#critical role flash fiction

[conditionaljewel]

Modern day AU

Laudna and Imogen get tickets to a lower league soccer game

Laudna’s super into it and very excited the entire time, yelling for players to rip another’s head off after a particularly bad challenge

Imogen’s just there because Laudna really enjoys it but it’s not exactly her thing

But as the game goes on Imogen slowly gets more and more into it, especially once the home team gives up a game-tying goal late on.

Laudna, who has been on her feet cheering and dancing with the rest of the supporters, is losing her voice as a forward streaks down the wing past where the two of them are sat. Imogen is just amused and entertained watching her have so much fun when she sees the player sprint past her wearing black and yellow, just like Laudna’s outfit, just like everyone’s outfit around her, and now she’s focused on them and the theatrics.

Imogen watches along with the rest of the crowd, all of them standing and following the player’s movement down the field, weaving their feet around the ball, before coming to a slowed stop, only to double back in an attempt to shake the defender away. Managing to do so, they spin once more and, with quite a bit of spin and power, kick the ball with the instep of their foot towards the goal area

Not realizing what she was doing, Imogen finds herself on the edge of her seat, as the ball meets the head of another player in the same black and yellow color

The ball bounces off his head, aimed downward toward the ground, where there’s a person in bright pink waiting to snare it. A gasp.

Suddenly another player’s foot, this person also wearing black and gold, strikes the ball before it even hits the ground and knocks it past the man in pink’s waiting arms and into the back of the net.

Imogen yells before Laudna, jumping up and grabbing into her shoulder and excitedly starting to give high five’s to everyone around her. Laudna also celebrates with the strangers around her, before turning back to Imogen and giving her a hug

Just then, the players are all running back past them with their arms waving excitedly, trying to get the crowd even louder, as the team wearing pink looks dejected and disappointed

As soon as the ball is kicked off once more, only after a handful of passes back and forth, the whistle goes again indicating the game is over.

The crowd continues to cheer even louder as fireworks start to go off from outside the small stadium. Laudna and Imogen both continue to hug and celebrate with the strangers around them, all the while the players take a lap around the field waving and celebrating with them

Later, as the girls go to leave, Imogen clutching onto Laudna’s arm as Laudna talks about what they just witnessed, Imogen can only listen as Laudna goes on and on. She loves Laudna’s competitive side, and how she gets when they go to matches; Imogen doesn’t quite understand it all, but she could still listen to Laudna talk like this for hours.

Suddenly Laudna asks her “you seemed to be into it too by the end, that was something new.”

Imogen smiles and says “yeah, that was exciting! I don’t know why but suddenly I get why you like it so much.”

Laudna laughs. “I live for the drama,” she says as she and Imogen continue down the walk to the parking lot.

#imogen x laudna #imodna #southern gothic #laudna #imogen #cr ff #critical role fan fic #fan fic #fan fiction #modern au #flash fiction #critical role flash fiction #anyway i am bored at work #and dreaming of my football team winning the league #and just imagining the girls being at a game #anyway #yes i just used soccer in the story and football here #i do what i want

[rhyming-fellowship]

It’s harder to keep his distance over the sending stone. Somewhat ironically, he thinks. He can’t see the pain always lurking in Orym’s eyes that reminds him of the reasons they never took the final leap. Instead he just has memories.

Curled up together at night, shared body heat warming his heart.

Grasping a wrist and feeling his own strength push into Orym’s broken body.

Wry smiles that sparked with fondness.

Dorian tends to these moments and more like a farmer with his crops. Or a master luthier placing each part just so, carving and sanding and tuning and polishing until he knows every piece of the lute so intimately he could pluck it from a line up.

And yet, the memories are stretched by time and space and Dorian aches for all he is missing. He cannot begrudge his brother’s need - not raised as he was - but neither will he so easily give up a place by Orym’s side.

He sends back his messages, each word filled with the love he can no longer show in music and magic; in healing and in held hands. He puts every ounce of inspiration he can in twenty-five short words and doesn’t know if Orym gets it but he’d never forgive himself if he didn’t try. If it could have saved Orym or Fearne or the other friends he made with the Bells Hells.

Though he cannot quite say everything he wants through the stone, he thinks he gets a little closer each time. And perhaps someday they will meet again and the final bit of distance will disappear.

#critical role s3 #i saw the clip of Dorians response and got inspired but I haven’t seen the rest of the episode #dorym #flash fiction #my fics #orym of the air ashari #dorian storm #critical role

[thewickedkat]

imagine you're delving in a ruin. maybe you're part of an archaeological expedition, maybe you're an explorer. hell, maybe you're a scavenger. maybe, just maybe, you're a kid who's bored but you don't have studies so you're out playing (you insist on calling it adventuring) after you've done your chores.

it doesn't matter, really. point is, you're in a ruin. the smell of old, cold dirt in your nose, the sensation of weight and stone above you (you try not to think about that part). body aching slightly when you had to wriggle through that one narrow fissure a ways back.

you're excited. who knows what you'll find? a priceless relic dating from time immemorial? potsherds that speak to how the bygone people lived? maybe just something neat and shiny that you can show off to your friends.

