? And what if she has no power? Magneto loves his daughter and can change his view on the world...if only slightly for her.

@dannybagpipesarecalling @djinmer4 @bamfoftheundead @muninandhugin

If one should blame anything or anyone for this small predicament it is that silly commercial ad about the latest cute and fashion shoe- the one that the latest teen celebrity is endorsing and all the other girls are buying- and while seems brainless to blame on a commercial ad or even to believe in such promise on a commercial ad - "All the cool girls are wearing. Are you a cool girl?"- Anya Lensher believed in those faux promises and ended up kidnapped, again. For the same reason as before.

All I want is a cute shoe...

She glances up to see her kidnappers talking with the boss-or so she assumed- via radio and one must resist the urge to roll the eyes at how cliche they all are. "So, let me guess" she speaks with all the bravado a child can.

A child that is too used by this to even pretend to be scared and it shows.

And it gains the attention of her kidnappers who are looking down on her as if she would explode any given moment- Anya can chuckle inwardly, they must be new in this field- and Anya continue speaking without fear- or at least, withholding so well that maybe she´s believing there´s nothing to be afraid here- "let´s kidnap magneto´s youngest daughter and show him, the master of magnetism, who is the boss? Do I get that right?" she asked deadpan.

"Silence, you´re gone make us rich...people would pay anything to have you...and dissect you, Mr. Sinister pay us well and you´ll be gone mutie" and they laugh as if is something hilarious- Anya rolls her eyes and wonders why her life is so strange- and slowly manages to lose the ropes around her legs and hands. "Oh well, if that´s the reason then...I have bad news to give, one of my awesome super-powers is to see the future, and I can see that" she gesture her head to goon number 3 -a man with a bad case of haircut-"will steal your money...you see, he´ll take down you two and will be the only one getting paid by Mr. Sinister"

And of course, the 3 men start arguing and shot each other-they´re very much greed and according to their own word, Mr. Sinister is paying them a great sum of money, like...enough to make one retired as a King-and Anya is already free of the ropes.

"Hey!" one of them screams pointing their finger at her and the person would shot- or maybe go after her- but, as soon the man articulates this one word "hey" the wall of their lair is broken by Magneto, Quicksilver, Polaris and Scarlet Witch and of course, along with the X-men.

"Anya!" Lorna said waving at her and gesture to the younger girl to cover herself...a fight will issue- and Anya likes to think if they´re in a cartoon this would be the moment where a great soundtrack would begin to accompany the fight- in reality, the X-men didn´t do much in the fight aside ask if Anya is hurt, which, she completely denies.

Magneto and his kids-not Anya, mind you- defeat the goons and show no mercy for the ones who kidnapped the young Leshner. Once it was done- Anya knows an Angry Magneto means no more games for anyone, especially if you are the one who angers him- the family asks if Anya is alright, if she was hurt or touched in an inappropriate place and many more questions. Ignoring the X-men.

"Oh, I´m fine...I managed to convince them to fight with each other" Anya states but sure enough the family fuss over this. Wanda tells how is dangerous. "You could have been hurt or worse..." and Pietro is the one carrying the smaller girl-she has 12 years old and will be a teenager soon and loves to point this one out- "Yes, you could have gotten seriously hurt"

"It wasn´t as if I asked to be kidnapped!" she replies in a deadpan way.

"I know...is not your fault" Magneto speaks and before he could say anything about how humanity will pay-and maybe he´s thinking about it- Anya frowns at him and Magneto speaks as if is rehearsed "and is not the fault of all the humans...just those 3" and Anya nods in agreement as her father seems to be on the same page as her.

(Sure she blames the ad, but, it was more because it promised something she knows no cute shoe could provide)

The X-men look at the scene and Logan is the one to make the question. "her mutation hasn´t kicked in?" and in his defense, Logan asked this question without any malice. The man is new to the team and knows Magneto and all his other kids are that powerful- he has suspicions about Wanda Maximoff and wonders if she´s an ally or a time-bomb- however, didn´t get how Anya winced at this question and how the others members of the clan narrow their eyes at Logan.

"Well, I have the power of being awsome...but, if you´re speaking about actual powers...sorry, bub, I´m a normal human" she explains and Logan is taken back by this revelation and Hank prevent him to say or ask anything else.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

"Chuck...she has no powers?' Logan asked dubiously. "Or is she like Wanda and they´re hiding it?"

"You seem to have something against Wanda Maximoff...was something to do with Wanda, Pietro, and Lorna not being very friendly to Kurt? Your loyalty to your friend is nice, but, Wanda´s mother was...killed by Kurt´s foster mother...I can´t see them ignoring this and be friends" Prof X states calmly as Logan is not convinced.

"Still...she´s too powerful and has a reason to resent us"

"She doesn´t resent us...she´s not fond of Kurt for obvious reasons, the Maximoff work well with the others members, they even work well with Kitty and she´s the younger one of the team" Prof X speak as Kitty enter in the X-men with 17 years old while Kurt has 20 years old "now, for your question...yes, she´s human and only human"

Logan growls at that. "Do you trust Magneto enough to believe that?"

"Even if I didn´t it...I already saw she has no mutant power and Magneto still loves his daughter making me think...he´s not too gone in his worldview"

#And then she lives au #Anya Leshner #Magneto being a decent father for once #wanda maximoff #pietro maximoff #lorna dane #Logan being Logan

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dark-infatuation · 5 years ago

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*Xanthias shoves Samuel forward, who rolls his eyes.* ...Xanthias would like you to answer them all, if you'd be so inclined. He's far too shy to say it himself.

Awww, don’t be shy, my dear! I don’t bite! ...Unless you want me to.

1. How do they respond to having a song stuck in their head? Does that happen to them often?

I usually end up humming it for quite some time, but it doesn’t happen often, no

2. How do they feel about confronting their friends when issues arise?

I will. Celine in particular is unafraid of confrontation.

3. When speaking to themselves in their mind, how do they refer to themselves?

......That greatly depends. Usually it’s...a conversation, simply put.

4. Do they enjoy wearing socks/stockings when they aren’t wearing shoes?

I wouldn’t say I enjoy it, but I don’t mind.

5. Do they have any unappealing habits (ex: picking their nose, hawking loogies)?

I’m not sure it’s classified as a habit considering it’s mostly involuntary, but I’m sure vomiting up mutated maggots the size of my fist isn’t exactly appealing

6. How do they cope with losing a game?

Celine is a sore loser, and I -- you pout, Damien

7. How do they cope with losing an argument?

Depends on what the argument was about. We both tend to be bitter about it, though not for every long

8. How do they cope with losing a friend?

...It happens. People grow apart. You just have to find new friends.

9. How do they cope with losing a lover?

Much the same, though it does hurt. Love happens again, if you let yourself move on.

10. Do they enjoy sitting on countertops?

....................................................................yes.

11. How expressive is their face? Are they easy to read?

I think I’m fairly expressive, yes.

12. How do they deal with experiencing physical pain?

I’m always experiencing physical pain, dear. I’ve learned to tune it out

13. Are they easily insulted?

14. Would they prefer to act or react?

Act

15. How would they respond to performing on stage?

I used to be a politician, dear, and a damn good one. That is performing on a stage.

16. Would they ever wear perfume or cologne? When? What would the scent be?

I’ve worn both in the past, for particularly formal events. I don’t like to, though. The chemicals always hurt our heads. We both preferred ‘natural’ scents though

17. Could their personality or interests be considered “flighty?” Do they change their mind/interests often?

I wouldn’t same I’m flighty, no

18. Do they daydream? Of what?

Not often

19. What is the most inappropriate thing they have ever done in public?

I don’t know, Xanthias, I’d say you getting on your knees for me in a mall dressing room and drugging you with aphrodisiac while I drag you around on a leash was pretty damn inappropriate, don’t you think~?

20. What was their favorite toy as a child?

......Neither of us ever really had toys as children. We were left to our own devices a lot.

21. What was their favorite way to play as a child (ex: playing pretend, playing games with rules like tag,)?

I was always fond of pretend, though Celine preferred games with rules, so she could be in charge.

22. How do the sneeze (ex: loudly, quietly, openly, into their elbow, hold the sneeze in)?

......I don’t think my sneezes are too loud, and I try to always do it into my elbow

23. When engaged in an irritating conversation, how to they conduct themselves?

My irritation is always plain, and I try to get away from the conversation

24. What words make them cringe?

...Ah. I don’t think it’s ever the words themselves that bother me, but rather...the context.

25. How do they feel in large crowds?

Fine, as long as I have a little space that I’m not constantly being touched.

26. Would they ever spend an afternoon in a library? What section would they spend the most time in?

Absolutely. I do love a good murder mystery.

27. Do they find it difficult to try new foods?

No.

28. If a friend asked them to taste something and it turned out to be unpleasant, how would they handle it?

I’d be polite, but inform them, and possible help repair the dish

29. Do they wear underwear?

Yes...?

30. Can they pee in front of other people?

......What the fuck kind of question --

31. What story gave them nightmares as a child?

The Brothers Grimm fairytales gave both of us nightmares as children.

32. How would they respond to being handed an infant?

I’d hold the child until the parent took them back, it’s not that hard.

33. How would they respond to being asked to watch over a child for an afternoon?

I wouldn’t mind, provided I’m given a little instruction on how to handle the child.

34. Do they enjoy climbing trees?

I used to.

35. In which of their own skill sets do they have the most confidence? Why?

I’m quite confident with my magical skill. One of the perks of living in a near-sentient manor with an ancient entity sharing your body.

36. Do they enjoy receiving compliments? How do they respond to it?

I do enjoy it, and it depends on the context of how I react.

37. How often are they the one to initiate physical contact?

Most of the time, I’d wager

38. Do they prefer salty or sweet things?

Sweet

39. Do they get the urge to jump from high places?

No? Is that an urge people have?

40. Have they ever written a dirty letter and actually sent it?

Back in the day, I used to write like that to my husband, yes

41. How would they describe their love life?

I...am not sure. Previously, my love life has been...dark, to say the least, but my time spent with you, Xanthias, has been...beautiful. I was married for sixteen years, and the week or so I’ve been with you has been far more rewarding

42. How would they describe their sex life?

Between you and Samuel’s mating season, I’d certainly describe it as active.

