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midaswhale20 · 2 years

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You’re the other Heartstopper fan!!! I was trying to remember who I followed that also read the WEBTOON and was excited about the show! I deadass stayed up and checked Netflix every 10 minutes from midnight til 3am, stopped watching ATLA and put it on as soon as it went up! Only reason I’m not rewatching right now is because it’s Crime Saturdays, and I have a 7day brit box trial so I can watch Father Brown. What did you think of the show??? I need someone to dish with!!!

Bro. I loved it so much. I have watched it 7 times. I could write articles.

I made a comprehensive list of scenes I would have screamed about and sent to my best friend so we could feel like we experienced it together. I will now sum up that list.

You asked for it 😂

I love the emphasis on Nick saying hi first. Because that’s how it was. Nick initiated the friendship in the comic, and he actively looks for Charlie in the show. It’s beautiful and I love it.

They did a really good job of highlighting Charlie’s PTSD from bullying and his relationship with B*n. Like, offering to do Nick’s homework because he feels like he has to do something to be worth something? Trauma response. Avoiding any and all confrontation in case it might become negative? Trauma response. Taking moments that have already happened and replacing them with things your anxiety says should have happened? Trauma response. Saying you ruin people’s lives and it would be better if you didn’t exist because someone cares for you so much and you’re not used to it and you think you’re unworthy of it? TRAUMA RESPONSE. He bases so much of his worth on what people had seen him as. It’s a really amazing way to show how traumatic it is to be a person and how difficult it can be to accept help or change. (Also the hints of the ED and the SH)

I really can never get over Charlie texting Nick “thanks for being my protective straight friend!” Like? Charlie? WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!?

I love Isaac. I have only had him for one day. But if anything happened to him, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself. Also the fact that he is autistically coded and aroace (confirmed by Alice) makes me so so so happy. I love him. Also there’s a scene of him reading radio silence

How do these children go up to each other’s houses and just… ring the doorbell? I always, ALWAYS text my friend saying “I think I’m here, come outside.” Like… WHAT IF IT IS THE WRONG HOUSE?!? Could never be me.

Nick is so touchy: I.E. tugging Charlie’s hair when he gets a hair cut. Grabbing Charlie’s arms when he finds him at the party. The hugs ™️. I could go on

The fact that no one, this entire show, has any clue about the rules or goals of rugby is so so accurate. How the fuck do you even play that game?

In this house, we love and cherish Charlie’s father. No, I will not be taking any criticisms at this time

The fact that these children barely use their phones. If my friend walked away from me in a busy place that I wasn’t familiar with, I’d have my phone out in 5 seconds to ask them where they were. I pay for that shit, I’m using it

Cannot believe how accurate to the comic this show is, especially when it comes to the kiss scenes 🤍

Why does Nick always cross him arms when he’s sitting at a desk?? I love him but like… why?

I think this show brings up a really good point about bullying. Like, after the cinema, when Charlie tells Nick that some of the Rugby boys are nice and Nick is like “even they just stood there”, it brings up the fact, very quickly, that Nick had just stood there too. We’ve seen him just stand there when Harry is a dick to Tao. We know Nick is a good guy. We know he would never do anything to hurt people on purpose. But we also see that doing nothing is almost just as bad. And we learn with Nick that not getting involved is NOT GOOD ENOUGH. I’m super into it.

The “we thank you for your service” line is something I want to get tattooed on my body

“Her dog died”…. That’s it

The way Tao says “Dance Machine” lives in my head rent free and I can’t explain why.

Nick Nelson: bad at boundaries, great at communication.

If you didn’t have your bisexual awakening to Kiera knightly or Orlando Bloom you’re lying

Tori Spring 🤍

Charlie always letting Nick choose who and when to tell people about them makes me so full of emotion

I do find it interesting that they almost had Charlie break up with nick. It feels…. Like a fever dream every time I watch that scene because like… what the fuck? In what universe???

Nick, nobody wants to play rugby. Please, pleeeease stop asking.

Nick doesn’t have a spider sense, he had a Charlie sense. Literally a field away and he’s like, OH MY GOD I CAN FEEL THAT SKINNY BITCH LOOKING AT ME

Parallel conversations 🥺

The beach - send tweet

They’re boyfriends

To sum up, I loved it. I’m planning to rewatch it again. It’s the only way I’ve been getting serotonin. And it makes me happy. Now, please enjoy my favorite shot:

These people knew what they were fucking doing.

#heartstopper

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engaged19times · 3 years

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RHONJ Recrap - season 11, ep 1 - C U Next Tuesday!

Greetings fellow prostitution whores and welcome to my new weekly recrap of American institution The Real Housewives of New Jersey! Before I jump in I’ll introduce myself by saying that I’m a housewives super fan (I even watched DC, an experience I wouldn’t wish on my worst sister-in-law), an underemployed comedy writer (I can’t define “napalm” either, Lauren Manzo), and nothing makes me happier than to watch 6 bedazzled hypocrites in Cheesecake Factory mansions argue etiquette and loyalty between physical altercations in the world renowned cultural hub of Paterson, New Jersey. I know essay recaps are a bit of a relic but I am fond of ye olde written word so please enjoy this blast from the past, you scumbags!

We open without fanfare mid-scene to red-eyed Jackie and dead-eyed Teresa sitting in Margaret’s partially finished, wallpaper smothered home. We get the Bad Girls Club black-and-white flashes but unlike in Beverly Hills we’re not flashing to “three months earlier” but instead to “three days earlier.” It might take women of less gumption precious time to build to a production-halting confrontation but it only takes these agents of chaos half a week to get the meatball rolling.

Let’s back up a little to the ominous “three days prior” and catch up with our hot girls. It’s Jackie’s giant hot husband’s 46th birthday so she’s throwing him a party under a tent in the parking lot of a Greek restaurant. We learn that Teresa and Joe’s father has sadly passed in the offseason and Dolores Thee Stallion and Margaret have both had full cosmetic overhauls - Dolores with a second butt enhancement that left her with a giant hip scar rivaled only by Sally from Nightmare before Christmas and Margaret with a boob lift and apparent nipple sharpening (is that a procedure?) that she advertises in a blush silk top with no bra. Never one to be outdone at a parking lot birthday party, Joe Gorga arrives with his storyline - I mean wife, Melissa - also smuggling raisins under a skin tight children’s white T-shirt. Nipples are trending, ladies!

The Nightmare Before Christmas.

A beautiful boob lift.

Tarzan’s headlights.

Margaret’s hot employee Lexi and Teresa’s hot realtor Michelle (both of whom are official friends-of this year), as well as iconic social wrecking ball and Aydin Center for Plastic Surgery mascot Jennifer all saunter in for car park cocktails at this 3D nipple fashion show and as the night devolves we see the cast getting truly shit-housed on shots when out of nowhere storyline sniper Teresa drops the bomb that she heard sexy birthday Bigfoot Evan is cheating on Jackie... more specifically, that he “does stuff” at the gym but mysteriously can’t remember any details or where she heard this head-scratching accusation that draws as many gasps as it does “huhs?” Honest straight people question: do y’all hook up at gyms? And if so, where? Are there co-ed saunas now? Also can one of you explain the allure of Mike and Molly to me? Moving on. Most shocking was that the Perez Hilton of North Jersey doesn’t just drop this wild accusation once, she gleefully skips through this asphalt soiree like a goddamn town crier, addressing everyone she passes like Belle through the town square.

The next day the hard partying crew of Jersey Shore: All Grown Up recovers from their throbbing hangovers and we see cool mom Melissa traipsing through her particle board mausoleum in see-through sweatpants with a visible thong in front of her kids’ friends (you girls keep me young!), Marge Sr. driving a blue Mini Cooper with eyelashes on the headlights (which I assume are like the spinning rims of the Jersey Grandma community), and a flashback of Margaret’s Joe puking next to a tree (relatable, my dude).

Marge Sr.: Fully Loaded.

You girls keep me young!

Over at Jennifer’s palatial child farm we learn that her parents fight so much these days that she moved her father (Carl from Up!) to her multi-generational compound which has only angered her mother more.

Jennifer’s sweet dad.

We then find out Dolores’s dry boyfriend David with whom she shares the burning passion of a melting ice sculpture now lives with her bulging slab of a son Frankie Jr. in the house he and Delores built together but Dolores curiously still lives with her also bulging but slightly slimey ex Frank Sr. in her original house, a near Braunwyn-level web of over-explained but still vague relationship fuckery of which none of them seem on the same page. Dolores hid her surgery from David until the day before, David still works constantly so she hangs out with her ex all the time, and I can’t help but think that we aren’t getting the full story on whatever the fuck is happening under these two roofs. Are they brother-husbands? Is Frank Sr. piping both of them? Can Frankie Jr. DM me his nudes please? The only one being straight-forward in these duel households of confusion is Dolores’s dog who is simply named Dog and I honestly appreciate his refreshing transparency.

Dog Catania, king of transparency.

Finally, Jackie calls Teresa to organize an infamous Jersey sit-down because she somehow got wind of the out-of-thin-air accusations that Teresa all but presented with a bull horn and a PowerPoint at Evan’s parking lot social. They decide to meet at Margaret’s partially constructed house/ wallpaper showroom because it’s neutral territory to hash things out in a relaxing landscape of ladders and contrasting patterns and the tension is so thick you could cut it with one of Margaret’s newly renovated nipples.

Jackie pleads with Tre to clear her husband’s good name and Tre enters a baffling Kelly-Anne Conway bullshit loop which includes such hits as “woman to woman, if I heard this you wouldn’t want me to tell you?” (a reasonable point which is actually working against Teresa because it’s the opposite of what she did), then explaining to Margaret the immediately contradictory “I didn’t tell her and it’s not like I told Evan, I told my friends” (which is an explanation of what she obviously did wrong but said in the tone of a defense), the wacky last ditch nonsense deflection “Alright let me tell you the reason why I did it. This year, now, you know I’m single now. I’ve been approached by a lot of married men that think that it’s OK to have affairs,” and finally just saying fuck it and rewriting history “I did not spread a rumor, I heard a rumor.”

The truth is that Teresa was retaliating for a cheating rumor Jackie entertained about her last year but neither can be held to such unreasonable expectations like addressing reality or admitting fault which is actually ideal because if I cared to see emotionally mature community leaders converse thoughtfully I’d watch Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday not this unhinged turnpike circus.

Jackie’s rival won’t budge so she chooses the nuclear option, looks the reigning matriarch of Paterson in her vacant eyes, and declares confidently “I heard Gia snorts coke in the bathroom at parties” which stopped time on Earth as far as I’m concerned. Is this wild accusation true? Probably not. Was this retaliatory tit equal to the offending tat? Debatable. Do I blame Teresa for immediately whipping into a tailspin and storming out screaming the C-word (no Kathy Wakile, not “canoli kit”) at Jackie no less than 80 times? Girl, no I do not. Jackie has since clarified (backtracked?) that this was an analogy not a rumor she heard which... OK, and whether or not either of the atomic bombs dropped in this breakneck premiere were true, I’m excited to watch our Paterson superstars battle it out for another batshit season!

Esteemed poet laureat of Paterson, NJ.

Join me and my own rock hard nipples next week to recrap a girls trip to Lake George, more developments in the case of Jackie vs Teresa: Jersey Crime Story, and hopefully another cameo by breakout superstar Dog Catania! Please share this recrap with the prostitution whores in your life if you enjoy and follow me on Tumblr (engaged19times), Insta (@engagednineteentimes), and Twitter (@_engaged19times)! I’m recrapping weekly but I don’t get screeners (yet) and it takes me a few days to catch up so please be patient!

XO engaged19times

#rhonj #real housewives #teresa giudice #margaret josephs #jennifer aydin #jackie goldschneider #Dolores Catania #melissa gorga #bravo #bravotv #real housewives of New Jersey #recrap #engaged19times

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themattress · 3 years

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My Top 15 Favorite Gotham Characters

Plus one Honorable Mention.

Honorable Mention: Silver St. Cloud - She's an honorable mention because of how tragically the show wasted her. Silver was a standout character in 2A's “Rise of the Villains” arc, as we see all the layers peeled back from whimsical, kind-hearted, well-mannered young socialite to cruel, manipulative, cold-blooded agent of an evil religious cult to vulnerable, scared and remorseful girl in way over her head who forges a real emotional connection with Bruce. However, despite all the rich potential for her to develop even further as a character, she was never seen again after the 2A finale.

15. Tabitha Galavan - While as a character she's the very definition of a second-stringer, Tabitha is an interesting case study in what happens when a single ember of innocence is still left burning within the darkest of souls. Raised in the evil Order of St. Dumas and kept firmly under her older brother's thumb, Tabitha is certainly no angel, being the sort of person who will fatally stab an innocent old woman in the back and feel no remorse. But the desire to care and be cared for is still very strong in her, and we see it manifest many times: with Silver, and with Selina, and with Barbara, and of course with Butch. Unfortunately for Tabitha, she is also a case study in how this doesn't guarantee that such a person will receive a happy ending, as she is unable to avoid karmic justice.

14. Butch Gilzean - I didn't really care about Butch initially, since he didn't seem like anything more than Fish Mooney's affably evil muscle. After he became brainwashed into obeying the Penguin's every command, he gradually became more interesting and sympathetic, and by the time he got romantically involved with Tabitha I had become so accustomed to him and his perversely likable sort of villainy that I couldn't imagine the show without him. But maybe the show would have been better off without him after his death in the Season 3 finale, as the immediate retcon afterward of his real name being Cyrus Gold and his resurrection as Solomon Grundy in Season 4 was just nonsense, especially when he ends up just as dead in the Season 4 finale as he was in the Season 3 finale, so what was even the point? Sometimes, dead is better, and I’m sure Butch would agree.

13. Harvey Bullock - For much of Season 1 it felt like the writers were trying to play Harvey Bullock too seriously, and I think that was a mistake because the character always benefits from being played more broadly, and lord knows that Donal Logue can do that very well. Thankfully, that's exactly how he started to be played more often from Season 2 and onward, with whatever serious arcs he did receive such as in Season 4 benefiting from him being so much more likable as a result. I'd rather watch him on screen than Jim Gordon any day.

12. Leslie Thompkins - While initially kind of bland, Leslie "Lee" Thompkins is a character that grew on me overtime. I felt really sorry for her throughout Seasons 2 and 3 as Jim Gordon proved to be the worst love interest ever, bringing her no end of pain, and then in Seasons 4 and 5 she used that pain and anger to shape herself into a total badass anti-heroine who was still all about helping those in need but now was open to using less than moral means to accomplish this. She's a character who finished the show stronger than she'd ever been, and her and Barbara becoming bros is everything I never knew I needed.

11. Sofia Falcone - Sometimes, a sharp and devious mind is all it takes for someone to be a great villain, and damn did Sofia ever put hers to good use. In the comics, this was a forgettable character who was just an obvious thug in design and demeanor, but Gotham's version is terrifying in how petite and pretty and kind and charitable and all around attractive in every way she is...the perfect way to manipulate others and conceal that on the inside she's beyond just a thug; she's a raging, ruthless, vindictive, amoral sociopath who only cares about herself. And kudos to Crystal Reed, whose performance sold the character perfectly. The only real downside to Sofia is that the writers clearly were forced to write her out earlier than anticipated, and her abrupt exit from the show is nowhere close to being as satisfying as the build-up to her gaining power within the city would lead you to believe.

10. Ra's Al Ghul - As wonderful as Sofia was, there was never any question as to whom Season 4's most formidable villain was: the same villain who is the series' ultimate Big Bad, Ra's Al Ghul. Beyond the phenomenally perfect casting of Alexander Siddig, who is hands down the most comics-accurate portrayal of the character in live-action to date, Ra's benefits from the series positioning him as the final answer to the long-running "who killed Thomas and Martha Wayne?" mystery and totally being able to convince viewers that most of this series' events were according to his plans due to the self-assured, in-control and borderline omnipotent way the Demon's Head carries himself. No-one in Gotham City is left unchanged by his machinations, least of all his chosen "heir" Bruce Wayne.

9. Hugo Strange - The Big Bad of 2B's "Wrath of the Villains" arc is in the running for the show's most despicable villain. Professor Hugo Strange is a brilliant psychologist and scientist, but he is utterly devoid of a conscience and will do anything to achieve his twisted aspirations, from ruining peoples' lives with his experiments to bringing people back from the dead to personally ordering the death of those he considers to be friends. What makes Strange enjoyable in spite of his depravity is B.D Wong's performance: he looks absolutely perfect as a younger version of Hugo Strange and his voice seems to be channeling Corey Burton's Christopher Lee-inspired take from Batman: Arkham City. He's a much stronger villain than 2A's Theo Galavan, and tellingly got to return in every following season.

8. Edward Nygma - I really wish I could place Ed higher on this list, since the Riddler is one of my favorite Batman villains and Cory Michael Smith is perfect in the role. But sadly, he's the subject of some really weak writing throughout the show that holds him back from breaching my personal Top 5. Whether it be the constant Nice Guy(TM) hounding of Kristen Kringle, the bizarre Two Face-esque split personality angle, the ungodly stupid Isabella plot device and subsequent clashing with the Penguin because of it, his needless romance with Lee that didn't make sense for either of their characters (which wasn't helped by the fact that it happened at a time where he kept on getting made a fool of in a way that undermined how menacing he was just a season ago), and being used as an obvious red herring in the Haven explosion mystery...he really deserved better material, and it's lucky that Smith makes him so enjoyable to watch since it would otherwise drag him down much further.

7. Jerome Valeska - Cameron Monaghan's performance as Jerome single-handedly forced the Gotham producers' hands when it came to their original plans (or lack thereof) for the Joker in their series, as right off the bat he managed to perfectly capture the same maniacal energy that the likes of Mark Hamill and Heath Ledger did, meaning fans would accept no-one else in the role. While Jerome ends up being more of a test run for the actual Joker - the Beta Joker, so to speak - he still is one of the most frightening and malevolent characters in the show's entire run, spreading chaos for chaos' sake and causing pain to others just because he finds it hilarious, and doing it all in the most theatrical way possible.

6. Jeremiah Valeska - Yes, I agree that this character's whole basis - Jerome's secret twin brother who actually becomes the Joker - and how he was introduced is unbelievably stupid writing; in hindsight it would have made more sense to just find a way to transition Jerome into this kind of characterization as part of a continued evolution toward becoming the Joker. But we're stuck with Jeremiah, and as it stands he is a much worthier Joker than Jerome was. I don't really like the Joker whenever he's written to have no motivation beyond "random crime and chaos because LOL crazy!!!" - the best Jokers always have a reason for doing what they do, it's just that it's always a twisted reason that holds no basis in reality and just serves as an excuse for the Joker to spread pain and chaos across Gotham City and match wits with Batman. (Ex: Heath Ledger's Joker may say he has no plans and just "does things" as a manipulation tactic, but in reality he does make plans and does have the tangible objective of proving his nihilistic, anarchistic worldview to everyone; Batman in particular.)

