#and i really ended up liking norman reedus a lot too

[mystery-moose]

DEATH STRANDING (Feb 27th)

In my quest to write down thoughts about art this year, I recently completed Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding for the first time! I had started it twice already, but stalled out both times because I got distracted or moved onto other things.

Kojima has always been a problematic fave of mine, but Death Stranding might be my problematic favoritest of his work.

The raw gameplay loop is as perfectly calibrated, engaging, and compelling as it was when I first played it back in 2019. It is, as Tim Rogers put it, the Gran Turismo of walking simulators, though I would probably put it more accurately as “the world’s best hiking and logistics simulator.” Trekking across Icelandic wastelands and haunted volcanic plains and up and down mountains is alternately so meditative and so tense that even after a cumulative hundred hours in my save file I was still doing optional deliveries just because I enjoy traversing the world. It’s so singular and unique in the thing it’s attempting to do, and in particular with the atmosphere it’s trying to cultivate, that I can say honestly that I’ve never played anything like it. And that’s a wild thing to say about a game with a big budget these days!

But that’s what you get with Kojima. Especially with Kojima these days, unfettered by corporate oversight or monetary concerns. He wants to communicate something, and by god he’s going to do that whether you or anyone likes it or not. That’s a big reason he’s gotten the reputation he has today. And we can argue about auteurship and how it’s bullshit in collaborative mediums all day (and that’s a fine argument to have) but it’s not like Kojima didn’t put in the hours -- the dude’s been making games since 1986, and been a project lead since ‘87. We can say he got lucky once, maybe twice, but we gotta say he’s worked for his pedigree at this point.

I mean, the man made an entire game about nothing but fetch quests, and he made it fun! What the fuck, right?

That’s to say nothing about the use of music, which introduced me to some tunes that still live on my phone! Or the stark, utilitarian-but-inventive mechanical design of Yoji Shinkawa. Or its story, rooted in absurdist silliness, Tarkovsky-esque surrealism, and bizarre metaphysics, bluntly hammering its central message home even as it weaves numerous other threads (heh) into its narrative through its use of visual symbolism, textual analysis, and iconography.

Of course the pacing is a nightmare, though -- so much of the story is backloaded in the final few hours of the game, including numerous revelations that would be better served earlier in the story. And his treatment of female characters, while much better here than Metal Gear Solid V, is... well that bar is beneath the floor, frankly. I do like the women of Death Stranding, in particular Fragile (yes that’s her name, every character is named like that) but the way the camera treats Fragile in one scene that would otherwise be really powerful, and the way Mama’s subplot goes and what Kojima’s even trying to gesture towards, and then the whole deal with Bridget and Amelie... it’s all just kind of a mess.

Which is basically the story of the story of Death Stranding, really! It’s a mess! A frequently fascinating, rarely insightful, occasionally quite powerful mess, but a mess all the same. Whether or not you can look past the stuff that doesn’t work to examine the stuff that does, or are equally interested in failures and fuckups as successes, determines whether you’ll enjoy the story here. That’s how Kojima rolls, though, has been since Metal Gear Solid 2, though that game probably remains his high point for thematic fascination, if not dialogue or character writing. (Including women! Seriously, he’s only been good at it like one time!)

I’ll say, too, that if you care little for story and want to run purely on vibes, then Death Stranding might very well be for you! The vibes here are totally unique and absolutely immaculate, particularly in the audio-visual department. There is nothing quite like when one of those Low Roar songs kicks in while you’re descending a mountain toward a new city, or Silent Poets coming in as you march across a blasted plain. And again, it all feels so personal; you are listening to Kojima’s personal mixtape, a set of bands he heard that he loved and which he associated with this game he was making, and getting that kind of truly personal touch from a big-budget experience is almost impossible to find in games.

Everything in Death Stranding, for better or for worse, is the product of one man’s mind, a snapshot of the things that move him, scare him, fascinate him, make him think and feel and wonder. And they’re all things he wants YOU to think about and feel and wonder. Some of them are stupid, for sure! Others are obvious or shallow. But more than anything, they’re all honest. Death Stranding is one of the most earnest, sincere artistic expressions I’ve seen in any big-budget media, and if that interests you at all (or you’re really into traversal mechanics in games) I’d absolutely recommend it.

Or if you like to point and laugh at the man who put a guy named “Die-Hardman” into his story. Rest assured that Kojima is absolutely laughing too.

#death stranding #video games #i gotta say for as dumb as it was? #i REALLY liked the ending to this game #absolutely impeccable vibes #even as the story itself got so bogged down in its details #great performances from tommie earl jenkins and mads mikkelsen though! #and i really ended up liking norman reedus a lot too #and of course troy baker's scenery chewing. the man fasted for DAYS before he got to that set you can tell

[dix0nvix3n]

➳જ⁀➴ 𝕯𝖆𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗'𝖘 𝖇𝖑𝖔𝖌 ⟡

₊˚✩ ₊˚ 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔶/𝔥𝔢/𝔰𝔥𝔢 | 21 | 𝔈𝔑𝔉𝔓 | 𝔮𝔲𝔢𝔢𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔤𝔢𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔣𝔩𝔲𝔦𝔡 | 𝔞𝔲𝔡𝔥𝔡 𝔠𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔢 ₊˚✩ ₊˚

⭑✧˖°𖤓 Hi!! On this account I would prefer to be called Dagger as I would not like to reveal my real name here. I write X Reader fics for Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead and Scud from Blade 2. I'm completely new to writing so please be gentle lol. 𖤓°˖✧⭑

𝔊𝔢𝔫𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔩

⛥ 18+ to interact with me and my NSFW work, NSFW will always be marked as 18+, those works will say mdni but if you are a minor and do end up reading those fics, remember that I am not responsible for your media consumption.

⛥ Although I'm genderfluid I feel the most comfortable writing the reader as afab with she/her pronouns, I may potentially write gender neutral reader fics though. These things aside, anyone of any identity is of course allowed to read my work.

⛥ My fics will always come with a warning description of some kind and if I ever miss something you think should be in the warning, please let me know!

⛥ As I said I currently only write for Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead and Scud Frohmeyer from Blade 2, I hope to branch out to more Norman Reedus characters and maybe characters not played by him someday but I'm completely new to writing and really only know how to write for them so far.

⛥ Please note that I have severe anxiety when it comes to interacting with anything online which makes it very hard for me to reply to comments and comment on things, repost, and I often will love a fic and not even like the post because I get so in my head thinking that person will think of my interaction as weird. I know this probably doesn't make sense to a lot of people but please try and understand, I am currently trying to work on this but please know It's gonna take me a very long time.

ℜ𝔢𝔮𝔲𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔰

⛥ I currently don't take requests because they seem a bit overwhelming for me at this time being but you can send me any thoughts and ideas you have about Daryl and Scud (some other Norman characters too! I have lots of thoughts about other characters Norman has played I just don't know how to write for them yet!) and I will try and give you my thoughts and ideas back!

ℑ𝔫𝔣𝔬

⛥ Masterlist: Will be made at some point!!

⛥ Fics:

Stoner Daryl x Stoner Reader 18+ ✶❀

COMING SOON

Daryl x Reader Alexandria Christmas One-Shot ❀ COMING SOON

Scud X Reader Blade's Lair 18+ One-Shot ✶❀

COMING SOON

✶- Smut | ✧- Suggestive ❀-Fluff | ☽-Angst

𝔉𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔰 𝔄𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔐𝔢

⛥ I'm Autistic and have ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, probably several other problems I'm not aware of myself yet lmao, and I am also Anemic.

⛥ I've been to at least 15 concerts but need to recount actually how many, including 3 Warped Tours, so sorry to anyone who never got to go they were truly such unique experiences.

⛥ I have 7 piercings but have been pierced 8 times, fucked up my first eyebrow piercing lol. In order I got a septum, right eyebrow, daith, bridge, two helixes in one day, a conch and also my right eyebrow repierced on the same day. Also all the ear piercings are on my right ear cause I used to have the right side of my head shaved and an undercut so my left ear was never visible but with my new haircut,,, I really need some for the left ear.

⛥ Also, the conch jewelery is my only special piece of jewelery I have and I got it in memory of two things. The conch piece is a titanium dagger with a simple little jewel in the middle, when I saw it I immediately thought of Daryl and his big knives/daggers and also a reference to the band Witchdagger from Night In The Woods, a game that fundamentally helped me grow as a person.

⛥ The reason I changed my hair from the side shave was so I could actually grow it out and cut it to Scud's hairstyle, that fucker is soooo gender.

⛥ I don't know much about my zodiac signs but I'm a Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Capricorn Rising.

⛥ My favorite fruits are peaches, oranges, and raspberries.

⛥ I edit occasionally when I have the mental energy which is rare but I post them @ daryldixonvixen on tiktok if anyone is interested, will possibly start posting my edits on instagram too :)

⛥ and uhhhh I'll keep adding to these when I think of more

And here's what the conch piercing looks like if anyone wanted to see it :]

#daryl dixon #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon fanfiction #the walking dead #daryl dixon fanfic #daryl dixon x y/n #daryl dixon x you #daryl dixon smut #daryl dixon x reader smut #scud frohmeyer #scud x reader #scud x reader smut #scud blade 2 #blade 2 #norman reedus

[littlegodzilla]

So it's season 2 of twd, and reader and norman have picked out a house in Georgia and are moving in together.

(both now have 3 season contracts for twd) the audience really responded to both their characters. reader's character is like daryl: good at hunting and tracking. (maybe it's similar to the first movie they did together. the writers have the characters as best friends).

then norman's ex (please make it an imaginary person, not his actual ex helena) is cast in a recurring role. meant to be daryl's love interest.

MEANWHILE reader and norman find out that she is pregnant! they're both so happy. But what about the show?

The show will have to make reader's character pregnant, too. But is daryl the father? someone else? How does this affect their relationship on and offscreen?

(maybe his ex is killed off sooner than expected and daryl gets with reader's character? or shane is the father? or there is another actor (hot actor of your choice) who is cast on the show as reader's love interest?)

Okay, maybe that's a lot. We'll talk. I hope this all makes sense. <3

Hiii!!

As you wish, we have more about Norman and Plus Size! Reader! Thank you very much for the support and thanks @minervadashwood for your incredible ideas, I love them so much.

Okay, enjoy this new part you all!!

Hope you like!!

******************

My Big Girl.

Norman Reedus x Plus Size!Reader.

Part 3.

Requested by: @minervadashwood

Warnings: Little jealousy. fluff. smut (Norman is a horny boy, sorry.) Norman stills blonde.

Words: 3400

Taglist: @phoenixblack89 @browneyes528 @lilythemadqueen @darylsgarden @thefemininemystiquee @green-eyedladywrites @hail-yourselves @ruinedbythehobbit @xxtinasxxblog @ravenwings73 @spenciepoo338 @b-tchymoon @minervadashwood @darylssluttt @let-love-bleeds-red @ravendixon @livingdeadblondequeen

*****************

You open the front door, your heart pounding in your chest. A huge smile forms on your mouth as the inside welcomes you.

Welcomes you.

Norman wraps his arms around your body as he rests his chin on your shoulder. A smile forms on your mouth, reaching up to stroke his hair as he kisses your cheek.

You've finally bought a house in Georgia, nothing too over the top, something comfortable and cozy for the time you spend there filming the new season of TWD. Because yes, you're still on the show. Apparently people have been fascinated by Daryl and Merle's story, getting Norman to sign on for several more seasons. Your character is also being liked, from the first episode they changed some scenes and plots for the first as well as the second season. Apparently they wanted to make a love trio between Rick, Lori and Shane, but they saw the chemistry you and Norman had and decided that your character would be Shane's girlfriend. You didn't mind, you had a good relationship with John and he was fun to work with, Norman found it a little harder to be present in the scenes you shared. Especially if you had to kiss each other.