43. Do they hide objects? What and where?

I hide many things, most I’d rather not reveal, nor where they are hidden. Some...I don’t think would sit well with either of you.

44. What are their reasons for getting up in the morning (outside of achieving their main goal)?

For the longest time, I didn’t have a reason. I’d given up on sleep altogether, really. But...now I have you two, and our future child.

45. Who is their greatest confidant? Who confides in them?

I -- suppose you, Xanthias.

46. What is something they’ve always wanted to do, but know they shouldn’t?

Morally, I shouldn’t kill my husband. But I gave up on morals a long time ago. And if I ever see him again, I will not hesitate

47. Is there someone whose laugh makes them laugh as well?

......An old friend used to have that effect on us.

48. How festive are they on holidays?

We used to be very festive. Then -- things happened, and the enthusiasm faded. I certainly wouldn’t mind doing something in the future, though

49. How would they respond to their ears ringing for an extended period of time?

My ears are almost always ringing, dear. It whether others can hear it or not that tends to be the issue.

50. How likely is it that they would be the first to point out a full moon or a beautiful sunset?

I’d say fairly likely. I’ve stared at the sky for a long time. I know what a bright moon or a beautiful sunset looks like.

#wraithik-vampire #Dark

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thedevilinherself · 6 years ago

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In Another Life Ch.4 Liquid Courage

Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4

He didn’t want to be here. Would rather be anywhere else, if you asked him. Yet here he was, standing in front of the glass doors of the bar, resolve wavering.

It had been a month since he had last been here. The anger and bitterness of Jesse’s seeming betrayal now dulled. The boy had insisted that he wasn’t trying to make a move on you. That his intentions were to get you two to talk and maybe get you to have some drinks with them. Gabe wanted to believe him, but the voice of doubt that poisoned his mind whispered too loudly.

The memory of you two flashed across his mind. Another young couple enjoying a fun night. That’s what anyone who saw you would have thought. And why not? The two of you certainly looked so natural together.

So why was he here? That’s what Gabriel kept asking himself. Why here? Why this bar?

It was true, he needed a drink, needed to get out of that office, needed to get away from the oppressive atmosphere that pervade Overwatch. But was he really ready to see you? Did he even want to?

Even on the trip here, he had bounced back and forth. He cursed himself for these inappropriate feelings he had for you. But he couldn’t stay away. He despised the longing he had for you, the way you filled his thoughts in his quiet moments. But he felt a draw, instinctive and irresistible, that continually pulled him back to you.

It was a moment of weakness that brought him here. Sick with stress, sick with this genetic mutation, sick with his ‘cure’. He needed to get away, needed a break from these weights that held him down, needed some comfort. He had come alone, wanting to see you, but unable to bear the sight of you smiling at one of Jesse’s stupid jokes.

He knew you couldn’t be his, knew it was best to forget you and focus on his work. But he couldn’t help the small, feeble voice of hope that whispered that maybe, just maybe, you could come to care for him too.

So he sought the drink and your company, hoping that enough liquor would suffocate that tiny voice. Or give him the courage to listen to it. He wasn’t sure which.

The bar was relatively empty. But that was to be expected on a Tuesday night. Sitting down at one of the worn stools, the groan it gave seemed unwelcoming, as if warning him that nothing good would come of this. Glancing down the bar at you, Moira’s words hissed low and stern in his mind, worming their way through his brain as they ate at him. This had been a terrible idea. She was right, there was nothing for him here. He was only making a fool of himself. It was best if he just left. But before he could stand, you were in front of him, smile warm and eyes bright.

“Here by yourself? I thought you guys always traveled in packs.” The way you spoke to him was so familiar, so inviting. Gabe couldn’t help but be entranced. Again, that energy surged through him. A kind of electricity that only you inspired in him. And with it, the whispering voice got a little louder.

He was here already. And so where you. If he already looked a fool, what more did he have to lose? Maybe it was time he just went for it.

Tightening his jaw, Gabriel firmed his resolve. Deciding that tonight was the night he would set things straight. But as you stared down at him, eyes shimmering in the dim light, lips glossy and slightly parted, words failed him.

For several minutes, Gabe just stared up at you, hunched over the bar, lips pursed. You weren’t sure what to make of him. He looked almost angry, staring at you with steely eyes that cut right through you. Jaw square, shoulders large and imposing, you found your heart beating faster as you were reminded just how handsome the man was.

As the silence continued, you started to wonder if he was angry with you or if he found you repulsive. Thinking you just some flighty bimbo who flirted with his men for better tips. He sure seemed upset with you, staring so intensely. But despite the awkward silence, and the guilt his eyes inspired in you, there was something about him that pulled you in.

You wanted to be closer. To just reach out and feel his cheek, run your thumb over his lips. You were dying to know what it felt like to be wrapped up in those strong arms. You’d give anything to steel that beanie, promising he could have it back at the cost of a kiss. Surely, if you just flashed your best smile, if you could just be charming enough, he would see you as a woman. Would finally think of you as more than a little girl.

But that was just childish wishing.

“The usual?” You managed to squeak out, hating how meek you voice sounded.

Face suddenly faltering, as if surprised to hear you speak, the man just stared blankly for a moment before nodding wordlessly. Offering up an unsure smile, you walked away to prepare his drink, cursing your stupidity. You couldn’t even strike up a conversation with him. Couldn’t even compose yourself enough to say ‘hi’, ‘how are you’, ‘haven’t seen you in a while’. You’d never be able to flirtatiously woo him. No wonder he thought you were just a child.

Handing over his drink, Gabe took it in hand, but didn’t drink. Staring down at his glass, he again tried to find the words to lure you in. Or at least start a conversation. But after several more minutes of deafening silence, you began to back away.

“I-I better help them.” Pointing down the bar, you indicated two customers that were cheerfully waving you down. Older men, clearly undressing you with their drunken eyes as they called you over with words of favor.

Gabe felt an anger growing in him as the men sized you up lustily, being more than obvious as they tried to charm you. He felt a strong urge to break his glass over their heads before throwing them out the bar. But then again, was he really any better than them?

As far as you were concerned, he was just another old man hitting on a girl way too young for him. No wonder you had looked so awkward just then. And at least these men could work up the nerve to talk to you. All he could do was stare. He wasn’t even strong enough to get over this stupid crush. Couldn’t even stay away. He was a creep and a coward. No wonder you thought he was just some dirty old man.

Slamming back his drink, Gabriel swallowed his anger along with the sting of the alcohol. Brooding over all his ill fortunes of late, he waved down your coworker, ordering two more drinks.

With alarming speed, he finished those off, going on to order more. Four, five, six. He drank his stress and self degrading away. Or at least, he tried. Slumping against the bar, Gabriel found himself uncharacteristically mopey, a trait he had never indulged in before. But the weight of his sins, in that moment, were more than he wanted to deal with.

Despite your reluctance to make a further fool of yourself, you couldn’t help but watch the man. Your heart hurt at the sight of him. Wanting nothing more than to cheer him up. It would do nothing but encourage this school girl crush, but at the sight of him, something deep in you took over.

As he attempted to wave down your coworker, Gabe was startled as something warm and soft and small took his calloused hand. Silenced strangled him when he turned to see it was you who had taken his hand in your own, lowering it to the counter as you watched him with concerned eyes. Without thinking, Gabe’s hand wrapped around your fingers, holding on to the small contact he was starved for.

“I’ve got him.” You called to your coworker, who was already heading this way. With a nod, the other barkeep turned back to another table that was calling to him.

As you leaned against the bar Gabe did his best not to let his eyes flick down to your chest. But in his drunken state, he couldn’t be sure he didn’t. Either way, you didn’t let on, studying him with concern as you gave him your undivided attention.

“I think you’ve had enough. I’m cutting you off.” Doing his best to keep his eyes focused on your face, Gabe’s thoughts swam through the mush that was his brain, floating in and out of his consciousness as they teased him with all the possibilities.

You were talking to him. This was his chance. He could charm you, say something smooth and make you fall for him. Maybe he would ask for your number. Maybe confess how hard it was for him to get over these feelings for you. Maybe even kiss you. And why not? You were so close, and your hand so warm.

“Gabe. You’re really drunk.” He loved the way his name formed in your mouth, dancing off your tongue. He bet that tongue was really good. Would feel REALLY good.

He couldn’t keep his thoughts focused as your energy consumed him, the alcohol in his system flooding him. Sweeping away his self control and roaring with the voices of everything he wanted to do to you, with you, for you.

“Hey. Is there someone I can call to come get you?” Gabe realized this was your third time repeating the question, his eyes still staring at your mouth as you tried to get his attention.

“No.” His voice is muddled as he shakes his head, bracing himself against the bar.

“Are you sure?” You ask, not willing, or comfortable, to let him walk back alone. “I’m sure Jesse could come get you.”

“No!” Gabe was suddenly much louder, sitting bolt upright and leaning back in his stool till he almost fell out of his chair. Keeping a firm grip on his hand, you pulled him back, grabbing his shoulder to balance him.

“No. Fuck the cowboy.” His words were slurred, but you could still make them out. A sympathetic hurt twinged in your heart for Jesse. “Fuck ‘im.” You were grateful that the cowboy wasn’t here to hear this from the man he saw as a father.

“Gabe, you don’t mean that.” You insisted, keeping a tight hold on his hand and his hoodie, incase he launched himself back again in his drunken state.

“He just wants-to fuck you.” Gabe stated, a bit louder than you were comfortable with as he leaned in close, as if his proximity could convince you. You couldn’t help the blush that overtook your cheeks, red and brilliant, as the man’s face was inches from yours, eyes dazzling and direct, albeit a bit glassed over.

“Jesse’s not like that. He’s just a hopeless flirt.” Gabe memorised the shape of your lips as you spoke, admired the flush of your cheeks, wanting to lay kisses on both in turn. You smelled so good, and he ached for your touch. “Stay still. I’ll make you some coffee.” Before he could act on any of his impulses, you had propped him up on the bar, swiftly moving away to fetch a cup of coffee before hurrying back. He scarcely had time to miss you before you were in front of him again, insisting that he drink the bitter liquid.