Jeremiah's penchant for intricate planning combined with the psychotic objectives that lie behind his plans is what makes him more believable as the Joker compared to Jerome, and it really felt like the show's stakes rose to an entirely new, darker than ever before level when he stepped up to the plate at the end of Season 4. I also love his development: being in denial about his own insanity and likeness to his brother until his personal obsession with Bruce overpowers that and causes him to willingly give into the madness so that he can be a worthy enough foil for Bruce as Gotham's Dark Knight, since that gives his miserable life a sense of purpose. Add to this Cameron Monaghan still pulling off that Joker energy flawlessly and you have a Joker that can stand beside Nicholson, Ledger and Phoenix's portrayals.

5. Barbara Kean - This one really took me by surprise. I knew going into the show that Barbara was considered a poorly written, irritating obstructive love interest to Gordon in Season 1, but that she got Rescued From the Scrappy Heap in the following seasons. What I didn't know was the way that rescuing happened - she goes crazy and becomes a surprise villain in the Season 1 finale, and from then on out she is freaking nuts in the most hilariously over-the-top way, with Erin Richards chewing the scenery for all it's worth. Barbara is so entertaining throughout the various guises and positions she goes through across the series, not to mention a complete badass who you just can't help but respect for being true to herself even if she's an awful human being. Her redemption arc in Season 5 was a beautiful way to bring her journey full-circle, and I don't begrudge her the happy ending she got at all.

4. Alfred Pennyworth - We're all used to Alfred the butler, but Gotham got me accustomed to Alfred the soldier. Sean Pertwee is thoroughly convincing in the role of the hard-assed, frequently grumpy or moody yet caring, loyal and dependable Alfred, whose relationship with young Bruce Wayne is perfectly depicted. The only time I didn't care for him was during 2A, where he was cruel and unfair toward Selina because she killed his treacherous war-time buddy who almost murdered him and was planning on doing harm to Bruce. Thankfully, from the midseason finale and onward he managed to redeem himself, regaining his status as one of the show's best-depicted characters and maintaining it all the way to the end.

3. Bruce Wayne - This character was always going to live or die based on what child actor was playing him, and by God did David Mazouz nail it in his performance. Even putting the dead parents and destiny as Batman aside, Bruce Wayne is clearly not a "normal" kid, being raised in the lap of luxury and privileged to the point of extreme naïveté, with an overly formal way of speaking hammering in his distance from the rest of Gotham City. Watching him grow stronger and smarter and more worldly and responsible as the series progressed was always a pleasure, and he naturally made a far more compelling protagonist than Jim Gordon did, with the show ending on the shot that it does making it even more clear that this was primarily his story all along; just one elongated origin story for the goddamn Batman.

2. Selina Kyle - For quite a while in Season 1, the teenage girl who would be Catwoman spent a lot of time just slinking around the fringes of the story and accomplishing little of value. But once she finally met Bruce, Selina's character really took off, and she ended up becoming my second all-time favorite character in the show. Aside from the strong writing and character development, much is also owed to Camren Bicondova, who is utterly charming in her depiction of the cynical, sharp-tongued, street-smart thief with a heart of gold, and she is even able to make her rushed final transition into Catwoman in Season 5 believable. And kudos to Lili Simmons who plays her in the final episode, she is perfectly convincing as an adult version of Selina, looking and sounding just as I expect Bicondova to in a few years.

1. Oswald Cobblepot - OK, this is probably an unoriginal choice, but I can't help it - Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, is the one character on this show who just did no wrong as far as I'm concerned (as a character, I mean, he obviously did a lot wrong morally!) In addition to being the role Robin Lord Taylor was born to play, there is a consistency in the writing of his character and in the quality of his development that I think is unmatched by anyone else in the cast. Aside from that one blip in the Isabella plotline of Season 3 that I credit as more of a blemish on Ed than I do Oswald, he was always a fully three-dimensional character who acted and reacted believably, and he always stayed firmly on the line between being a heinous, ruthless, murderous criminal chiefly seeking power and a tragic, sympathetic, even funny and likable person chiefly seeking love. And he always remained the "noble villain" when compared to the other villains around him; always the one you could count on to join the heroes and do the right thing when it counted because he's a pragmatist with moral lines he will not cross....and because he loves and believe in Gotham City too, in his own way.

#Gotham #Opinion #Analysis

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lobanri · 3 years

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i wrote a -shitty, tbh, but it wouldn’t stop haunting my shower time- richie tozier’s stand up post-canon thing, on a everyone lives au. i lost the thread a bit near the end, so i’m putting it up here and maybe i’ll post it on ao3 at some point. enjoy.

So I’m guessing- and I’m probably right, which is decidedly not how my guesses tend to go- that a lot of you came here to see if I could offer a better explanation than the tabloids about what happened last show, because (voice changes to a higher pitched, mocking voice): ‘Richie, what the genuine fuck was that’, (voice switches back.) right?

Well gee! Am I ever here to answer. And also maybe to give a stand-up performance whose entire script I threw out in favour of, like, maybe four jokes I scraped together with what’s left of my brain.

But! Explanation first.

Okay. (short pause.) So. Imagine you’re me, the fantastic -that’s a joke in itself, right there- Richie ‘Trashmouth’ Tozier. You’re about to go out and perform in front of, okay, maybe not that many people, but still a good number, and you’re like, only a bit nervous. And then.

You get a phone call.

It’s an unknown number. It says so, right there on the screen of your phone that’s all smudged and disgusting and maybe a little bit cracked ‘cause you keep dropping it doing dumb shit.

(again, his voice changes to a higher pitched, mocking voice)

“Oh Richie, was it someone you knew?” (voice switches back.) Of course not, dumbass, that’s why I said unknown. Duh.

But on with the tale.

Now, am I the type of person that answers unknown numbers? Normally, no. If your phone got stolen and you’ve ever called me from a burrowed phone about it, now you know why nobody picked up. But remember, I was about to go out into the level of hell that is an audience- not that I don't love it, I do, but being stared, and occasionally laughed at for around an hour is not what most people find a relaxing afternoon experience.

So I picked up. Thought it’d maybe be a wrong number that would leave the other person feeling very awkward and me only slightly less so. Maybe I’d get an idea for a joke, who knows.

Suffice to say, given the whole clusterfuck that was my last show, it wasn’t a wrong number.

I pick up. I go, “Hello, who is this?”, because that’s what you say when you answer a call.

The other dude goes “Hi Richie, it’s Mike.”

In my head, I go ‘oh’. So first, apparently this is not a wrong number! Second, Mike? I don’t know any Mikes, who’s Mike?

Third, I go “Oh, shit.”

Now, have you ever noticed that a lot of comedians talk about their childhoods a lot? I’ve realized that they do this for one of three reasons; either their parents are funny, they had very fun childhoods, or they had a lot of therapy. I don’t talk about my childhood because none of those applied to me, and also because I repressed like a full 90% of it from trauma. I now have a therapist, which means I can tell you people some of it. Also because most of it came back from repression-land right there and then, because turns out I do in fact know a Mike!

Mike my childhood friend! From my childhood gang!

...The same childhood I happily repressed for twenty seven years, in fact.

Mostly from trauma.

Now you might realize that it’s literally two minutes until I have to go out in front of all you lovely judging strangers who have expectations of me already!

I certainly did. So did my agent- lovely man, genuinely hates me so much- who nevertheless had to send me out like some poor lost lamb sent to be sacrificed at the altar. So I come out- not in that way, but keep tuned to that-

Oh wow that was loud. We’ll get to that, don’t you worry. Now that’s going to be fun. If you haven’t seen Twitter, have fun figuring this out.

But let’s try to keep this mess chronological -big word for me, I know, I stole it off some other guy.

I come out, and then I can’t remember my joke, and I can’t remember my name, and I don’t remember where I am, but turns out I can remember the time my friends and I found a corpse!

So anyway, I puke on stage.

Glamorous way to end a show, I know, but in my defense I was pretty busy.

I’d like to make a segue here- who here grew up in a small town?

Yeah? Okay, this entire bit is for y’all. The rest of you big city folk can just check your phones or whatever.

So I grew up in a small town in Maine, called Derry. Pretty quaint, didn’t have much, there was one arcade, one pharmacy owned by a pedophile, one old abandoned -extremely haunted- crack house, and like a couple tiny stores. My friends and I used to hang out at the quarry and at that same old house, which was cool at the time and gross in hindsight.

I’ll tell you what it’s most known for; it’s the child murder capitol of the entire United States.

Oh, that’s some silence there. Are you perhaps uncomfortable? Maybe wondering if you heard that right? I’ll repeat it louder then.

IT WAS THE CHILD. MURDER. CAPITOL.

OF THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES.

AND I GREW UP THERE. A CHILD.

Is it clearer now why I repressed that entire experience?

So. Derry. Terrible, terrible, racist, homophobic, sexist Derry. Would I have loved to never go back? Yeah, of course. Who would?

This idiot. And his entire gang of childhood friends. Because Mike called us and went ‘Hey, could you guys come back? It’s important.’ And we went, because Mikey literally never asks for shit, so clearly this was going to be terrible. If Mike was on fire, I’m pretty sure he’d take care of it and then never mention it again.

I’ve mentioned the others a couple of times before- of course, Mike, who’s a librarian in Derry- or was, but that’s later. But, there are seven of us in our little Loser’s Club! That is the actual name, by the way. Seven Losers.

Even if Stan made us think that was wrong, because while my reaction to remembering Derry was to puke, his was to fake his death. Yes. If you can believe it, he literally fucking faked his death to get out of that reunion.

I’ll move on a bit so I don’t spend the rest of the show dissing Stan the Man and his extreme as fuck reactions- would you believe that this man is an accountant? Like, what the fuck? Now whenever I see an accountant I wonder if they’re the type of person that would fake their death to get out of things and it’s fucking with my head every time I have to go to the bank.

Okay. Seven- six not counting me, we’ve talked about Mike, and I’ve already said why Stan wasn’t there- we’re left with the weirdest group you’ve seen; Ben Hanscom, or Handsome really, that man got so hot, who’s a famous architect, Beverly Marsh, Bevs, very famous fashion designer -hell yeah she is actually my friend, I know, it’s weird- William Denbrough, Big Bill himself, horror author with terrible endings, leader of out weird gang, and last but the very opposite of least Eddie Kapsbrak, risk analyzer, the most germaphobic person I’ve met, who also wore fanny packs while we were kids. The last part tells you very little about him but I feel like I have to mention it from time to time, because he’s hot and all now but in my head he always had a fanny pack and it freaks me out a bit to see him without one. I also made ‘your mom’ jokes at him all the time, mostly for attention but also because sometimes he’d snap back and just verbally gut me like a fish, and I? Loved that shit.

For those of you that look like you just came to a realization, yes. You’d be right. But we’re just gonna ignore it for now, because some of the others didn’t get it yet, and I’m not gonna hold your hand until you do, I feel like I’ve dropped enough hints already.

Where was I? Oh, yeah.

They’re all hot and I hate it. How come they get to grow up and get muscles and I get to grow up to look like a beanstalk with some fucking bug-eyes and a shitty party city wig? I used to call Eddie “Eddie Spaghetti”, but then turns out that the actual noddle here was me all along.

Well. I’ll get the reunion out of the way and move to the important part; what did Mike call us there for? The answer may not surprise you, given that we were in fact in Derry, but guess what? If you thought ‘child murder’ you win nothing at all, but you’d be right. There was in fact a serial killer! Who was, uh, also… a cannibal.

Terrible, right?

But you’d think ‘this sounds weird’, right? Some unknown dude is killing and eating people, yes, but what does that have to do with lil ol’ me?

Now’d be the time to point out that Bill’s little brother Georgie disappeared twenty seven years previous and turned out to have been literally murdered and possibly eaten along with like, some other six or seven people. And at the time, Big Bill made us all go along to go look for him. In the sewers. While we were also kids. Y’know, like those other kids that got killed.

Big Bill was charismatic, but that doesn’t mean he was the wisest guy, okay. And we were also dumb and young, so that was pretty much all it took.

Thing is that we, uh, …did actually end up finding a serial killer in the sewers. So.

Who was it? Henry Bowers. Our middle school bully. To those true crime fans that recognize the name, yeah, that Bowers.

It didn’t turn out to be that much of a surprise that our bully was the dude killing people, actually, because he was the most fucked-up kid I ever met. He broke Eds’s arm and tried to carve his name on Ben, which is genuinely fucking nuts, right? Like, what? The everliving fuck? I think he liked to kick puppies.

Now, this time around, you’d think it was some fucked up copycat or something? Nope. Dude escaped to try again, this time dressed as a clown.

You think I’m joking here? He literally dressed as a clown to kill people. I could not begin to tell you why.

He can’t tell you, either, because he’s currently, uh, sort of dead. As in, someone buried an axe in his spine and he died.

In my defense-

(louder)

he was trying to kill Mike and you’ve already heard that I’d go back into Derry for him, so.

If you’d wondered why I came back really late, yeah, that was part of it.

The other part is that before dying he managed to stab Eddie Spaghetti in the face and make us go into that one old ass, extremely haunted crack house- don’t ask, I don’t know either- in which an entire beam fell on him. I’m genuinely baffled at how this didn’t happen earlier, because this was literally our childhood hangout spot. But karma or fate or whatever caught up with us, so it did.

By the way, he’s okay now. We all thought he was gonna die first, of course, because how the hell else do you react when a dude’s been impaled right in front of you? He didn’t. But when we all thought he was gonna die in front of me, holding his hand -him included- he looked at me in the eye and, with all the strength his failing body could muster up, he said:

“I fucked your mom.”

So does it come as a surprise to anyone that we’re dating now?

#reddie #my snippets #my fics #richie tozier #richie tozier's stand up #i'm proud of this one #it was written almost entirely yesterday evening while i waited for the clothes to dry #think i'll post it on ao3 actually #i've read way too many of these not to want to contribute a bit

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atamascolily · 3 years

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lily watches fma:b, eps. 62-64

Okay, when we last left off, the Big Bad was running around half-naked in a bathroom smiting people in a knockoff young!Hohenheim body, and 50 million people in Amestris had a really shitty day being devoured alive for their life energy before being miraculously restored to their still-breathing bodies by a not-quite-deus ex machina.

hohenheim challenges father to create something and he spits out humans from Xerxes--including the asshole king whose greed destroyed his entire country and people who RECOGNIZE HOHENHEIM.

[like, the trauma here!!!]

[I also like JUST NOW REALIZED that Greedling is the same character archetype as Grimmjow from Bleach - an aggressive, hyper-macho asshole who is a surprisingly fun character to watch break things?]

[FURTHERMORE both 03!Greed and Grimmjow had the same Japanese voice actor, LOLOLLOL]

greed and olivier have a pissing contest, lol

al's body is destroyed protecting may - good thing he's got another one waiting in the wings!

and then it's everyone takes a turn at father - first the briggs soldiers, then roy with hawkeye guiding him, armstrong, lan fan,the chimeras, etc,etc,

roy is so weirded out by being able to cast without a circle, LOL.

father tries to eat greed for more stones

ed swooping in in to defend greed is GREAT

so is watching izumi fight!!

anyway, they finally wear father down to the point where God can fight back and Father vomits him back up again.

... which makes him literally a zombie staggering around for "stones"

ed's automail is shattered, and he's pinned down - al, realizing his armor is cracked and his blood seal is about to break, gets May to make a circle so he can swap out his body for Ed's arm.

it works and ed goes absolutely feral on father.

(the fact that he still looks like hohenheim probably helps ed, tbh)

everyone cheers him on and greed is like "oh, yeah, all I really wanted was FRIENDS,"sob

greed sacrifices himself to keep ling yao from being eaten by father and it's so heartbreaking, everyone loves u greed

greed is like, yeah, kid, lan fan has a stone, take 'em and go home and be emperor of xing like a boss

greed: so epic he gets to die TWICE in this show. AND WE'RE SAD BOTH TIMES BUT THIS ONE IS WORSE.

greed transforms father's body into graphite (using his Ultimate Shield ability) but gets crushed by father.

ed slams a hole in father's chest and all the philosopher's stones leach out of him and then... the black grabby shadow hands emerge from the same hole and pull him back wherever he came from...?

[ngl: I don't get WHY that works, but okay.]

and of course, he gets to monologue about how he just wanted to be free without any constraints, which gets hohenheim all emotional.

Father is back to his flash form in the Gate World and he calls Truth "God" and asks why he didn't like him... and truth's like "because you're a greedy little asshole, that's why"

father is sucked back into the open gate by more grabby shadow hands and says "no, I don't want to go back" implying that this is, in fact, where he came from because the Xerxes alchemists were fucking around with stuff they shouldn't have been.

father is screaming and truth's like, "why? this is TOTES what you wanted, isn't it?being one with god?"

meanwhile, hohenheim offers his own life in exchange for al on the grounds that he was a crappy dad.

true, sir, but also ed is having none of it

anyway, ed offers his own gate and ability to do alchemy as trade for al's body and truth's like "Sure, yeah,why not"

turns out that even once they've won, hohenheim is still brooding and depressed over father - he blames himself because it came from his blood? Like, dude, there are a lot of things to blame yourself for and you pick the one that REALLY ISN'T YOUR FAULT?

armstrong thanks him for ed and al saving the day and hohenheim bursts into tears and walks off... and goes to resembool to die on tricia's grave?

like, did he even say good-bye to his kids? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, HOHENHEIM?

pinako finds him dead at the grave, and tbh, i'm disappointed she doesn't punch him out anyway like she promised

"goodbye, my weird immortal friend"

Anyway, umm... that's basically the end, but let's wrap up with the "where are they now?" final episode!

somehow ling is emperor because he has magic people juice to give the current emperor, which just... seems like it might lead to problems, given what happened in xerxes? Just sayin’. But he’s going to take care of May and her clan, so I guess the show’s just going to sweep that under a rug and pretend it’s fine!

[ling definitely got the best character development of anybody along with Greed]

marcoh shows up with a philosopher's stone, which Roy agrees to use to rebuild his eyesight and also Havoc's legs, which just feels a little too deus ex machina for me, and also kinda shaky ethics here. but roy's okay with it because he's going to rebuild ishval, so...

and apparently scar is gonna be there, too? still forever grumpy, though.

grumman is fuhrer now (??!!) because roy and company are rebuilding ishval, so I guess all that talk about war crime trials was just for show because that sure isn't happening now that they won.

