#‘Jack can’t handle scary movies he needs someone to comfort him and say it isn’t real’ HE IS A FUCKING HUNTER AND HE LOVES HUNTING

[soullessjack]

I have a special amount of hatred for jack content where he’s kept as his canon-adult self but has all remnants of his actual personality bludgeoned out of him and is still infantilized to the point where he’s basically just portrayed as having the actual mental capacity of a child. “Jack can’t drink beer he orders apple juice and drinks sippy cups at bars,” “Don’t swear around Jack or he’ll repeat it,” “Jack can’t handle scary movies, he likes [insert silly non-scary media like animal crossing].” etc etc.

obviously I can’t speak for what the actual intent and appeal is, but it. honest to god just feels like a way for spn fans to keep infantilizing jack and get away with it bcit’s more covert than the usual de-aging/normal-baby aus and they think “look, he’s still an adult, we’re not infantilizing him!” is enough to avoid criticism. I don’t know how to tell you this, but if you are registering Jack as an adult and still going out of your way to give them literally infantile traits like sippy cups and not being allowed to say bad words and still fundamentally treating them as if they are a child, that is still infantilization and it is still horrendously ableist—whether the intention was there or not.

It’s not even a matter of ppl “personally seeing” Jack as a child, because he isn’t one regardless of personal opinion and it’s just stupid to insist on something that isn’t there. If you can watch this character basically become a military leader and flirt with a girl and do a whole slew of other things that a child cannot do and still “personally see” them as a child, then maybe you should reconsider why exactly you see them that way when the show very clearly does not, ask yourself if the “childlike” traits you think you’re picking up on aren’t just autistic traits and why you’re so uncomfortable with seeing this character as an adult.

[halfemptygirlrps-archive]

Polyamory CAN work (long post)

As a black, queer woman who could very well be poly, I am always looking for content to feed my soul and have for a few years now. I know I grumble about white/het couples a lot which makes me sound some kind of way but I ship a ton of white couples, that isn’t the problem. It’s the way representation is stepped on these days with toxic white couples being seen as true love that upsets me. And this is coming from a chick that lowkey ships Reylo.

I don’t understand and never will why writers in 2020 think that the only demographic there is are the people who can’t handle seeing anything but a white male and a white female be together. Interracial relationships CAN and DO work and f/f or m/m relationships or any race CAN work, so guess what, so can relationships involving three or more people and while difficult, it can work, even if the people are different races.

My annoyance also stems from Poly woman really getting shat on when writers hit a wall. Very few times have I seen it work out and that’s so stupid to me because she shouldnt’ have to choose.

I start with Wynonna Earp, a CLEARLY Poly woman with a strong sexual appetite that never gets shamed. She loved both Dolls and Doc and though Shamier left the show effectively forcing her to Doc, they still made it clear that she was poly and capable of having feelings for more than one man when they brought in Charlie. He was patient and sweet and while all three men wanted Wynonna to themselves, they NEVER gave her an ultimatum and even while PREGNANT WITH ANOTHER MAN’S BABY  Dolls still loved her and held her in bed. I believe that had Shamier (Dolls)  not left that they would have went on waiting for her to choose but also letting her know that she didn’t have to.

Then there’s my first real Poly stan, Bo Dennis from Lost Girl. Unapologetically bisexual and poly, Bo was in control at all times, both of her relationships and her sexuality. While she needed sex to feed like a vampire needs blood,she also enjoyed it and didn’t view it as a curse or burden and her partners were alwasy consenting, which was amazing. Lauren never shamed Bo (in fact she praised her sexuality and wished she could keep up) for liking men (thus not being toxic to bi women, which is an issue in the community I wont get into) and Dyson, Bo’s male lover never pressured her to submit to him. Here she is pictured with Tamsin, Dyson and Lauren, all her lovers, at once.

If all three of them can be respectful and understanding while each of them were with Bo alone, not a quad, then why do they make it seem so hard to have three people love each other? And yes, I know that couples break up, but on Tv they just dont need to when it’s what a show is based on.

I could go on about Bo all day but I will move on to one of my favorite movies: Prof. Marsden and the Wonder Women.

Now real or not this story had everything. It showed how slowly and steadily they grew to love each other, the highs and lows and the shame of the community that made them all stronger together. Was there jealousy at times, yeas, but they addressed it and learned that they didnt’ need to be and that they could all be together happily and that it could be easy to be in love with more than one person. Sure, it was the 40s but in this day and age it’s nothing to hide, and if they could have a happily ever after back then, why couldn’t it happen now? 

