#yeah tho the entire cast did a fantastic job

[justatree75]

i really like the art of murder but i cannot for the life of me take joey richter voicing a sexy visual novel character seriously (/pos)

[ketchup-monthly]

Superfam as Musicals

with help from @space-specs because both of us like musicals and have issues (also sorry but most of these musicals are ones we recognize, so your less well known favorite musicals may not be featured ): )

Clark- Fiddler on the Roof (clark is jewish and also fiddler is a classic. i watched it with my family last december and uhhhh yeah the music is so good, i think clark would really like it)(he prefers the movie version tho)

Kara- Wicked (its the homoerotic friends to enemies for her. also everything about the musical is fantastic)(specs' favorite musical)

Kon- Beetlejuice (its so kon-core. there is not one bad song in the entire soundtrack, alex brightman kills in the titular role, and im not sure if kon kins beetlejuice or lydia, but i think the answer is yes)

Jon- The Lightning Thief (i refuse to believe that Jon didn't read the percy jackson books because one of his friends had an older sibling who read them and recommended them to him. the musical does a wonderful job of adapting the story and again, there is not a single song in it that is not jam-worthy)(plus its just a really fun adventure story for a kid to put themself into)

Lois- Newsies (obvious, but accurate. also the idea of lois in an outfit like the costumes in this musical is fantastic and i think she'd look really good in it)

Ma Kent- Cats (this is one that i feel a lot of people may take issue with because people suck and refuse to admit that the stage production of cats is actually pretty good. martha, however, especially the one portrayed by k callan in lois and clark: the new adventures of superman, is an artist who loves the abstract and weird, so i think cats is right up her alley.)(the 2019 movie does not exist, but the 1998 recording of the stage production absolutely does)(i love this musical and people can fight me -ketchup)

Pa Kent- Little Shop Of Horrors (this is just a fun musical that we think he'd enjoy. this is also a musical that we think kilowog would enjoy and we think that if kilowog and pa got to interact than it would be all over for clark and hal)(also the music in this one is great and its.....about an alien plant that ends up attempting or succeeding to take over the world and i think that's a bit ironic considering the kent's alien baby that many think is going to take over the world)(plus, like our pick for ma, i think eddie jones' pa from lois and clark would really like this one)

Otho-Ra- Matilda (this is one that kinda hurts a bit. its about a group of children rising up against and fighting an oppressive evil that forced them to act militant when all they wanted was to be children and get to have fun. undoubtedly otho dreamed of something like this for years, and finally when clark rescues her, she's unsure what to do with her life. the music is fun, the staging is fun, and its cathartic for her)

Osul-Ra- The Lion King (look its the 1994 disney classic but on stage and its fantastic. its a spectacle. the music is something any child would recognize, the costumes are incredible, and all around its just a fantastic translation from film to stage. he would absolutely adore it, and then if he wanted to watch the movie again to hear the soundtrack, he could!)(you cannot tell me that clark and lois did not show their new kids the disney renaissance movies. they did. they told me so themselves)

John Henry- Hadestown (listen. this may not be an expected one here, but this musical goes hard and the thought of him singing some of the lower songs??? sign me up. i think nat probably introduced him to it, or someone else he knows, and i don't think he liked it too much at first, but upon his second and third listen, he was into it)(plus a lot of the songs have a steady beat and rhythm that i think would be soothing to tinker to)

Nat- Six (this is first off, such a pick for someone who definitely remembers having to learn about King Henry VIII in high school. also the cast is gorgeous and the music is upbeat and catchy, and i think she would get down to "Haus of Holbein")(haha get down. get it?)(also i think she'd really like cosplaying as one of them. she'd look great)

Karen (Paige)- The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals (bet you didn't think we'd include Starkid musicals on here, didja. well. we did. anyway tgwdlm is a great example of cosmic horror, and personally i think it somehow gives more to the genre than its successor, Black Friday did, even if i like it better. the story of tgwdlm can be told from a few different perspectives, whether the current in the story is what is happening to paul as the musical progresses, or, my favorite method, as if everything has already happened and inevitable (the ending song) is what happens right before the story begins with the opening song)(anyway, mini-rant aside, i also just think that she'd absolutely delight in a musical that makes fun of musicals and the musical genre while embodying it perfectly)(plus. y'know. cosmic horror)

Kenan- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (tbh im not sure he really knows exactly what's going on in this musical but neither do i, and he definitely has fun with it. the story is silly as hell, the music is good, and there's a lot of slapstick comedy as well as the clever little jokes and wordplay)(this is one that i like a lot but don't watch too often because its just a lot to take in and process -ketchup)

Jimmy- Kinky Boots (i am pushing my he/him lesbian Jimmy agenda and i will until i cease breathing. anyway this one is gay and the music is by Cyndi Lauper???? the icon herself??? absolutely he would enjoy it)(tbh we're not too familiar with this musical but every song we've heard from it has been really good and the visuals are pretty good too)

Cat- Moulin Rouge (the Cat we think of specifically is the one from season one of lois and clark: the new adventures of superman, and i absolutely think she would dress up as a character from this show as often as she could. the opulence and aesthetics fit her pretty well, and the jukebox-ish nature of the musical suits her much better than a musical where the story and music are written by someone specifically for the show)

Perry- Rocky Horror Picture Show (i think perry and my grandmother would get along and one of my grandmothers favorite musicals is rocky horror picture show. she watches it every year on halloween)(also i think that while its no elvis, i think he would enjoy the rock influence on the music and the threatening aura looming behind the goofiness of the antics in it)(yes he can dance the time warp. no he will not admit to it)

Bibbo- Waitress (is it a little on the nose? yeah. however i think he gets genuinely emotional over this musical because he knows/knew people, people close to him, who were in similar situations that didn't end well. plus its just a really good musical. emotional as hell, but super good)

Lex- The Phantom of the Opera (do i really need to explain? i will anyway, but it feels pretty self explanatory)(its a classic, the music is operatic, and rich people like operas, right? plus i think the story would pull him in, even if he doesn't exactly enjoy the entire show. its a good show, there's a reason it was one of the longest running shows on broadway, and i think he'd vibe with the tragic toxic love between Erik and Christine, as one sided as it may be)(sorry lex. youre a very tragic toxic gay)(this is one of ketchups favorite musicals, and has been since they were young and went with their family to see a live production of it for their mom's birthday)

Mercy- Dracula das Musical (yes, the german version of Dracula the Musical, which goes much harder than the english version, which flopped spectacularly when it came out. however i think she also really enjoys the korean production, where dracula has bright red hair, and the japanese production, which was done by an all female cast, and had a lovely tragic toxic lesbian story of dracula and mina)(i think she would enjoy the vampires and just how good the music is)(god, "nosferatu", "zu ende", and "roseanne" just go so hard)(this is another of ketchups favorite musicals)(please check out the versions of the musical i mentioned, they're absolutely worth a watch, i promise -ketchup)

Hope- Sweeney Todd (did i give the hot lesbians dark musicals? yes i did. anyway. sweeney todd is really good and i think hope would enjoy it very much)(also its a sondheim so you know it slaps so hard)

The Eradicator- Stomp (its just a fun performance to listen to, but especially to just watch. i think he stumbled upon it, literally, at one point, and just stuck around to watch the rest of the show because he was confused and interested in what was going on)(its technically not a musical but technically era isn't a real boy so its okay)(it is a musical experience and a stage production though)

[ginnvngagap]

I remember watching the Cinderella remake in cinema back when it came out, and I was so excited for the upcoming live action Disney movies, but then they just... Sxcked xss? Like...

And it didn't really make any sense to me (still doesn't) how they clearly demonstrated that they know exactly how to this whole remake thing right. They added depth to the characters, details that made the whole story more cohesive, thought about what live action and modern CGI technology could add to the visual storytelling, kept what made the story good and removed the unnecessary... It wasn't easy but they still did a fantastic job.

But then the other movies happened and I became cynical about the whole thing right along with everyone else, and so I sat down to watch this one with apprehension.

I'm so happy to have been wrong! The casting choices were perfect (the actors could actually sing well!!!), the visuals were breathtaking, finding the perfect balance between the realistic and magical, and I love what they did with the characters.

The original Ariel was kinda done dirty; while she did have a personality, she was also written in a way that felt condescending to me. I strongly prefer this version, who was still young and naive (aged up by 2 years she's 18) but has been given more depth to her character. The conflict with Triton is also less frustrating, I found it much easier to sympathize with him. But my favorite character change has to be Eric, who's actually a character now, it's amazing; he's written as a mirror image of Ariel and her attraction to him makes perfect sense thanks his little argument with Grimsby on the ship. Scuttle and Sebastian are fxcking hilarious and their dynamic is very entertaining to me.

The rap was actual genius. Like yeah I wasn't expecting it, but in the context of the scene (Scuttle trying to share the bad news as fast as possible) it made perfect sense. Also it was just straight up fire. Scuttle actually sounding like a gannet would sound if it could rap is what makes the whole thing tho.

The boss fight at the end was spectacular, and I appreciate how Ariel was properly established as resourceful at the start of the movie and then it paid off when she was the one to steer the ship into Ursula.

I love the change in setting as well, the Caribbean and it's culture added so much life and color to the story, especially with how it also affected the sound.

While I love this movie, I don't think it would be entirely fair to compare it to the original. I know that it's two different movies using different visual mediums targeting different audiences. The original has it's own aesthetic and vibe that is perfectly valid. That being said, I very much prefer the live action remake. It's just so much more vibrant and alive (the culture change is what tips the scale for me), grown up me definitely would watch again and again.

watching the Little Mermaid live actiom remake, and I'm gonna make it your problem

oooh, shiny scales, I love it

Ariel's breathtaking, I love how her hair flows in the water

her sisters are also gorgeous and their designs are amazing

CGI sea creatures look realistic but still manage to be all magical and shxt, nice

Ursula's not a drag queen (a crime, tbh), but her design is so coooool

aaah, Ariel's voice (I don't watch trailers, this is my first time hearing it)

Eric has a personality?!

they gave an actual reason as to why Ariel would be attracted to Eric aside from teenage girl hormones go brrr for pretty boy

oooh, they did the cliff thing

Eric has an I want song now and his voice is heavenly

did... did they just add generational trauma to the mermaid family? great addition, I approve (yes, I've seen the prequel)

had to Google Sebastian's accent, it's Jamaican, I love it, I think it suits him

so many pretty sea creatures dancing, oooh, jellyfish

why the fxck do they swim like that?