[I'm still bitter because it should have been Olivier!!]

Mrs. Bradley is raising Pride/Selim, who seems perfectly normal, even though Grumman says they'll have to kill him if he does anything evil. Mrs. Bradley says, "I'll make sure he doesn't show anything," which is kinda ominous to me? Like this woman would do anything for her kid. If Pride DOES get out of hand, she's not going to tell anyone.

[also I'm bitter that Pride gets to live and Greed DOESN'T, sob]

Ed and Al hang out in Resembool with Winry for two years until they get restless and go off on adventures again--but separately. Al goes to Xing with Jerso and Zampano (who have suddenly decided they want their original bodies back after being fine with it for the entirety of the series).

That's fine, since Al and May are very definitely a thing, but Ed goes west--which we've never heard from in the entire series--by himself, to research alchemy after sacrificing his ability to DO alchemy. I CALL BULLSHIT.

Winry goes with him to the train station and Ed is so fucking tsundere, I cringed just watching him.

(but also it was refreshing to see a male example of this trope and it was super-cute when he started blushing)

BUT ALSO his proposal is based on "equivalent exchange" - "I'll trade half of my life for half of yours!" - which is simultaneously the nerdiest thing ever and also YOU'RE NOT AN ALCHEMIST ANYMORE, ED, STOP.

Winry says that's stupid, she'll give him all of it,and then starts negotiating to 85%.

but given that Ed is LITERALLY RIDING OFF here, I gotta wonder how the math works out.

A random woman asks why Ed's leaving if he's in love with Winry, and Winry says something about how men left at home cause trouble (which implies she's fine with a long-distance relationship). THIS FROM THE GIRL WHO GOT MAD ABOUT BEING LEFT BEHIND ON *SEVERAL* OCCASIONS IN THE SERIES.okay.

In the credits, we see Ed and Winry have two kids, so... Ed has LITERALLY BECOME HIS FATHER, wandering the earth while his wife raises two kids alone. WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK.

I just have... questions.

Like... no. Just no. Ed stayed home and he was a great father to his kids, full stop. He did NOT repeat the cycle; he was a much better person than Hohenheim and he proved it by actually BEING THERE FOR HIS FAMILY WHEN THEY NEEDED HIM.

people say fma03 has a downer ending, but this one bums me out WAY more because it feels so ooc and contradicts a lot of stuff that the show has spent so much time building up to.

i am just left feeling very “meh” and also “what was the point of it all?” which is probably not a great place to be after finishing a story.

#fullmetal alchemist #lily liveblogs

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sarah-wants-to-write · 4 years

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Searching My Dreams for a Lifetime; Chapter Four (Criminal Minds)

“It takes courage to live, yes, but it takes true bravery to stand your ground in a world aligned against you.” -Jake Bonsignore

◊ Shira didn’t know which forest she was in, but she knew it wasn’t far from the city. They hadn’t driven that long. Whoever it was, they had taken care not to hit her head or break her glasses, which meant they knew about her EDS and Brittle Cornea Syndrome. Bound with her arms above her head, forced to kneel, she looked for any sign of where she was.

“Alison, listen to me,” she called out to the girl, bound to another tree nearby “it’ll be okay. You’re going to be fine.”

“How can you promise her that?” the Unsub asked, voice deep and raspy “and here I thought you were a genius.”

“I can promise her that because I’m here,” Shira countered, focused on the area of his face “and it’s been me you’re after, this whole time.”

“And yet it took you this long to figure it out?” he replied, the laugh in his voice grating at her. Yet she knew not to antagonize.

“What can I say?” she shrugged “You make for some fierce competition.”

As she spoke, she wracked her brain for every fan name she could think of, trying to remember his name. Minnesota. OBK. Who was…

Her blood ran cold, as she finally remembered.

“You did all this for me, Kolbeck?” she asked as he walked towards Alison, causing him to stop in his tracks “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t flattered.”

“And here I thought you’d forgotten about me,” He turned, pulling his hood back so Shira could see him “you never responded to my letters.”

“A mistake on my part,” Shira replied, playing along to try and distract him “or maybe I was scared. You really were giving me a run for my money, Oscar.”

“Seems you’ve learned,” Kolbeck declared, walking over to Shira “just like me.”

The beat of silence, with him bringing the tip of his blade under her chin, had Shira resisting the urge to shiver.

“Pay attention, Doctor,” he told her “our fun is just beginning.”

When the team got to Kolbeck’s address, the house was dark and empty.

“Should have known he wouldn’t be here,” Rossi muttered, once they confirmed the house was clear “now that he’s got her, he’s not gonna wait.”

“Reid, Morgan, tear his office apart,” Hotch ordered, his desperation to stay calm almost visible “see what you can find to tell us about where he’d have taken Alison and Shira.”

“Shira’s abduction was about opportunity,” Emily declared as the others left “it was the first time she was anywhere close to vulnerable since we got here.”

“Takes guts to stage an abduction in front of a police station,” Rossi agreed “or desperation. After all, he still has Alison.”

“He wants to make her watch,” Emily replied “after all, he’s a fan of hers. Maybe he’s looking for her approval?”

“Or to show he’s better than her,” Hotch spoke up “prove to her that she isn’t the expert and genius that everyone makes her out to be.”

“Makes sense, if he’s a narcissistic misogynist,” Rossi nodded, watching Hotch closely “the idea of any woman being better than him is too much. Bet if we look at his history with the other victims, they’ll all have had interactions with him where he perceived them as acting superior.”

As silence fell on the three, Emily left to help the others, leaving Hotch and Rossi alone.

“We’ll find her, kid,” Rossi promised, seeing the younger man’s shoulders tense up “she’s strong, and smart. She’ll be able to keep him distracted. She knows we’re coming.”

“I just hope we don’t get there too late,” Hotch replied “for Alison’s sake, and…”

Their names were called, and both men rushed to the office, were the others were standing over a table.

“We found a map,” came Reid’s voice, moving so that Hotch could see it “it’s got the different crime scenes plotted out, but the organization is odd.”

Looking at the map, Hotch could see the pattern right away.

“Mannaz,” he declared “the rune for Man. There’s seven points. This one’s missing.”

He pointed to the spot in the middle, between the two lines of points.

“He’s focused on the mythology, he has to keep to the plan,” Rossi agreed “that’s where he’ll be.”

“Don’t close your eyes, Alison,” Shira called over, watching as the girl resisted the urge to pass out “stay with me! It’ll be okay!”

Shira tried to remember every detail, watching what Kolbeck was doing. He was taking blood from Alison to draw the sigil and runes.

“You know, there’s something I don’t get Oscar,” she continued, earning his attention from bandaging the other woman up “blood is a normal part of sacrifice, but why carve the symbol into each tree? Isn’t the blood enough? Or do you need to leave your scar where people can see?”

“See, more proof you’re not the genius people make you out to be,” Kolbeck taunted, pointing the knife at Shira “hypocritical of you to call someone out for making their mark.”

“At least I didn’t hurt anyone,” Shira growled, struggling against her restraints as he stalked closer “you could have done so much more, Oscar!”

“Didn’t hurt anyone?!” Kolbeck shouted “you coming on the scene destroyed any chance at a successful career! You stole that from me!”

“How can I steal something you never had?” Shira taunted, trying desperately to keep his attention on her.

Kolbeck’s slap to her face sent Shira to the ground, pulling her shoulder out of its socket and twisting her ankle.

“I was set to be a leader, the best!” he cried out, hands shaking in anger “but you, a young girl with no reputation, took the entire field by storm and stole that from me!”

“Then focus on me,” Shira hissed “she has nothing to do with this.”

“Oh, I have something better planned for you,” Kolbeck smirked, pulling her up by her hair “why do you think the chains and hooks are here?”

Shira immediately knew what he was referring to.

“You want revenge,” she growled “you’ll use Hrafnkel’s fate, from the Freysgoða.”

“You’ll be hung from the ankles like the piece of meat you are.” Kolbeck grinned.

“I don’t think so, Oscar!”

The sudden sound of Hotch’s voice had Kolbeck pulling Shira up as a human shield, his knife to her throat. Trying not to cry out, Shira watched as the team emerged from the forest with police backup. Hotch and Rossi were the closest, guns trained on Kolbeck.

“Alison’s lost blood, but he bandaged her up.” Shira called to them, wincing at the pull to her dislocated shoulder and weight on her ankle.

“Let her go, Oscar,” Rossi spoke up “you wanted to make a name for yourself, you don’t want to die before you can see it happen.”

“I’ll be remembered forever!” Kolbeck replied, growling “the entire country will know my name!”

“Not for long,” Hotch countered “you die, your name will be in the news for a while, but then they’ll move on.

“Let her go, Oscar.” Hotch continued, and even in the dark, Shira could see his eyes shining in anger and fear. Shira could feel the knife pulling away, but she knew that he wouldn’t go quietly. She had to act, they needed him alive to exact justice.

Stomped on his foot, forcing his legs apart.

Backwards kick to the groin to incapacitate.

Elbow to the nose when he let her go.

A punch to the face to disorient, and for her own satisfaction.

Rossi and Hotch ran up behind her, Rossi handcuffing Kolbeck as Hotch caught Shira, removing her restraints.

“He was going to make me watch Alison die,” she declared, shock starting to set in “then he was going to turn on me. Make me suffer like Hrafnkel in the Freysgoða. Pierce my ankles and hang me like a piece of meat…”

“You’re safe,” Hotch promised “you’re safe, Shira. We got him. He won't be able to hurt you.”

She let out a strangled sob, nearly collapsing from the pain of her ankle and shoulder. Yet she did her best to keep from breaking down. She couldn't let him see what he did to her. She wouldn't let Kolbeck have the satisfaction.

Hotch could tell she was having trouble standing, holding onto him. He kept Shira upright, until Kolbeck was gone. Once Rossi had the man gone, Hotch led Shira to a tree root to sit down.

“Where are you injured?” he asked, kneeling in front of her, seeing the way her left shoulder looked out of place.

“Got roughed up a good bit,” Shira replied, quiet “when I was tied up, my hands were above me. He slapped me hard enough to send me to the ground, so the force pulled my arm from my shoulder. Twisted my ankle on the way down.”

“I can see the bruises,” Hotch muttered, looking at the blooming red marks on her face and wrists “anything else?”

“Just that,” she declared, shaking her head “he only got as far as taking blood from Alison, to mark the trees.”

“We’ll get your statement after you’ve been taken care of,” he insisted, looking Shira in the eye “you’re in no condition to be doing anything else.”

“I…I don’t think I can walk,” she muttered, cradling her left arm to her chest “wouldn’t be able to lean on you…”

Morgan had come over while they were talking, after paramedics had taken care of Alison, standing far enough back so he could watch. Seeing the gentle way Hotch handled Shira, Morgan couldn’t help wondering at how everything had played out.

“Alison said that she’d probably be dead, if it weren’t for you,” he spoke up, earning Hotch and Shira’s attention “said you distracted him enough that he left her alone. That was good work, Doctor.”

“Thank you,” Shira replied, smiling tiredly “I just knew I couldn’t let him hurt her more…”

“Save your energy,” Morgan told her, seeing how tired she was “Hotch, we can take it from here, if you want to go to the hospital with her.”

“Keep in contact.” Hotch ordered, waiting for Morgan to nod before turning to Shira.

“Put your good arm around me,” he told her gently “I’m taking you to the ambulance.”

When Shira leaned in, putting her arm around his neck, Hotch an arm around her waist and one under her knees, gently lifting her and holding her close. Morgan watched as Hotch took her away, meeting with the second group of paramedics at the tree line.

“White knight rescuing his lady,” came Emily’s voice from right behind him, causing Morgan to jump a little “she’s one hell of a woman.”

“Perfect fit for him,” Morgan agreed, rolling his eyes at her laughter “wonder where they’ll take it from here.”

To say that Hotch was beside himself would be an understatement. On the ride to the hospital, Shira had fallen unconscious. He sat unmoving in the waiting room, left there by the doctors as they checked her over.

“Agent Hotchner?” he looked up at the sound of the doctor calling his name.

“How is she?” he asked, standing and walking to meet the other man.

“She passed out from the pain and adrenaline crash,” the doctor explained, smiling to reassure Hotch “we were able to get her shoulder back in place, and her ankle is being taken care of. We’ve sedated her so she can sleep the rest of the night, so she can get her rest despite her pain. Thanks to you telling us of her EDS, we were able to make her comfortable enough in the bed, so hopefully she won’t deal with any more dislocations or subluxations.”

“Has she been taken to a room?” Hotch asked, shoulders sagging in relief.

“She will be soon, but visiting hours will be over soon,” the doctor replied “I’ll get her room number for you, and you’ll be able to see her in the morning.”

“Thank you.” Hotch nodded, reaching and shaking the doctor’s hand. Once he was gone, Hotch nearly collapsed into a nearby chair, elbows on his knees as his head hung low.

Why was all of this affecting him so much? He knew her, to be sure, but not so well that he’d be so torn up about her.

There was only one conclusion, but he couldn’t think about it. Not after what had happened to Hayley. The thought of Shira dying because of his association with her was almost too much for him.

He had to be there when she woke up. Hotch needed to know for sure.

Was she his soul mate?

◊

“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Keen

∞

#criminal minds #criminal minds fanfiction #soul mark au #aaron hotchner fanfic #hotch fanfiction #searching my dreams for a lifetime

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our-happygirl500-fan · 4 years

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I would like to take a moment to discuss possible Rogues and Villains for Stephanie Brown outside her dad because Steph has faced a lot of bad guys from Penguin to Victor Zazz and there are even villains that she hasn’t faced that would have a really cool dynamic against Steph I’m going to be combining both preboot and reboot continuity because Steph is badass and has kicked a lot of ass:

The Riddler: There’s a lot of potential here for Nygma to be one of Steph’s main Rogues simply because of the huge amount of history that he has with the Brown family, Cluemaster was called ‘a Riddler knockoff’ multiple times by fans and even in comics and Nygma has tried to kill Arthur multiple times for the man ‘stealing his bit’ however despite their almost rivalry Ed seems to respect Arthur even going so far as to want to work with him, and the Riddler even stayed at Arthur’s house for a period of time during which Steph had to call him “Uncle Ed”, it would have been really interesting to play with the Riddler’s connection to the Brown family especially if you think of the Riddler maybe even being what inspired Cluemaster in the first place you could say that he helped shaped the Brown families entire lives. Also when Steph went to his house the first thing Nygma did was give Steph apple juice and it would have been really cool for DC to play around with Batgirl (or Spoiler or whoever Steph is at the time) fighting the Riddler and then Edward Nygma acting like a weird uncle to Stephanie Brown.

Scarecrow: This should be obvious considering the Scarecrow was the first villain Steph ever faced as Batgirl but what’s really cool about him being in her rogue gallery is that Scarecrow is god damn terrified of Stephanie Brown both in preboot and reboot simply because Stephanie does not let her fear control her and she is able to power through any fear with determination and hope.

The Penguin: Steph god damn hates the Penguin as seen when Cass and Steph faced him in his Robin run. Oswald represents what Steph hates most about Gotham, the corrupt that use people and let them turn to crime and then let them take the fall. Penguin has escaped the law so many times simply because he has money and that infuriates Steph and it would really be interesting to see Steph face Penguin and his corruption as she herself grows and becomes for mature and controlled. We almost got to see some of that back when Steph came back from the dead and she was spy on Penguin and sabotaging him but that was later dropped.

Deathstroke: Slade was once one of Dick’s primary antagonists though we haven’t seen them interact in a while but I was always incredibly disappointed that we didn’t see Slade interact with Dick much during the Batman reborn era, here is someone who Dick has faced since he was Robin and I’m supposed to believe that Slade doesn’t take an interest in Batman Dick and his Batgirl and Robin? Slade might take Dick becoming Batman as Dick being ‘all grown up’ especially since he has his own ‘sidekicks’ Batgirl and Robin. Steph is the Batgirl to Dick’s Batman (and I will always wish that DC showed the dynamic between Steph, Dick and Damian more just for it’s mountains of potential), but most importantly Batman Dick is primarily the Batman to Steph’s Batgirl, (Bruce and Steph only got to work together a few times before the reboot) and Dick chose Damian to be Robin so in a sense Damian and Steph are primarily Dick’s sidekicks the same way Dick and Barbara were to Bruce back in the day and I could definitely see Slade taking an interest in Damian and Steph primarily as a way to get to Dick and then getting interested in Damian and Steph themselves. We’ve seen a bit of this with Damian after the reboot the rivalry we once saw with Slade and Dick now being shown with Slade and Damian but we never got to see Slade and Steph interaction and I really do think he would have ended up rather interested in her not only because out of all the Robins she is the one most like Dick personality wise to the point where even Bruce compared the two and why I think writers like to hint at Nightwing being Steph’s future the same way they hint at Batman being Cass’s but Steph also has an impressive tenacity and ability to adapt and think on her feet that I think even Slade would have been impressed by. Also Slade hurt Steph’s best friend and she should get to punch him in the face for it.

The Joker: The Joker has a connection to almost all the Bats and despite them never actually interacting Steph is no exception. Not only does Steph have a connection to the Joker through Barbara her mentor who has expressed fear at the possibility of Steph facing the Joker but the Joker also has expressed interest in Stephanie herself. Robin Steph is quite simply ‘the one that got away’ to the Joker, she died by someone else’s hand before he could even face her and than infuriates in considering he believes he is Batman’s greatest foe. Joker has tried to kill Black Mask several times for killing Steph because he believes killing Robins is ‘his job’ and with out killing Steph no matter how many Robin’s or Batgirls he hurts or kills he’ll always be one behind. However Joker knows that the Red Hood is the Robin that he killed and if the Robin that he killed can come back maybe the Robin he didn’t get to kill can also come back and if he ever makes the connection between the blonde Robin and the Blonde Batgirl look out Steph.