You were grateful that it was a quiet night. Sparing you a sympathetic glance, your coworker nodded, indicating that he would handle the other customers so you could take care of Gabriel. Wordlessly you thanked him, grateful for his understanding.

After Gabe had drank enough for you to feel satisfied, you again engaged him in conversation.

“Is work really that rough for you?” He seemed surprised at your question, wondering if it was that obvious before you continued. “The boys said you had a lot on your shoulders lately.” You left out that it was Jesse that had mentioned this, not sure if he was mad at the cowboy for something specific or just frustrated in general.

Gabe mumbled a few things to himself, low and incoherent. You couldn’t make any of it out as you leaned in, trying to catch a word or two. But as his eyes met yours, the commander seemed to catch himself, speaking more clearly when he again opened his mouth.

“Just… A lot of paperwork.” He really didn’t want to bring it up to you, the voices and the liquor both telling him he would seem pathetic. You didn’t need to know his body was falling apart, that he was a lab rat for a crazy scientist, that some days doing all the dirty work weighed on him. He didn’t need to whine.

“Is that really all?” You asked, folding his hands back around the coffee as you encouraged him to drink more. To your surprise, Gabe leaned forward, resting his forehead against your hand as his weariness overtook him.

“I just get so tired of the politics.” It was all you could do to keep your heart from leaping up your throat and out your mouth. Breathing deeply, you tried to calm yourself. Reminding yourself that he was drunk, he didn’t know what he was doing, he didn’t mean anything by this small gesture.

Maybe it was your warmth, or the warmth of the alcohol in his gut and his mind, but Gabe found his lips loosening, words tumbling from his mouth the second they formed in his head.

“Morrison keeps nagging me to follow the rules. Says he keeps getting in trouble because of me.” You listened closely, the name ringing a bell, though you couldn’t place it. “I don’t know. I don’t want him getting in trouble on my account. But I just want to get the job done. Lives depend on us. We can’t waste time sitting around talking about things. I didn’t sign up for that.”

You weren’t sure what to say to him. Didn’t know how to make it better. Your worlds were so different. He was out there saving people, keeping the world safe. The most important thing you ever did was pour drinks for those saving the world. How could you possible help him?

“Some days I wonder if I’m really doing a lick of good being in this organization.” He admits, pressing into your hand as he bites back his disdain.

Moving the mug away, you leaned down on the bar, looking him in the eyes as you caught his attention.

“You saved me.” You reminded him. “I think that counts for something.” Sparing him a soft smile, you did your best to put him at ease. “And I’m sure there are hundreds of others out there you saved during the omnic crisis that are living happy lives because of you. And even more now who don’t even know you’ve saved them from dangerous people. You are making a difference, Gabe. Even if you can’t see it.”

These were words he had heard a thousand times from Ana and Jack. But now, maybe it was the alcohol or the weariness or that the words were coming from you, he could almost believe them. You seemed happy. You had certainly grown up. If it weren’t for him and Overwatch, you probably would have died in that burning city. No. You certainly would have. And the rest of humanity, they would have been wiped out by the omnics.

Feeling lighter, he found comfort in your words, believing them as they spilled from your beautiful lips. As you continued going on about how grateful you were to him, about how many lives he’s shaped, Gabe found his focus shifting. Without realizing it, Gabriel was leaning in, slumping closer as he focused on your words. You were so close, so kind. Unable to hear your words, he was distracted by your lips, fascinated by their shape, and enticed by their movement. Just a little closer, and he could steal a kiss. You smiled, soft and sweet and warm, and his courage became cemented.

“Dallying with that girl again? There are bigger things at stake here, commander" You were surprised at just how deep set the lines in Gabe’s face were as he cringed, closing his eyes and groaning at the voice that interrupted them. “Big mission in the morning and you’re here poisoning your system.”

“Why are you here?” Turning around in the stool, it was all Gabe could do to keep his composure, almost sliding out of his seat in the process.

A tall, lanky woman stood in the middle of the bar. Poised and dignified, she looked almost fragile, as if she might break if touched. With short red hair and intense eyes, she stared Gabe down with a power that left your mind blank and your stomach knotted.

“I had hoped to discuss tomorrows plans. But you were nowhere to be found.” To say she was intimidating would have been an understatement. When her eyes flicked over to you, you physically recoiled. It didn’t take words for her to convey that she found no worth in you, regarding you dismissively.

“You could have called.” Gabe interjected, taking her attention away from you so she could again study the man slumped in the chair.

“Would you have answered?” The commander muttered something under his breath and nearly fell as he moved to lean against the bar. “The state of you.” The disgust in her voice was more pointed and cruel than you had ever heard. The indescribable power she held over others permeated the bar, leaving everyone with a great sense of unease as they avoided her gaze, hoping they would not be on the receiving end of her sharp tongue. “You really shouldn’t be drinking, in your condition.”

“Let me worry about my condition.” Gabe spat clumsily.

As he again began to slip, you reached out, grabbing a hold of his hoodie as you attempted to support him. This only earned you the calculating stare of the strange woman as she studied you. There was something so dismissive in the way she regarded you. As if you were of no importance to her, something she would easily discard, if given the chance.

“Are you always so handsy with your customers?” Her voice was flat, matter of fact as if there was no doubt to her conclusion, leaving you flustered and speechless to reply. “I suppose that’s how you make your money though. A young thing like you would be wise to use her physical assets in such a profession.”

“E-excuse me?” You stammered, not sure if she was insinuating something or not.

“Leave her out of this.” Gabe slurred, voice low and dangerous in its drunken tone.

“Well if that’s how you care to do things, then fine. But do leave this man out of it. He’s much too busy to be bothering himself with young tarts. Our work is far too important for him to get distracted by a fresh faced child.”

Cut deep by the woman’s words, you shrink away from the man, releasing him as you become aware of all the eyes on you. How stupid you felt. Of course you must have looked like a little hussy. Being so attracted to such an older man, getting so close to him while he was drunk and vulnerable. This woman was just voicing what everyone was thinking.

As you drew away, Gabe was left to balance on his own, feeling like he had been punched in the gut. Things had been going so well. The two of you talking, carrying on a full conversation. He was even working up the nerve to make a move. And then Moira had to come along and point out the obvious. Wasn’t it enough he reminded himself day in and day out that he was too old for you? Why did she have to come and announce it to the whole world.

Her words fester in his mind, fueling his self-doubt and guilt, till he couldn’t even bring himself to look at you. Slipping off the stool, Gabe wobbles toward the door, growling as he passed the scientist.

“Just shut up.” As they made their exit, the woman spared you one final, victorious glance, her satisfaction wicked and her eyes dangerous. And in those eyes, you could have sworn you saw the devil.

Then, with a clang of the door, they were gone. A handful of crumpled bills, the empty glasses and the tears welling in your eyes were the only proof they had ever been there.

#gabriel reyes #gabriel reyes x reader #Reaper #reaper x reader #Overwatch #blackwatch #drinking #moira o'deorain #pining #angst #age difference #alcohol

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tinyliltina · 6 years ago

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Pine and Needles

“Needle, please stop eating all the candy canes-I’m using them!”

‘We are almost out of chicken nuggets, Tina. What do you expect us to eat?’

“Anything else but my decorations!” Tina rolled her eyes. The symbiote in her hand crawled forwards, using a navy, veiny tendril to pull over another mini candy cane. Try as she might to keep Needle’s greedy goo out of her decorations, they seemed enthralled at everything edible. Her grocery bills had skyrocketed in the last few months alone…

“How about you stop eating all my decorations, and I’ll get you two big bags of nuggets later?” Tina asked, hanging another ornament on the tree. “Maybe I’ll even get the kinds with the little dinosaurs.”

Needle blinked. Tina could hear them burbling their consideration, before relaxing on her shoulder. She smirked triumphantly and placed a candy cane on her little tree. Tina turned the small fern around, and added her plastic star on top. A final twist to ensure even distribution concluded he decorating process. Tina sat back and smiled.

‘I fail to see why you find these plastic orbs so fascinating…’ Needle murmured. Tina glanced over at the little symbiote and smiled.

“I fail to see why you find the dino chicken nuggets so fascinating.”

‘A fair point.’ Needle mused. ‘And I suppose you’ve got more of these decorations?’

“Not too many more,” Tina admitted. “Just something to string under the bed, and maybe something for the door...then we can have hot chocolate with peppermint and finish off the nuggets. Fair?”

‘Fair.’

Tina smiled and scooped up her other decorations. Battery powered lights lit up the room. Glittering bulbs of penguins and presents dangled from the bed rails. Tinsel lined the windowsills, and a little wax melt ensured pine filled the air. Once everything was said and done, Tina settled in her armchair, accented with a Christmas themed blanket. She smiled and gazed around the dorm.

Tina paused, then crossed the room. Beaming at her work, she decided to admire it in all its glory. She flicked off the overhead fluorescent lights. The small dorm was bathed in a warm rainbow of colors. Ornaments and presents glittered in the glow of the multicolored lights. For a moment, Tina took the Christmas in.

‘These decorations...they are nice.’

“Hm, so you admit you like something else human made other than nuggets?”

‘You do have nice taste...’

“You’re just saying that so I’ll make us more nuggets, aren’t you?”

‘...Is it working?’

“...Yeah,” Tina shrugged. She stood and moved to her mini fridge. While the nuggets cooked, she made a cup of hot chocolate. “But only four, alright? If the snow keeps up, we may not get out to the store for a while.”

Needle hummed as their flesh crawled over here, sinews of a new skin covering hers. Within seconds, she was completely concealed by them. It was an odd feeling, being trapped within Needle. It almost like a warm,but moving sleeping bag. Tina had some control like this, but she let herself be pulled by Needle’s muscles.

She could taste the nuggets as Needle ate them, meticulously biting off each head of the little dinosaurs before slurping the rest of them down. It felt strange, being tugged around as Needle did as they pleased. At times, Tina felt like a puppet. And yet, she knew Needle could take over at any time they wanted, and she couldn’t do a thing about it. Somehow that didn’t scare her. Their obsession with chicken nuggets and gummy bears had something to do with that.

It barely took any time for Needle to finish their meal. Once they were done, they sat back and rumbled pleasantly. Tina rolled her eyes, peering through theirs and stretching.