Poor Unfortunate Souls slaps, Ursula's voice is aaaah (very eloquent)

huh, Ariel still sings in her head (good decision imo, it would've been such a waste)

Ariel doesn't like high heels and corsets, completely understandable tbh

ooof, her meeting the prince and not being able to speak was so much more devastating with the added thought singing, my baby heart, noooo 😭

apparently Ursula put a spell on Ariel that made her forget her objective of kisskissfallinlove and I don't know how I feel about that (in hindsight it makes sense, this Ariel would've totally jumped Eric's bones, lmao)

Scuttle and Sebastian's banter is fxcking hysterical

roll credits, lmao

oooh, Eric has a stuff room too

Grimsby is best boi

Ariel breaks for goats but not humans, we stan

Anakin would flip his shxt if he saw this dance scene

aaaw, Ariel taught Eric her name

Shalalalalala... You Gotta Kiss The Girl~🎶

Ursula's growly voice 😩👌

I love how Ursula's appearance on shore feels even more sinister than in the animated movie

is... is Scuttle rapping? and he has mad flow?! SEBASTIAN TOO!? also it's actual genius how Scuttle's rap sounds how you'd expect a bird rapping

human Ursula's uuuh... huuuh... 🥵

Grimsbyyy you naughty boi

she's also fxcking terrifying, holy fxckaroni

Eric's waaay too chill about Ariel turning into a mermaid right in his arms, lmao

loving the ominous ink cloud

tentacle raaave

Triton's baaack, baby 👑

I love his character design btw, that clamshell armor is so cool and shiny ✨

mermaid dad sad 🥺😭

the send-off definitely didn't make me cry, shutup

neither did Howard Ashman's name in the credits

[binickandros]

Hey I know it was a few days ago you said this but I'm coming into your asks to also complain about how much they sidelined Nick in the Stand. I legitimately don't understand the creative choice to focus on Harold as the main character and sideline Nick and the other, bigger characters. Yes Owen Teague is a fantastic actor, he was amazing, but the decision was presumably made long before his casting. Why was this the Harold Lauder show whereas Nick was barely in it, I... don't understand :(

Stand ranting anon again: I just wanted to add that I would be fine with the amount of screen time Harold got, if all the other characters got the same amount, like if it was a 20 episode season and we could get a whole episode of Nick backstory, of Frannie etc. We only even saw Frannie pre-plague through the fence whilst Harold was creeping on her, which is really... Not Great. So yeah I just feel like it was bizarre they used their limited time in the way they did, very confused.

Listen, nonny, LISTEN: I may never be over this injustice. I am a CANCER, we hold GRUDGES, and you can consider this one fuckin well HELD. Uh this gets long sooo...

I watched the 94 miniseries when it aired and of course immediately loved Nick. Shortly after that I read the book for the first time and loved Nick even more (Larry is 2nd, then prob Fran, then Stu), and over the years I’ve rewatched the mini-series and re-read the book and I was always like “man, I’d love to see an adaptation of this without network TV limitations, just like dark and creepy and atmospheric, but with the good guys winning the day” as they do.

So fast forward to 2011 or whenever and there are tentative announcements of a movie. Eh, not great, nowhere near enough time. Then!! A limited series!! Which is just a miniseries made fancy.

My dumb ass: more time in Shoyo!! Maybe Rita AND Nadine!! More time with Fran and her dad!! Etc etc

Welp I guess I got one of those things, but at what cost!! A whole entire Lucy, and uh...p much everything else I might have wanted.

I was talking about this with someone else (you know who you are but don’t wanna tag you in case you, like me, avoid the mortifying ordeal of being known at all cost) and we were both like “okay what EXACTLY about our culture right now made the adapters here (including King’s own son, Owen) think that a story about good v. evil somehow needed to focus on the red pill incel????”

Like they obviously had some idea about making the story more diverse, but because of the way they then used those characters, it felt like performative with no substance.

Ralph Brentner is now a Native woman?? Love it!! She’s also a glorified extra until the last few episodes?? Oh pls fuck off.

Larry is Black?? Great! A Black main character!! Except of course he’s NOT because HAROLD IS.

Nick’s now Latino! Buuuut played by a hearing actor. Which actually only matters in principle because we’re going to try to sweep our bullshit decision-making under the rug by hardly having him on camera. Won’t show up till episode 3, gone by episode 6, in one 2-minute scene in episode 5. Good job, guys! *high fives all around the writers’ room*

I’d honestly like to see someone with way more time on their hands do a screen time comparison between Nick and Harold, or Harold and literally every other character on this show. They opened with Harold, he was in every episode in a major way, he got a CLOSING MONOLOGUE and MONTAGE of his LIFE, while Nick just blew up and then was mentioned a few times and that was it.

I mean I guess they attempted something meaningful by having him...looking at that picture or postcard before the bomb? Which was like someone on a boat, so was maybe his mom, or reminded him of his mom? But how the hell were we to know that, bc we got the piece of exposition about his mom from FLAGG in ONE SCENE, and we’d never seen that picture before, nor do we have any idea of the significance of “Silencio,” which was written on the picture and was the title of the episode. It was literally not meaningful AT ALL bc we as the audience didn’t know a goddamn thing about it, and it was “blink and you miss it.”

I thought 9 hours would give us more time for backstory. That’s what I was looking forward to. Like Fran burying her dad was sad bc duh he’s her DAD and he’s DEAD, but it’s so much more meaningful when you’ve seen them bonding. Even the 94 miniseries, which had to cut some stuff for time, showed us how close they were, and the scene of her stitching his shroud was heartbreaking.

How did Stu, a 45-year-old man (tho that’s James Marsden’s age and I think they mean for Stu to be younger), come to fall in love w Frannie, a 20ish-year-old girl?? Who knows! He saw her on the road and thought she was cute and I guess that was that. She’s a college student from Maine and he works in a calculator factory (or something idr) in East Texas and there’s a huge age difference, so what do they have in common? Ah fuck it who cares let’s see what Harold’s doing.

I just honestly would like to know the thought process here. I think. Let’s be real. This is what happens when your main creative team is nerdy white boys. They identify with Harold: he’s an “outsider,” he’s “misunderstood,” if only people hadn’t been so mean to him!

An adaptation created by 2 white dudes. A writers’ room with all white dudes, except ONE woman who, for all we know, was just there, again, as tokenism. This is what happens when white men create for themselves without any real input from women, POC, or members of the LGBT community. Because the “gay rep” on this show is a whole other rant.......

Anyway, nonny, I’m writing a Nick fic rn that will hopefully see the light of day soon, and it’s literally. All Nick. And an OC bc Nick deserves love too!! And no Julie does not count. I’m not saying that just as shameless self promotion, but also to show that I was so incensed by this bullshit adaptation that I’ve now written 35k words and they JUST LEFT SHOYO, all while starting school doing something I’ve never even dipped my toe into before, so it’s fairly intense work.

Justice for Nick Andros. He deserved better from the source material, and somehow an adaptation made in 2020 (when we should all know better) made it So. Much. Worse.

[365days365movies]

February 8, 2021: The English Patient (Review)

Coming up to reviewing this film, the following question arose: did this movie deserve 9 Academy Awards?

Some of them, I think for sure. As a taste, here’s what the film won:

Best Picture (ooooh, Fargo, though...)

Best Supporting Actress for Juliette Binoche (deserved, I think)

Best Art Direction (...yeah, Romeo + Juliet. ‘Nuff said)

Best Cinematography (I dunno, Evita and Fargo are good...but maybe.)

Best Costume Design (Hamlet ain’t bad, though...just saying.)

Best Director (mmmmmmmmFARGOTHO)

Best Film Editing (MMMMMMMFARGOTHOOOO)

Best Original Dramatic Score (yeah, deserved)

Best Sound (...wait, Twister was nominated for an Oscar? TWISTER).

THIS TWISTER?

...Oh, right! This analysis doesn’t actually mean anything! Why? BECAUSE THE OSCARS ARE NOT A BASTION OF FILM QUALITY HOLY SHIT.

Let’s just get into my opinionated Review, huh?

Review

Cast and Acting: 8/10

OK, here’s the real truth. Ralph Fiennes is a great actor, and plays a great character both pre-and-post burns. Honestly, he’s fantastic in this role...except for being a bit unpredictably emotional. He doesn’t really convincingly show his hidden emotions towards Katherine in any way, making it a huge surprise once that’s revealed. As for Kristin Scott Thomas, it’s a bit smoother for her. However, she’s also not the most memorable character, despite being a very good actress. And the chemistry of the two together...well, it spikes SIGNIFICANTLY when they’re in the throes of passion, which is one of the reasons I think this film was as popular as it was. Well, to each his own; I chose my path. But here’s the thing...they were both nominated for Best Actor and Actress, and lost. And I know that I JUST SAID that the Oscars don’t matter...

...but the fact that Juliette Binoche won for best Supporting Actress, I think, is entirely not surprising. Because Hana is the best character in the film. And while there are some other actors that steal the show, I knew from the beginning. Binoche was the best...the best...finish it....FINISH IIIIIIIT

...OH, RIGHT! Why in the ever-loving hell was Willem “Green Goblin” Dafoe not considered for Best Supporting Actor? Not saying he should’ve won, but he deserved a nomination at least! Had one of the most memorable and gripping scenes in the movie, and I think his snub was unfair here. So, yeah, poor Willem definitely deserves some high points here, too.

Plot and Writing: 9/10

Anthony Minghella, the director of this movie, adapted it from a book by Michael Ondaatie, and did a good job! The plot, while broken up by flashbacks, is good! It might be a little too broken up at times, for my taste, but it’s not to obtuse to follow. And so, high score for this one.

Directing and Cinematography: 8/10

Anthony Minghella and John Seale handle those respective categories well...but I don’t know if it was Best Director worthy. I dunno, it was great, but it wasn’t amazing for me. Same with the Cinematography, which is leading me to give this the score I gave it. Not many major nitpicks, but no gigantic accolades either.

Production and Art Design: 8/10

Same goes for the Production and Art Design, which should’ve lost to Romeo + Juliet, let’s be honest here. Garish as that movie might be, it’s diverse and iconic in appearance, while this movie...looks like a WWII film set in Italy and Egypt. Nothing wrong with that, and the film does that VERY well, but...it’s not R + J iconic, sorry.

Music and Editing: 9/10

And finally, Gabriel Yared’s score and Walter Murch’s editing is...pretty solid, all around. Music’s a great score, and some of the editing here is top-notch. I wouldn’t necessarily get this for my playlist, but it’s still a fantastic score. Honestly, though, the extra points come from the fantastic editing, which somehow maes the flashbacks less jarring when compared to the modern day.

84%! Award-winner for a reason, but...9?

Well, unsurprisingly, it’s a pretty high score. And yet, not my favorite. Probably also doesn’t help that this is a LONG-ASS movie as well. How about, for the next one, we still go historical, but go shorter? Or maybe...do I go longer...

February 9, 2021: Doctor Zhivago (1965)

[mwolf0epsilon]

Fic request: Miss Twisted trying desperately to woo Alice Angel and ends up both embarrassing herself and making herself seem endearing.

