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maxmischief · 6 years

Text

The Avengers And The Shrew

My first attempt at a fic - Please be kind =)

Work in progress - Asks welcome

The plan is to introduce the reader to the Avengers and then do a ton of one-shots/everyday stuff.

Much Fluff and some Angst planned but Not very likely to smut it up - but we'll see...

**(I don't own characters, Marvel or the English language)

Summary:

You're trying to make sense of things as you record the events of the past few weeks.

You hadn't been able to remember much at first; a room you didn't recognize and someone shouting at you.. and then darkness.

Knocked out by an Avenger, you're taken to a highly-secure underground facility for questioning, but things never go as planned...

Who are you? What did Hydra do to you? Why did they even have you in the first place?

Lost, but not alone, you have to try figure out who you are and where you belong.

....And, as if things aren't already tricky enough, there's something you're forgetting. Something very important...

Hold onto your butts...

Prologue

Dear Diary???

This is stupid. I feel stupid.

And I have no idea how the hell I’m supposed to start something like this!…

“Urgh!” You violently scratched out the lines you’d just written and sighed in frustration. Looking to the ceiling you lifted your pen to your lips and tapped a few times. But the ceiling held no answers, and had no advice to give you.

Letting out a puff of air, you shook your head and rolled your eyes “Whatever..”

You lifted the book and straightened it unnecessarily. It wasn’t anything fancy, just one of those little black and white hardcovers you always see kids using in the movies.

Determined to write at least one page, you shift in your seat on the bed to try get a bit more comfortable, before lowering your pen back to the page.

Leaving a couple of rows blank, you continue writing

“Anyway, so Captain Rogers… “ you hesitated for a moment then scratched out the title and replaced it with his name.. “Steve, ” you smiled fondly, “suggested that I start keeping a journal to record and organise my memories.”

Steve had come around quite a bit earlier than usual this morning and when you’d opened your door; he stood there grinning with barely contained excitement. And as you’d stepped aside to invite him in, he’d proudly presented you with the little blank book and a pen.

“It's a great idea, except, I don't really seem to have very many. I’m not exactly a blank slate or anything; I know that I hate certain things but not WHY I hate them. I remember a few small things but not much from before I was ordered to kill Captain.. Steve “ Realising you’d done it again, you sighed, and scratched out the title again.

“First thing I can remember is hearing the order; "Kill Captain Rogers!" (but I’m not sure who gave the order). It feels like I was… asleep maybe? Right up until someone said the words.

And I remember that, as I turned to comply (like a good little zombie)… I was knocked out by a giant metal Frisbee.

That was Steve (I know, so mean, right?! =P)

But yeah, needless to say, I got nowhere NEAR killing him.

Didn’t know it at the time, but I never even stood a chance….

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Chapter one

…Flashback to several weeks ago…

- The Avengers compound -

Location: Classified

(Upstate New York)

You woke up gasping for air, heart hammering in your chest. You tried to sit up but your wrists were handcuffed to either side of a bed. Everything was too loud, too bright, and everything hurt. Your mind fuzzied as you were hit by a sudden wave of dizziness. You took a deep breath as you squeezed your eyes shut for a few seconds before letting them adjust to the light.

“Ouch.. Where..? Wait, I'm supposed to be doing something ... Something important… Something I'm supposed to be doing…”

There were people in the next room - You could hear them talking.

"Her prints didn't match anything in the database - or any database in fact!" The voice was male, but you didn't recognise it. You could see into part of the other room. The guy was talking to someone else while leaning back against a counter but you couldn't see who he was talking to.

"Facial recognition got a hit though; Y/N&Y/S/N." You watched him place a phone on the counter and pulled up a holographic picture of you.

Well, a person who kind of looked like you, but the hair was all wrong...

“…Whaaat the actual hell?..” you thought.

The guy rubbed his hand over his face. "I called the parents but get this; They insist that their daughter is at home and was never missing to begin with. Just to be sure, I checked."

He gestured in your direction without looking and continued "Rogers, THAT is not Y/N…”

"What are you saying, Tony? Are you saying that she's some kind of... clone?" asked Captain Rogers incredulously.

"YOU tell ME, Rogers. You're the one who keeps taking in assassins like they're stray cats!" replied Tony, clearly frustrated.

Your eyes widened in horror. “Shit! I have to get out of here." Your thoughts raced - if Captain Rogers didn't kill you, THEY would.

"Tony, she’s just a kid. We don't know that she's..." Steve started, but Tony interrupted, gesturing in exasperation "She's Hydra, Steve! She isn't some lost...“ As he spoke, he turned his head in your direction. He stopped suddenly, as his eyes met yours. "She's awake." he stated, not taking his eyes off you. He definitely suspected that you were listening in on their conversation.

Tony was almost glaring as he stepped away from the counter and started to walk towards you. But before he even took three steps towards you, Captain Rogers walked in. He stood just inside the doorway with his arms crossed. "Who are you?" he demanded.

“Jesus!”

Startled by his sudden appearance, you jerked away, but the handcuffs only let you move so-far. You pulled at the cuffs a few times, testing them. When you looked up again, Tony was leaning against the doorframe. The cuffs meant that you had to lay back down, but you shifted as far away from the two men as the handcuffs would allow. Another wave of dizziness washed over you and you tried to blink it away. Your eyes glazed over as your mind was assaulted by the whisper of old memories at once“Compliance will be rewarded… Kill Captain Rogers!.... SOLDAT, you WILL comply!” The words clawed at your mind, accompanied by a vague recollection of pain - Causing your headache to intensify.

