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twopoint99 · 7 months

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Possible spoilers if you haven’t already listened or read the book. Also, spoilers for The Horror of Dracula, 1958 and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, 1992.

One of my favorite things about @re-dracula is seeing the reactions of people whose main exposure to the story is through the many film adaptations. The differences in how the characters relate to one another are way too many to list from film to film. Even aside from the bizarre choices (Lucy as Mina’s sister-in-law - the Horror of Dracula, 1958, or Mina as the reincarnation of Dracula’s lost love - Bram Stoker’s Dracula, 1992) the most important difference between those adaptations and re - dracula is that these are fully rounded characters who clearly care about one another.

Jonathan adores Mina, Mina loves him, and loves Lucy. The suitor squad and Van Helsing genuinely cherish Lucy and it causes everyone palpable pain when they see her slipping away. When the group finally gets together in one place, they all acknowledge and respect the various strengths they each bring, and they hold one another up as needed.

None of the characters seem cast aside, as often happens in film adaptations. Even the 1992 film, which includes all three suitors, doesn’t manage to make them all seem like full personalities. They appear more as aspects of an individual, or as tropes. Lucy herself in the ‘92 movie is the complete opposite of her characterization in the novel. Her behavior in the film is anachronistic at best, and offensive at the least. It is a perfect illustration of the stupid and misogynistic attitude in horror that “wanton” women are punished.

Not only that, but it also completely changes the story and the dreadful implications of it. Lucy isn’t targeted because she’s “done something wrong” (quotes because I don’t believe expressing/exploring one’s sexuality is wrong, no matter what my favorite genre keeps telling me), she is targeted because she is convenient. Dracula wasn’t musing in between leaving his castle and reaching England that by golly, he couldn’t wait to terrorize Lucy Westenra! He saw an opportunity, like any other predator, and he took it.

Of course, we’ve seen that he is very willing to play with his food once he feels in control. He was very pleased to be able to torment Jonathan, yet another character who is often treated poorly in adaptations - in the 1958 version he’s so smug and patronizing toward what appears to be a terrified woman, that I was actively hoping for his death.

In contrast, the novel/Dracula Daily/re-dracula show us a sweet, earnest man, one who is gentle and loving. He, like Lucy, is a convenient victim, and like Lucy, is innocent.

The true horror is that terrible things can happen to anyone, and no amount of wealth, education, or simple good-heartedness, will act as a shield. There are no preventatives, and no one “deserves” the terrible things that happen. The real strength of the story isn’t in deciding which characters(usually women) are worthy of saving, an overly simplistic approach that many film adaptations take, some more subtly than others. The story resonates because in spite of the randomness of the horror, the people involved decide to do something about it.

These people are not always perfect or even heroic. Dr. Seward (who I really enjoy, and who is also often portrayed badly in adaptation) is not a safe person for his patients to be around. He is ableist, arrogant, patronizing, and definitely not handling his own mental health well. He is also loving, practical, loyal, and in many ways exceptionally tender-hearted. All of the cast is achingly good in their portrayals, but Johnny Sims’ interpretation of Seward has been revelatory. The man is flawed, but gosh darnit, he’s absolutely human. His pain is visceral, his awkwardness is utterly relatable, and his attempts to make things make sense is so hard to hear, because we want the awful things to be a puzzle with a logical solution, but we also know that there is no motivation for what is happening, it is all chance.

Mina herself questions why they need worry about Dracula, once he is gone from England. By this time she’s had a horrific experience with the count and understandably wants to be done with the whole thing. Earlier, however, she begins her work of compiling all the information available about Dracula, because she understands that something may need to be done, for the good of all.

She is afraid of losing her husband, she is afraid of what other horrors may wait, but she also is able to put that aside to continue to pursue stopping Dracula, so that there won’t be another victim, and so that Dracula himself might be saved from the horrific reality he’s experienced for so long.

I have been telling people ad nauseum that re-dracula is hands down the best adaptation of the novel I’ve ever encountered. It is because it is treated as a story about people, real people, with real connections to those around them, real flaws and strengths, who grow to share a bond. They swear to stop Dracula, not out of vengeance, as Jonathan can be forgiven for wanting, but out of love for those they have lost and those they may save.

#re: dracula #tiny essay #if you aren’t listening but have any interest please listen #you won’t regret it

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flowerandblood · 1 year

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A Winter Beauty (2)

[Aemond Targaryen x fem!Stark reader]

[warnings: fluff and physical violence]

[description: Aemond and his family arrive at Winterfell for Rickon Stark's Name Day. There, Aemond meets his daughter, who arouses his desire. I changed some names and facts for the sake of the plot. Viserys is also slightly younger in this version.]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Previous and next parts: Masterlist

_____

Aemond entered his chamber, feeling that he might die if he didn't relieve himself soon. To his despair and helplessness, he was unable to fall asleep until he came in his own hand, thinking of her soft, moist and warm lips. The relief he felt was indescribable. He lay there for a while, finally feeling bliss, but within a few hours he began to feel remorse and shame for what he had done.

From childhood, his mother considered him to be reasonable and temperate. They often prayed together in the sept when his mother needed comfort. It was their time together that he cherished. Now, thinking about what he had done, he felt he had failed again, and even though Aegon had failed all the time, he couldn't forgive himself.

He wondered what young Lady Stark thought of him now. He suspected she would never go alone with him again, he knew he had scared her. The thought kept coming back to him that she was kissing him back, her hand in his hair holding him close. He heard her soft moans in his head and felt the tension in his manhood rise again. He squeezed his eye shut, trying to stop thinking about it and go to sleep, but he hung around for hours, replaying what had happened over and over again.

Aemond didn't show up for breakfast, told the servants he'd eat alone. He knew he wouldn't be able to sit at the same table with her, he would give himself away immediately. He felt ashamed and hoped to avoid contact with her as much as possible so that he could somehow subdue his desire.

He wanted to take a rest. One of the servants entered his chamber and said that Cregan Stark invited him to train together in the courtyard. Aemond knew he couldn't refuse.

Part of him wondered what kind of warrior Cregan Stark was, how he used a sword. Aemond knew that Criston had trained him perfectly, and few could match him. Aemond also knew that there would be a tournament of knights in Winterfell especially for his father. He had no intention of participating in this childishness, but he knew it was part of the celebration and didn't think too much about it.

Cregan and Criston were waiting for him in the square, other young men were practicing and talking. Aemond's arrival had sparked quiet conversations, he assumed they tought that the lack of one of his eyes would cause Cregan to knock him to his knees. But they were wrong.

Cregan greeted him with a bow and waved him over to a table where various weapons were spread out. Aemond must have appreciated that young Stark was very kind and cordial. He didn't seem to think he was better than him or underestimated him, which automatically relaxed him.

Aemond froze as he saw out of the corner of his eye that the person firing the bow at the target was not a boy, but a young Lady Stark. He swallowed, seeing how her waist was wrapped in a black vest that was also a corset, white long sleeves protruded from it, she was wearing tight pants, the front part of her hair was tied back in a bun so that it would not interfere with her.

Cregan's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, asking him what he was choosing. They both opted for large, one-handed swords. At first, they just tried to test their technique and attacks. Then their blows became more and more brutal, the metal beats in this dance repeated at high speed. Some people watched them with curiosity, seeing that the fight was even.

But Aemond had the last word, deflecting his blow and putting the blade to his throat. People around them clapped in admiration, Cregan smiled genuinely, undaunted by his defeat.

"You fight very well, my prince." He said calmly. Aemond twisted the sword in his hand, pulling it away from his face, a grimace that might have been called a smile.

"You too, Lord Stark." He spoke coldly, but also sincerely. Preparing for another duel with him, he involuntarily glanced at the young Lady Stark, he saw that she was looking at them curiously. When their eyes met, she looked away, ashamed. He felt his heart pound harder, but thought he couldn't be distracted.

They practiced for an hour, then took a break, exhausted. The servants brought them something to drink to quench their thirst. Cregan, to his dismay, waved to his sister, whose eyes held exactly the same.

"Y/N join us, get some rest." He said softly. It was audible that both of them had perfect contact with each other and talked to each other without any titles or exaggerated, unnecessary politeness. Y/N swallowed uncertainly, placing her bow and arrows on the table and walked over to them. She and Aemond did not look at each other.

“I guess you need a little more of a challenge since you keep hitting the middle all the time.” Cregan said to her, amused, and gave her a light shove with his arm, teasing her. She laughed lightly, embarrassed. They stood like that, Criston joined them, throwing a loose topic about the tournament and preparations for it. He was going to participate in it himself, as well as Cregan.

After a moment, Aemond saw out of the corner of his eye that a young boy, perhaps sixteen, had approached them. He was lean and skinny, with lots of freckles on his face. A group of men behind him shouted something at him, apparently laughing at him, but he didn't stop anyway. He looked terrified. He approached the young Lady Stark, she did not notice him at first, standing with her back to him. She jumped when she heard his voice.