Summary: Romance is a lot harder than her radio dramas make it out to be, but Miss Twisted won't be deterred from wooing the girl of her dreams. Lucky for her, she has some outside intervention.

---

[[MORE]]

It was a little like how one of her dramas began. Though, hard as nails, femme fatale goes into a seedy bar with her buds to scope out the local birds. The three are losing the flirting battle because none of the dames think they're classy enough to get with them for a one night hookup, and then as if by miraculous coincidence an angel steps out into the stage. Literally.

Miss Twisted liked the concept behind a romantic relationship. It drove her absolutely giddy with delight when she kicked back to listen to her afternoon radio soaps. She was just never lucky enough to find the sort of gal that'd fly with her.

Sure, hooking up for some hanky panky filled night was fun and all, but it lacked the emotional depth of a romantic partner to get all sweet with and do all of those cute couple things she saw the folks of Bouillonburg doing to woo their significant others.

Brute and Cameraman were good company sure, but unless they started going around in drag she doubted she'd find either attractive. Also they were more like her brothers so, ew, no... And honestly the idea of Cam in a dress was gag worthy. Brute might make it work, he had the badonkadonks to fill the front of a dress very nicely.

Shaking her head, Missy winced.

"Shoulda started with a few virgins rather than straight up vodka..." She contemplated as she pushed away her last glass.

"Lightweight." Cam teased as he chugged straight out of a whiskey bottle... Somehow. She had no idea how he could drink without a mouth and watching him did little to provide an answer. "Bar's full of snobby wenches tonight. Not even a lady of my caliber in sight..."

"They host ugly nights on Thursdays." She stuck her tongue out at him and yelped when he pulled her stool back, nearly causing her to fall.

"It is Thursday. And just because you 'fleshies' don't think us object toons are pleasing to the eye, doesn't mean we're not beautiful." He seemed cross. "Don't need my own friends being a bunch of obnoxious racists..."

"You know I don't really mean it, you square." She signalled the barman for another round. "You're cute honestly, just not my type."

"Cute? I'm very handsome thank you very much! Back in my home town everyone thought I was quite the catch!" He huffed proudly before looking around. "Not much of your type around either... The ladies here only have eyes for the men."

"And the men only have eyes for the ladies. Poor Bubu, been a while since he's had some fun..." She glanced at the large burly wolf who was collecting olives from the martini glasses he'd been drinking. He looked resigned to a night of zero bedroom fun.

"Hasn't it been for all of us?" He downed the rest of his bottle and covered his faceplate as he belched. "Pardon me."

"You burp like a little girl." The demoness teased again as she picked up her new glass and turned to face the stage. The previous act had finally come to an end, and she was curious to see who else had signed up to entertain the local drunkards.

That's when she came into the stage... The most dazzling vision Miss Twisted did ever lay eyes upon. A beautiful curvy hourglass figure accentuated by a tight black dress, a round heart shaped face that fit plump lips and large doe-like soulfull eyes, ebony locks that framed her face nicely, a pair of stubby curved horns upon her head, and a brilliant halo that cast her in an ethereal glow...

Miss Twisted felt cupid's arrow pierce her heart as this wonderfully beau walked towards the microphone, an angel among sinners.

"Wow mama..." Color flooded her already flushed cheeks as the act began. Eyes glued on sensually swaying hips and kissable lips moving to form syllables... Oh and that voice! That splendurous voice! Like a siren's song to her ears.

Cameraman squinted as he turned to look.

"That little lady looks familiar..." He hummed.

"She's gorgeous..." Missy giggled as she practically drooled watching the angel on the stage. Cameraman looked at his friend and sighed, before turning to look at Brute who was also watching the little demoness with an inquisitive look. The object-headed toon shook his head and simply ordered another bottle. It took a lot to get him drunk, and alcohol was honestly such weak stuff... He sure wished more establishments in Bouillonburg served his kind of drinks.

The wolf shrugged his shoulders and asked for his own refill. Best not get in the way of his female friend's thirsting.

-

The angel was quite the gal indeed. And, it turns out, a close friend of Missy's old pal! Why, the naughty little Imp was even at the bar to watch his lady friend do her magic on this deplorable crowd of drunkards and bastards. That, the demoness found out when a pained yelp came from her right.

She glanced down and grinned.

"Trying to pickpocket Cameraman doesn't work too good, that belt of his is booby trapped~" she giggled menacingly as she stared down at none other than Bendy. Papa Pluto's most favourite little troublemaker.

"Oh, hey Misty. Didn't see ya there..." The little imp shook off the shock he'd just received, glancing up at the glare of the object-headed toon's lens. "This uh... This your friend?"

"Yep."

"Ah... He can keep his wallet then. Any more buds o' yours around?" He grinned sheepishly.

They both pointed at Brute who was definitely listening in, as he suddenly noticed the absence of weight on his back pocket.

The burly wolf growled at the imp, smirking when he quickly tossed him his wallet back.

"Sheesh... What a bruiser." Bendy turned to look back at Miss Twisted. "So what brings ya to these parts of our lovely little city?"

"Lust." Missy replied. "Gotta scratch that itch sometimes... Been pretty unlucky on that front tho."

"Yeah, the birds here ain't bein' easy... Poor Alice there is as cute as a button, and so far no one went and tried to woo her other than a bunch of slobberin' wolves... Err, not actual wolves mind ya. Just wolf-whistlers." He corrected himself, glancing at Brute very briefly.

"A friend of yours?" Missy asked.

"Yep! The dame on the stage, movin' her butt like there's no tomorrow. Got pipes made o' gold that one." He pointed to the angel, which made Missy gawk.

"You're friends with that gal?!" She stared at the object of her affections, then at the tiny round imp like she couldn't believe his words.

"Yeah we are pretty tight." He grinned wider. "Been tryin' to teach her to loosen up, Boris and I. That's my other bud... He's somewhere around here."

Cameraman and Brute both lost interest in the conversation and went back to drinking. They seemed to be ready to call it quits soon since they weren't going to get any action tonight.

"Bringing an angel to a dump like this sure seems like the way to loosen up..." The demoness remarked sarcastically.

"Hey she's havin' fun, ain't she?" Bendy defended as he motioned to Alice who did seem like she was enjoying herself. "And not many other bars in this town have birds on birds and brutes on brutes... Best place for her to meet a gal that'll want to have some fun with her."

"Oooh..." The demoness's arms coiled tightly with merriment as she took in those words. Available and her type? Lucky lucky day! "I'm down to mingle with your gal pal, if you know what I mean... She seems like more than a one night splendor."

"Hey hey hey!" Bendy hopped onto the stool to the left of her. "My gal Alice ain't some piece o' eye candy you get to slobber on and discard. She's like, a super fine wine. Good with age, refined, quality."

".... Bendz, I just said I wanted more than just some fun. I'm looking for a partner, not just a patty cake one night stand."

"Oh... Hm, still how do I know ya won't corrupt my pal? That's my job!" The imp crossed his arms, brow creased slightly.

"Because she's perfect! Duh?" She rolled her eyes. "I want a girl that I can sweep off her feet and whisper sweet nothings into her ear."

"Uh-huh... And?" Bendy was all ears it seemed, so she was definitely going to sell it. Brute and Cameraman glanced back with renewed interest. This ought to be good entertainment.

"If I dated her, I can guarantee your gal Alice would wake up knowing I'd be there to make her happy. To shower her in love, affection, and fantastic gifts. The next more grand than the very last one..." She carried on. "I'd take her to see the world, sail the seven seas on a cruise ship, traverse the skies in a hot hair balloon, ride across the country side on horseback, and scale the tallest mountains so she could see the stars and awe inspiring views..."

Bendy snickered slightly and Cameraman began to tap her on the shoulder. She swatted his hand away.

"Tell me more of how you'd go about wooing Alice." Bendy smirked.

"After all the grand adventures, I'd go back to do the small things. Wake up besides her, watching her rest before I roused her with more sweet nothings. I'd bring her breakfast in bed, lovingly prepared to her tastes. I'd massage her ankles after they ached from dancing to her heart's delight. I'd make her feel like the most special girl in the whole entire world if just so I could drink in her smile, hear her sweet voice call my name..."

"Aww, Bendy you didn't tell me your friend was so sweet..."

Miss Twisted clamped her mouth shut as she turned to stare at the reason Cameraman was trying to get her attention. The reason why Bendy looked so amused by her gushing... Why that little no good devil...

"I ah..." Face flushed more from embarrassment than the alcohol she'd drank, Missy did not know how to salvage this mess she'd just made, proclaiming an imagined future of romance with the angel that was standing there, smiling at her besides an awfully familiar looking gangly wolf.

"So... Any plans for when you get married?" Cameraman asked. "Need a wedding photographer?"

"Cam, so help me Pluto I will end you..." She hissed, hiding her face in her hands.

"Cameraman try to warn Missy that pretty angel coming over." Brute pointed out, laughing heartily at her misfortune.

"Eheheh! Well Alice, am I or am I not the greatest wingman in history?" Bendy grinned mischievously at his two pals.

"You uh... You didn't need to embarrass this poor lady, Bendy..." The wolf winced in sympathy, despite seeming nervous when looking at the trio. He especially avoided the object-headed toon's scrutiny, messing with the straps of his overalls when the other began to murmur about familiar looking faces.

"Still... All those things you said miss..." Alice smiled "They were very nice. I haven't really found that many other ladies who wanted to actually date. People these days are all about quick thrilling hookups rather than old school romance."

"Yeah, it's a real shame ain't it?" Missy gulped down her shame, smiling back at the beautiful angel. "I mean, just look at you! You deserve all that I said, and more! Who would just discard you like chewed up gum? A madwoman that's who!"

"Such a charmer... I like it." Alice giggled. "I think... I think I'd like to get to know you. I'm Alice. Alice Angel."

"Miss Twisted. I'd definitely like to get to know you."

Cameraman sighed.

"How sweet... At least one of us got something out of this dang bar..."

"Brute got many olives." The large wolf pointed out. Everyone stared at the little bag he'd filled with olives. That was... That sure was a lot.

"That you did big fella... That you did."