"Cap got your tongue?” Tony asked sarcastically, breaking through your trance. You knew you were already in a lot of trouble, and there was no way in hell you were going to add to the list of transgressions. Your head was still reeling but you needed a plan. "I have to stall. I can still complete the mission, escape and then work my way back to .... You blinked in surprise, Um.. back to..." your eyebrows knit slightly, just for a second “Wait. Back where?... Why can't I remember? ”

Neither of the men missed the change in your expression. Tony took a few steps into the room, towards you and raised an eyebrow. He lowered his voice and narrowed his eyes at you “Just in case you're thinking of escaping; you might like know that we're in a highly secure facility... underground” he gestured around the room. “There will be no escaping.” walking backwards as he spoke “There is no way out of this for you." said Tony smugly as he went back to leaning against the door frame.

Captain Rogers turned his attention back to you “Start talking!” He demanded “Who are you?!”

He stared you down for a full minute before continuing “Where’s the rest of Hydra and what are they planning?”

Captain Rogers stood there for about 30 seconds, eyebrow raised and arms crossed.. “Suit yourself.” He turned to walk out of the room and indicated for Tony to follow “I might have an idea..” said the Captain. He took one last look at you before stalking out of the room with Stark in tow.

…………

#marvel mcu futurefic

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huldrejenta · 7 years

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Recs from RS Games 2016

It’s not all that long until @rs-games 2017 kick off, and it really is about time that I get around to posting my recs from last year’s Games! There’s a wide variety and a lot of genres in the Games, and it’s definitely worth it to browse through the AO3 collection. Here are some of my favourites from last year:

FIC:

The Fall by carmentakoshi / zealousprince

Rating: PG for non-explicit sexual content

Genre: Angst, Canon

Word Count: 4600

Summary: They’ve told you that dying is like falling asleep, but to you it just feels like falling. But before you fall, you remember.

Why I loved it: This is clever, sad and beautiful. I love the way the formal choices make a powerful impact on this story. The second person POV works well here - I get the sense that something outside of Sirius is showing him this, even if it is in his own head. I also love the language in the story, and the many wonderful descriptions.

Recto Verso by zambla

Rating: R

Warnings: Racism, sexism, homophobia, violence, HIV/AIDS, drug use

Word Count: 7800

Summary: Love in the time of the 1984-5 coal miners’ strike. Remus is a geologist working for an independent assessment of a disputed coal mine in his hometown in south Yorkshire during the strike. He meets a communist agitator. Non-magical AU.

Why I loved it: This story is layered and vivid and feels true in the way it captures the atmosphere of this part of history. The language and the storytelling aims hard, and it hits the mark, with distinct prose and rich characters we recognise from canon, yet we find a version of them that feel impossible to remove from these particular surroundings. There’s bleakness and frustration in this story, but also beauty.

Exposed by edgewareroad

Rating: T

Warnings: A lot of feelings about scars, implied abuse, mild swearing, and quite a lot of kissing.

Genre: Hurt/Comfort

Word Count: 2900

Summary: At eleven, Remus boarded the Hogwarts Express ready to keep secrets. In the end, there are none he can keep from Sirius.

Why I loved it: Supportive Marauders! The way Remus can’t quite allow himself to believe in his friends and in Sirius is well described, and I like how the tone matches beautifully with the young, Hogwarts-era marauders and Remus/Sirius we meet here; still innocent in a lot of ways, yet having to face some heavy issues.

How To Suffer a Storm by philatran

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: The main character has depression so there is a lot of self critical/negative spiels. Vague suicide ideation, but it isn’t graphic. Occasional swearing.

Word Count: 12,000

Summary: Remus Lupin fought two storms; one outside his lighthouse, and the other inside of himself. Sirius Black, an old friend from seven years ago brought back into his life by shipwreck, was the unfortunate silver lining in the clouds

Why I loved it: I like how… almost soft this story is in spite of the dark themes it touches upon, and I don’t mean soft in a way that it makes light of the heavy issues, but that it’s told in a gentle sort of way that has much goodness for the characters, letting them tell their story in their own way. There’s a lot of emotions in the story; just like in life itself, love and hope and dreams and self-acceptance can be difficult and confusing things.

Leave the Rough Road by blanketed_in_stars

Rating: T

Warnings: Mental health issues, some light body horror, suicidal thoughts, also (clearly) a fair bit of angst

Word Count: 7700

Summary: Between the future and the past, between one moon and the next, there is time enough to find the way home.

Why I loved it: This is chilling and yet somewhat hopeful at the same time. There are many beautiful lines and gorgeous descriptions and observant details that make everything come to life. Especially Sirius’ voice rings very true and clear, and the author has a way with language that makes me love this.

A Past Tense of Drowning by grandilloquism

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Descriptions of drowning, blood, gore, descriptions of food and eating

Word Count: 3200

Summary: Sirius, six weeks dead, was standing on Remus’ doorstep. He was barefoot, in Muggle clothes, and drenched from his tangle of black hair to the soles of his muddy feet. He was terribly alive, and painfully young. Remus walked forward, drinking in the sight of him. He was pale and wide-eyed, and he looked to be no older than sixteen. “Sirius,” he said, just a whisper.

Why I loved it: I’m impressed by how the author is able to make this so chilling and so beautiful. A lot is happening in a short fic, and it makes sense every step of the way. It’s clever and mysterious, with an ending I really liked.