"Is that necessary?" He'd say, crossing his arms. "I mean, he's already touching her hand, there's no need to kiss." I growled protesting like a child.

"Save that jealousy for your scenes Norman, they'll do us good to make it more real." Scoffed Greg making you all laugh.

Of course things changed with the end of last season, once Shane was out of the game it left a lot of open doors to play with, both in the main plot and in the love theme between your character and Daryl. It wasn't a forced situation, after all, in the original comic Shane Walsh didn't live long either.

Norman's kisses down your neck bring you back to reality, you smile and purr, letting yourself do it. His hands tug at your shirt, hiding under it, squeezing your breasts and you hear him growl in your ear.

"God, they're even bigger than before..." He gasps pushing his hard crotch against your ass.

That's another piece of good news you've recently learned - you're going to be parents! You hadn't really planned it this way, you hadn't really talked about it seriously either, but it was clear to you that someday, if Norman was ready too, you'd like to have a child. Watching him interact with Chandler and Madison made your heart flutter. He was good and kind to them, joking around and helping them get their nerves out of the way in front of the cameras. You knew that being a real father would involve more than just games and jokes, but something told you Norman could surprise you so much more.

"I'm pregnant." You told him one day. When you weren't in Georgia, you had also bought an apartment in New York, near the China Town area. Norman was drinking a beer and got the bottle halfway to his mouth.

"What?" was the only thing he was able to say and it scared you.

"I-I'm pregnant..." You whispered with some fear, now unsure how he was going to react.

"A-and..." He stammered and walked towards you, taking the beer from your hand. "Y-you can't drink, i-it could be bad for our son and..." His voice trembled turning into little whispers.

Maybe it wasn't reaction you expected, at least at first, but as he was aware of the news, the bigger your smile became, as you saw his eyes begin to sparkle and even a smile formed on his mouth.

"Our son..."

"Yes..."

After that you needed to talk to the TWD production after all, it was going to be a long time filming, your belly was going to get bigger and bigger and even though you all end up losing some weight due to the intense temperatures when you were filming, everyone would notice some changes. But it didn't seem to be something they were worried about, they gave you congratulations and it was all in their hands.

"Norman... the door..." You gasp, closing your eyes.

"Right..." He grunts pushing it with his foot, slamming it shut with his heel. A chuckle escapes you and you turn to look at him.

"Our stuff is out..."

"Screw them, I'll get them in later." He assures you, kissing you intensely, making you laugh against his mouth.

He gropingly guides you to your room. He only pulls apart a little to remove your shirt and his eyes look at you with latent desire. You feel your cheeks light up a little, Norman has always been an easy man to read and you can perfectly see the love and lust that is shaking him at that very moment. His hands caress your shoulders slowly moving down to your belly, always round and soft, now it is more bulging and hard, Norman's hands touch it adoringly. You never thought you'd meet someone who loved something you didn't yet have with you so much. He kisses you again with intensity, his hands leave your belly to unclasp your bra, you sigh with relief, your whole body is changing and growing more than normal, wearing a bra is sometimes becoming a nightmare. A moan escapes your mouth as Norman catches one of your nipples in his mouth, licking and sucking, while with his other hand he massages your other tit, pinching your nipple between his fingers. All that attention gives you goose bumps and your panties keep getting soaked.

You push him gently to break the contact, look at each other and kiss him to start undressing him. Norman helps you with quick and somewhat clumsy movements, you kiss his mouth again, bite his chin and move down his neck as your fingers play with his chest hair. Norman bends his head sighing, his fingers caress the red marks on your skin, due to the bra, and kisses the strap line imprinted on your shoulder. He tenses slightly as you pull his pants to the floor and try to kneel in front of him.

"Wait, wait."

"What's wrong?" You look at him confused.

"M-maybe you shouldn't do that... I mean, maybe it's not the most comfortable position..."

"Norman...we both know we've been in 'more uncomfortable positions'" You start to say, watching him redden. "I'm pregnant, it doesn't invalidate, I think I can still suck you off..."

"Yes, but... God, why do you have such a dirty mouth?" he grunts with some desperation, his cock still pulsing inside his pants. "Come." He asks you, preventing you from kneeling on the floor.

He guides you to the bed, where he carefully sits you down and positions himself between your legs, his crotch still hidden by his briefs, in front of your eyes.

"See, this way you're comfortable and I don't feel guilty because I want you to suck me off." He says sincerely and a giggle escapes you at the sight of his red ears.

You settle on the edge of the mattress, kissing his abdomen, following the line of hair that traces your way from his belly button to his underwear. Norman sighs as he feels your lips on top of the fabric, moistening his length.

"Don't play with me, honey..." He warns you with a growl.

You smile and slowly pull down his briefs, his cock rises before you, you hold it rubbing it slowly without taking your eyes off him, before opening your mouth and licking his glans. Norman gasps as he feels you catch him fully in your mouth, you hollow your cheeks sucking harder as your head pumps at a slow pace.

"Oh fuck, I love your dirty mouth, baby." He bites the tip of his tongue, slowly moving his hips against you.

You hum against his length, the vibration of your voice runs all over his cock, seeping pleasure all the way down to his balls, Norman throws his head back letting himself be carried away by the pleasure.

Norman holds your hair and slowly pulls his cock out of your mouth, its tip brushing against your wet, reddening lips.

"So precious and perfect." He smiles and you let out a giggle.

He holds you down and lays you on the bed. He finishes undressing you to stand between your legs. You moan and arch as his fingers enter you, touching those perfect spots he always manages to find as his tongue and lips give due attention to your clit. Your eyes roll every time his fingers twist inside you and his tongue doesn't stop stinging your sensitive muscle.

"No-Norman!" you moan his name as you feel your orgasm jolt you rolling your eyes.

Norman doesn't pull away until your legs stop jerking, unconsciously locked against his head, though he doesn't mind, he loves feeling trapped between your thighs, tasting you, soaking in your scent. Slowly he sits up, licking his lips. He settles between your legs, his lips kiss your thighs, your bulging belly, he plays with your breasts until a new moan escapes your mouth, he keeps moving up and kisses you slowly, moving his hips, the tip of his cock rubbing against your folds. You wrap your legs around his waist, his belly pressing against yours and tensing over your body.

"Hey... "He stops again and you look at him worriedly. "D-do you think we should...?"

"What are you talking about?" Now you're even confused.

"It's just... What if I hit it?" he mumbles and you open your eyes wide. "What if I hit it unintentionally?"

You can't help it, a violent guffaw escapes your mouth, having to cover yourself with both hands. Norman looks uncomfortable, he sits back on his heels looking at you, frowning.

"Honey, this isn't the first time we've had sex, being pregnant."

"I know! But it was smaller, now it's bigger and maybe..."

"Norman, listen to me..." You ask him. You hold his shoulders making him lie on top of you again. "I love your cock, I really do, and yes it's bigger than average, but trust me, you're not going to hit the baby and cause a concussion." You are unable to say that without laughing. Norman fidgets nervously, still a little hesitant. "Besides, the doctor said sex was good for pregnancy." He looks at you cocking his head..

"When did he say that?"

"Honey, are you going to finish what you started or do I have to do it myself?" you sigh with some impatience. Out of the corner of your eye you see his cock straining against his stomach again.

"I love it when you take control..." He grunts and you take it as an invitation, you lean on his shoulders, but. "No." He stops you by holding your wrists, puts your arms above your head and clasps both your hands with one of his. A new cramp of pleasure runs through you. "Not this time, I have to get some of my pride back." He says, a chuckle escapes you that dies in your throat as he slowly enters you.

"Norman..." You gasp his name closing your eyes, biting your lip.

"Fuck, always so tight and wet for me." He snorts and thrusts harder staying wedged inside you.

A moan escapes from both of your mouths. His hand squeezes tighter on your wrists, you wrap your legs around his waist and he begins to move slowly, your hips accompanying him finding that rhythm that drives you both crazy.

The room immediately fills with moans and gasps, the heat of your bodies intoxicating the atmosphere, the increasingly intense pleasure swirling inside your bodies.

"My God Norman, it feels so good!" you cry out arching your back. He releases your wrists and holds your legs apart, spreading them a little wider, thrusting harder, faster, watching his cock lose itself inside you, again and again. "I'm... I'm going to..." You assure him and your hands cup your breasts, playing with your nipples.

"That's it, honey, play with you, let me see you play with your tits." He asks you in a husky voice.

"N-Norman!" you whimper in frustration because suddenly his thrusts are slower.

"What if I didn't let you cum?" He speaks viciously, never taking his eyes off you.

"I'll kill you." You assure him and he chuckles, pausing momentarily, pulling his cock out. "Norman, I swear to God..."

Your threat comes to nothing as he thrusts hard inside you again, your back arches, a guttural moan comes from you, your eyes roll as your orgasm hits you hard, Norman continues to fuck you, feeling your body shudder, your spasms clenching his cock getting himself to cum, he grunts and huffs through his teeth giving a few last thrusts before stopping completely. He lies carefully on top of you, hands bearing his full weight, his face resting in the hollow of your neck. Your arms go around his shoulders, stroking his hair, you hear him purr and smile.

***********

It's been a couple of weeks since you arrived in Georgia, now the whole cast is there, ready to shoot again. You show up on the set to see all your co-stars, Andy and Melissa are the first to come up to you and give you a hug.

"Congratulations" They say at the same time and you laugh.

"You couldn't hold back." You joke and Norman looks at you apologetically.

"You know I can't hide anything from them." He defends himself, but you shake your head, you know how much Andrew and Melissa mean to him, so you have nothing to say.

"Alright guys, I'm glad you're all okay and we have some surprises." Greg wiggles his eyebrows and everyone congratulates you as you break the news. "As you may have seen we've modified the script a bit to introduce pregnancy into the story, plus we have some new people with us that I'd like you to meet." He keeps talking and one by one he introduces the people who will be joining us this season.

Momentarily you notice Norman tense up next to you. Greg finally introduces a tall woman with beautiful hair and striking eyes, she smiles politely and a little self-consciously, but soon spots Norman and her smile grows wider. Clearly they've known each other before.

"Norman!" She greets him and walks toward him to hug him. Norman blocks, but responds to her gesture nervously.

"H-hello, Liz." He whispers pulling away from her.

You know how to read his body perfectly after so long together. You know he's tense, nervous, whoever this woman is, he wasn't expecting her there. Instinctively you take his hand, squeezing it to encourage him, Norman looks at you thanking you for your hand. He smiles and you notice him relax a little.

"How do you two know each other?" You want to know, he tenses his gesture, and shakes his head.

"It's... We were together a while ago..." He looks at you and you nod, there's nothing special about it, you never thought you'd be Norman's first girlfriend, it was stupid to think that. But there's clearly something else.

"And who are you?" Liz asks you and you open your mouth to answer.

"She's my wife." Norman grabs you around the waist and your heart races. "And we're having a baby."

"Ah... congratulations, I guess." She looks at you in surprise, walking away down the set, leaving you alone.

"I'm sorry..." Norman apologizes. "It was a complicated relationship..."

"It's okay, Norman, you don't have to apologize." You smile kissing him. "We've all had a past and you don't have to explain yourself to me..." .... N-nor lie..."

"Of course I want to tell you, and... Did you say lie? I didn't lie to you."

"To Liz... you said I'm your wife..."

"So what, you don't want to be?" He looks at you worriedly and you laugh with a shrug.

"Way to propose." You scoff and he reddens a little.

"I admit I had it planned differently..."

"You had it planned?"

"A little, maybe..." He rubs the back of his neck, nervous.