Shiva: I know these days Shiva is primarily Cass’s villain but Shiva was once an antagonist for the entire Batfamily and has faced Tim, Bruce and even Jason a few times. I’m putting Shiva on the list primarily because of her connections to the people that Steph is connected with, Shiva’s faced and trained with Tim, Shiva has an interest in Black Canary who has trained Steph but most importantly Steph and Cass have Carolyn and Sandra parallels. Shown a few times and driven home by Cass’s hallucination of Steph’s ghost telling her the story of Sandra and Carolyn. There’s also a contrast to how Shiva reacted to her sister’s death by it driving her to be a killer and become stronger and stronger all the while looking for her death while Steph’s death drove Cass to try and become a better person often using Steph’s memory as a way to push her forward in things she was unsure of yet felt like she needed to do and drove her to become better so she wouldn’t loose anyone else. Steph’s memory also drove Cass to live with Steph’s ‘ghost’ telling Cass to keep going and keep fighting but like Shiva Cass was also shown to idealise death because she believed she would be with Steph again. It would be really interesting for Shiva to see Steph and Cass and be reminder of herself and her sister and it would be super cool to see how Shiva interacts with someone who reminds her of Carolyn.

Black Mask: This should be obvious the man tortured her, the man killed her, Steph deserves to punch him in the face. I see the fandom loving talking about Jason and Black Mask but he was Steph's murderer and Steph's death put him on the map of Gotham's villains, like he's a major villain *now* but no one cared about him before War Games in fact I've seen people think he was a character created specifically for War Games. Also because of the movie people seem to think that Jason was going after Black mask to get to the Joker but in comics Jason had the Joker before he even started going after Black Mask, and yeah you could argue he needed Bruce's attention but there are so many ways to do that so I am entirely convinced that Jason went after black mask for Steph, his fellow dead Robin and lower gotham kid and if that got Batman's attention even better. You all love having Jason face his murderer let Steph beat up hers.

Zazz: He’s primarily on the list because the comic where Robin Steph and Bruce went up against him was extremely well done and well written and had super good art and I want everyone to remember it and read it.

The Court of Owls: After Dick, Steph and Duke are the ones with the largest connections to the Court, Duke because they were the first antagonists the We Are Robin kids faced and Steph because the Court did actually kill Arthur Brown, they slit his throat, we saw it happen, Steph identified his body at the morgue and considering the Batfamilies whole theme of avenging dead parents Steph really should have faced the people who killed her dad more.

Talia Al Ghul: Okay god you have no idea how much I want Talia and Steph to interact. Both and Steph have been reduced to simply their relationships with male characters far too many times by writers for years Talia was defined by being her father’s daughter or being Bruce’s love interest and later it was all about her connect to Jason or Damian and when Talia finally is her own character when she is not defined by her relationship with Ra’s or Bruce or Jason or Damian she’s written as a villain. Steph only ever really had her first appearance and two glorious years as Batgirl where she was written as completely her own character without writers feeling the need to shove her connection to male characters in our faces. For years Steph was defined by being Tim’s love interest and Bruce worrying about her being out in the field. Even when Steph was dead we were constantly shown how much Steph death hurt and how it was affecting Bruce and Tim. It would be really cool for Talia to see Steph and try and stop Steph from ending up defined by her male relationships the same way Talia was for years, perhaps it would be cool for Talia to be invested in Steph’s growth and development because she does not want to see Steph make the same mistakes as her. Also I really want Talia to be like a mother figure to Steph because 1. Steph deserves all the mother figures because she has such bad luck with father figures and 2. If Talia acts like a mom to Steph she’ll have been like a mother to the entire dead Robin’s club.

Eiko Hasigawa: Eiko was the daughter of a Yakuza crime boss and she became Catwoman to foil her fathers criminal actions, she was Selina’s lover and Steph’s mentor until her father died and his death broke her causing her to become a ruthless crime boss and massacre over 15 crime families to make a point. Eiko’s men even hunted down and tried to kill Steph for weeks because they thought that Steph was a loose end before they learned that Eiko cares greatly for Steph and promptly backed off. Eiko was a mentor for Steph and was shown to care for Steph greatly, making her a lot of promises and wanting Steph by her side. I think Eiko and Steph saw a lot of themselves in each other both putting on masks to try and stop their fathers yet Eiko ended up taking up the role of the father she once tried to stop. Steph and Eiko have a complicated relationship in that they both care for each other yet are now on different sides with Eiko giving Steph the ultimatum of trying to save Gotham or standing by her side and Steph chose the life of a vigilante. Eiko’s kind of disappeared but it would be so cool to have those two interact again.

Amanda Waller: Tricky since Amanda being a villain depends entirely on your perspective. Cluemaster has ‘died’ a number of times in comics but the first time readers actually cared about his death is when Arthur joined the Suicide Squad, Waller’s team and Arthur later died on a mission. Arthur would later come back to life as ‘Aron Black’ and work to turn politician’s in Gotham and the people of Gotham themselves against the idea of Batman but I think it would be interesting to see Steph interact with the women who led the team her dad was on in one of his first deaths.

The Reapers: Remember those college kids with the Super Powered Tech suits that Steph fought in her Batgirl run? They were cool especially Harmony, you know the one with the sound powers I loved her, let’s bring them back.

Crystal Brown: Okay this one is going to make people upset I’ll admit, look I know we all love and prefer the Crystal Brown who got past her addiction and trauma and was trying to repair her relationship with Steph with waffles and board games that we got in Steph’s Batgirl run but DC got rid of her and now Crystal is even who helped Arthur with his plots and tried to kill Steph and then tried to emotionally manipulate Steph when that didn’t work and then abandoned Steph when *that* didn’t work. We haven’t seen Crystal since like 2014 and the last time she was even mentioned was when Bruce was setting up the Gotham Knights and said that Steph was raised by ‘two verifiable geniuses’ indicating that Crystal is intelligent and probably a dangerous villain if she wanted to be. And look we all prefer good mom Crystal but since we’re not having that I’d rather have a Crystal that gets to be a main antagonist than one that just disappears and is never seen from again. Also while the troupe of abuse victim becoming an abuser themselves does kind of suck it is important to see because it shows that just because someone has suffered it gives them no right to make others suffer as well, also evil Crystal would be super cool to see in contrast to Steph and how different the paths Steph and her mother took in response to Arthurs abuse was. Also if I wrote evil Crystal I’d give her cool shapeshifting powers as a little nod to how she had a different design every time she appeared before DC finally decided on the design we know today when Steph came back to life.

Those are the ones I have now though I’m sure I can think of more but feel free to add to Steph’s Rogue Gallery if you think there’s someone I missed, also I know they’re not villains anymore but Selina and Jason would also be cool options because not only was Steph briefly part of the Cat family in the New 52 and trained with Selina and Eiko but Selina was also one of the last people she saw before she died in War Games so they do have some strong connections and Jason and Steph are sort of universally connected despite never properly interacting both growing up in similar situations with addict mothers and criminal fathers, having complicated relationships with Bruce and dying and coming back. Before she died Bruce would make references to Jason when talking about Steph and War Crimes took place in the middle of the Under The Red Hood Arc heck Black Mask one of Jason’s primary antagonists was the one who killed Steph and in the reboot Steph has even MORE Jason parallels because she experiences homelessness and her own mother betraying and trying to kill her too so it would have been cool for Steph to face the Red Hood but honestly with all the connections and parallels any meaningful interaction between Steph and Jason is a long time coming.

#DC comics #stephanie brown #cassandra cain #tim drake #jason todd #bruce wayne #edward nygma #dc #arthur brown #crystal brown #steph has a lot of potential for rogues and dc just keeps on making her fight her dad no matter how many times he dies

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thankyougotham · 5 years

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Here’s an article that Film Daily wrote about Nygmobblepot. If you’d like to see them write articles about other relationships, you can contact them on Twitter and make a request. They’ve been very supportive of Gotham in general, so follow them if you’re on Twitter.

“Gotham is an innovative show based on DC Comics characters and produced by Warner Bros. The Batman origin narrative helped us rapt viewers understand how our favorite heroes (Batman) and villains (The Joker, Penguin) came to be. It also cast a light on just how Gotham City became the wretched crime-filled cesspool we all know & love.

As the fandom knows, we’re so behind the mission to Save Gothamthat it hurts, but today we’ve decided to take a break from all the activism and talk about love. Here’s why we and the Gotham fandom ship hard for Nygmobblepot, and why these fantastic felons are anyone’s perfect gateway into Gotham for people on the fence about the show.”

Sample Quotes from fans:

Mr. Millicent Cordelia

Both Ed & Oswald were transformed by love. They made sacrifices for each other & always ended up back together. They deserve, and the fans deserve to see this relationship respected as a romance on a server that understands it’s the 21st century.

Merc

Honestly because they’re both idiots and they really deserve each other.

Zoe Tomorrow

They’re two individuals who’ve spent their lives mistreated and misunderstood. They are the only ones who accept one another wholeheartedly. Together they’ve learned about trust, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. And no matter what they always find a way back to each other.

#PenguinSpinOff

Excellent chemistry between them, and a fun, fresh take on these old, iconic characters. They’re like peanut butter and jelly: fine on their own, but especially delightful together.

Rachel

For one, they “really are meant for each other”! They’ve been through so much and have hurt each other so many times but they’ve managed to overcome it. They have a strong bond, would do anything for each other, and somehow they always come back together!

𝕫𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒

These two men grew up misunderstood and overlooked, and learned to use that to grow. they have risen together, and make an excellent team. they have both admitted to being stronger together, and their fates always become intertwined. they’re destined to be together.

Angela

While I’m not the biggest shipper of Nygmobblepot, I do care for their happiness and for the fans who do ship them. My ship is Batcat. They are best friends as kids & love each other deeply. They always want to protect each other. They are family.

LongLiveGotham #Gotham | #SaveGotham

Nygmobblepot has a long, complex history that reveals both the best and worst of these 2 characters. They have grown and learned much from the relationship. They deserve to be on a server that allows them the freedom to be a romantic couple.

Jenny i love my girlfriend

they are two men who have been abused and undermined their entire lives, but see each other as equals. they have certainly had their ups and down, but they always come back, better and stronger than ever. they understand each other more than anyone else ever has.

(not to mention how groundbreaking it would be to have two characters who have been historically heterosexual be in a romantic relationship)

Hale | 45 Days Till Neo

I’m down for anything with dear Oswald- his chaotic energy is a joy to watch, especially when it’s messing with other character such as Edward and Jim.

Scheming Minor

I am going to say something different in lieu of semantics. Technically in a sense when you get to the details they really are one of the few villain pairings portrayed in a “healthy” relationship in the Batman fandom. They progress, accept and move on; never stagnating. I included the healthy relationship chart to prove a point. Each one of those slices can be seen over the course of Riddler and Penguin’s relationship in Gotham– more so when we reach season 5. Their entire journey is about respect. Adding one more thing – Riddler has traditionally been coded as queer and flits with tentative bisexuality, meanwhile Penguin is known as a womanizer but has rare moments of ’what if’ regarding men. Gothamis one of the few Batman shows that follows through with M/M content.

kebu loves Oswald

They are both extreme individuals, but they fit together perfectly. Both are complex characters that went through life unaccepted by everyone which shaped their desire for more and their paths to becoming supervillains, so when they met it was the first time they found their equal and were accepted by someone. Their paths have been intertwined ever since, and whether they’re together or at odds, they’re always the most significant person in each other’s lives. But even though they ended up appearing together, we didn’t actually see them get “officially” together. Their story has yet to come to a close.

Riz || Professional Mr.Penn promoter

A very complex relationship that cannot be concluded in a spawn of a cut off season like it was. They have had a long journey and a perhaps even longer one before them. Their lowest and best have been shared together and they’re the one person who understand the other fully.

M/M relationships in media and tvshows especially is a rare breed. Even more is the concept of the big chance to make two comic characters and made an entirely new spin on them by being brave enough to make them queer, Oswald perhaps within the asexual spectrum at that. Ed as a tormented, abused soul who struggles with his own identiy and perhaps sexuality.

There is really so much to say, which is exactly why there need to be more to tell the rest of the story.

Vero

While Ed fights with the dichotomy within himself, he’s always felt the most whole when he’s been all-encompassed by Oswald’s world and care. Oswald found compassion and acceptance for all the parts that Ed thought were not loved. They are twin souls that deserve a longer story.There’s always been a complexity to both of them, and they understand the extremes that have made them into the people they are. There is no desire to change the other, only bring out the best in one another and a comfort shared that’s so important.

madi

I feel as though they have stories that extend beyond what Gothamwas able to show through their 5 seasons. Especially with the 5th season being half of its normal length. They mean so much to me, and so many others, and I would love to see even more of them (1/2)

(2/2) and to be able to see Gotham’s depiction of Ed’s backstory, an explanation for the whole Isabella fiasco (like how is she even possible) and a plot line where Ed saves Oswald. We haven’t had any of those since s2/early s3 and I need that in my life. I miss them so much.

Evan

Not only off the charts chemistry, but near similar backgrounds also. Both Ed & Oswald were abandoned by their parents, and had to fight the world their whole lives. Then brought them together and they’ve been unstoppable ever since.

Suzy Dakroub

Because they have the best character development and bond I’ve ever seen on a show! They both truly have no one but eachother. For villains where it’s rare to see compassion and love, these two have it for each other and it’s so wholesome and sweet.

Frothy

it’s the first LGBT representation in such a major franchise on TV! it was taken from us once, twice, but there won’t be a third. i will produce season 6 in my basement with tze and my best friend if i must

Warrior_Of_Loyalty

REPRESENTATION!!! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like it. Oswald and Edward deserve a wedding and a musical episode to go with it. Because, if Arthur’s teacher can get married on TV why not The Penguin and The Riddler!? Please!! Make it happen!

𝕻𝖊𝖓𝖌𝖚𝖎𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 ||

Because they are two characters who have been physically and emotionally abused most of their lives, and even after all of their hardships and turmoil, found love and trust and safety in one another

Azura Lynn Paulin

Because they never got to become a real couple on screen and they deserve to have that chance at happiness

MamaDev

Their chemistry, specifically between Robin Lord Taylor & Cory Michael Smith, is incredibly entertaining and heart warming to watch. It makes my whole day, of not, week better when I see them interacting on screen. FOX did not do them justice by keeping them in the closet.

Queen C

Because their story is FAR from over. Cory and Robin’s skills and chemistry shouldn’t be squandered. We had 5 years of their story buildup and got crapped on in the final episode, and I deserve my #BisexualRiddler!!!

Bandi [Gotham/Good Omens Spoilers] #SaveGotham

Nygmobblepot truly is such an interesting ship. As singular characters they are great, but together, they shine. They’re complex, damaged characters and take comfort in each other. Their journey is a long, painful one, but they deserve and compliment each other. It makes sense.

Anders

They are truly self confident with each other, anything becomes possible. They don’t need any cane.

They have each other.

Mae

they just have such strong chemistry and are so much better together than apart. their relationship constantly evolved throughout Gotham, becoming the main driving force for their individual developments too and… they were just made for each other okay

Tam Loves Kris @ Resting in Home

I see a lot of myself and my partner@MisterPenguinin the#Nygmobblepotship and I feel that their relationship is very well developed with lots of ups and downs and it’s fate that they are both meant for each other.

Kat Shade

With all of the characters that had amazing chemistry on Gotham, the main three had to be nygmobblepot, wayleska, and babitha. Nygmobblepot have been through so much together, and besides how revolutionary and amazing it would be for a show based on two previously heterosexual characters in a homosexual relationship, they simply work amazingly together.

#Gotham #nygmobblepot #Film Daily

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jgroffdaily · 5 years

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[This article appears in the September 16, 2019, issue of New York Magazine.]

Within minutes of my meeting Jonathan Groff, he asks if I would like a slice of cherry pie, and then, only a short time later, if I would like to be eaten by a giant plant. The first I readily accept because Groff and the rest of the cast of Little Shop of Horrors have thoroughly analyzed the desserts they picked up for a bus ride down from New York to the suburban Philadelphia puppet studio where they’re rehearsing for the day, and they’ve all concluded it’s the best option. The idea of being eaten by a plant seems a little less palatable, considering the contortions involved in entering the hippopotamus-esque maw of the man-eating Audrey II, which is operated by several puppeteers, and because I’m not sure if Groff is making a serious offer. I learn quickly that he is always offering you things, and those offers are always serious.

The puppet in question represents the largest form of Audrey II, a sassy carnivorous horticultural oddity that convinces Seymour, an awkward flower-shop assistant, to commit murder in the pursuit of fame, fortune, and a suburban life with the original Audrey, a human who works with him. The day I visit, Groff, playing the misfit Seymour (despite good looks that actor Christian Borle, who plays the maniacal dentist, Orin, describes as “scrumptious”), and his castmates are climbing inside Audrey II one by one, figuring out how each of them will die. Wearing a hat from Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “On the Run II” tour, Groff jumps inside wielding a floppy machete, which is so un-aerodynamic it keeps getting stuck in Audrey II’s lips. Groff suggests a real machete prop would be sturdier, and they try substituting an umbrella, which flies out more cleanly. Michael Mayer, the director, says with satisfaction, “It’s a belch!”

Staging this revival of Little Shop is “illegal fun,” as Groff puts it. The original ran from 1982 to 1987 but never transferred to Broadway, at the insistence of writer-lyricist Howard Ashman, who wanted to preserve the show’s off-kilter spirit in a smaller space. Ashman and composer Alan Menken would go on to fill the Disney Renaissance — which consisted of films like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast — with the Marie’s Crisis–ready melodies and queer subversions you can already hear in Little Shop (Ashman died of aids-related complications in 1991). Despite a Broadway staging that kicked off in 2003, this version is staying put at the Westside Theatre Off Broadway in hopes of preserving the quirky spirit of the original. There’s a lot of laughter in rehearsal as well as dress codes like a “kimono Wednesday,” which Mayer enforces by handing me a spare kimono when I drop in that day.

I can’t imagine anyone who is consistently involved in or adjacent to homicide having a better time. In addition to playing a murderously nice guy in Little Shop, Groff stars in Netflix’s David Fincher–produced drama Mindhunter, playing an FBI agent who interviews serial killers; the show is based on the real work of John Douglas, who was one of the first criminal profilers. Considering he’s no big fan of true crime, Groff is somewhat confused about how he became a poster boy for gore and mutilation, though he’s enjoying the texts from friends who point out that even when he does musical comedy, there’s a dark edge involved. A few days after we meet in Philadelphia, we’re talking over breakfast at the cozy Grey Dog in Chelsea, where he insists on paying for everything, picking up all the water and utensils, and getting up from the table to refill my coffee cup when it’s empty.

Groff signed up to star in Little Shop this spring after careful consideration, by which I mean he got the offer and then listened to the original cast recording on repeat for a whole weekend. He’d never played Seymour before, unlike the majority of white male theater actors, but he had positive memories of seeing the first performance of the 2003 Broadway version just after high school, when he was rehearsing the role of Rolf in a non-Equity tour of The Sound of Music. “I wanted to make sure that I’m bleeding for it eight times a week,” he says, which is his measure for doing musicals; he wants to make sure he won’t get bored with the material. Even now, when I assume he might want a break from it during rehearsals, Groff still has the album on repeat. “I never went to college, and I’m not educated, really, so I couldn’t say, like, intellectually why that is,” he says. “When I listened to it, it shot through my heart.”