Time’s Fool by @ruinsplume

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: Explicit sexual content. Character’s ages are 17/16

Word Count: 4800

Summary: It’s only been half an hour since he last shagged Remus Lupin, but already Sirius is beside himself with wanting to do it again.

Why I loved it: There’s so much emotions in this story, and the author does a great job making the angsty parts and the parts where Sirius is trying to control his physical needs flow seamlessly together. An important part of it is how the physical needs are also emotional; Sirius wants Remus in any and all ways that he can. Also, a lot of gorgeous descriptions throughout the entire fic. I loved this.

Longsdune by @imochan

Rating: PG-13/Teen

Warnings: Angst, kissing, brief mentions of canon-compliant character deaths

Word Count: 3500

Summary: He supposes that this is what is expected of him, to sit here and listen to wetness sinking into the earth and remember how it felt when it was sunny, and there were four of them, and Sirius Black looked at him like he was a piece of the universe he wanted to understand so badly that he was willing to take Remus apart completely and then put him back together.

Why I loved it: This is beautiful. I was drawn into every scene; it’s almost like a poem where the different scenes come together, creating a whole. The language is quietly poignant and moving. The ending just about broke my heart, in the best way.

Circle by @ruinsplume

Rating: NC-17

Warnings: Light BDSM, implied PTSD, Catharsis!sex, sex magic, oral sex, anal fingering, anal sex, fisting, rimming, orgasm denial, nipple play

Word Count: 13,000

Summary: “Bring a chair,” Remus says, stalling for time. He needs his thinking mind to catch up to what his instinct has told him must now happen.

Sirius turns with an agility Remus has not yet seen, and picks up the wooden stool in the kitchen. He places it in the center of the sitting room, between Remus and the daybed. Remus squares his shoulders. Can he do this? His body still aches from transformation and his nerves are shredded. The hollow thinking space he’s made inside himself is full of fractures; he can barely hold back his need for closeness, for tenderness; the effort of trying is threatening to overwhelm him with exhaustion. He is in no condition to do what Sirius is asking.

But he will. He knows he will because he has already started.

Why I loved it: This fic tore me apart and put me together in a way that left me slightly breathless. There’s such raw emotion here, such uncompromising pain, I can feel the pain and sorrow of the last twelve years. The way they need each other and know each other on such a basic level, where the instincts show the truth. Post-Azkaban bdsm is not an easy topic but this fic goes there and shows me the trust and the need and why this was right.

Three Times Teddy Saw the Sea by adistantsun

Rating: PG-13

Word Count: 4200

Summary: In the desert, any water will do.

Why I loved it: Beautiful prose that pulls me in and keeps me there. Every POV works well, and they all work even better because of the other two, giving us layers and knowledge that made each POV all the more poignant.

Ticket to Anywhere by llassah

Rating: G

Word Count: 1900

Summary: There are about four layers of charms on the bike, although the fourth layer is a speed limiter that Sirius and James are quietly not including in the mapping. Peter wants it to shoot flames from the exhaust, James wants it to be able to skywrite. Sirius just wants to fly.

Why I loved this: Heart-warming and very charming. There are many details throughout the story that make everything come to life, and our boys get such a good characterization in few words, which is something I’m always impressed by. There’s a great balance between fluff and a little bit of angst, with some humour on top, creating a lovely feelgood-fic.

Thoughts on Fate and Coincidence by sullen

Rating: PG-13

Word Count: 20,000

Summary: In which Sirius learns that a Horcrux is an inappropriate courting gift, despite there being no courting, but there is quite a bit of shouting.

Why I loved it: Wonderful retelling of canon, with great characterization and clever twists, told in a beautiful way. I enjoyed all the characters, but my favourite might just be Regulus.

The Bells by fluorescentgrey

Rating: R

Warnings: sex, violence, some body horror, zombies, lots of death (but it’s hopeful)

Word Count: 23,000

Summary: Upstate New York, after the fall. “Some of the ways death had come to work were obvious, and they were new and necessitated negotiation, but other ways were invisible, or at least invisible unless you cared to look very closely, and thus perhaps they had been as such forever.”

Why I loved it: How very fascinating this is, I was intrigued from start to finish. The atmosphere and the language draw me in. I love this way of having He Who Must Not Be Named wanting to conquer Death, and Remus’ and Sirius’ story is breathtaking. There are many wonderful details here, and the last line?? Wonderful.

Percolation by muse_in_absentia

Rating: PG

Genres: Coffee Shop AU , Fluff

Word Count: 3800

Summary: Sometimes love doesn’t happen all at once, but rather accumulates drip by drip until it overflows and you have no idea how it got all over the place.

Why I loved it: Just the kind of fic to read when curled up on the couch under a blanket. I have a soft spot for fics that take place in one location; in a way the coffee shop becomes one of the characters. The easy banter between the four friends and how they’ve remained so close makes this a very charming read.

I Do Not Think of You Lying in The Wet Clay by phiso

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Mentions of canonical character death, depression, mild swearing, PoA alternate POV, present tense, occasional shaky grasp of reality

Genres: Angst, Character Study

Word Count: 11,000

Summary: The dead do not reside in graveyards, they live in the places they used to love, and Remus cannot run away from their ghosts.

Why I loved it: Intriguing retelling of PoA; Remus’ voice feels very real and this entire fic is beautifully told. Loved it.

This Bright Familiar Sun, or Lost Snapshots of Summers on an Island by mustntgetmy

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Some vague sex, some mentions of parental abuse.