You laugh again and kiss him, wrapping your arms around his neck. The conversation ends there, none of you press the issue, you focus on the job now that you're all there. The producers tell you how the new season is going to work, your pregnancy is the little that remains as a memory of Shane, the odyssey of the whole group looking for where they can take shelter until they find the prison. Liz's new character.

"Will she be Daryl's girlfriend?" Doubtful questions.

From the last chapters of the first season there was a slight interest from the hunter for your character, nothing exaggerated, but that became more and more evident as Shane was losing his mind, but now it seemed that they wanted to nip that in the bud and involve a third person. It didn't make sense to you.

"Relax, I'm not going to steal him from you." Liz jokes even though her voice doesn't sound kind.

"Liz..."

"Actually she'll be attracted to our good-hearted redneck, we'll be counting on a confused Daryl which I'm sure Norman will play to perfection."

"Sure thing, boss." He nods, fiddling with his script in his hands.

"Unfortunately Liz's character, she won't last long with us..." He looks at the woman apologetically and she laughs.

"We all know how this show works, it's okay, it'll be fun."

"And we'll get back to our little moments between Daryl and our pregnant girl."

Everyone seems to be okay with this, you now understand the situation a little better, but for some reason you're still not comfortable with it. You know you can't get jealous, it's stupid, it's more than obvious that Norman isn't comfortable around Liz, but... she was his girlfriend once upon a time, maybe there's still something between them that maybe....

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" you jump in your own skin when you hear Liz next to you.

"R-right... Is something wrong?"

"I know why Norman chose you..." She starts to speak and you suddenly feel your defenses rise, ready for whatever she has to say. "You're good for him, just look at him. You can tell he cares about you."

You look over at Norman, he's standing back, talking to the rest of your cast mates, but he's got his eye on you, worried about what Liz are talking to you about. You smile.

"Norman has his good and bad things, but he's loyal and he's never going to do anything to really hurt you." You smile Liz giving you a gentle tap on the shoulder. "He's very lucky to have you."

"No...I'm lucky to have him...thank you Liz." You smile gratefully and the woman walks away.

*************

You enter home after a long and hard day at work, neither of you say anything, during the way, Norman has felt you very pensive and that worries him, he has seen Liz talking to you and he doesn't know what she has been able to tell you. Your relationship didn't end badly, but there were some strains that weren't properly ironed out, Norman knows you know he's no saint, but he also doesn't want your head filled with misconceptions and he can't explain himself.

"Are you okay?" he jumps into his skin when he hears you. Your hands caress your belly and you have a tired grimace on your face. You nod and shrug.

"Yeah, I think, I don't know... Are you okay?"

"Tired and surprised, trying to take it all in, I guess." You smile again.

"Hey, if Liz has told you anything that might have upset you..."

"No, she just... wanted to talk to me." You explain. "I think she was worried about you, I guess."

"Worried about me?" a snort escapes him and he walks over to you, wraps his arms around your waist and kisses you very slowly, enjoying you. "I've never been better, and it's because I have you..."

"Norman..." You feel your eyes fill with tears, pregnancy is making you more emotional than usual.

"I'm serious, I've been happy, of course, I have a good life, but..." He smiles and touches your cheeks with his thumbs. "When I think about my future, you are in all my ideas and plans... you and our baby." He assures you and his hands move down to your bulging belly.

"You in mine too..." You whisper trying to hold back tears.

"I love you." He assures you and you feel something cold slip on your finger, you look down discovering a beautiful ring with simple details, Norman shows you that he wears on his middle finger, the same model, bigger. "It's a promise, okay? When we finish this season, when we have our baby with us..."

"Yes, Norman... yes, I do." You smile and hug him, kissing him again.

You both melt in an intense embrace, a kiss that lengthens, soft, charged with all the emotions and feelings that invade you.

All the love you both feel.

**********

I hope you liked it!!

See you in the next stories!!

#my stuff #norman reedus #normanreedus #daryl dixon #ask me #smut #one shot #request #smut request #one shot requests #norman one shot #norman reedus request #norman reedus x reader #norman x reader #norman reedus x plus size reader #norman reedus smut #norman reedus fanfic

[twdmusicboxmystery]

Hey,

Emily just did a podcast with some ladies who were in the Santa Bootcamp movie with her, I believe one is the director and it’s called “what woman binge” I listened to it on Spotify but it’s also on Apple Podcasts. And they ask Emily a LOT of stuff, including a lot of Walking Dead questions. Emily adresses how she got shot in the head when she died and that’s why she never turned into a zombie. And then they ask her what are the main questions that people ask you about TWD, and she responds hesitantly, “what’s it like working with Norman Reedus, I cried when you died (comment she gets), and are you ever coming back.” And when she gets to the last question she says “are you gunna come back…as like…a something?” Then they directly ask her about if she’s in the TWD finale (which I believe is the first time she’s been asked), and she says “I don’t know” and gets really flustered which she then covers up by changing the conversation to zombies and how zombies work in TWD. Definitely suspicious in my opinion. And finally when she mentions why people ask her about Norman Reedus, she struggles to explain why people ask about them, without mentioning any romance or relationship. Instead she talks about how they were a “pair” for a while, and that’s why people link them. Anyway, I’m not done with it yet, but it coming out when TWD is coming to the end and her addressing being in the finale for the first time (I think) is interesting. Thoughts?

So, this is definitely suspicious. We all know Emily has no poker face and sometimes gets really flustered when asked questions about Beth. I think, overall, she's gotten better at it over the years, but this is still very interesting. Me and my fellow theorists listened to it and talked about it a little. I'll give you our convo below. Overall, I think we had the same read on it that you did, and may not have tons to add. But thanks for finding this. I'm definitely side-eyeing it.

@galadrieljones:

All right so I listened to the podcast. Well, I listened to the first half, and all the stuff on TWD. I will listen to the rest later to make sure no more comes up, but I have a feeling this is it. There are definitely some…weird things. Like the anon says. But there’s more, too, than what they mention. Let me know what you think. Since I am less familiar with Emily Kinney’s personal style when it comes to talking about the show, I’m definitely interested in your thoughts.

First of all, in the title of the episode, Emily is credited as “Star of the Walking Dead Emily Kinney.” So like, she’s still being heavily associated with the show. She’s on the show because Melissa Joan Hart is the director of her Hallmark movie. So like, they easily could have credited her for that.

Overall, they spend a lot of time talking about a show that Emily hasn’t starred in for almost a decade. Just saying. Anyway, apparently in her upcoming hallmark movie, Emily has to use sign language. They talk a lot about learning sign language. Emily, at one point, makes a reference to CODA, aka “Children of Deaf Adults.”

Apparently, one of the actresses in the movie, her husband directed the movie CODA, which won an Oscar last year. Idk if you remember but they advertised the movie CODA during Emily’s episode of TTD. This was weird. I really don’t know. I mean, is it coincidence?? It seems like a lot of coincidences. Connie is deaf, and Daryl learns sign language to communicate with her. Now Emily is learning sign language apparently for some other role. It also made me reevaluate the word “CODA,” since I honestly didn’t know this was one of its meanings.

Next, they talk about The Walking Dead.

Neither Melissa nor her cohost have seen TWD. So Emily basically explains the whole show. She goes into a lot of detail about the walkers, how you kill the walkers, and yes, she mentions that when she “died,” she got shot in the head, so she never got to be a walker. She talks about how, when she first started the show, she really wanted to have the opportunity to be a walker, but then as time went on, she no longer did. She said she didn’t want people to remember Beth as a walker, so she was thankful she didn’t have to do that.

I also want to point out that when Emily says she “died,” she laughs. It wasn’t super suspect or anything, just like like, “When I died LOL” kind of feel. I learned today too that Frank Darabont cast Emily, via a skype call, on just her second audition. I believe that the fact she could sing wasn’t discovered until later.

Having just watched a bunch of episodes of season 2, it’s clear they didn’t know about her musicality when they cast her, or that it wasn’t a part of the character until later, season 3, because Dale finds a guitar and says he thinks “Glenn would like a guitar.” Later, Glenn asks if anyone at the farm can play guitar. Beth doesn’t say anything. Patricia just says, “Otis could.” Apparently Otis was really good at guitar. This could be explained away that Beth was being modest or shy and didn’t want to say anything, but yeah I think that the music came later. And i feel like maybe Gimple has attested to this as well but I can’t remember. Anyway.

Next, Melissa asked Emily the most common questions she gets about TWD. Emily hems and haws a lot. She says “Um…….” and there’s a long pause, like she doesn’t know what to say, so Melissa interjects and gives some examples of the types of questions she still gets about Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

So then Emily comes back in, and she’s super reluctant. She says, “I don’t know if I wanna be honest about it…” then starts laughing. She says she gets a lot of questions about working with Norman. She says “We had an episode where were like a—where we were like a team…so people like see us as this—or at the time, it was like were were seen as like this unit.”

She went back and forth there. She says, “People like see us as this—“ then she stops to reassess and says “or at the time, it was like we were…” etc. She was clear to correct herself and say that it was “at the time” that they were seen as a “unit.” Emily then clearly says that people ask a lot “if she’s going to come back.” Here’s the convo:

Emily: [They ask,] Are you gonna come back as like a…[pause]…something…? Melissa: [matter-of-factly] Are you? Are you in the three-parter ending? Co-host: [in the background] Not a zombie but a *ghost*… Emily: Um…I don’t think so? No? [laughsl

This was weird to me! It’s a weird answer. I know you guys have said she does this sort of thing a lot. Like how do you not know?? Note that Emily is NOT reluctant to talk about The Walking Dead. She describes the show in great detail, talks all about its themes, the walkers, the rules of the world, tries to get Melissa to watch it, and gives her advice on whether it’s appropriate for Melissa’s 9yo son.

BUT. She is super reluctant to talk about the types of questions she gets about TWD. When Melissa asks about the questions, and when Melissa asks whether Beth will be back, she is really reluctant and just sort of laughs it off. It’s just really weird to me that she “doesn’t know” if she’s in finale lol. Like, either she legit doesn’t know (which is weird) or she knows but she can’t say so, and she can’t lie (also weird). Idk which is more likely. Like, if she’s NOT in the finale, and she knows, she would probably just say so, right? Also, they talked so much about TWD. I feel like she must have known ahead of time that it would come up?

The Coda stuff is weird, and not explainable. It’s strange to me that both she and Norman have learned sign language in the past couple years.

That’s all my notes. Interested in your thoughts!!

@wdway:

Thanks @galadrieljones, for listening. This is strange and intriguing isn't it. While I was reading where Emily was searching for a word to describe Daryl and Beth's relationship I kept wanting to shout couple, couple, you guys were a couple! Haha. Of course you have to be careful in this situation because there was so many rumors of Norman and Emily actually dating.

You're right how odd it is that they were promoting Emily as a star from Walking Dead rather than a star of the movie they were supposedly promoting. I'm familiar with the movie Coda. I would really love to see it but it was on the (I believe Apple cable) and we don't have that channel but I did watch when the actor win the academy award for it and was thrilled for him. It is another strange coincidence with Emily using sign language.

I have to tell you that I have thought more than a few times about Daryl not being able to speak French but I had wondered how the use of sign language would come in handy. Of course it's American sign language so I don't know how much of a difference internationally that would be. Sorry, going down a side tunnel. Looking forward to reading if @twdmusicboxmystery had the same reactions as you did.

I did not realize that Emily was cast by Frank Darabont. I do know that they had mentioned quite a few times that they did not originally know about Emily's musical talent and that it was when they found out and actually went and saw her perform that they decided to take advantage of that and add it to her storyline. It was at one of her nightclub performances the notorious story of Greg being asked about Beth's storyline and he said something to the effect that you're really going to enjoy her journey, it's incredible ( I'm paraphrasing.)