There’s a clue, however, in the way he remembers obsessing over the film version of the show as a seventh-grader, standing in his kitchen with the song “Skid Row” on repeat — specifically when Seymour sings, “Someone show me a way to get outta here.” It was an appealing message to a closeted kid whom Groff describes as just “a sweaty, uncomfortable person with a secret that was so deep-rooted I wasn’t even flirting with the idea of being myself.” With a little distance from that version of himself (the child of a phys-ed teacher and a horse trainer, growing up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and occasionally having to clean stables on the weekends), Groff recalls the kinds of tells that seem obvious in retrospect, like, say, listening to “Skid Row” on repeat. Or developing an obsession with I Love Lucy, which he still watches before going to bed. Or dancing along to the Donna Reed’s Dinner Party album when his parents weren’t home. There’s a similar longing in Little Shop, which has the queerest kind of perspective on its central couple, as Audrey and Seymour imagine an unreachable, heteronormative life away from skid row and where she looks “like Donna Reed.”

If there’s a murderous kinship between Little Shop and Mindhunter, it extends to the shows’ shared skepticism about that white-picket-fence-style normalcy. Holden, Groff’s profiler character, is a cardboard cutout of a man with a girlfriend who introduces him to 1970s-style sexual liberation, but he is ultimately more fascinated with the deviancy of the killers he’s interviewing. To play him, Groff shuts down his charisma, amassing such emptiness between his angular jaw and his eyebrows that you wonder if he’ll slip into deviancy himself. It’s a performance of square, even sinister straightness that feels close to the best-little-boy performances of closeted queer men, though what seems to thrill Holden most in the show are his interviews with killers. “Sexuality is so complicated, and the people I’ve ended up working with who have cast me in straight parts are interested in looking at things in a complicated way,” Groff says, noting that he feels the argument about whether gay actors can play straight, or vice versa, has gotten “sillier” as time goes on. “Being out and gay and being myself, it allowed me to find people that weren’t closed-minded.”

Groff came out when he was 23, without directly consulting his agent, after he’d become an idol to the nation’s theater teens of Facebook by starring as the sexy, rebellious, tousle-haired Melchior in Spring Awakening. “I was so compartmentalized,” he says, “singing about sex but then not talking about it.” He remains thankful for the way Mayer, who also directed that show, choreographed the explicit sex between himself and Lea Michele’s Wendla clinically, without asking them about their own experiences. He hadn’t spent too much time worrying about the aftereffects of coming out on his career, which were more limiting in 2009 than they are now. “I did think I might not be seen as a romantic lead, but ultimately I was okay with that,” he says, explaining that he was in love at the time and didn’t want to hide it. “At 23, I’d rather just have a real romantic relationship than pretend to have one with a girl.”

Several years after coming out, Groff booked a leading role in HBO’s Looking, a comedy-drama about gay men in San Francisco, which he calls one of the most fulfilling roles he’s had. The series ran for two seasons and got a wrap-up movie but never quite found a viewership, even among queer audiences, instead receiving, as he puts it, “a total mixed bag of very extreme reactions.” Some of that was because people just didn’t like the show — which was often slower, more interior, and whiter and fitter than people may have wanted — and some of it was because it was “carrying a lot of weight; there wasn’t a lot of specifically gay content on a major cable network.” To Groff, making the show opened him up to the possibility of using material from his own experience in his work. Among the cast and crew, “we would talk about stories about PrEP and uncut dicks and monogamy,” he recalls, among “so many stories about anal douching,” and those anecdotes would make their way into the scripts. He was used to a sort of “closeted training of the mind” to abstract himself from his own experience. Looking taught him he could use it.

Recently, Groff has developed an ability to end up near the center of cultural sensations. He stepped in for Brian d’Arcy James as Hamilton’s fey Britpop version of King George III midway through the show’s Off Broadway run. It was a somewhat ideal gig, given that he was onstage for only about nine minutes a night, performed crowd-pleasing kiss-off songs, met Beyoncé, earned a Tony nomination, and got a lot of reading done backstage. This fall, he’s in Disney’s sequel to Frozen, where he returns to play Princess Anna’s rugged (at a Disney-appropriate level) love interest, Kristoff. In the first movie, while Idina Menzel’s Elsa got the vocal-cord shattering “Let It Go,” Groff sang only a few lines of melody between Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven. This time around, he’s putting his Broadway training to use with a full-length solo. It’s the second one he recorded for the movie, since the writers had one idea for a Kristoff piece (“a jam”) but then canned that song while promising Groff they’d write something different, which he didn’t quite believe. “Then they fucking wrote that other song,” he says, characteristically effusive. “I was like, Wow, and the animation of the song is so brilliant.”

As personable as Groff is and as successful as he has become — and as beloved, especially among theater fans and people like my mother — there’s a point at which he maintains a certain distance, in what feels like a way to stem his own impulses. He doesn’t use any social media, though he did consider it when Looking was struggling, before he realized “I’d have to be good at it and want to do it, and I don’t.” He has never thrown himself a birthday party, because the impulse to make sure everyone’s having a good time would stress him out too much. In behavior that reminds me of both a secret agent and Kim Kardashian, he regularly goes through and deletes all his texts after responding to each of them. “I want to make sure I get back to everyone,” he says, holding his iPhone up in front of me to reveal the remarkably few surviving messages.

Before Groff gets up to leave breakfast and travel to rehearsal by way of the single-speed bicycle he rides around Manhattan, we end up talking about the larger trajectory of his career. Considering that he’s scaling down for a revival run of a musical Off Broadway, was he ever the kind of actor who thought of his work as building up to something? A big film? A franchise? “I think I gave that up when I came out of the closet,” he says. “I gave up the idea that there was an end goal or ideal or some kind of dream to work toward.” An image appears in my mind of the life Audrey sings about in Little Shop, a place that’s comfortable, traditional, and expected, somewhere that’s green. “When I moved to New York, what I wanted was to be on Broadway. That happened and then I came out, and it’s sort of been anybody’s guess since then,” Groff says. “I like when something makes me cry or I can’t stop listening to it. Okay, I want to do that.”

Little Shop of Horrors is in previews and opens October 17 at Westside Theatre Upstairs. Buy tickets here.

#jonathan groff #interview

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wheremytwinwatches · 4 years

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[Where My Twin Watches]: Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 5

Well. Last episode was a thing. I’d gathered that there were some dark parts about this show, what with Mr. Freeze killing off military police by literally boiling them, and then Lust stabbing Cornello. But I wasn’t expecting something as dark as Shou’s actions. It’s interesting, Tephi mentioned that we seem to be getting themes in our shows. She gets “this is so weird!” with man-eating giants, macho drill power, fan service, ect. I get “look how fun NOPE HORROR AND HEARTBREAK”. Wonder if that’s going to continue. Actually, since the last post-credits said they boys would encounter Scar, I’m not that optimistic.

Narrator’s recapping Ed and Al’s failed study group, how Ed’s grief-stricken at his powerlessness. Episode 05: “Rain of Sorrows” House in a field? Wait. Ah, captions are saying it’s Ed (Age 5), calling to Mama Elric. Flashback? Aw, Baby!Ed transmuted a little horse statue for his mother. That’s cute- NOPE NOT CUTE NOT CUTE SWEET LETO MAMA ELRIC JUST TURNED INTO CHIMERA Aw hell no, this is a nightmare isn’t it? Ed’s seeing his failure to bring his mother back, Nina and Alexander melding- And he wakes up. Leto, but that was disturbing. Why do I keep watching this show at night again? Al asks if Ed’s alright, waking up from a dream like that. Right, since Al’s in the armor I guess he doesn’t sleep, so he doesn’t have much to do while Ed’s out for the count except read. Cut to Central (or is this East Command?), Ed hesitates to knock at a door until Riza opens it, surprised to see the Elric Brothers so early. They’ve stopped in to ask what’s going to happen to Tucker and Nina. Riza reports that Tucker was supposed to be decertified and stand trial… but both he and Nina are dead. The Elrics are shocked to hear that they’ve both been murdered. Riza says they don’t know who did it (hmmm, maybe this “Alchemist” was killed by that guy who you know’s been going around killing a bunch of alchemists, hmmm?), so she’s heading to the scene of the crime. And she tells the brothers to not go, because they don’t need to see it. At the house, Armstrong and Hughes are once again unfortunately serious as they examine the scene, Hughes complaining that he’s always one step ahead of them. Colonel Roy appears, asks why it sounds like they were expecting this. Did he not know about Scar? Wait, what? Cornello? Didn’t you get Extreme Acupuncture? What are you doing, preaching to the people of Liore who should really know better by now? Oh dear, “Cornello” is preaching to his wide-eyed followers to rise up and attack the people who can rearrange matter at will with farm tools. That’s gonna work out grrrrreat. Hey, good for you, [Man C], pointing out the crazy-talk! But unfortunately the others shout him down. Oh, Lust! So it’s a Corrupt Priest Hologram? However the trick’s being done, it’s turned Liore into a battleground, people beating the crud out of each other as a little girl cries off to the side, in case we didn’t realize that this was Bad. Lust and Gluttony are watching the chaos from on high, as Fake-Cornello walks up and says he’s got his own responsibilities to get back to. More talk about how humans are simple-minded, violent creatures, then Lust asks for ‘Envy’ to lose the costume. And hey, it’s the third Goth from the into sequence! Glad to finally have a name for the guy. Whoops, the Assistant Pastor saw the transformation, and unfortunately reacted loudly rather than run away. Envy takes offense to being called a ‘monster’, and then Gluttony has a snack. While there’s some unpleasant chewing going on, Envy mentions that Tucker is dead. And that they should care because it was “him” that was responsible for the murder. Lust does not seem to like Scar, bad history? And the Flame Colonel and Fullmetal Alchemist are there too? Seems all their enemies are gathering in one- Wait, what? “As furious as I am that he interfered with our work here, we can’t very well let him die.” Whoa whoa whoa, what’s the story here? The Goths are actually working to protect Ed? Why? Why would these people who just gleefully drove a town to riot be protecting our protagonist? Ok, that line just opened up a plethora of possibilities, I’ve got dozens of half-baked theories to try and sort out now. Do they work for someone who would not approve of Ed being harmed, Monkey D. Dragon style? Are they scouting him out as a potential recruit, ala Slaughterhouse Nine? Do they want to get their hands on Al’s collected recipes? Why do these Goths want Ed unharmed? ...oh. OH. Ok, hit pause too soon, another line just threw out my old theories and replaced them with new ones. “He’s an important sacrifice.” So it’s not that they want him unharmed, it’s that they need him to die at a future time. Why? What do they gain out of killing Ed? While my poor head is spinning, Gluttony finishes his meal as Lust and Envy work on their plans, starting with the man they’re discussing back at Command: Scar. The State Alchemists don’t really know anything else beyond the name, which they’re just using because of his picture. Literally, the only information they have is he has a large scar on his forehead. Roy’s heard stories about the man, it seems. Hughes just complains that following this order from the military police means his other work is piling up. Scar’s killed five State Alchemists in Central, with a nationwide count up to ten. And a few days ago he took down Grand, the- Brigadier General? Wow, didn’t realize the guy had such a high rank. And if Scar took down such a powerful Alchemist that easily, disregarding how cocky Grand was acting? Probably best for our characters to increase their escorts and lie low. After all, with Roy and Tucker as the only State Alchemists of note around… Roy has the same reaction that I have: “Oh no!” Out in the rain (man, this storm is going on for ages), Ed and Al are sitting at a statue, Ed repeating something: “Alchemy is the science of understanding the flow of matter and its laws… the process of comprehension, deconstruction, and reconstruction. The world flows, too. It must also follow laws. Everything circulates… even Death is a part of that circulation. You must accept the flow.” A lesson drummed into their head by Teacher. Right, we saw a scene of her teaching the brothers in Ep 2, didn’t we? Ed says he thought he understood it, but now says he didn’t. First his mom, now Nina? And heading out into the rain hoping it would “wash away some of the gloom”, but it’s not working. Al then doubles down on the depression, talking about how he can’t even feel the raindrops. Would somebody please give these poor boys a hug? Gah! Not you! Scar’s here! “You, boy, you’re the Fullmetal Alchemist Edward Elric, correct?” NO. NO HE’S NOT! Well that was abrupt! Without another word Scar goes for the kill, it’s only Al grabbing his big brother out of the way that saves his life. Ed snaps back, Transmutes a quick stone cage around the attacker. But Scar easily blasts his way out, and the Elrics make a break for it. Or they try to, but Scar’s easily keeping up, shattering stairs and pillars as they flee. “Damn it, what the hell is this guy’s problem?! Making enemies isn’t something that I- Well… I never really avoided it. But there’s no reason someone should be trying to kill me!” First off, humor! Glad to see it back in the show! Second, yeah! What’s your problem, Scar? They race into an alleyway, but Scar calls up a wall to block them off. Ed demands to know who their attacker is. “As long as there are ‘creators’ like you in the world, there must also be destroyers.” That explains nothing, dude. Ed and Al get ready to fight, but Scar only smiles as they charge. Please get past him, please get past hi- AL! NO! Scar just dodged them both, then blew a Leto-damned hole in Al’s armor! Go away, commercial-break cards! Not now! Scar’s distracted for a moment at nobody being inside the armor, but still easily counters Ed’s attack and zaps him. But thank goodness he grabbed his arm like every other baddie. Although now he knows the weakness. *gulp* Y’know, as terrified as I am for the brothers right now, I have to respect Scar’s analysis ability. He instantly figured out that Ed’s making a Transmutation Circle by pressing his hands together, so his first target is his “abhorrent right arm”. And SWEET LETO he does, instantly! Ed’s arm is, just, gone! Oh, this is bad. This is really bad. Al’s collapsed in the alley screaming for Ed to run away, Ed’s trying to move back in shock, but falls to the right without his arm, and now that Scar’s prevented Ed from using his “heretic’s alchemy” (and just what are you doing, you hypocrite?) he’s going in for the kill. Aw, but he offers Ed a moment to pray. That’s nice of him. Ed? Ed, what are you doing? Aw. Aw, no. Ed’s clarifying that he’s Scar’s target, not his brother. And trying to make Scar promise that he won’t hurt Al. Ed, no. Ed, run! Get up and run! RUN! Gunshot? Hot damn, the cavalry has arrived! Shoot that murderer! Or arrest him, whatever works. Just get him away from my poor Elrics. Oh, what the heck. Scar’s spouting about how Alchemists alter things from their natural form, profaning the true creator God, saying that he’s here to hand down God’s judgement. *Sigh* Buddy, really? You’re gonna go the “unnatural” route? Not to bring religion into it, but I couldn’t help but notice that you’re wearing sunglasses and clothes. You don’t exactly find those things growing on trees. So no, your “natural form is best form” isn’t gonna work with me. And yeah, tell the half-dozen people holding guns on you that you’ll eliminate them if they interfere with you killing a kid. That’s gonna go over grrrreat. Roy? Roy, what are you doing? Come on, buddy. You know the saying “The man who wins a fist-fight is the one who brings friends with guns”? Why are you ignoring that, handing your gun off to Riza and telling everyone to stay out of it? Aaand I just remembered that Roy’s Flame Gloves don’t work when wet, and it’s raining. What are you planning to do, taunt him? Well, whatever he’s planning, it distracts Scar, he steps away from Ed and charges at the higher target. Scar charges, Roy prepares his plan, Riza runs forward… five seconds later ...ok, let me process what just happened. Scar lunged forward for his insta-kill Face Grab, and what did Roy do? He snapped his fingers, and there was a pathetic *pop*. Yeah, what I just said about Roy having a plan? He didn’t, he actually tried to do his Flame Alchemy. In the rain. He really forgot that his gloves are worthless when wet. But thankfully, Riza seems to have the brains of the duo, and managed to knock Roy off his feet in the split second before Scar’s hand connected. I just… wow. Roy, you are an idiot, and you had best thank Riza for saving your life. I managed to pause at just the right time to capture the incident. Here’s a screenshot, I’d say the last two words best describe Roy’s actions.