Could it be because of race? Without kidding ourselves, we know that every fandom is capable of being toxic and that it’s just fact that the black girl is often hated. I call it the Iris West treatment, where the clear canon couple is hated and the black girl is trashed for the white option. I quit Supergirl after Season 2 but I hear that Jimmy’s sister is getting said treatment now from a friend that still watches and I am not surprised.  You can’t force an actor to stay on a show and I get that having their ship destroyed build animosity, but I really can’t help but feel like had the other girl been white it wouldn’t have been such a huge issue. A Stefan vs Damon issue none the less, but still, less so. I say that because I have seen actual people defend Mon El in that fandom but saying “what’s wrong with owning slaves?” NUff said. 

Another reason I bring up why it could be race is because of You, Me, Her.

I really enjoy this show and will be sad to see it and and while I recommend it, there are flaws, but none of these flaws seems to be that the three of them can’t work past it and get back together. 

Emma and Jack are married, Izzy comes in and shakes up their world and they both fall ass over elbows in love with her and her with them. They go through the usual things:jealousy, favoritism, hiding their relationship then coming out, but they always work through it. When Jack leaves to date an ex, he comes back. When Emma leaves to date and ex, she comes back. When Jack and Emma think about moving away and Izzy doesn’t want to, they come back. When Izzy has a thing with a co-worker, she still chooses Jack and Emma because they know they all need and love each other. They even have babies together! Izzy sees the sonogram and her heart stops. She realizes that she is going to be their actual mom and they all get married and even look into tri custody because they know they are a family and that it’s not an odd man out type of thing. They try it with other people and with just one another but they know where they’re hearts belong. It works. Does it work because they’re all white? NOPE

Sense8 was a brilliant show. Here everyone was represented and it was such a shame they killed it. Still, they showed us that sexuality can be fluid and that a fandom can be supportive. Raj and Kala married in spite Kala loving someone else. They never made her choose and in the end, they accepted that she was poly and wanted both and guess what? The two guys even fell for each other! Here is a white, bisexual male with his Indian partners. India isn’t the greatest with being gay so for Raj this must have been stranger and scary but they both made him feel safe and comfortable, loved and supported and in the end it was canon that they were all going to be together and learn as they go. Like with You, Me, Her, the fandom is supportive of this and while we didn’t get much of Rajalagang, it is clear that they can work regardless of skin color, religion, and even long distance.

So then why not Polymarine? It was clear it tested well with the audience, haters aside, so what made them feel like they couldn’t carry on? Sure, people fall out of love, but in the show, they just didnt’ need to. Before Ryn Ben and Maddie were together without issue for almost a year. It was made clear every time that he was in love with her, that they had chemistry and that he was attracted to her, so how do they justify saying that this:

Wasn’t real and meant nothing? That this

Wasn’t the same?

If other relationships can survive and thrive then what is it that was so hard, so difficult for the writers that they remove the credit that they themselves paved the way for and throw it aside for something that has been done literally thousands of times? Why throw away what made you unique to fall in line? Why does a show about mermaids have to have this be the “realistic” thing?

[writeyouin]

ITS QUANTUM ANON BACK FOR MORE....I'd love to see a scenario in which Jack and the reader have a scary movie night and the reader can barely handle it, the damn movies are incredibly scary and she gets clingy when she's scared. Jack is very amused. (sounds cliché but it's me when I watch scary movies ok) Scared cuddles and dog videos of calming ensue. (also if you could please put in a tag somewhere or a little quick post saying you got this n tumblr didn't eat it that would be appreciated

Jack Joyce X Reader – Hold Me

A/N – I will never in my life apologise for making Will a meme-loving fuck. I have a big sister, so I know exactly how to be a younger pain in the ass.

Warnings – None

Rating – T

Life as you knew it had been completely changed since the incident between the Joyce brothers and Paul Serene. Although Monarch Solutions wasn’t as big of a threat as it had been before, Jack and Will still worried about what remained of it. You knew they were also concerned about the threat it posed to Will’s research, and more importantly, to you because of your affiliation with the brothers; maybe if you and Jack weren’t romantically involved, there wouldn’t be a problem, but that wasn’t the case.

Since the brothers needed to protect what remained of Will’s research, in case Monarch got any shifty ideas again, the pair moved into the old community pool building. It wasn’t long after that that Jack asked you to move in with them. Although you would have rather continued your regular life in your previous apartment, you knew it would tear Jack apart to have to watch over Will’s research and you; to spare him any worry, you agreed to stay with the pair.

To be fair, life wasn’t so bad in the dilapidated pool building. Will and Jack respected your boundaries, and even turned one of the old changing rooms into your own personal bedroom; it didn’t go unnoticed by you how much prettier your room was than their shared one which had previously housed Beth Wilder. Every little thing the pair did for you made you love them all the more, Jack romantically, and Will as a little brother.

