#(mini rant because it’s such an unsettling feeling)

[yuikomorii]

// The fact that Shu’s birthday didn’t trend in Japan and the last time a character’s birthday trended was 7 months ago, just proves that the fandom is slowly starting to become smaller…

If Ayato’s birthday doesn’t trend in 2024, then I’ll be convinced that it’s over with the franchise. I can’t blame the fans for leaving either but it makes me sad, given that DL has so much potential and I truly wish Rejet would come up with more captivating material, yet I doubt this will happen soon.

#admin #(mini rant because it’s such an unsettling feeling) #(for reference in the past most characters used to trend on their birthdays but now not anymore) #(DL used to be so loved and while there still are some fans) #(the decrease is very noticeable) #(I love getting new merch official art) #(but atp they’re repeating their own merch lines) #(and it kinda loses the charm)

[chaos-of-my-mind]

Mini rant below, you’ve been warned

I’m going to try and keep spoilers out of this so I don’t ruin anything for you if you have not finished the show yet as I am wont to forget to put the spoilers tag (or any tags) on a post. I might make very specific references but keep them as vague as I can but spoiler warning just in case.  But also, apologies if my ranting sounds nonsensical or vague.

I don’t wish to offend anyone, I just want to voice my thoughts.  Overall, I enjoy the show and likely will watch a second season if they make one but there’s just some things I want to get off my chest.

Okay, so I just watched The Letter for the King and I have a lot of thoughts.

I’m just gonna talk about the first four episodes because I have a lot of thoughts on these episodes and it gonna be reeeeeaaaaaaalllllllyyyyyy long as is.

First of all, right off the bat, this is a seriously loose adaption of a Dutch novel that I looked at the wiki page for and sounds a fair sight better than this show.

The show as a concept is fascinating and the diversity is a welcome change from the usual primarily white cast we tend to see. Certain plot lines were wonderful.

Tiuri is an amazing and refreshing main character.  I was kind of expecting him to be angsty or something but he wasn’t. He has a good heart and caring spirit.  He believes strongly in doing what is right and is unwavering in his belief.  He is also... just about the only character I like.

I liked the Abbott and Ristridin and Ardanwen but Tiuri was really the only character I cared what happened to them.

Costume design is absolutely incredible, I’ve always had a soft spot for this style, especially the dresses.  The intricate details of the clothing is fascinating to me, especially now after having taken a class in costume design.

Sets and locations? Wonderful.  Some of the locations they shot at for these first four episodes are beautiful.  The monastery in the third episode is almost delightfully unsettling with its flickering shadows and the raging storm outside.

Out of the first four episodes, third is my favorite.  Mostly because of the scenes in the monastery, particularly the one with Tiuri and the Abbott.

I don’t have much to say regarding the Queen, I appreciate that she rules on her own without question but she didn’t really have much of a presence (at least IMO) in the first few episodes.

The score is absolutely beautiful.  I love the score for this show. I really wish it was on Spotify. Anyone else listen to movie and TV scores while studying or is that just a me thing?

No offense to anyone else, this is simply my opinion and since none of my friends watch the show and ranting to my wall offers little catharsis, I’m venting here. We’re getting into my issues now.

Anyway, I CANNOT stand Lavinia.  She’s absolutely, one hundred percent my least favorite character.  Yes I understand and acknowledge that this is a loose adaptation from the book but though she shows up in the book, she is nowhere near as prominent a character.

I don’t want to be mean and I am all for powerful female roles but Lavinia, in my mind at least, really didn’t add much to the story.

She kind of felt like when shows add a character just for comic relief and they offer nothing else to the show, you know?

I think it’s her greed that bothers me the most.  Yes, I understand her not wanting to be forced to marry but her plans and actions feel a little too selfish for me.

Tiuri is trying to fulfill the Black Knight’s last request even when it means great personal loss for him and all Lavinia talks about money.  Maybe this changes in later episodes, but right now she’s wearing on my last nerve.

I get being cautious and skeptical but then there’s being obnoxious.  She’s introduced as someone who will do whatever to get what they want with little regard for what happens to others.  There are six episodes in the season, I’m 3/4s of the way done and I still can’t stand this character.

The other would be knights have their faults but they’ve still grown on me to some degree. Except Arman, he’s a snot. But I still like him better than Lavinia.

I feel like I need to say this has nothing to do with her gender and everything to do with the way she is written. 

I get that by taking the basic plot of the book and the character names from the book means you have to say it’s an adaptation but seriously? I don’t really understand why they chose to take a (from what I gathered from the wiki page as this is based off a Dutch novel I have no access to) very minor character and have them be a main character.

Honestly, I feel like all she does so far is complain, talk about money and snark.  She has some interesting storylines that are brought up briefly but none of them have been fleshed out or furthered yet.  Maybe if they went into these plot points, I’d be more okay with her but as it stands, she just doesn’t seem essential to the plot.

Now onto the would be soldiers.  I don’t really understand why Piak is with them or how he managed to get away to follow them (not really a spoiler, happens within like the first or second episode).  I know it’s medieval or middle ages but you’re telling me no one is at all watching this ten year old boy even slightly? Also, why isn’t anyone concerned about whether his parents know where he is?

This may seem nitpicky but other shows, movies or books have been based on the plot of a kid going missing.

I don’t find their plot wholely necessary, feels kinda like filler fodder to me but I also have ADHD and get distracted/bored rather fast.  Foldo, I like. Jussipo, I like. Piak, I like. Arman, meh. Iona, definitely the most competent of the group, don’t know if I trust her.

She feels like she’d be an interesting villain.  She has that vibe, especially when they were with the Red Riders, kind of reminded me of that seagull meme/picture:

this one?  She seems very cutthroat, tough.  She’s a really interesting character but I don’t feel like she’s being given the time or character development she deserves (again only four episodes in but six episodes total so I’m not optimistic).

She’s clever and I like her fine, I just think they’re wasting time that could be spent on giving her more depth on filler scenes or Lavinia talking about money (again). I really don’t like Lavinia. Sorry.

Also, is Viridian the villain? I don’t think saying that’s a spoiler (it’s mentioned in the trailer or the first episode I think) but sorry if it is. He literally does nothing.

He does something horrible in maybe the first ten minutes of the show and then nothing.  He stands in a tent and talks about prophecy and whatever, his soldiers are better villains than he is, at least they’re actively doing something!

Also, he looks just enough like some other actor that it’s all I can think about when he’s onscreen, it’s very distracting.  I think it’s Max Lloyd-Jones he looks like but I’m not completely sure.

Hopefully he actually does something in the next two episodes because so far, I don’t see the point in showing him onscreen at all.

The thing that bugs me most is that while I know the plot is progressing and things are happening, it feels like nothing’s happening.  The plot feels kinda aimless and vague and it’s just slower than I would prefer it to be progressing.  The trailer I watched made it seem action packed and all that but it really... isn’t.

It gets so close to something happening and then the show’s like ‘Just kidding, they’re an ally’ or ‘Nevermind, it’s someone else’ or ‘Ooo, coincidental thing happened and we got away!’

It’s super annoying.  That’s about everything I can think of. *sigh* I feel better now.

Thanks for reading.

#the letter for the king #letter for the king #tlftk #netflix

[blackmilshake]

ok so i’m a sucker for angst and this is totally not based on something that has happened irl😳so imagine, reader has a twin who is rlly hyper and more fun about the world and wants to live her life where as the reader doesn’t trust anyone and gets scared easily and is dating harry and brings him home to meet her family but he starts to like readers twin more and reader has to beg for him to stay ��� love flashbacks but plz make an imagine of of it also turns out this was a mini rant

A/N: Hey love! I like angst too, not sure if I hit it this time tho, I’ll give it a second read tomorrow. Thanks for the request. Hope you are safe. Enjoy!

Being a twin was quite an experience, when you and your twin sister were children, since you were identical twins you used to prank your parents and friends all the time, your mom used to dress you two exactly the same, the only difference a bracelet with your names on it.

As you grew up, each one started to show so much more how different you two were, you loved science and investigation, meanwhile your sister, Amy, loved cinema, photography, she was so extrovert and you a little more into the introvert side of things.

And it was ok, you did enjoy being at home with your books, some confortable clothes and a good tea, and admired how much energy Amy had, she went out all the time with a lot of your friends, because you had the same friends, and they understood that you wanted to stay home time to time.

When it was time to go to college, your parents wanted the both of you to study the same thing, but you had decided that you wanted to be a doctor and Amy wanted to study photography, and so you applied to medschool and got accepted. It was the best thing that could’ve happened to you. A full scholarship, you wouldn’t disappoint yourself or your parents. It was your priority, your career.

Who knew that you would end up meeting your first boyfriend ever in a public library a rainy Saturday morning, but there he was, the library almost empty, yet he asked if he could sit in front of you.

And of course you accepted, and couldn’t help but notice him staring at you from time to time, then he talked to you, made you laugh, went for lunch.

It was hard for you to accept him as something more than a friend, you had never let anyone in in that way, you were petrified. Also, you didn’t want to get distracted by anything, your career was your top, but you ended up falling for that sweet smile and corny jokes.

Now he’s been your boyfriend for a little over a year, it felt right to bring him home to your parents, since you’ve know his family for months now.

Your sister was there too, she opened the door, and of course Harry knew about her, but it’s always the same reaction, “omg, she looks just like you.”

Your parents loved him, he was so confortable that by the second day at your parents house he was playing monopoly with them while you were studying in your room.

By the end of the day you hadn’t heard from Harry not even once, and you were happy that he was so confortable with your family, but his lack of attention towards you was bothering you a little.

It was almost midnight, when you went downstairs for some food when you heard giggles coming from the living room, your twin sister, Amy and Harry were on the same couch, Harry’s arm over your sister’s side of the couch as she laughed at something he said.

When Harry noticed you he stood up with that same smile he gives you.

“Babeeee! I missed you!” You just smiled the best you could.

It was the first time that you felt... jealousy perhaps?

It’s just...

Yeah, you and your sister were physically identical, but deep down you felt as if people liked her more than you. She had something... she was more charismatic, more... more something. You were always more serious, people told you that all the time. You had the same friends because she always included you.

And yeah, you had thought about how Harry and Amy would match just perfect, both had that something. And to think about that was unsettling to you.

You hated how you felt.

You almost wanted to cry.

Maybe it was all part of your insecurity?

Just your mind playing games at you?

You were great too... right?

Of course you wouldn’t tell Harry about that, it was something stupid.

So you just watched the two of them for the next two days, watched them laugh and get along more and more everyday.

You also noticed how Harry barely spoke to you those three days you had been home.

Sure you were studying, but when you are at your place he’s always with you, even helping you.

The next day was your flight back to London, and you wanted to be strong and not cry until you are alone at your place, you really did try, but tears started to fall down your cheeks.

You tried to be quiet, since Harry was sleeping right next to you, but also failed as a sob left your mouth, and that’s all it took, he was up, he turned to you, still half asleep.

“Babe? Are you ok?”

You only nodded and tried to turn your back at him, but he was faster and held you, turning the little lamp next to him on, eyes big now, you were crying. He had seen you cry like two times total, and you had your reasons.

“Oh, my. Kitten? Why are you crying?”

You just shook your head no, you weren’t ready to face all your feelings, not out loud. Not if by the end of the conversation he chose Amy and not you. You really did felt for him.

“Are you feeling bad?”

You shook no.

“Does something hurt?”

You shook no again.

“Was it a bad dream?”

Shook again.

“Kitten, talk to me. Maybe I can help.”

How could he be so naive?

How could you be so naive? Of course he liked your sister more than you.

You had to tell him, it was the right thing to do. You wanted him to be as happy as possible, and you also wanted the best for Amy, and Harry was the best.

“Maybe we should break up.”

Your voice was barely a whisper, but he heard you, and he felt all his blood falling to his feet.

It was so unexpected. You two were so happy. Or that’s what he thought.

He had never felt that happy ever, he truly loved you, and felt everyday more and more for you, so your words hit him like a pile of bricks, it got hard to breath.

“What?” He said, as tears filled his eyes. He tried to swallow the lump on his throat. “Why?”

“It’s for the best, Harry.” He felt a little angry now. Were you just playing with him? Why would you bring him to your parents house just to break up with him?

When you finally asked him to go with you to meet your parents he was beyond excited. He thought you were moving forward.

“The best? The best for whom?”

“For you, Harry. It’s so obvious.”

“Isn’t it obvious that I love you? That you make me so damn happy? The happiest I’ve ever been? Why on earth do you want us to break up?”

It hurt you so much to see him like this, so vulnerable, eyes red and breathing so fast it must hurt.

“Do you like Amy?”

He looked so confused. Not sure why you were asking such a thing.

“How is that relevant now?”

“You didn’t answer.” You said, ready to give him up to your sister.

“Stop playing, babe. Is this a joke?”

“No, do you like Amy more than me?”

Now he kind of understood.

“You think I like your sister more than you?”

You tried so hard not to cry harder, and Harry was trying so hard not to laugh, a nervous laugh. Praying internally that that was all, and not that you didn’t love him anymore.