Just… wow, dude. You were an idiot. Time resumes as Riza goes guns-akimbo at Scar, who dodges into the alley. The alley with Al still in there. Uh oh. And oh my Leto Roy, don’t you dare complain at the lady who just saved your life. “Useless on rainy days” indeed. Scar’s back to ranting at the people with guns. Someone shoot this guy already. NO WAIT, EVEN BETTER! “I’d like to see you try it!” The Mighty Armstrong has arrived! Punch… to the ground. Good try! Armstrong keeps up the boasting as some other Alchemists run by and gather up Ed. “We’ll see how you fare against the Strong Arm Alchemist, Alex Louis Armstrong!” [Adventure String Music] has started up, it is on! As Scar is not backing down, The Mighty Armstrong will give him a demonstration of the art of alchemy that has been passed down the Armstrong family for generations! Punch to the stone to make an arrowhead, that narrowly misses the murderer. ...uh hey, all you guys with guns? Scars looking away from you now, rightly distracted by The Mighty Armstrong. You wanna put a bullet in his leg, or something? No? Just gonna stand there and watch the show? Ok, whatever. Ed’s informed that this is the guy who murdered Tucker and Nina, and then the Alchemist yells at Armstrong for his property damage. Armstrong what. What are you doing? When did you take your shirt off before spouting about destroying to create? The other State Alchemists question his decision to strip, even as The Mighty Armstrong continues to manly-glint. The Mighty Armstrong notes that Scar understands the truth of that statement, and the onlookers catch on to Scar being an alchemist who stopped at the ‘destruction’ stage of ‘construction, destruction, and reconstruction’. And they call him out for his hypocrisy, while wondering why he’s targeting other alchemists. Meanwhile Scar and Armstrong continue to brawl, Scar thinking about how Armstrong’s unusually coordinated for his size. Oh, Scar’s cornered! Armstrong’s got him! Wait. Oh no. No no no. Scar’s doing his analysis thing again, he’s identified a moment when Armstrong's swing is too wide. Armstrong, get back before he grabs you! Hey, he did it, Armstrong jumped away! And… ah, finally! Riza proves she has the brains of the Alchemists as she starts shooting at Scar again. Did she get him? No, even with all that he was quick enough to only graze him. But at least you got his sunglasses. Wait, what’s with the surprise? Red eyes, brown skin? That means he’s an Ishvalan! Will we finally get some information about that backstory war? Nope, not this time it seems. Scar finally recognizes he’s outnumbered, and blasts a hole into the sewers to get away. Roy thanks Armstrong for buying them time to surround Scar, Armstrong remarks that it was all he could do to keep from getting killed. The perils of CQC against someone who can kill with a touch. Hughes, where were you in all this? What the heck, you were cowering? And what the heck are you doing, calling them a freak show pack of pseudo humans?! I thought you were cool, dude! Ed comes to it (again, he’s been dropping in and out of focus this entire episode hasn’t he?) and runs over to Al. The State Alchemists are looking on- Al, what the heck?! No need to punch Ed! I get that you’re upset that he didn’t run away, but he was trying to protect you! Gah, stop punching him! “Making the decision to die is something only an idiot does!” “Survival is the only way, Ed. Live on, learn more about alchemy. You could find a way to get our bodies back and help people like Nina… you can’t do that by dying! I won’t allow you to abandon the possibility of hope and choose a meaningless death!” Wow. That’s… “Oh, great! And now my arm’s come off because my brother’s a big, fat idiot!” Have I praised the writing of this show/manga lately? Because I should be doing that more often. That was pure gold, right there. Oh my Leto, did you just make a “falling apart” pun, Ed? Hughes gripes that he’s stumbled into an extra-special kind of freak show. Give it up Hughes, we know you love them. And the State Alchemists are agreeing to not pass on Al’s state. Daw, you guys are the best! Well, Scar’s made his escape. But now they know he’s Ishvalan, and the Elrics are still alive. Things are ok. Oh, information on the Ishvalans, finally! Roy’s saying that the Ishvalans were a race of people who lived to the east, believing their god Ishvala was the one, absolute creator. So that’s who Scar prays to, not Leto? Map of the area, give me a sec. Looks like our character’s country is a rough circle, split into five areas (north, south, east, west, central), country named Drachma (isn’t that an ancient Greek coin?) to the north-west, another named Creta (like the island?) to the south-west, and along the eastern border is a Desert Area. Ishval was annexed to the country, giving me another concern about the government our protagonists work for. Then, thirteen years ago… *picture of a small bloody hand by a teddy bear* A military officer accidentally shot and killed an Ishvalan child, sparking a civil war. Shot of military police shooting as an Ishvalan man armed with a knife yells, the map shows the conflict covering the entire eastern sector. That led to military high-command… ordering the extermination of Ishval. Wow. Ok, um. I gathered that the government was a bit overbearing, but… did Fuhrer Bradley really order a genocide? We’ve got a shot of State Alchemists marching, I recognize the late Grand in the center. And is that a younger Armstrong marching in front of him, sans mustache? He’s got that tiny sprig of blond hair and is built like a tank, so I’m assuming that’s him. Marching next to him is a much skinnier black-haired guy with two bangs in front of his face, smirking. Yyyep, I’mma say that I don’t trust anyone who smiles while committing genocide. Camera pans down to three more Alchemists, I recognize Roy and Mr. Freeze but have no clue who this dwarf with a mohawk is. Manga character? Now it’s shots of Alchemists using their powers, Grand throwing out chains and Mr. Smiles apparently blowing up a crowd of screaming Ishvalans. Charming. Roy also snaps his fingers at a village. “Needless to say, the State Alchemists produced striking results.” Roy recognizes that in a sense, as an Ishvalan survivor Scar’s revenge is justified. Ed disagrees, saying that Scar’s attacking people who had nothing to do with it. Regardless, Scar’s trying to kill our characters, so next time there won’t be any talk. And no forgetting how your powers work, either! Roy. So, what’s the plan for the Elrics? They’re gonna keep moving, and before they progress with fixing their bodies they have to get their busted parts back to normal. Time to visit the mechanic. Hey, Winry! Guess we’ll see you next episode, then! “In order to repair their injured bodies, Ed and Al set off for their former home in Resembool, where they are met by their mechanics Winry and Pinako. On the way there they happen across-” Hold everything! Is that Armstrong I see in these shots? It is! We get an episode of Armstrong traveling with the Elrics! Yes! “-they happen across a doctor with a troubled past who may have clues to offer in the brother’s search for the Philosopher’s Stone. Next time, on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood-” Episode Six: “Road of Hope” “What would young Ed discover, and how many questions will still remain to be answered?” Hey, you showed a picture of the Elric family with the father’s face covered. Rude. Pretty sure it’s the blonde bearded guy in the intro, but half expecting a twist like Scar being their actual dad. Who knows given this show.

#where my twin watches #wmtw #ranubis #full metal alchemist #full metal alchemist brotherhood #fmab #fmab 5

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starfiretheninja · 4 years

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The Photo is Mightier Than the Sword- Teen Titans Zine

So I was a pinch hitter on the Teen Titans Zine! While my piece didn’t make it into the final zine (how dare more writers not drop out = P), this was good practice for me. Besides, I shouldn’t pass up a good opportunity to write more Cyborg/Starfire friendship using an idea I’ve had for a while. Thank you @teentitanszine for hosting this and I hope you all enjoy!

“Starfire! Starfire!”

“Remember your manners, sweetie!”

The heroine turned her head to the call, joyfully surprised to see a child running towards her. The child’s mother followed shortly after, pulling a small device out of her purse as the girl skidded to a stop.

“Hi! I’m Marie and you’re my favorite and canIhaveapicturewithyou?” she asked in rapid-fire. Marie bounced on her toes, expression unabashedly excited.

Cyborg, who had been walking with Starfire, aww-ed and elbowed her playfully.

“Looks like you’ve got your first fan.”

Starfire absolutely melted at the adorableness and eagerness of the girl. Flattered that an Earthling would ask any favor of her when she had arrived on the planet not long ago, she instantly agreed.

“Hello, Marie! Of course, you may! Tell me, what do your people use to take pictures?” she inquired.

“Mommy’s phone! Did you hear that, Mommy? She knows my name!” Marie squealed excitedly. Her mother smiled, relieved that her daughter’s day would be made.

“Yes I did, sweetie. Stand next to her and smile like I showed you,” she said gently, opening the phone and holding it out in their direction.

“A phone?” Starfire puzzled. From her understanding, ‘phone’ referred to ‘telephone’ which was used to transmit sounds from one device to another. Were they also capable of photography?

Next to her, Cyborg patted her shoulder, a warm smile taking over.

“Here, Star. You see that?” he asked, pointing at the woman’s phone. Starfire nodded. “Phones have cameras built into them, and they can take photos. All you have to do is smile at it until she’s pressed the button? Alright?”

“It’s easy!” Marie piped up, taking Starfire’s hand in hers. “And you can’t blink because Mommy will have to take it again.”

Starfire looked closer at the phone, spotting what looked to be a shutter mechanism on the back. Her face brightened, excited to be documented as one of Marie’s happy memories. Closing her fingers around Marie’s small hand, she answered,

“I see. Come little friend, we will make sure that this photo is full of smiles!”

“Yeah! Lots of smiles!”

Cyborg stood off to the side as Marie’s mother took a few photos. Both girls were ecstatic and had a difficult time keeping still. Afterwards, Marie’s mother showed Starfire the photo and thanked the Titans for their time. Marie said goodbye and skipped down the street with her mother as Starfire waved after them.

A few moments passed, and a bittersweet thought occurred to Starfire.

“Oh, it would be most wonderful if we also could have photos of our joyful times. I fear I may not be able to remember them all.”

“I mean, you can.”

“How so?”

“Your communicator has a camera option. Robin insisted it’s mainly for taking evidence from crime scenes, but he never said you couldn’t use it for other things,” Cyborg said, a grin forming.

Gasping loudly, Starfire whipped out her communicator and shoved it into Cyborg’s hands.

“Please show me how to find this feature! I will use it to the upmost of my ability.” she declared, her enthusiasm brimming so much so that she was floating. Cyborg simply couldn’t say no to someone with such childlike eagerness.

Moving to stand next to her, Cyborg explained how to change the settings between camera and video call, as well as how to view her photos. Starfire followed his instructions with diligence.

“Like so?”

“Perfect!”

Click!

Upon viewing the photo, Starfire squealed and threw her arms around Cyborg’s neck. Thankfully, she mainly squeezed his metallic armor instead of his skin with her alien strength.

“Oh, thank you, friend Cyborg! I shall cherish this memory for as long as I live!” she gushed.

Moved by her sheer joy, Cyborg patted her back and tried not to sniffle.

“Anything for a friend, Star. Now come on, let’s show off your photography skills to everyone else.”

After a few months of honing her craft, Cyborg had to hand it to Starfire that she could take some of the most unexpected photos. Every so often he asked if she took any interesting ones lately. The highlights included her Tamaranean food unexpectedly exploding, Beast Boy looking like a floating mishmash of animal limbs mid-transformation, and Robin in the middle of face planting on the gym floor.

All Robin asked of her was that she did not release any of her photos to the news outlets, especially the tabloids.

Other than the unintentionally hilarious, great-for-blackmail material, Cyborg found that Starfire liked to take photos of herself on outings with their friends from a bird’s eye view. Always floating, no matter the context. And frankly, it made for unique angles that Cyborg wished he could reach.

One day, Cyborg took a photo of himself grinning proudly on a stack of crates overlooking the T-Ship. He didn’t want to forget what a great waxing job he did before the Titans inevitably dirtied his creation on their next mission. Starfire, who happened to pass by at that moment, asked if she could look at his photo. Cyborg complied, and Starfire gave him a wide smile.

“This is most impressive! You managed to capture the entirety of the T-Ship despite its substantial size,” she complimented.

“Ah, it’s nothing really. I was just proud of my baby,” Cyborg blushed, rubbing the top of his head. Starfire shook her head.

“It is not nothing if it has meaning to you,” Starfire said in a serious tone. Then, clapping her hands together, she said cheerfully, “And besides, this angle makes the ship look very shiny!”

“Well, thanks! I wanted to make sure all the work I did this afternoon was well documented. But it’ll be a while before I can take a better shot than you,” Cyborg added. He realized that it sounded as if he was demeaning himself, but in reality, he truly admired Starfire’s artistic vision. Her uninhibition in what should be captured stemmed from her lack of understanding of Earth’s standards for how a photo should look. That was a rare gift.

Luckily for Cyborg, Starfire took his complement as intended. But let it never be said she didn’t know how to try to boost another’s self-esteem.

“I am certain that you will be able to best me in ‘capturing the shot’. With due practice of course, as I have explored the world of photos for many months now.”

She meant it in the friendliest way possible. However, an idea sparked in Cyborg’s mind. He would never be able to beat her weight-lifting records or outrace her in the obstacle course. But perhaps this was a test that he could prove to be her equal in.

“Is that a challenge? Because I need one right now. Beating BB at Go Racers! is almost a given at this point,” Cyborg proposed, waggling his eyebrow.

Cyborg always craved new ways to seize the day. And a friendly competition with his friend was the perfect novelty to take on.

Starfire took a moment to consider his offer.

“A photography battle? Certainly unusual, but perhaps not unprecedented. What are the conditions of said contest?” she inquired, wanting to ensure fair play.

“Best photo with a fun background and interesting angles by the end of the week wins. Beast Boy will be the judge, he’ll actually be fun about it.” Cyborg held out his hand. “What do you say?”

Starfire paused, then gleefully smiled. She took his hand and shook it, taking care to not crush it by accidental enthusiasm.

“If you insist, then, how do you say, it is ‘the on’.”

And so, the battle began.

“I demand a rematch! When did you even make the time to visit the Arctic Circle?” Cyborg practically shrieked, his pitch rising much higher than normal.

In response, Starfire merely blinked.

“Everyone was busy, so I spent no more than a half hour to fly there, play with the cubs, then return. Although the mother was very displeased to find me with her babies and prevented me from staying longer.”

Cyborg’s metallic shoulders slumped, having been defeating so easily by innocent bear cubs.

“Oh, come on! How is that fair? It took me three days to track down the best view in the city and you don’t even need a plastic globe to make your way north. Back me up, man,” Cyborg begged his green friend.

Beast Boy, having barely contained his snickering up until this point, wiped a tear from his eye. He was drinking in every moment of Cyborg losing to something couldn’t tackle with a snarky remark or by hacking a software.

“Sorry, dude. But you just can’t beat fluffy polar bears. Seriously though, they’re so adorable!” he turned to Starfire to fawn over them.

“The most adorable! And they waved their paws at me like a human. I did not know bears were capable of mimicking such behaviors.”

Cyborg couldn’t take it. He may have been at a disadvantage not being able to fly at light speed around the globe, but he would find a way to win fairly if it killed him.

“Okay, new rule!” he declared, reclaiming his friends attention. “The photo has to include something that’s part of America, location or otherwise. I can drive anywhere within a couple hours, but I ain’t about to fly to India just to get the Taj Mahal in the frame.”

After pondering for a moment, Starfire nodded her head.

“I suppose that is a fair rule to abide by.”

Beast Boy promptly raised his hand.

“What about the White House replica in China?” Beast Boy asked. The other Titans stared at him, confused as to what he had just said. “What? Robin lectured me on knowing the difference between authentics and fakes the other day. And he wouldn’t let me forget that a fake White House exists.”

“Wait, really? Why would they- anyway no it doesn’t count. Has to be made in America or it’s out. Just you wait, Star. The next one will steal the show,” Cyborg promised, setting his fists on his hips.

“Not if I find another difficult-to-track treasure first!” Starfire leaped up, eager to engage in competitive combat once more.

“Oh, Cyborg! May we include this location in our ongoing competition?”

The Titans latest mission had called them to the heart of Amazonia. While the weather was a mixed bag of hot and muggy and drenching rains, no one could deny that the colors and wildlife were beyond gorgeous. Even Raven cracked a smile at the moss-covered sloths creeping along the overhead vines.

Cyborg considered her suggestion. It would be a shame to not capture such a spectacular place in photograph form. And besides, he didn’t want to exhaust all of his American bucket list locations too quickly. He wanted something left to explore on his next road trip excursion.

“Well, we are both here at the same time. New rule: as long as we’re both here on a mission or for some other reason, this area is game.”

“Game?”

“He means you can include it in your game,” Raven said in her usual monotone.

Starfire lit up, already brimming with the possibilities that the dense jungle offered.

“Most excellent! I will have many tropical animals to find once our mission is complete.”

“Just don’t go swimming in the river. I’m pretty sure that water’s teeming with piranhas and it wouldn’t be any fun if you lost your arms to some hungry fish,” Cyborg joked.

Starfire, having become wary due to multiple white lies Beast Boy had told her to get a laugh, frowned at this ‘advice’. She was still deducing how to tell the difference between a practical joke and a helpful truth.

“How do I know you are not attempting to dissuade me from an exemplary location? Most of your body is likely resilient to the razor teeth of these piranhas, so is that not an ‘unfair advantage’?”

Starfire recognized that they had different strengths, but she was assured that the rules were set in place to keep their competition fairly balanced. She wasn’t about to let her friend trick her into losing a prized photo.

Cyborg started running calculations on how much damage he would sustain were he to be attacked by a school of piranhas. He figured that it would be minimal so long as he kept his head out of the water, so maybe it was worth a shot.

“Now that you mention it . . .”

“Don’t even think about it.” Robin warned him.

“Beast Boy, you must assist me! Cyborg will surely win as I have no new photos to offer this time,” Starfire lamented. She had wracked her brain all week for a stellar idea, but she was facing what Raven called ‘artist’s block’. Nothing seemed good enough and time was quickly running out.

While he was impartial on who won, Beast Boy did prefer to help Starfire as she was less likely to know what was available to her. Alas, having fried his brain on another all-night movie marathon, he was utterly incapable of helping his distraught friend.

“I don’t know if I can. I’ve exhausted any ideas I had. And you’ve been to pretty much every monument on the planet,” he groaned.

“I know of many other planets that would provide excellent ‘drop of the backs’, but that is against the rules.”

“We could always try hitting up Titans East. Maybe Aqualad knows a nice beach somewhere on the coast,” Beast Boy suggested

“I am not so certain he can help. I believe I overheard Robin say that he was on an important mission in Washington,” she recalled.

“Well then, where else can we look? “I know a place.”

The Titans nearly jumped out of their skins, not having realized Raven had practically materialized in the hallway. Then, processing what she said, they latched onto her.

“Dude, where?!”

“Please tell!”

Raven sighed, putting up with their grips on her shoulders for the moment.

“You need something American, right?”

The two Titans nodded hurriedly, releasing their hold on her so she would continue.

“What’s an American landmark that’s not on Earth?” Raven started cryptically.

“Uh . . . Satellites?” Beast Boy suggested, earning a deadpan stare from Raven.

“Does America extend past the atmosphere?” she said irritated.

“Okay probably not,” the changeling tapped his fingers together. “But seriously, what are you thinking of?”

“In layman’s terms, think of something red, white, and blue,” Raven hinted, hoping that they would get it this time.

A light bulb went off in Beast Boy’s head.

“A flag! The flag!” Beast Boy shook Starfire’s shoulder excitedly. “Star, there’s one on the moon. It’s perfect!”

Starfire gasped loudly, her earlier despair giving way to a wave of creative energy and hope. There was no way she would roll over in defeat this time.

Enveloping Raven in a tight hug, she swung her increasingly disgruntled friend in a circle before releasing her.

“Oh yes! Thank you, Raven! Please keep this a secret, as I wish to surprise Cyborg tomorrow.”

Raven was too busy getting the oxygen that was squeezed out of her back into her lungs to reply for a moment.

“You can count on me not to blab,” she wheezed, her ashen grey color returning to her face.

“I need to get my camera ready. Cy’s face is going to be priceless,” Beast Boy said with a devious grin.

“Oh Cyborg,” Beast Boy called in a sing-song voice to draw Cyborg’s attention from scrubbing down his beloved car.

“I believe I have bested you for this round,” Starfire said gleefully as they approached him.

“Aw now hang on, I’m pretty sure I have this in the bag,” Cyborg said, holding his chin confidently. Pulling out his communicator, he presented his work before the two. “Booyah!”

The two gawked before the image. Cyborg was standing on a rocky ledge along the water, sun low in the sky, while a killer whale was arching in a leap above him. It was perfection.

“Free Willy? Dude, how?! I thought I was the only animal charmer around here,” Beast Boy sputtered in disbelief.

“I do not understand. Is Willy the name of this particular killer whale?” Starfire inquired.

“Let’s just say I ran into Aqualad in the Pacific Northwest and he owed me one,” Cyborg answered cheekily.

“Some mission, Cy!”