Beth/Bethyl fans have always been angry that if he knew that Beth was going to be killed how would a fan really enjoy that. Her performing locally in Georgia was another reason that there were rumors about her and Norman because he would show up for some of her shows and just be in the back of the room watching.

@galadrieljones:

Thanks for all this intel. Omg I can’t stop picturing Norman showing up at Emily’s shows and smoldering in the back of the bar while she performed. I would die if that were me lol. I’m glad I’m not the only one who found all of this interesting.

The Coda/Sign language stuff is SO weird. I mean, if it’s pure coincidence, then it’s a HELLUVA coincidence, with the sign language thing AND the word—CODA. It’s got me thinking that maybe she already knew some sign language for some other reason and it’s part of why she was cast in this particular Hallmark movie, in which the character knows sign language.

Speculation time—if Beth loses some ability to speak for a little while after she’s shot, sign language would be a great way for her to learn to communicate, no? Haha. Also looking forward to @twdmusicboxmystery's reaction. And you’re right, Ann, it is like she’s trying to come up with these alternative words. “unit,” “team.” Lmao.

@twdmusicboxmystery:

Okay, I listened to the podcast. I don’t know that I have much to add except that I had the same read you both did. I thought she was super suspicious. The line about not wanting to be honest about it caught my ear. Like, is there anything else you’re not being totally honest about Emily? 😄 I thought the same about the sign language too. Like, what are the chances? Seems to coincidental to actually be one. 🤔

That's all. Thanks again for sending this in. People can listen to the podcast here:

Xoxo! 🦃💘

#beth greene #beth greene lives #beth is alive #beth is coming #td theory #td theories #team delusional #team defiance #beth is almost here #bethyl

[yourlastbraincell-kiwi]

“You’re so beautiful.”

A/N: A little Valentines Day blurb for all my brown skin queens. There’s no character, I left that up to your imagination. Let me know who you picked. I pick Norman Reedus.

Pairing: AOYC (Anyone of Your Choosing) x BlackFem!Reader

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re so beautiful.” He said, looking into my dark chocolaty eyes, tightening his hold on my waist. He loved looping his arms around it, it was mainly to feel your body flush up against his own, but he wouldn’t be opposed to showing everyone that this mere mortal, with the form of a goddess, was his and only his.

“Oh, am I now?” I asked, cheekily, bringing a strawberry to my lips, knowing good and well, I was that and more. Self-love is just amazing. I used to be self conscious, but once I really got into what self love, really meant to me, it’s made my self confidence skyrocket.

There is never a day, where I’m not changing, looking at myself in the mirror, telling myself I look fabulous and sexy. With the occasional smack to my rear to solidify it.

“Don’t do that. You know just how gorgeous you are. You don’t need me to tell it. But I will, incase you forget.”

I smile, grabbing his face by his chin, placing a peck on his soft lips, letting my hand drop and rests my forehead up against his own.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, bub.”

We stayed like that for practically eons. Not wanting to remove ourselves from the others warmth. It was a chilly night to be celebrating Valentines Day, but we couldn’t care less. We knew that it meant going home being extremely cold, meant getting under then blankets and being extremely warm.

It was the perfect excuse.

“Hey, look up there.” He said, helping me stand up and pointed at the stars in the night sky.

“I never get a chance to look up at the sky, but look at how pretty it looks with the specs of stars scattered across it. It’s really beautiful.”

“Almost as beautiful at you?”

I shake my head, laughing. “Flattery will only get you so far, my friend-” I stop mid sentence. Words caught in my throat, as I threw my hand onto my mouth.

“You say ‘flattery with only get me so far,’ but will it do me the honor getting, my gorgeous girlfriend, to marry me?”

I cover my hands with my face, as tears cascaded down my face like waterfall, it couldn’t seem to stop.

“(Y/N). You are just the light of my life. And I know it’s been said so many times, that’s it probably lost all meaning, but believe me when I say, that I wouldn’t be able to spend a lifetime, and eternity, or even one day without you, by my side.” He said, taking a breath before saying it again.

“So, will you marry me?”

I wordlessly nodded my head, not being able to say anything right now. He smiles, and slipped the ring around my finger.

“Perfect fit.” He says, and hugs me tight, and I grab his face and kiss him like, never before. The kiss with filled with so much and passion, love and adoration. That once we pulled away, we had held onto each other for some sort of stability.

After more stargazing, we decide to call it a night and pack it up. I put my stuff in the back seat while, he puts the stuff in the trunk, before sitting in the drivers seat, and me in the passengers.

“So, Mrs. (H/L/N), what shall we-?”

“Mrs. (H/L/N)? Who says I was taking your last name? Why can’t you get my last name?” I ask, skeptical, as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“Well, cause Mr. (L/N) doesn’t really have a nice ring to it, y’know?”

“Oh, it doesn’t, does it?” I ask, with a little bit of a lean at he said ‘yes.’

“Well, that’s okay. You ain’t the only fish in the sea. I’m sure, I’ll find me another man if I swim down deep enough.”

“Don’t forget your swim cap and your pool floaties.” He said, trying to be serious as I look at him mouth agape.

“I know, you did not just go there.”

“I did, suck it up.” He said, still trying to be serious but ended up cracking and laughing at my facial expression.

“I’m kidding. I’m kidding.” He said, and grabbed my hand to place a kiss to my knuckles, really trying to back pedal his way outta this hole, he just dug for himself.

“Babe! I’m kidding, you know I’m joking.” He said, taking his eyes of the road occasionally to look at me, not before long he pulled into our driveway.

“Have fun sleeping on the couch! Better yet, sleep outside! Maybe the ants will adopt you, as one of their own.” I said grabbing my stuff and locking him out.

I wasn’t actually mad at him, but boy was it fun pretending to be.

#ambw imagines #ambw story #imagine #wattpad #x reader #black!reader #valentine #vday #self love #blurb

[reedusmcbridedaily]

Norman Reedus in April/May 2022 issue of Garden&Gun Magazine

On living in Georgia: "I have a house that's in the country (Palmetto, GA), down a long dirty road. Everyone waves to me. I wave to them. If my package ends up at a house down the street, it's not an inconvenience to go say hello and get it. I have an old Camaro that I drive around here. Or I get on a bike and head in a direction I've never been before. Everyone's like, "Are you going to sell your house once the show's over?" I don't think I'm going anywhere. My backyard has a little creek going through it. Right before my dad passed away, he went back to his house in Raleigh. He loved magnolia trees, so I got one and planted it right outside his bedroom window so he could smell the flowers. Right next to my daughter's little castle in the yard here, I planted a magnolia tree. It's just starting to get tall. Every time I look at that, it reminds me of my pop."

On his new novel The Ravaged: "It's three different story lines of people who were thrown out, or are searching for something. And they sort of find people along the road who change them - maybe indirectly because of The Walking Dead, and playing this character who finds that sense of home out on the road with strangers, and a sense of family. I've met so many people, and I'm a good listener. Sometimes, I'll take someone's story and think about it going in this direction, instead of that direction."

On his new whiskey: "You play a country boy on a hugely successful television show and you ride motorcycles, you get a lot of the same endorsements: You want to make a motorcycle boot? You want to make a motorcycle vest? They're all too obvious. I know a lot of motorcyclists in a lot of motorcycle clubs. And whiskey is the drink. I've had thousands of nights with my friends over the last couple of decades where we've had whiskey and really got into a heart-to-heart. And that's where it all started. This whiskey is very smooth - the kind you drink and you want to be in your sock's in front of a fire."

#the walking dead #norman reedus #daryl dixon #twdedit #twd cast #nredit #the ravaged #* #nr* #reedusedit #reedus interviews #reedus photoshoots

[my-mt-heart]

Thoughts on The Daryl Dixon Origin Story

Can’t speak for anyone else, but I didn’t really gain a lot of fresh insight into Daryl’s character from this. If anything, it just re-solidified to me how Daryl has been stuck on this path of trying to save people, often in vain, and the impact that has had on his sense of belonging. No doubt we will see that finally come to a head in S11. Otherwise, it really was just another marketing ploy, which again, figured as much.

  For anyone who can’t watch, I’ll just note that Norman Reedus’ narration throughout was scripted, not interview style. It felt very compressed, which, fair, because that’s a lot to cram into the span of an hour. There were some good quotes of course, and yes, duh, ones about his relationship with Carol.

For example, he says “Daryl begins to bond with Carol whether he likes it or not,” basically describing it as something simply meant to be.

While the search for Sophia continues, it’s stated that Daryl “doesn’t know how to accept Carol’s affection, so he rejects it.” The subtext is that Carol really is the first person to show him he’s worthy of kindness and belonging. Then to no surprise, finding Sophia dead makes him feel like “he failed Carol.” That sense of failure is reiterated by the time they find Henry’s head on a pike. Apparently it’s “literally his worst nightmare. He felt responsible for Henry. He agreed to look after him because “he can’t say no to Carol,” (haha, true) and ultimately “failed her again.” Thankfully he’s there to “hold her up until her wall comes crashing down.”

When season 10 is broached, Daryl’s emotionality is shown to be strongly connected to Carol, his overall goal being to protect her. I love when he’s talking about the scene where Daryl threatens to punch holes in the boat, shading it to mean he’s “not ready to say goodbye to her.” Even more, I love that their score (there’s a Caryl score, you guys) played over the bracelet scene. I can’t remember if that’s how it was cut in the episode itself, but wow, it really amplified the love between them.

All of that being said, it would be a mistake to read too far into anything. Nothing proves or disproves Caryl, and that goes for the other ships too. Ironically the only confirmed love interest was downplayed the most. It’s mentioned that Daryl and Leah “clash at first but end up spending a lot of time together, but he can’t stop searching for Rick…if he lets another person in, he’ll lose them so he leaves.” And then we move on.

As for Connie, there’s actually no emotional language about her in narration. We just see some of their scenes play out, including the one on the dock, but that’s really just to highlight Daryl’s “new skill,” in other words sign language. Still, editing paints a picture they want you to speculate about.

I’ll say that the one thing that did throw me off was the line about Beth being “the first girl that’s ever been nice to Daryl so he misreads the situation.” Not only does that contradict what had been suggested about Carol, but the language comes off a little predatory in my opinion, which does not accurately reflect who Daryl is at all. Of course they were going to milk that relationship, like of course, and don’t get me wrong, I adore it, but…hmm. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that the most overt romantic expression is given to the character who’s dead now.

Other points of emphasis include his relationship with Rick and the impact of Merle’s and Glenn’s deaths. Aside from those, I can’t really think of much else to mention. Even the sneak peek of Daryl and Dog looking at all the graffiti doesn’t offer much (am I the only one who noticed the emphasis on the crowns though??) Ultimately, nothing has changed in my eyes and I guess I’ll just go about my day now. 

#caryl #daryl dixon #twd #twd spoilers #twd origins #twd season 11

[cherryblossom-chopper]

The great year of 2021 is going to end soon. What are your thoughts on it so far?

This year was a roller coaster, honestly. I'm graduating college in literally five days, so that's scary. I'm applying for master's school, which is also intimidating. But I got my cat this year, too, which has been great, and I love having a little buddy. My partner and I are still together and doing well, which makes me happy. My friends and family are all happy and healthy and doing well. I've done a lot of activism this year too, which is something I plan to continue doing.

Something that's also been really great this year is all of you. I really appreciate the community I've found here. I can't thank all of you enough for supporting my work; all of you inspire me to keep writing and improving my skills. So I truly thank all of you for that.

I'm from America (RIP), so I'm not super stoked about how things have gone down this year politically. But that's a whole different bag of beans.