“No! Babe, of course I don’t like her more than I like you, I love you, your character, your vibes, how passionate you are, stubborn and hardworking. I could never like or love anyone more than you, even someone who looks just like you.”

“But you would make such a great couple with her. She’s just like you. And it seems like you really like her, bet she likes you too. Maybe you just met the wrong sister. I won’t be mad, I promise.” You said, head down.

“Babe, kitten... I don’t even... are you nuts

?” He said half smiling, taking your chin with his index and thumb, making you look at him, his other hand drying the tears down your cheeks, as his own tears started to dry out.

“I love you. You and only you. I’m sorry if I did anything to make you think otherwise, you mean the world to me. You keep me on my feet, you make me happy, not only how you look, and don’t misunderstand me, you are smoking hot, but it’s you, what’s on the inside that drives me crazy, how much I love you it’s indescribable, you make me better, I love you, ok? I wouldn’t change you, ever. So I won’t let you break us up. We are too good to be apart. Ok?”

Happy tears felt down your cheeks now as you nodded.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, kitten, just say you take me back, cause you scared the he’ll out of me for a second, babe.”

You giggled a little.

“I take you back.”

“I love you” he said truthfully as he pecked your lips.

“And I love you.” You said, big smile on, as you pecked him back.

#harry styles imagines #harry styles #one direction #one direction stories #harry angst #angst #angst with a happy ending #harry blurb #blurb

[raysofcrosby]

LITTLE DO YOU KNOW PT. 2

“𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮-𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘬 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.” ━ 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚'𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞

gif credit (x)

series masterlist

requested: yes | no

warnings: just some swearing nbd

word count: 6,964 [ oh my god i h8 myself lmao ]

authors note: happy halloween!!!! i’m actually hella shook that i managed to get this out so soon, but i was in a writing mood and voila, this came to be. idk what the hell any of the stars are gonna be for halloween, so i just made up a random group costume for a few of them that are mentioned. if you haven’t read part one, you can read it here! anyway, happy halloween, stay safe and enjoy!

"Where is that asshole?" Kennedy asked, adjusting her skirt as she stood in front of her body mirror. "I mean, it's not enough that he ruined our matching costumes by insisting you two match instead. But now he's going to make us late!"

You sigh and sit up from your bed, putting your phone beside you. "Trust me, I know. I was looking forward to rocking our sexy pirate costumes, too."

"We were supposed to look hot and you were going to be my wing-woman tonight." Kennedy dropped her hands by her side and turned to you. "Why does he even want to go? Doesn't he hate them? And is he not aware that they hate him too?"

"Apparently not, because he insisted he come along and that we match," you hopped off of your lofted dorm bed and bent down, opening your mini-fridge and grabbing a beer. "Plus, he hasn't even told me what we're going to be yet."

The annoyance with Cole had only heightened since Saturday's game. He had held your absence from Beta Ball over your head until two days ago when you mentioned Tyler's annual Halloween party was this week. It was on Halloween, the day before they were set to travel to Colorado– a stupid time to have a Halloween party, but the boys are grown and know their limits, so it was up to them not to get extremely trashed to where they'd miss the plane the next day and be hungover on the ice.

Kennedy is ranting on and on about Cole and her dislike from him, going as far to calling him some crude words that you hadn't know existed. You can't blame her though, she's your best friend and is just being protective of you. She's been your roommate since your freshman year at SMU, which also means she's seen your relationship with Cole from the very beginning. If there's anyone more protective of you than your older siblings and the few stars players, it was Kennedy.

"I mean, why don't you just end it already? It's not like you guys have been spot on or even spending time together," She continued, making her fishnets distressed. "He hasn't been blowing up your phone since Saturday, he completely ignored you at dinner the other night at the commons."

"I'm sure–"

"He ignored you, plain and simple. Plus, you two have been off and I think your relationship has officially run its course." She turned back to face the mirror and smiled at her costume. "I think that it's time you get to know some of the Stars on a more personal level other than 'yeah, I'll tape you up.' And maybe big brother can help!"

"Yeah right," you laughed, taking a long sip of your beer and then pointing the bottle at her to share it. "You and I both know Jamie wouldn't let me near their dating pool. He knows how they talk about girls and practically lives with them."

She walked over, taking the beer from you and taking a swig. "Okay, and?"

"And I highly doubt that he'd want to hear any of them talk about me in the locker room. He cringed when I said the word, breasts on Saturday."

"Hmph," she pouted, taking another swig before handing the beer back to you. "Stupid Jamie, cockblocking us from his hot teammates. It's just really rude and inconsiderate of him."

"I mean, you can go for one if you want. Just because we're not both dressed as super sexy twin pirates, doesn't mean I can't be your wing-woman."

She went to reply when a knock came from your door, causing the smile on her face to twist into an annoyed frown. "Satan's here."

You laugh and shake your head, making your way over to the door, opening it to see Cole standing there looking down at his phone and dressed in a tuxedo. "Oh uh wow," he looks up from his phone and nods at you as you stifle a laugh. "You look...sorry, you do know that we're going to a Halloween party...right?"

"Yep," he said, accentuating the 'p' and handing you the bag. "Your costume is in there." He walked past you and sat down on a footstool by your bed.

You closed the door and looked at Kennedy who turned her attention to Cole, giving him the stink eye before making a slicing motion across her neck. Cole was completely unaware, focused on his phone, which made her actions much more hilarious. "Well? Are you going to get ready?"

You bit your tongue, holding back a snarky reply that seemed to be more consistent which him as the week went on and just nodded, turning towards your bathroom and walking inside. "I'll help you!" Kennedy called out, immediately following you into your shared bathroom and closing the door. With no hesitation, she began playing music on her phone and turned it all the way up before placing her phone on the counter. "God, he is such a dick!"

You just nodded in agreement as you opened the bag, pulling out a bright red and fancy bodycon dress with no tags. You held it up and looked at Kennedy with raised eyebrows. "What the fuck is this for? It's the only thing in here."

Kennedy rolled her eyes and opened the bathroom door, peeping out into your room. "Hey, dipshit, what the fuck is this costume supposed to be?" You couldn't hear his reply over the music playing, only Kennedy's annoyed tone. "You know what? Just text me the picture." She closed the door and picked up her phone, unlocking it. "I swear I'm going to kill him."

"Why?" She looked up at you with raised eyebrows and you shook your head. "Besides the obvious reasons."

"This." Kennedy turned the phone towards you and you zoomed in on the image from Cole's message. Your eyebrows furrowed as you tried to get a grasp on just what the hell his costume inspiration was.

"Are you serious?"

"If you want me to kill him, say the word. I plan to get my master's degree in Criminal Justice and I'll learn how to get rid of a body with no evidence."

You looked between the picture and the dress you were holding and sighed, shaking your head. "No, that's okay. But there's no way in hell I'm walking into that party with my makeup like that. I'll just...do it there, I guess."

❒❒❒❒

Tyler's party was crowded by the time your uber dropped us off and pretty much everyone who was invited had arrived before you, thanks to Cole for making you guys late. Saying a few quick hellos to the familiar faces you saw, the first thing you and Kennedy did was take over the downstairs guest bathroom so you could finish off your costume. After Cole explained what it was in the uber, your unsettling feeling never disappeared like you thought it would. Kennedy closed and locked the door behind her as you hopped up onto the bathroom counter. 

"Are you sure you want to do this? We can still turn this into a whole different costume. Maybe add some teasing, a poof and we can say that you're a pale version of Snooki!"

You sigh and nod your head. "I already feel bad for missing Beta Ball, so if this is gonna help him get over his pettiness then I'll do it. I'll just suck it up." You hopped off of the counter and held out your hand. "You got the stuff?"

"Your boyfriend is a grade A idiot and you're too good of a soul to agree to this costume choice." She pulled out a small bottle of Visine and handed it over. "I'm getting drinks and I'll be right outside the door."

You watched her walk out of the bathroom and locked the door behind her before returning to the counter. Staring at your reflection and then the Visine bottle on the counter, part of you couldn't believe that you were actually about to go through with this costume. After you got dressed at the dorm and your uber arrived, you confronted Cole about the costume choice.

Who the hell picks a couple costume based on the Bachelor...where the girlfriend is dressed as a losing contestant?

He brushed off your concern almost immediately and told you his reasoning as if he had practiced it like a script. You weren't just any random Bachelor themed season– you were Colton's season. He was Colton and you were Hannah B, this years' last Bachelorette. God, just hearing his excuse echo in your mind was enough to want to rip your hair out.

"Babe, Hannah B  is the most popular Bachelorette and Colton turned her away! This is just our take on it. It'll be a hit, I swear!"

And when you complained about having to make yourself look like a crying mess by running mascara down your cheeks with Visine?

"Think about the after! Hannah B had a popular season and she's like, the hottest Bachelorette. Next year, we can do something like that!"

The only thing that made his excuses worse and his logic flawed...was the dress. Hannah B was wearing an elegant gown and didn't make her look like a dime and a dollar hooker. Not to mention that she didn't even cry on camera when Colton sent her home. But the guilt of missing out of his party was the one thing that kept bringing you back to an agreement. This party was only for a couple of hours and once you took a few shots to the face, you wouldn't even care about how your make-up looked.

You picked up the Visine bottle and squeezed a few drops into each eye, using a folded piece of toilet paper to help shape the mascara stains that were rolling down your cheeks. You were supposed to look like a disheveled, heartbroken Bachelor contestant, but you'll be damned if you don't look at least a little bit controlled. A knock came from the door just as you finished up. "Hold on, I'll be out in a second!"

You stood back to admire your crying marks and shook your head before tossing the napkin away and stuffing the bottle of Visine into your bra. "I look like a rabid raccoon, Kennedy," you said, making your way towards the door and unlocking it. "Cole is so lucky that I put up with this shit –"

When you opened the door, a tipsy Jamie was leaning in the doorway, his attention down the hall. "Oh shit, sorry," he apologized, turning towards you and immediately taking in your costume, confusion written all over his face. "Wow Y/N, you look like shit."

"Wow, okay thanks Jamie," you said, ducking beneath his arm and out into the hallway. "You see your sister with tear-stained cheeks and that's what you say?" You were being full-on sarcastic with your brother and trying your best to hide back your smile.

He shook his head as if to snap him out of his thoughts and took in your mascara stained cheeks again. "Oh shit, are you okay? What happened? Did someone hurt you? What did Frat douche do?"

Getting the reaction you desired, you smiled and patted his chest. "It's part of the costume big brother, no worries. But it's nice to see where your loyalties lie."

Just as you went to turn around, Kennedy came walking up with two solo cups in her hands, passing you one of them. "Hi Jamie, where are the rest of the Average Joes?"

You turned to your brother, taking a sip of the drink Kennedy had made you– vodka cranberry– and took in your brother's appearance for the first time. He was wearing an Average Joe's uniform from the movie Dodgeball, only his shorts were a little bit too short and a little bit too tight. "Yuck, I never want to see that much leg from you ever again, Chubbs."

"You're just jealous my hammies are better than yours," He smiled, before nodding his head down the hall. "Segs, Rad and Big Rig are in the living room somewhere." He walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

"Let's party hard?" Kennedy smiled, holding her cup up.

"Please and thank you," you sighed, clinking your cup to hers before the two of you took a sip.

The bathroom door opened a few seconds later, Jamie peeking his head out into the hall. "One more thing, have fun and get drunk, but please don't get too drunk because mom would kill me and I don't want her and dad to threaten to fly down here because you decided to get alcohol poisoning." He pointed at Kennedy, giving her the same look. "You too Kennedy. I don't know your mom, but I'm sure she'd kick my ass too." And then he disappeared back into the bathroom.

You and Kennedy shared a look before bursting into laughter. "Come on, let's mingle and find my hot hockey hunk." She smiled, looping her arm through yours and leading you down the hall.

Tyler had moved to a new house sometime this summer, so you haven't been able to check it out yet since your dog sitting duties were not yet needed. It was a nice house, one that many professional athletes would love to spend their money on. You liked his last house, but this one sure was an amazing upgrade. As Kennedy navigated you guys back towards the life of party, you took in the guests around you. The entire Stars roster was present and all in costumes. A few chose to match with their significant others, some went solo on a costume choice and there were a few grouped ones. Also in attendance...a lot of girls, some of them WAGs, whom you knew, but the rest you didn't know. It was hard to keep track of who was here since people were constantly moving between the dance floor, the bar/kitchen, beer pong and the few who decided to wander out to the pool patio. It wasn't a surprise though, Tyler knew a lot of people in the Dallas area. Over the last few years, you and Kennedy made it a habit to try and pick who the two of you thought was Tyler's current hook-up, a fun game where you never really found out the answer. But suddenly, the idea of playing that game tonight didn't seem all too appealing.

A burly figure bumped into you, separating your arm from Kennedy's. "Oh shit, I'm sorry," Big Rig looked down at you and laughed. "Did someone splash their drink on your face? Why is it all runny?"

"Oh no, that's her costume, Jamie," Kennedy laughed, taking a sip of her drink. "Doucheface decided they'd be Colton and Hannah B from the Bachelor."