Genres: Angst, slight AU

Word Count: 12,000

Summary: A partial and disjointed account of what occurred on an unnamed Greek island from the years 1977 to 1996. Featuring (but not limited to): boys getting sunburned, boys gathering sea glass, boys kissing, boys preparing for war, boys falling in love, boys struggling to stay in love, an escaped convict’s return, a lonely werewolf’s return, ancient magic, an archway and a veil, and a homecoming.

Why I loved it: This is a fic that I read slowly, savouring every word, not wanting it to end. I could feel the magic when reading, and the love and the heartache, and the hope; vicualising every scene. The setting is captured really well, and these snapshots give us parts of the story we don’t usually see.

ART:

Lost Socks and Sealing Charms by dustmouth

Rating: R

Warnings: a fair amount of shirtless smooching

Page Count: 36

Summary: In which James loses his lucky socks, Remus and Sirius do nothing of any use, and Peter really needs to find himself new friends.

Why I loved it: This entire thing makes me so happy, it’s just so completely and utterly sweet and warm and funny. Dustmouth’s style is always the best thing and it makes me love these guys even more.

Untitled by entirely_the_wrong_sort

Rating: G

Genres: Canon, angst

Summary: Was that happiness ever even real?

Why I loved it: So much story told in this artwork, everything from youthful joy to the deepest despair. Lots of emotion in every image, and the fragments of notes or letters went straight to my heart. I really like the use of colours, so vibrant and gradually darkening.

9AM by scoobs_adele

Rating: G

Why I loved it: Cute and warm; our boys sharing a moment of comfortable and relaxed love.

#wolfstar #rs games #rs games 2016 #fic rec #art rec #wolfstar fic recs #my recs #remus x sirius

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eldritchsurveys · 5 years

Text

329.

What is the most physically painful thing you have ever experienced? >> I assume it’s cramps because that’s the only painful experience I’ve had often enough to have a solid, semi-accurate memory of. Maybe, say, cutting my face (or getting my face stitched up) hurt a fuckton, but while I have a vague memory of it happening, I have no memory of the way it all actually felt. So it is for every possibly-painful event I can still recall... except for cramps.

What is the worst thing that's ever happened to you? >> *shrug*

What is the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen? >> In person? I don’t know, probably something in the mountains in Colorado. Or maybe in upstate New York.

How old were you the first time you encountered God? >> I have never encountered the God you speak of, but the first time I encountered a god I was in my mid-to-late 20s somewhere.

Do you believe in miracles? >> Not really. I believe that strange things happen, but the only reason we think they’re so strange is because they go against our admittedly-flawed predictive models of how the world works.

What is your favorite color? >> Gold.

List three attributes you inherited from your mom. >> ---

Have you ever given your life to Christ? >> I tried. He didn’t take it. Which is good, because it actually doesn’t belong to him anyway, no matter what a bunch of puffed-up holy rollers try to tell me.

What is the best thing that's ever happened to you? >> *shrug*

Have you ever given birth to a child? >> Gods, no.

What are your dreams? >> I don’t have any dreams.

Are you living your dream? >> I’m living something better, a whole-ass real life.

What are three things you have been a victim of? >> *shrug*

What is your passion? >> I don’t have any passions, I don’t think.

When was the last time you truly felt alive? >> I don’t know how else I would feel??? What’s the alternative?

How many siblings do you have? >> ---

Are you married? >> Not currently.

Are you dating someone? If not, do you wish you were dating someone? >> I’m not dating anyone and I have no desire to be dating.

What do you want the theme of your wedding to be? >> Theme? The theme is just... ravens and death and... absinthe? The theme is New Orleans in general, because that’s where it’s being held. Also, Wednesday. He’s a theme too.

Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding? >> It’s going to be outdoors.

What do you want to name your kids if you have a girl and a boy? >> ---

Do you like to read? >> Sure.

What are your top three favorite books? >> The Fountainhead, The Phantom Tollbooth, idk what’s third.

What are three of your favorite scents? >> Peppermint/menthol is the only one I can remember off the top of my head.

Is your birthday in your favorite season? >> Yeah.

What kind of car do you drive? If you don't drive, do you want to a car? >> I am only a Driver inworld. I never learned how to drive outworld and it really doesn’t bother me (although I’d like to do it for fun a few times).

Where do you live (state or country)? >> Michigan, United States.

What states (or countries) have you lived in? >> NJ, NY, CO, NC, MI.

What is your name (first and middle)? >> Mordred Shadow.

Does your first crush know you liked them? >> ---

What is your favorite type of seafood? >> ALL OF IT

Do you wish on stars? >> No.

Have you ever wished on the moon? >> No.

What color was your first phone? >> Grey, I think. Probably.

When is your birthday? >> 28 May.

What is your favorite season? >> Spring.

Who was your first roommate? >> IDK

Are you happier now than you were 10 years ago? >> Overall, probably. But I can’t really say because I don’t truly remember how I felt about my life ten years ago. I just know I’m happy now.

Are you happier now than you were 5 years ago? If not, why not? If yes, why? >> See above.

Do you live in your dream house? >> I don’t have a dream house. Also, I live in an apartment.

What hurts your heart? >> Stuff.

What are three of your favorite colors to wear? >> Black, grey, olive.

What color are your eyes? >> Dark brown.

What are your top three favorite colors? >> Gold, purple, green.

Who was the last person who said something that warmed your heart? >> I’m not sure what that feeling is. I mean, I’m not saying I’ve never felt it, it’s just that if I did, I didn’t recognise it as “my heart being warmed”, I don’t use that kind of wording.