Despite their efforts however, it was still hard for you to think of the old building as a home instead of a hide-out. You knew you were bad at hiding your emotions, but you hoped that neither of the pair would notice quite how much you missed living a normal life. Jack of course, noticed everything where you were concerned, and that brought you to your current predicament. With Halloween coming up, Jack thought he could bring the holiday to you, since he didn’t dare take you to it; with so many costumes and chaos, it would be all too easy for Monarch to pull some kind of dirty trick he couldn’t protect you from. As such, he’d just offered you a date night, filled with all kinds of the grotesque horror films he loved so much.

He was being sweet. You knew he was, and yet you wished he would stop it and return to being his usual sardonic self; whenever he was overly sweet, you knew it was because he was worried about you and didn’t want you to catch on.

“What do you say?” Jack asked, drawing you out of your reverie.

He looked so apologetically awkward that you had to smile. How could he so suddenly switch from the slick smart-talker you knew so well to someone as insecure as Will? When Jack was being this sincere, you knew you didn’t have the heart to say no to him. Yet, you also wanted him to think you were braver than you felt, which would never happen if he saw how you were during horror films. In all the years of your friendship, you had always managed to avoid the film genre Jack loved so much, claiming horror films were far too overrated, when really you were just too scared to watch them.

Now, in the relationship you had craved for so long, Jack appeared almost bashful in offering to share this piece of himself with you.

“You know what,” Jack said at your lack of a response, “You’re probably right. Horrors are overrated anyway. We don’t have to-”

“I’d love to,” You blurted, sparing Jack any hurt feelings.

His face lit up brighter than any Jack-o-lantern ever could, evidently proud at having cheered you up. “Yeah? I’ll get the movies and meet you at the projector. It’ll be just you, me, and good ol’ Charles ‘Chucky’ Monroe.”

“Great,” You grinned, then once Jack was out of earshot, “Just perfect.”

You sat rigidly on one end of the two-seater sofa while Jack set up an old film projector so it would play the movies on the entire wall the two of you faced, like a cinema would.

“So, which do you want to start with?” He asked distractedly.

“There’s just so much choice,” You answered mechanically.

“I know, isn’t it great? How about the Grudge, or maybe Saw? I bet you can find a few things in Saw that Will would probably invent himself, if he could. God knows he hates people enough to want to torture them.”

Neither choice really appealed to you, but you didn’t want to spend the next month imagining Will as a murderous sociopath, so you opted for the Grudge, whatever that was.

Not even twenty minutes into the film and you were already terrified by the evil ghost creature that haunted the screen, or in your case the wall. Every so often you would subconsciously reach out for Jack, then snap your hand back, afraid that if you let him hold you, he would feel how badly you were trembling.

You froze at the sound of heavy footsteps, though you quickly realised they were not coming from the speakers in front of you; it had to be Will, returning from the town. He came up the stairs where you and Jack were, lugging a heavy bag of shopping onto the counter behind you.

“What’s going on here?” Will asked, dropping the bag with a thud.

“Horror night,” Jack answered curtly, annoyed by Will’s sudden arrival.

“Huh, cool. The Grudge? Good choice. Not as good as Saw though,” He said a little too wistfully. “Okay, I’m in, scooch over.”

Will forced himself between you and Jack, further cramping the two-seater.

“WILL!” Jack shouted. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?”

“You’re right,” Will nodded, missing the point that he wasn’t invited. “(Y/N), do you mind? There’s a chair over there small enough for you.”

“HEY! No way. (Y/N) stay, he’s gonna leave now.”

“(Y/N) stay?” Will repeated disgustedly. “(S)he’s not a dog Jack, and why do I have to go anyway? You’re the one that forgot to invite me.”

“I didn’t forget. This is a date you idiot! Get out!”

“IDIOT? At least I’m not an ingrate. You could have told me beforehand.”

“READ THE ROOM!”

“YOU KNOW I CAN’T VIBE CHECK. Then again neither can you, because you didn’t even pick a romantic horror.”

Jack threw up his arms exasperatedly, “What does that even mean?”

“Films like this are all scare. In a horror like The Boy however, there is a romantic subplot. In this essay I will-”

Jack grabbed Will in a headlock, pulling him up and dragging him to the staircase. Will flailed uselessly, trying to hit Jack’s arms. Finally, Jack pushed him away, nearly tripping him down the stairs, “Out, Will!”

Will grumbled as he stomped down the stairs, “I just came out to have a good time, and I’m honestly feeling so attacked right now.”