He checked out your costume, his eyes lingering for a few seconds before doing his damndest to hide his smile and looking towards Kennedy. "Um...okay."

"Alright, alright enough. If you excuse me, I'm going to go find my doucheface." You said, taking a long sip and turning to look towards the dance floor.

"Nope! Klinger and I need two more people to play beer pong, and if I can count as good as I think I can," He took another sip and eyed you and Kennedy. "Then I think we've got our two people."

Kennedy looked at you with a smile and you sighed, looking out into the crowd of people and not seeing Cole anywhere. "Alright, I'm in."

"Yes! You're so going down." He smiled, standing at an end of the table as Kennedy traveled down to go stand beside Klinger.

"Alright pretty boy, let's see what you got."

❒❒❒❒

"WOOHOO!" You cheered, your arms up in a V as you turned to Big Rig with a mega-watt smile. "Winner, us. Losers...you two."

He rolled his eyes and laughed, tugging your arms down. "You guys so cheated! Using your..." He waved his hand at his chest area, "distraction techniques."

"Alls fair in pong and war, baby," Kennedy winked, taking a sip of her drink.

Jamie continues the banter as you look off and see Cole standing towards the front foyer and talking to Radulov, Dickinson, Pavelski, and Heiskanen. You couldn't believe that some of the players were talking to him. You turned back to Big Rig and Kennedy. "Well, this was a blast but I see Cole and I should probably spend some time with my boyfriend."

They both nodded as I started to walk away. "Didn't Hannah B like...lose the Bachelor? Not that I know...I mean, my sister watches it." Jamie said, no doubt talking to Kennedy.

"Yeah, but Cole is a douche canoe who's tiny brain doesn't comprehend that," she giggled in reply, making you smile and making a mental note to yourself to try and get them together.

As you navigated the crowd and walked over to the group, Rads was the first to see you and he smiled. "Y/N!" He broke off and hugged you, not commenting on your make-up.

"Hey boys," you smiled, going around and giving them all hugs before settling beside Cole.

"There's our favorite trainer in training," Pavelski smiled, raising his cup to you.

"We missed you," Dickinson added, looking over at Cole.

You could feel Cole tense after Dickinson said that and your eyes followed his cup as he brought it up to his lips again and again. "Yeah sorry, I was too busy annihilating Big Rig and Klinger in beer pong.

"Can you teach me how to beat them? I've never been able to win and I've already lost out on $200 and had to wear this stupid diaper and baby bonnet." Heiskanen mumbled, motioning towards his adult-sized diaper and big binky hanging around his neck.

You laughed and nodded, taking a sip of your drink. "Sure thing, we'll team up against them later tonight, okay?"

No sooner than you agreed to help Miro, Cole snatched his arm from yours and left the group, disappearing into the crowd. Your eyes went wide and you could feel the heat of embarrassment warm along your cheeks. The first person you made eye contact with, was Miro who soon after was sending death glares at the back of Cole's head. Your eyes moved along the group, seeing the same thing. At first, they'd look at you in concern before turning their attention to the direction Cole left in in anger.

You cleared your throat and kept your head down. "I'll see you guys later." 

Before they could reply, you walked away from their group and over towards the bar in which Cole was just now leaving after refilling his cup. You followed steps behind him as he walked out to the patio and by the time you had reached the outer door, the few people who were already outside were starting to come in. Cole was standing at the end of the pool, furthest away from the door. He took a long sip of his drink before kicking a beach ball off of the deck and into the pool water. 

"What'd that ball ever do to you?" You asked jokingly,  met with anger filled eyes when he turned towards you and then back around.

"Are you into him?" He asked, keeping his back to you as you walked over.

His question practically stops you in your tracks. Your mind, almost immediately, wanders to if he was referring to the chirping he had overheard between you and Tyler during his phone call. "Who is 'him'?"

"Oh, don't play dumb with me. Are you into him?"

"I'm not playing dumb, Cole! I don't know who you're talking about?" You laughed, shaking your head. "I mean, I don't know if you've noticed, but there's about 45 some 'hims' you could be talking about!"

This time, Cole laughed in disbelief and shook his head as he brought his cup to his lips. "Such a slut thing to say, Y/N."

Your eyes widened in shock and you almost took a step back at his words. It only took a few moments before the anger mixed with alcohol started to flow through your veins at the fact that he just called you a slut. "Excuse me? Try not letting your fragile masculinity get in the way of the clarity of your question, Cole." You said his name in spite, something he took notice of since it caused him to face you.

He stomps towards you before coming to an immediate stop in front of you. "Oleksiak. Are you into him?" He sneered, taking advantage of his height difference over you.

You couldn't help but laugh at who he was asking about, but felt relieved that he wasn't talking about Tyler. "Teddy Bear? No, I'm not into him. We're just friends."

"Oh, so if I were to find a girl to play beer pong with and was all over her like you were him, then I'd get a pass?"

You had to shake your head in disbelief at his question. He was truly serious and upset about you playing beer pong with Big Rig. His drunken brain has his emotions at an all-time high over this. "Oh my God, I wasn't all over him! It's called trying to distract and win, Cole. You and your frat brothers pants each other and whip out our dicks, for Godsake."

His sneer was pasted on his face permanently as he took another long sip of his drink. You sighed and crossed your arms. "I think you should stop drinking, Cole. You know what...we should just go."

He completely ignored you, taking another sip of his drink. "You know what? I think I'm in the mood to play some beer pong and make some new friends."

"Okay, now you're just being petty."

"How is that petty? We're just friends!" He mocked, using air quotes before brushing by you to go back into the house. "I think I'm going to go find some girl to play beer pong with, maybe a Cassie. Is there a Cassie here?"

You ran your tongue along the inside of your cheek before huffing at his subtle dig. He only took a few steps and you walked after him, "why are you being such a di–"

When he whipped around to face you, his drink collided with yours, spilling both completely all over the front of your dress. "Damn it, Y/N! You ruined the dress!"

"It's not my fault, you bumped into me!" You argued back, looking down at the stain. "I'll get it dry-cleaned, okay?"

"Well, it's all over me too!" His voice raised as he patted at his tux. His eyes looked at the dress and went wide in fear before darkening again. "It's not even your dress, I borrowed it from Pat's girlfriend so you better get it cleaned." He shook his hands out before turning around and storming back into the house.

"I just said that you asshole," you mumbled, looking up from the dress to see two girls sitting at the far edge of the pool, staring. "Happy Halloween, I hope you enjoyed the show!"

The two girls tore their gaze away from you and scurried back inside to the party. You looked around the pool area to see that you were now the only one outside. You looked back towards the party and then back at your dress before sitting down at the edge of the pool and dipping your legs into the water. You'd rather stay out here by yourself than have to avoid the stares and risk running into Cole again. The humidity had managed to die down, not by a whole lot, but by enough to where sitting outside was more comfortable than dancing around in the big group inside.

"Let me guess. It's your party and you'll cry if you want to?"

You smiled to yourself, keeping your back to the voice. "Last time I checked, it was your party, Seguin." You turned around to look at him and his eyes immediately went wide as he took in your appearance, but being kind, he tried to hide it. "I know, I'm hideous." You added, turning back to the water.

Tyler walked up beside you and squatted down to your level. "Uh no, but...are you okay? Why were you crying? Was it benchwarmer?" He paused, looking at your twiddling thumbs before sighing. "What did he do?"

He started to stand up and you reached back, grabbing his hand and stopping him, "don't!" You can see the genuine concern in his eyes mixed with the kind of anger you've seen Jamie and Jordie get in their eyes whenever they got protective over you. "Don't okay? He's just...he's drunk and when he's drunk he's stupid."

"I mean, I think he's stupid when he's sober too, but okay sure, let's go with that excuse."

You didn't roll your eyes at Tyler for once, because you knew that he was right. Instead, you let go of his hand and bring your hand back into your lap, sighing. "Why are you out here? Why aren't you boozing it up with your teammates and their hookups?"

"Because I saw benchwarmer downing a shot, Kennedy with Big Rig and she said she last saw you with him." He took a sip of his drink, looking down at the cup. "Thank God I didn't have to speak to him before I overheard Hailee and Taylor talking about 'poor girl, her boyfriends a dick.' And I used my big brain and put two and two together," he took another drink. "It was quite simple really."

The two of you sat together, Tyler still squatting down beside you as you guys took in the night sky.  You snuck a look at him and you weren't sure if you imagined it or not, but you thought that you had caught him looking away from you. It must have been a twitch or something because when you fully looked, he was looking up at the stars. You looked at your drink and took a sip, looking out of the corner of your eye to see him quickly looking away from you and down at his drink.

"You know you can sit down, right?"

Tyler furrowed his eyebrows, looking down to realize that he was still squatting and then laughing before shaking his head. "No need, I'm a hockey player. I mean, have you seen my legs? I've got quads and hamstrings made of pure steel." He finished off his drink and smirked. "Buns of steel too. I get quite a few compliments on that during warmups from the ladies."

You smiled, raising an eyebrow before leaning back and taking a good look at his butt. "Eh, I've seen better."

He scoffs, bringing a hand to his chest and standing up. "I'm going to pretend like that didn't just hurt my feelings and go inside and get another drink. Want one?"

You groan and nodded. "At this point, I'll take ten shots to the face."

He just laughed and grabbed your hand, helping you up and walking you to the patio. As soon as you guys got under the light, he stopped you from walking inside. "Jesus Y/N, are you that drunk to where you spilled your drink on yourself?"

"Oh uh, no that was Cole. I went after him, he spun around and...splash. Guess I'll just stay sticky the whole night." You can see how badly he wants to make a smart comment, but he held it back anyway, probably more focused on the fact that Cole spilled his drink on you. "Don't worry about it Tyler, it's fine."

"Nope, come on."

He held onto your hand, leading you through the crowd and his new house, walking down the hall and coming into a bedroom. He dropped your hand once you came to a stop in front of the closet door, opening it and turning on the light. "This is kind of a lost and found from previous parties and uh..." He looks embarrassed as he rubs the back of his neck, though you weren't sure why since his conquests weren't exactly secret. "Guests."

"Oh no, no way! I am not wearing your hook-ups leftovers!"

Tyler sighed, turning off the light and closing the door. "I figured that, but there was no harm in the offering."

The two of you walked out of the guest room and you followed him upstairs, not even caring what people would think if they saw the two of you. "Where are you leading me now, Seguin? Your sex dungeon?" You laughed, only to realize just how embarrassing your question was.

When you reached the top of the stairs, Tyler turned towards you with a smile. "No, no sex dungeon. Though that does sound like it'd be a good investment. I'll have to think about that for an addition."

He opens a door on the left and walks in, turning on the lights before nodding at you to follow him inside. When you do, he waves you over towards the bed. "Sit, stand, do whatever makes you comfortable. I'll be bright back."

You nod as he walks off into one of his two walk-in closets and look towards his bed. You raised your eyebrows that moment your eyes caught glimpse of a pair of pinky bunny ears that were resting on his bedside table. "Do I even want to know why you have a pair of bunny ears, Seguin?" You asked, picking them up.

"Oh yeah, you know what? Candy, the girl I met at One Night Stand, she might have left those here the other night. Real freaky girl, she wore them the entire time."

You jumped, tossing the ears onto his bed and frantically wiped your hands against your dress just as Tyler walked out of the closet, laughing his ass off. "Why are you laughing? I touched those!"

"I'm laughing because I was lying, Y/N." He picked them up and put them back onto your head, smiling. "They were part of my costume last weekend. No bunny business was done wearing those and they didn't touch anyone's body except for mine, okay?"

You nodded as he placed a whole bunch of jerseys onto the bed. "So what exactly are we doing here?"

He smiled like a child and motioned towards the jerseys. "Finding you a new costume since yours is..." he grimaced at it before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, what are you even supposed to be?"

You just groaned and shook your head as he fumbled with taking some of the things off their hangers. "So apparently we're supposed to be Colton Underwood and Hannah Brown..."

He stopped, giving you a blank stare. "Didn't she...lose on that show? Like, isn't he engaged to some other girl?"

"Cassie Randolph, yeah exactly! And when I mentioned that, he went on some rant about how she's the most popular Bachelorette and blah blah blah, and her season ended with her breaking up an engagement because Jed was cheating!"

Tyler just laughed and nodded along, keeping his attention on the clothes in front of him, picking up a pair of black spandex and tossing them to you. He must have seen the panicked look in your eyes because he immediately shook his head. "They're Cassidy's. She left them behind the last time she came to visit. You guys are about the same size and that's the only valid pair of bottoms I have unless you want to go as risky business in my boxers and a button-up?" You felt self-conscious as his eyes traveled up and down your legs before he catches himself in the act and clears his throat. "Which you could pull off...only if you want to."

"Do I have any other options?"

"I don't know if you'll necessarily like it, but uh..." he pulled up a Stars jersey of his and then he eyed the bunny ears on your head.

"A puck bunny?! Are you–"

"Or a cleat chaser!" He quickly added, holding up a specialty Texas Rangers jersey. "If you wear this one!"

"What kind of costume choices are these, Tyler?"

"The kind that a 27-year-old man's closet has to offer! I'm sorry I don't wear club dresses, they're not my style."