"Dear Lady, forgive me this boldness." He said and she turned to him in surprise. She nodded encouraging him to continue. He swallowed hard and looked down.

"My Lady, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I am asking you for the grace to give me your wreath at tomorrow's tournament, so that I can face my opponents with courage." He spoke in one breath, his face red with embarrassment. Cregan looked at his sister with raised eyebrows.

To Aemond's surprise, she didn't seem embarrassed by the words, quite the opposite. She looked touched. She started to say something, but her attention was caught by the men watching them with amusement. She extended her hand to her brother.

"Give me your dagger." She said calmly, Cregan looked at her in surprise, but without a word he did as she asked. The young boy stared at her in horror, apparently thinking he had offended her. But she grabbed a strand of her hair that was falling freely over her shoulder and cut off a piece of it. She handed it to the boy with a smile.

“Keep this close to your heart during the fight, so you remember that I wish you victory. You will receive my wreath tomorrow." She said, her voice calm, her gaze full of warmth. The boy's eyes widened, he was all red, and he took a lock of her hair from her with a trembling hand.

The men who had been amused until then fell silent. Young Lady Stark looked at them with satisfaction. The boy bowed low and walked away, their exchange and the sight of what she had done arousing widespread interest. Her brother looked at her with amusement.

"You gave the boy great hopes." He said looking at her with a slight smile. Y/N kept looking at the disgruntled men.

"I pray he doesn't die tomorrow at the hands of one of those youngsters." She said harshly. "As for my hair, don't be afraid. They will grow back.”

***

Aemond had to admit that what she had done impressed him. At first he didn't know what to make of it himself, feeling that she had made a spectacle of it and given the boy false hopes. Then he came to the conclusion that he might die soon, and she had given him, if only for a moment, cause for happiness and comfort.

On the day of the tournament, all of Winterfell was decorated with colorful bows, and merchants flocked to set up their stalls, taking advantage of the fact that the presence of the king attracted people from the farthest villages.

As Aemond stepped onto the podium, he saw that his seat was between Aegon and the young Lady Stark, who was sitting next to her parents. Aemond swallowed silently at the thought, his heart beating faster. He tried his hardest not to think about the way he had been greedily pressing into her mouth.

He sat down next to her, felt a shiver run through her, but they didn't look at each other. The king rose and addressed the people, thanking Lord Stark for their hospitality. He gathered a storm of applause and the tournament began.

Cregan had the right to the first duel and choose the opponent. Before doing so, he rode his horse to their balcony and asked Helaena for her wreath. She smiled happily and jumped, taking her wreath from the table and slipping it onto his lance.

Cregan chose Criston as his opponent. Aemond watched this event, curious. Despite his respect for Cregan, he wished Criston a win. In the first turn, they both managed to hit each other. They had to replace the lances with new ones.

In the second round, Cregan knocked Criston off his horse. They went into a sword fight. Aemond had to admit that compared to what he often saw in tournaments and the pitiful level of men's fighting, their matchup was impressive. Both were obviously experienced.

Despite the evenly matched fight, in the end Criston won. There was loud applause all around, apparently despite the defeat of their Lord, the audience decided that he lost with great honor, fighting bravely.

His sister was also applauding them, although when he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, he saw that there was no trace of the smile that adorned her face two days ago. He wondered if it was because of what had happened between them, or because of the young boy who had asked for her wreath looked terrified.

Aemond glanced at her dress. Like the one the two nights before, it partly exposed her shoulders, creating a boat neckline. The front of her dress was dark blue, and the long, light sleeves were red. The dress hugged her slender waist tightly. Her serious expression took nothing away from her. Aemond swallowed softly, looking back at the square where more knights were preparing for battle.

The fights went without much sensation. It was evident that no one wanted to hurt anyone more, victory was often decided by advantage or by putting a blade to the throat when the opponent was defenceless.

Aemond felt young Lady Stark shift uneasily in her chair as it was announced that young Alen Reed, the same one to whom she had given her lock of hair, would enter the next fight.

She paled when she heard that his opponent would be one of the men who had laughed at him earlier - Renly Mormont. He grabbed his lance with satisfaction and rode his horse to the balcony first.

"I would like to ask for a wreath and blessing from young Lady Stark." He spoke softly and with a smile, challenge in his eyes. Aemond's jaw clenched at his words. For a moment he wished he had been in the tournament himself. Y/N looked at him coldly.

"Forgive me, my Lord, but I have already promised my blessing to someone else." She said, getting up from her seat. She walked over to the table, reached for her wreath, and glanced at young Reed. He rode up on his horse timidly, looking even smaller on his great mount.

Young Lady Stark's heart sank at the sight. She walked over to the railings of the balcony and placed the intertwined flowers on his lance. The boy looked at her with admiration and hot feeling. Aemond stared at him, wondering if he was having the last joy of his life.

Y/N sat next to him, her whole body trembling. Opponents lined up on both sides of the square, preparing for battle. He shivered as he heard her whisper to him, her head, though not looking at him, turned towards him.

"Do you think he has any chance, my prince?" She asked, her voice trembling and breaking. She was afraid that the boy would be splattered in front of her eyes. Aemond pursed his lips, not knowing what to say. He didn't want to lie to her.

"Little." He said without looking at her either. He heard her take a quick breath. "But he's smaller than him, if he takes advantage of that, he can surprise him in a sword fight." He added after a moment, not wanting to completely drive her to despair.

She flinched as the knights charged at each other. Mormont immediately threw the boy off his horse, which fell to the ground with a force. Lady Stark drew in a breath and tightened her hand on the armrest of her chair. Their hands were practically touching, but he didn't try to touch her.

Lord Mormont dismounted and lifted his helmet so that he could see young Reed. He drew his sword quickly, but Mormont just laughed. He hit him with all his strength with his shield on the head, and he fell down, spitting blood. Aemond looked away and glanced at the pale, terrified Lady Stark.

"Look away, my Lady."

_____

If you want to be tagged in the next parts, let me know. ~

@zenka69 @melsunshine @opheliaas-stuff @namoreno

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daffodildelight · 1 year

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Enemies (Part One) | Shuntarō Chishiya x Reader

Title: Enemies (Part One)

Pairing: Shuntarō Chishiya x fem!reader

Summary: You and Chishiya always had a rocky ‘friendship’ if you would even call it that. But feels get revealed under intense pressure

Themes/Warnings: fluff, guns, season 2 spoilers

Word count: 2500sh

A/N: So unedited, will deal with it later. First ever fanfic lol so please be nice, made this in under 3 hours.

You and Chishiya always had a rocky relationship, you had arrived at The Beach after him but slowly made your way up the ranks. Becoming semi-close friends with the Hatter can do that for you. Since you were making your way up the ranks you began getting close with all the high-ranking members, you got along with most of them except for Niragi and Chishiya. Niragi because he saw you as a piece of meat and you would do all your power to get away from him and Chishiya because in you’re eyes he sees you as a weak little girl.

But your relationship with Chishiya started to change leading up to the 10 of hearts games. He would start to act nicer towards you, making sure you had arrived from your game unscathed or even trying to make conversation with you. You had to admit, it was kind of nice. But you also found this rather confusing so you went to the one person who you could get answers from Hikari Kuina.

You found Kuina sitting in the main bar at the beach, wearing her signature blue bathing suit while chewing on her dummy cigarette. ‘’Now look what the cat dragged in, how are you doing (Y/N)’’ she looked genuine when she says this but you can see a little glint in her eye. ‘’I know you and Chishiya have gotten closer in the past few months and I was wondering if I could ask a question?’’ You tried to sound as neutral as possible but Kuina could always see right through you. ‘’Let me guess, it has to do with our mutual friend Chishiya?’’ she smirked, always right on target.

‘’Yeah, why has he been checking up on me lately? It’s getting kind of weird because it’s not in his personality. Is he trying to use my connection with Hatter to get something? I mean it’s the only logical reason’’ Kuina laughed at your comment. ‘’Only logical reason! I’ll tell you this right now but you can’t repeat this to anyone, he totally has the hots for you.’’ Now it’s you bursting into laughter. ‘’Very funny Kuina, tell me the real reason why.’’. Kuina looks stunned ‘’You know I would never lie to you (Y/N)’’. Giving up on your line of question you left with a ‘’yeah whatever.’’

A few days passed, and tensions are rising within The Beach, you can feel it. Ever since Aguni has taken over from the sidelines things are going from bad to worse. Chishiya seems more in his head than usual. You were hanging out in the bar when suddenly the P.A. went off. ‘’We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for staying at Seaside Paradise, Tokyo…’’ A man with a calming voice spoke on the P.A. Everyone at the bar looked around confused as were you, then the man continues ‘’As a token of our appreciation, we will now commence a game with all 59 participants in the venue…’’ All the TV’s around the room flash with one image which gains everyone's interest. The 10 of Hearts. The Beach is a venue and it’s a 10 of hearts game? You were not looking forward to this. ‘’All participants must assemble in the lobby immediately. The rules of the game will be explained.’’ There was a feeling in your stomach that this game was gonna cause massive problems. So you and everyone else in the bar migrated into the lobby and grabbed one of the many phones on the table to register for the game.