On his way back to you, Jack shook his head disbelievingly, “Sorry (Y/N).”

“It’s alright,” You laughed, glad that the commotion allowed you to miss around ten minutes of the on-screen horror.

“Hey, this is your first time seeing the Grudge, right?”

You nodded.

“Don’t worry then, I’ll go back so you don’t miss anything.”

Dying inside a little bit, you gave Jack a quick thumbs up. As promised, Jack rewound the film, picking up where you’d left off before Will had come back. Although you longed to isolate yourself on one side of the sofa again, Jack held up his arm for you to sit under. You smiled meekly, laying against him, somewhat comforted when his arm wrapped over your side.

You thought the film had been scary before, yet with each passing minute further horrors were introduced, each worse than the last. Jack was glad you couldn’t see his face as he held back gales of laughter at your fear of the film. More often than not, he would look down to find you squeezing your eyes shut, and gripping tightly to his thigh, barely holding back whimpers.

When the film started, he had no idea you were so scared of horrors. The idea you were petrified of a ghost story and too afraid to tell him was hilarious. You had literally survived Monarch’s terror attack by his side, yet somehow the evil work of on-screen fiction was scaring you more than previous real-life encounters.

By the end of the film, you couldn’t even look at the screen anymore. You were clinging onto Jack as if your life depended on it, burying your face against his chest to avoid looking. Finally, it was over, and although you clearly couldn’t handle another film, Jack couldn’t resist poking fun at you.

“A real masterpiece,” He said, stroking your arms. “I mean, did you see the detail when the Grudge tore that woman’s jaw off? Just a quick snap and it was gone.”

You cringed, peeking up at Jack so you didn’t have to reimagine the gore in the madness of your mind.

“And what about the part with the kid in the bathtub? That is some good film making right there. Oh, but listen to me rambling on, what was your favourite part of the film?”

You desperately wanted to continue clinging onto Jack and tell him that the only watchable part of the film was the credits which were slowly rolling onwards. Instead, you mumbled agreement about the torn jaw to shut him up. You reminded yourself how excited he had been to share this with you and managed a weak smile that didn’t reflect what you felt on the inside at all.

“I’m glad you liked it,” Jack grinned, having entirely too much fun. “So, what should we watch next? I’ll even let you choose again.”

“I couldn’t possibly,” You squeaked, your throat going dry.

“You’re right, I could see your excitement there. The clear winner is the Grudge Two.”

You shivered involuntarily. Taking the opportunity to scare you further, Jack leaned forward, blowing lightly against your neck. You screamed, jumping up from the sofa and scratting at your neck frantically. Jack fell about laughing at the sight, having the time of his life.

You couldn’t help tearing up a little bit. You weren’t usually so sensitive, but the film had drained you of any usual resilience. You folded your arms, hugging yourself quietly and as suddenly as he had started, Jack stopped laughing, though he was still smiling when he enveloped you in a strong hug.

“Sorry,” he chuckled. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know,” You whispered in a small voice.

“Hey, did it really scare you that badly?”

You nodded shakily, reminding Jack of when he was barely a teenager and he’d just seen his first horror film; at the time, he was so scared that he spent an hour throwing up before bed.

He stroked your arms soothingly, resting his head on top of yours. “Would a night of dog videos help?”

“Can we watch Turner and Hooch?” You mumbled.

Jack kissed the top of your head, “Every Halloween from now on.”

“Okay.”

“Alright, come on, we’ll go get Turner and Hooch.”

“And Will?” You asked, risking a smile.

Jack groaned, “Will, really?”

“He really likes Turner and Hooch.”

Jack rolled his eyes and heaved a dramatic sigh, “Fine. Will can come too, but he’s sitting on the floor.”

You giggled, “Okay, sure, we’ll see how long that lasts.”

“I mean it,” he grinned mischievously, picking you up bridal style. “He has to stay on the floor, so I can hug my beautiful partner all night long.”

You pecked Jack’s lips, thankful that he was so understanding, “I love you.”

“Happy Halloween (Y/N).”

Like my work? Buy me a coffee and earn preview of the next fic, or commission me on the commissions page.

[ciaossu-imagines]

prompt 4&7 for dino and fon maybe? also your last prompt answer makes me laugh omg bless you

Always glad to amuse someone! Most people who know me irl don’t find me all that funny (I get told to stop being a smartass way too many times) so it’s gratifying that some of you guys do! Onto the actual request though - prompt four is limited to one word if the request is above a single character request so could you let me know which word you want? (It’s just to make these requests quick and easy to get out, sorry) Prompt 7 had no limit though - they’re nothing but easy!

Dino

“Autumn” or “Fall?