“Alright, break time’s over,” Tina sighed. Her voice sounded different with her current state, but she hardly minded. “We’ve got movies to watch!”

‘And what movies are those?’

“The Grinch movies!”

‘...That sounds terrible.’

“You said that about chicken nuggets-“ Tina smiled as she grabbed her laptop. Needle’s veiny form dissolved into her once more. A few clicks opened her streaming browser, Nextclick, and she scrolled through the movie titles. As usual, there were two options for the Grinch. The older, animated version….or the live action. Tina debated a moment before choosing the live action. While the screen booted up, Tina took a sip of the hot chocolate (it was lukewarm now, but still delicious).

As usual, Needle talked during most of the movie. Tina didn’t mind, she enjoyed answering the alien’s (many) questions.

‘So, this Grinch lives in Whoville with these...mutated humans with strange voices.’

“He lives outside the city because he doesn’t like the noise, but yeah.”

‘The only normal creature in this entire film is Max...the Grinch should like to die for Max.’

“You say that about every dog you see on the screen.”

‘Mm,’ Needle hummed. ‘It is because dogs are the purest creatures on the earth. Also, they are fluffy.’

“And here I thought you were a cat person,” Tina muttered exasperatedly.

At the end of the movie, Needle was speechless. Tina was surprised, but didn’t comment on their quietness. Instead, she put her laptop away and glanced to the clock. It was late...later than she would have liked. She yawned and stretched. With a sigh, she began her nightly routine. Needle remained quiet for a while. Tina began to if they were alright, only to have Needle speak up.

‘That was a horrifying movie.’

Tina blinked. She frowned, and picked up her toothbrush. “Why do you say that?”

‘The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes,’ Needle whispered, as if they’d just seen a murder. ‘Surely...it exploded.’

It took all of Tina’s strength not to laugh aloud. She waited for Needle to explain their reasoning.

‘If a heart swelled to three times it’s normal size, it would explode. There would be a mess of blood and entrails… It would be a feast.’

“Needle, what did we say about eating people’s entrails?”

‘I wasn’t saying we would eat them, just that it could potentially be a feast for those that are not us.’

“Of course you weren’t,” Tina chuckled. “Besides, you’re looking into this too much. It’s just a kid’s movie-“

‘You show this movie to CHILDREN?!’ Needle gasped. ‘And you don’t think that is inappropriate?’

“Not really,” Tina shrugged. “A kid wouldn’t think that much about the Grinch’s heart growing that much. They focus on the fact it filled with love and cheer for the holidays-“

‘But it is full of blood and oxygen-‘

“Not the point, Needle.”

‘But it is a point nonetheless.’

She went to argue, but shook her head instead. “We’re going to bed,” Tina sighed. “Otherwise we’ll be up all night, and we’re getting up early to go play in the snow.”

‘The ice crystals that fell all day today?’

“Yes! We’ll make snow men and go sledding, it’ll be fun!” Tina smiled as she climbed into her bed, and flopped onto her mattress.

‘That sounds fun,’ Needle admitted. ‘Will we be able to eat the snow?’

“How about we talk about eating arrangements tomorrow?” Tina pulled her blankets over herself, relaxing under the covers. She felt Needle crawl over her skin, and eventually envelop her in their navy body. This was really the best way for them both to rest, and was an added security in case something happened.

‘Alright, we will discuss them tomorrow,’ Needle agreed. ‘Good night, Tina.’