While waiting for all the players to arrive you make eye contact with Chishiya from across the room, none of you pulls away and it was probably the first time you never felt a dislike towards him, instead it was something much different. My focus was pulled away when someone yells ‘’Momoka!’’ and there she was living lifeless on the floor with her orange and white striped bikini knife stabbed into her heart. Being a part of the games you had seen lots of death but watching it be someone who lives in the house as you and has been helping you since you arrived sets a horrible gut feeling within you. A ding rings from the phone in your hands which now gains your attention. ‘’Game, witch hunt. The murderous witch who killed this girl is hiding amongst you in plain sight. The witch role is not limited to women. To clear the game you must find the witch and burn him or her in the fire of judgement. Time limit: 2 hours.’’ Massive roars were held within the lobby and you knew things were gonna go south within seconds. As you were trying to think of a plan to do anything Chishiya carefully grabs you by the arm and walks you away from the group in the lobby without raising any suspicion. He leads you through multiple corridors and rooms before placing you in a wardrobe. ‘’Things are going to turn into shit (Y/N), stay in here and don’t the door open for anyone except me, I’ll get you when this is finished.’’ Chishiya gets up to close the door before you ask: ‘’Why are you doing this? How do you know I’m not the witch?’’.Chishiya looks at you carefully. ‘’Because I need to know that your gonna be safe, and I know your not the witch because your not the type to kill a person (Y/N).’’ He then leaves through the door and you stay in the closet. After around 10 minutes you believe this to be a good idea because you can lot of screaming and multiple gunshots.

After what seems like an hour and a half sitting in a closet listening to screams Chishiya opens the door and pulls you out of the closet. The hallways were full of smoke and dead bodies on the floor. Chishiya takes you to Kuina and you guys make your way to god knows where. ‘’Will someone please tell me what's happening? Who’s the witch? Where’s Hatter and Aguni? Where are we even going?’’ you groaned loudly while walking barefoot into the city. ‘’Everything will be explained to you soonly (Y/N)’’.

You make your way through some ground tunnels until you reach a room with loads of dead bodies and computer scenes. Then you finally explode. ‘’What the fuck is happening!? Someone explain everything to me now! I'm so confused… where are we? Where’s hatter?” Chishiya sits me down and gives it to me straight, how hatter died a few days ago and thats why aguni took over. How Asahi told everyone she was the dealer of the game, and why Momoka killed herself because she was the witch. It was very hard to listen but Chishiya sits next to me and comforts me the best way he knows how. By stroking my hair, it was really nice minus the horrible things he was telling but all that stopped when we heard footsteps coming towards the computer scenes. Arisu and Usagi walk through the darkness and Chishiya make us known to them. “So you actually found this place. I expected no less from you. Thanks to you two, I have all the numbered playing cards right here. Thank you.’’ Chishiya looks as smug as ever, you can’t help but feel a little bit more attracted to him.

Conversations were exchanged between the four of them, trying to figure out how each person got to the same place, and what even was this place. You tune yourself out of the conversation and decided to turn and sort out your conflicted feelings. Why did Chishiya save you? You don’t have anything to bring to the table, maybe a few hand-to-hand combat skills but that’s it. Why are you even having feelings for Chishiya? This was starting to get very annoying for you but your train of thought cuts out when all the screens turn on and you see Mira walk into the shot. Everyone exchanged confused glances. She goes on to explain how there are going to be new games and these games will be the ‘face’ card games. But it left all of us wondering, when will we ever get back home?

We all make our way into the centre of Tokyo trying to think about the new information Mira has given us. We look out into the streets of Tokyo and see multiple huge blimps with different kinds of face cards on them. One huge billboard with ‘Next Stage: Start’’ written on it. ‘’None of the games has started yet’’ spoke Arisu standing in the middle of the group looking so tired. ‘’Maybe we still have time’’ Usagi spoke next trying to reassure Arisu. ‘’Or they forgot to push the big red start button’’ Chishiya replied, Arisu and Usagi turned around and gave Chishiya a look, and I couldn’t help but give a chuckle. I noticed Chishiya smirk a little. ‘’They didn’t tell us about the rules for this one.’’ Signs Kuina. Everyone in the group continues to look around confused. Usagi looks like she notices something. ‘’What is it?’’ I ask with Chishiya to my right. ‘’I hear something’’ Usagi replies and looks towards the street. We all turn and watch the street with her. Multiple cars approach us, and I recognise them as Beach people. They all hop out of their cars and Arisu goes to investigate. ‘’What is this? What are you doing here?’’ He asks one of the members. The members of The Beach go on to say ‘’We saw the blimps show up, there are rumours that the next stage is starting’’. Arisu getting a little frustrated says ‘’Right… here's the thing’’ Suddenly the members of The Beach are getting shot down.

‘’A riffle, get moving,’’ Chishiya says in a weirdly calm way when people around him are dying. ‘’That thing is an anti-tank rifle. So I’d forget about hiding behind a car.’’ He tells the group. I decided to take initiative for Chishiya at this moment, I grab his arm and we follow Arisu towards some buildings. Chishiya runs ahead of me and covers me with the rifle. When the group meets behind the building Kuina asks ‘’Does this means the game started?’’ Chishiya quickly replies ‘’I don’t know’’. Kuina continues ‘’Did they give us any rules?’’ We slowly make our way around the building. ‘’Without rules this is just a massacre’’ Shouts Arisu. ‘’That rifle can kill from about a kilometre away,’’ Chishiya tells the group, he goes from covering me to holding my waist if not for the adrenaline I would assume my bodies reacting like this because of him. Different sounds now come from the gun. ‘’And now we’ve got an assault rifle.’’ Chishiya continues. We all huddle as a group and give comments about things we are witnessing and ideas on what could be happening. ‘’Maybe there are different shooters’’ Usagi speaks up, ‘’Other players are grouping up, I didn’t know there were this many players left’’ Kuina adds. ‘’There almost here!’’ Arisu shouts and backs away from the mysterious shooter. ‘’Let's go!’’ Arisu yells while taking the group back into the street. ‘’I don’t think this is a good idea Arisu!’’ I yell in hopes he can hear me but the blast from the rifle is too much. ‘’We need to split up’’ Chishiya yells and grabs me by the hand and pulls me from the group.

Chishiya and I start sprinting down the street, hands holding each other while bodies fall all around us. I trip on a rock and Chishiya is there to scoop me up from the ground and we continue running. Hands still interlocked tugging each other towards different directions. I see Kuina from a distance and drag Chishiya with me to catch up with her. Kuina looked grateful that somebody else was with her and the 3 of us crouched behind a car. Kuina looks down and see’s Chishiya and I’s hands interlocked. She gives me a knowing look and I turn around to focus on more important things like Arisu and Usagi running along the opposite side of the road trying to help somebody. I make eye contact with Arisu: ‘’Are you trying to get killed out there!’’ with that comment the gunman takes fire in our direction. I hide back behind the car. My back is up against Chishiya's torso and I can feel his breath on my neck. Kuina speaks up ‘’Where are they shooting from anyway?’’ we then hear a loud rumbling from above us and see the huge blimp with a kind of spade flag hanging below it. ‘’Huh, he must be the king of spades’’ Chishiya tells us he then turns to me. ‘’Take this it’s a good luck charm’’ He gives me a handmade explosive. ‘’Thank you Chishiya, I don’t know what to say’’ I can’t believe Chishiya would give up an explosive for me. ‘’Just use it if you have to.’’ and he gives me a smile. I turn to look away feeling a bit flustered but then I notice a man dressed in a long dark black cloak. I point towards him and direct Chishiya and Kuina towards what I’m looking at. ‘’That must be the king of spades’’ I whisper lightly. Chishiya whispers back into my ear ‘’I think your right’’ I turn around to say something but got caught looking into his eyes. My concentration on his eyes disappears when Kuina spots Arisu, Usagi and some random dead guy in the car next to us. ‘’Hey! You two okay? You hurt?’’ Kuina pipes up, and Chishiya gives them a wave. Shots continue to fire as we hide behind the car. ‘’We’re pinned down here’’ I say loud enough for us to hear. ‘’If we step out, he’ll get us!’’ Usagi replies. All of us try to figure out a plan to get out of there but nothing seems to be working out and the king of spades is getting closer. My train of thought gets broken when I green car that I’ve noticed from the beach before pulls in front of us honking its horn. ‘’Get in!’’ yells Tatta from the passenger seat. ‘’Tatta!?’’ Arisu and I yell in surprise and relief. ‘’Don’t just stand there!’’ someone yells from the driver's seat. ‘’Ann!’’ Kuina yells. Usagi and Arisu are the first to make their way to the car followed by Kuina, me and Chishiya. Ann opens the passenger seat and Arisu, Usagi and Kuina make it safely. Different story for Chishiya and me. A grenade is thrown towards the car door and Chishiya stops me from walking on it. ‘’That’s bad. Get going!’’ He yells towards Ann.