[normal-thoughts-official]

I was reading ur post about the Brazilian education system (which sounds fucking incredible by the way) and it reminded me of smth

I have no intention of becoming a teacher, but my sister is one and she works in a primary school (her class is ages 5-6), and when she was in university she showed me loads of things about the reflecting realities study

I think it was made in 2017 and it was a study on how well children's books reflected the world around us, ie how many books published had protagonists of colour and obviously the results were dire

I'd have to look it up but there were very few people of colour and a hell of a lot of white characters, but what was especially interesting was that when Black Lives Matter got more prevelence last year a lot of publishing houses got put under pressure to add more people of colour in their books

And when the 2020 reflecting realities study came in and while there was more people of colour and less white people, the number of animals being the main protagonists completely jumped up

And it's just terrible because of stories with main casts of animals still fall into the exact same racist stereotypes. Like often they follow the protagonist of a cute fluffy animal as they struggle against the predetory snake or bear, both of which are completely different to them physically and explicitly a threat - this could also be stranger danger

And I mean, what's worse is when they're consciously trying to use animals as an allegory - I mean Zootopia? Anyone? Disney making the allegory for people of colour into literal predetors really wasn't the woke moment they thought it was

And I was just thinkinf about how this kind of follows through into the fantasy genre. I'm gonna be tentative here because Im no expert on this so call me out if you think I'm wrong. Like I'm glad that the shadowhunters cadting directors hired more actors of colour to the team because othereise it would be overwhelmingly pasty, I can't help but notice the decision to cast Luke, the only black man, as an animal and how they changed his character entirely as well

Because (this is not pro cc) Luke in the books was a gentle white bookshop owner, and the show changed him into a cop, and the second time we see him or so he's been injured from fighting (ie not depicted as gentle) ? For some reason (this could just be for plot purposes but u know) There's whole essays online about how media uses black cops in shows and movies to prevent criticism against them but that's a whole other post

(tentative again but do you think that it was kidn of to distance itself from real world issues? Like shadowhunters can obviously be read as the fantasy police force, but by making Luke a downworlder and a cop I feel like maybe they're moving as far away from being properly critical as they can)

That being said, I love show Luke I think he's fantastic, and I way prefer his competancy instead of wimpy white book Luke but I think he can fit the trope in media where characters of colour are depicted as animalistic, ie TWILIGHTs wolves being all native people!!! and I feel like often it just helps to reinforce a lot of the aggressive stereotyoes against poc

Idk how to finish this. In conclusion publishing houses seem to find it easier to publish stories about animals than people of colour and that's a big fat problem. Also how instead of you know publishing books by authors of colour several responded to criticism by just rereleasing collections of classics with black people on the cover - like that solves anythung

Idk I thought you might find the study interesting, it obviously goes more in depth that I have talked about so I can link it to you if you'd like (however it is a study based in Britain based upon British publishing houses so no worries if you aren't interested)

❤️❤️

that does sound pretty interesting! id like to see it if u have it easily, but if not, no worries. i think understanding the specifics of the context in other places always helps u understand ur own better, and we have similar studies in brazil with pretty much the same results

the whole animals thing is so crazy. like both in the sense of animalization and just that genuinely animals are more appealing to have as mc than poc for publishing companies diajasoidja god

also i've never seen zootopia or heard of it being a racial allegory and id like to unlearn that information

about luke: yep. i'm not sure they cast isaiah because he was a werewolf, i think it's genuinely just because he was a good actor (especially because so many other originally white characters got actors of color in the show) but sh and tsc did pick the race of the downworlders in the most cursed way. the two most important black characters were both werewolves (i know ur in s1 but maia also exists in tsc so), literally ALL the werewolves except for russell were either black or latine, even the minor ones (bat, alaric, gretel), the only jewish character drinks blood (COME ON), raphael is also animalized a lot "on account of being a vampire" whereas simon is not (and even camille isn't and she was supposed to be white so)

the decision to make luke a black cop will always be something i'll hate. can we stop trying to make cops diverse. cops are oppressors. get out of here with the propaganda

im not sure the thing about luke being hurt is supposed to imply he's violent tho, i think it's more supposed to be like "poor him, a great serviceman of the people, risking his life at the job" which is copaganda and therefore still racist, but, in a different way daoidjsaj

i think there could have been a good critique/parallel there with luke being black and a cop and an ex-shadowhunter downworlder, but that would have to be handled REALLY carefully so im actually kind of glad sh didn't even try to do that. also it would require luke to have actual growth as a character instead of just being clary's caretaker #4, and his internalized anti-downrorldism and bootlicking tendencies to be addressed and become a liberation plotline. which again, sh could never

but yeah same, in the end i love show luke, mostly because of who he could have been, but at least he's not useless like book luke. but like... why make him a cop when you could, very easily, do Anything Else

[granpafrisbee]

Truth or Dare Part 1

Warnings: Cussing                    

Word Count: 3,752 (it’s gonna get longer tho)

Pairing: Bucky x OFC           

Masterlist

Summary: After going to Italy and avoiding any romantic relationships for pretty much all her life Joey comes back to the U.S. to move in with her life-long best friend, Sam Wilson, and his two closest friends from college. Joey’s met Steve but is apprehensive to meet the elusive Bucky, whom she’s always missed despite having visited Sam consistently throughout college. Once she meets him, however, she wonders how she’ll be able to run from love when they share a bathroom.

A/N: Hey, so I'll be updating this most Wednesdays. I'll try my hardest to stay regular. 

I wrote this using an OFC bc I cannot work my brain to replace my name with fucking Y/N and I know I'm not the only one. (I always end up reading it as fucking "yuuhnnumm"). I am fully in love with Zazie Beetz so our OFC is completely based on her except maybe a lil chubbier because why not. Really for the apartment just picture the layout of the New Girl loft.

I always have a confusing time picturing characters in fics so I'm gonna lay it out for y'all. Steve is full nomad, them honey brown locks and the full beard. Joey's hair is natural like Zazie so often wears it. Bucky is just Seb in fall/winter 2017 because I am weak for the I, Tonya press tour look. Sam is Mackie's classic look. The rest of the characters can be left to the imagination.

Also  I mention good music so listen to that if you want. Please let me know if you like this and follow my hot garbage tumblr.

Special thanks to @buckybarnesxoxo for asking to be tagged!

the AO3

Stay Sexy

It’s the bathroom that really impresses Joey. She believed Sam when he said the apartment was nice. On seeing it for the first time when moving in, she discovers that her best friend is distinctly incorrect. A working sink is nice. A proper heater is nice. A nearby laundromat is nice. This loft, this four-bedroomed palace, is exquisite in comparison to her previous abodes. The kitchen has all its necessary appliances. There are a washer and dryer in unit. The walls are thick enough that if Sam was stabbed in his neighboring room, she would maybe hear it. Four bedrooms with their very own closets. All of these have her speechless as she tours around. However, as stated above, it’s the bathroom that is killer. The idea of sharing said room with three men is maybe one of the more foreboding aspects of her new sweet digs, but once she sees the giant clawfoot shower and tub, she is sure the positives will heavily outweigh the negatives.

She immediately slides down into her new porcelain palace. She’s a medium height at 5’6��, and even she has to point her toes to touch the far end of the tub. She sighs comfortably and is already planning an essential oils combination for her first real bath when the door swings open and her fantasy is interrupted by one her new roommates. He’s the one she hasn’t met yet but Sam and Steve have shown her plenty of pictures. His hair looks soft and well-coiffed and he wears a tank top under an unbuttoned striped short sleeve button down. Rather than judgment appearing across his abnormally handsome face, he smiles like there was nothing else he could have expected when entering the bathroom.

“You see I specifically told Steve to get a bathtub that doesn’t come with a human.”

“Oh no, you got it all wrong. I’m actually a ghost here to haunt you but hygienically. Instead of boo, I say floss.” She says without a beat and he nods, very seriously, in response to this.

“You know I’m pretty sure I just carried in a bed to our fourth room that might be more comfortable than the tub, but who am I to judge one’s preferred sleeping arrangements.” His quip is followed by another fantastic smile, and based on the past ten seconds of her life Joey is absolutely sure that this is her kind of human.

She smiles back and extends her hand from the tub. “Joey.”

“Bucky,” He shakes her hand and nods again.

“You guys brought up my bed? I told Samuel to let me handle that shit.”

He laughs and scratches his beard, “Ah just gave me another opportunity to show Sam how much stronger I am than him. And Steve the chance to show up both of us.”

Joey chuckles and silently appreciates how Bucky balanced his dig on Sam with some light self-depreciation of himself. Although it would be unrealistic to pretend that anyone was stronger than Steve. The man is built. “Seriously though, I’ll come help y’all out. I’m not gonna be the useless roommate.” She gets out of the tub and starts out the door.

“Oh I wouldn’t worry about that, I think Sammy’s got that title covered, Darlin’.” He follows her out and therefore doesn’t see her face cringe at the pet name.

She considers calling him on it when Sam yells from the front door, “I know you’re not in there besmirching me to my very own best friend Barnes,” He enters view sweaty and smiling, “And I especially know she wasn’t participating, because she is my best friend and therefore automatically on my side.” He wraps his arm protectively around her shoulders causing her to shrug away from him with her nose scrunched.

“Consider our friendship on sabbatical until you take a shower, Wilson.” Joey continues backing away.

“Jesus I always knew your personality stank but I guess the inside always comes out huh.” Bucky mirrors Joey’s disgusted face as he walks towards the door.

Sam rolls his eyes, “Not funny.” Although the involuntary “Hah!” Joey lets out at Bucky’s comment seems to contradict his statement. Sam just flips her off.

“Thank you, Doll. You see Sammy, even your best friend thinks I’m right.” Bucky mocks as he heads back outside.

This time Sam sees her face twist in reaction to the nickname. Misinterpreting it he grumbles, “Oh come on there’s no way you can smell me from over there.” He starts to head to his room, presumably for deodorant.

Joey follows Bucky downstairs to help with some more furniture moving. Steve is outside their building, ass in the air, bent over picking something up. “Damn Rogers,” Joey calls out appreciatively, “If I knew I’d be getting a view like that I would have shacked up with you years ago.”

He stands up, holding up an entire bookshelf on his own, further challenging the poor under armor shirt that is being stretched to hell on his giant frame. “Hey killer, thanks for joining us.”

She picks up a lamp and smiles at him, “Well I figured you guys needed the extra muscle.”

His smile is bright against his beard as he walks into the house with the ease of a man who isn't carrying a bookshelf.

The four of them finish loading their sporadic furniture into the loft and the afternoon fades to early evening. An old but amazing and huge high-quality leather sectional provided by Steve’s mom. Sam’s flat screen, whom he’s named Esmeralda, and may or may not have a near sexual attraction to. Bucky’s records and a player that’s older than any of them, plus a big wooden dinner table his Dad handmade. Steve’s varied level of completed canvases and paint stuff. Joey’s shelves and chairs she found on the side of the road her senior year in college. A mix of plates, bowls, and utensils have been loaded into varying drawers and cabinets. As well as cooking instruments, although, beyond Joey’s waffle iron and an old cast iron from Steve, it’s all Sam’s. Everyone’s personal boxes and furniture is piled in their own rooms.