You sigh and weighed your options. You could either go with the spandex, a Tyler related jersey and bunny ears, or you could wear a pair of his boxers and a dress shirt. You reached down and grabbed his Stars jersey, walking into his bathroom and peaking back out, taking the bunny ears off of your head and tossing them at him, as he laughed. "I'm not wearing the ears."

You closed the door behind you and unzipped your dress from the side, letting it slide off of your body. When you picked it up from the floor, you noticed just how clean and organized his bathroom was. Yeah, there was no way that Tyler picked out these decorations by himself. He either hired a professional or Jackie helped him pick out some things. You hung your dress over the side of his bathtub, before turning back towards the door. "Do you have any washcloths in here?"

"In the drawers by the sink!"

You looked over at the sink and slumped down, your eyes trailing down all four drawers. "Tyler, there are four drawers."

"Uh, I don't know! Second or third maybe?"

"Please don't let me find anything gross, please." You whispered, closing your eyes and tugging on the second drawer. When you opened your eyes, you looked to see a bunch of bottles. You picked one up and read the label.

Invati scalp revitalizer.

It was hair thickener. "Ha, I knew there was no way that he hasn't started balding yet," you laughed, putting it down and picking it up to see that it was jock powder. You dropped it back down and closed the drawer.

"Are you okay? Do you need help or-"

You opened the third drawer and found a stack of washcloths. "Nope! Nope, I'm good I found one!"

It was disappointing having to pretty much wipe off all of your foundation just to get off the mascara stains from your cheeks. Not only were you now in an unplanned costume but now you had to go around the rest of the party with nothing but the mascara and rest of your eye make-up that you were determined to keep. Sliding on the spandex, which fit perfectly, you pulled Tyler's jersey over your head and let it hang down to mid-thigh level. It didn't look right in your reflection, so you just tucked the front into your spandex and nodded in approval. You walked out of his bathroom and raised your arms halfway before letting them drop. "I look ridiculous."

"I don't know if I should be offended because that's my jersey or if I should agree."

"I mean, what am I even supposed to be Tyler? I'm wearing heels for Godsake!"

He looked down at your feet and nodded, biting the inside of his cheek. "Yeah, you've got a point there and your feet are way too small for any of my shoes."

"Any chance either of your sisters left an extra pair of shoes?" Tyler shook his head and you sighed. "Yeah, I didn't think so." Tyler was now wearing the bunny ears on his head and you knew what would make the costume make sense. You groaned and reached up at his head, grabbing the ears. "If you make any kind of joke, I'm leaving this party and you're never seeing this jersey again."

As you put the ears on your head, Tyler stepped back and took you in, smiling and nodding his head. "Alright, there's your new costume. You're my fan!"

You rolled your eyes and bumped into his shoulder as you walked towards his door. "Well, it's a lot better than being the seventh runner-up from the Bachelor." As the two of you walked into the hall, you stopped and turned around. "I meant to ask you, how did you even know? Do you watch The Bachelor?"

Tyler shut his bedroom door, ignoring your answer. "Ha! You do! You do watch it!"

"My sisters love it and besides, Tom Wilson watches it."

"Huh, I guess I learn something new about you every day. What else don't I know?" You asked as the two of you started walking down the hallway.

"I guess you better stick around and find out, huh?" He smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

A drunken Jamie trudges up the stairs, coming to a halt and holding onto the stair railing before pointing to you. "That's not what you were wearing."

"Cole spilled his drink on her, so I thought I'd help her out," Tyler replied quickly,  not even giving you enough time to start panicking.

Jamie looked at the two of you and walked over, plucking at your jersey and then the bunny ears. You could feel your panicked nerves practically start to swallow your body whole, unsure if your brother was sober enough to understand just what your costume was. When his eyes finally move on from the jersey and focus on the ears, he let out a belly laugh. "Ha! I get it! Well, this costume is a lot better than your last one."

He stumbled a little more, placing a hand on both yours and Tyler's shoulders. "You're lucky Seggy likes you enough to wear that jersey."

"What? Why? It's just a jersey," You look between Tyler and Jamie. "Isn't it?"

"Pffffft!" Jamie said dramatically. "This is the jersey he wore when he reached 500 career points. Y/N! Duh!" He turned to Tyler, "I thought you boxed it, man!"

Tyler was too busy fighting off his redding cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I haven't gotten to it yet."

You looked down at the jersey you were wearing, shocked that Tyler even considered it as an option at all. Part of you didn't want to move, afraid that if you did, you'd somewhere mess it up and upset Tyler. You had to take it off, there's no way you could wear it for the rest of the night.

Jamie patted Tyler's shoulder and smiled at him. "You're such a good brother man," he wrapped him up in a one-armed hug. "To me and Y/N."

His comment makes your stomach sink and not in a good way, and suddenly you find yourself resenting feeling that way and resenting Jamie for making the comment. Tyler too is silent before he coughs and sighs. "Yeah, brother..." His eyes graze over you faintly as Jamie pulls away from his hug.

He pats both of their shoulders again and sighs. "I love you guys...I need to pee."

Jamie walked in between the two of you and off into Tyler's bedroom, closing the door behind him. Both of you stood there in awkward silence, surely both unable to think of what to say. "Well...that was awkward."

You looked at him, crossing your arms. "What? My brother loving my puck bunny costume or the fact that he saw us coming out of your room and made it a point to say you're like a brother to me?"

Tyler was still nervous as he bit the inside of his cheek again and shrugged his shoulder and shook his head, unsure. "I mean, it's my jersey so I think the costume is cool."

"...So it's the comment then?" Looking at him, you took a dramatic gasp for breath and looked at him. "Seguin...do you have a crush on me?"

Tyler, instead of answering you, goes to take a sip, only to realize that his drink was empty. He looked into the empty cup and no sooner than you started to laugh, he turned his gaze to you. "What if I do?"

The last laugh was stuck in your throat as your brain forgot how to instruct your body to breathe. You stared at him, trying to read the expression in his eyes and seeing if you could find any tells that he was lying. Instead, you find absolutely nothing.  You opened your mouth to reply when Tyler's bedroom door opened up and Jamie walked out, looking at the two of you and then looked back down at his phone. "Oh, you're still here, great." He walks up and puts a hand on your shoulder. "Craig had a family thing come up, so Dave told me to tell you that you're coming to Colorado with us tomorrow."

No sooner than he finished his sentence, Jamie walked back down the stairs, leaving you and Tyler with not even a goodbye. Your jaw had dropped slightly at the surprising news. You were only a trainer in training, not even an official or real trainer! You've never even traveled with the team before! And how the fuck were you supposed to pack your bags when you'll no doubt be drunk by the time you reach your dorm. What if you forgot to pack something?

Tyler tugged on your bunny ears, pulling them down in front of your eyes and knocking you out of your thoughts to see he had already started walking down the stairs. "Hey, I’ll save you the seat next to me on the plane."

#tyler seguin #tyler seguin imagine #tyler seguin oneshot #dallas stars writing #dallas stars imagine #dallas stars oneshot #nhl writing #nhl imagine #nhl oneshot #hockey imagines #hockey oneshot #hockey writing #ldyk fic #my writing

[damnthoseyes]

Best Friends with CNCO

Full disclosure: I haven’t written anything in a VERY long time so I’m rusty as hell. Bear with me. Also, I learnt something while brainstorming for this: Erick is fucking difficult! It was really hard for me to come up with ideas for him for some reason.. And another thing: this is pretty long. Parts were pretty inspired and kind of got away from me. Anyway, here goes nothing

Caution: contains swearing. A lot of it.

Disclaimer: GIFs are definitely not mine

Christopher 

 Random giggle fits all the fucking time

Tickle wars

Going to restaurants and ordering way too much food, sharing everything then arguing over what was the best and worst

Food comas all the time

Constantly trying to get you to come out to clubs with him and Richard

Getting distracted by cakes in shop windows and salivating until you give in and buy everything

Pop punk sessions

Headbanging until you both have headaches

Him filming everything all the time until you want to throw his phone into the river

Always beating you at pool

Making faces at each other from across the room when you’re talking to other people

Literally acting like children all the time because you’re both grown ups

Unable to take anything seriously for more than 5 minutes

“STOP BITING ME!!”

Burying his head in your shoulder whenever he wants to laugh at inappropriate times

Having to drag him outside sometimes so he can experience some natural heat and be reintroduced to the sun

Half begging you to get food all the time and constantly complaining about being hungry until you stop whatever you’re doing just to shut him up

Constantly calling you a princess - sometimes affectionately and sometimes insultingly

Randomly singing all the time

Playing with his hair

Def-con one whenever he’s even remotely upset

“DALE”

Going “ay papa” at the same time in the same tone whenever you know he’s going to say it

Having to deal with his hypo ass

“How the fuck are you so perky?”

*coming over*

Chris: GOOD MORNING!!!

You: what’s so good about it? It’s 6am, why are you alive?

Richard

So many dirty jokes

Trading books

Him constantly trying to tell you how to dress and you flat out refusing to take his advice

Hard core car D&Ms

Random dance parties that go on for way too long

Slapping each other with random objects

Constantly trying to find activities for you guys to do 

Having to stop him from buying entire stores

Threatening to leave him behind because he’s taking too long

Always trying to scare you then getting into a mini punch on when he really gets you

Always trying to lift you off the ground and cut off your breathing

“CAN YOU PUT A SHIRT ON FOR THE LOVE OF GOD?!”

Yelling at each other from across the room because you actually can’t be fucked getting up

Always swearing

Super protective all the time especially around men

Hunting for coffee at all hours

So many play fights

King and Queen of Pessimism

Calling him out for being short

“SO ARE YOU!! Leave me alone.”

Constantly shoving his phone in your face to show you pictures and videos of Aaliyah 

Using her as a decoy whenever he says something to piss you off

Calling you whenever she’s playing with another boy and consulting with you on whether or not he should break it up 

Having to remind him that she’s a baby and that if he’s like this now, imagine what’s going to happen when she’s a teenager

Him wanting to kill you for putting that thought into his head

“You think you’ve got problems, try having a kid.”

Never having a come back for this 

Late night drinks after long days

*Seeing something unsettling*

Richard: *does that scream thing*

You: would you shUT THE FUCK UP?”

“Can you let go of my fucking ears?”

Yelling VAMANOS and clapping aggressively whenever he comes to pick you up and you’re not ready yet

Suffering from his death grip on your shoulder whenever he sees a gorgeous girl on the street

Zoning out whenever he’s talking about a girl

Richard: are you listening to me? I think I just found the love of my life!

He finds the “love of his life” at least twice a week 

Nuzzling into his arm and trying to get his face whenever he has his head on a table because he’s tired or doesn’t want to deal with the world, just to quietly try to make him laugh

Zabdiel

Random cuddles all the time

Zabdiel: Are you okay?

You: Yeah, why?

Zabdiel: It’s ok, just cuddle

You: Get the hell away from me

Constantly having to pull him out of bed when he sleeps through your meeting time

You: ZabdIEL GET UP

Zabdiel: *grumbles*

You: I’m starving, GET THE HELL UP

Zabdiel: *grumbles*

You: Zabdiel, the world is coming to an end! You’re our only hope!

Zabdiel: *waves you away mumbling an mmhmm*

Falling asleep on you all the time

Naps for days

*Daily life*

Zabdiel: you really need to relax

You: you really need to shut the fuck up

Him trying to get you into yoga

In depth discussions on your travel plans

Always underestimating his size

Feeling very small whenever he stands very close to you 

“Fucking tree”

Making him reach for stuff

Actual bear hugs

Stealing his clothes even though he’s supremely broad

Death stares all the time

Watching documentaries on the most random topic because he just wants to learn

“How do you say this?”

Having to pronounce everything at least 3 times

Scaring you out of your daze whenever he makes any kind of noise while you’re trying to concentrate since he’s usually so quiet

Resting his forearm on your shoulder to alert you to his presence because the world is tiny to him 

Joel

Always going to musicals whenever good ones are in the city

Stealing his hats

Constantly trying to maintain conversations in various accents

Steering him away from pet stores and puppies on the street

Joel: PUPPY!!

You: No! Joel, no!! You can’t just take someone’s dog!

Joel: BUT I LOVE HIM

Netflix binge sessions

Stealing his clothes

“Step away from the mirror”

Constantly stealing food off your plate

You: GET YOUR OWN

Joel: ONE MORE

All the chocolate

Having to pull him out of shops because you’ve spent way too long looking at the same things

Making up games to kill time and getting way too competitive

Refusing to play board games with him because he cheats like crazy

Quoting dialogue from movies and making it sound like an unscripted conversation you’re actually having

Constantly trying to find new things to try and seriously criticizing them

*Daily life*

Joel: You look really pretty today

You: *suspicious* what do you want?

Joel: What, I can’t tell you you look pretty?

You: *raises eyebrows*

Joel: *sighs* are you busy tomorrow, I need a favour

*Waiting for him to get ready*

You: Your hair looks fine! Let’s go!

Joel: JUST FINE?!