Like everyone else, I've consumed so much content this year, so I'm going to give you all some of my recommendations.

Helluva Boss (TV Show)

➵ A Youtube spinoff show based on Hazbin Hotel. Three imps and a Hell Hound, all living in the Pride Ring of Hell, run a company where they kill living humans for sinners.

➵ The first season has eight episodes plus a pilot episode. It's amusing, but it can be considered graphic/mature. I liked Hazbin Hotel, but I really love Helluva Boss. It's fun, thought-provoking, and has good music. It even has well-known actors such a Norman Reedus (Daryl from the Walking Dead) and Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice from Beetlejuice the Musical).

Miss. Kobayashi Dragon Maid (Anime)

➵ Kobayashi is a programmer who spends too much time at the office or at the bar critiquing the refined world of maids. On her way to work one day, a dragon appears at her door, insisting on being Kobayashi's personal live-in maid.

➵ With two seasons and a movie (currently), Miss. Kobayashi's Dragon Maid stole my heart. I'm a sucker for comedy/slice of life shows. It looks like just fanservice on the surface, but I promise it's not. There is some fanservice, but it is ignorable. The show does have some issues with it regarding the fanservice characters, but I'm at a point in my anime career where it's not shocking. It's a very cute, heartwarming show.

Centaur World (Netflix Original)

➵ A battle-hardened warhorse gets separated from her beloved Rider during an accident involving a magical artifact. Horse wakes up in a cartoonish land in which all of its inhabitants are centaurs in some form or another. Her mission is to find her Rider and end the war, but when a herd of silly-looking centaurs finds her, they are determined to become her friends.

➵This show looks goofy and ridiculous on the surface, but I really enjoyed it. It's one of those shows that takes a dark turn quickly. If you can get past some of the bad jokes at the beginning, I'm sure you'll enjoy it; as of right now their only two seasons (21 episodes in total).

The Goblin Emperor by Kathrine Addison (Book)

➵When his elven father and half brothers die in an accident, an 18-year-old goblin prince is forced to take the throne. Prince, now Emperor Maia, is forced to navigate a world full of eleven aristocracy who are all out to usurp the throne.

➵This book hit all of my boxes. It was so good. Maia is such a sweet character who you can see grow throughout the book. It's a great blend of my favorite genres; fantasy and political intrigue. It even has a splash of Romance on the side, just the way I like it. This book did come out in 2014, but I've only just now read it. I genuinely love this book and Maia. Usually, I'm not a fan of lengthy series because they can't hold my interest, but I wish there had been a sequel because I adore Maia. I think about him all the time and what could've possibly happened if a sequel was written.

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood (Book)

➵A young orc girl is intended to be a sacrifice to the Unspoken God, but she agrees when a charismatic traveler offers her a life beyond a sacrificial lamb. Follow Corswe on her adventure to discover a great treasure for her master/father figure.

➵So firstly, the protagonist is a lesbian orc woman. Which is A+. Also, daddy issues. I really loved this book a lot. I like Corswe, and the author does an outstanding job of taking emotional advantage of the reader. Also, lesbian orc woman. The author is currently writing a sequel that is supposed to come out next year, so I'm excited about that. There's also a book that I haven't read set in the same universe, but I've only been able to find it in German. So I'm going to buy it soon and use it to practice my language learning skills.

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse (Book)

➵ Every day the prophecy for-telling the return of the Crow God is inching closer. Follow a merchant, a priestess, and a conduit on a unique adventure across a pseudo-Mesoamerican setting.

➵Shut up this book is so cool. It's a dark fantasy novel inspired by Indigenous Mesoamerican culture. How is that not the coolest shit ever?? Roanhorse took great care to research different cultures while writing this book and even has a references page. The setting alone was enough to immediately grab my attention. I'm begging y'all to pick up this book. It's unique, and there was so much love and care put into this book. This book also features a nonbinary character that is a prominent side character, who's actions affect the plot. It is a stand-alone book, but the author has talked about making books similar to this one. She mentioned using the Cahokia site for inspiration. (Cahokia is a Mississippian site in Illinois, USA, the Mississippians being an Indigenous Culture that appeared in parts of the American South and Midwest. It's super exciting stuff, so I linked the wiki page)

#cherryblossom chopper #liv chat

[mymanreedus]

Entertainment Weekly:  “What's it like for you guys now in terms of this being the final season, because it's a long final season, and you're filming it over a long period of time? Has that sunken in? Does it feel like the end yet?”

Norman Reedus:  “We do have a lot more to do, so we're kind of focused on that, but it comes up every day anyway between me and the crew and the cast. I live in Georgia pretty much. I live in New York, but I only go there when I'm on vacation from here really. And it's been like that for a long time. So yeah, do I sell my house here? Do I move? I've got a garage full of motorcycles. What do I do with them? There's all those types of life questions that pop up all the time.

“But some of our crew have been here since day one, so we talk about the show ending. Somebody asked me the other day, "Why do you want to do a spin-off?" And it's because I need this — to put so much work in this character, I need to find that sense of home and bring it full circle. I can't just end on an episode. I put too much work into that state! It has to come full circle. I have to solve the riddle. I have to find my Rubik's Cube. I have to put it back together. It's a whole thing. I have to or I'm going to go nuts. So yeah, it comes up all the time. And I know we've got a long way to go, but I know it's going to come. It's going to come really fast. Those last two months are going to go by in like a week.”

#The Walking Dead #season 11 #Norman Reedus #daryl dixon #spin off #crew #motorcycle #interview #quote

[bloodypeachblog]

Honestly, Helluva Boss has a lot of heart. I know that it's about murder, dirty jokes, and the crazy lives of IMP, however this show has a lot of heart. All of the characters have serious motivations, and even though they are demons Viv is still able to humanize them for us which is why it's hard for me to connect to other shows like this is because writers tend to dehumanize demons a lot which makes it hard for me personally to connect to them and give honest opinions about them. The most recent episodes were really emotion based and that's what got me to connect to the characters so much more.

On top of that Viv managed to get some amazing talent out there too not just for her supporting actors (Including 2 Tony winning actors, Barrett Wilbert Weed, Christina Vee, and Norman Reedus) she has amazing vocal talent with her main cast as well.

People who say that HB has no heart and is just senseless slaughter is wrong. These amazing actors pour their heart and soul into this, and sure sometimes jokes might not land, but the emotional beats always end up hitting it home for me. Also the musical numbers are spectacular, with some familiar voices and non-familiar ones too, however, everyone who sings sounds amazing! All I'm saying is that this series means a lot to me, and I am very happy with what it has become.

I'm glad you feel that way about it. I guess it's hard for me to get real deep like that about a series or anything really in general, probably because of the autism or cognitive dissonance. I love the series for many reasons, I guess I just can't express them clearly. Both my autism and cognitive dissonance have caused some turmoil in my relationship because my boyfriend doesn't feel heard when I desperately want to listen to his ramblings and not lose attention and get distracted by something else.

[phoebehalliwell]

I’m a world where say, Prue and Cole were together and Paige and Leo were together, who would you pair with Phoebe and Piper?

I liked Mark but like would they have been able to save him? And Phoebe didn’t really have a lot of memorable love interests…maybe this would be an excuse to make Coop come in earlier?

I love your blog and your fics! They’re some of my favorites to re-read 💖

‼️‼️‼️‼️ ily 💞💕💞💕💞💕

but okay i think in a world where we go prue/cole paige/leo there’s not so much a need to save mark as he wouldn’t be used as a plot point so much as like just a straight love interest so we wouldn’t go dead man dating we could instead have someone who’s a mom of two young girls or something (because three is too on the nose) and kind of have the sisters have to work through their grief/trauma on that end while also having to save the day and then we could bring mark in on a seperate episode (or have him come in on that episode as like. the girl’s uncle or whatever kind of piper’s point of contact when guiding who i guess would be his sisters spirit like the human person piper talks to who kind of quickly realizes something afoot bc well he’s a smart guy and he and his sister were raised on these stories. so maybe something like that. and then you think it’s a one and done with a brief, fleeting connection but then all of a sudden him comes back in some type of professional capacity Do Not Ask Me How and now it’s like. dude who you don’t like work with but like kind of you do. but he knows you’re a witch. so piper has to devote some time to that because that’s just the woman she is. and then a couple episodes later mark himself is the innocent and it’s like just as he and piper might start getting close you know boom monster demon warlock attack something now his life’s in jeopardy and you know piper saves the day but mark almost died and mark’s like wow this is just kinda like how your life works huh? with demons and monsters and ghosts? and piper’s like haha yep it’s enough to scare about anyone away i think and mark says i’m not scared and they hold eye contact and then it seems like they’re about to kiss but then one of them chickens out because they’re endgame so we’ve got time to kill we have the luxury of making them wait. blah blah blah they’re together by the end of season 1.

OR since this au is a bit of an li swap what with prue/cole and paige/leo i think you know where i’m going with this one piper/kyle. But of course piper and kyle only work like. off a divorce or something something that really gets piper and Peak Cynic and a bit more stone cold because i can’t just drag kyle in in s1 a) he’s a bitch and b) he’s a dick and c) very much Not compatible with early seasons piper who is very trusting and forgiving and believes in second chances. meaning. what do i do? ladies n gentlemen,,,, piper/dan. and we start that season one by just having dan move in next door season one blah blah blah they’re cute they’re sweet they’re married by season 3 they have a daughter and a son (no wyatt and no chris tho bc dan is Not a whitelighter also their daughter would not be the twice blessed as again dan is Not a whitelighter so there’s no dark future thing going) but then in season 5 dan sacrifices himself (oh no 😓!) but then he comes back as a whitelighter (😃) but then like. he can’t be with piper anymore because he’s a whitelighter (😔) (paige and leo still haven’t gone full canon yet because of the rules they keep dancing around their emotions) but at least he’s not dead (🤗) psych he gets killed in season six by a darklighter (😯). teeing us up for piper/kyle s7 onward slowburn here’s the manifesto.

in regards to phoebe i feel like her and coop aren’t really ready yet to be endgame til at least s5 because before that i don’t think phoebe is like ready for undying eternal love like she’s just here for a good time so to keep her busy i think i’d probably flip it and reverse it go dex first in s1 a handsome charming artist a bit dull but who cares whoops pregnancy scare! yikes! kind of separate and don’t really see each other much after that because we’re still working with phoebe’s fear of commitment next up to bat in season two phoebe’s college arc is leslie instead of the kind of rivals to lovers thing they had going on in the workplace instead it is in academia where they are both studying psych and they are in constant competition with one another in fact we can even say this is where we start planting the seeds for advice columnist phoebe where the two of them actually host like a call in advice show on the local college radio and slowly fall in love there. but this all ends when they both graduate and leslie moves away and phoebe’s kind of hurt because that was the first guy she ever could have felt like potentially committing to. next up on the docket would be who jason? i feel we’re not ready for that. who does that leave me? note i am skipping drake in this reverse play because like prue/cole would still be too fresh we can’t do a casual demon romance yet because we’re still leaning in on the drama and fire and danger of a witch/demon romance to pull some shit like phoebe/drake. hmm. we could make up a guy land a pretty solid heartbreak on phoebe just to tee her up all that. because dex she wasn’t that into leslie she was but it was just fate that pulled them apart we need a third one to kinda solidify the fear that love is doomed. and then like in between we will be having one off dates. oh ooh bonus since paige is with leo we can give phoebe married norman reedus. that’s just a fun one. that’s just a fun lil kick in the shins. final guy pre coop to carry us into season for is ummm hmmmmm. miles and he dies. but this time we actually make miles fun and interesting and sexy and really just everything he wasn’t noah fence to the guy. hmm. miles jason dean fusion. shan’t elaborate. but something like that. and then s5 after being burned by love so many times here comes coop. add a couple more love interests as set ups by coop just to drag it out, and then phoop endgame.