Joey sits on the kitchen island as the boys lean against it, all sipping the cheap beer Joey bought as penance for them carrying her bed in. She takes that moment to appreciate the weird chain of events that got her where she is now. She and Sam have been friends since grade school. They went to different colleges but remained good ol’ buddies throughout. When they graduated Joey traveled around and did an apprenticeship with an Italian glassblower. Sam went to Culinary school, and when he graduated the second time around Joey was offered a job with a world-renowned blower (god she will never get tired of calling her profession that) stateside. After little luck finding a two bedroom inexpensive enough for the two of them, Steve, one of Sam’s old college buddies Joey had met many a time during visits, mentioned his friend's dad owned a couple lofts in the neighborhood they were looking in. Sam toured with Steve and Bucky and the three of them signed the lease that day. Sam called Joey that night and announced he was so confident that he forged her signature. He was insistent that it was the best option they’d find, all Steve is a good guy and fellow artist, and even Bucky is sometimes bearable but don’t tell him that. Steve paints and sketches in his free time and works as a personal trainer to pay the bills. Joey knows he isn’t passionate about it, but with his perfect body and matching attitude, she is sure he is fantastic at his job. Sam is starting at a new restaurant with a name Joey can only pronounce thanks to high school French. A plus for living with Sam is that he brings work home with him. Although Joey had visited Sam plenty over the years and even struck up a solid friendship with Steve, she always seems to have missed Bucky. They had never met but she knew he was a language major with a focus in Eastern Europe and Russia. Sam had told her Bucky translated English books into Russian and vice versa and made more money than he should. Earlier Joey had heard him curse in some sort of Slavic tongue when Sam “accidentally” dropped his end of a coffee table on Bucky’s foot. She also had heard a few stories about Steve and Bucky’s childhood, the rambunctious troublemakers lived up to every tall tale. As the four nursed their beers she felt confident that this was going to be a very important group of people in her life.

“Joey?” Sam snapped her out of her thoughts.

“What?”

“Barnes suggested we get more beer and pizza and invite some friends over. Are you down?” The three men looked at her expectantly.

“I say hell yeah. Who are we calling?” She looked down at her watch and was surprised to see it was only 6:30.

“Well there are the couples, Nat and Wanda and Thor and Bruce,” Steve suggested.

“I told Shuri I’d pay her in alcohol if she set up all the tech shit,” Bucky adds.

Steve nods, “Now that you mention it, we should probably invite Tony, he’s the reason we got this place.”

“Tony means at least Rhodey and probably Pep, Clint is a must, and if we invite Wanda we should call Pietro too.” Sam finishes his beer and scrolls through his messages.

“Brunnhilde and Okoye are in town too.” Joey hops off the counter and recycles the empty bottles collecting on the island.

“Alright you guys decide who to invite, and I’ll go get libations and sustenance,” Bucky grabs his keys.

“With the list we’ve got you’ll need some help, I’ll come with,” Joey volunteers.

Bucky smiles vibrantly and nods towards to Steve, “You okay babysitting Rogers?”

“As long as Killer doesn’t mind your unreasonably picky ass,” Steve’s retort is so quick that Bucky and Sam raise their middle fingers simultaneously at their aggravator.

Joey and Bucky decide to start off to the pizzeria three blocks away and pick up the beer on the walk back. The walk begins in mildly uncomfortable silence.

“So… you’re picky?” Joey asks to spark some sort of conversation.

“Nooo..” Bucky’s defensiveness creates an endearing drawl, “Those two pompous asses just don’t understand that I like my pizza simple. Margherita pizza is a fucking gift. Who am I to screw it up with a bunch of American bullshit?” He gestures widely as he speaks.

“You’re kidding right?”

Bucky’s must have misinterpreted her smile as he quickly responds, “Alright I’ve been judged enough in my life, I know you lived in Italy and-”

“No, no, Bucky!” She grabs his forearm, “Margherita is my favorite! I ate it all the time in Italy, judgment-free.”

“Jesus Christ Doll, where have you been all my life?”

She smiles and they continue a brisk pace to the pizza place. “How did you know I lived in Italy?”

“Ah, I know plenty about you. Sammy talks about you non-stop, has since I met him. Steve even thought he was secretly in love with you until he hung out with you in person.”

This makes Joey raise her brows, “Really? Wow. What, if I may ask, ultimately caused him to accept our relationship as extraordinarily platonic? Was it the sibling-like side hugs? The lack of sexual tension in our banter? The fact that I knew him during his first mustache phase?”

“Are you telling me there was a skinnier mustache than the one we know and mildly tolerate?”

“I’m talking Prince but pubescent. It was so thin models asked his mustache for dieting tips. It was so thin his first girlfriend thought he had an eyelash over his top lip. I mean you would’ve thought he drew it on with a ballpoint pen. In fact, it’s very possible it was. Just because I never saw doesn’t mean he never-”

Bucky is laughing uproariously, “Please, please, you’re killing me. I’m gonna need pictures as soon as possible.”

“No can do. I will recite the epic of the mustache homer-style until the day I die, but any physical evidence shared will prompt an all-out war between Samuel and me. That is just something I can’t afford.”

“Oh now I have to see them. What’s your secret shame, sweetheart? Bangs? Braces? Please tell me it was an emo phase,” As he lists off he starts walking backward, the goofy smile didn't dim once.

“I’ll never share, but trust me when I say if you find something behind my back, I’m sure Steve will be more than willing to share some pictures of your past. Emo phase is a good guess, but if I didn’t know any better I’d say that was a projection, hmm?”

That does a good job of replacing his smile with pursed lips and a quirked eyebrow, contemplating his next move in this battle of embarrassing adolescence. “Steve would never betray me.”

“Don’t be so sure, all men have their weaknesses,” She smiles deviously.

“Oh yeah, you gonna seduce him for a picture of me in eyeliner?”

“First of all, I would seduce Steve for much less so thanks for confirming my emo theories. Secondly, I may not know Steve like you do, but I know him well enough to see that seduction would hardly prove fruitful.” She holds the door open for him and they both bask in the practically orgasmic scent of the pizzeria, “Steve is so suspicious of anyone who wants to sleep with him that he’d see through me. My method would be to trick him to do some sort of high school ‘Where are they now?’ portrait. He’d be so inspired he’d paint your lined eyes and black, I’m guessing, over parted hair in a second.” The line is moving slowly and he admires how she never lowers her volume or hides from strangers eyes.

“Damn, Doll, you’re good.”

“I minored in manipulation.” The store isn’t too packed for Saturday night and Sam Cooke is playing lightly in the background. She’s nodding her head and he’s mouthing along to words and when they both realize this they share a smile at the music.

“So Steve is a suspicious mind in your book?” She chuckles at his reference.

“I’m not the biggest drinker and neither is Steve, so when Sammy went hard when I visited, Steve was always good for a tipsy talk. The poor guy has the same self-esteem he must have had in high school. Unlike us three cool cats Steve will show me pictures of his past self. I know you were there through it all, but just because the outside changes doesn’t mean the inside follows suit. I have seen the most dedicated and gorgeous women throw themselves at him and yet he remains sure that she was ‘just being friendly’. It’s actually impressive.”

“I know what you mean. To be fair though a lot of that is just his college girlfriend. She really did a number on him.” He runs a hand through his hair but doesn’t hide his contempt for whoever she is.

Solemn surprise covers Joey’s features, “I never knew. Never met her on any visits.”

“She wasn’t big on him talking to other girls, probably hid him anytime you came around. Although that isn’t my story to tell, I’m sure the punk will tell you about it sometime.” She follows his eye line down to his shoes. He’s drawing stars with the tip of his shoe, a tic she’s just noticing.

“What about you? You have a girl hiding you away, distracting you during your collegiate years? She the reason our meeting was so unluckily delayed until today?”

He thinks about the answer for a second or two. “Nah, no anchor to this ship. At this point, I’m just convinced Wilson just didn’t tell me you were around because he knew you would like me more than him.”

“Well turns out I like Steve better than both of you.”

He puts his hands up and reassures her, “I don’t need to be first, Sweetheart, just as long as I’m on your radar.” As he lowers his hands the song changes and they simultaneously recognize the song, both begin humming the initial notes. “Penny & The Quarters fan huh?” He asks.

“Nobody, baby, but-” she sings before quickly turning her attention to the cashier, “We’ll have two large Everything Pizzas and one large Margherita.” Facing Bucky again she smiles and drops another line that makes his heart race, “Just for you and me, huh?”

The pizza is out quick, and a trip to the local gas station provides them with more than enough beer. They continue discussing music, Joey is surprised at their similarly irregular taste. He describes his favorite Etta James songs, but can’t forget the Simon and Garfunkel song that he thinks is his first love encapsulated. He lists his top three favorite rappers after ranking contemporary folk bands. She adds in her opinions sporadically, and he apologizes twice for dominating the conversation when they get in the elevator.

She is being honest when she says, “There’s nothing I want to hear more than whatever you’re going to say right this moment.” He thinks that every lyric in every song he’s just listed doesn’t have shit on that sentence.

He’s about to tell her so when an alarming large hand last minute catches the elevator as it closes. The doors open to the Thor and Bruce. The couple is the lynchpin of every good party, from rager to kickback. Thor is the greatest hype man in history but is never hammered, probably because it would take two handles of tequila to get him there. Bruce is much more chill but a secret god at beer pong, not to mention he always has weed. Bucky’s favorite part of their presence always happens when Bruce is particularly high and begins a lecture on some sort of subject no one else understands. He isn’t exactly captivating, especially not to anyone far from sober although his passion is palpable, but Thor will plop down on the couch next to him and watch him like he’s the only thing in the universe (while rubbing Bruce’s neck to keep him from getting too wound up). Bucky loves those guys.

“Looks like we arrived just in time, wouldn’t you say Thor?” Bruce shakes Bucky’s hand and smiles at Joey.

“Of course! I was worried we got too much pizza, but now that you’re here Thor I’m sure you’ll help us with any surplus.” Joey sets the pizzas down before Thor pulls her into a bear hug.

“Joey, you know I never leave a damsel in distress,” Thor agrees as he sets her back on her feet.

Joey’s eyebrow playfully shoots up, “Who are you calling damsel, Odinson?”

“In this case, definitely Sam. I’m surprised he even let you order out.” Bruce answers for his boyfriend.

“My love is right in my insinuation. Never ever have I seen you anywhere near damsel status Joe.” Bucky watches their interaction with curiosity.

The elevator dings and Bucky asks, “This may seem like a dumb question but how do you guys know each other? Just through Sam?”

Joey picks up the pizzas as Thor holds the door open, ”Thor’s siblings and I were all in a group home together as teens. I’ve known this big lug long before he was the Nordic party god we see before us.” Thor laughs and he and Bruce go to greet everyone inside.

“Are you telling me Thor hasn’t always been a blonde beefcake?” Bucky whispers in Joey’s ear as they set the pizza and beer on the counter.