In a split-second decision, I decided to kick the grenade towards the kings of spades will Chishiya grabs my hand and tugged me the other way. ‘’(Y/N)! Chishiya!’’ I hear Kuina yell from the car. Chishiya pulls me behind a car and uses his body to shield me from the blast. At that moment I’m glad that I was stuck with Chishiya because I know that if I had to pick anyone out of the group to survive with it would be him and unfortunately for us, we won’t be seeing the group in a while.

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danikamariewrites · 9 months

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Nice to Meet You (part 2)

Helion x reader

A/n: someone in the comments of pt 1 suggested pt 2 and I couldn’t stop thinking about it

Warnings: none

Standing against the wall of the school auditorium you pick at the skirt of your dress. The children were buzzing with excitement as were a few other teachers and staff members. The High Lord himself was visiting today. You were told he does this at the start of each school year. It’s to, ‘inspire the children to work hard’ one of the older teachers had told you.

You were nervous. You never met the High Lord of Spring in all the time that you lived there. Tamlin had a complicated relationship with his people, even before Feyre. At times you could still feel the ghost of the ornate owl mask you had been stuck in for 50 years.

Your fingers brushed your cheek, lost in your memories of the thing that hid you for decades. It had been agonizing. That’s why you wanted to be so open to people now. You were happy to no longer be stifled by the mask.

Clapping brought you out of your thoughts. You joined in to make it look like you had been paying attention. As High Lord Helion walked out to address the school your jaw dropped. It was the male you met at the confectionery shop over a week ago.

One of the teachers around your age, Marceline, elbowed you after noticing your expression. “He’s gorgeous isn’t he?” She said with a bright smile. He is, but that’s not why you were shocked. You decided to keep the fact that you met him earlier to yourself. It was clear Helion was desirable and you didn’t want to make anyone jealous. Or make yourself a target.

As Helion gave his speech you couldn’t take your eyes off him. He was so kind and genuine in the shop. You had no idea he was the High Lord. And you can’t lie you were very attracted to him and had hoped you’d see him again.

Helion’s eyes met yours as he was giving his closing remarks. He paused for a moment and you gave him a light smile, standing a bit straighter. He finished and the room erupted in cheers again. Helion gave a wave, walking off to meet with the headmaster.

You wrangled your class, all still excited from seeing their High Lord visit. One little boy pulled at your skirt, looking down he asks, “Ms. Y/n, do you think Lord Helion will visit our class?” His big eyes hopeful. “Maybe Noah.”

After getting them back to the classroom and feeding them snack, it was time for their outdoor time. After they left you sat down at your desk to make sure you had everything prepared for the children’s afternoon lesson.

A soft knock on the open door had your head snapping toward the mystery guest. You froze as you saw Helion smirking at you. Remembering his title you quickly stand and curtesy, “High Lord, its an honor.”

Helion strides over to you, lightly holding your hand, “Please, y/n, just Helion is fine.” He chuckles. You blush and bite your lip. “Sorry. I’m a little flustered. I had no idea that you were High Lord when I met you.” He chuckles again. You loved that sound, it was light and carefree.

Mother above, you do have a crush on him. You hadn’t been able to get him off your mind since you met. And you couldn’t deny that he was very attractive.

“Not many do.” You crane your neck to look at him. He still had that glow about him, making his golden eyes even more exquisite. You realize he’s still holding your hand. Looking down you notice it’s you still holding on tightly. “Oh, I’m sorry.” You drop his hand. Helion’s face falls slightly, upset at the loss of contact.

“It’s alright.” A short, awkward silence falls between you. He breaks it quickly, “how are you settling in?”

“Great, everyone has been so nice and the school is wonderful. You were actually the first person outside of school that I introduced myself to.” His smile comes back at that. “Really?” You nod excitedly.

You swear you saw a blush creep on Helion’s cheeks. It was cute, his shy demeanor was surprising. He seemed like he was always confident.

Helion clears his throat, “I have to get going, but I would love to take you out to dinner. You haven’t escaped my mind since I laid eyes on you, so please allow me the honor of taking you on a date?”

You felt your eyes widen and your face heat. Your heart felt like it was going to break through your chest at any moment. “I would love that.” You said, as calmly as you could manage. You both breathed out a sigh of relief.

The bell rang, signaling the children would be returning in a moment. Helion started to back out of the room, his eyes still on you. “I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow night.” “Ok.” “Until tomorrow night then.” Helion sketched a bow, turning on his heel and disappearing down the hall.

You were absolutely giddy with excitement. It looks like you’re move was just the thing you needed.

tags: @nyotamalfoy @auggiesolovey @bubybubsters @baybay123455 @msiecrane

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar reader imagine #acotar reader fic #acotar imagine #acotar fic #acotar x reader #acotar fluff #helion fluff #helion x reader #helion spell cleaver #helion acotar #high lord helion #helion x you

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avelera · 1 year

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Random thoughts on the D&D movie in no particular order:

I loved the jokes. All of them. All the stupid jokes. I was their target audience and they succeeded at making me cackle at dumb shit while my partner's soul left his body

The landscape shots were breathtaking and honestly made me tear up at the beauty in places. In the theater, I remember thinking, "Yeah, FUCK yeah, these guys understood the assignment!" Nine out of ten times, I think fantasy should be animated, because if you don't pour millions into the budget, the action looks like crummy LARPers wearing silly costumes in the woods. This movie understood that if you're doing live action fantasy, you owe your audience some damn beautiful landscape shots and damn did they deliver on some beautiful landscape shots.

(cut for spoilers)

I sincerely appreciated Holga and her husband being divorced but still amicable. I'm so tired of the trope of exes being evil or awful. They just seemed like two adults who wanted to love each other but the circumstances of being together doomed them from the start. It was played for laughs but it was just a moment I genuinely enjoyed as divorcee. I also loved her ex's new wife looking exactly like her, both for the gag, and for what it said about both of them being each other's type even if it didn't work out.

I also cackled like a hyena at Holga's halfling fetish while also finding it rather sweet and enjoyed imagining all the reasons why she might have that preference lol

As a basic Drizzt Do'Urden loving bitch, I squeed when I saw Icewind Dale on the map. Then I had a moment between that and the Underdark of wondering, "Am I gonna see him? Even in the distance? Am I going to see my first love, Drizzt Do'Urden??"

And then I realized: the Paladin. The Paladin is Drizzt. Only good person who came out of a nation destroyed by evil. Too good for this world, too pure, to the point of being sanctimonious but is also a hottie. Xenk is Drizzt.

Oh, I also squeed when I saw the Underdark.

I appreciated how knowledge of D&D improved certain story beats (like the gelatinous cube or the displacer beast) but wasn't required to enjoy the plot. That's how references should be done.

The most agonizingly cringe moment for me was when Holga was dying. Just. I appreciated the beat. It couldn't go any other way. They delivered on their set up with the tablet, the only question was ever, "Who besides his wife is going to get saved with it?" And it made perfect sense who it was. I'm glad they didn't try to pull a fast one. But the scene was like... 10 seconds too long of her dying for me to not roll my eyes. We know you're going to use the tablet on her, dipshit, please keep this moving.

BUT I think the reason they did it was to land a sincere moment with the daughter, and I appreciated that. I think the scene could have been improved by Holga being like, "Don't you fucking dare use that tablet on me!" and then smacking him when he did it anyway and then he'd have to explain that he set out to save his daughter's mother, not his wife, who has passed on, etc etc. but I'm not sure that would have been much better so maybe the drawn-out opera death scene and the sincerity was better in the end idk.

I KINDA wanted to see the actors as the players playing D&D BUT I know why they didn't and it was a wise choice, it undermines the drama too much to say it doesn't matter because it's a game. Maybe if instead they'd should the characters playing D&D in universe as normal humans? Idk

I thought there'd be more Xenk? I thought he'd be in the arena with them? A little bummed but I also loved his GM NPC energy.

The combat and camera work was great! Genuinely enjoyable and well made, I appreciated the artistry that went into it.

Loved the bardic distraction scene for truly capturing the chaos of a D&D party's attempt at breaking and entering

Loved the portals bit for truly capturing the strategy and planning that can go into a functioning D&D campaign's clever heist, even if I'm sure it would have taken 5 sessions to plot out IRL

Honestly, it was just a fun, solid film! It's been a while since I've seen such a fun, solid film! I would buy it and put it on in the background to just enjoy and not angst over it! It was worth the price of admission, it was faithful to the spirit of D&D instead of sneering at it the way the early 2000s one did, and I had a good time! It wasn't the highest of art but it would have been weird if it had been! I liked it a lot!