Dino’s never called it fall and never heard the saying before he met and befriended an American mafia kid during his school days. He’s always referred to the season as autumn and still does even if the other person calls it fall...it just sounds weird to him to call it that.

Pumpkin Carving or Apple Picking?

Pumpkin carving all the way. While he doesn’t mind apple picking, it’s a little too relaxed and sedate for Dino to maintain interest in it for more than a half an hour at most. He loves pumpkin carving though since there’s so much to it - you need to choose the perfect pumpkin, pick it, haul it to wherever you’re going to be carving it, decide on your design, scoop out the pumpkin cuts, actually carve the design...it’s just active and a constant process which appeals to him far more.

Halloween or Thanksgiving?

Dino prefers Thanksgiving. While he loves Halloween, the childlike fun and the tricks and treats that come with it, he’s a very family oriented person and Thanksgiving is a very family oriented holiday. He likes to have the occasion to really show his appreciation and give his thanks to his family and loved ones.

Cashmere or Flannel?

Dino prefers cashmere. He really likes the extra warmth of it since he can get run a bit cold at times. He probably has a favourite cardigan or something that he throws over a t-shirt or button down that’s made of cashmere - it’s super-soft and comfortable and warm.

Cool and Crisp or Warm and Foggy?

Dino prefers cool and crisp, even if he does get cold. He likes wearing a coat and layers and the cold weather is perfect for that.

Yankee Candles or Roaring Fireplace?

Yankee candles, though he’d never admit to it. He’d be so embarrassed if anyone knew that he liked scented candles as much as he does. In autumn, he really likes more seasonal scents, like the autumn woods or cinnamon stick scents.

Scarves or Berets?

Scarves. Dino doesn’t like berets, they don’t look right on him and they seem too hipsterish and pretentious.

Cinnamon or Nutmeg?

Cinnamon for taste but nutmeg for scent.

Reading a Book or Watching a Movie?

Both. Dino simply cannot choose - it will really depend on his mood what he’d like to do since he loves relaxing in front of a movie but equally enjoys books, especially since he can find a place to relax outside with a good book.

Halloweentown or Nightmare Before Christmas?

Dino likes Halloweentown - it’s just silly and charming. He’s only ever seen the first one though; he just never seems to get around to watching the sequels. 

Hot Chocolate or Apple Cider?

Dino prefers hot chocolate, especially if it’s a hot chocolate that’s slightly different, such as a jalapeno spiced hot chocolate or a dark hot chocolate with peppermint pieces or something.

Wool Socks or Slippers?

Dino doesn’t like wool socks, they itch his feet quite a bit. However, he does have a pair of slippers, years old and really beat up, that he loves.

Trick or Treat?

Tricks, most definitely. He’s not a huge eater and though he likes sweets, a good trick and adventure always beats a sweet treat.

Marshmallows or Whipped Cream?

Whipped cream but only if it’s true whipped cream. He really hates Reddiwhip or the canned whipped cream.

Jack or Sally?

Dino likes Jack. He’s only watched Nightmare Before Christmas once and doesn’t remember all of it but he remembers thinking that Jack was a pretty cool character.

Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark?

The Midnight Society all the way. Goosebumps was more tame and the only thing he remembers from it was the theme music whereas Are You Afraid had some genuinely scary shows and there’s a few episodes he can still tell you the story of, even though he hasn’t watched them in years.

Plaid or Neutrals?

Neutrals. Dino isn’t big into a lot of patterns and he’s not suited to pull off the lumberjack look.

Coffee or Tea?

Dino likes coffee. It’s funny because he used to hate it until Reborn entered his life. He drinks his coffee almost exactly like Reborn drinks his - it ended up being another part of Dino that Reborn strongly influenced.

Studyblr or Halloween Blog?

Studyblr - though he’s relaxed and adventurous, let’s not forget that Dino is extremely intelligent and a well-respected mafia boss who saved his family from financial peril. He appreciates organization, hard work, and all that and studyblrs would appeal more to him.

Red or Gold?

Gold - the yellow leaves are always the first to pop for him when he’s out looking at the changing leaves in autumn.

Blankets or Pillows?

Pillows. Dino can’t sleep without something under his head, whether it be his arm, a pillow, or just his jacket bunched up and stuck under his head. He can easily do without blankets but does need that pillow-like cushion.

Cabins or Cottages?

Cottages. A cabin is always wooden and rustic while cottages can be so many things and take so many shapes. Their versatility appeals to Dino.

Scary or Spoopy?

Dino likes to be scared at times - he doesn’t want to be in actual danger or anything but the thrill of a good scare has its fun.

Sweaters or Boots?