“Sadly no, he’s looked like that since I met him. I just like making that joke because he’s too humble to care.” She makes note that he doesn’t question the foster home part of her story. She wonders just what Sam has told him about her past.

People start to crowd the food and drinks, so Joey and Bucky greet everyone who has arrived. Nat is there sans Wanda, who is at home sick. Bucky knows this means Nat will be leaving early. Pietro made it despite his ill sibling, but he still looks pretty sick of the conversation in front of him. Shuri and Clint are mid-argument about the chicken and the egg when Bucky thanks them for coming. Clint gives him a smile and points to a fake succulent on the table and mumbles, “Got you guys a housewarming present,” before returning his attention to telling Shuri that the Chicken is the obvious choice. Shuri tells Bucky she set up the wifi and the apple tv and Clint doesn’t even register that she’s talking over him. Bucky kisses her cheek and hands her a beer.

Steve is sitting with Bruce and Thor on the couch, all of them engrossed in conversation and pizza. Sam is chopping fresh onion for his pizza when Bucky asks, “These are the few you could bribe to get here?”

“These losers are the only ones without any plans on a Saturday night,” Sam says without looking up.

Clint and Pietro both look up and say a simultaneous, “Hey!” Before turning their attention back to their conversation.

“T’Challa and Nakia are in Paris. Brunnhilde has a gig tonight. Okoye hung up on me when I said pizza and beer. Parker has an exam. Tony named six events he was invited to tonight and would’ve kept going if Steve hadn’t hung up. Pepper and Rhodey are probably plus thing one and two wherever Tony ended up at. Thus, this motley crew is all we got.” Sam sprinkles his diced onion on top of his already spilling slice and when he bites into it his groan stops the conversations surrounding the apartment.

“Lame. Your intestines are not going to be thanking you for that monster you are devouring under the alias of pizza.” Joey makes a face as he continues to stuff his face.

“Like eating just mozzarella and basil is enjoyable at all,” Sam dismisses her and joins the rest of their crew.

“Heathens,” Bucky dramatically admonishes their friends, “You ready Doll?”

This time he catches the tightening of her expression at his comment, ”Born ready.” They both grab a piece of their untouched pizza and taps crusts in cheers.

Part 2

Part 3

Thanks for reading!

[kirbyss44]

My Top Ten Favorite Danganronpa Characters

So I’ve watched a playthough of all three Danganronpa games. Trigger Happy Havoc, Goodbye Despair and Killing Harmony. I can officially say I love this series and is obsessed with it.

Here’s a list of all the 10 characters that I like the most. Befrore we start I’m going to go over two rules.

This is based on their appearance in the main games. No supplementary material like spinoffs or the anime will be taken account. Also anything that can be gleamed from the character in free time or school mode will also not be taken into account.

I’m not going to adding you-know-who to the list because really, I only like him for shallow reasons and there are way more characters that are objectively better than him.

Spoilers. (duh)

10.  Ultimate Imposter (Byakuya Togami)

This the Ultimate Impostor, not Byakuya, so there’s no bias.

I don’t know much about the real Ultimate Imposer so this based on what I’ve seen in Goodbye Despair.

Impostor had the same smatassness as Byakuya but he was also determined to keep everyone alive. Which makes his death in the first case really sad, he tried so hard to prevent on murder that in the end, he was one that got murdered.

Also he gets called “ham hands” by Hiyoko and instead of retorting, he actually kinda rolls with. That’s kinda interesting.

9.  Gundham Tanaka

Oh my god. Gundham was just buckets of fun.

“FOUR DARK DAVAS OF DESTRUCTION! SAND-D, JUM-P, MAGA-Z, CHUM-P!” Oh man! I love the way this guy emotes. 

Fun fact: I was convinced Gundham wound’t die because he had cute hamsters. I mean, his hamsters didn’t die regardless I think.

Gundham puts his scarf up when he’s embarrassed. That’s just adorable.

8. Nagito Komaeda

I just recently got into the Danganronpa so I’m not familiar with all the jokes and meme. With that in mind, I don’t really understand Nagito’s infamous meme status and how he’s comparable to Sans. I can kinda get it from seeing him in Goodbye Despair but I don’t fully understand.

The reason why he’s on the list is because I strangely find this pathetic sad-sack to be endearing. He tries SO HARD to be a stepping stone for the other characters and his self deprecation and constant tearing himself down was so fun to watch.

And when Nagito learns about the truth of the other ultimate, he gets even better. I don’t know but watching this pitiful, insane, individual try to act all arrogant is so funny to me.

His role in the overall narrative of Danganronpa was pretty interesting too. In the first game, hope and despair were black and white, good and evil. In Goodbye Despair, it was cool to see a little more nuance added and it’s shown that hope isn’t objectively good. The most extreme end of hope can be just as devastating as despair.

7. Genocide Jack/Jill

Ok, so it Genocide Jack or Genocide Jill? In Trigger Happy Havoc, The serial killer is Genocide Jack but she refers herself as Jill. But for the rest er series, it’s only Genocide Jack? WHAT IS IT?

Oh well. Genocide Jill was quite the surprise, taking a character I was indifferent to, Toko Fukawa, and turned her into something beautiful and crazy. Genocide Jack is super expressive, and wild, and funny, and I love her. The one sided relationship between her Byakuya was pretty entertaining even if it got a bit too gross.

Also that tongue tho.

6.  Kokichi Oma

This guy, the freaking guy.

I love him. I don’t care what you say, he’s a good boy.

The way he emotes is just fantastic.

I think what makes me sympathetic towards Kokichi was his motive video. Turns out he isn’t some evil overlord, he just pulls harmless pranks with his friends. That made me feel really bad for him. Even if he was piece of shit.

The 5th case made me fall in love with him but really, I took a shine on him throughout the entire game. His insults are something out Glee but they’re still entertaining because they’re directed to the worst people like Miu. Fucking Miu.

Also his fake death was great. 

Yeah, I know he’s a lying basted but look at him!

HE LOOKS SO SAD. AND WHEN HE’S SAD! I’M SAD! AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH

5.  Junko Enoshima

This was a mind blowing reveal. Junko Enoshima, the character who died at the start and is quickly forgotten was the mastermind of the killing game. She fits the role of total despair perfectly, it’s so unsettling to see this girl talk about destroying the world and torturing 14 innocent teenagers while also being excited about doing it.

Her multiple personalities were also a treat. The fact that she changes her personally because she’s bored of her current one is just amazing. The regal one is my favorite.

That giant Junko at the end of Goodbye Despair... WOW.

But I will admit they kinda overused her. Seeing her in Goodbye Despair was a kinda neat but in Killing Harmony... Yeah. I was so ready get disappointed if Junko was the main villain a THIRD TIME. It she was, she would’t even be on the list. But while I’m glad she wasn’t, the teasing and the fake reveal still kinda soured Killing Despair’s ending for me.

4. Sakura Ogami

Overtime throughout Trigger Happy Havoc, my admiration for Sakura grew exponentially over time. She was definitely was the most mature of the entire cast of high schoolers, determined to keep focus on the goal ahead and despite her outward appearance, she was very kind.

Her friendship with Hina was great to see even if it made Hina try to kill everyone.

Sakura is the type of person where you can talk to her about personal issues and she’d try to help.

It’s so depressing how she was treated by everyone when she was nothing but nice, even if she was the traitor and planned to kill someone. 

3. Kaito Momota

Spoiler alert. The last three on this list will be the best friend group from Killing Harmony. I couldn’t just pick one, they are all just amazing.

At first, Kaito seems like your typical filler character that gets killed off in early cases but boy was I wrong. His kind, supportive, and determined attitude to believe in his friends and survive the killing game was wonderful.

Kaito was the one to approach Maki and try to start a friendship, even after learning of her true origins. That just shows what a great guy he is.

His peak was undoubtedly the 5th case.

Kaito contracting that disease and fearing he not survive and get into space was heartbreaking. But that last “fuck you” to Monokuma during his execution was awesome.

2. Shuichi Saihara

Hands down, best Danganronpa protagonist ever. Makoto was ok, kinda unoriginal and bland design but was nice seeing him in Goodbye Despair and Hajime, actually he has an ever blander design LOL, but he makes up for with good writing and performance.

But Shuichi blows those two out of the water. Admittedly I was disappointed that Kaede was killed off and the protagonist role was switched to him because a female protagonist would have been amazing. But Shuichi proves himself to be something great.

First, him being the Ultimate Detective made a lot sense when he was figuring out these complex cases.

Second. his eternal struggle of figuring out the truth vs the truth harming others was so interesting to me.

Third, his relationship with Maki and Kaito was so fun and satisfying to watch and his brief friendship with Kaede was so sweet but sad to see end. It’s adorable that Shuichi accepts the role of sidekick to Kaito despite him and Maki knowing full well Kaito barely knows anything.

1. Maki Harukawa

GIVE. MAKI. ROLL. A. HUG.

If Maki is upset, give her a hug. If Maki is happy, give her a hug. If Maki is threatening to kill you, give her a hug.

What started out as an cold, intimidating girl, became something amazing when  Kokichi dropped this bombshell.

The Ultimate Assassin.

The name alone sends chills down your spine. A person like that someone you’d want to put as many doors, walls and continents between. But in a killing game that might be a bit difficult. Which is why Kaito tries get him, Maki and Shuichi to all form a blossoming friendship.

Maki’s con disaster backstory was really cute.

Her origins as the big sister of an orphanage and how despite the fact she’s a ruthless killer, kids still love her, that was really cute.

And how she talks about assassinations as if it were a mundane job was interesting.

Look. The point is, Maki is best girl and my favorite character in all of Danganronpa.

...

...

...

JUST KIDDING! NUMBER ONE CHARACTER GOES TO BYAKUYA TOGAMI!!!

BEST BOY! NO DOUBT!

HE DID NOTHING WRONG EXCEPT ALL THINGS HE DID THAT WERE WRONG.

FUCKING EAT IT BITCH!