You: Your hair is the most perfect thing in the universe LET’S GO

Erick

Constantly running jokes by you, never actually taking your opinion but asking for it anyway

Always sticking your tongues out at each other

Binge watching TV shows and getting way too invested

“Come on, mama’s boy!”

Cuddles all the time especially when he’s embarrassed

Having to defend him against the other guys when they start picking on him

Erick Colon Defence Squad

Nudging him back to reality when he goes off in his own little world

Always going to each other for advice

Saving each other from awkward conversations

“First one to laugh loses” competitions

Screaming matches whenever you play games because you both think the other cheats

Basically his personal photographer

Hugging you a little too tightly whenever he makes a joke at your expense

Stealing his beanies and actually trying to get away with wearing them in front of him without him trying to get it back

Him stealing your earrings all the time

Him falling asleep on your legs

Making funny faces at him whenever he gets too serious

*Every time you’re going out*

Erick: How’s the hair?

You: ...get the fuck out of the house

Mocking him when he tries to hit on girls

Letting him rant for a while just to see where he’s going to go with a particular topic

Making up random stories about what people are talking about on the street when you’re bored

Coming up with pranks and arguing over whose ideas are better

#cnco #cnco imagine #cnco fanfic #cnco preference #christopher velez #richard camacho #zabdiel de jesus #joel pimentel #erick brian colon #writings

[beevynn]

Who is ready for my take on this weeks Killing Stalking chapter! I’m not very good at analysis, but here we go!

This chapter probably smacked everyone in the face with it’s cuteness, but I don’t want to talk about that. I want to focus on the shading of this chapter. I have seen people say that they are unsettled by the amount of the red shading, because we alllll know what red means in KS. That’s why I think the shading in this chapter means something completely different, because it isn’t red, its pink.

Let me take a few steps back.

These pictures are of moments when a character is in distress. As you can tell, they are heavily shaded in red. Very different from the shading you saw in today's chapter, which was an almost pink/purple tone. I think while red signifies fear/distress, pink signifies love/infatuation. 

You’ve heard the saying “looking through rose colored glasses”, right? A pretty good definition is when someone is seeing something in a positive way, often thinking of it as better than it actually is. I think we can all agree that this very much defines the relationship between Bum and Sangwoo.

Here are some examples (I’m taking it all the way back):

Bum’s picture shows Sangwoo’s perspective. I’m pretty sure this is where Sangwoo decides to keep Bum alive instead of killing him. Notice the color of the shading.

And this one. There is no denying that Jieun had some pretty strong feelings for Sangwoo.

And we can’t forget this one:

There are plenty of other examples, like when Sangwoo was feelin’ up on that Bum-Booty. What I’m getting to is that this chapter is all about Sangwoo’s feelings for Bum. He loves, him in his own Woo way.

A lot of the shots of Bum were done in Sangwoo’s perspective.

Plus this big as scene.

*Mini rant: I will fight to the death with someone who doesn’t believe that this scene was Sangwoo trying to let go of Bum because he love’s him and knows he’ll only hurt him. Because *sob* he doesn’t want to be like his Father. *

Ok. Do you see what I’m seeing? I’m not crazy, right? This chapter, unlike all the rest, was entirely about the struggles Sangwoo has. His emotional turmoil in regards to his own crazy feelings for Bum. I feel that's what Koogi wanted this chapter to represent. And now that she has pretty much cemented the fact that these two love each other into place, everything will only hurt more from here on out.

Those are my thoughts guys. Sorry if it doesn’t make much sense. My thought process is pretty bouncy.

#also sorry about any spelling or grammar mistakes #im pretty shit at that #killing stalking #ks #my analysis

[eatpraydig]

it has been... A Day

- arranged to meet with a student at 8am and he showed up half an hour late - tried to bribe my students to do their work with candy but they only very tentatively took said candy at the end of class when they were leaving - attended our museum’s annual halloween party and ate delicious pizza and somehow ended up with like four mini bags of skittles??? plus a ton of other candy??? (which, might i add, we traded amongst ourselves like little kids on the playground) - skipped my semiotics class and ALMOST went straight home to decompress after a Very Long Day, but instead decided to attend a workshop organized by our diversity, equity, and inclusion committee in classics. this workshop was on re-imagining the curriculum in ways that break down barriers and engage groups that are “not typically exposed to Classics” - i am really happy that i got to attend because it was enlightening in several ways.

first, it showed me that there are a lot of potential ways of “re-imagining the curriculum” in order to make it more inclusive and accessible. there was also some talk about how to deal with uncomfortable subjects in both classics and archaeology - i thought that it was particularly illuminating when someone made the point that students more often take issue with unsettling texts rather than images, perhaps because, given the nature of modern media (television, film, internet, etc) many of us have been desensitized to various depictions of violence. in a way, i envisioned this as a distinction between perspectives - looking at an image, it is easy to envision yourself as an outsider, looking in, perhaps with little background knowledge or none at all; however, when reading a text, you have a more personal, psychological connection which affects us in a much different way. an image is static - you can look at it for a second or for several minutes and it will still have the same effect. however, the more you read a long, drawn out literary depiction of violence, the more it may get under your skin, the more your imagination runs away with you, and the worse the “image” may become based on your own experience and your own personal biases toward the subject.

something else that this workshop showed me is how, even if people think they have the “best intentions,” it can often come across as more harmful than good. in particular, one prof (whose course we used as a starting point for the discussion) emphasized several times the importance of presenting a course on “great books” in a comparative framework, setting classical texts against works from other cultures. she tried to support her point in using particularly works from asian cultures because she assumed based on the last names of several of the students in her large lecture course that they would be receptive to and/or have some knowledge of those works. one of my colleagues (who is of asian descent herself) spoke up against this, stating (rightly so) that one should be careful of making such assumptions for obvious reasons - some of those students who the prof assumed to have a firm background in those cultures may have actually grown up in america and have no meaningful connection to them today. another of my colleagues further pointed out that the opposite is also true - we shouldn’t assume that just because someone is “american” doesn’t mean that they have a better knowledge of the “classics” than someone from another culture. this makes me think now about the sketchy reasoning that might underlie other works included on her syllabus - did she include a work by toni morrison not just because she’s a black, female author but also because black students might have some familiarity with her work? or that they might all, unilaterally, identify with the contents of her work?

i think that there is certainly something to be said about doing comparative work like this, but i think that we have to be careful about our choices and our reasonings behind them - certainly this goes without saying, but after what i witnessed today, it seems as though there are still people out there who have failed to get the message. in a way, this seems like a pre-meditated ploy to draw in minority students to the classics - in much the same way offering a class about “ancient slavery” does. it seems to happen a lot that entire cultures, races, and ethnicities are considered as a single, unified entity, rather than allowing for potential variation in experience. rather than saying “oh i noticed many of my students are from X place, so i chose Y books,” i think that making firm statements about the books as books (or articles, or other works) and why you’ve chosen them in the context of the course is a much better and less dubious course of action.

i feel like i always bring this up once in a blue moon (usually on my long-forgotten blog), but it seems necessary whenever such unwieldy ideas rear their ugly heads at these sorts of events (which unfortunately happens a lot).

anyway. this has been a summary/rant.

#just ranting #ignore me #nadhira tag

[impalaofgrace-blog]

Why do you hate Jack so much?? Like what has he ever done but make s13 interesting unlike the past couple season 😗☕️

Sigh… Do I really want to go into this… or do I just reply with “I don’t like Jack because I watched season 12 (and 4. and 5)” and give 0 fucks… Alright, I’m going to answer this as politely and constructively as I can and I’m only going to talk about this once, so read carefully. Some unpopular opinions under the cut, don’t go there if you don’t like rants or don’t want to get your Jack-loving feelings hurt.

It’s not that I don’t like the dude because he’s a “bad guy” or a “villain” or whatever - surprisingly, because everyone thinks this is the main reason. I’ll let you know I actually love villains. I don’t like Jack in general, I don’t like his lack of personality, I don’t like the way the writers built him as a character - he literally gets on my nerves just by saying “Castiel-style” lines, I cringe every time. He acts and talks like very discount Castiel (I said “very” because there’s so much more to Castiel’s character than, you know, a cute, adorably clueless nerd that takes most things literally), he looks like a cheap 90s Leo DiCaprio rip-off lol, there’s literally nothing about him that’s original or new/fresh. To me he’s just a poor imitation. It’s like the writers were like “Cas isn’t going to be in the first few episodes of season 13 so hey, how about we replace him with a mini-Cas, but like a demo version, minus the badassness and plus the crybabyness (crybabyness is a word, leave me alone)? This way, we won’t have to waste time creating an entirely new, unique character that could actually be interesting and also, everyone in this fandom loves helpless manbabies so they’re gonna love it!” …And forget everything that happened in s12.

Now let’s get into the second reason, regarding season 12 itself - the inconsistency. Jack clearly brainwashed both his mother and Castiel. I already talked about it but I’m going to repeat for the sake of this post. The manipulation was so clear and obvious, I can’t comprehend how no one is questioning this anymore. The change in Cas and Kelly’s behavior was so sudden, they both unexpectedly started to act like they’d lost their minds! Did you see the look on Castiel’s face when he said he “saw paradise”? The fuck was that? Because it sure as hell wasn’t a genuine Cas’ smile, last time he smiled like that was when he thought he was God. Also, Dean himself said he “didn’t recognize the guy staring back at him” and if anyone in the show knows Cas better than anyone else, it’s Dean - and I’m not saying this as a shipper, it’s a fact that Dean and Castiel’s relationship is something special, different and “profound” so if Dean says something’s off - something’s clearly off. Not to mention the change in Castiel’s behavior is extremely out of character, since he’s literally rebelled against the idea of paradise on Earth. He’s fallen because he didn’t want paradise. Seriously, does no one remember season 4 anymore? It wasn’t paradise that Castiel fought for, it was freedom. Then, the reason Castiel wanted to get out of The Empty was Sam and Dean, he didn’t even think about Jack, not until Sam mentioned him, even though last season he got away from the bros because Lucifer’s kid needed him. Now he suddenly feels responsible for him again. It’s so… confusing??? Consistency who?

One of the grossest things about Jack is the fact that he brought Kelly back to life when she tried to kill herself because he needed her alive to be born. However, he didn’t try to bring her back when he  was being born. He only kept her alive because she was useful and then just let her die. He treated her like “a container”, as Lucifer himself said. I can’t even stress how disgusting this is. I feel fucking sick whenever he talks about his mother, making this sad poop face. The mother he brainwashed, used and left to fucking die. “He didn’t know how to do it” - oh? So his ability to control his powers suddenly regressed or what? Speaking of - in the last episode we find out that apparently Jack hardly remembers anything  from when he was in the womb - and yet, when he was still in the womb, somehow he was developed enough to: manipulate Cas and Kelly, convince Cas to protect him by showing him a vision of paradise, bring Kelly back to life, understand that Dagon was evil and know what to do in order to kill her. He knew and understood all of these things, but now somehow he barely knows how to move a fucking pencil? AND turns out he actually can fly but kept it a secret? That’s sketchy as hell, isn’t that even remotely alarming to you? There’s something incredibly unsettling and deceitful about Jack and it creeps me the fuck out.

I hate the way the fandom keeps infantilizing him, too. Jesus Christ, I’m so fed up with people calling him a “precious cinnamon roll too pure for this world uwuwuwuwu" etc. ughhhh… Where do I sign a petition for people to never use this expression to describe a character ever again… Notice how the reason people love Jack so much isn’t that he’s a complex, unique character. They love him because… sometimes… he talks like Cas… Tell me one trait that Jack has that isn’t copied from Cas and isn’t “complaining about being a monster all the fucking time”. Listen, I didn’t even have a strong opinion on Jack at first. I started watching season 13 with a “meh”/neutral attitude. Wasn’t excited about him, didn’t really hate him either. But now I see that they’re really going with this gross Daddy!Cas thing and I’m just not gonna buy this bullshit. I can’t stand seeing my favourite character on the show being destroyed like that.

I hate the way the fandom gave Dean shit for distrusting Jack. I’ve never seen more Dean hate in my life and it’s all because of some whiny dude who’s only been in the show for a few episodes. Gross. Dean had every right to hate the dude. The third paragraph explaines why.

“Jack’s just a kid” - no, the point is, he’s fucking not. He said himself that he literally “couldn’t be a baby or a child”. Jack is a fully grown person with a fully-developed brain and is fully capable of analizing and comprehending his actions so justifying the things he’s done with “he’s just a kid” is just… dumb.  I hate how everyone justifies the fact that he killed an innocent person just because he’s not capable of controlling his powers yet, like… If you’re not sure you can control your powers, don’t fucking use them? It’s as simple as that. [more on this subject: here] His brain is nothing like a kid’s brain, so don’t try to sell me this “he’s just a month old” bullshit.

Did he “make s13 interesting unlike the past couple season”…? Um, I think the fuck not? He didn’t bring anything new to the show and I’ve already explained why I think so. I mean, it’s kind of a relative thing to say, don’t you think? He probably did for the people who like him. For me - meh, I didn’t give a shit when I first saw 13x01, maybe was a little bit intrigued even, because I thought he’d give off a more dangerous/villainous vibe. But then all he really did was whine about how supposedly bad he is???  Personally, I find his constant pity parties tiring and boring as fuck, but to each their own I guess.