Sweaters all the way but only because Dino really loves his sneakers and, if he could, he’d wear them all year round. They’re just so comfortable.

Caramel Apples or Candy Apples?

Dino actually doesn’t like either of these - he pulled out a filling on a caramel apple as a kid and lost a tooth while eating a candy apple in his early teens. These sweet treats just do not seem to agree with him.

Hay Rides or Leaf Peeking?

Leaf Peeking. He really likes to go for a hike to some really scenic spots, usually by himself. It’s one of the few times he gets to be alone...or as alone as his family allows him to be. He always takes along a camera and has caught some really nice shots.

Fon

“Autumn” or “Fall?

Autumn is the correct term in most of the world and is the one Fon prefers to use. If the person he is speaking to prefers to use fall though, Fon will easily switch over to using fall as well so that the other person feels more at ease in the conversation.

Pumpkin Carving or Apple Picking?

Fon prefers apple picking and is quick at it. He can gather quite a bit and enjoys the physical work of it along with the more spiritual, communing with nature feel of it.

Halloween or Thanksgiving?

Fon prefers Halloween. Halloween is for children first and foremost and Fon has a soft spot for children. Though he doesn’t like to do a lot of celebrate the holiday himself, he will make sure to have treats for trick or treaters and loves seeing all the happy children in their costumes.

Cashmere or Flannel?

Fon likes flannel but only if it’s 100% cotton flannel. He’s allergic to wool.

Cool and Crisp or Warm and Foggy?

Both sides of nature make Fon equally happy. The cool and crisp days are just as nice as warm and foggy days - he enjoys being outside more on the cool and crisp days but enjoys sitting on a porch drinking a hot cup of tea on a warm and foggy morning.

Yankee Candles or Roaring Fireplace?

Fon doesn’t own any scented candles, preferring the real smells of nature or spices. The scent, sound and look of a burning fireplace appeals to him far more - he can happily drift off in front of it.

Scarves or Berets?

Fon wears a scarf if it gets really warm outside but doesn’t like hats overly much - they make his hair really staticky. 

Cinnamon or Nutmeg?

Fon prefers nutmeg and uses it in quite a bit of his cooking.

Reading a Book or Watching a Movie?

Fon reads more than he watches television. In the autumn, he likes to read longer novels as opposed to the short stories he frequents in summer.

Halloweentown or Nightmare Before Christmas?

Honestly, unless someone physically made him sit down and watch these all the way through, Fon will make it through his entire life without watching the full movie of either of these.

Hot Chocolate or Apple Cider?

Fon likes hot apple cider. However, he can’t handle it at all when it gets cold; the taste gets much too strong and it makes him gag.

Wool Socks or Slippers?

Again, due to his wool allergy, Fon can’t wear wool socks. He has house slippers but rarely wears them, preferring bare feet whenever possible.

Trick or Treat?

Fon likes the treats of Halloween, though he eats none of them. He likes to give them out though, enjoying how happy it makes others to receive them.

Marshmallows or Whipped Cream?

Neither - Fon doesn’t drink hot cocoa often and prefers it plain when he does.

Jack or Sally?

Again, Fon wouldn’t really understand this reference. He’d be more of a Sally person though as her kind heart and loyalty to Jack would make him root for her happiness.

Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Fon doesn’t understand this reference either; he really watches very, very little television.

Plaid or Neutrals?

Neither. Fon likes the heavier, more saturated jewel tones that come in autumn, the deep burgundies and burnt oranges. 

Coffee or Tea?

While Fon will drink the occasional coffee, he does prefer tea overall, no matter the season.

Studyblr or Halloween Blog?

Halloween blogs would appeal to Fon more, especially if they focused on the more fun, family friendly side of Halloween.

Red or Gold?

Fon’s favourite colour is red so he will always choose a red.

Blankets or Pillows?

Though he truly needs neither of these, Fon would sooner go without a pillow than without a blanket.

Cabins or Cottages?

Cabins are rustic and simple, more natural than cottages and their backwoods simplicity is more suited to Fon.

Scary or Spoopy?

Spoopy all the way. As mentioned, Fon is all about the family friendly side of Halloween rather than the horror and macabre of the holiday.

Sweaters or Boots?

Fon prefers a good pair of boots in the autumn, since he is outdoors a lot during the season.

Caramel Apples or Candy Apples?

If he had to pick, Fon much prefers candy apples for their vibrant colour.

Hay Rides or Leaf Peeking?

Fon enjoys being outside in autumn because of the changing of the season, the leaves colouring and falling and leaf peeking would be something he looks forward to whenever he thinks of autumn.