“G’night, Needle~.”

~~~~~

Symbiotes belong to the Marvel team.

The Grinch, Whos and Whoville belong to Dr. Seuss. May he Rest In Peace ;0;

Here’s part one of a Christmas gift for my bud @oliverthesaltyedgelord!

Welcome to the Needle!verse Needle is a symbiote Tina (my persona) found ;0; They bond to Tina and...struggle to work their way through the human world together. This isn’t exactly G/t but it’s funny and nyeh ;w;. Banter is one of my favorite things to write~.

#needle #needle!verse #tina writes #ollie #tina

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aion-rsa · 3 years ago

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Doctor Who: What Does the Second Coming of Russell T. Davies Mean For the Show?

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It was announced last week that Russell T. Davies is returning to show run Doctor Who for the show’s 60th anniversary series and beyond. If that’s news to you, I refer you to my previous sentence. All the information is there. After a weekend to absorb the news and read takes of various temperatures, there’s still plenty to be positive about. There are potential negatives though, so let’s examine these first.

It’s true that Russell T. Davies burnt himself out at the end of his initial run (2005 – 2010), and felt there was nothing more he could do on the show. Some elements of Davies’ writing are difficult to watch (the use of fat people as monsters and victims in ‘Aliens of London/World War Three’ and ‘Partners in Crime’ has a Roald Dahl nastiness to it, and I would be very happy not to see a non-consensual mindwipe on Doctor Who again).

Recent reports of inappropriate behaviour from actors on set during the tenure of Davies, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter have also raised questions regarding working practices and safety in the production. Assurances will be sought that there will be no similar behaviour this time around, and that if it does happen it will be dealt with at the time.

There’s also an undercurrent of disappointment that not only is the new showrunner another cis white man, but it’s someone who has run the show before. Ultimately Doctor Who needs new voices, it always has done (even when a showrunner or script editor has been popular they always need a break – Robert Holmes also burnt himself out in the Seventies). When RTD leaves again, we need someone else’s take on it.

What RTD’s presence suggests is that the BBC is not currently comfortable raising someone new to the position of showrunner, or that its attempts to do so have failed (it’s quite possible that someone new was asked but declined). The most positive interpretation is that the BBC is wanting to give the show a boost before committing to someone new, so that they don’t have the additional pressure of a new Doctor and the 60th anniversary to contend with. Less positively, if the BBC regards Doctor Who as a flagging show that people are turning down then RTD may be regarded as a safe pair of hands who can restore it before someone else takes over, again removing additional pressure.

And what of the impact on Series 13? We’re still waiting for its release date, and a monster reveal clip dropped recently but failed to make much of a splash while the focus was elsewhere. There are two years to wait for the anniversary series and Davies’ next script, and this will loom over Jodie Whittaker’s final series. Whittaker has been unlucky in many respects: while she has worked with Chris Chibnall before and trusted his take on the show, Chibnall’s approach to publicity is restrained and more secretive than his predecessors. With no broadcast date or full trailer for the expected Autumn/Winter airing, it feels like the current version of Doctor Who is treading water. Even the spin-off media for Doctor Who in recent years has focussed more on David Tennant than the current incarnation.

Indeed, there’s a dismissal of the Chibnall era as a hollow retread of the Russell T. Davies approach: there’s a sense of the Doctor being written in a similar vein to David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, but also there are elements of Matt Smith’s Eleventh in there too. The influences on Chibnall’s vision for the show are from throughout its history, and Series 11 was notable for its lack of arc and finale. Comparatively, the current version of the show lacks the difficult choices and impactful deaths that gave it a strong identity upon its return.

Doctor Who: Russell T Davies Is Coming Back As the New/Old Showrunner. Allons-y!

By Andrew Blair

Doctor Who Season 14 Wish-List: What We’d Like to See

By Den of Geek Staff

If anything, the show seems burdened by its past now in a way it simply didn’t in the 2005 series, where the decision to make a clean break allowed new fans a way in and to discover the backstory at their own pace.

The RTD era is now part of that burden, though. As discussed here, each of his four full series had a consistent pattern (Present Day/Historical/Future stories to start with, darker stories around the second two-parter), it generated its own tropes (more aliens that look like Earth animals, anyone?) catchphrases and mythology. What was a fresh approach is now a standard one (Steven Moffat tried to move away from the series structure but – for various reasons – ultimately returned to it) and proving another approach works would ultimately be beneficial. Russell T. Davies is now tasked with the more difficult challenge of refreshing a programme that has been on air for 16 years, rather than off it.

For all the criticisms you can level at Chibnall, his initial approach for Series 11 did seem to be the necessary clean break with Moffat’s style (before heading down the same inward-looking path). How easy it will be to make a separation remains to be seen, as Chibnall’s remaining episodes are yet to be broadcast. If it continues in its current trajectory, culminating in an arc about the Doctor’s history and another destruction of the Time Lords, then it should at least be easier to clear the decks before beginning again. Given that he’s already gradually reintroduced the mythology of the show once, it’s going to be hard for Davies to repeat that trick with anything remotely like the impact it previously had, so a different approach will have to be found.

Davies will also have to deal with even more hostility than initially faced in 2005. There’s a strange group within fandom who are hoping that the ‘Woke agenda’ of Chibnall’s approach will be gone when Davies returns, as if they have never read or watched anything he’s written. They presumably don’t remember the threads on Davies’ ‘gay agenda’ on Outpost Gallifrey, or when the simple act of casting a black man in a recurring role in 2005 led to irate posts on right-wing forums. The ‘political correctness gone mad’ buzzwords of yesteryear now mutated into complaints about ‘woke nonsense’. If you’ve read Davies novelisation of ‘Rose’ it’s clear that his approach to Doctor Who now will result in headlines about polluting our children’s minds with ideas of tolerance, acceptance and compassion woke zealotry. Russell T. Davies isn’t perfect, of course, but like Doctor Who itself, his storytelling is rarely without a political conscience.

One thing worth highlighting, raised initially by Alex Moreland on his blog, is that the show will be co-produced by Bad Wolf productions. This won’t have raised many eyebrows as it’s assumed to be part of the package of bringing in producers Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter. However, as Moreland points out, “changes to the BBC charter means it has to open up in-house properties to bids from external companies to produce them – this is the start of that.”

Either way, Doctor Who is no longer going to be produced entirely in-house by the BBC, and it’s possible that the same forces that complain about ‘wokeness’ in the show have driven the organisation to this point. Beneath the decisions over who gets to run a television programme are reflections of the current political situation, the endless churn of Interesting Times. Given this, then, it’s possibly a case of damage limitation by the BBC: if they have to pick an external company to co-produce, at least Bad Wolf can be relied upon to treat the property with respect and Davies has fiercely defended the corporation in the past.

Davies’ appointment can be interpreted as a conservation measure, both in the wider sphere of politics and regarding the show itself. Fan talk (at least in the circles I’m in) is dissatisfied with Doctor Who, seeing it as a show needing a rest or reinvention. Chibnall’s departure felt like a chance to try someone new, with names like Sally Wainwright and Nida Manzoor mentioned alongside former writers like Jamie Mathieson and Sarah Dollard.

The least positive interpretation of RTD’s return is that, for all its talk of diversity and inclusion, British television has failed to develop anyone new to a position where they could take over Doctor Who. Or even that they have done this, but then potentially ignored them for this role.

What we can be positive about, however, is that Russell T. Davies’ writing is better than ever. January’s It’s a Sin is widely considered his masterpiece, and he’s clearly still fizzing with ideas and passion. He loves Doctor Who, he’s hardly going to take this job just for the money. The hope is that this is a transitional period for the show, the passing from a period of uncertainty to an exciting, unknown future.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Doctor Who Series 13 will air this autumn on BBC One and BBC America.

The post Doctor Who: What Does the Second Coming of Russell T. Davies Mean For the Show? appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3ufYr4K

#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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bi-asstronaut · 7 years ago

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hi! a good friend of mine doesn't understand nb genders (especially the fluid ones & agender). she thinks nb ppl have a mental problem, bc as she sees it- gender is about deciding (between female/male), while nb is not deciding. in general she's very understanding and open, but I couldn't explain her (plus I'm cis and don't want to say something harmful). how would u answer the question of "why are nb genders are actual genders? why are they not a problem of making decisions?"

Hi Anon! Thanks for sending me this ask. I’m not an All-Knowing Expert on nb genders because I’m nb myself, since everyone experiences their gender differently, but I’ll do my best to answer your question.

It can be very difficult for non-nb people to understand what being nonbinary means or “feels like”, simply because they’ve never experienced gender outside the binary themselves, so I understand why your friend has a hard time seeing where we’re coming from. Nonbinary isn’t a disease or a mental illness, just like being binary trans (a trans man/woman) isn’t, and it’s also not about not making a decision. If anything, I think being a cis person has more to do with not making a decision than being nb does - Cis people are comfortable with the gender they were born as and don’t have to go through any of the processes nb people (and binary trans people as well in some cases) may have to; processes, which, to me, are filled with decisions. Am I really nb? Do I want to change my name? Do I want to alter my body in any way? How should I dress to best express who I am? Does dressing how I want to/expressing my gender have any consequences for me? etc. I hope that answers your question of why I think nb genders aren’t about not making decisions.

To understand why nb genders are actual genders, I think it’s important to understand that gender is largely a social construct. What many perceive as being something inherently “girly”, feminine, “boyish” or masculine is actually just… stuff. It’s just objects and concepts. A dress or a skirt is just a piece of fabric cut and sown in a certain way, but lots of people think it’s inappropriate for a man or a boy to wear because it’s “girly”. And to think that the notion that gender is determined by chromosomes can shut down any argument because it’s biology is actually wrongful and completely ignores… actual biology. For example, a quick google search gave me Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic mutation where a person is born with an extra X chromosome, so that their sex chromosomes are XXY. In rare cases, they can even have two or three extra Xs (XXXY or XXXXY). Physically, this shows as low levels of testosterone, which means less-developed “male” characteristics and more-developed “female” characteristics. An example that may seem even more out of this world are people who have a genetic mosaic, where they possess XX chromosomes in some cells and XY in others. How are we supposed to determine whether this person is male or female if we go by chromosomes alone? I think it’s much easier to just ask what the person feels like.

(Not to mention the fact that the biology argument completely erases the existence of intersex people, but I don’t know enough about this subject to speak about it.)

With that said, I think one of the keys to “unlocking” how someone can be nb is being able to differentiate between sex and gender. Typically, sex is defined as what’s going on with your body, while gender defines what goes on inside your head. That means that your body and your gender don’t have to match up whatsoever. Trans women are still women and trans men are still men if they identify as such, regardless of how their body looks. This also goes for nb people - We’re still nb, no matter what our physical characteristics may be and how we choose to dress.

I’d also like to point out that a large number of non-Western cultures recognise more than two genders and otherwise gender non-conforming people, but these genders are often intrinsically linked to that culture’s traditions and beliefs and should therefore not be used by people outside that culture. A relatively well-known example of such a gender is “two-spirit”, which is used by some indigenous North Americans to describe “certain people in their communities who fulfill a traditional third-gender ceremonial role in their cultures.” (Wikipedia) The fact that many non-Western cultures recognise and have recognised more than two genders for centuries should be a good indication that identifying as nonbinary isn’t a new thing made up by hipsters and teens who just want to be cool and different.