On a side note, though, I don’t even think season 12 was bad. Not my favourite, but definitely not the worst. I know a lot of people didn’t enjoy it, but I’d say it’s actually in my top 6. I mean, I’m not a fan of the MoL plotline but overall, it had some good episodes. Will season 13 be better? We’ll see. If it will, it won’t be because of Jack - at least to me. I hope you’re satisfied with this response, I know it’s a bit messy but I did my best. Have a nice day.

so anyway, fuck Jack’s hypocritical overrated ass lmao

#jack kline #salt #answered #i love it when people unfollow me because i'm right

[ratemysheppard]

26) Medium

26) Title -  Medium 

- 3x4 Blood Relation 

- 2x12 Doctor's Orders

- 1x15 Penny for Your Thoughts

Year- 2005-2006

Character- Dr Charles Walker / Jack Walker

Synopsis- Alison DuBois is a psychic who works with the police to stop crimes. She starts dreaming of a man named Dr Charles Walker who it turns out was lynched in 1902 for raping and murdering 14 young girls. When a rash of similar murders start occurring, Alison traces the pattern back through the decades and comes face to face with a ghostly killer who is possessing men in order to continue his evil from beyond the grave.

Here’s a little interview with Mark Sheppard about filming Medium.

Medium- (lol) TV series, DailyMotion, good quality but a lot of ads. 1x15 here, 2x12 here, 3x4 here.

Entirety or episode?- Just these episodes, but it’s a neat mini character arc.

Overall verdict- Medium is exccellent. It’s imaginative, topical and well observed. The writing is very good and the acting is all top-notch. It is, however (at least this arc) dark AF in a way that actually surprised me, given that the tone otherwise is pretty light. It feels, particularly the first two episodes in this arc, like a family procedural drama which has sudden bursts of gore and, more disturbingly, pretty graphic paedo-fantasy which I found very unsettling. People might want to exercise caution if they are sensitive to topics of abuse and assault. The third episode of this arc, however, really impressed me. The writing is excellent, the storyline and twists are surprising and I found myself enthusiastically relaying the plot to my partner after I’d watched it. I loved the notion of it taking Charles years to insinuate himself into a suitably suggestible target’s mind. The notions that he had to ‘adapt or die’ when women started going to female doctors, and that potential host women tended to listen to his suggestions less than men were really interesting and sinister. Then they bring on the backstory and the constant twists in the third episode. Colour me impressed. The kids are really good actors in this, too. I very much enjoyed it, subject discomfort aside. The only criticism I’d make is that the ending seemed a tiny bit anticlimactic after how brilliant ep 3 was, but I like how they leave it open – we never know if Charles is really gone or not.

Screen time- Hardly anything in 1x15 but you need to watch for context. Main character in 2x12 and 3x4.

Accent- English and American

Mark’s character- This is probably the most impressed I’ve been at Mark’s acting since Crowley. He’s good in the second episode, but he is incredible in the third, where he plays not only evil spook Charles Walker, but his suffering descendent Jack Walker too. Charles is a completely repellent, evil monster, until he isn’t, entirely… the backstory, oh man. It absolutely doesn’t change how repulsive this character is, but it certainly makes things even more uncomfortable and grey. There’s a lot to think about with this character. Jack is almost even more fascinating, and the storyline that he’s spent his whole life as a functioning alcoholic in order to keep ‘the voices’ at bay is utterly heartbreaking and it’s really difficult to not think of Mr S’s personal experiences with addiction that he’s spoken about so eloquently on numerous occasions. The plot twist with Charles purposefully ensuring Jack will be in custody for 72 hours just so he’ll be cut off from alcohol so Charles can get in is just brutal (and ingenious). That’s one of things that really struck me about Charles – he’s clever. I noted down ‘why would he phone and warn Alison that Ariel’s at the party?’ but then it turns out he’s playing her again and… yeah. TBH my notes for this show are all just caps ranting of stuff like ‘GROSS’ ‘SHUDDER’ ‘UNSAVOURY’ ‘FUCK THIS IS CRUEL’ ‘OH GOD POOR JACK’. I’m reading my notes now and laughing a bit. Verbatim: “Oh my God Charles is talking to the girl!!! Twist! He planned it all along! Holy shit he’s gonna make her kill HERSELF!” I basically identified way too much with Jack and got the full force of protective outrage over him. Anyway, suffice to say I have more feelings about Charles and Jack than I can really write up here, but Mr S is stellar in this. These two identical characters are believably different people. It’s almost unsettling how he can go from dead-eyed stare to creepy, lust-drunk murder-face, to such convincing anguish that you just want to hug him. It’s weirdly distressing to see Jack (and actually, Charles) so convincingly upset and this dual performance is hypnotic. It really proves what Mark S can do when he’s given good material (FILM MAKERS, GIVE HIM MORE GOOD MATERIAL!!!) I will also add a side note to this that Charles’s costumes are all really awesome.

Highlight- “Maths is about STUPID.” – In this moment, Ariel is me. “Think about icecream, or cake… chocolate works good… Mommy, I’m hungry.” – In this moment, Bridget is me. “I have nothing but time” Shudder, shudder… did not expect him possessing Alicia. All the super repellent objectification and “Put it in her!” are hideous but effective and well-played. “Stop crying! Nothing happened!” – I guilty-laughed at that, but it effectively sums up Charles’s thought process and how psychopathic he is. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so loved” – and there we have it :\ Charles being dragged away to his lynching screaming “I. WILL. NOT. GO.” Creepy because he’s a baddie etc but heck, I admire his determination. The sheer twists in episode 3. Jack’s emotional wrangling with whether to confess, as he’s being pushed to do, to a crime he can’t remember committing.

Rewatch?- It’s seriously good, but it seriously skeeved me out – I’d rewatch ep 3 but probably not the first two.

(Apologies for twelvety billion screencaps)

Possibly the worst facial composite sketch I’ve ever seen.

Bowl of fingers, there.

There it is.

Stop crying! Nothing happened!

;__;

Sorry I had to.

This outfit works.

Bless you Jack. Come here and let me hug you.

Puppy Eyes Level: Extreme.

#Mark Sheppard #Mark Sheppard 2005 #Mark Sheppard 2006 #Dr Charles Walker #Charles Walker #Jack Walker #Medium #reviews #spoilers #honest review #RateMySheppard

[imagine-loki]

The Powers That Be

TITLE: The Powers That Be

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter Twenty One AUTHOR: wolfpawn ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Loki discovering a hidden mutant when he realises they are at risk of being found by S.H.I.E.L.D. who experiments on mutants, he is the one to help them.

RATING: Teen and Up

You need to focus.” Diarmaid stated in a bored tone as he watched Alexia.

“What do you thing I am doing here exactly?” She snarled through gritted teeth, staring at the mound of earth in front of her.

“Then focus harder. You are not focusing enough, the edges are sloppy.” He commented.

She ceased concentrating and the earth landed on the ground in front of her in large piles. “Are you able to do this?” She demanded, pointing to the earth.

“Of course not, I am not an element wielder.” He answered factually.

“So you only wield, what is it Loki calls it, seidr?” The elf nodded. “And were you by chance, born proficient in it?”

“Excuse me?”

“At seidr, were you born with perfect control of it and with the ability to perform any spell you wished without fault? The day you first used it, did it do so flawlessly?” She barked.

“I fail to see what that has to do with your training.”

“So that is a no then. I have only known what I can really do with ten days and you are expecting me to essentially rival Loki’s magic and Thor's Mjölnir wielding when they have been doing those things with over half a millennia.”

“Your horrifically short life span conspires against us and requires that I compile everything you need to be taught into a few mere months, that is, by no means, an easy feat for me,” Diarmaid argued.

“Poor you, that must be so hard. How the hell do you think I feel?” Alexia countered angrily. “My head feels like it is going to explode, my muscles are in agony, and I was so occupied with this last night, I accidentally caused a faucet in my rooms to explode.” She ranted.

The elf said nothing in response while she got her breathing back under control. “The Allfather told me of what you were able to do on Midgard.” His voice remained calm.

“What about it?”

“You are capable of power beyond measure; it is why you need to strive so greatly now.” He explained. “Tell me, what was your motivation then?”

“My life was under threat, I…they had guns, if I did not do all of what I did, they all would have died, for me.”

“Your focus was on protecting the Midgardian’s that you were with you?” Alexia nodded. “Surely then you would want to be able to protect them and those like them at all times, this training is to allow for that.”

“That was life and death, and I really don’t think I could do that again anytime soon.”

“And pray tell, what is it you thought I was pushing you to do just now?”

“You want those sort of results immediately. Yes, I want to be able to do that again if it is needed, and I want to be able to do so without being completely weak and exhausted, but you trying to ‘coax’ it along by annoying me is not helping. I know it will take training to get it, but the pressure is counterproductive, trust me. I do not work best under those conditions.”

“Duly noted.” The Light Elf took a step back. “So, please, can I ask for you to show what you can achieve when there is no one breathing down your neck?”

Frowning slightly, she looked around at the earth around her. Sensing someone else watching she turned to see Loki standing on a viewing platform not too far away, looking down at her. Her lip curled up slightly in contempt, still annoyed at his storming off the day before when he had prevented her from doing so. “Fine.” She growled, turning back to the task at hand and taking a deep breath. The earth began to shift slowly as it began to shape into something. Concentrating, she focused on different details she could recall in her mind. “There.” She declared proudly, pleased with the end product of her hard work.

Diarmaid walked around the structure she had designed from the earth, studying in closely. “What in all the realms is it?”

“It’s from my realm, an ancient arena, used for battle re-enactments and games, commonly known as the Colosseum, but actually called Amphitheatrum Flavium.” She recited, she always loved old structures.

“It seems to be in a state of disrepair.” He noted, studying the inside of it.

Laughing slightly. “Yeah, well, try and find more than a handful of things on my realm that are as old as it and not in such a state.” She scoffed before altering it again to look similar to Stonehenge to display how she was able to hold the earth up with little effort. “Is that enough for you?” Diarmaid gave a small smile and a nod. She then got the earth to lie on the ground once more as though it was never moved.

“Nigh on Perfect.” He acknowledged, looking around.

“It looks like it needs to be watered though.” Alexia looked around, she noticed the large water feature at the side of the grounds, and looking back to the arena around her, she raised her hand, only for the water to rise also, and brought it to the arena, with a flick of her wrist, it fell to the ground like a mini downpour.

Diarmaid stood facing her completely bemused and dripping wet while she remained perfectly dry. “While I have to commend your abilities, your execution is somewhat off.”

Alexia smirked back. “I’d have to disagree.” She turned slightly to look where Loki had been standing watching them previously and giggled to herself for a moment before hiding it under the pretence of a cough.

Above them, glaring down, Loki was as drenched wet as Diarmaid, with Alexia having also sent water to soak him too.

The elf frowned as he realised there was something else to the incident, but knowing Loki’s own past mischievous behaviour and seeing the release of tension in the young Midgardian as she seemed to grow into herself with new confidence, he felt as he did not even wish to know. “We are going to get you to try harness wind next.” He informed her. She turned to face him again and nodded. “You have used this element before?” Again she nodded, but her expression was slightly pained. “Dare I ask why referencing the element of wind has caused such a reaction?”

Alexia grimaced. “The last time I had to use it…” The Light Elf looked at her expectantly, urging her to continue. Taking a deep breath, she did so. “Well, it was in self-defence and people…”

“People died?” She nodded. “Ah, I see.” She winced. “Was it necessary?”

“I think so, yes.”

“Well then, you need not concern yourself with, it is not as though you could do anything about it regardless. There is one fact you must accept in your life Midgardian, the past cannot be changed, we can only continue on and learn from it.”

“I am not the only one you should say that to,” Alexia commented looking to where Loki was standing before to see it was now empty.

“I have stated such to Prince Loki also, but he seems even more obstinate of late.”

“I think he feels remorse for his actions,” Alexia stated, looking at the deserted balcony.

“And why so?”

“He cannot be capable of the kindness he has shown me if he is the monster my people see him as. To be capable of kindness you have to be capable of remorse.”

“So you think his helping of you is to atone for his actions before?”

“I do not know.” She answered honestly. “I really don’t, all I know is I am grateful for all he has done for me, and as much of a hypocritical idiot as he can be, he is the closest thing to an ally I have.”

“That scares you slightly.” The Light Elf realised. “Why?”

“Because three years ago Loki came to my world and slaughtered my kinsmen, and yet when I needed someone, when I was at my most fragile, it was him that was the only one who could help me, and that has caused my fellow Midgardian’s to fear me slightly, because they fought him, and now I cannot say I am against him.”

“You are loyal to him?”

“I would not want anything to happen him and I dislike when they speak ill of him of late, I understand being angry at him for his past transgressions, but he has done nothing to earn the way they speak of him these days.” She clarified.

“I see,” Diarmaid replied thoughtfully. “And that is a bad thing to them?”

Alexia scoffed. “That’s an understatement.”