#DND #honor among thieves

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pudding-pompurin · 5 months

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Hello 🤗 can I pls request headcanons for Adam Bahri, where he genuinely falls in love (becomes obsessed 🙄) with a female reader who was initially his target. How do you think he will confess to her, what it will be like to date him and what he would be like when he's jealous?

Thank you ❤️❤️

Obsessed ll Adam Bahri ll The guy upstairs

Headcannons of where Adam Bahri from the guy upstairs becomes obsessed with his original target.

Warnings: Mentions of murder, Mentions of being a yandere, Swearing, Slight stalking.

Omg, thank you so much for this request. This webtoon is one that I really want to experiment with writing with, especially since this is such a good idea! I hope you enjoy these headcanons (Even as they turned into a more yandere-story) 💗 💗

-You were originally "chosen" by Adam as his next murder victim because of his physical attraction towards you. (And also because of convenience, as you lived next door).

-Everything about your eyes, smile, presence, and face made him instantly drawn in.

-Later when he began to know you better, he liked how you immediately saw more to him than his appearance.

-Once you become one of the more prioritized people on his list, suddenly, he would appear everywhere around you.

-Bookstores, cafes, museums, etc. Even in school zones, such as your university library.

-For instance, the first time he had actually approached you (outside of occasional glances while walking past each other, which seemed to increase drastically in the last few months, and with an ever-present smile) Was at an art exhibit.

-Groups of oil paintings brought to life with each stroke of a paintbrush, starting from darkest to lightest, with the final touches of highlights.

-You had been carefully examining a painting of a poised lady with one of those fancy hats accompanied by a white feather. She wasn't smiling or scowling, although the way the artist painted her skin was phenomenal as if her skin was created from porcelain.

-Awestruck by the painting, you barely noticed as a tall shadow had cast over you.

-The sudden presence had caused you to quickly spin around, seeing a man with dark hair and eyes who looked oddly familiar.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." He said gently, smiling. "I live in the same apartment complex as you, on the same floor."

-At the time, you had recognized him and had thought nothing else of the matter.

-Once you both introduced yourself, he smoothly asked you to get coffee with him.

-That became the start of an eventual relationship, although it was probably not the healthiest one, as you know, one of them is a *cough cough* murderer.

-He had confessed unpredictably when he randomly asked you to hang out.

-While dating him, he would probably be a sweet person towards you (as shown by his previous relationships) while strategically thinking of when to kill you.

-Although, he would always pull back before he could actually commit the act.

-You were a sweet person, similar to previous victims, although you weren't as aloof as he presumed you would be. This would lead to meaningful conversations between you both, and eventually an obsession with you.

-He also couldn't figure out what was such a big factor leading to this, making him have an eventual yandere-like obsession.

-Because of this, whenever you talk to other people or whenever others show interest in you, they will somehow be found dead.

-Most of the murders of people around you would be because of his rooted jealousy.

Overall:

-I can't see Adam actually falling in love unless it's more like an obsession.

-Although, once he does, I doubt he would be able to turn back.

-If you want a more detailed oneshot of this topic, please feel free to request it again!

-I actually love this series sm, so thanks again for your idea.

#headcannons #slight yandere #The guy upstairs webtoon #Webtoon #The guy upstairs #Adam bahri #Adam bahri x reader #Requests open

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m3lonpire · 1 month

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Unmasking The Truth Part 4: Penny And Dime

Summary: After a "lovely" conversation with Castle, things quickly go south. Content: Some cursing, mentions of guns

It was almost time. You checked your watch, eight twenty-three. You adjusted your shirt collar, audibly swallowing as you thought about what could happen. Eventually, you started to walk nervously around the room, wincing at the sight of the broken windows and hole-riddled walls. Luckily, you had some duct tape lying around, so you were able to patch up the walls until you could get them fixed properly. You checked your watch again. Eight twenty-five.

The world was going slow as clouds in the sky. It paused as you paced around the room, checking your watch every few seconds.

God, eight-thirty didn't seem so far away driving to Harlem and back.

You wished you had just gone to see your friend Luke instead of going to meet Frank Castle… The Punisher. You were so nervous that you started mentally drafting up a list of things you'd rather be doing than this. Sure, all the entries were a tad dramatic for what was really happening at face value, but the fear that resided within the idea left you breathless. Snapping back to reality, you checked your watch again.

It was go time.

You got into your car, driving to the diner. Looking around, taking in the sights. It was a good way to sort of ground yourself after what happened not even three hours ago. You looked at all the neon signs and the dark alleyways that you were sure Matt was scrounging around in. You chuckled to yourself as you thought of what Foggy would do if he knew you were meeting Castle. Knowing how hesitant he was to even take the case? He would practically murder you if he knew.

Eventually, without realizing it, you got to the diner. Parking your car, you got out and leaned against the hood. You sighed, inspecting the diner windows. Everyone else in there was chilling and talking, sipping their drinks and whatnot. However, there was one person who caught your eye. A man in a ball cap sat in the middle aisle seat. The more you looked at him, you saw he had a few bruises on his face. More like a lot of bruises with a few cuts, but, oh well.

You sighed as you headed into the diner, unintentionally passing by the man. "Hey.", he said as he grabbed your wrist. You looked down with a quiet gasp, getting to see a little more of his face. Sighing, you said, "You're Frank?". He nodded as he motioned you to sit down. "Why am I here?", you asked with yet another sigh. "Cause you drove here. As for me? I came because Karen's concerned for you.", Frank said, adjusting his hat down onto his face slightly.

You scoffed as a waitress came up with a coffee pitcher. "Coffee?". "Yes, please.", Frank said, raising his cup. This stopped you from scoffing and genuinely surprised you. Usually, people who were given a life sentence for murder and torture don't usually thank diner waitresses.

"I can take care of myself, you know.", you said, adding some sugar to your coffee. "I don't need someone with your history defending me.". Frank dryly chuckled, expression not changing. "Maybe. But it looked like to me that you were three seconds away from looking like goddamn Swiss cheese.". You rolled your eyes. "Well, I survived, didn't I?".

"Yeah, because of me.", Frank said, taking a swig of his coffee. "I'm sure the bullet-riddled corpse alternative would have been a real hit at your next office reunion.". Your jaw was left on the floor at this. So he's polite to random waitresses, but not to people he saves? You chuckled to yourself realizing you were here questioning the ethics and morals of a tried-and-convicted, now escaped and presumed dead killer.

"Now, listen here.", Frank lowered his voice. Whether to drive his point home or not, you didn't know. "I've only seen people be targeted like that when they're either involved with the mafia or know something they shouldn't know, and usually those things go together.". You swallowed your fear before responding. "Yeah, well, I don't know what to tell you.". Frank shook his head. "You're into something deep. You, and Karen. You need to lay low.". You chuckled dryly, taking another drink of your coffee before responding "If you really know Karen, you know she's not going to do that.". Frank sighed, eyes darting from outside the diner back to you.

He watched as a few people left the diner.

"She's a survivor. If she's not going to, let her do what she needs to do. Just make sure she stays safe out there.", he said with a gruff tone, taking another swig of his coffee.

"Hey, you two lovebirds.", the waitress said. "We're closing.". Frank nodded, pulling out his wallet and dropping a few dollars on the table. "Thank you, ma'am.", he said with a smile. Getting up and adjusting his ball cap, he patted your shoulder and pointed outside. Understanding his message, you headed outside with him. You walked to your car, only for Frank to call out, "Hey!". You turned around with a raised eyebrow, crossing your arms to warm up due to the cold air surrounding you.

"Your place ain't completely shot up, is it?". You shook your head, walking back closer to him as it started to rain. "No, I- I can stay there. I could use some new drywall, but I can call a friend.".

Frank nodded, but just as he was about to walk away and leave you to do the same, you heard a bang. Suddenly, something bounced off a car nearby, nearly hitting you, making you squeak and duck. Frank tensed up, pulling out a gun from under his shirt, yelling to you one word.

"Drive!".

You nodded, a few tears falling from your eyes. Practically jumping into your car, you kicked it into fifth gear, speeding off. You sobbed as you sped away from the diner, hearing more gunshots from your car. Driving around never felt more safe then right now, especially considering what the hell was happening previously. But, even with the warzone going on in your thoughts, you realized you were speeding, and you slammed the breaks as you did. You needed to get yourself together.

Foggy. You needed Foggy.

Speeding off to his apartment, you thought about what the hell you would even say to him. He didn't know you knew Frank Castle, let alone you talked to him. Jesus, you thought to yourself. If your brain was racing with everything he might say, how could you think about what you could say? "Hey, Foggy, I had a coffee date with Frank Castle and almost got shot, can I crash at your place?".

Oh god, he was going to kill you.