tl;dr:- gender is a social construct built on concepts and things that have come to be seen as “girly” (feminine) or “boyish” (masculine), but which have no inherent gender, such as clothing- sex/physical characteristics and gender are two different, separate things and they don’t have to match up- using chromosomes/biology as an argument against trans and nonbinary genders is wrongful and erases intersex people- more than two genders are recognised in many non-Western cultures

This got really lengthy, but I hope it answers your questions and questions your friend may have! If you want me to elaborate or answer another question, feel free to shoot me another ask.

And if there’s anything in my reply that’s offensive, wrong or could be worded better, please let me know.

Further reading and watching (I’m on mobile so I apologise for the ugly links):- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nlc8H4WUqEs (“Proof that there are more than two genders”, uploaded by Riley J. Dennis, a nonbinary person)

- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjIGlYSe6iDxaIAsFhQ7eLoYlo35JNAKy (“The ABC’s of LGBT+”, uploaded by Ash Hardell)

- For your friend about being genderfluid and agender specifically: http://gender.wikia.com/wiki/Gender_Fluid (the definition of being genderfluid)

- https://www.google.dk/amp/s/www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-agender/amp (a rather lengthy article that includes an agender person talking about what being agender means to them, a doctor who works with gender, pronoun usage, and other things) (I only skimmed it, but it seems respectful and good)

#woo boy this got long i’m.... sorry #when i get asked about gender there’s no knowing where it’ll go #it’s a subject i like talking about and which i think is important #anyway uhhh thanks for the ask have a good day #nonbinary #nb #gender #long post

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agentelmo · 7 years ago

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The X-Files MSR Analysis Series: Season 1 Episode 9

“Space”

Previous episode analysis - 1x08 Ice.

What can I say about Space. Other than “oh dear”, quite frankly.

But let’s not focus on the quality of the episode - we’re here for the MSR!

Eh...

Ok, so in terms of the MSR, this episode isn’t much to write home about either, but it has a moment or two. The most significant aspect of it overall is how it shines a bit of light on how Scully can respond sensitively to Mulder, even when he might not deserve it. In this instance, it’s regarding his childhood hero-worship of Colonel Belt. She teases him about it at first, but when the shit starts hitting the fan, her tone changes and you can see she’s much softer with him by the end.

There are other elements of their relationship on display here, such as their working dynamic - again - each holding their own half of the truth that when put together solves the case. But that doesn’t happen until the very end. Throughout the majority of the episode, Mulder and Scully are on the same page - there’s no obvious paranormal involvement from their perspective until the final act. It’s a very strange episode...

So we start with Mulder and Scully just chilling on a set of stairs as their contact arrives.

That’s not an awkward pose at all, Mulder. I feel like he could be seconds away from letting one rip. Sit down again - quick man!

As in most season 1 episodes, there is always a little scene of mundane ordinariness that fascinates me. I like seeing Mulder and Scully really rooted in the real world, and just chilling on some steps in Washington D.C. on a sunny day feels plausible. This is what an FBI agent might well do.

Also, hello there oral fixation.

Was it David Duchovny that first pointed this out about Mulder? That the guy must have an oral fixation because he’s always tonguing a sunflower seed?

Ya. Tonguing.

It is also established (much later in season 2′s Aubrey) that it’s something his dad did when he was a child, so it seems this is a habit Mulder has adopted - in a way it’s quite interesting that the episode starts with a link to Mulder’s father, as another father figure to Mulder pops up later.

Anyway, this munching on the sunflower seeds is one of his many idiosyncrasies that we learn of over the years.

Still, if it is an oral fixation no one is gonna complain about the fact Mulder is substituting titty for sunflower seeds... I’m sure many a fanfic has been written based on the premise that Mulder is quite adept with his tongue as a result of all that “practice”.

Or it could just be that he really likes sunflower seeds, but hey ho.

So next Mulder and Scully head over to Houston and the NASA Space Centre to investigate the apparent sabotage of the shuttle Orbiter.

Pfft... Orbiter. Atlantis was always my favourite. You ever see the movie Space Camp? Would totally recommend.

They are driven around on a little golf buggy thingy-mah-jig and there’s some straight up inappropriate staring going on.

Right at the beginning Scully is staring at Mulder’s mouth as he talks. I think all that sunflower seed tonging did a number on her. She’s been reading those titty-lickin’-good fanfics, guys.

I won’t subtitle the gif, because Mulder is just waffling - think of it as what Scully is hearing when she stares at his mouth. Seriously, just look at her eyes.

“Hoo boy, he is pretty cute...God damn it. Wait, what has he been saying?”

Also, look at all the space Mulder has beside him, and yet they’re sitting squashed up like this - very much in each other’s space. I think what happened there is that Scully got in first, and Mulder just scooched up as close as possible, because Scully, amirite?

Don’t worry, Mulder gets in on this inappropriate eyeballing too. The eye line suggests to me he’s checking her out. See it?

EYES UP HERE, MULDER.

I like that he immediately looks away too. Smooth move, Mulder. Don’t want to get caught checking out your partner’s “assets”.

Don’t give me that withering look, I haven’t got much to work with in this episode, so let’s make the most of every last second we can find!

The scene itself is quite nice in terms of their dynamic, because this is typical Mulder-Scully fare. She asks a question and Mulder goes off on a spiel answering her in the form of Mulder Story Time.

Bless you, naive 1993!Scully. Forget the X-Files, oh what geopolitical horrors lie in store for you.

Then of course we get to the meat and potatoes of it - why might Mulder be interested in a case like this? The clear NASA involvement in a cover up of the existence of certain “evidence”.

I love how Mulder pauses with a knowing smile. He anticipates her snarky response, but there’s no malice. I’ve pointed this out in a few of the episodes thus far, and I love it every time. Just the ease that they have with each other, they’ve already become each others best friend at this point - especially Scully to Mulder.

The next scene is all Mulder regressing into a 14 year-old boy again as he walks the halls of the Space Centre. This makes me kinda sad now, because this child-like enthusiasm and glee for space exploration is everything he wanted to share with his son - William.

Which we see in season 10′s Founder’s Mutation.

I’m just never gonna be okay with the fact Mulder and Scully missed out on being parents to their own child.

Never.

The fact Mulder dreams that he passes on this passion to him, and that William himself dreams of going “up there some day.”

Really, it does kinda make this next scene in Space a tiny bit heartbreaking with hindsight. Look at how excited he is.

He’s such a puppy. So excited. If he had a tail he’d be wagging it right now. Why is it heartbreaking? Because we’re getting to see a little bit of how he would have been as a dad.

It’s okay, take a moment. I know I am.

Scully is being a bit of a stick in the mud here, but it’s fine I guess. She doesn’t share his interest. Her little smiling eye-roll seems to suggest she finds this behaviour from him to be a mix between endearing and pathetically cliché. But it is actually kinda strange that Scully wasn’t interested in the space program growing up herself since, you know, she did her undergraduate degree in physics!!

So they meet this Colonel Belt and oh my word, Mulder acts like an utterly embarrassing fanboy.

Like, seriously... he can’t stop himself.

Mulder, you do remember you have a job to do here, right? I find this little bit quite amusing since Scully is utterly no-nonsense with Colonel Belt and Mulder is one step away from clapping his hands over Scully’s mouth and then dragging her out of the room all the while profusely apologising.

“I have no idea who this person is; she is nothing to me. I love you.”

Poor Scully is not enjoying being backed into a corner by the Colonel’s belligerent attitude...

...and is even less impressed with Mulder’s lack of support as he stares doe-eyed at Belt complete silence.

He knows he’s effed up; look at his face as he closes the door.

If I was to look a little deeper into why Mulder might idolise Belt to the point of making a fool of himself, I’d say it might have something to do with the fact that he came to idolise Belt at roughly the age of 14 - two years after Samantha was taken. We come to know later in the series, that Mulder’s father was never around much after Samantha’s abduction, and I suspect not much before that either considering what his job was.

His relationship with his father is strained now, as it was then, and I believe in season 1 they are totally estranged. So after two years of having an absentee father, Mulder would have understandably needed another father figure; a hero to look up to. Perhaps that’s what Belt is for him? A heroic figure he looked up to in place of his father.

It would explain why he is so dismissive of the idea that Belt could be involved in sabotage when, so far, all evidence points to him. He can’t conceive of his hero not being who he thought he was - the betrayal wouldn’t be to his adult self, but the 14 year old boy he was.

They head over to Mission Control to watch the launch of the shuttle Orbiter, and I have to mention this, it’s totally not relevant to the MSR but the music during this sequence is very strange - go back and listen to it. It sounds very similar to the X-Files opening theme played slower and off-key. Weird!

The launch is a success and Mulder is still being a huge nerdy fanboy. Look at how happy he is, geezus, I don’t think we’ve seen him this happy about anything, ever. Scully is completely unmoved - c’mon, lighten up, Scully. Still feels a bit silly that she would be this disinterested.

He’s so happy to have had one of his boyhood fantasies fulfilled, but he’s getting nothing out of her - she’s just so full of snark.

Why, Scully?! Chill out, woman! I guess it’s because I would totally find this as exciting as Mulder does. When I was a kid I definitely did have that dream of being an astronaut. Went to college and studied physics myself (and psychology - I was trying to choose which direction I wanted to head in, and ended up being more Mulder than Scully) I didn’t have posters of boys on my bedroom walls, I had star maps; the shuttle Atlantis; one of my favourite movies of all time is Contact. I totally get Mulder’s enthusiasm.

Her attitude here kinda reminds me of the season 7 episode First Person Shooter too, where Scully starts ragging on video games as being pointless, violence-inducing, clap-trap while Mulder tries to get her onboard with his childlike enthusiasm. I also love video games, so I was always on Mulder’s side in that episode too. So yeah... sorry Scullz, but I’m with Mulder on this one!

What’s so endearing about it though, is that this stuff is important to him and he keeps trying to get her to be excited about it along with him - he wants to share that joy with her.

But before they leave and drop the case, something has gone wrong with the Orbiter and they’re called back to Mission Control.

On the way, there is a car accident where the contact from the beginning of the episode - Michelle Generoo - flips her car after seeing a ghostly grotesque face come at her in the fog.

It’s the first hint of the paranormal about this case to Mulder and Scully, but they seemingly pay it no mind at all. Not even Mulder, which is surprising. I guess he just thinks she lost control of her car. But he doesn’t say so... it’s just treated like she didn’t say it at all. Odd.

Then back at Mission Control, Mulder starts to do something that grates on me just a tiny bit. He starts explaining everything to Scully after it’s already been explained by the other characters. I mean, it’s not like you need to be a NASA nerd to understand what they are saying, so it comes off as a teenie tiny bit like mansplaining - sorry Mulder!

And again, Scully has a physics degree! I think she would pick it up just as well as Mulder does.

I get that in the context of this being a TV episode he’s explaining it as much to us, the viewers, as he is to Scully. But still... perhaps it should have been a conversation between them, giving Scully the opportunity to show she does understand what is going on rather than him just talking at her like a complete ignorant. I could write it off if it just happened once, but it does happen several times in the episode.

Wait, I’ve worked it out. Coming over to explain everything to Scully gives Mulder an excuse to be a space invader - whispering in Scully’s ear. Cracked it!

Ok that’s fine, I’m totally fine with that. Mansplain away, Mulder.

Whilst trying to work out who is sabotaging the shuttle, Mulder and Scully start running around the Space Centre waving their guns about.

Mah badass baby Agents. Pew pew!

But when they return to mission control they look like they’ve just been caught having a fumble in the NASA stationary cupoboard.

Now that things are going seriously wrong with the Orbiter and peoples lives are in danger, Scully seems to soften. When Mission Control successfully reestablishes communication with the astronauts everyone in the room goes wild, and Scully finally allows herself to feel it... a little bit, at least.