Who was the last person who hurt you? >> Someone who didn’t deserve that power, so it’s really me that hurt myself in that case. I shouldn’t have put myself in the position to be hurt by someone who wasn’t providing any real tangible benefit to my life, no matter how I thought I felt.

What are you allergic to? >> Nothing.

Do you have neat handwriting? >> Sometimes. I used to have very neat handwriting when I did more actual writing, instead of doing everything digitally like I do now.

What is the name of your youtube channel, if you have one? >> ---

What are three things you hope will be different about your life in 5 years? >> That’s not something I think about.

Do you want kids? >> Not particularly.

What is your dream job? >> ---

Are you working your dream job now? >> ---

What was your first job? Did you like it? >> Food service and hell no.

What other jobs have you had? >> I was a merch boy for local bands for a while. Only job I’ve had as an adult, but god, it was the best.

What is something people may not know about you? >> There’s probably a lot of things people don’t know about me, but I don’t feel like trying to think of something now.

Have you been bullied? >> Yeah.

Do you get bullied a lot? >> Currently? I don’t get bullied at all. I doubt I’m even capable of being bullied at this stage, because I can just leave a place now. Adulthood is underrated for that point alone: I can just fucking walk out of a place if I’m being mistreated. Couldn’t do that in, say, school as a minor.

What would you say to someone who is being bullied? >> I wouldn’t say anything to them. Not about that, anyway.

What is your favorite magazine? >> New Scientist is kind of cool. IDK.

Do you feel like you are making the most of this season? >> Sure.

What season are you in now? >> Summer.

Do you take selfies? >> Not anymore. I know what I look like. (I might take some on special occasions, if I’m wearing something I don’t usually wear, or something like that. But otherwise, there’s no real point.)

What kind of phone do you have? >> Moto g6 or something.

Do you like your computer? >> Sure.

What is your favorite dog breed? >> Pit bull.

Do people respect you? >> I mean, yes? Not everyone, obviously, but in general I am usually treated respectfully.

What do you wish people knew about you? >> ---

What health issues do you have? >> ---

What is one thing you hate? >> ---

What is one thing you miss? >> ---

Who is one person you miss (or two or three)? >> ---

Who do you wish you could just start over with? >> No one.

Who is pregnant right now? >> Someone, I’m sure.

Who do you wish you could spend more time with? >> ---

Who do you wish you could talk to right now? >> ---

Share something deep and personal--a secret or a wish. >> No?

What does your heart long for? >> Sigh.

Do you still cross paths with your first crush ever? >> ---

What is your favorite Bible verse, and why? >> I don’t have a favourite.

What has God been teaching you lately? >> I don’t know if Wednesday (or Sunday) is trying to teach me anything right now. I think they’re just chillin’.

Do you beat yourself up a lot? >> I try not to, but I don’t always succeed. It’s a hard habit to break, considering I learned it at such an early age and didn’t start trying to break it until recently.

Do you call yourself stupid? >> Sometimes, but like I said, I’m trying not to.

Do you have a secret nobody knows? >> Not, like, intentionally.

Who are some of the most selfish people you have ever met? >> Oh, I don’t know. Most people are some form of selfish, and I expect that. It doesn’t bother me, and I don’t really know why it bothers anyone else. We’re all the same way.

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? >> Maybe, I don’t know.

Is there anyone you want back in your life? >> No.

What color was the house you grew up in? >> I don’t remember. Beige, maybe.

What was your favorite class in high school? >> ---

Where did you go to college? What was your major? What was your minor? >> ---

What do your parents do for a living? >> ---

What was the name of the first pet that you loved? >> ---

Are you double-jointed? >> No.

What's one secret talent that you have? >> I have no secret talents. Surveys need to stop asking about “secret” this and “secret” that, it defeats the meaning of the word “secret” if I’m just going to go blabbing about it on tumblr.

What's the best compliment you've ever received? >> I don’t know.

Do you receive more insults or compliments? >> I guess compliments. I rarely get insulted to my face.

Do you feel like social media enhances your life or takes away from it? >> It was subtracting from it, which is why the only social media I have now is tumblr, which I genuinely enjoy being on.

Do you meditate? >> No.

Do you meditate on Scripture? >> No.

Do you pray? >> No.

Does God speak to you? >> Some gods do.

Have you ever seen a spirit/ghost/shadowy figure, etc.? >> Yeah.

Have you ever hallucinated? >> Yeah.

How much do you weigh? >> 146lb at last count.

How tall are you? >> 5′4″ or 5′5″ or some shit.

Are you happy with your weight right now? >> Eh. I’m trying not to have any feelings about it at all. It’s all arbitrary bullshit.

Who are your celebrity look alikes? >> I don’t know, but I’ve been compared to both Grace Jones and Harold Perrineau.

If you had a twin, what would he or she be named? >> How would I know? It wouldn’t be my responsibility to name them.

Do you pray regularly? >> No.

What color is your keyboard? >> Black.

Do you use your phone for an alarm? >> Yeah, on the rare occasion that I have to.

What was your favorite childhood family vacation? >> ---

What states have you been to (that you remember)? >> Meh.

What countries have you been to (that you remember)? >> None.

What are some places you would like to visit? >> All of them.

Do you like to make lists? >> I used to, when I was a kid. I mean, it’s still fun now, but less so.

What are you going to be for Halloween this year? >> Probably nothing special.

Do you have any weird habits? >> I don’t know, do I?