Author notes: So sorry it took so long for this one to come out! I wanted to wait to actually experience Frank as a character to properly write him. Thank you to my mother for helping me write Frank properly! Because she's a huge Punisher fan. Thanks to @harleycao for motivating me to keep writing this! <3

#frank castle x reader #punisher x reader #unmasking the truth

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just-an-enby-lemon · 1 year

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Some of My WTNV/DC AU no one asked for:

Janet Lubelle: Then he goes "Janet we can't keep going like that, there's an ethics code for a reason."

Jonathan Crane: What a coward!

Lubelle: Right?! I tried to make him see reason, I went: "Carlos, the pursue of answers should meet no bounds. That what we call ethics are just arbitrary rules created because people are just too emotional over the truth and it's methods" and the absolute asshole just packed his things and left the university! He got transfered to Gotham because his lil baby fewings got hurt. People die all the time. They should be honored they died for science.

Jonathan: Exactally!

Lubelle: Well I couldn't let he have all the fun while not being totaly driven to understand Gotham. So I'm here.

Jonathan: And you want for us to exchange research pappers and text subjects?

Lubelle: Only some of those. Make it peer reviewed.

Jonathan: It'll be a pleasure.

---

Kevin: And the family would never ever stop smiling again, not only because of the scars they carved in adoration but because the Smilling God entered their minds and broke them until they were happy even as their house burn with their grandma inside. The end.

Joker: *amazed and a bit spooked* Say what?

Kevin: Oh! You only heard the end part! This is my favorite childhood fairy tale. Is soo heartwarming!

Joker: I like you!

Kevin: *smilling even wilder* Thank you, newcommer. *points to the bloodied spot in Jokers suit* You have a great taste in clothing!

Joker: Why, thank you. I also like yours. I'm Joker!

Kevin: I heard about you! Your smilex killed some of my followers.

Joker: *ready to fight* Oh bummer.

Kevin: No, no, it was great. I never saw them so happy their smilles were so wide. I had to try it for myself. Didn't work unfortunally. *almost drops smille* But not to fret! The Smilling God knows what He does, they were unable to smile by themselfs. I have no such a problem and need no solution.

Joker: And people say I am crazy.

Kevin: *threatning* This is a mean thing to say, don't you think?

Joker: Oh no, my new friend, I consider madness to be a compliment.

Kevin: Friend? Are we friends? I always wanted a friend. The last one gave me a letter and leaved!

Joker: *a bit too much in manipulative mode but also genuinally impressed with this random new crazy rogue* I would love to be your friend. Nay, your best friend. I'm a clown and it's a pleasure to meet other people focused in making everyone smile. What do you think?

Kevin: YES! *jumps excitedly* Best friends, please!

---

Charles: All I am saying is...

Tim: Look I am impressed you figured out mt secret identy and you're a really nice guy but I don't think Batman needs your help.

Charles: Carlos helps!

Tim: Carlos is a scientist!

Charles: I could help you with cult leaders and mystical stuff.

Tim: How many cult leaders Gotham even has?

Red Hood: Hey, theologist guy, I just found a third evil cult and I might be needing some- Tim?

Tim: Hood?

Charles: Hi. Jason.

Tim: Wait you know Jason's identity as well?

Charles: Yeah. And Robin's.

Tim: And you don't know who Batman is?

Charles: No clue.

Tim: How???

Jason: Can we talk about it after we deal with the new cult leader? We have two of those minor ones with dangerous cults every day in this hellhole and Huntress and I are the only ones dealing with it.

Charles: Is Helena okay? She and Sage were having some relationship problems.

Tim: I give up.

Batman: This is an emergency! There is a weird person following me around. They think they are hidden but they are not, they send minions sometimes, others they are there, they aren't tall nor short and dress with things like furry pants and a bow tie, no shirt; a rocking dress with a poncho and other odd combinations and always always has recording equipament . I still don't know the identity of this individual. But it seems to be a new criminal force studying their target and we should be cautious.

Dick: Furry pants and a bow tie? Recording equipament... Oh you're talking about the radio host.

Bruce: Who?

Dick: Me and Babs always listen to his show.

Barbara: I think I recorded today's show just in case we were unable to watch it on time. I'm sending it to you, B.

*recordings*

Cecil: The man who calls himself Batman striked again. Everyday he walks in the night, beats up people and buys a slice of Big Rico's Pizza. No one does a slice like Big Rico's. No one. As of late he again took out a normal family operation on the nightvalean area because apparently the taming and possession of too many antics is "iligal" and "dangerous". Now at first I was a defender of this new guy, yes it is weird he calls himself Batman and isn't visibly part bat but isn't it worse to define he isn't and has no claim on his heritage just because it isn't obvious? And he has a bunch of armed kids! Has Tamika Flyn not showed us we should trust armed heavilly trained kids? But that was then. Now he is attacking our comunity! Arresting and beating up members of our comunity and friends of our comunity. Shame on this Batman and shame on his heavilly trained kids and a bit less shame on his super cute and sexy scientist guy cause he is new and obviously is being tricked because someone as perfect as Carlos would never.

Cecil: On other news Waylon Jones also known as Killer Croc wants to talk with you. He wants to just talk something as friends and to apologize to your neighboor for potentially eating his grandma but also wants to discuss some more important details of your plans, he is going to do it at... my house? *reading* "nanana uh-hu Cecil please keep this friendly get along private" oh listerners, I'm sorry, it appears I was reading my personal text mensages instead of my notes. I'm so sorry. Silly me. The one who is going to visit you is Victor Zsass, he already has a scar with your name and his knife is ready, you know what you did.

Cecil: Finally the neigboorhood concil wants to inform that there is a Scarecrow attack planned for this friday. They recomend you cancel all your apointments and lock yourselfs at home with the aproved gas masks. This is of course the Gotham tradicional protocol. They do add to the protocol however that if you want to be hitted by Scarecrow's fear toxin do not scream degrading things like "Scarecrow hottie hit me hard with your fumes" nor be disrespectfull of his power by being overly friendly, simply go to public spaces and screem "I'm not afraid of you" or idealy scream "please no have mercy". If you are imnune to the toxin decorum also recomends you should pretend to be scared, you don't wanna hurt his feelings, do you?

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mariamastermind · 3 months

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We need to shut celebrity gossip channels down. I just saw a video on Taylor Swift winning AOTY at the Grammys and seeming “fake” because she was genuinely shocked she broke a record, pulling her friend who was on the album and deserves to be recognized by the academy is “embarrassing” to her friend, and announcing her new album is her being “greedy” because she was “gloating” in front of her peers when her music got her on that stage in the first place.

This channel has videos on so many celebrities, and NONE of their videos are praising them. They have one about how Taylor and Travis Kelce’s relationship is “strategic” and is NFL promo, Selena Gomez is “addicted to sympathy,” Nicki Minaj has lost her whole career because of her behavior, every video on Meghan Markle basically says she sucks, Selena Gomez is a “mean girl,” Ariana Grande is “toxic,” and the list goes on. Notice how majority of the celebrities I’ve listed here are women.

The best part? This particular channel is run by two sisters. Two women. Two women who I’m sure have said something in a video about a celebrity not being a “girls girl” or one who doesn’t support other women when they are clearly not doing so either. They called Meghan Markle and Prince Harry hypocrites when they’re being hypocritical.

Have you ever wondered why some celebrities are so relatable? It’s because a lot of them have some sort of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, hell, even eating disorders. Do you know what can cause these? Stupid accounts like celebrity gossip channels. One says, “so and so are gaining so much weight because of blank” and then the normal reaction of the person being targeted is, “ok, I’m gonna loose weight because I need to please everyone.” Am I the only one who sees how toxic this is? Celebrities are people too. They have lives and relationships and struggles and all anyone wants to do is make them feel bad about themselves.

“Sorry, she’s fake because she was shocked she won an award.” She was genuinely shocked she made history.

“Hey, she saw her winning an award as a business ploy to get herself more money.” She loves making music and wanted to thank her fans for making her album reach new unimaginable heights by surprising them.

“It was so wrong of her to embarrass her friend who just lost her, who also deals with anxiety, by pulling her on stage.” Maybe, but her friend was a singer and producer on this album and should be recognized as such. And a point needed to be made to the academy of how amazing her friend is as an artist and deserves so much more than she gets.

“The other people in the room got tired of seeing her on stage winning.” It was late and most of them were drunk, what did you expect? Bright smiling faces like their coffee just kicked in? It was the last award of the night. You’d be tired too. And almost everyone in that room was happy for her.

Celebrity gossip channels need to be stopped. They turn everyone into a villain, pitting people (fans and celebrities) against each other. We should be uplifting other people, not breaking them down. And to all those gossip channels out there, have you ever wondered why exactly, the news outlets don’t post everything you do? No? Well, here’s why: they know what seems true and what doesn’t, and a lot of what could be said in their articles are true. Leave them to do their jobs while you go find a real one. And to all the women out there, stop trying to turn another woman into a villain to fit your fantasy. Jealousy doesn’t look good on anyone.