#charmed #prue x cole #paige x leo #piper x mark #piper x kyle #phoebe x coop #and uh what the fuck i'll tag #phoebe x leslie #bc i'm really paying them their dues despite them being real lackluster in the show #💌

[littlegodzilla]

Can you do a Norman/reader where they deal with the show ending? Either with smut to make him feel better or just them talking about what's next?

Hi Anon!!

Thanks for your request! It was fun to write it.

I hope you'll like it!!

Enjoy!!

≈≈≈≈

Not the End.

Norman Reedus x Reader.

Anon request. One shot.

Warnings: none.

Words: 960.

≈≈≈≈≈

People are impatient, Greg is looking all over the set, everyone is looking for him, these are the last scenes left to shoot and no one knows anything about him.

Norman has disappeared.

Nobody knows where exactly he has gone, it's his turn to shoot, there is a scene where Daryl gives a long and emotional speech before the story finally closes, but his interpreter has decided not to show up on the set that morning.

You haven't been on the show as long as many of the people there, maybe two or three years only, but you've learned a few by watching the man for all that time. Without anyone seeing you, you slip off the set discreetly to grab your car, driving off in the direction of Norman Reedus' house.

Norman is a family man, introverted for his deep thoughts, he likes to surround himself with people, but when something is really bothering him, he prefers to take some time for himself. So you park the car near his house, you hesitate for a moment because you don't know if he considers you a friend enough to invade his privacy, still you get out of the car and walk through his house to the back garden where you discover him.

You stand there for a few seconds, he is sitting in the garden, under a huge tree that has a special symbolism for him. You bite your lip, but finally walk towards him, Norman detects you within seconds hearing your footsteps on the green grass. He lifts his head to look at you, smiles at you in greeting, you reciprocate and stand by his side.

"Everyone is out looking for you." You tell him in a soft voice and he nods again.

"I'm sorry, but I needed to think..." He is sincere in a very low voice, not looking at you this time.

"You should have called ahead, some people are hysterical." You try to joke, but he doesn't respond. You sigh and sit down next to him, holding his hand. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know." He shrugs and again looks down at the floor. "I know very well what I have to do, it's not..." He sighs and then looks at you. "It's not the first time I've had to say goodbye to a character, you know?" he shrugs and purses his lips. "It's not the first time I've run out of a role, a movie script, a scene in a show..." He runs a hand over his face in frustration. "However, I can't... not now..." He swallows hard. "I've gone over the script again and again, but I always get stuck in the middle, I'm unable to put it into words... I'm unable to say it out loud..."

You look at him carefully, a small smile forms on your mouth, you know it's hard for Norman to say goodbye to Daryl Dixon, they have been together over many years, Norman has absorbed some things from Daryl and has shaped his own into the character that's why it's so hard for him to end it. You take his hand carefully and squeeze it between yours. Norman looks at you and smiles gratefully because you're there.

"I know it's hard to say goodbye to the show, but it's not the end." You smile. "Daryl will keep traveling, he'll keep taking care of the people." You squeeze his hands a little and he looks at you with intensity. "I know it's not the same, that there will be a lot of people to say goodbye to, but... people need Daryl Dixon."

"Do you think people will keep watching the show just because of Daryl?" he looks at you curiously. "I don't know if... that's what people want and if they end up... getting bored..."

"Come on, Daryl could never bore anyone, and if that were to happen, maybe it's then time to say goodbye to him and move on." You shrug. "But that hasn't happened yet, why should you care?"

Norman sighs, that's what scares him, thinking too much about what hasn't come yet, he's always been a man aware of his limits, he's always been able to accept what's yet to come, but now Daryl is leaving, somehow, and he feels like a part of himself is staying there with it all.

"Come on, there's still plenty of Daryl and Norman Reedus for this world and the one to come." You encourage him once again by giving him a gentle nudge.

You finally get to make him really laugh, you feel his arms wrap around you and hug you lovingly. You let yourself do it, hugging him back rubbing his back feeling his fingers tangle in your hair. You can't help it, but tears well up in your eyes and when you pull apart Norman looks at you in surprise.

"Hey, why are you crying?"

"Because I just remembered that my character is going to die before confessing her feelings for Daryl." You remember and he snorts in amusement.

"Did you not read the whole script?" he looks at you with intensity, with a sly grin and you feel relief in your chest, he's Norman again.

"Of course I do." You laugh getting up to start walking out of the garden, feeling Norman's gaze on your back.

"Is it that you're nervous?" he teases.

"Nah, it's not the first time I've kissed an old man." You retort without pausing.

"Did you say old man?" you hear Norman's offended voice behind you. "Wait...what do you mean not the first time!?"

You can't help yourself and laugh heartily as you hear him run after you, wanting to know more.

You may not have relieved his angst and sadness over the show's farewell, but at least you've managed to divert his thoughts about it for a little while.

***

The End.

***

I hope you liked it!!

I know it's a little short but I hope it was what you expected anyway.

See you in the next stories!!

#my stuff #norman reedus #normanreedus #daryl dixon #daryldixon #ask me #one shot #anon request #request #ask requests #normn reedus request

[solar-pxwered]

A List Of Norman Reedus Movies/Shows I Have Seen And My Opinions On Them

1. The Boondock Saints

The Best. A classic. Bloody and inappropriate and if I remember my count correctly, contains 194 “fucks” or variations of it (this movie certainly illustrates the diversity of the word). Terrible Irish accents. A KICKASS soundtrack. Willem DeFoe crossdressing. Dropping toilets on people’s heads. Over the top action sequences. Cheesy dialogue. Campy as fuck. I freakin’ love it.

2. The Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day

Some people didn’t like this one as much as the first one, and I admit that I wasn’t as fond of the new detective in this one as I was of Smecker...but, overall, I really enjoyed it and I drove 2 hours to see it in theaters. I love Romeo more than Rocco. The humor was on point. It was nice to see the original actors for Doc, Dolly, Duffy and Greenley. There was more terrible Irish accents, another KICKASS soundtrack, cheesy dialogue, over the top action sequences, still campy as fuck. I freaking love it.

3. The Walking Dead

Cannot even describe how much I love this show. I have ALWAYS loved zombie related shows and movies so this show was right up my alley from the very beginning all the way back in 2010. I watched it religiously every Sunday. I adore this roller coaster ride of a show and I especially adore Daryl, Carol and Jerry. This show has it all: Comedy, drama (hella lots of that), tragedy and triumph...and it never fails to pulls me in and hold my interest.

4. Mimic

Honestly, I saw this a LONG time ago and I hated it because...well, because I have a cockroach phobia, ok?! Don’t judge. Norman’s part was pretty small, not one of his lasting impressions on me.

5. Six Ways To Sunday

This is a weird one. It’s about an overly innocent 18 year (played by Norman) who gets involved in the Mob and develops an alter ego that’s violent and his complete opposite. There’s murder, prostitutes and good ol’ fashioned mother-son incest and it wasn’t a movie I suggest for the lighthearted or anyone with those sort of triggers. 

That being said, I watched the whole thing and didn’t hate it. It was just uncomfortable...as seems to be a theme with Norman Reedus movies.

6. Dark Harbor

This fucking movie...

Ok, so, I’ll be straight with you: I really enjoyed this dumbass movie. It had me guessing right up to the very end and it took me on a very strange ride along the way. 

If watching someone sexually feed a woman a poisonous mushroom, lots of dark eyed staring scenes or Norman Reedus making out with Alan Rickman is your thing, then go for it. 

7. Let the Devil Wear Black

It’s modern Hamlet. What else is there to say? If you like Hamlet, you’ll like this movie. If you like pre-car accident, baby face Reedus with the black hair, you’ll like this movie. I liked it.

8. 8MM

You know what the best thing about this movie is? Nicholas Cage. He steals the damn show no matter what movie he’s in and no one can even deny that fact. Norman’s part in this one is pretty small too but I liked this movie anyway because...well, Nick Cage. Enough said.

9. Bad Seed

I honestly can’t remember how this movie ends, all I remember was that it wasn’t at all how I expected it. I liked this movie because it’s a psychological thriller and that’s my most favorite genre of all time. The movie’s premise is a guy suspects his wife of having an affair and comes home one night and finds her murdered so he goes after her lover (Reedus) to try and kill him because he believes he was the one who killed her. It’s a cat and mouse chase sort of thing...now I need to rewatch it because I can’t, for the life of me, remember how it ends.

10. Gossip

Ok, no JOKE, this is the best movie I ever randomly discovered and I can’t believe how many people have never heard of it! It’s got some big names in it (Lena Headey, Norman Reedus, James Marsden and Kate Hudson to name a few).

It’s a psychological thriller/mystery drama in which three friends start a rumor at their school as a social experiment for their class. The rumor grows, however, and suddenly it’s out of their hands and spiraling out of control. People start getting hurt, reputations get dragged through the mud and then it escalates to the point of someone losing their life. The three main characters {Reedus, Headey and Marsden) try to figure out the truth behind the out of control rumors and discover more than they ever imagined, or ever wanted.

I HIGHLY recommend this movie. I really, REALLY do. The ending is one of the best twists I’ve seen in a LONG time.

11. The Beatnicks

This movie is so weird. It’s like...it’s just really weird. It revolves around two beat poets who find a magic box that somehow magically helps them get good at being poets but it’s like...an evil box and so they decide to only use it once and then get rid of it. Yeah, it’s a weird movie. Not my highest suggestion.

12. Blade II

Ok, if you’ve never seen the Blade Trilogy then I just don’t even know what to tell you. 

My favorite of the three movies, Blade 2 gives us the glorious Reedus character of Scud, the pot smoking, horrible-shirt-wearing, mechanical genius and Blade’s sidekick. Not only is he precious and adorable, the movie in all is enjoyable and has a fun rave-esque soundtrack. 

The one thing I hate? *SPOILER ALERT* Scud’s scummy betrayal.

13. Tough Luck

This is another one of those movies that I liked but it’s just so freaking weird. 

It’s a psychological drama where a down on his luck con artist, Archie (Reedus), tries to rip off a carnival worker and gets caught. As punishment, he’s hired to work at the carnival  to pay off the debt. He gets involved in a scheme to murder the owner’s wife, but falls in love with her in the process.

Things go to shit. He gets the short end of the stick. More plots and lies develop. It’s all twisted until the end and the answers fall into place.

I really like this movie, it’s one that I kept and still have my copy of. 

A word of warning though, never leave this movie on your movie shelf for your father to find and watch while you’re away at college, resulting in your mother calling you and asking you why you have such a nasty movie. Because the sex scene at the end is OUTRAGEOUS. I mean, it is the FUNNIEST fucking sex scene I have ever seen in my life and I can’t ever watch it without cringing and laughing. My mother, however, didn’t think it was funny at all and my father was too shocked to even form a sentence.

I highly suggest this trippy as hell movie.

14. Octane

Ok, to be fair, this movie is actually alright, although Norman’s character gets the shittiest death possible. I mean, imagine dying because some psycho vampire kisses you and bites your tongue out. That’s one shitty death.

But, overall, this is a good thriller. Johnathan Rhys Meyers plays the villain and he’s always pretty quality. The story is basically a teenager has a disagreement with her mom and gets picked up by this drugged up, blood sucking, vampire wannabe cult and indoctrinated joining them. Her mother joins up with a tow truck driver (Reedus) whose daughter was also kidnapped years ago and who has been hunting the cult down ever since. 

It was a cringe filled, yet interesting, movie and I didn’t hate it.