She’s still holding back compared to other people in the room, though. Perhaps after all the ribbing she’s been giving Mulder, she feels embarrassed about just letting go and enjoying the moment with the same joy he does?

Don’t wanna give him the chance to lay down an “I told you so!”

Which would fit a pattern of behaviour we see from Scully as the show continues. A reservedness that she can’t fully let go of; she can’t always fully let Mulder see her and how she’s truly feeling - she’s not good at being vulnerable with him. But I don’t think this is anything specific to Mulder. She does it with everyone - her family too. As we come to know Scully, we come to realise she doesn’t like letting things in... or letting people in, either.

Admittedly, this is a very minor example of it, as we see her totally embrace the joy of the mission’s success later. Wait for that gif... it’s literally the best moment of the episode because Scully is just so painfully beautiful.

Mulder is just insane to not be going after this woman. ANYWAY...

Before we move on... since we focused so much on Scully’s reaction, lets check out Mulder’s too.

♫ I’m a little teapot short and stout ♫ Come on, sing along everyone! ♫ Here’s my handle and here’s my spout! ♫

♫ Tip me over and pour me out! ♫ Please, Mulder... never change.

Colonel Belt then gives a press conference to update the media on the mission’s progress, and he lies. He tells the reporters that everything has been plain sailing and there were no issues at all. Upon hearing this, Mulder is clearly feeling let down and naively disappointed. But this is 14 year old Mulder, not 32 year old Mulder’s feelings here. He’s still looking at Belt the way he did when he was a kid.

“When all my childhood dreams are being crushed to dust, I make this face.”

Alright, Scully... no need to rub it in.

Look at her face, I think she’s probably disappointed for Mulder, as much as anything, but that comment did feel a bit brutal. I think it might have clicked for her by now why thinking this guy isn’t who Mulder believes he is, is so painful for him. It’s not just about a childhood hero being a disappointment. It can’t just be that, because Mulder really is pushing back against the idea Colonel Belt is a bad guy for no other reason than “he’s an astronaut too” - the evidence just keeps pointing to him.

Mulder chases down Colonel Belt and questions him about why he lied to the press. The answer is already pretty obvious really, as Michelle has already told them - the government is looking for any reason to shut down the space program.

Belt explains that the astronauts do what they do for no other reason than the progress of mankind. Mulder’s response to this got me thinking.

True American heroes.

Mulder worships these people, and sees them as not just heroes, but American heroes. I think Mulder is actually quite a patriotic person. There are odd comments here and there throughout the series which points to this. His defending the American position during WW2 in Triangle; baulking at Scully’s preference for no butter on her popcorn calling it “un-American” in Je Souhaite.

I’m sure there’s many more I am just not recalling right now, but I think Mulder resists acknowledging Belt isn’t the hero he thought he was, because doing so not only kills the heroic figure of Belt from his childhood, but also erodes his view of America. The positive patriotic view of America that NASA and the space program helped to instil, particularly in the 1960′s and 70′s when NASA was at it’s height, which is when Mulder grew up.

I suspect this is something you can only truly understand if you are American yourself, which I am not. Patriotism is a funny old thing in Britain, mostly frowned upon. So I have a certain view that I can’t deny when watching this episode - Mulder being patriotic is kind of jarring.

I know this is not MSR related exactly, it’s more to do with Mulder as a character, but it does come back up again later towards the end of the episode in a conversation with Scully, so... that kinda counts??

As another crisis on Orbiter unfolds, Mulder and Scully run around looking for Colonel Belt like a pair of errand monkeys. They really do have nothing to do this whole episode. Belt arrives at Mission Control and chooses to risk the astronauts lives to continue the mission to deliver their payload.

Mulder looks like Belt just kicked a puppy, while Scully silently judges you.

I always thought this face was something she perfected over the years, but you know what? She’s actually got it down pat already.

Michelle rushes out of Mission Control believing her fiancee aboard Orbiter has just been sent to his death and Scully agrees; Belt is acting very strangely and taking unnecessary risks.

This is where we have the classic stalemate between Mulder and Scully, where she is right, but so is he. Belt is compromised and “losing it” as she says. He does know what is going on, and has known about it from the beginning, she believes he’s covering it up so that the mission can continue despite the obvious risks to avoid the space program being shut down.

She’s pretty much correct on all accounts, funnily enough. But so is Mulder, who says Belt isn’t sabotaging the mission, he’s desperately trying to save the astronauts. He wants to believe that Belt is a hero, and that what he’s doing he’s doing because he wants to save the men.

Amazingly, the paranormal aspect of this episode has still not been fully revealed to Mulder and Scully and we’re 30 minutes in at this point. They both now need to prove whether or not Belt knew about the sabotage of Orbiter and so they start to go through all the documentation they can find.

I have no idea why this picture of them sitting cross-legged on the floor makes me happy, but it does. I love it when they look like baby Agents!

Now Scully points out that finding any documented proof of Belt’s involvement is going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but apparently looking for a needle in a haystack isn’t as difficult as one might imagine, because they find the proof of his involvement pretty much immediately.

Within seemingly a few hours, Scully not only finds proof that Belt knew about the faulty components on Orbiter, but Mulder also finds that he was aware of the fault that led to the Challenger explosion. Yikes.

But before they can do anything with this information, Michelle informs them that Belt has collapsed in his office. They rush off to find him.

Why hello, hello, hello, there. If it isn’t our good friend Back Touch with a side order of Helping Hands. Please, no, touch me more, Mulder, I insist.

They arrive to discover Belt babbling like a loon. Then Mulder says...

Ummmmmm... Mulder? You do know that your partner is a medical doctor, right? I wonder if this is the reason why she feels the need to state this fact quite so much as the series goes on.

Why he needs a doctor I don’t even know, because it turns out, Mulder is secretly a doctor too??

He must be since he disregards the opinions of both Scully and the paramedics to do this focus your pain on my finger mumbo jumbo. Why those paramedics didn’t just tell Mulder to get the fuck out of the way, I have no idea. Scully, the actual doctor, says that what Mulder is doing is killing him. But he just ignores her.

I suppose this is a sign of the trust that she has in Mulder that she allows him to continue this, because if she didn’t think the information Mulder was trying to get was worth the risk, I don’t think she would have let this happen. Belt does, in fact, almost die and they have to break out the defib to get him back.

Scully took a huge risk there, if he had died, she and Mulder would be on the chopping block. Even when they have diverging viewpoints on things, when the shit really hits the fan they tend to have each others back. So this is another example of the faith Scully has in him, even when it seems like he might not deserve the benefit of the doubt - something we learnt she is prepared to do in Ice.

The weirdest part of this whole scene though, is that Scully is finally allowed to see something paranormal - she witnesses the ghostly image appear over Belt’s face, but doesn’t seem to react to it at all! Even Mulder doesn’t focus on that aspect of it, he single-mindedly keeps trying to get the information needed to save the astronauts from Belt.

Although, maybe Mulder saw the cruddy Pac-Man ghost SFX used for the space possession sequence and decided that shit is bananas.

B.A.N.A.N.A.S.

Mulder somehow gets what he needs from Belt, so he and Scully rush to Mission Control. Fortunately, they get there just in time, and the shuttle comes down to Earth safely.

Then, as promised, the best 1.5 seconds of the episode. Which I have slowed down for your viewing pleasure.

Honestly, she is so beautiful. How does Mulder resist that smile?

After all the drama is over, we see Belt in his hospital room, still being terrorised by the ghostly entity. Seemingly not being able to take it anymore, he throws himself out of his hospital room window, and to his death.

The last conversation between Mulder and Scully is quite a tender one, it’s the most they interact in a meaningful way throughout the whole episode. There’s no more reproachful teasing, Scully understands that Belt meant something to Mulder and so she is very gentle with him - even her tone of voice changes.

I’d like to think that at some point during this episode, Scully recalls that Mulder’s childhood wasn’t especially great past the age of 12. Mulder had specifically pointed out earlier that his hero-worship of Belt started at around the age of 14.

Even though Mulder is basically suggesting that Belt was possessed and whatever possessed him forced him into sabotaging the shuttle, Scully doesn’t really challenge him on it. There’s no point anymore since the case is closed, but also I think she is being kind to Mulder.

Mulder suggests that Belt gave his own life to kill whatever it was that possessed him.

With that reverent look on his face, Scully can no doubt see that Mulder wants to keep looking at Belt as a true American hero, and as a result Mulder is somewhat twisting Belt’s actions into some kind of heroic self-sacrifice, when actually, from what we see of his suicide, he was simply so tormented by this entity that he just wanted it to end.

Mulder seems incredibly reluctant to see Belt as anything other than the true American hero he grew up believing him to be. Perhaps it’s too painful for him to do otherwise.

Immediately after this scene, we’re at Belt’s funeral with the American flag draping his coffin shown prominently on screen.

The episode even ends with a close up of the flag.

There is something intrinsically linked between NASA, the space program and American patriotism. It’s not something I ever really thought too much about with regards to Mulder’s character before, but he too, is an American hero. Being the product of the 60′s and 70′s, Mulder grew up with the national pride and euphoria of NASA’s heyday. As a result, Mulder too, carries the American pride that was symbolised by Belt and the space program - these were people who do what they do for nothing more than the betterment of mankind. Isn’t that, in some ways, a little bit like Mulder himself? Sacrificing so much to his pursuit of the truth to - in the end - save humanity from an alien invasion.

Belt would be proud.

In the end, though. It’s not really explored. Just left as another thread that makes up the tapestry that is Fox Mulder.

Next up... 1x10 - Fallen Angel.

#thexfiles #x files #txf gifs #txf meta #txf analysis #x files msr analysis series #msr #fox mulder #dana scully #david duchovny #gillian anderson #chris carter #txf 1x09 #space

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mostlysignssomeportents · 7 years ago

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The Big Idea: Claire Eddy, Ibrahim Al-Marashi, Anoud and Dr. Zhraa Alhaboby

Here in the US, our fate and fortune was tied up in Iraq for many years. But what does the future hold for that country now? Iraq + 100, an anthology of Iraqi science fiction, offers several views of possibilities. Now, the acquiring editor and three authors from the anthology talk a bit about the book and the futures therein.

Claire Eddy, Senior Editor at Tor/Forge

I got a submission last fall from a small UK publisher and once I started reading I couldn’t stop. The editor of the anthology, Hassan Blasim, asked a simple question–how could you imagine your nation 100 years from now?

The question posed to Iraqi writers (those still in their homeland and those who have joined a world-wide diaspora), has produced an amazing project, a roadmap of what their country might look like following the disastrous foreign invasion of 2003.

Simply put, I believe that Iraq+100 is a piece of fiction that has the potential to make a difference.

I don’t say this lightly. I am very passionate about all the projects that I take on, but Iraq + 100 has a particularly special importance to me. These writers have given us not just wonderful stories, but the collection itself has a unique voice that I think deserves to be heard. Storytelling has always had the power to not only entertain, but to inform and change hearts. I truly believe that this project has the ability to do these very things.

I think a project like Iraq + 100 would do well at any point in time. In the environment that we find ourselves now, however, I think this book has a much bigger potential.

Ibrahim Al-Marashi, author of ��Najufa”

My story “Najufa” is based on my first trip to the Iraqi Shi’a shrine cities of Najaf and Kufa as an adult with my father and mother in 2010. The tensions that drive the relationship between the narrator and his grandfather in the story is based on the tensions I had with my own father during that trip. My father was born in the east African island of Zanzibar, as a result of his father escaping Najaf during the British occupation of Iraq in 1920 for taking part in an insurgency then. My father returned to Iraq in the sixties, went to medical school in Baghdad, and would visit Najaf and his relatives there often. However, my father did not travel to Iraq when Saddam Hussein was in power from 1979 to 2003.