“You may have the composition on your side, but mine was not crafted by trickery,” Starfire huffed.

“Yeah! Star’s got a one of a kind original in her pocket,” Beast Boy bragged.

Cyborg made a ‘come on’ motion with his fingers, his confident expression never cracking.

“Bring it.”

Putting on a dramatic pose, Starfire flashed her creation before Cyborg proudly.

“Behold!”

Cyborg squinted, trying to comprehend what he was looking at.

“Wait. Is that- no way!” Cyborg’s jaw dropped.

Cyborg didn’t even flinch when Beast Boy’s communicator shutter clicked to capture the moment.

“Priceless!” he giggled.

“If I recall correctly, the flag was indeed made in this country. So, this location is well within the terms of the game,” Starfire elaborated, trying to ease any feelings of inferiority that Cyborg might feel from this loss.

To her surprise, Cyborg burst out laughing. Gripping his gut, he belly-laughed so hard that he began to shed tears. Catching his breath, he gave Starfire a brotherly slap on the back.

“Dang girl, you really got me this time. Maybe I should get up there sometime. The T Ship could use another test run,” he laughed even more. Starfire laughed along with him, joyful that she could be both a good friend and competitor to Cyborg. The photography was enjoyable, but it was moments like these that truly made her days memorable.

“We agreed on no plagiarizing, friend Cyborg. I am certain you will prove to be a strong foe next time,” she said playfully.

“But this time, I think we all know who the winner is,” Beast Boy remarked, still marveling over the blackmail material he got on Cyborg.

“Titans,” a voice cut in.

The giggles died down as Robin strode up to the Titans, crossing his arms as he stopped before them.

“I just received a message from NASA, saying that Starfire was up on the moon near their equipment. And I’m guessing she wasn’t in on it alone,” he said sternly, raising an eyebrow.

Starfire ducked her head shamefully. “Are you upset?” she asked meekly.

Robin’s expression almost instantly morphed into one of surprise and concern.

“What? No- of course I’m not upset with you,” he said gently.

Cyborg coughed something Robin just barely comprehended, earning a glare.

“But my point is I don’t want anyone heading into government protected areas. We don’t want them to think we’re up to anything suspicious,” he said calmly.

“We understand, Robin. My apologies for getting ‘carried away’,” Starfire nodded, regaining her confidence seeing that Robin was only looking out for the welfare of the team.

“Leave it to Robin to add another rule around here,” Cyborg grumbled.

“I totally get what you’re saying, and, before you continue, I would just like to add that Raven totally set us up,” Beast Boy piped up.

“Care to repeat that?” Raven said, standing behind Beast Boy.

Beast Boy’s shriek echoed throughout the Tower.

#starfire #cyborg #teen titans #fanfic #robin #of course there's a hint of robstar how could i not?#i write

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canadiangeekgirl · 5 years

Link

Photo, Canadian Press.

I’m scared about what’s happening in Canada.

When Donald Trump was elected in 2016, many of us Canadians wagged our fingers smugly at our southern neighbour. “What were they thinking?” we said to one another in line at Tim Hortons. We spent the next year or so glued to CNN, more captivated by American politics than what’s happening here.

We might have wanted to pay more attention.

The tide in the Great White North appears to be shifting right — but not in the way we’re used to. This isn’t a typical liberal-conservative tug-o-war, the ebb and flow we’ve seen throughout election cycles. This new movement is one that has already swept through Hungary, Poland, the U.S., it’s fuelled Brexit in the U.K. and has seen the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany, who have been compared to the Nazi regime. And it’s tilted so far to the right that it threatens to upend our democracy and the very liberties we’ve fought for.

While conservatives have historically called for less government regulation, lower taxes and a stronger military, today’s Canadian right-wing politics has rebranded itself to include more visible intolerance. Bigotry isn’t just bubbling under the surface these days, it’s out in the open and proudly displayed for when the guests come over.

This ugly, newfound boldness threatens to dominate the next federal election, impacting not only the world’s view of us a fair, diverse and welcoming country, but also the lives of all marginalized Canadians. That keeps me up at night.

As a gay mother with a trans child in the Ontario school system, and as a human rights advocate who spends a lot of time on social media, I’m on the receiving end of a lot of messages from people who think it’s “about time” politicians start standing up to “special interest groups.” We’ve been coddled for too long, they say, and we don’t deserve special treatment. They mock, namecall and outright threaten those of us who fight for the rights of marginalized people to be preserved. They’ve always done this, of course, but their voices, now embolded by the very politicians and public figures they support, are growing in number and getting angrier. I’ve had to file two police reports after my life was threatened — and those are only the incidents I reported.

This swing to the populist right is both in our face and insidious. Donald Trump might be loud and brash, but his win was unexpected by most. We surveyed the damage from up north, thinking it couldn’t possibly happen here. Surely, Canadians know better. We didn’t.

Modern populism has grown quietly, from the pages of right-wing websites to the birth of new neo-fascist groups such as the Proud Boys, now designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Support for the populism movement gained traction through one protest, one meeting, and one tweet at a time. Now it’s loud and it’s everywhere. It unseated Premier Kathleen Wynne and her Ontario government, with Premier Doug Ford and the Conservatives promising little more than a buck-a-beer and the end of teaching gender identity in schools.

And then, in October 2018, Premier Ford met privately with university professor Jordan Peterson. While the premier openly discussed other meetings that had taken place around that time, the public only learned of this one after the CBC obtained his itinerary through a freedom of information request.

Wildly popular in some right-wing circles, Peterson’s views have been slammed as retrograde, problematic and dangerous. He became well-known after taking a stand against using trans people’s chosen pronouns, claiming being forced to do so is an attack on free speech. He argued vehemently against the federal Liberal government’s now-passed trans rights bill, speaking in front of the senate committee overseeing the bill, and warned his followers about the dangers of “compelled speech.” Peterson has also proposed “enforced monogamy” as a way to reduce male violence and believes “crazy women” can’t be controlled by men because men can’t resort to physical violence against them.

Despite, or, perhaps, because of these views, Peterson, who teaches at the University of Toronto, earns tens of thousands of dollars monthly from his Patreon account, a site where fans can pledge financial support to creators of all stripes. These donations are given to him by admirers, many of them Canadians.

Ford, meanwhile, campaigned heavily on the removal of Ontario’s most current incarnation of the sex-ed curriculum, and followed through — a move that has earned much criticism and more than one lawsuit. However, it was also, in part, what earned his party a majority government. A slew of Ontarians has proudly come out in support of Ford’s policies, including the removal of mandatory student funding for certain college and university services, such as pride centres.

A week before meeting with Premier Ford, Peterson had spoken out in a tweet against the Ontario Human Rights Commission, claiming it to be the most “dangerous” organization in Canada, and calling for the Ford government to abolish it. Peterson has previously said he doesn’t agree with the OHRC’s support of gender identity and gender expression. The OHRC had just joined the legal fight against the Ontario provincial government’s removal of the sex-ed curriculum, which covered LGBTQ+ issues, consent and cyber-bullying.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission does exactly what the name implies: using the Ontario Human Rights Code as its guide, it strives to protect all Ontarians from discrimination and harassment. Those who are fiscally-minded might also appreciate how the OHRC first tries to resolve issues between parties out of court, taking the less-expensive mediation approach. It is not the country’s most dangerous organization, but its dismantling could certainly be very dangerous.

The timing of this secret meeting should ring alarm bells for liberals and conservatives alike. Protecting human rights is, after all, supposed to be a closely-held Canadian value.

Trump’s 2016 victory was a dog whistle for bigotry that reached the ears of Canadians. Doug Ford has proven Ontario will welcome similar politics, while Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada, a federal right-wing party formed in 2018, has over 30,000 members and a social media presence that speaks out against “political correctness” and “diversity nonsense.”

Taking a page from the Yellow Vest movement in France, the Facebook group “Yellow Vests Canada” has more than 100,000 members. What began as a place to organize protests around the country quickly became a spot where anti-Liberal sentiments and memes are circulated around the clock, several going so far as to call for the Prime Minister’s death. Immigration is regularly condemned, and Islamophobia is dismissed as a made-up word.

While some of the most offensive posts have been removed over recent weeks, the views are still crystal clear. This group isn’t just anti-tax and pro-oil, it’s filled to the brim with intolerance. This message is consistent throughout provincial groups as well, such as BC Proud, Alberta Proud and Ontario Proud. With a combined total of hundreds of thousands of members in these groups, cries of fake news and the danger of refugees abound.

These sentiments don’t just live online.

Statistics Canada reported hate crimes had reached historically high levels in 2017, rising 47 per cent over the previous year, with Ontario and Quebec leading the pack on reported incidents. Black, Jewish and Muslim people were targeted most. Quebec saw a 50 per cent increase in hate crimes overall, and crimes against Muslims tripled between 2016 and 2017. In January of 2017, a shooter killed six men and injured several others in a Quebec City Mosque. Meanwhile, Ontario saw a 207 per cent increase in hate crimes against Muslims, and an 84 per cent increase against Black people. Crimes against LGBTQ+ people have also climbed. Swastikas have been spray painted on synagogues and other buildings across the country. Intolerance is growing.

Populism has many sources. Perhaps there are people who are tired of looking inward and are now lashing outward. Maybe, for some, it’s simpler to blame immigrants when they can’t find work than the companies who cut minimum wage jobs and still pay their executives millions in bonuses. Maybe it’s easier to find a scapegoat, to call someone like me a child abuser for supporting my transgender teen, than it is to grow and broaden our ideas of what’s normal.

Societal change can be hard and it can make people uncomfortable, but that’s a flimy excuse for discrimination.

Intolerance has never gone away, it was simply out of fashion for a while. Now it’s back with a fresh new look and a boost from fake news and social media.

We should all care deeply about this frightening political shift and where it could take us.

I know I care, which is why I’m so scared about what’s happening in this country, and what’s yet to come.

Amanda Jetté Knox is an award-winning writer, public speaker and LGBTQ advocate. She is the author of Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family, which will be published in August 2019 from Penguin Random House Canada. She lives in Ottawa with her wife and four kids.

#editor's picks #canada #White Supremacy #racism #trump #intolerance #LGBTQIA

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gayneral · 5 years

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All those flowers, my dude

First of all thank you for asking, this will be longAlso as this took me almsot two weeks already I took the liberty of leaving some queastions out so I wouldn’t take even longerSince this was answered over a longer time span some questions that are aimed at certain days may be slightly outdated (ed what are u wearing today and such)

Alisons: Sexuality?I’m gay my dudes

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender?He/Him, male

Amaryllis: Birthday?My Birthday is in June

Anemone: Favorite flower?This is gonna sound lame as fuck but I rly like roses, red ones in particular

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show?I can’t choose but here are some favorites:

Peaky Blinders, I’ve watched this one so often,,, Cillian Murphy was what got me into it and I stayed for beautiful scenes and atmosphere and the gang drama

Gotham, Let’s be honest, the best thing abt dc are their villains (also suuuuper into Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Office, i like these because they are easy, nice and satisfy my need to have something running in the background while I’m at home. (Also insanely sweet in the case of BB9)

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes?One I still remember strongly is from two boys kissing “you should all live to meet your future selves”

Also many of the poems by keaton st james deeply resonate with me so check those out (most are religious-ish just in case that’s a no no for you)

Aubrieta: Favorite drink?I gotta be boring and say water

I like hot chocolate and a special kind of peach tea and some soda I drank in brazil but water,, yeah I drink that most,, love hydration

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?Nope

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love?I am, right now, at this very moment

Baneberries: Favorite song?I can’t give you an all time favorite so here’s a random favorite I currently like listening to: Sedated by Hozier

Basket of Gold: Describe your family.My family is not very big and actually hasn’t been a family for a very long time. Namely it’s my dad, my sister, my grandparents, my dads wife, her son, our dog and I. I have never experienced family in my youth so sometimes when I’m with them it’s all very odd. And sometimes it’s stressful. But it’s the first time I actually miss family when I’m alone at home, far away. I speak about my father and my grandparents further below but my sister is very sweet and I’m pretty protective of her, she and I get along a lot better now than before which is a common trait as ull see later.

We often take care of things, and are probably the most planning of the family. My dad’s wife is very good to talk to, having a very different perspective from my own and will always offer up advice. Her son is currently in pirperty and more interested in playing fortnite than anything which makes for some explosiveness at home. Our dog is cute and perfect that’s it.

Begonia: Favorite color?I like blue tones, but a dark, rusy kind of red is cool too

Bellflower: Favorite animal?Dogs Dogs Dogs. By far my favorite animal, they fill my heart with joy. Next up, Giraffes, funny big boys

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person?Morning I think, I definitely work best early.

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?I actually never really had a dream job as a child. Not that I remember at least.

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children?While I generally ain’t a big fan, like I’m someone very based on conversations so obviously that’s hard w kids. I am growing more to them. I’m far from wanting one but I think children are special in their.. Like innocence. They are beyond all the bitterness and hatred that we adults have. If only parents would be better lmao

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why?I’m afraid of many things. Change for example. And failure. I think that might be because being perfect was important when I grew up and whatever I did it was never enough to my mother especially. Perhaps that has become so deep rooted that I tell myself I can not fail, which makes me very nervous and makes me worry too much.

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood.I spend lots of time on building sites and in hardware stores because my grandparents have houses and my parents often would work there too.

Buttercup: Relationship Status?Single

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved?God I don’t know, I think it’s probably when I’m with someone I care about and it’s easy and light and fun and I feel comfortable and they tell me that they like being around me, or that I made them happy with something.

Canna: Do you have any tattoos?Nope,wanted to have some but money and shit

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings? I have my ears pierced, but it’s the earlobes so the most basic thing

California Poppy: Height? I insist on 1,70 at least, I will not accept being under that.

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts?In a way, yeah

Carnation: What are you currently wearing?My new boots, black pants, winter coat, black jacket, a blue button up and a lord of the rings shirt underneath. Obviously underwear

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight?When I was a child for sure

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged?A person from school, who’s also in fashion design, but a few years above me that I got to know bc of cosplay.

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed?My Ex

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font?God idk, I like oldish looking ones, elegant ‘n stuff

Columbine: Are you tired?Nah, actually not rn

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to?Sam visiting me in March

Coneflower: Dream job?I’m not sure, definitely something w sewing but idk if I wanna go theater or my own things

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert?Introvert

Crocus: Have you ever been in love?Yeh

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about?Very very far

I’d say I’m pretty damn loyal and also give myself up easily even without noticing. If someone has my love and my loyalty they have my everything basically. Would I commit a terrible crime? I don’t know. Would I be real mean to someone or punch them? Yeah, if it’s reasonable w the situation I would (would it be affective? Not sure)

Give myself up? If we’re thinking real dramatic..maybe yeah

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign?Gemini

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering?Funny or stupid things? MaybeOtherwise honourable stuff, i don’t think so, i don’t view my actions like that.

I mean I survived, that’s pretty cool

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?Above mentioned survival. Which includes making it out of my mother and her boyfriends abusive grip and household. Moving away. Being true to myself. Dragging myself out of the hole I had fallen in for a while. Getting close w my dad and family. Believing more in myself and stopping things that are not good for me. Getting an apprenticeship that I like. Moving forward in life

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)?If it’d be my dad I’d sit down with him and ask him why exactly. I have had a relationship before in which I did not see how badly I was treated/ that I basically searched someone like my mother. So I’d listen, perhaps to prevent from making the same mistake again. If it turns out it’s nothing reasonable I think I’d tell him that I will pursue the relationship anyway and ask him to respect that and be as nice as possible to my partner.

If it’d be my mother.. No surprise she doesn’t even like me and honestly I wouldn’t give a shit.

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to?Did I say it? Not sure but written it in a letter, it was Sam

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at?If my grades speak for themselves it’d be my apprenticeship, or like idk working hard about something I enjoy. I take this very seriously and give it everything I can. I’ve been told I’m good at talking, not sure if that’s true

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at?I’m envious. It’s not that far that I am not happy for people, I think i generally have it under control but sometimes it gets the best of me and fills my stomach with nasty emotions.

Also saying stop. I do a lot for people, and I’ve been prone to letting people use and step on me for too long xnot standing up for myself

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month?The past month was actually absolutely terrible so not much to find here.Uhm..the bad thing that happened got our family closerI spend Christmas and new years w my familyI got amazing gifts and letters from my friends

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today?Stressful. I worked on my semester project and I feel like hardly anything worked

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life?I’m moving towards a happy place. But I’m definitely doing a lot better already

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two?Finish my apprenticeship, surgery, be able to make my own money so I don’t have to rely on my dad so much (he does enough for me already) and so I can get more distance between my mother and I

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life?In no particular order

1. Dogs, god whenever I see a dog I’m happy because they are so cute and loyal,,,,,,,

2. probably everyone and their dog says this but my friends, honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without them. They helped me through terrible times in my life, are a constant source of love and joy to me.

3. my family. Since I didn’t have that for a long time I cherish it even more now that I do. It’s amazing to have a family that supports you behind you. I’m super grateful for everything they’ve done for me

4. the possibility to do the apprenticeship that I want to. it’s not always easy,,,I lack the money lmao but I’m so grateful that I can do this, because it makes me feel like I’m actually worth something in the working,adult world. I’m good at this

5. music. I listen to it so often, I can’t imagine not having music

6. sunshine, there’s something wonderful about going outside and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, when it’s spring and winter has just gone by and you just have to smile because everything is bright and you’re surrounded by light

7. myself. Listen I dislike myself as much as the next guy but I’m working on appreciating myself and I am insanely proud of myself for coming as far as I have come. I don’t let myself feel it very often but having myself, it’s a good thing. I know my younger self would be very happy knowing that I did all those things for us.

8. something that makes me happy is creating, might it be art, or sewing or writing, anything really. It’s a pain in the ass and frustrating at times but I love looking at something knowing I did this, finishing it. And then looking back at it later and seeing how far I’ve come again

9. playing video games. It’s just fun to lose yourself in a story sometimes.