“So you are no longer seen as a regular Midgardian and you are befriending one of the realms greatest enemies, which is a lonely place to be.”

“I am not his friend,” Alexia commented coldly. “Thank you for your time, and I am sure you are able to get yourself dry, it was only a small joke.”

“I gathered.” The elf smiled. “I will see you this evening.” Alexia frowned. “You are expected to meet with myself and the Allfather this evening, he wishes to discuss some matter with you.”

“No one told me.”

“I am sure there will be a note left in your quarters.”

“Sure.” Alexia became unsettled at that knowledge. “Again thank you.”

“You fear things you should not, little Midgardian.” The Light Elf smiled knowingly. “Until then.”

With a nod, Alexia left.

xXx

“Was that necessary?” A voice growled behind her.

Alexia was walking through the many halls that permitted her to return to her rooms. Looking around, she saw a once more dry, but also highly bemused Loki looking at her. She had been looking forward to mocking him for the event, but with the idea that she had to speak with Odin in the evening terrified her. She gave a small grunt of recognition and continued on.

Loki frowned. He was irked at her for soaking him, annoyed at her for her impertinence for her actions, but the apprehensive look on her face caused him concern. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” Her voice was small, she looked to the ground.

Using his far longer legs to get ahead of her, he stood in her way and stopped, forcing her to cease moving also. “What is it?”

“What do you care?”

“Because when you get anxious, I end up suffering.” He pointed out.

“Oh yes, I forgot, the world revolves solely around you. How silly of me to have a momentary lapse of memory.” She snapped, trying to push past him. “Let me by.”

“You need to cease running from things.”

“I’m sorry, am I broaching in on your territory?” She retorted.

“I never run.”

“No, you’re right; it seemed more of a strut than a run.” Alexia corrected.

“When?”

“Yesterday, when you made some stupid comment that I put too much faith in you.”

“You do.”

“I have learnt of late to trust no one, to put my faith in no one, you are no exception in that I am sorry to tell you.”

Loki cocked a brow. “Now I really am curious.”

“Leave me be.” She walked around him; when he made to grasp her arm, she turned and held her hands up as she was becoming accustomed to doing when manipulating an element, causing Loki to take a cautious step back. “Don’t make me.”

Loki said and did nothing as she walked off other than look at her leave, her steps fast and almost frantic. He wondered what it was that Diarmaid had said to her after his leaving to alter her mood so greatly. She had been in good form before his leaving. It was not uncommon for Loki to be on the receiving end of such comments over the years, but it actually hurt when Alexia acted in such a manner. He had liked her having such faith in him, it made him feel as though he had purpose again.

#loki #other #submission #submitted fic #wolfpawn #chapter 21 #S.H.I.E.L.D. #mutant #risk #hidden #experiment #help

[loyalty2waystreet]

Blow On Me.

Drabble Challenge - Prompt 85 - “I’m not going to be sympathetic until you go to a doctor” Filled for @zimdan19  

Thank you for the prompt, I tried to do caring Harvey for you, but it went a little more toward the dark side.  I hope you like it. :) 

“Mike, where the hell are you?  It’s 8 am,” Harvey lectured, not even bothering with greetings.

“Mm sick,” Mike drawled into the phone, sounding pitiful.

‘Well, I’m not going to be sympathetic until you go to a doctor’, Harvey hears Rachel scold before she says her goodbyes.

“You better not be faking!” Harvey grumbled, starting to think of the enormous stack of work he left on Mike’s desk last night.

“Mm not, I had a fever last night, and my body was all achy, and now there are these weird spots on my chest,” Mike explained, yawning and snuggling back down under the duvet.

“Spots?” Harvey sputtered alarmed, “Mike have you ever had the chicken pox before?”

“Nope, why?”

“Put Rachel on the phone right now!” Harvey demanded.

There was some shuffling, and a muffled yell: “RACH, you still here?” More rustling and a moment later Rachel’s terse voice in his ears.

“Harvey, I don’t have time for this, I have a test this morning, and I’m already running 5 minutes late,” she ranted.

If Harvey’s wasn’t so worried about Mike, he might have pulled her up on her attitude and given her the watch yourself speech, but time was of the essence.

“You need to drive him to the Doctor, adult chicken pox can be deadly in some people,” Harvey insisted, now on his feet pacing his office, uncharacteristically unsettled.

“I can’t,” she spat, “I have to take this test today!”

Harvey hung up on her, grabbed his coat and told Donna he would be gone all day.

***

Harvey lectured Mike the whole car ride to the doctor about how chicken pox can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, and even infertility in some cases.  Mike tried to take his mother hen act seriously, but even Ray was rolling his eyes from the driver’s seat.

***

“Good thing you came in as soon as you did,” Doctor Lackett confirmed, “Because of that we can give you an anti-viral drug that should limit the severity and length of your illness.”

Harvey was smirking at Mike, so Mike did the biggest and most impressive eye roll he could muster.

“Antiviral meds three times a day, you can take an antihistamine tablet at night and Panadol if you need it,” he advised, turning to address Harvey, Keep him hydrated, and you might want to dab some calamine lotion on his spots to stop the scratching.”  The doctor apparently concluding that he is Mike’s significant other.

Even in his misery, Mike didn’t hesitate to confirm that, “Yes honey, that would be amazing.”  Then sat back and watched as Harvey’s cheeks turn a dark shade of pink.

Harvey pushed to his feet, “Come on then, pumpkin, let’s get you home.”

Mike grinned at him and held out his hand.  That little asshole, Harvey thought affectionately as he grabbed the outstretched hand and pulled Mike out the door.

Harvey liked the feel of Mike’s hand in his, and for Mike’s part, he didn’t hold on loosely, his grip was firm and self-assured.   Mike’s hand remained in his until they entered the car, Ray flicking Harvey a knowing look.  Harvey directed Ray to drop them back at his condo, silencing Mike’s obvious half-hearted objections.

***

Mike looked at home in Harvey’s condo, he grabbed a glass of water and took his medication.  Moving to the living room he selected a Steven Segal movie from Harvey’s DVD collection, and flopped down on the floor, propped up against the sofa.  

Harvey changed into his sweats and joined him, instead choosing to stretch out along the sofa, his hand resting comfortingly on Mike’s shoulder and now and then pressing against Mike’s forehead to check his temperature.

As the credits rolled, Harvey noticed Mike was rubbing his back against the sofa.

“Getting itchy?” Harvey remarked.

“Yeah, I know I’m not supposed to scratch, but it’s so goddamn itchy!”  Mike grizzled, upping the ante and rubbing harder, letting out a sigh of pleasure at the relief it was bringing him.

Harvey couldn’t listen to Mike groaning like that for a minute longer.  “I’ve got some calamine lotion in the bathroom,” he recalled, dismissing himself.

In the time it took Harvey to grab to lotion and calm the hell down, Mike had taken off his tee-shirt and was looking expectantly up at him as he arrived back in the lounge area.  There were angry looking, red blotches covering his back and chest now.

“I’m not going to give this to you am I?” Mike asked, concerned.

“No, once you’ve had them you’re immune, and I had chicken pox when I was six,” Harvey reassured as he sat down behind Mike on the couch.  “Lean forward, and I’ll do your back.”

Mike bent forward and Harvey slid a hand gently from his shoulder blade, down his flank, there was no reason for the action, Harvey needed both hands to apply the lotion.  Mike sighed and leant into it, silently admitting to himself that it felt amazing and for those brief seconds that Harvey was touching him, he felt nothing else.

Using a cotton ball, Harvey pressed the lotion onto each spot in thick blobs that wouldn’t dry right away; he was quick and methodical, all the while Mike was sighing and arching like a cat underneath his hands.

Harvey filled his lungs to the brink and then started blowing air over the wet lotion, knowing the cooling sensation would feel magical.

“Ohhhhh, Oh God that’s good,” Mike moaned unabashedly. He sounded like the star in every porn, ever made.  “Do it again, Harvey,” he begged, head flopping back between Harvey’s legs, staring up at him with pleading eyes.  “Please blow on me?” He asked innocently and then grinned when he realised exactly how that sounded.

Harvey looked down and met his gaze with a smirk.  Mike was urging him to blow on him, not blow him but his thoughts had already deviated to the idea of having Mike in his mouth and even though it was a long shot, he was hoping Mike had missed him harden in his briefs, right next to Mike’s head, at the thought.

“Mike,” Harvey muttered breathlessly.

He watched Mike’s bright blue eyes morph into dark pools of lust, his tongue darting out to lick his lips as he started back up at him.

“Harvey,” Mike whispered.

Authors Note:  The end is ambiguous on purpose, I’d like to think that Harvey would put the brakes on because Mike isn’t single, but I also like the idea of bow chicka wow wow.  Also, I’m pretty sure there are a few unlucky people that do get chicken pox more than once.  This is drabble number 4/8, you can find the rest here - Millie’s Mini Marvey Musing’s.  Thanks for reading and supporting me.

#marvey #drabble challenge #drabble #writing prompt #caring!harvey #hurt/comfort #protective!harvey #mini fic #fan fiction #mike ross #harvey specter #otp: he goes i go #otp: i'm not giving you up #boys in love #lawyer boyfriends #my fics #marveynetwork #harvey x mike #mike x harvey

[ladyloveandjustice]

The Great Ace Attorney Replay: Apollo Justice finale

I pretty much plowed through the non-Phoenix-Wright-Depression-Power-Hour and Phoenix-and-Trucy-being-cute parts of the last case without bothering to livechat it or anything, but now that I’ve finished I will collect my thoughts on it and on the game in general.

I think I definitely enjoyed it more than I did my first playthrough because I knew how “eh” the plot was going to be and just paid attention to little character moments and ignored it. Also I wasn’t tormented by the “WHERE THE FUCK ARE MAYA AND MILES” question since AA5 and AA6 mostly answered that. I could also appreciate it was a very nice game visually and the mechanics were pretty good. 

But I do have to stand by my assessment of it as being very lacking in several ways. Like, Klavier for instance, had potential to be a way better character than he was. He was pretty amusing/ridiculous and it’s novel to have the prosecutor be pretty friendly and actually constantly blatantly flirt with you, but wow, they dropped the ball SO HARD on the storyline with Kristoph for both him and Apollo. And what’s too bad is there were hints of it’s potential to be a WAY better storyline. 

Like. Klavier was the prosecutor for the trial where his own brother was convicted for murder, and also discovered that his brother manipulated him into ruining innocent people’s lives. That is a BIG deal. 

The dialogue between Kristoph and Klavier during that trial was genuinely a little unsettling at first too- Kristoph saying stuff like “sorry, it looks like my brother’s lost the ability to behave rationally” and Klavier kind of freaking out sort of gave the impression Kristoph manipulating and seemingly gaslighting his brother wasn’t a new thing- but then all that tension is completely ruined by how easily Klavier is able to get over it. There wasn’t really enough build-up to make the turnaround where he asks Apollo to prove bro guilty meaningful. We didn’t get enough of a sense of their relationship or what this meant for Klavier for it to matter.

It was the same for Apollo- there was like, a single moment where he felt kind of intimidated by Kristoph and like he was still his boss, but then it was gone with the wind. They really could have gotten something more out of the dramatics of the situation- like how the hell did Apollo end up working for Kristoph in the first place? Why did he choose his company? Why did Kristoph hire him? How did they meet? What did he think of him before all this? The game wasn’t really interested in developing Apollo to make any of this matter for him or by extension, the player. It was way more interested in what it meant for Phoenix. (AA6 cared about exploring Apollo waaaay more than this game did, so it’s so weird for me his fans still don’t feel it did him “justice”)

This also extends to Klavier and Apollo’s relationship- like they do have a pretty fun dynamic- Klavier basically hitting on Apollo 24/7 and Apollo not really noticing/mostly being kind of annoyed/intimidated and like “UGH COULD U STOP BEING SO COOL AND PRETTY” is a goldmine for funny shippy fic and I can see why fandom runs so hard with it, but the reason I could never really get into it is there’s not much beneath the surface- and there really COULD have been a lot more of an interesting story between the two of them. Apollo was present for the part of Klavier’s life where he discovered everything he did was wrong and even was the one who finally exposed that to him- that’s a HUGE thing and a similar thing happened with Miles and Nick and is a huge lynchpin for their relationship- but it was just not at all treated with that level here.

 The one single moment where they seem to connect on something deeper is Apollo going “omg he’s being consumed by darkness i’ll pull that darkness out of him” but like with all the other examples, it’s just a single moment that isn’t supported by the rest of the text. I saw no other indication that Apollo was the only one who could pull the darkness out or even that it actually was in any way a big deal for Klavier. There honestly doesn’t feel like much of a connection between them and anything that could potentially be meaningful is glossed over. 

(I could grumble a lot about how fandom seems to be willing to do the extra work for these two and fill in the holes for that characterization and doesn’t at all do the same for female characters who have as much or more going for them and are even more neglected but i’ll spare you that rant.)