Are you a daydreamer? >> No.

What is your personality type? >> ...???

Would you rather be able to fly or swim underwater? >> Swim underwater, since I can’t swim period.

What superpower do you want the most? >> Meh.

What would you ask a genie for, if you had three wishes? >> I wouldn’t. I’ve read and seen enough horror stories about wishmaking to know better.

What is your favorite quote? >> I don’t have one.

Do you think it's ok to call yourself stupid? >> Of course not, otherwise I wouldn’t be actively trying to undo the habit.

Have you ever thought someone was ugly, but never said it? >> Yeah. Why would I say it, that’s just rude.

Do you like your natural hair color? >> Sure.

What is your natural hair color? >> Dark brown.

What is your favorite Disney princess? >> Moana. ...She counts, right?

Do you have a best friend you can tell your secrets to? >> ---

Does your life seem magical? >> Sometimes.

#surveys #survey #random survey #god this was fucking long

0 notes

viralhottopics · 7 years

Text

How the world reacted to Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president

Caution in China, sorrow and anger in Mexico, cork-popping in Moscow here are some of the global responses to Fridays power handover

Germany

Germany will need a new economic strategy geared toward Asia should the new US administration start a trade war with China, vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said, warning of a rough ride hours after Donald Trump was sworn in.

What we heard today were high nationalistic tones, Gabriel said in an interview with the public broadcaster ZDF, in the first official German reaction to Trumps inauguration. I think we have to prepare for a rough ride.

He added that Trump was extremely serious in his inauguration speech, which meant he would follow his promises on trade and other issues with actions. Europe and Germany must stand together to defend our interests.

As the USs new president took to the stage in Washington, hundreds of anti- and pro-Trump protesters gathered in front of Berlins Brandenburg Gate.

Margaret Heidhues, of upstate New York, said she had not been able to stay at home to watch the inauguration. I would have been repulsed beyond belief, she said, holding a banner stating: The People Voted for Hillary on one side, and Nasty Woman, on the other side.

Her nine-year-old son Theo had crafted his own poster with a digger truck on it and the slogan Dump Trump.

I think he poses an incredible danger to Europe, said Heidhues, who has lived in Germany since 2000. The populist movements of the AfD [Alternative for Germany] and Le Pens [Front National] in France have been emboldened by his victory.

When he was first elected, my German friends were expressing their sympathy towards me. But now they are just as depressed, because they recognise they have to be scared for themselves as well.

Protesters standing in front of Berlins Brandenburg Gate voice their opposition to new US president Donald Trump. Photograph: Michele Tantussi/Getty Images

On Pariser Platz square, where the protesters gathered, they were faced by a line of around 10 Trump supporters, carrying banners that read: Trump, the better alternative and Trump wants peace with Russia! What is wrong with that?.

Sylvia Block, a pensioner who said she was part of a group called Mothers Against War said she liked Trump because he was a grounded, down-to-earth personality will would look after the American people and who would build up American industry: The Americans have too much unemployment Trump will bring their industry back to its feet so that Americans can buy their own cars again, not import them from us.

The anti-Trump protesters called their march No to Global Trumpism. It started at the headquarters of the rightwing populists AfD and marched towards the Brandenburg Gate.

Trumpism is not an isolated national movement, the march organisers said in their pre-protest blurb. We stand united against opportunists such as Frauke Petry and the AfD, Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders and Nigel Farage who scapegoat and demonise immigrants and religious and ethnic minorities to build their own political power.

The demonstration was organised by a variety of groups including American Voices Abroad Berlin, Berlin Forum on Global Politics, Berlin Ireland Pro Choice, Pussy Grabs Back and many others.

The protests took place on the eve of a meeting of Europes rightwing populists, feeling strengthened by the Trump victory and Brexit, who are due to gather in the central city of Koblenz in a show of strength ahead of a string of elections this year in which they are predicted to make gains.

Wilders, of the Dutch far-right Freedom party, and Matteo Salvini of Italys northern league, are expected at the meeting. The star attractions at what has been billed a European Counter Summit will be Frances presidential hopeful Le Pen and AfDs Petry, who are due to hold a discussion on the folly of Angela Merkels refugee policy. Philip Oltermann and Kate Connolly in Berlin

Taiwan

Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Trump on his inauguration on Twitter, in a move likely to draw objections from Beijing, which is already angry with a protocol-breaking phone call a month ago between the two leaders.

Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen)

Congratulations @realDonaldTrump. Democracy is what ties Taiwan and the US together. Look forward to advancing our friendship & partnership.

January 20, 2017

China

After Donald Trump promised in his inauguration speech to fight back against the ravages of other countries, Chinas Global Times, a Communist party tabloid, said the impressive address signalled that the start of the Trump era would herald dramatic changes. On the world stage Mr Trump will likely align his foreign policy with US corporate interests, blurring the lines of ideology or political values. Frictions between the US and its allies, and trade tensions between the US and China seem inevitable within the four years ahead, the state-run newspaper said in an editorial. Undoubtedly the Trump administration will be igniting many fires on its front door and around the world. Lets wait and see when it will be Chinas turn.

Chinas government and state-run media had struck a conciliatory tone on the eve of the inauguration Both sides should try to be friends and partners, rather than opponents or enemies, said Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry. But domestic broadcasters were forbidden from screening Trumps inaugural speech live, with authorities perhaps fearful it might contain more attacks on the countrys Communist party leaders.