I expected the trip in 2010 to be a nostalgic “home coming” for him, but as an old man in his seventies, he seemed oblivious to the whole place or experience. He was more concerned with drinking tea and relating his life experiences to any random person in the tea house than visiting the shrines. I compared his indifference to the spirituality inside the shrine complex to my observations at the same time of the younger pilgrims there, some who wanted to leave after a few minutes of praying, since their mobile phones are not allowed within the confines of any shrine, as terrorists use them to detonate explosives remotely. Everyone had to check in the mobile phone outside the shrine, like a coat check, and without phones, that generation became fidgety. After 2003, regardless of whether one was from Iraq or the “West,” what united us all was addiction to technology. In the story I wanted to project the evolution of how we will become the technology 100 years later, even in an ancient shrine city in Iraq.

Anoud, author of “Kahramana”

Kahramana is a slave girl in a story from A Thousand and One Nights which originates from the Abbasi Era in Mesopotamia, a golden age of enlightenment after which the region fell under conqueror after conqueror and women were further marginalized.

A Thousand and One Nights is one of the few literary examples I recall from the region where women are strong, dangerous characters that move a plot. Usually we’re either ‘damsels in distress’ needing the actions of men or we’re ‘conniving’ and ‘seductive’ inspiring men to act. Women did not swing a sword, not exactly. No surprise there, most of the authors are men.

A Thousand and One Nights did reflect on the norms of its times in the sense that women were spoils of war and slavery existed and was accepted. But women and slaves in those stories, like Kahramana, could be dangerous, independent, smart. Their husbands or keepers were their subordinates in the plot. They had little or no power to move the story along.

My story is more of a pun on A Thousand and One Nights. I make fun of the status quo between east and west, refugees and those on the receiving end. I chose her simply because Kahramana resonated with me as a child. I often passed by a fountain in Baghdad’s Kahramana Square that fascinated me. The fountain was built by a famous Iraqi sculpture in the 1970s to depict Kahramana (sometimes called Morjana) the slave girl from the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves.

Kahramana was standing tall on top of a pile of large jars holding a jug and pouring down onto the jars underneath her feet. According to the story the slave girl was slaying the thieves by dousing them with boiling oil on then sealing each jar shut. We, as Baghdadis, were celebrating a woman slyer. We, in a country where women need men’s permission for anything. And I, the push-over little girl, found her both disturbing and amazing. She just stuck with me.

Though I have come a long way from the timid ‘good girl’ I was raised to be and I like to think I can stand up for myself, I still get pushed around because I’m of the wrong gender, I behave inappropriately for my social class, am of the wrong nationality, standing on the wrong side of a border. It’s fucking endless. And when I want to fly off the handle I remember Kahramana standing over the heads of thieves in a Square in Baghdad, killing them all, indifferent.

Dr. Zhraa Alhaboby, author of “Baghdad Syndrome”

The idea for Baghdad Syndrome was unclear at first, thinking about it brought hopes and fears together. Hence, I began to imagine a future in which Iraq heals with a scar, the scar is the syndrome.

Baghdad Syndrome is a collection of physical and mental symptoms reflecting what people in Iraq are going through. Inspired by my last visit to Iraq, I looked more worried about the future than people living there, I saw the syndrome in almost everyone! The heart rate increases with every sudden explosion, and fear of loss. The depression comes from uncertainty, where people do not really know whether they will return home if they went out. Hallucinations and nightmares, due to the verge of reality with unbelievable events. Yet, their faces were smiley, living the moment and kept smiling to survive. Amusingly the painful reality was turned into humour. The blindness in the Syndrome is a metaphor to the endless electricity cuts in Baghdad, leaving a city that loves lights in darkness. Another darkness is the sudden loss of beloved ones, a point in life where nothing else could remain the same afterwards.

The inspiration to link the syndrome with genetic mutations came from my work. During that year (2014), I was writing a report about health-related human rights in Iraq. Revising international reports showed that health was underrepresented. Back then I contacted the Ministry of Human Rights in Iraq, it was a hopeless attempt because having no internal governmental connections means the request will be overlooked. Yet, I received a prompt reply from a local employee striving to share internal reports from several parts of the country. These reports demonstrated increased rates of congenital malformations in newborns in areas still compiled with war wastes. However, the symptoms of Baghdad Syndrome are far away from being a relatively immediate physical impact.

Writing about the future was not an easy task, I needed a link to tell the story. My style of writing is through the lenses of ancient history and riddles. My emotional link with Scheherazade’s statue in Baghdad had always inspired me, I had the sense she was watching and telling stories about what’s happening around her. With my admiration of A Thousand and One Nights, I thought Scheherazade could be my witness and say my riddle this time. When I had the context, the syndrome, and Scheherazade, I could write part of myself in each character in the story to finalise it. After finishing the story I realised, I always sketched the statue with a background of buildings and a pigeon around! Looks like my version of the future was in my sub-consciousness after all!

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2017/09/15/the-big-idea-claire-eddy-ibrahim-al-marashi-anoud-and-dr-zhraa-alhaboby/

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freezaprime · 7 years ago

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The Unforeseen Destiny of a Techno-Organic Chapter 1: Tragedy and New Friends Part 2

The Autobots had left through the ground bridge to rescue Cliffjumper leaving Ratchet behind with Y/n and the three teens.

“So do you two have names? Or should I give you names?” Y/n asked the two boys.

“I’m Jack.” The black haired boy answered.

“And I’m Raf. It’s nice to meet you, miss?” The small boy said.

“Y/n.” Y/n responded.

“Y/n, why are you living with the Autobots?” Raf asked.

Y/n looked to the med bay before answering. “My dad was researching an artifact that is somehow connected to the Autobots. Well to Cybertronians in general. Unfortunately my father was killed while researching the crib.”

“The crib?” Miko’s eyebrow raised up. “What kind of name is that?”

“My father named it the crib because it resembles a bit like a baby crib except it doesn’t have the rails. Anyway given to how much research I did with my father on the crib Agent Fowler brought me to the Autobots where I have lived for the past three years now.”

“Was your dad killed by a Decepticon?” Jack asked.

Ratchet huffed. “Then her house would’ve been destroyed instead of her security systems being disabled. Besides had that been the case the Decepticons would’ve shown up on the scanners.”

“My best guess would be humans. Humans who have quite the expertise to disable security systems so flawlessly.” Y/n concluded.

“Why did they break into your house?” Asked Raf.

“Police had made a through search of the house and nothing was stolen. Not even certain valuable things such as the laptops and the flatscreen TVs we had. So it stands to reason that whoever killed my father wanted to get their hands on the crib. I don’t know why they would want the crib but Agent Fowler figures that they might come back and that I wouldn’t be safe when they do.”

“So now you’re living here and you still don’t know who killed your dad?”Miko asked.

“Exactly.”

Suddenly Optimus commed in requesting an emergency ground bridge. Ratchet rushes over to the ground bridge controls and switched it on Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee made it through as Optimus brought up the rear with blue smoke rapidly following him. Optimus transformed into his robot mode doing a flip and landed on his peds when the ground bridge closed.

The three kids stared in amazement at what they just saw while Y/n looked around to see that Cliffjumper wasn’t with them.

“Cutting it a bit close.” Ratchet said. “How about Cliffjumper?”

Optimus, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Arcee all hung their heads with sadness. Y/n already understood that they were unable to save Cliffjumper. But she had already did her grievances for him.

“What was that explosion? Was there a fight? Can I come with next time?” Miko asked at the most inappropriate time.

With her patience running thin, Arcee growled at Miko. “Look..”

Jack instantly intervened before Arcee could say anything. “Hey Miko. How about we go see what the bots are hiding in their sock drawer?”

“Seriously?” Miko questioned Jack as he pulled her away from the Autobots.

Y/n approached the Autobots to hear what had happened.

“Arcee, what did you see?” Optimus asked the two wheeler.

Arcee held her arms as she spoke. “Not Cliff. At least not anymore. He was mutated, butchered like those sick con experiments during the war.”

Without warning Arcee collapses onto her knees.

:Arcee! Are you alright?: Bumblebee asked in a slight panic.

“I’m fine.” Arcee held out her hand. “I’m just dizzy.”

“Robots who get dizzy?” Miko puzzlingly asks.

“Robots with emotion.” Raf said.

“Robots..who can die.” Jack said.

“And you kids need to get out more often.” Y/n mumbled.

Ratchet scanned Arcee when he noticed a purple liquid substance on Arcee’s hand.

“What is this?” The medic questioned.

“I don’t know. Cliff had this stuff coming out of him, leaking it.” Arcee said.

Ratchet held Arcee’s hand and gently scraped the substance off with a surgical knife.

“Go take a decontamination bath now.” Ordered Ratchet.

Bumblebee helped guide Arcee to the bath when Jack piped up to Optimus.

“Hate to bug you but no bars.” Jack showed his phone which of course had no signal.

“A security precaution. The silo walls isolate all radio waves.” Optimus explained.

“Well if I don’t call my mom, she’ll call the police.”

“Have you broken a law?” Optimus’ tone went serious as his face came closer to Jack.

“A curfew. It’s past ten.”

“I probably should get home to or I’ll be grounded for life.” Raf said.

“Earth customs. I hadn’t considered.” Optimus said. “But the issue with your safety remains. Bulkhead.”

Bulkhead approached Optimus as his name was called.

“You will accompany Miko home.”

“Awesome! My host parents will freak!” Miko estatically said.

“And mantain servallince in vehicle mode.” Finishes Optimus.

“Curbside duty. Got it” Bulkhead commented.

“Aw.” Said the disappointed Miko.

“Bumblebee you’ll watch over Raf.”

Bumblebee couldn’t be more happier to do so. And the same goes for Raf.

“Ratchet.”

“Busy.” Ratchet countered.

“Arcee.” Optimus said as Arcee stepped out of the decontamination bath. “You will accompany Jack.”

Jack scratched his head while feeling a bit awkward to be paired with someone who just lost a close friend and family member.

“Oooh. Still dizzy.” Arcee said hoping for her act to work.

But Ratchet blew it. “You’re fine. So says your physician.”

Arcee groaned.

“Doesn’t she have a ride?” Miko pointed to Y/n.

“I live here remember?” Y/n said.

“Oh, right.” Miko mentally slapped herself. “Well Goodnight, Y/n.”

Miko made her way down the platform as Bulkhead transformed into his vehicle mode with his door open for Miko to get in.

“See you later, Y/n.” Raf smiled.

“Sweet dreams, Raf.” Y/n said as she watched him climb down the platform towards Bumblebee who was ready to go.

Jack was the last one to go.

“I hope you’re not into too much trouble with your mom. I don’t mind having human friends around. It’s a nice change.” Y/n grinned.

“I just hope to get home before my mom does.” Jack shrugged. “See you tomorrow then?”

“Count on it.”

As the humans and the Autobots left, Y/n walked towards her room to get ready for bed when she heard the familiar footsteps of Optimus Prime walking behind her.

“Y/n, what do you think about the children?” The Prime asked as Y/n turned around to see him kneeling down to her eye level.

“Not too bad. I could see myself getting along with them just fine.” Y/n answered.

“Did you tell them about..”

Y/n shook her head. “They’ve had enough to deal with for one day. I’ll just let them get adjusted to being around giant, alien robots before I tell them about that one thing I have yet to tell them. But I did inform them on how I came to live with you all and nothing else.”

Optimus held out his huge hand indicating that he wanted her to get on to which she did.

“You don’t have to be scared about showing yourself to them. They might not even be fearful of you since you don’t know how to access your weapons.” He said.

“That’s if I had weapons. And even if I did I wouldn’t want to harm you or the others on accident with those weapons.” Y/n had certain abilities to which she is familiar with such as scanning a broken machinery by touching them and finding the source of the problem. But she has never had anything that comes close to being a weapon.

“You won’t with the proper training and guidance. I’m sure you will put your weapons to good use.” Optimus said smiling.

“Thanks Optimus. I appreciate your confidence in me.” Smiled Y/n.

By the time they made it to Y/n’s bedroom door, Optimus lowered Y/n who was in his hand, down towards the floor. Just as Y/n was about to open her door, Optimus gently touched her with his finger.

“The children will find out eventually and when they do you mustn’t be afraid to reveal yourself as a cybertronian hybrid.” Optimus said before leaving her.

‘Perhaps they will but not today.’ Y/n thought as she went into her room.

#this is just the beginning #bonding moments with Optimus Prime #transformers prime

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