[frustratedcastingdirector]

Mark Ruffalo plays complex characters who stir things up on-screen, and his ability to do it--and do it well--is heating up his career  'I'm Like a Catalyst'

Newsweek - August 10, 2004

Author/Byline: Jennifer Barrett Ozols

Mark Ruffalo is making up for lost time. Four years ago--after more than a decade of bit parts and low-paying theatrical roles--Ruffalo finally had a breakthrough, playing Terry Prescott, a wayward drifter who comes home to stay with his straight-laced sister in "You Can Count on Me." The movie earned two Academy Award nominations and Ruffalo was hailed as a rising star. But just as things seemed to be looking up for him--with scripts piling up on his doorstep and he and his new wife, actress Sunrise Coigney, celebrating the birth of their son--Ruffalo was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The surgery and slow recovery left him out of commission for nearly a year. When he re-embarked on his film career, he did so with a vengeance. In the past two years, Ruffalo, now 36, has been in seven major movies, in roles ranging from a mustachioed, tough-talking homicide detective in "In the Cut" to an endearing boy-next-door type in "13 Going on 30." This weekend, he'll be appearing in two movies simultaneously. In Michael Mann's "Collateral," which shot to number one in the Box Office when it opened last weekend, he stars as a police detective trying to chase down Tom Cruise, who plays a contract killer. In John Curran's "We Don't Live Here Anymore," which opens Friday, he plays an unfaithful husband struggling to determine if his marriage is worth saving. NEWSWEEK's Jennifer Barrett Ozols spoke with Ruffalo at his hotel suite in New York about his unusual career path and where it might take him next. Excerpts: NEWSWEEK: I understand you were the first lead to sign on to "We Don't Live Here Anymore." What drew you to the role? Mark Ruffalo: I read the material and I thought, wow, this is difficult; and I was very impressed by the writing. I hadn't seen such an honest portrayal of marriage. But I was really reticent to take it on actually because it was such difficult material and I thought it needed a really special director to handle it--someone who really knew this sort of world well and respected relationships and had a strong, mature vision. And I couldn't really think of anybody who would be able to do it.

Ooh. That's not saying much for Hollywood directors.

[ laughs ] Well, I mean, I thought that they're just not making this type of movie--at least, not here [in America]. But then I saw John [Curran's] movie, "Praise," and I thought, this guy is really something else. And we met and I saw how much passion he had about the material and his point of view about it and I just immediately jumped on board.

You said earlier you don't usually see marriage portrayed this honestly. Isn't that a little cynical? Your character cheats on his spouse with his best friend's wife.

It's just that anyone who has been in a long relationship has come up against difficult situations and I just thought you don't see that in cinema, or anywhere in pop culture, where it's quite this honest. It's obviously a marriage in crisis, but these people have been together for 10 years. He'd never cheated on her [before] in that time and they had children happily and were married happily. It's something of a cautionary tale about where marriage can end up if you're not communicating and you're not taking care of your dreams and the other person's aspirations. We are sort of spoon-fed this sort of idyllic--or just totally criminalized--idea of marriage. We rarely get to see something so honestly portrayed in a way that makes us appreciate the marriages we have. Or, even for people who aren't married, to sort of understand the difficulties of it and how important the mantel, the tradition, that you have been passed is. It comes from my deep respect of marriage that I wanted to do this film.

Do you know people who are in this situation? Have you met people like your character, Jack?

Well, in the past few years, I've had friends who have been married for 15 or 20 years, or less--and, three couples in particular have all sort of blown up. And they all have kids and I loved all of them dearly, and they are all right and they are all wrong. When you see the statistics, 50 percent of marriages are ending in divorce. And something like 75 percent of men will cheat--or have cheated--on their wives.

Really? That's comforting to hear as someone who just got married a month ago.

Well, 45 percent of woman will cheat--or have cheated--on their husbands.... [Adultery] is just topical, it's something that's going on around us. Marriage is such a big institution. It's really part of our culture in a big way. It's even connected to the American Dream.

The wife, the kids, the white picket fence.

Yeah, and it isn't really like that. It takes work. There's a lot of beautiful, joyous moments, but the great thing about marriage is that it is a really fertile place for people to grow. The only way to grow is by exposing yourself and your foibles, and it just happens naturally. Unfortunately, the people that you love get to see not always the best version of you. But by sort of exposing some of those things to the light of day, you have some growth. That's what I hope anyway. [ laughs ]

I think that's what we all hope when we get married.

But it's hard to keep it up. Or they just stop telling the truth or stop communicating. I mean you have to say things to somebody that you never wanted to say to another human being about desires and other things. But once you say it, it's freeing. It's amazing. And you remember why you fell in love. I think that's where Jack ends up towards the end of the movie. He's unconscious and then it all comes out. His whole life unfolds, and he says, this is my life, this is where I belong.