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imhidingonceagain · 2 years

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I'm gonna say something very controversial about the Steddie shippers/community, but before you cancel me please just read what I have to say:

I need to start clarifying that I myself enjoy and ship Steve and Eddie. I enjoy their edits, fanart and fanfiction (I have one work written about them actually). I know that the Duffers weren't expecting them to blow up but I myself believe that they're two characters that have SO MUCH POTENTIAL to be written as a couple.

However, recently I have seen a bunch of post about Steddie shippers talking about surpassing the 8000+ works written under the Steve/Billy tag on Ao3 (They're always acting like it's a marathon. They write things lik: "Come on guy, we can do it!!!")

Listen, I understand where you guys are coming from, because I personally believe that while Billy Hargrove is an excellent written character (as in he's a really complex character) he IS a bad person, an awful person even, the list of problematic things about him is LONG.

So yeah, I understand that you guys want to surpass the number of Harringrove fanfics and put Steddie on top because it's indeed a fact that canonically Steve and Eddie have a better potential of being a healthier couple, an awesome ship.

Still, what's the point of surpassing the number of fanfiction written if the works that are being published under the Steve/ Eddie tag are not viewed as creative and fun works anymore? A lot of you are just perceiving their fanfiction just as a "number", a "target" to accomplish.

If you go through the "Eddie/Steve" tag you'll see that it is clogged with works that are just titles, works that have been improperly tagged, works that people are clearly not planning on finishing, works that are a copy of the previous one (as in it's literally the same story, the same tropes, the same dialogues and same plots with minimum variations). Works that are straight up -Excuse my language- SHITTY.

The fanfics that were written by the Stranger things fandom from 2016 until the first few months of 2022 (wether the fanfic was Mileven, Harringrove, Byler, Lumax, Jancy, Elmax, Stancy, etc) were works of people that wrote them driven by the fact that they genuinely love the fandom, the ship or just writing in general.

I can't tell or classify people's intentions (only they know why they write their stories) but by the way you guys are behaving on TikTok, Twitter, etc. in regards of the Steddie fanfiction it seems like a lot of your are only posting for the sake of posting.

Again, I'm not the fanfiction police or anything but... is it worth it?

Will it be worth it if Steddie has thousands of works under their tag if most of them are objectively a much lower quality than the 8000+ works that Steve/Billy fans have been working on for about 5 years? Why are you putting that kind of pointless pressure on yourselves?

I can testify that most of the Harringrove fanfics are very well written (I'm not a Billy Hargrove apologists, don't come from me) so when Steve and Eddie became a thing I was excited because "Yay! A non problematic ship that involves my favorite Stranger Things character (Steve) is here" and yes, at first it was fun but now that the Steve/Eddie tag is clogged with bullshit & not even half of the fanfics are good it's turning disappointing.

And yes, the Billy Hargrove of the fanfics is super "remixed" to make him less of an ass, but at least those stories are well planned and executed.

Also... The majority of the Steve/Eddie shippers seem to be the biggest Billy Hargrove antis (and I get that, canonical Billy is AN ASSHOLE, he's literally all the red flags in one dude. I would run away from him if I ever saw him on the street) but somehow you guys tend to "Billyfie" Eddie Munson a lot. You guys tend to give him Characteristics and fanfiction tropes that have been given to Billy for years...

Like, why? I find it kind of ridiculous...

At this point I don't know if I want to read more about Steve and Eddie anymore... Or if I do it I guess I'll have to sort from the thousands of awful stories that have been written in the span of months...

Or maybe in a couple of months you guys will forget about this weird behavior and will start writing decent stuff again.

As always, this is MY OPINION. If you disagree that's okay, we can have a civilized dialogue without insulting each other (also, English is not my first language, excuse my mistakes).

My advice as someone who has been reading fanfiction for more than 10 years is: Quality over quantity, guys.

Take your time! Writing can be a very personal an beautiful process, It is DEFINITELY NOT ABOUT NUMBERS, specially not in fanfiction where people are writing not as a job but FOR FUN.

#stranger things 4 #stranger things #steddie #steve and eddie #eddie munson #steve harrington #steve x eddie #billy hargrove #harringrove #stranger things fanfiction #fanfiction #ao3 #personal rant

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finniestoncrane · 1 year

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hi finnie!

I know I haven’t been on anon in your askbox for a while, but I saw your last couple posts and just wanted to say that I am so so sorry that people are being so rude and childish!!

you have been absolutely one of the sweetest people on here and I have never seen you be mean to anyone. I thought you answered that ask in an incredibly polite way, and even shouted out some other writers, which was lovely 💜

anyway, you don’t have to post or answer this at all if you don’t want to, I really just wanted to let you know that you’re a wonderful, sweet, kind person and there are so many people here who love and appreciate you sooooo much 🥰

all my love and support,

peng-anon 💜💜

thank you ;-; i'm just very tired... i appreciate this though

apparently the trigger was me answering that ask... which thank you, i'm pleased that was the tone for you because i genuinely was just being honest and neutral?

plus there's literally an ask meme on this site where you send someone a username and they give an opinion on it...

anyway, i'm sorry everyone if this seems childish to respond or get annoyed but i really am having trouble remaining calm about this because it has been so wildly blown out of proportion like i know i can't be friends with everyone, that's fine, but that doesn't mean the alternative is enemies

and i know i don't have to ask this because everyone who follows me is an adult and should know better but if you're aware of anyone involved please don't target them. this is for their sake more than yours, so they can see that i'm not abusing the imaginary power i don't actually hold

#friends being friends #anon

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theliterarywolf · 8 months

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hello lit, I saw the recent asks about ai stuff and it made me curious to ask you, since you seem like you understand the ai situation stuff better than I do and I have a lot of respect for you in general. I hope that's okay!

so, to preface, I am 110-thousand-% against ai "artwork" and writing and anything that involves taking someone else's work and "creating art" out of the mangled pieces of other's creations, and the hellscape of bullshit ai nonsense re actor's likenesses and voices. It genuinely boils my blood to a severe degree. I basically wish ai technology was never invented, especially not spread to the degree and usages we're currently seeing in all creative spheres.

that said, I'm rather unsure how the situation sits around one case of ai use, specifically in the area of translation, and specifically for personal use. So, I absolutely don't mean the localization of anything for purchase (like translating games or books), where it absolutely should be done by actual human beings familiar with both the source and target language. but something like: an artist you follow doesn't speak your language, but you want to know what they're saying in the description of a piece they posted, so you input that text into a translator to hopefully get a better idea. Absolutely NOT submitting any images of their work in anyway to anything ai, just attempting to translate what they said beneath it.

Is that still just as bad as the other things mentioned before, that's usually brought up in regards to ai? is it different or worse than using google translate? does it depend on how it's being used?

I guess, I'm just curious what you're opinion on something like this is, if you don't mind sharing. And apologies for such a long ask!

Okay, see, what you're describing is fine. Because you're making use of tools for the sake of accessibility, which is something that more people-focused (can't say 'ethical' anymore because, let's face it, the IT industry is currently in shambles) companies have been trying to do: want to travel in a foreign country but don't have the funds to hire a translation companion or time to learn the language? A 1-to-1 translation app would be perfect!

For what you're describing to be an issue, you would have to either:

A: Take a bunch of the original artists' descriptions of their pieces, translate them, shove the descriptions into an AI software bank, and then try to publish the results as your own

Or B: Be looking at a piece of foreign source material, using a translator on it and other works by the author, then shoving those results into an AI software that scrapes text, and then posting the results on an online storefront like Kindle and saying 'Am totally legitimate author! Give moneys please!'

So, no: using translation software is nowhere near the same level of tomfuckery that people are rallying against when we talk about how AI Bros have turned something that could have been a viable tool into a cesspool of theft and illegitimacy.

Also... Aw. The first part of this ask really put a smile on my face, thank you.

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skzhocomments · 7 months

Text

I can read your smile - Choi Minho SHINee Fanfic - Chapter 3 - Work sucks

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 2 | Chapter 4

---

Chapter 3 - Work sucks

word count: 2k words

~third person POV~

At around lunchtime, Crystal returned to her new home and found Minho watching a football game in the living room.

"Hey!" He shouted. "Welcome back!"

"Hello." She took off her shoes and entered the living room.

"Where have you been?" The boy turned her attention to her briefly, watching her walk in the living room and bringing him a water bottle. "Thanks."

"Library." She smiled. "I needed to read something from a book I don't have, but they didn't let me borrow it, so let's just hope I memorized enough."

"Go check my room. I have all the books our professors recommended us, so you might find what you need." He replied nonchalantly, then scoffed loudly as someone missed the ball.

"Something happened?" Crystal asked amused. She knew next to nothing about football.

"Yes, this idiot just- whatever. He messed up big time." Minho sighed. "Go see if you find your book."

Crystal nodded and headed towards the forbidden room - as she liked to call it - Minho's bedroom. She was pleased to see his bed was made, and everything was kept as arranged as in her room, albeit him owning way more stuff.