Instead Xiong Tong, a Beijing-based journalist and self-declared Trump aficionado, tuned in at home on the internet. The 32-year-old said he was overjoyed to see the billionaire pick up the keys to the White House.

Trump is fantastic, said Xiong who donned a Trump t-shirt as well as a synthetic blonde mop for his celebratory late-night viewing session. He is so real. Thanks to him, the world is going to start heading in a positive direction. People will become more confident, which will lead to a rise on the stock market.

Xiong said he saw similarities between the USs incoming leader and former Republican president, George HW Bush. Both of them are easy going and hard-working, he said. They are formidable people.

He said he was unfazed that weeks of China-bashing by the billionaire meant he was now part of a shrinking pool of Chinese Trump supporters. Im an independent fan of his and I dont care what others think about the man, declared Xiong. I think Trump acts the same way.

Nor was he worried about the prospect of confrontation with the worlds most powerful military if Trump continued to challenge Beijing from the White House, saying: If we start a fight with the US, beat them and conquer them, they will not dare to interfere with our South China Sea. Tom Phillips and Wang Zhen in Beijing

Mexico

Most Mexicans are torn as to who they hate more: Donald Trump for his repeated insults and threats on trade, migration and jobs; or their president, Enrique Pea Nieto, for trying to appease him by extraditing drug capo Joaquin El Chapo Guzman to the US on the eve of the inauguration, thus ensuring the cartel boss will never pay for his crimes at home.

A series of demonstrations are set to take place in the capital, Mexico City, this weekend to protest against Trumps anti-Mexico rhetoric.

In a series of thinly veiled threats directed at Mexico, which were peppered throughout his inauguration speech, Trump pledged to protect American borders from the ravages of other countries, and bring back jobs, borders, wealth and prosperity.

Pea Nieto congratulated Trump on his inauguration, but said: Sovereignty, national interest and protection of Mexicans, will guide relations with the new government of the United States.

He added that his government would establish a respectful dialogue with Trumps administration for the benefit of Mexico.

The foreign minister, Luis Videgaray Caso, and finance minister Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, will hold talks with members of Trumps cabinet on 25 and 26 January in Washington.

Amalia Ortiz Cortez, 31, a festival organiser, said the emotional and economic damage inflicted on Mexico by Trumps discourse had until now made the government look weak, but his promised anti-Mexican policies could unite the nation for the first time in many years.

It made me feel very sad but its now clear that the speculation is over, and he literally means what he has said, Cortez said. Our government must strongly remonstrate against his discourse in line with social consensus and re-examine our foreign relations and trade deals

Trump will bring business leaders, young people and the general population together to dialogue and I hope this will force us to become stronger as a society and reconsider our relationships with our Latin American neighbours. Nina Lakhani in Mexico City

Russia

Russia has loomed unusually large in this presidential campaign and its aftermath, and at the Telegraph building not far from the Kremlin, a group of nationalist activists put on an inauguration party to celebrate the victory of the man who has come to be seen as the Kremlins candidate, with champagne and traditional Russian pies for guests.

We started this movement a year ago when nobody believed in Trump except us, said Maria Katasonova, a nationalist activist who helped organise the party. I hope the words he said during the campaign were not just rhetoric and stick by them as president. She said Trump was a man, like Putin, who fights the system.

Army of Russia shop window in Moscow, with an image of Trump seen on the advertising banner. Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters

However, there were more journalists at the party than genuine Trump enthusiasts and there was a sense that the jubilation was a little artificial. While there is no doubt that the Russian political establishment are cautiously optimistic about relations under Trump, modern Russia is a largely apolitical country, and there was little sense of genuine excitement among ordinary Russians.

We are ready to do our share of the work in order to improve the relationship, prime minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Facebook on Friday.

The pro-Trump atmosphere that was visible in Moscow was largely of a tongue-in-cheek character, trolling the hated US establishment and what Russians hope will be the end of a US that lectures them on human rights. The Army of Russia shops in central Moscow offered all Americans 10% off merchandise on inauguration day, while the occasional restaurant offered a Trump burger or other gimmick.

While there were continued denials about Russian meddling in the election, there was also a pride in Russias central place in the dialogue. At the celebration, one man wore a T-shirt with Youve been hacked inscribed on it. Shaun Walker in Moscow

Iran

In Iran, the national television did not broadcast the inauguration live, reporting on its news bulletin that the new US president had begun his work amid popular protests. Semi-official agencies gave a scant coverage to the event, partly due to continuing news from Thursdays devastating fire in Tehran.

Many, however, followed the ceremony on the London-based BBC Persian, which is loathed by the Iranian establishment. Watched by millions in Iran via illegal satellite dishes, BBC Persian had its main presenter in Washington DC and aired the ceremony in full. Irans state-run English language website Press TV broadcast the ceremony. One headline on its website reflected an activists view: Trump forced on Americans by two-party system.

Iranians are concerned about the impact of Trumps presidency on the landmark nuclear agreement, struck in Vienna in July 2015. Trump told the Times this month that he saw it as one of the worst deals ever made but refused to give further details about his policy on Iran, because, he said: I just dont want to play the cards. Some analysts say he may not tear up the agreement but instead could adopt a more rigorous implementation of the accord.

Tehran University professor Naser Hadian told the Guardian: Trump is an unknown phenomenon and nobody knows how his words would translate into policies, so we dont know what he would do with the nuclear deal.

According to Hadian, Trumps appointments so far have not been promising. They have been hawkish and have talked about regime change or war with Iran, he said.