You've said in the past that you dread being compared to the characters you play sometimes. Have you had a hard time trying to keep from being stereotyped as the character you played in "You Can Count on Me"?

Yeah, I keep looking to break it up and keep the balls in the air, so to speak, before someone pegs me, pigeonholes me, boxes me up and puts a nice label on me, sells me to the mass public. [ laughs ]

You've got the whole industry figured out.

I loathe that though, I loathe it. I loathe the idea of somebody somehow putting boundaries on me as an artist. It just angers me. If I had to play Terry Prescott [from "You Can Count On Me"] in every part that I did, I would become cynical and bored and I'd have a really horrible personal life and do really outrageous things in public.

Because you're trying to show your creativity somewhere else? As in, if you can't do this on screen, might as well do it in public?

I think that's what people end up doing. But for me, I live a really bourgeois life and I live things out on screen.

That's much safer.

Exactly, it's like role playing.

Are there many roles you've turned down because they didn't feel right for you?

Yeah, the roles just have to speak to me in some way. I have to be turned onto it or be intrigued or challenged by the material. Or think it'd be fun to do. I've turned quite a few down--some big stuff, some small stuff.

Have you ever regretted it?

No, never. You can never be hurt by what you didn't do.

But when you were diagnosed with a brain tumor a few years ago, you were just breaking out in the business, and then you were out of commission there for about a year after the surgery. How did that change your perspective on you life and career?

It made me live more fully; though you're always afraid you're going to forget that experience. But it made me want to live more authentically and appreciate what I have-- my very, very good fortune to be doing what I do. And it made me a little less fearless about my acting and what I am capable of.

Did you feel like fear was holding you back in your career before?

Not so much, but it was constant worry about each part. How is this going to add up in my career? Will this movie do all right? And all these career questions. And now I'm just like, screw that. I don't care. I'm going to do some things that aren't very good. I'm going to do some things that are well liked. Some things that are more provocative. And come what may. As long as the work is good and the material I choose means something to me, I don't think I can go wrong.

You said you started living more authentically too. What do you mean by that--what changes did you make?

Just in my personal dealings, my relationships and not being afraid of saying how I feel or what I want, being true to myself. It's being able to look down into myself and know what I want and being able to state that. That's something I didn't really know very much about before.

That's a pretty powerful thing to be able to do. Some people never do that.

I think what happens is you start that way and then you get it knocked out of you. Like I see my kid and there's no doubt about what he's feeling. There's no sugarcoating or doing something for social reasons. He doesn't care about being accepted, or looking cool. And it is really refreshing to see that.

How old is your son?

He's three.

Just wait.

No, I know. I think part of the game is that to survive you have to be conditioned that way. It's sad.

What role has been the most difficult for you?

"In the Cut" was really hard to do. It was so different from me and it was just kind of challenging and scary. Michael Mann's 'Collateral' was difficult. He is so intense and he's the kind of director where you're going to have an experience with it when you're working with him.

In "Collateral," you play a good guy going after Tom Cruise, who--for once--plays a really bad guy. How was that?

Well, my guy--you think he might be a bad guy. Then you realize he is actually the good guy and Tom Cruise is the bad guy. Initially you think Tom Cruise could be a nice guy.

That's a real role reversal.

Yeah, it was cool to be part of something that's sort of historic.

Historic, huh?

It is-- a little. Tom's never done anything like that. And, "In the Cut" had that same kind of thing too [with Meg Ryan]. When an actor is going to do something they've never done before, they bring in Mark Ruffalo to co star. [ laughs ]

You know, that's not a bad niche to have.

It's a great niche.

You'll never be bored.

I'm like a catalyst.

What are you doing next? I understand you're in a new movie that looks at the young lovers from "The Graduate" after they've grown up.

Actually, it's nothing like "The Graduate," it's just starting off there. I play Jennifer Aniston's fiance--very nice, staid, straight-laced lawyer. As nice as he can be as a lawyer. It's a sweet movie. And I think I'm going to be doing "All the King's Men" with Sean Penn. I'm really excited about that. He's one of my heroes. He's amazing.

Is there anything you really want to do that you haven't had a chance to do yet?

I'm trying to direct a film that I've been putting together since 1999. It's called "Running with Delicious." You know, like "Running with the Devil"?

Right, I get it. It's just an unusual title.

[pause] It's not a porno! [ laughs ]

What's it about?

It's kind of a satire on pop culture. And it's slowly coming together, it's been lurching into existence. I'd like to do more of that, directing.