[thirdmagic]

aaaaaaaaaand i finished it newdrv3!! with a massive delay but.... honestly i’m surprised by how much i enjoyed it i had fairly low expectations for the game overall and the reality tv show but murder plot twist was the only thing of interest for me bc i live for that meta bullshit, and i loved the way they pulled it off here. but while there were both low points and high points it was actually a perfectly good game and more than a worthy entry into the franchise. some aspects were weaker than the previous but some aspects were stronger too. speaking as someone who never actually really touched anything outside of the main games anyway. after finishing sdr2 i found myself thinking about how there’s no way there can even be a third game because how can you even top that fuckin bout of insanity, but they did. they did and imho they more then succeeded by like... not making it just a sequel to sdr2 or a continuation but making it entirely its own new thing.

i can def see why the reveal and ch6 in general rubbed some people the wrong way but 

a) apparently ppl think the game was fine until then and that the reveal ruined it and they should have continued with the story-line until then as the real one but............... really?? honestly???? it makes so much more sense with everything up til now, like there’s no way anything of the stories/secrets that they were presented/led to believe could have really been the endgame. like if they did actually play all that straight instead of just pulling our leg i would have been all the more disappointed, the way all these flashbacks and reveals were dropped on them up til then just milked how cliche and bland and contrived all of it was, it was so clearly set up as fake and made by someone really unimaginative  

b) i don’t... personally really think that it was written with the specific intent to give a ‘fuck you’ to the audience. i just don’t get that sort of feeling from it? it does come off that way in places but i don’t feel that’s the main intent. and really, everything about how that played out is just a hardcore fave for me. i agree it was a little gratuitous and veered just this side of being Too Much, but it just worked very well, imho, in that context. 

it’s the one and only logical progression, thematically, to reject the themes and dichotomy and philosophy of the previous games not because they’re bad (within the context of the previous games themselves) but because they’re not what this one is about, because that battle and dichotomy has never been relevant to these people and this story or it themes. it was thematically the most interesting to me for the supreme meta themes of the blend between lies and truth and reality/fiction and so on. it established itself well as just... an entirely different story, and not a sequel to any of the previous games.

also hot take: saihara is the best protag we had so far. like listen i love the naegg with my entire heart and hinata was excellent for sdr2 and what it was doing, but saihara has like. an actual character arc. actual development. a personality. he’s not defined by being Normal(tm), he’s defined by being Weak(tm), an actual personality trait specific to him, which is to say gentle and sensitive, but he also more than pulls his own weight and performs fantastically as a detective, and he’s proactive and quick thinking and clever at the right moment. he does his job excellently. both the protagonist and the detective job.

i’m still miffed about kaede but not as mad bc the way it actually played out wasn’t.... too overly frigdey, by virtue of it being a consequences of her own actions in a way that preserves her agency. i think the bait/fake out was a little much but it’s not a blatant Innocent Pure Angel Gets Tragically Murdered For No Good Reason, which is much closer to what fridging actually is. i

ANYWAY, my faves at the start were kurumi and rantaro, even though i knew they won’t last, but now my faves are....... himiko and ouma..... and also maki......... so i went from pretty green to gremliny midgets...... tho kurumi’s still totally a wife and i’m interested in rantaro and want to know more about him. but i struggle to think of anyone i don’t like tbh maybe one i dislike and one or two i’m ambivalent towards. once again i’m in love with the entire cast u did it again dangan ronpa. u always do this.  anyway i hope saihara maki and himiko are doing well wherever they are after all that bullshit they were put through and am probably going to go drown myself in Nobody Dies au content to cope with my emotions bc yeah dr Did It Again

[rosvline]

okay it’s now after eleven my time omg i’m gonna go as fast as i can hope i don’t leave anything out yikes. ok whatever i’m a massive plot hoe so hmu and also you may have noticed i also play hayden ok wow let’s go gonna make a separate post for plots again bc i don’t have time tn ( or like i could just put them on a page but like i really wanna push them )

( halston sage, twenty-three, pansexual ) —Hey, look who’s walking down the red carpet! It’s SLOANE MICHAELSON ! Did you know she is a FLORIST, which makes her a FOUR? Magazines say SHE is AMIABLE , but also JEALOUS. What’s more is that [ she’s here for love ]. Let’s take a picture with HER, quick! 

alright alright alrighhht so her name is sloane bc i fucking love that name so much like i’m obsessed anyway i’ll probably call her lola like 80% of the time 

first backstory her mother was a two and during her time was basically the biggest model in the country, everyone knew her name

she wasn’t stuck up though,, she was one of the most vibrant people you could possibly meet, kind and funny and just like what a perfect person right? she definitely was completely unaware of what life in the lower castes was like and perfectly happy to  live the rest of her days in the glamorous lifestyle she was used to

had a lot of boyfriends in her day. all rich assholes.

her entire life changed when she met lola’s dad 

she loved having flowers in her apartment all the time because they smelled nice and looked pretty and made a space that otherwise seemed lonely to her seem bright and alive 

she would frequent a small florist a few buildings down from her apartment out of convenience this is where her dad comes in 

it was his shop!! 

so anyway she was seeing him like at least once a week ( usually mondays at four ) and like not so much interaction at first just her going in buying whatever the newest flowers were and leaving as time went on they started exchanging more and more pleasantries you know??

anyway eventually he started arranging bouquets specifically for her she didn’t know and she came in one day and he was like don’t pick anything out just wait there for a second

and lemme tell you this man was talented so like he came out with this fucking beautiful bouquet.

so he would just always have a new arrangement prepared for her ( lemme just remind you for a sec they still just exchange the normal pleasantries ) 

eventually he started adding notes to them, not every one but just randomly some of them would have notes 

they weren’t romantic at all at first just lil jokes and stuff gradually they became a bit more romantic eventually they were fucking great compliments not just your average you’re pretty like you shine brighter than the sun or gross romantic shit like that

finally on one he asked her on a date she ran back to the shop as soon as she read it to say yes

imma skip over the rest bc i’ve wasted so much time on this omg

one more thing tho like funny story once one of her male model dates forgot to get her flowers and stopped in there to get them and like added the most generic note and like her poor dad was in love w/ this woman and had to sell this asshole flowers for her and awe

anyway so she fell in love with this four and eventually decided to give up everything to marry him

lemme remind you she was an icon

it was a huge scandal in the media when it happened 

so yeah she dropped off the surface of the earth but the media never stopped talking about it 

so her mom now lived with her dad in the lil apartment over his shop and it was like a huge change for her and very difficult but she was in love so she didn’t care her job now was helping with the florist

they had lola

fantastic parents so loving

lola is a lot like her mom in nature

in school she was bullied quite a bit for her moms story everyone knew it

she believes in love bc of her parents 

she wants to win bc she wants to actually find love and she thinks this could be it

but also

she thinks that winning and becoming a one would prove something to all the people who bullied her for her moms decision to give up her caste

(eating disorder tw)

she felt a lot of pressure from the ppl at her school and from herself to live up to her moms beauty 

she developed bulimia while in high school

while it isn’t nearly as severe as it once was she’s always at risk of relapsing 

but also

she’s worried her moms story will overshadow her narrative 

she’s so sweet

but also

can take a lot of shit 

k imma just say one plot i want bc i really want it and that is a cousin that is a two and they would have a negative relationship like i’ll elaborate in messages or like in my full plots but like gimme this

[accidental-butt-touch]

Multiples of 6, because I do hate you as much as you hate me

bitch. you made me do actual math

3: Zodiac sign?

Aries

5: Book/series I reread?

I attempted to reread the Leviathan trilogy but the only one that I have actually reread was A Series of Unfortunate Events. I reread books all the time (although lately i haven’t been able to finish books anymore lol)

6: Aliens or ghosts?

Aliens are real. Ghosts are not

9: Favourite flavour of anything?

I don’t think I have a favorite flavor of anything but usually cherry is a safe flavor

10: The word that I use all the time to describe something great?

fantastic

12: The question you ask new friends to get to know them better?

what’s ur name?

15: Last song I listened to?

Sidewalks - The Weeknd

18: Movie I watch when I’m feeling down?

my favorite ones, jurassic park and the fifth element

20: Favourite video games?

i’m not really a video game player but I loved my psp game Daxter and Sims Castaway so much. i wish my psp still worked…

24: Cats or dogs?

i’m a dog person tbh

25: Actor/actress you trust enough to watch whatever they’re in?

used to be Robin Williams but i guess now it’s…

27: Am I in a relationship?

HA! i never been in a relationship in my entire life

28: Something I miss?

being able to stay home

30: Eye colour?

Dark brown

33: Someone I trust?

i trust different people for different things but i trust my mom for most things

36: My current obsession?

killing stalking…

38: Do I have someone of the opposite sex that I can tell everything to?

no not really

39: Am I superstitious?

nah

40: What do I think about most?

mostly i’m calculating when i can get free time

42: Do I prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?

definitely behind it. i hate pictures of myself so much bc i hate myself

45: Last film I watched?

i didn’t get to watch the whole thing bc i had to get back to my homework but it was national treasure

48: Top 5 blog on Tumblr that I follow?

50: How do I destress?

i take long showers and stay up late fucking around in the internet

51: Do I like confrontation?

no

54: Do I sleep with the lights on or off?

shroud me in darkness

55: Play any sports?

HA no

57: Favourite drink?

iced tea

60: Pet peeve?

i CANNOT STAND IT when people make noises with their mouth while eating or chewing (not even myself)

63: What occupation did I want to do when I was younger?

i wanted to be a paleontologist

65: What fictional universe would I like to be a part of?

66: Something I worry about?

if i’m gonna finish my work on time

69: What do I admire most about others?

depends on the person

70: Can I sing?

I wish i could

72: If I won the lottery, what would I do?

depends on the amount but if it’s a substantial amount i’d pay off my loans, buy my parents a car, then save the rest

75: Where do I want to live?

i don’t necessarily have a specific place that i want to live but i really want to get out of florida. it’s too damn hot

78: Early bird or night owl?

100% night owl.

80: Can I drive?

yep. drive to class at least 3 times a week

81: Story behind my last kiss?

never been kissed

84: Story behind one of my scars?

i’m gonna give you two cause i’m feeling generous

The one i have on my right knee was because I was being a dumbass and was “interpretive bike dancing.” I was twisting gracefully on my bike and then i either hit a small pebble on the road or turned wrong and just splatted on the road lol

the one i have on my left eyelid was when i was four and i was at my babysitter’s house. she was also taking care of her granddaughter at the time and she was the same age as me. she wanted to cut my hair so she took a pair of scissors and tried to cut bangs. she but both my hair and my eyelid open. fun times

85: Favourite genre of music?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite but lately i’ve been really into electronic music

87: Favourite comic book character?

harley quinn

90: Favourite sporty activity?

staring at the ceiling. it’s pretty athletic  

93: Siblings?

1 little brother

95: How tall am I?

5’2” lol

96: Can I cook?

i can cook some things but I’m no chef

99: 3 things I hate?

snoring

thanksgiving/holiday scented things

country music

100: Do I have more girl friends or boy friends?

i have more girl friends. i have no idea what happened to all of my guy friends lol

102: Where was I born?

Florida

105: Last person I texted?

this group chat i have for a group project i have for tv class

108: Favourite Youtuber?

TerryTV

110: Do I like selfies?

no lol

111: Favourite game app?

words with friends, although i haven’t played it in a while

114: A place I have not been but wish to visit?

Japan

115: Favourite number?