She approached the shelves she previously saw the trophies on, and read each of them carefully, before moving them aside to see if he had the book she needed.

Swimming Competition - January 2019 - 2nd Place

Football Competition - June 2021 - 1st Place

Swimming Competition - December 2015 - 1st Place

Baseball Competition - July 2018 - 2nd Place

He dedicated a lot of time playing sports, Crystal noted. There were way more medals, but she didn't want to intrude too much. She moved everything aside with care and browsed through the titles of various books he's collected over the years, when she finally found her target.

"Yes!" She exclaimed happily, grabbing it and going to the living room to show Minho.

"Found it?" He chuckled as soon as she entered the room, holding the book over her head victoriously.

"You're gonna be my life saver this semester. I'm going to save so much time by not going to the library." She spoke happily, and he found her quite amusing, being so excited by such a trivial thing.

"I'm glad." He looked at her and smiled, almost forgetting that his favourite team was losing on the TV screen.

"Thank you. Truly." She smiled, and Minho wasn't sure how, or why, but it somehow felt like he was seeing her true, genuine smile for the first time. He simply nodded.

"Did you... eat?" She asked after a few seconds of silence.

"Not yet."

"Uhm... can I maybe cook something for the both of us, after your game is over? Late-lunch."

"Late-lunch sounds good." Minho smiled.

"Great. When is it over?"

"In about 45 minutes."

"I'll get started, then!" She exited the room and headed happily towards the kitchen, humming as she pulled out the few ingredients she bought from the store on her way back.

She was thankful for the supermarket in the building, and she ended up buying quite a lot of vegetables, and found some fresh pork, so she thought of making some roasted potatoes with vegetables and cook the pork in the oven. An easy to cook meal, but delicious as heck.

Minho was getting annoyed at how his favourite team was playing. They seemed to do everything wrong, and it irked him to no end. By the end of the game, the team has unsurprisingly lost, so he got up from the couch, still annoyed, and opened the door to the hallway.

The house smelled heavenly.

He couldn't remember when the last time he cooked something was. Key was the one to cook sometimes, but with both of them busy, they resorted to ordering food more often than not.

He headed towards the kitchen where Crystal was softly humming a song he couldn't recognise while reading from the large book she picked off his shelf. He just stood there, in the doorframe, watching her scribble notes down in her notebook, reading so intensely she didn't even notice his presence.

"It smells good." Minho spoke.

"Hm?" She raised her eyes and watched him open the fridge and take some more water.

"What are you cooking?"

"Just some pork with roasted potatoes. I figured it's a good healthy meal for you to eat."

Minho smiled.

"I said it smelled amazing."

"Yea? I'm glad. It's gonna be ready in about 30 minutes, so you can go relax for a bit if you want."

"Hmm... why don't you tell me about your exam tomorrow? What are you reading about?"

"Would you really like to know?" She asked with a slight chuckle.

"Of course. I don't know if I'll remember anything, but try me."

Crystal started explaining everything she read for her test the next day, and they ended up having a very detailed conversation on this class and the possible exam questions.

They spoke all throughout lunch, and Minho offered to help her study for the rest of the day. While he made a quick salad for dinner for the both of them, Crystal continued reading and studying, and by the end of the day she was more confident than ever in what she's learnt.

Minho was also surprised by what a fast learner Crystal was; she was absorbing information like a sponge, and she was so smart. He genuinely enjoyed talking to her about her thoughts and ideas when it came to the subjects she studied.

---

~the next day~

Mondays have always been hectic.

For Minho, they meant classes from 9 to 16:00, a break until 18:00, then football training until 21:00, or even 22:00 if a game was approaching.

If he wouldn't have training, he'd hit the gym downstairs the building complex he lived in. Sport was truly something he enjoyed, and there was nothing better than a good workout.

Today, practice ended at 21:00, but he decided to go for drinks with his peers and talk a bit more about their strategies, and what other things they should implement, and even about themselves. They would do that sometimes, stay out a bit after practice just to catch up. Knowing people's achievements or struggles would strengthen the teamwork.

After spending time with his teammates at the pub, Minho finally headed home.

He was surprised to see that all lights were turned off, but maybe you were asleep; it was pretty late, after all.

He decided against knocking on your door, and instead made his way to his room to change, then went out in the living room and turned on the TV, browsing through the sports channels.

Unintentionally, he fell asleep in front of the TV, tired after the full day he had.

~Crystal's POV~

After a long shift, I was finally able to go home. Minho's place was closer to the restaurant than my older apartment, about a 15-minute walk away, so I enjoyed breathing in the 3AM air, filtering it through my lungs.

I always preferred night to day. It was quiet and pleasant.

If only I weren't so tired.

This day was hectic. I had the exam and felt quite hopeful about my answers; studying with Minho helped.

I should make sure to get him something, for spending his time helping me. Or maybe cook something again. He seemed to enjoy yesterday's meal a lot. He ate two full plates.

After Uni, I had a two-hour break before I needed to go to the restaurant, but instead of going home, I ended up spending time with Jude and Lydia at this new café that opened right next to our campus.

Another money wasted on bad coffee, I thought, but socializing with the girls was worth the 7$ at least.

Finally home! I sighed, opening up the door to Minho's apartment.

Faint TV sounds could be heard from the living room, and I wondered why he's not sleeping yet.

I quickly found out that was not the case. He was asleep in the most uncomfortable position ever on the sofa. He was manspreading in the middle of it, with his head rolled back.

Should I wake him up, or should I try to move him and get him to lay down, instead of sleeping with his head in that awkward position?

His neck will hurt like hell tomorrow if I leave him be.

Instead of waking him up, I placed my right hand on his cheek, and my left hand on his left shoulder, and I began pushing him down to the side.

When his head hit the sofa cushions, I removed my hand and went to grab a blanket, cause what if he caught a cold?

When I returned, however, he was up once again, rubbing his eyes.

"Crystal? Where are you going?" He asked, watching me up and down.

I was still wearing today's outfit, a red sundress with winter black thighs warm enough for the weather outside.

"Nowhere." I talked quietly, as he just woke up, and I personally hated people speaking loudly to me in the first 20 minutes. "I just got back."

"Huh?" He looked around confused, and I barely stopped myself from chuckling slightly. "What time is it?"

"3:23." I spoke. "You should go to bed. Otherwise your neck will be really stiff tomorrow."

"Why are you back so late? Where have you been?" He stood up and stretched a bit, and when he did, his t-shirt rode up a bit, exposing a small happy trail.

I shouldn't have looked.

"Work." I sighed. "I have classes at 9, so I'm gonna take a shower then head to bed."

~Minho's POV~

"Work." She let out a big sigh. "I have classes at 9, so I'm gonna take a shower then head to bed."

Why was she getting back home so late, on a Monday night? Why did she have to work so late in the first place?

3 AM is not the time for a girl to walk alone in the dark.

Our neighbourhood is pretty safe, but still, you can never be too careful.

I was somehow deeply uncomfortable with this thought, but I didn't say anything. What could I say, anyway?

"Okay, Crystal. Good night." I smiled and turned off the TV, deciding to go to bed myself. She offered me her signature smile as well, then left the room, and I could hear the shower running briefly, then her bedroom door opening and closing.

She turned on some music, soft tunes once again, and I noticed, as if for the first time, how thin the walls were. I felt like I never paid attention to Key and what he was doing in his room when he was living here, but I was hyper alert when it came to Crystal.

I placed my head on the pillow and listened to the song before I fell asleep. It was the same one she was humming in the kitchen yesterday.

When I woke up the next morning, she was already gone, but she left me an apple on the kitchen table, which I lazily ate on my way to campus.

My day was full again, but I finished a bit earlier thankfully, so I was already at home relaxing when 10 PM hit the clock.

This time, I decided to stay awake and see when Crystal turns up.

2:48 AM. A bit earlier than last night, but still late.

"Hey, did I wake you?" She frowned, but her expression quickly changed to a bright smile after I shook my head.

The next night, she was back at 2:15.

Then, 2:20.

Friday, however, it was already 3:45 and she wasn't back yet.

Should I text her? I pondered, then I started feeling a bit off. There was no reason for me to keep track of her schedule so closely.

Still, I couldn't sleep for some reason.

She came back at 4:23, I checked the phone for the time. However, this time I haven't gone out to greet her. I just listened to her steps in the hallway, to the running shower, then to her bedroom door closing. The music started again, and only then I allowed myself to fall asleep.

I asked her the next day at what time she got back, and why she worked so late, and she told me Friday nights are a bit busier than the rest of the week. It rarely happens for her to stay so late, but she doesn't mind it, for she gets good tips, and the owner pays her a bit more those days. Plus, she can sleep in on Saturday.

Win-win, she said.

That's all she did on Saturday, pretty much. She just slept, probably to take back her energy.

How did she survive on less than 5 hours of sleep per night?

---

Chapter 2 | Chapter 4

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