10. Christmas Markets. I don’t like Christmas itself. But I love the Markets, it’s the atmosphere of it. The food smells amazing and there are all those lights and there are kids with actual shining eyes because they see Christmas so magical and they are in awe by all the lights and honestly I feel the same awe sometimes when I’m on those Markets

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed? Hardly anything lmao. Listening to music. Distracting myself with either talking to someone or playing/watching something. Tho that often makes me feel guilty on the long run. What helps if stress is overwhelming me is writing down what it is that is stressing, like making a list and trying to untangle the mess, looking at what I have to do one by one

Hellebore: How do you show affection?Since I’m A big fan of honesty I usually just say it. I like to tell people when I get some emotion. Like just telling them that I appreciate them. I think it’s nice to just be told that sometimes. Besides that I do things, like I’ll send anon messages or offer help just assisting somehow. Like not always outright having them know it’s me,like affection from afar. And well I’m helpful when I care abt someone especially, like “I can do this for you”

And being super openIt’s not alway clever as experience has shown but to me offering up things about myself means trust means affection in a way. Like giving a part of myself to someone. lmao

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of?Making it to this point, I wasn’t in a very good state just a bit ago. But with the help of my friends and family I made it out of it. I have an apprenticeship I enjoy, I have my own flat, I have something to stand up for again. I can appreciate myself some more. I was able to see toxic relationships i was in and get away from them and not let myself be guilted but seeing them for what they are and acknowledging that while I am not a saint it doesn’t mean that I have to accept any treatment. I stood up to my mother, even if just a bit that was a huge step for me.

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time?I barely had any of it recently so I can very much put what I want to do. Which would be drawing. I haven’t done that properly in so long and I miss it. Like both sketching stuff on paper but mostly full pictures, sketching, lining and colouring somethin. Having a full art piece at the end. Also Play Games. And talk to my friends. Haven’t had a nice hour long convo with Nina or Charlotte or Sam in ages and I hate that.

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything?That’d be Charlotte and Nina

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child?I would hide away in my room and imagine. Invent stories, characters, anything to distract me from how unhappy I was. I would act them out in my head when I laid in bed so I could sleep.

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for?I did not treat someone that I care about very well a few years ago, I didn’t give them the honesty they deserve. I was an asshole. Even if we spoke about it, I still feel very bad about it.

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about?Indulging. When I have things to do but take a break I always feel super guilty for not doing anything.

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name?It seems it comes from the Roman name Julianus, and was the name of a pangan Roman Emperor as well as a name of saints. Sometimes meaning youthful which fits because I look like a baby

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it.I grew up in a big city in Germany. Very busy City with high buildings and no time. I lived in a flat when I was very young, a room with big windows where I’d sit and look out ot. Then we moved into the house my dad still lives in. Where houses were built in rows and more people knew each other, I’d walk home and pretend to not see them as to not have to speak to them.

Then I moved in a beautiful flat in a more busy part of the city, with a bookstore in the same building and a supermarket right down the street. My hometown is best described in the colour grey. I dont think it very pretty if I’m honest.Still its full of memories and not half as bad

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up?Talking about the one in the house. Light peach coloured walls. Small but with big windows to look out of. An old wooden bed in front of one Window, and even older Closet next to the door, already so old that it had been ancient when my dad had been young. A desk in one corner at the other side of the room, above it shelves filled with books, little trinkets on the windowsills. Cabinets filled with paper full of secrets. Posters on the Walls and a round mirror that I hated looking into when I was young.

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years? God no. I have repressed most of my younger years. My teenage years were filled with confusion and self doubt. I was a mess, I hated myself, not knowing who I was. And then knowing but being shamed for it, hiding away and keeping my head low to survive. Pushing myself to the limits and clinging to the thought that I could escape at age 18

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom.My Mother and I are not on good terms. I’ve spend countless of years desperately attempting to please her, hoping for love or anything close to it. I was constantly let down by her. My mother is someone that I fear I’ll never understand, adapting to the men that she is with. Claiming to have reached compassion and selflessness while being the opposite. Acts childish and has never accepted or supported me. Now attempts to lure in my sister whom I fear for as she’s always wanted my mother to love her. I have estranged from her very much and currently I am happy seeing her as less as possible.

Onions: Tell about your dad. I remember my father as a very autocratic person in my youth. He’d always work and would only be home to cast judgement. We did not get along well, and my mother, like grima wormtongue, had influenced me further into seeing him as a terrible person. Now I see him very differently. In fact I am similar to my father. Hard working, well spoken and crafty. We share a similar humor and I am very thankful for his support over the last year. To me my father is a very good example of how sometimes people can actually change, sometimes second chances will not disappoint you. My father cares very much about our family and I am happy to have gotten close to him again.

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents.I won’t lose many words about my mother’s parents as there isn’t much to say about them.My mothers father was always sick, more often because he believed he was. The years before he died it had only gotten worse. My Grandmother was never really happy in that relationship, something I believe she handed down to my mother.

My fathers parentsWell, when I was young it was difficult, they aren’t exactly children people, despite trying. I especially had my difficulties with my grandmother, who was work above everything and wanted everything to be perfect.I remember her always fixing my clothing. Countless of instances of her and my dad arguing.

When I got older we had barely any contract until I had my coming out to my dad, who told my grandparents. Much to my surprise and I still respect that so much, they were immediately supportive and accepting, perhaps even more than anyone else from my family.

In the last year we grew closer. They helped me with my flat and would come over to set up a few things. I took them to a restaurant that my grandfather would always talk about whenever we talked, happily.

My grandmother and I had phone calls at least once a week, she was also the most interested in my apprenticeship, always curious, sending me old magazines and ideas she had. As well as button ups and shirts she had bought for me or old ones from my grandfather.She offered me support when we talked, told me they’d do anything they could

When my sister and I were getting clothing for my grandpa, as he was saying with us, I found a book on my grandmother’s bedside table.It was an educational oneIn it was also an article she had cut out of a newspaper, the title saying how the support of the family is the most important thing to lgbt children.

I miss my grandmother

Peony: What was your first job?I worked a summer at my mothers workplace. Cleaning watches and watch straps, replacing small things on the straps

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any?We met 2014 on a cosplay convention in the city I grew up in. We met on the first day of that, where we all hung out in a group and then he and Charlotte spend the next day w us as well.

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain?I bottle it up, focus on something that keeps me busy. Sometimes other people’s pain or doing things for them. Distraction from thoughts really. I’m best when I’m busy

Pink: Where is home?If you’d asked me a couple of months ago my answer would’ve been easy and quick. But now phew, I mean I call my place home as in “I’m going home” and I call my dads place home as in “I was home over the holidays”

But I’m not sure, not really

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change?I could go endlessly both about important historical events and tragedies as well as personal mishaps and bad choices. But eventually I actually think this is too big of a question to answer like this. I’m generally better in speech than word when it comes to things like that

Primrose: Describe your ideal life.Steady. As in a job that I like, that provides me with enough money to survive well. Not to worry about everything. Having Dogs, as that I something I always wanted. Living somewhere in the city (always dreamed of a Fachwerk House but yeah…), with the possibility to visit my friends that I am in good contact in. Living with love and happiness. With a connection to my family still as good as now. Perhaps with someone,,,

Rose: What’s your favorite sound?I love the sound of paper, like books, pages turning, things like that. Also soft rain

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory?I’m a Class A represser. So it’d probably be many things centered abt my mother.

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want? I want my semester presentation to go well tomorrow. That’s all I care abt rn

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things? It used to be harder in the past but I’ve gotten slightly better at it. I’m still struggling with feeling but it’s a work in progress.

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without?My Friends and Family, cheesy I know but over the last year I’ve become more set in that. Once more I noticed how much strength those can give you. And also noticed how important they are to me by the way things that happen hurt me

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night?7 hours, couldn’t fall asleep at first but that’s usually my minimum of sleep

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning?School. I have a timed, strict schedule thanks to that and it forces me to get up until a certain time in the morning. That helps a lot actually

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job?I’m still in an apprenticeship but I enjoy it a lot

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing?I have a new pair of shoes that are so beautiful I wish I had the look and body and style to wear them day to day. Also got some cool button ups

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic.Look at this and you’ll see first hand https://www.pinterest.de/Gayneral/

I’m sorry I’m bad at desctibing my aesthetic. It’s like, historical stuff, museums, snowey Fachwerk, religious themed things, bee themed things, watches…

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now?My semester project is due to two and a half weeks and I’m super nervous about finishing it like boooooy

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called?Sadly I’ve been super busy recently so I’ve only been able to read a tiny bit in my holidays, Acht Nacht by Sebastian Fitzek

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year?Still in school, doing good, and enjoying it

Still having a good relationship w my father, my sister and that whole family

Still good with my friends, hopefully seeing them more often

(maybe in a relationship pls don’t @ me)

Generally happy, not having to worry too much

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is?Thanks to tumblr I do, and I hate it

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself.I take my school very seriously. And I have zero tolerance for those in our school that don’t.

#you wanted to know #ninjago #answered ask #ask game #ask meme #pers: negative #redbluemaiden #long post

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where-fading-princesses-live · 6 years

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‘’An Ed Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’’ - EEnE Fanfic

@eene-fangirl Fanfic Weekend Challenge! Just a collection of random Jonny thoughts, and a poem thing at the end. (Raise your hand if you remember video stores.)

An Ed Flew east, an Ed flew west,

An Ed flew over the cuckoo’s nest.

-Parody on children’s folk rhyme

People thought Jonny didn't care. It wasn't true. He did want things. That is, he wanted to want things, even to love things, as much as Ed loved every living thing— every plant, every tree, every bird and cloud in the sky. As Rolf loved things— the soil beneath his hands, the sweat on his back, the wind in his hair. As Jimmy loved things— the creek by the woods, quiet girls in crowded rooms looking inside a mirror or out the window at something unknown but desired. Only Jonny couldn't say what he wanted. It was too impossible now. Wanting anything seemed crazy. There was only one person Jonny could talk to, and it should have filled his craving. Was he satisfied?

''Jonny, why do you still play with that stupid thing?'' Sarah asked him one day, oddly concerned for the strange child as she indicated the wooden plaything. In the past, Sarah would have never even batted an eyelid in Jonny's direction.

''Cause Plank says so,'' Jonny replied, holding up Plank for her to see. But she didn't look at Plank. She just continued to gape at Jonny.

''Really, are you gonna continue to let that stupid board of wood tell ya what to do? Get grip!'' and she stormed off. As long as Jonny was happy, who cared what others thought?

Eds always seemed to have more fun. It was on one such trip to the video store that Jonny discovered this. Jonny didn’t intend to run into them, but he always happened upon the Eds by pure happy coincidence. He watched as Ed made his way through the rows and rows of shelves, sprinting through the video store like a child at a toy shop. ''Movies, movies! Look at all the movies, guys!'' He yelled and pointed at each colorful video casket cover bearing a different title, a different genre. Jonny smiled at his immature display, in spite of himself. Watching Ed aglow made his heart flutter in warmth, but he couldn't exactly say why. Maybe because it was so different from the eternal smile his best friend often displayed. Jonny found Ed endearing, to say the least.

''Now be careful, Ed!'' came Double D’s familiar cautious voice as Ed ran through the seemingly empty store. On a Friday night, it was unusual, but Jonny assumed parents with their small children and families and groups of friends

had already swept the store clean the minute school let out. In fact, they were late to the party. Jonny supposed they were the only four kids in the store. Eddy, too, acknowledged this as he trudged behind Double D with his hands shoved in both pockets, sulking that they would not be out in time to make a trip to the candy store.

''Christ,'' he muttered under his breath, ''all the good stuff's rented out.''

''Eddy, first of all watch your language in public, and second of all, we're looking for a decent, educational film for Ed, not for us.'' he lectured.

Eddy sighed at Double D’s usual nagging and rolled his eyes at the ceiling. ''Yeah... forgot. Hey, how this supposed to help Lumpy anyways?''

''Because, Eddy, proposing a fun activity can show Ed that learning can be a fun experience outside the classroom environment! Besides, he can apply previous knowledge to new concepts. He's already improved drastically!''

Eddy just listened to this rant quietly before asking only half-interested, ‘’So if Ed brings up his grades—‘’

''Yes, we’ll be back in business, goodness, is that all you ever think about? You'd be surprised, Eddy. I'm very proud of him. In only a month's time, he's come a long way, but he will advance, I'm sure of it. He's a fast learner.'' But Edd stopped himself when he saw Eddy yawning in boredom and moving away to find Ed. Why did he even bother?

''Hey, lumpy, didja find something?'' He called.

And Ed rushed out from behind the Sci-Fi/Horror section with a case depicting a giant green octopus monster. ''Look, Eddy! It Came from Beneath the Sea!'' And Ed pushed the video casket under Eddy's nose.

''Get that thing away from me!'' Eddy commanded as he pushed Ed backwards.

''But it's so cool!'' Ed pleaded.

Double D came forward and put a hand on Ed's shoulder. ''Ed, that's very nice, but... may we find something less... dismaying?''

''Okay...'' and he reluctantly obeyed and put the movie back in its proper section.

''Let's try the family section, shall we? We're bound to find something there.'' Edd suggested.

And Eddy once again rolled his eyes in besetment. ''Oh, brother...'' he moaned.

‘’First impressions always last, as they say. And furthermore-''

But Ed's voice broke through what Edd was about to say next. ''Look, guys! Elvis!'' And he pointed to the comedy section. ''Elvis is so cool!'' And he held up a familiar title Clambake, a typical 60's beach comedy. Ed, being the devoted Elvis fan that he was, was literally in heaven, for the comedy section held quite a few notable Elvis titles, though Clambake was not the most versatile of them. By 1967 with the Beatles leading the British invasion of new musical performers, the King of the Sixties was in decline at least in his film career. You can tell with Clambake; you would know if you'd seen the film. But to Ed, any B-grade film made no difference to him. Eddy burst out laughing the minute he laid eyes on what Ed had in his hands.

''Yeah, right, Ed! Elvis is so yesterday!'' But Ed didn't catch the joke as he laughed along.

''I don't know, Ed...'' Double D told him. ''It's a nice thought, but keep in mind that—‘’

''Dammit, Double D, you ain't gonna find nothing these days but beach movies, westerns, crime dramas and Dick Van Dyke!'' Eddy said rather annoyed as he threw up his hands.

''There must be something,'' Edd tried again, but no sooner had he spoken when Eddy disappeared into none other than the crime section. ''Eddy!'' but when he tried to follow him, Eddy emerged once more from behind one of the shelves and jabbed his finger into Edd’s lower torso, his hand imitating the gesture of a gun.

''This is a stick-up,'' he said in a gravelly voice as he pushed Edd back into one of the walls. ''Guess who, Double D?''

''Haha, very funny, Clyde!'' he mocked as he pushed Eddy’s hand away, catching on.

''C'mon, Sock Head, you're no fun! Bonnie & Clyde is da shit!''

''I doubt Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway is a good influence for —‘’

But before he could finish his reply, Johnny 2x4 interrupted them. They both jumped clean out of their skin, expecting to see someone else, but they sighed in relief upon seeing the small child with his board of wood in tow. Neither Ed had even known Jonny was in the store with them.

‘’Watcha guys doin’?’’ Jonny inquired in his usual piqued curiosity. Eddy was about to tell him to get lost but Jonny continued on. ‘’Why be couch potatoes, huh? Plank says there’s gonna be a solar eclipse tonight.’’

Ed, who had briefly returned from his movie hunt, gasped and repeated to his friends, ‘’Did you hear that, guys? Plank says there’s gonna be a solar eclipse tonight!’’

Eddy only snorted. ‘’We don’t need an echo, Ed, we heard him the first time.’’

‘’PLANK SAYS!’’ Ed protested.

‘’Yeah, right! That stupid piece of firewood don’t know jack shit!’’ Edd was about to chastise Eddy once more for his cursing but Jonny cut him off.

‘’Says you!’’ Jonny accused. ‘’Plank knows everything!’’

‘’Yeah, Eddy,’’ Ed defended, ‘’you’re gonnna hurt the poor lil guy’s feelings! Plank told me my birthday’s Feburary 27th! That proves he knows everything!’’

‘’Ed,’’ Double D piped up, ‘’your birthday is always February 27th!’’ then he turned to Jonny, also skeptical of Plank’s prediction. ‘’And besides, we already had a solar eclipse last month!’’

‘’So?’’ Jonny challenged him arrogantly.

‘’So,’’ Double D emphasized, ‘’total solar eclipses only occur every eighteen months on average, and it is estimated they reoccur at any given place only every 360 to 410 years… generally speaking. So another solar eclipse couldn’t possibly occur tonight, Jonny, it’s not possible! Science would forever be changed.’’

‘’Yeah, what he said!’’ Eddy shot back.

'''Fine, who needs ya guys anyways?'' Jonny snapped and stormed off with Plank in tow.

Ed was the only one who believed Jonny—er—Plank, and went over to his house that night to prepare for another total solar eclipse. Eddy and Edd stood by their skepticism and hung out in Edd’s bedroom, finishing their homework (or at least Edd was doing homework, Eddy was reading comic books if Edd recalled correctly). They were both proved wrong when the sky suddenly darkened and when they ventured outside, they were both amazed and shocked to see a total solar eclipse occurring right before their eyes! Jonny and Ed never let them hear the end of it, feeling superior to any scientific proof.

‘’We told ya so, we told ya so!’’ they chanted every day.

Edd couldn’t explain it—all the books and mathematical calculations could not prove how Jonny—or Plank, in this case—could have possibly predicted another solar eclipse, a month after an eclipse had already occurred! Solar eclipses were rare events— a pair of eclipses occurring two months in a row had never happened before—it was just not possible!

I am a collective soul who prefers to keep a small inner circle around me. Too many is overwhelming and misguided. I have my books, my parents, and Plank. What more do I need? I have my Masters, the Blue Light, and the voices of my angels ''singing songs'' in my head. I don't need any friends (that's a lie), I don't even need myself (that's the truth). My best friend is and always will be Plank, unaccompanied by my mirror- - a friend I have known my entire life. And now I am proud to say that I consider you a close friend, though distant through the years, and far away. One does not need to face a good friend in order to feel each other's heart beat in the darkness. One may never meet, and feel closer to them than a person they had known seemingly for a thousand years. That being said, I can sit in my room alone in the company of the shadows on the wall. My mother could be in the next room or not there at all, and I'll still feel her presence through the fibers of my skin. I can be sitting here reading an e-mail, and though separated by a glass screen, it would seem as though you were sitting there before me, reading the words aloud to me in your voice full of wit and wisdom.

I prefer the quiet conversations of the trees to the chorus of voices in a crowd. I prefer the blood in my veins to the water in the pond. One must learn to be lonely, and learn to live life alone. One who is always in need of more than two friends is insecure and has low self-esteem. It is not healthy to live one's life completely in seclusion, but one must also embrace the beautiful moments of alone-ness, and will come to appreciate a passion for life in which the world rejects when surrounded by one too many faces. Plutarch once said, '' I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.''

Thankfully welcome.

#eene #ed edd n eddy #jonny 2x4 #plank #fanfiction

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