15. John Carpenter’s Cigarette Burns

This is John Carpenter....OF COURSE I liked this one. 

I won’t say what it’s about because that would ruin the story, but it’s part of an anthology and John Carpenter loved Norman’s role so much he STILL talks about it today and suggests Norman to people in the industry.

It’s a good one if you’re into horror shorts or anthologies or the genius of the legend that is John Carpenter.

16. A Crime

I had completely forgotten about this movie until I started making this post, but now that I remember...I REALLY liked this one!!

This is a pretty sad one, but it was very good and Norman’s acting in it is absolutely wonderful. His character’s wife was murdered and the suspect was never found so his neighbor, who really likes him, creates a fake culprit so that he can finally get some closure. 

This is a good one. I suggest this one if you’re in the mood for a strange sort of romance movie that has underlying thriller tones.

17. Moscow Chill

I remember watching this one, and I remember enjoying it, but I honestly can’t remember anything about it except that it’s a Russian film in which Norman plays a computer hacker who gets hired to hack into a Russian bank and gets caught and put in prison. But I honestly can’t remember what happens in detail.

If you like foreign movies with hacking and subterfuge plots, then give it a try because I do remember enjoying it while I watched.

18. Red Canyon

This one is kinda fucked up. Imagine Daryl Dixon mixed with Breaking Bad mixed with Deliverance and you’ve pretty much got the story...

A brother and sister return to their mother’s hometown to settle things and put their horrible past behind them...but upon returning they end up reliving the nightmare all over again.

It’s a good thriller/horror watch, but there are scenes of sexual violence so if that’s not something you can handle, then don’t watch this one.

19. Hero Wanted

This. Is. A. GOOD. Movie.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is the lead and he does an AMAZING job. Gooding’s character is a garbage man who falls in love with a girl who never takes any notice of him. To get her attention, he stages a heist in which he is supposed to jump in, save the day, and win the girl...only the heist turns out to be real and he is shot and the girl is also shot in the process. He sets out for revenge and gets in way over his head.

Norman’s part in this isn’t very big...but HOLY SHIT, was it impactful. His character didn’t have a lot of screen time, in comparison to a lot of other people, but he had a solid backstory and reason for being involved and MY GOD did I cry about it. This was actually the first movie of his I watched AFTER discovering Boondock Saints and it solidified my love for his acting abilities.

A very good watch. Highly suggest.

20. Messengers 2: The Scarecrow

This one is pretty ok, actually, as far as lame horror movies go. 

The plot is simple: Blonde, beardy, corn farmer Norman gets slowly driven insane by the haunted scarecrow in his field that he thinks putting up is a good idea for some damn reason. He starts to get more and more violent and rapey as time goes on until his family is forced to take up arms against him.

It’s not bad. Second part in what I THINK is a trilogy? I’ve only ever seen the first two. If you like horror movies then this one is a good watch. As I mentioned though, there is an attempted rape scene in this one so just be aware.

21: Pandorum

It’s an alien movie. Astronauts run into a species that is stronger and hungry for tasty humans. Shepard (Norman’s character) doesn’t make it out alive. If you’re not in the mood to see Norman get LITERALLY gutted or other characters get nommed by aliens, then don’t watch.

If you ARE, then go ahead and watch, because it was pretty alright.

#norman reedus #panja speaks #I just thought anyone wanting to check out more of his stuff should have a starting point

[absolutepx]

So I've been playing Death Stranding lately. Wait, that's not what this post is about. Well, it kind of is. Hang on. What is Death Stranding about?

A: Norman Reedus getting bare ass naked B. Sneaking around ghosts with the help of your sidekick, an actual baby C: Carrying 50 Amazon packages up a hill while trying to not topple over D: Waking up in the morning and drinking 5 Monster Energy™ for breakfast

For those following along at home, the answer is actually none of the above. Despite the set dressing being bizarre to the point of near absurdity, what the game is actually about, like thematically, is actually really simple.

See, the development of Death Stranding was actually quite a trip. Hideo Kojima is the video game world's equivalent of an auteur director. He has a very recognizable personal style. It's thoroughly horny – he caught a bunch of shit for the design of Quiet in MGSV, but like, a lot of Kojima characters are just -like that-, including the dudes. Also, this is going to possibly be important later.

Anyway, so Kojima was going to do a rebootmakequel of Silent Hill, and the demo actually made it to the PS store and I could actually write a whole side essay about why P.T. (it was called P.T. for some reason btw) was brilliant game design for how it used the same hallway over and over and it was somehow beneficial to the overall feeling of horror. So Konami it turns out kinda sucks nowadays and they like, fired Kojima (they were huge dicks about it behind closed doors, too) and scrapped the project and kicked him out on the street and kept the Metal Gear series which was his baby (literally the baby in the sink in P.T., he snuck a bunch of messaging about the Konami situation into the demo like a breakup album) and Kojima would go on to form his own studio and poach some of the people who worked with him to boot. So the thing about Kojima is this: he's got a reputation for already putting some wild shit in his games, like a ladder that takes like 10 real time minutes to climb in MGS3 for dramatic effect, and a boss in MGS3 that summons the ghosts of all the people you were too lazy to stealth past and killed, or a sniper battle with a really old guy that he wanted to have last two weeks or some shit until he died of old age but he was "told that "this was impossible and not recommended." That is a real quote I just looked up. So he's coming off the heels of making this hugely successful game with MGSV and the hype of the P.T. Demo and he fucking, he like took all the people that were going to be working on P.T. Along like Guillermo Del Toro was going to co-write it and Norman Reedus was going to star in it, and he's like, I'm going to make this game called Death Stranding. And the first trailer comes out for it and it's completely nuts. Norman Reedus wakes up naked on a beach crying with a baby and there are floating people in the sky? So we're all like hooooooly shit, there's no one to tell him "this is impossible and not recommended" anymore. What's he going to make now!?

So the whole time the game is in development I keep seeing these tweets where it'll be like, Kojima and one of his homies smiling with some saccharine message about being spiritual warriors and changing the world. And not just Del Toro and Reedus, there was Mads Mikkelsen (another guy Kojima puts in the game just because he apparently loves him), and the band Chvches, and also like, Keanu Reeves at one point? You know how everyone has just kind of accepted that Keanu is a being of light? Here he was endorsing Kojima. The hype was pretty confused and frantic.

The game eventually comes out. A lot of game journos hate it because I think there was this expectation it was going to be, you know, less weird and have more of the conventional structure of a video game. That's not to say the average gamer wasn't also dismissive of it, but I think on the ground level there was more of an understanding that like, yeah, Kojima just be like that sometimes.

Because the game was a timed console exclusive and your homie don't play like that, I spent the first year or so cautiously viewing Death Stranding from a distance. I wasn't sure I was going to like it – except for being really impressed with P.T., I wasn't actually a big fan of Kojima's games as games – but I -was- sure that I was going to buy it, because of the way Konami fucked him over, just out of support. And the shit I was hearing was really out there. The primary mode of gameplay is just delivery packages. You collect Norman Reedus' bathwater and pee and use it as grenades. You get a motorcycle that looks like the one from AMC's The Ride with Norman Reedus, and when you sit on it, his character in the game says "Wow, this thing is like the one from AMC's The Ride with Norman Reedus!"

But I didn't really want to know that much about it. Something has that much fucking crazy person energy, you want to go in mostly blind, right? So maybe people just weren't talking about this, or maybe I wasn't seeing it, but then I watched Girlfriend Reviews' video about it and they came right out and said it (link provided if you want to hear Shelby say it more articulately than me):

Death Stranding is basically about the exact opposite of Twitter. It's about remembering how to be kind to each other, how to reconnect in a world where people are so often hostile to each other by default. Prophetically, it's about a world where people are afraid to go outside or touch other people and how damaging that is. It's not a game about carrying packages, it's a game about helping people by being brave enough to walk through a wasteland carrying their burdens because they can't. It's about rebuilding the lost connections between people, about restoring roads and giving people hope. I bet, for Kojima and the people close to him, it's about how to answer hostility with compassion. You can't kill people in Death Stranding. You can and are absolutely encouraged to fucking throw hands with people sometimes, but all the tools and weapons are nonlethal. So I think Kojima took all the Twitter heat he got over the Quiet nontroversy, and all the feelings of isolation he had from Konami separating him from his team during the end of the development of MGSV, and all the support and encouragement he got from his bros Del Toro and Mads and the rest, and decided to channel that into making a game that was a statement about all of it. And sure, it's a little heavy handed, and sure, it's a little saccharine, and sure, the gameplay sometimes borders on miserable in service of creating emotional payoffs. For me, especially in 2020, this message is a huge success. Social media should be an opportunity for all of us to feel more connected to each other, yet primarily it feels like one of the main forces driving people apart. Why is that? Why is the internet of today such a hostile place? I'm old enough to remember web 1.0: I can haz cheezburger memes; YTMND; the early wild west days of Youtube... What happened to us? I've thrown the blame at Twitter in the past, and I think the architecture of the user experience on Twitter is absolutely a big piece of the puzzle, because it fosters negative interactions. But in terms of the behavior, people have observed that 2018 Twitter was actually almost exactly like 2014 Tumblr. (For the record, Tumblr is now one of the chillest places left on the internet, because so few fucks are left to give.)

I think part of it is the anonymity. The dehumanizing disconnection of the separation of screens and miles. Louis CK, before he was cancelled, had a great point about cyberbullying, and why it's so much more savage than kids are IRL. When you pick on someone in person and you are confronted with seeing the pain you caused them, for most sane people it causes negative feedback and you become disgusted with your actions and eventually learn to stop being a shithead. Online, at best you can "break the wrist, walk away".

At worst, you can become addicted to "clout chasing" and the psychological thrill of being cheered on by your social ingroup. It's even worse if you feel like it's not bullying and your actions are justified because whoever you've targeted is a bad person so you don't have to feel bad about what you do to them. This is where reductive, unhelpful catchphrases like "punch a nazi" come in. For every argument, one or both sides have convinced themselves that the other side is subhuman because their beliefs are so disgusting. And sometimes it's even true! A lot of times, especially these days, people really are acting like animals or worse online. Entire disinformation engines are roaring day and night, churning out garbage and cluttering the social consciousness. (Kojima talked about this bit, too, way back in MGS2. As if I wasn't already in danger of losing my thread through this.)

The human brain was not built to live like this. You can't wake up every morning, roll over and open your phone, and be immediately faced with a tidal wave of anger and indignity. It wasn't built to be aware of fully how horrible the world is at any moment ALL AT ONCE, ALL THE TIME. And you will be. Because of another way that our brain works – the way we are more likely to share negative opinions. And because of the cottage industry built on farming outrage clicks, and because of constant performative activism.

It's not that I don't agree that being informed is important.

It's not that I don't agree that the causes people get riled up about are important.

They are. They absolutely are.

But we can't keep living like this. The constant, unending flood of tragedy, arguments, and hot takes. How much of the negativity we associate with online culture is the product of this feedback loop? What if the rise of doomer culture has been, if not entirely created by, has been nourished and exacerbated by our hostile attitudes toward each other?  Incels and TERFs, white supremacists, radfems, tankies and Trumpers – it seems like on every side of every issue, there are people simultaneously getting it wrong in multiple directions at once and there are more being radicalized every day. They are the toxic waste left behind by the state of discourse. And any hill is a hill worth dying on.

So what am I actually advocating? I don't know. There are a lot of fights going on right now that are important and we can't just climb into bunkers and ignore our problems hoping that Norman Reedus and his fine ass are going to leave the shit we need on our doorsteps. We need to find the strength to carry those hypothetical packages for ourselves sometimes - and hopefully, for others as well. Humans are social creatures. We need interaction and enrichment.

We need love.