5

117: Am I religious?

this is kind of a difficult question. I’ve been raised in a strict christian household so i do hold some of those beliefs but i’m kind of in a spot where i’m not sure what my beliefs actually are. so i’ll get back to you on that

120: Am I much of a daredevil?

i can be just to spite someone

123: Can I wiggle my ears?

actually this is a recent skill that i have randomly developed. so yes

125: The Beatles or Elvis?

I was raised with the Beatles so the Beatles

126: My current project?

technically it’s an edition of drypoint prints in printmaking class AND IT’S KILLING MY WILL TO LIVE

129: Forest or beach?

i like and hate both

130: Favourite piece of advice?

i’m not sure

132: Hogwarts house / Divergent faction / Hunger Games district?

friends say i’m a ravenclaw. I actually passed to Dauntless but i was one point away from Erudite. i have no idea how you find your district but i want to know now

135: Do I like gossip?

not really but i am guilty of partaking in it sometimes

138: Do I believe in second chances?

yes

139: If I found a wallet full of cash on the ground, what would I do?

find who lost it. look inside for the id and see if there’s a number to call if no one claims it. if they never respond i’d figure out where i can turn it in to

140: Do I believe people are capable of change?

yes

141: Have I ever been underweight?

i have never been a normal weight no

144: Have I ever been on a plane?

yeah. when i was extremely young tho

145: In a film about my life, who would I cast as myself, friends and family?

let them be my actual family

147: Do I have any piercings?

i had two in my ears but i think the second ones closed up cause i lost the earrings

150: What is the best decision I have made in life so far?

i don’t know

153: What was my first car?

2008 nissan sentra

155: Who is the most intelligent person I know?

leah @trashcanbees

156: My most embarrassing memory?

why tf would i put that on the internet and let that be used as blackmail

159: Which do I value more in others, brains or beauty?

brains

160: What colour mostly dominates my wardrobe?

black, grey, and blue

162: What do I hate most about myself?

EVERYTHING

165: Do I believe in fate?

not really no

168: Have I ever been on TV?

technically yes. when i was a baby, my dad when he worked at the local fox station  put a clip of me sleeping in my crib for a local commercial

170: One of my favourite quotes?

i had an answer for this and then i lost it

171: Do I hold grudges?

not normally i don’t think

174: Best gift I’ve ever received?

this light up cherry blossom tree that sarah got me for graduation and an infinite CD that leah got me when i first got into kpop

175: Do I dream?

yes and either they are weird as fuck or very violent

177: Do I remember my dreams, and what is one that comes to mind?

i used be able to remember my dreams a lot but lately it’s not as often

what comes to mind are the ones that had to do with showers

180: Do I like shopping?

i abhor it

183: What is my spirit animal?

idk

185: If I could master one skill, what would I choose?

to speed draw and have it look good af

186: What is my greatest failure?

attending college

189: Love or career?

i don’t understand why you can’t have both??

190: If I could time travel, where and when would I want to go?

i’d be afraid bc time travel could mess up shit but i’d go to the future to see if the world actually does go through an armaggedon. either that or just see if i do end up being alone for the rest of my life

192: What is “home” to me?

my house???

195: Would I ever want to encounter aliens?

no cause i’m almost sure they would be hostile

198: Zombies or vampires?

……vampires…..

200: Dragons or wizards?

dragons?

201: A nightmare that has stayed with me?

i haven’t had any real traumatic nightmares lately so idk

204: Have I ever had my heart broken?

no i don’t think so

205: Do I like my handwriting?

my handwriting is shitty but i’ve just learned to accept that

207: Worst job I’ve had?

i am a potato and have never had a job

210: What is on my bucket list?

to go to France to see the gothic cathedrals and to go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms

213: Do I use sarcasm a lot?

nooo

215: What is the weirdest talent I have?

apparently i make really good coffee??? but i don’t do anything to it???

216: Favourite fictional character?

Spencer Reid from criminal minds

Walter Bishop from Fringe

Nozaki Umetaro from gekkan shoujo nozaki-kun

honestly i have no idea if i chose the right ones bc towards the middle i kinda got confused

[hockeysticksandstones]

(Wrote this after reading an alter-sex halloween fill from OMGCPumpkins, kind of, ah, tried to continue it a little? the team sacrifices a goat every season and Eric’s a little more blessed than the others and doesn’t want anyone to know. Jack knows something tho)

Another Equinox, another sacrifice, another night of blasphemous debauchery beneath Canada’s most beloved native son, but this year is different from the last.

As Bitty catches his breath, relishing the scrape of the stone against his back while Jack finishes, he swears their relationship won’t stop at sunrise. There will be no whispered apologies or awkward morning afters while the fumble to cover themselves.

They pull on what remains of their blood-stained clothing, far beyond any chance of salvaging, and Jack guides them to Faber instead of the Haus. Bitty realizes why when Jack pushes open the locker room door and he sees the open shower stalls.

“We’re only a little messy, eh?” Jack whispers, pressing a soft hand to the small of Bitty’s back.

“Just a tad,” Bitty teases, already undoing the mismatched buttons on his shirt.

They strip with the same lazy efficiency that they bring to practice, and Jack bundles their clothes before dropping them in a waste bin. At Bitty’s questioning glance he nods to a duffel barely poking out from beneath Jack’s stall.

“Planned ahead this year,” he admits, “grabbed some clothes yesterday in case we— well, just in case.” There’s pink rising in Jack’s cheeks and Bitty realizes he has never seen his captain blush.

“Is this okay?” Jack hedges. “I didn’t hurt you, did I? I know we were a little rough at the end.”

Bitty isn’t quite prepared for the way Jack’s hands don’t leave his skin, the soft kisses dropped to his neck and shoulders. Everything is warm. Safe.

“We?” Bitty teases, and Jack ducks his head going from pink to red.

“I,” Jack amends, resting a hand on Bitty’s hip to rub a thumb over a blossoming bruise. Bitty crowds into Jack’s space at the touch and leans against him while the barely-there water pressure does it’s best to wash away what remains of the night’s sacrifice.

They lose themselves for a little while in the spray, Jack swaying Bitty back and forth with an easy motion that nearly puts him to sleep. When the water starts to cool, a testament to how long they’ve been standing there, Bitty presses his face to Jack’s chest.

“I don’t want to go back to normal,” he admits, nosing at a few stray chest hairs. “I like feeling this way. Being with you.”

Jack’s arms tighten around him and Bitty can feel a pressure on his scalp from where Jack must have dropped his chin.

“We don’t have to stop,” Jack says, barely audible over the water. Bitty can’t find the words to respond, scared of coming across as over eager, and instead swipes at a lingering streak of dried blood on Jack’s bicep.

He feels warm, even after the shower.

They sleep in separate beds that night, but Jack walks him to his room like a gentleman and kisses him goodnight.

There are no fines the week of Halloween.

______

A large, black spider is making its merry way across the countertop, weaving lazily between sticks of warming butter and bowls of jewel-colored fillings.

Not long ago, Bitty would have recoiled, but today he barely has time to think before he swipes a finger behind the creature to catch the trailing web fluid — lifting the shocked arachnid a few inches so he can inspect it.

“Hey. I see you,” Bitty chides. “You know, I’m trying to cook, here. It’s a good thing I found you and not one of the boys, you’d be good as squished.” It stops scrambling and freezes, legs extended out as it spins slowly, as if trying to play dead. “Besides, I keep the kitchen spotless, you want dinner, head up to my bathroom, there’s silverfish galore. I’m going to set you down, now, okay? Try to stay out of sight.”

The spider continues to spin lamely and Bitty feels like if he looks close enough, he’ll see himself reflected in the creature’s glossy black eyes.

He lowers the web to the floor and the spider drops and skitters away quickly, disappearing under a floorboard. Bitty goes back to working on his cobbler, a teeny bit proud of how he handled the situation.

_______

“Bittle?”

Eric looks up from his textbook when he hears Jack’s questioning voice from the bathroom.

“Yeah?”

“Did you clean in here? Or spray or something?”

“Um, no?

Jack appears in his doorway, wearing only a pair of sweats, his skin still damp from the shower.

“Hey, c’mere. Check this out.”

Eric marks his page and scrambles to follow, only to find Jack’s bathroom exactly the same as it always is.

“What am I looking at?”

Jack clicks off the light for a few moments and clicks it on again. Nothing happens. He repeats the action.

“No silverfish.”

“Oh, neat. Those things were gross.”

Eric doesn’t think about the kitchen spider. It’s just a coincidence. He wishes Jack goodnight and returns to his room to study.

_________

89 is barreling toward Bitty and he braces himself — ready for the hit — but impact never comes. Bitty spins around and finds Yale’s home crowd going nuts because 89 is laid out on the ice, clutching his ankle and howling in pain.

Bitty grabs his captain’s arm as he skates by. “What happened?”

Jack shakes his head, looking as confused as Bitty feels.

“No idea — he was gunning for you and then he just dropped,” Jack casts a withering look at the downed defenseman. “It wasn’t one of us, but I’m not sorry it happened.”

“It’s funny how you think you need to protect me,” Bitty says, only half cognizant of the words coming out of his mouth when Jack’s determined expression falters. Bitty had meant to say ‘thank you’. He’d meant to stroke his boyfriend’s ego. He’d meant…well, no, what did he mean?

They’re carting 89 off the ice, and the trainer is saying it’s probably a stress fracture.

Bitty doesn’t worry about it.

_______

Bitty looks at the Haus’ sparsely decorated porch and thinks about the silverfish before deciding to go for broke. Maybe he is cursed. Maybe he can talk to spiders and cause bad luck. Looking around to make sure no one’s watching, and none of the boys are in earshot, Bitty clears his throat.

“Excuse me,” he starts, speaking to the empty air. “If it isn’t too much trouble, and you don’t exhaust yourselves too much, would y’all mind webbing up the front porch? I’d really appreciate the help for Halloween.”

Of course nothing happens. It’s noon on a Sunday and he’s talking to bugs. Arachnids.

“Please and thank you.”

_______

“I’m not going out there — use the back door.”

“Shit, I’m crawling out the window.”

Bitty stumbles downstairs with his gear bag and freezes at the sight of the boys anxiously huddled at the front door. Holster notices him first.

“Yo, Bits, don’t panic but we’ve got an infestation.”

Bitty drops his duffle and shoves Birkholtz aside to peer out the window at so much spider silk it looks like the boys draped loose knit cotton linens across the entire front of the Haus.

“I’ll be,” Bitty whispers.

“What was that?”

Bitty rights himself and spins on his heel to flash a smile. “I asked some friends to help with the Halloween decorations and they did a fantastic job!”

“Dude, no way,” Ransom argues. “Those are real fucking webs.”

“Then where are the spiders?”

The boys rush back to the window to check but Jack stays a few steps behind, watching Bitty carefully.

“Yeah, Bittle,” Jack echoes softly, almost teasing, reaching out to brush something from Bitty's shoulder. “Where are the spiders?”