On the negative side, Trump is the combination of a clever mind with little knowledge, which makes him incredibly dangerous, but on the positive side, he is a pragmatist and a businessman. Saeed Kamali Dehghan

Israel and the Palestinian territories

Trumps inauguration sharply divided opinion, with rightwing pro-settlement Israelis whose leaders were invited to attend the ceremony most enthusiastic.

In a pointed intervention, Israels infrastructure minister Yuval Steinitz a close confident of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped Trump would act quickly on his controversial plan to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Washington, a plan fiercely oppoed by Palestinians who see east Jerusalem as a capital of a future state.

I hope and believe that he will move the American Embassy to Jerusalem, Steinitz told Army radio. It is absurd that the embassies are in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu also tweeted his congratulations ahead of the beginning of shabbat.

Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu)

Congrats to my friend President Trump. Look fwd to working closely with you to make the alliance between Israel&USA stronger than ever

January 20, 2017

In the Nana cafe in east Jerusalem, however, the clientele watched the inauguration with a mixture of bafflement and concern over the fact the US had elected Trump while warning of the consequences of moving the embassy.

Moussa al-Bitouni, 53, father of the cafes owner said : From what I hear he is not a man of peace. We does not want to support peace. This is not in our interest or the interest of the US. I was 100% for Clinton. I never thought America would elect Trump.

We want him to be fair, not biased, added lorry driver Faraj al-Joulem, 42. . We are against moving the US embassy. It will inflame the whole region.

Israels newspaper columnists were split, however, about what Trump portends, while Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, in a statement posted in his name on the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, congratulated Trump. He added: I look forward to working with him for the sake of peace, security and stability in a world that is troubled and in a region that lives a tragic era, and to contribute to creating a safe future for everyone.

Before Trump had even arrived at Capitol Hill disgruntled Britons including Green party joint leader Jonathan Bartley had unfurled a banner reading Build bridges not walls across Londons Tower Bridge , while others held up a sign saying Act Now.

We wont let the politics of hate peddled by the likes of Donald Trump take hold, said protest organiser Nona Hurkmans. Other banners were draped over Westminster Bridge during a protest outside parliament.

British prime minister Theresa May did not send wishes to Trump before his swearing in, but leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn urged him to put the misogyny and the racism of his presidential campaign behind him. Speaking at an event in Glasgow, Corbyn said he hoped that as president he would reach out to all communities across the United States and called on him to promote critical engagement with Russia.

A banner unfurled on Tower Bridge in London as part of the Bridges Not Walls protest against US president Donald Trump. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, tweeted his congratulations to both Trump and the vice president Mike Pence, but the Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, called Trumps journey to the White House the most divisive, vulgar and illiberal presidential campaign in memory before calling on May to stand up to Trump.

Of course the UK must continue to engage with the US on matters of mutual concern, but Theresa May must not to damage our national integrity and values by bowing down to a bully, he said.

Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson)

Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump @POTUS on his presidential inauguration day. Look forward to continuing strong UK – US bond

January 20, 2017

Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson)

Congratulations to @mike_pence @VP on his inauguration today. Look forward to working together #specialrelationship

January 20, 2017

Protests against Trump also took place across Scotland. Hundreds marched from the foot of Edinburghs North Bridge to the US consulate on Regent Terrace to coincide with Trump being sworn in.

Protesters were armed with banners with wording including: Love Trumps Hate, No to racism, no to Trump and Hey Donald, I hope you step on a lego.

The demonstration organised in the Scottish capital by Stand Up to Racism saw hundreds of people chant slogans such as Donald Trump go to hell take the KKK as well and Donald Trump, go away sexist, racist, anti-gay.

Trump was welcomed by some rightwing politicians, including Ukips Nigel Farage, but Sir Nigel Sheinwald, the former UK ambassador to the US, questioned his ability to unify the US and stand up to Russia. The really big test is over Russia and Nato, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Over the next few months, you are going to have to see whether a harder edge comes into his approach to Russia, and whether he is prepared to validate a sense of commitment to Nato and to Europe.

Downing Street is trying to arrange for May to travel to meet the new president as soon as possible, with speculation that a visit take place within days. Alexandra Topping

France

In a small bar in Pariss Mnilmontant neighbourhood, Trumps speech was relayed on a giant screen. As he gave the pledge, a 20-something sighed and said: Well, there goes America. But another regular chipped in: I hurt for the American people. Half of the population didnt vote for him. Theyll have to endure the next few years.

One of the waiters doubted that Trump could fulfil many of his election promises What is he going to do? he said. Send all the immigrants back? Line them up against a wall and shoot them? A survey on Friday showed that more than 80% of the French population had a bad or very bad opinion of Trump. Some are anxious that his electoral success increases the chances of victory for its own anti-immigrant nationalist leader, Le Pen, in elections this year.

The president, Franois Hollande, did not mention Trump by name during a press conference in eastern France, referring instead to my colleague taking the oath and criticising the protectionism that Trump advocated. The French president has previously said that Trumps victory opens up a period of uncertainty that must be faced with lucidity and clarity. Sofia Fischer in Paris

Canada

Canadas government, eager to sidestep potentially protectionist US policies, said it was confident Trump would see that working closely with Canada benefited both nations. We are confident the new administration will see that Canadas partnership with the US mutually strengthens our two nations and provides real opportunities to grow our respective economies, Joseph Pickerill, spokesman for foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, said in a statement.

Prime minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement congratulating Trump. Together, we benefit from robust trade and investment ties, and integrated economies, that support millions of Canadian and American jobs, he said. Reuters