So just try to remember the connections between humanity. Try to put more good stuff into the world when you can. Share more shitposts and memes. Tell your friends and family that you love them. Share good news when you hear it. Go on a weird fucking tangent about Death Stranding. Find a way to "be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes."

#death stranding #hideo kojima #video games #cancel culture #essay #oc

[emilykinncy]

Normily My Caffeine Withdrawal Podcast episode (transcript of certain parts)

EK intro: I first met Norman Reedus working on The Walking Dead of course. Over the course of my four seasons on our show, I got to know Norman better and better and we became good friends. And in a sort of interesting parallel, our characters storylines also became more intertwined within the show. Norman is so special, he seems to have endless amounts of creative energy that I find incredibly inspiring. He also has great taste in music and coffee which makes him a perfect guest for this podcast. Welcome back to My Caffeine Withdrawal, I am so incredibly excited to share this episode with all of you today. Norman has so many fans and I know this to be true because everyday someone in my life or someone on social media asks me ‘hey, how was it working with Norman? What is Norman Reedus like?’ Well, now today you guys are going to get to know Norman in the same way that I know Norman! We talk about how Norman got into acting and when and why he moved to California, as well as what his life was like as an artist first starting out in Los Angeles. We talk about a book he’s been writing! And he tells a lot of great stories! But first, Norman explained his current coffee setup situation and how he’s currently weathering the quarantine from Costa Rica. 

This gets long so putting it behind a cut!

I put a timestamp of where each segment starts at the end of them! 

NR: Hi Emily!

EK: Hi!

NR: I just set this up cause I’ve been listening to your podcast which I really like and I know it’s heavy on the coffee so I brought my coffee setup down the mountain in my backpack on the motorcycle and this is my coffee jam here (I’m not 100% sure of the last 2 words) so, this is what I do. You ready?

EK: Yes!

*NR shows her & describes his coffee process*

EK: What was the thing um, on Instagram, you posted this picture of a hummingbird, that was crazy! What made you post that?

NR: It’s this person that I’ve become friends with, they only try to post positive things…*he explains more about the person & post* (starts at 6:08)

EK: You wanna hear something kind of crazy about the hummingbird thing? I don’t know if you know this about me but I’ve definitely gotten more like spiritual…but like *Emily giggle* this is gonna sound crazy and I don’t even usually talk about this stuff, but I sort of have this sign of when I’m like guided where I’m supposed to go, and my sign has been a hummingbird. And you had text me and I randomly looked at your Instagram and saw—

NR: Wow

EK: —It definitely was like one of those where like ‘go there’, maybe it was just if there is a god or whatever just being like ‘oh nice, connect with your friend, you know, like connect with Norman…’

NR: I actually believe all that. When I texted you I was having breakfast at this place by the beach, the lady that makes the honey, by her place. And I was listening to your podcast with Lennie. And I had already heard Lauren’s and I was listening to Lennie’s, and at the end of it you were like ‘you know what I hope during Covid everyone can reach out to a friend’ and I was like ‘I’m just gonna text her’ so I texted you at that moment. I have the same thing with a bird like my dad, before my dad died he was always talking about cardinals, those red cardinals. So everytime I see a cardinal I think the same thing. And then the night before, Danai called me out of nowhere. I hadn’t spoken to Danai in forever. And she’s like ’what are you doing?’ and I’m like ‘I’m sitting on my patio with all the lights off…’ and there was a meteor shower, it was called like the Gideon meteor shower, this huge meteor shower that happened. And I saw 21 shooting stars before I went to bed. I pay attention to all that shit—

EK: Yeah

NR: 21! And I was like talking to her I’m like ‘there’s 11! There’s 12!’ and it just kept going. I believe all that stuff.

EK: I grew up Catholic so I kind of, like…religion in general felt sort of overwhelming even though prayer and stuff like that came naturally to me and then just over like the last like 5 or 6 years or so I’ve like really embraced it where I’m sort of like ‘yep, I think these things are happening, I have little signs that tell me like where to go…’. I guess I don’t really talk about it with people much but it’s just, like I read about it and stuff. Yeah.

NR: I believe it, I believe all of them. I’m not really religious but I believe all those signs all the time. I see little signs in everything, yeah.

EK: Yeah! (starts at 9:38) 

--

EK: That sounds like you’ve had a very productive quarantine, or whatever this corona-pocalypse quarantine time.

NR: I’m not good with sitting still, you know what I mean, so I’m always doing something.

EK: Yeah! Yeah. I mean that’s one thing, when I was thinking about—when I was around you more working on the show, was that you were always…like you know sitting down to dinner and then like noticing this saltshaker and this fork should be next to each other in a certain way and then you can take a picture. You know what I mean, like I remember that about you like always making something, I guess. Or looking for the art in it or the picture. Or, you know, which um—

NR: it’s ADD or something I dunno what…

EK: I admired it because I feel like I can be so slow. Like, I love making stuff but I can sort of like piece it together over weeks  and then I finally do—like in my head somehow, like I’m more of like a turtle! You know just like—

NR: Yeah but you make music! I mean, we all wish we could write songs and perform songs. You know, you make music. We all wish we were musicians, you know what I’m saying, so. (starts at 18:18)

--

EK: I remember you telling me a story of how you got an agent by like going to a party and then someone said ‘do you want to be in a play?’ and then you were the understudy and then the guy just happened to have to call out so then you were in the play, you didn’t have to be the understudy and then an agent—and that’s how it all started with acting, um, *laughs* did I just tell your story for you?!

NR: You’re right. No, no you’re exactly right. That’s exactly what happened. (starts at 26:08)

--

NR: I actually made an album, a music album

EK: You did?!

NR: Yeah

EK: Oh, that’s—you wrote all the songs and stuff? Or did you—

NR: I didn’t write any of it. And I didn’t really sing it, it’s more of a spoken word thing

EK: Yeah!

NR *tells story about how this came about, which involves an igloo*

EK: Wait, why were you in an igloo in Switzerland?! *laughs*

NR *tells more of the story…it’s long ok I don’t wanna transcribe it sdhfhsfh*

EK: Yeah I wanna hear your album! I mean…

NR: It’s out—

EK: It is?!

NR: It played…it did pretty well in France, it was on the radio and shit

EK: Yeah, will you email it to me or something, so I can…

NR: I will. Yeah yeah.

EK: I also wanted to make sure today to get some of your music picks because I remember back when we were on the show you always gave me the best music, like stuff that I hadn’t heard. I don’t know if if it’s just like because of your friends in New York or like maybe you’re a little bit older than me so you know different bands than I do. But, I remember like Dinosaur Jr., you like introducing me to Dinosaur Jr. Like I didn’t really know Dinosaur Jr. before you

NR: That’s crazy that you don’t know Dinosaur Jr. then (? I really can’t tell for sure that last word he says)

EK: I know! I think I might have pretended that I kind of I knew but like you introduced me for sure and I like totally dove in. But yeah during this quarantine, what have you been listening to?

NR: *lists some bands* Sean Lennon’s band that he made with Les Claypool is really good. He was on Ride with me.

EK: Oh, he was?! I’ve only see—I haven’t seen all the episodes of that, I’ve only seen, um, a few of them (adsdfdjf don’t lie Emily it’s probably actually 0 but we all understand babe) (starts at 35:10)

--

EK: It was so fun to talk to you today

NR: Yeah I miss you! I miss you, it’s good to see you and hear you.

EK: I miss you too, I’m going to check out that sock method…although I think it’s just pour over it’s just with a special…reusable—

NR: Yeah, a dirty sock

EK: Yeah, but something about it, yeah….*both laugh* Thank you for being on here, it feels so good to like chat with you

NR: Yeah, I miss you it’s good to hear your voice

EK: I miss you too, yeah. *she starts talking about twd & the connection with everyone etc* (starts at 41:36)

NR: *after he mentions everyone from the cast he’s still in touch with* You get these friendships with people and it becomes a big part of your life, your friends on the show, so. I’m glad I’m talking to you

EK: Yeah, I’m glad I’m talking to you too. (starts at 44:03)

From Emily’s end blurb: I hope you guys enjoyed Norman and I’s little catch up call over Zoom, I hope that you learned something new about Norman you didn’t know before. You know, Norman and I really hadn’t connected much over the last couple years (we all know this Emily and we pretty much all know why lol) we’ve just been on sort of different paths (yeah, that’s a way to put it I guess haha) but again and again I’m finding that one of the blessings of this time, being stuck at home, is remembering and reconnecting with people I care about and people that care about me. Maybe you have a friend you used to work with that you haven’t caught up with for a while and now you’ll feel inspired to send them a little text saying hello.

(How do they literally have chemistry on a *podcast* okay bye I’m going to go fly into the sun now)

#emily kinney #normily #i remember the old days ok i'm not putting this in the nr tag lol #jeez this took a while...i feel like i'm back in 2014-17 lol #can't believe he invited himself on the show lmaoo #like i can but...why is he like this #i realize that isn't said specifically but it's kinda the natural conclusion

[new-world-mutation]

Here are my top 5 fictional men (but they don't have to be just men!) that I will love forever - Thank you @asta-lily I really enjoy doing tags.

Let's go...

1° Neo - The Matrix Saga

I'm a sucker for Keanu characters because I love him. But Neo to me is the character that changed everything to me. I had a crush on Keanu because of his portrayal here. Neo to me is a man with a lot to cary on his shoulder and still sacrifices a lot for a emotional choice: love, that leads with engraving consequences. Yeah, I want that.

2° Sam porter Bridges - Death Stranding

Sam is a character that made me very happy. Is a introverted, too direct but end up being a softy and friendly. IDK, he was special, specially to follow his journey, I would be happy to be with him, someone so carrying and brave! I love Norman Reedus, I’m a fan, him gave to Sam a great perspective of introvert that I enjoy it very much.

3º Ezra - Prospect

There are a variety of character from Pedro I enjoy it, but Ezra was fun. At the beginning I hate him, like this bitch is mean. Turn out to be awesome, carrying about a girl he just met and wants to kill him. I am a suck for this trope of older man and young woman, in the friend-father figure. Buy the way Ezra speaking was interesting, hahaha. Pedro Pascal to me is an actor the blend very well in his performance, he brought something so cool to Ezra, it require for a movie not focusing so much in bring more development to the universe in the story. It fit perfectly!!! Pedro is one my favourite actor!!!!!!

I can’t wait for Pedro as Joel!!!

4º Will Graham - Hannibal

I absolute love the performance of Hugh Dancy. I was mesmerize on how specifics he brought to the character and how it profound the emotion he has. I love Will in the series, on asperger spectrum on how he chance on the evirionment and people, and it is open to change and be social. I relate very much. He a cutie pie! Hugh Dancy is not my favourite actor but he is defenitely an actor I enjoy watching.

5º Mo - The Free World

FUCKING HELL BOYD!!! YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO GO SUPER FUCKING SOFT HERE BRO!!!

Like, I have so many feeling about this character. It hit something deep inside of me, because I am studying to be a screenwriter and a director, and honey his performan is exactly what I do for my male character while writting, the exact personality. URGH, I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH, mainly for him. It’s a partner I would defenitely want, and I am seeking someone like him.

URGH THE FEELS!!!

This character made me like very much of Boyd as an actor, made me see the potential this dude have for performance. Great job here.

Asta, this is my list... sorry if it’s long hahaha. It was fun to do it, and I never considered characters, cause it blends my perspective about the actor, I see more actor then character. But it was good exercise. Thank you for me tagging me honey.

#tag #asta #thank you friend #movie #character #performance #the free world #matrix #prospect #death stranding #hannibal #norman reedus #keanu reeves #boyd holbrook #pedro pascal #hugh dancy #actor