 (like i see tons of post lamenting Klavier disappearing from the games and it’s hard for me to care even though i don’t dislike him, because 1. he did not, he still shows up in both of them even if one was only an au ep in 6 that’s more than other missing characters have gotten. like yeah they didn’t bother to develop him with those appearances??? but they NEVER developed him IN THE FIRST PLACE, THIS IS NOT NEW??? and 2. meanwhile Franziska and Kay have legit vanished from the games why don’t i see 20 billion posts about them. They both genuinely have unresolved character arcs that were in progress and demand a conclusion, unlike Klavier, who just didn’t really have one in the first place because he instantly got over his problems, yet somehow they’re not getting stanned and lamented in the same way)

(ok so i guess i didn’t spare you) (but god I want to see if Franziska was able to become a prosecutor free from her dad’s shadow, if she was able to stop feeling inferior to Miles! I want to see if Kay was able to find her own path and what she chose to do with her life! these were legit goals they had and were striving for!)

This game had a lot of fun parts- Ema in particular was a highlight I forgot how much I love her in this game- and it excelled in giving us stuff that’s interesting the play with if you cared to- the seven year gap where Phoenix was a depressed hobo is angst central and there’s SO much you can play with there, from the twisted relationship he seemed to have with Kristoph to adjusting to being a parent to the idea of him even pushing Miles and Maya away since that’s the only explanation for them not being there- the fact that the stuff it didn’t bother to explain is the most interesting aspect of the game and not anything to do with the title character or what we saw onscreen is kind of sad, though.

One thing on screen that was interesting about the game I would have liked to see develop more was the jurist system, especially knowing this was meant to reflect the jury system returning to Japan irl and was meant to be a commentary on that. It’s weird how that was just dropped. I know it would be a hard mechanic to incorporate, but you could do SOMETHING with it. I wish it had been built up to and explored a little more in this game proper, and also stuck around for later games. 

Anyway, yeah. Apollo Justice: full of gaping holes, but at least there’s some fun stuff to play with if you so chose. I’ll be looking forward to see how I weigh DD and Investigations against it upon replay. Investigations is next! Then DD! Then I play the Professor Layton crossover for the first time! Look forward to it! Or don’t! I don’t run yer life!

also i do love these characters so ima gonna do an apollo justice mini-spam today in honor of my finished replay.

#the great ace attorney replay

[russiancircles]

The Thin Air // Interview with Russian Circles

By Will Murphy

Ahead of shows at Dublin’s Whelan’s on Wednesday, March 22 and Belfast’s Empire Music Hall the following night, Will Murphy speaks to Brian Cook, bassist with Chicago instrumental masters Russian Circles about touring, politics, their latest album, the ideal audience, the craft of songwriting and more.

Hi, Brian. How’s the road been treating you? The next few months look pretty exciting in terms of venues and nations, is there anywhere that you’re all particularly looking forward to? What will you be listening to stave off the monotony of touring?

Touring has been good. We took care of our headlining U.S. dates last fall, and we divided Europe into two tours this time around just because there were so many cities we wanted to hit. We did Scandinavia and Eastern Europe back in October and November, which was pretty exhausting, but overall a great experience. Sometimes you get so accustomed to hitting the same places over and over again that it becomes easy to take things for granted, then you wind up playing a few shows in Romania and it serves as a reminder that we’re very fortunate to be able to do what we do. Now we’re out doing Western Europe and the UK, which is very familiar territory for us. Not as much of an adventure, but rewarding to be back in cities where we have friends and know the lay of the land. In terms of music, I’ve sort of reverted back to the old school touring listening habits. It used to be that you’d go on tour with a half dozen cassettes or a small book of CDs, then the iPod made it so that you toured with your entire music library and you’d never listen to the same album twice on a six-week tour. Now I’m back to traveling with just a few albums on my phone. I’ve been listening to a lot of Sun City Girls, Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk, Michael Rother, and Lungfish on my headphones. There has also been more than a few spins of the new Power Trip, Oranssi Pazuzu, and Rotting Christ albums in the van.

I remember seeing you when you were last in Dublin. What struck me was how unwilling you were to rush anything. Everything took exactly as long as it was going to take. It was a really ballsy move, and I’m wondering has it ever backfired horribly?

The bigger problem is not allowing enough time. Mike and I have so many changes and adjustments we have to do between songs—different tunings, different guitars, different pedal settings, different Taurus settings—and we do it all while bridging the songs with interludes. Plus, there’s the whole thing of trying to squeeze in a swig of beer and a toweling down of the face between all of that. We used to tour with these auxiliary delay pedals at the end of our chain that served zero purpose other than to silently notifying the rest of the band that we were ready to go into the next song. If the red light on Mike’s delay pedal was on, we knew he was ready. Same for me. The only problem is that sometimes one of us would forget to turn it on, and we’d stand there waiting for nothing until the guilty party remembered to stomp on the pedal.

Is there ever a frustration performing to an audience, given that so much intricate detail is lost when you port the songs to a live context? With that in mind, do you prefer to spend your time in studio constructing these mini epics or letting them loose on the audience night after night?

I’m not sure what the ideal audience would be. I remember Fugazi talking about how their anti-moshing stance grew to such mythical proportions that it seemed like people were afraid to dance at their concerts. I can empathize with that—I hate seeing violent dancing, but it also feels like a lot more work to play when people are totally stoic. The happy medium is when people are physically moving to the music but also respecting their neighbors. At this point, I try to look out into the audience as little as possible, because that happy medium is so difficult to achieve. As far as writing versus performing, they are both gratifying. I don’t think I’d be happy doing just one or the other. I love performing music live. Most of my love of other peoples’ music comes from watching it—or envisioning it—unfolding in real time. So the process of making a song happen in the present, in a very specific environment and with a select audience, is really magical. But if you don’t love the composition side of music, you should just stick to being in a tribute band.

You recorded a trio of albums with Brandon Curtis, each of which was absolutely stellar. Yet for last year’s Guidance, you opted to go with Kurt Ballou. What inspired this change? Was there ever a concern that Ballou might not bring out the same level of performance that Curtis helped to unleash? How hands-on was he during the recording?

Working with Brandon was amazing. We were really drawn to his ability to capture space and dimension with this work with Secret Machines. He’s also just an incredibly knowledgeable musician. He was good set of ears and a really good sounding board for those three records. We opted to go with Kurt Ballou on Guidance simply because we wanted to try something new, and we knew Kurt would share a lot of our musical reference points. Whenever you hire someone to produce a record there’s always that concern over their level of involvement, particularly if you come from a punk background. You don’t want some outside party compromising your vision and trying to make your songs appeal to a broader audience. But our songs tend to be so malleable and go through so many permutations that we have come to value having that set of fresh ears that can hear the different variations and have an unbiased opinion on what works and what doesn’t. In that respect, both Kurt and Brandon were amazing. I think Kurt tended to be a bit more focused on shaping tones while Brandon tended to have more ideas in terms of composition, but they both definitely made their mark on our albums. I can’t speak highly enough of either of them.

A number of groups who’ve recorded with Ballou have talked about Salem being a deeply unsettling town, given the commercialisation of its brutal history. Did any sense of this permeate the songwriting?

Salem is a strange place. It shuts down early. We would stop recording around 8pm just because dinner options after 9pm were virtually non-existence, which was an adjustments considering that we’re from Chicago and New York, where you can eat whatever you want at pretty much any hour of the night. But the witch trials weren’t really something that loomed in the back of our minds during our time there. The juxtaposition of the tourism trade and the public inebriate population was far more jarring.

Your songs feel so meticulously planned and crafted. How long do spend with a single song? How do you know when it is ready or, if it’s the kind that’ll never be perfect, when, if ever, do you throw your hands up and say “fuck it, it’s good enough”?

Some songs come together really quickly. Some songs are labored over for months and months, right up to and through the recording process. The album is bookended by two compositions that were crafted by individual members of the band and transformed into full-band songs with a minimal amount of effort. Then there are songs like Vorel that are transforming even as we play them over the course of this tour. We have to set deadlines for recording otherwise we’d tinker with songs forever. There’s an old lesson I learned in a painting class: every twenty minutes, step away from your work to reassess where you’re at. Inevitably, you’ll step away at some point and realize it’s done and any additional brush strokes are just detracting from the immediacy of the work. It’s a similar thing with songs in the studio sometimes. Every once and awhile you’ll hear a playback and realize that any additional changes or embellishments are just going to diminish the impact of the song.

Tracks like Afrika and Lisboa suggested a focus on geopolitics and a wider cultural sphere. What made you choose these subjects? What was it about the Portuguese capital that inspired you?

I was definitely drawn to political bands when I was younger. I liked topical punk bands. I liked ‘60s protest music. Basically, I just liked bands that obviously gave a shit about the world and expressed some capacity for empathy. I hated love songs. I hated songs about dancing, or partying, or money. Of course, being too topical can make your music a bit dated. I love punk music from the early ‘80s, but it’s a little distracting to hear bands ranting against Reagan and Thatcher. We’re not an overtly political band; there isn’t really a way for us to do that as an instrumental group, but I do like infusing our records with imagery that has some sort of historical or political context, just because it harkens back to a lot of the music I was obsessed with during my formative years. As far as specific song titles, they have very specific meaning to us personally, but we prefer to keep those meanings unclear to the general public. That said, we’ve already mentioned this before in other interviews so I guess I can say it again here, Lisboa was given its title simply because Mike began putting the song together during some downtime on tour in Portugal.

Memorial featured some spellbinding vocals, whereas with Guidance you opted for a purely instrumental approach. What was the reasoning behind this? Are there any plans to bring in vocals for the next release?

We dabbled with vocals on Memorial and Praise Be Man because they seemed like interesting experiments. We have no plans of making vocals a recurring part of our method, but that isn’t to say we won’t feel compelled to explore the option in the future. I enjoy the fact that we can draw heavily from the world of underground metal, but I don’t think borrowing from the vocal styles of those bands would do anything to enhance our music. If anything, I think it would be a distraction. I think being an instrumental band has allowed us a lot more stylistic fluidity, and that is far more important to us than having a lyrical component to our music.

There’s a lot of darkness in the world currently. Trump and Muslim ban, Aleppo, the continued success of Nickelback. How, if at all, does the current state of affairs affect your songwriting?

Well, Guidance is ultimately a reference to our collective uncertainty. For the three of us in the band, it literally referred to a lot of uncertainty in our personal lives, but we tried to extrapolate that to a general sense of apprehension towards the future for the sake of the album. In that sense, “guidance” can refer to the mistaken notion that there is some sort of benevolent leadership out there that has the public’s best interests in mind, or it can refer more generally to the allure of some overarching answer to all our problems. It’s all a carrot on a stick. So it goes.

Finally, given the foreboding and gloom that your work is shrouded in, where and how do you find the inspiration for the more delicate elements of the tracks?

Being that we don’t all live in the same city, we spend a lot of time writing independently. And while we all write with the idea of crafting songs that lend themselves to the darker and louder end of our spectrum, we don’t shut out any ideas that may come up. When you’re playing your instrument alone in your room, a lot of times the quieter and mellower stuff winds up sounding a lot more satisfying than the paired-down versions of the heavier stuff. For example, Asa was not meant to be a Russian Circles song, but those notes sounded good together and it turned into a little song, and I forwarded it along to the other guys in the band just because we have a pretty open sharing policy with our music. And it wound up being something that resonated with Mike and Dave. Overboard was actually two separate songs that were written completely independently by Mike and I and they just happened to fit together. So while we never deliberately set out to write those kinds of songs, sometimes they just happen.

Photos by Ryan Russell and Tomas Mladek 

(via The Thin Air)

#Sargent House #Russian Circles #The Thin Air #Brian Cook

[dayanxsharifah]

tonight

tonight, I just miss you so terribly much;

tonight, I reminisce on the mere memory of your touch, your kisses, your hugs, the comfort voice you put on whenever I’m upset, your jokes, your laughter, the silence we have that always ends up comforting, the cuddles, the moments I wake up and see you lying next to me, your snores, your scent, the scent of your car, the late night debates, the addition of carplate numbers during long car rides, the arguments, the mini debates, the way you care so much;

tonight, I miss the person I fell for;

tonight, I miss the person that I still fall for;

tonight, after many many long nights, I managed to get through with a few teardrops from the last I could remember;

tonight, I want your arms to be around me, supporting me, my head on your chest listening to the calm beat of your heart, your jaw settled on my head and occasionally giving me kisses every few minutes;

tonight, I want to talk to you for hours and just never stop with the view of the color blue with the reflection of the light;

tonight, I want to laugh with you and tell each other stories of tales we haven’t spoke of before, create new tales that possibly could be speak of in the near future;

tonight, I wonder if you feel the same;

tonight, I want to hear about everything that makes you unhappy, I want hear you rant and vent everything out because you can;

tonight, I want to drive over and go out for a random McD ice cream date with you because I feel unsettled;

tonight, I may not need you but I do want you;

As much as I told myself there’s not much to commit, there is. And for that I give my most sincere apology.

But hey, it’s no longer going to be night is it? In exactly 96 mins, oh wait 95 mins probably (took a little time off to calculate) the sun is going to rise and it’s no longer going to be tonight.

Everything goes back to normal and what I feel tonight is just irrelevant again.

5.29am