you've already found the art, in the way the sculpted stone arches emerge from the long-packed soil like a snake shedding its skin. polished marble in shades you've never seen where you come from, their vibrance strangely just as vivid as they must have been that millennium ago. you've seen the carefully laid tiles on the wall in glimpses, where they aren't hidden by the impact of whatever befell this place when it wasn't yet a ruin. pictures and scenes of land and people doing wondrous things, their totality fragmented like shattered stained glass. you saw one earlier where a slender figure was holding their arms upward toward the sky, their tiny fingers caught in a gesture, as if in supplication. maybe they were entreating the gods, you don't know.

in some places the marble seems to repel dirt, like it refuses to accept the earth's grasp. after an age, you'd think everything in this place would be dusty and covered in a patina of grime.

you reach a point where you can go no deeper, the floor breaking away beneath your feet. you don't trust its structural integrity, but the room or chamber you find yourself in seems to be bearing up well, all things considered. it isn't a large room, not as large as the one you initially came through, but you get the sense that it's somehow important. you don't quite know how, or why, but you are certain of it.

it seems quieter in here. of course it's quiet, you tell yourself, you're way down in a place that no one's walked through in...maybe it really has been that long. maybe you're the first person who's been in here since.

you briefly wonder why you have come across no skeletons, no mouldering rags, no evidence of folk beyond sheer structure and art. not even animal carcasses past the few miserable bones of what could have been a wildcat, back where you first entered.

the silence seems oppressive.

you approach one of the walls, one of those tantalising glimpses of colour under root and dirt. you hold up your torch, making a face at the smell of its pitch, and wipe at the stone. you have to see.

teal. and...green? you scrub further. gold shimmers in the torchlight. yes, gold, then silver.

a glimmering eye peers back at you, limned in that deep emerald green. you scrub harder, revealing the face of a woman, pale with delicately pointed ears. her hair is the shade of moonlight on snow, spilling down through a hair ornament that looks like it was made of liquid sunlight, so thinly spun it looks as if it would break if you touched it.

the woman's face is inscrutable, an expression that could be a smile teasing at her lips. she looks...not serene, no, but...this is the face of a woman who knows things, and knows that she knows those things. behind the infinitesimal tiles that make up her eyes, you see secrets.

from across a thousand years, a woman whose name you will never ever know looks back.

you shiver.

#critical role #exu: calamity #i had to get this out okay #isnt the bestest but it's the flash fiction i got #drabble #mini-story

[minis21]

Tax the Farm

I will start by saying that this started from a dream that I got the night after I finished the Mighty Nein campaign. No joke, lol The art here belongs to me, it was done before I wrote this drabble ---

“Kingsley.” Kingsley stopped himself from picking the crate the moment he heard Fjord calling him.

Oh, his voice was surprisingly serious! This should be interesting!

“Captain!” Kingsley turned t0 face him, finding beside him the only and only blue tiefling! “Jester! What do I owe you for this wonderful visit?”

“Hi, Kingsley!” Jester waved at Kingsley.

“Well, Kingsley, we’re here on… official business from the Clovis Concord.”

“Are you now?” Kingsley rested his elbow on the crate and his chin on the fist. “Look, if it’s about the boats lost at sea, tell them not to worry, our mage managed to come back from his bender and will pay for all the sunken ships.” Kingsley smiled, as sweetly as he could. Well then, time to cough up the money then, he only made the mage scrubs the floors in Darktow. All of them.

“Wait, what? Ships? Sunken?! Errr…” That made Kingsley drop his smile.

“You’re… not here for the ships?”

“Um… No, we’re to talk about another problem.” Fjord pulled a rolled up piece of vellum from his sack, opened it and gave it to Kingsley. The tiefling’s red eyes scanned the fancy cursive writing.

“Now this is interesting.” He said as he passed over the words “invasive species”. “And their blaming me?”

“Weeeeell, not so much blaming as they’re here for questioning.” Jester said. “But yes, they’re blaming you.”

“Yeah, the records and search pointed to the breakout around the time you arrived from the Shattered Teeth.”

“Well, funny you mention that.” Kingsley rolled the vellum, passing it back to Fjord. “I did bring a few cute rats from my visit there. And I did let it roam freely. Aaaaaand, I also lost them, but I didn’t give it a thought, you know, they were just rats.” Well, he knew they weren’t rats, they didn’t look at all like rats, other than the bald tails, but better to play dumb.

That and Kingsley didn’t lose them, he watched them with amusement as they merrily made their way down the staircase and into Nicrodranas and from there on wherever the Wildmother would guide them.

“It turned out one of them was pregnant.”

“And they made little babies! They were so cute! Their mama was carrying them on her back!”

“And those babies made more babies and so on and so forth until they spread around everywhere.”

Skritch skricth skirtch

The trio heard. Turning their heads, they saw as one of the little creatures climbed upon the crate Kingsley was resting his elbow, and from there on climbing on his arm up to his shoulder.

“Well, alright then, and what does the Menagerie Coast want me to do with these creatures?” Kingsley raised himself from the crate.

“Hunt them down.” Fjord said simply.

“Just hunt them down?” Kingsley raised an eyebrow.

“Yup!” Jester nodded along. “A pity, they are so adorable!” Jester approached Kingsley and the creature, the creature running behind Kingsley’s neck and peeking it’s snout from the other side.

“Well, ain’t that a pickle.” Kingsley popped his mouth. “That’s gonna take a while. Is there any reward?”

“Actually, there is! 10 silver pieces per tail.”

“Huh… Not bad, not bad…Wait, just the tail?”

The gears started running in Kingsley’s head.

“Uh, yes, just the tail.”

“Uh-huh” Kingsley passed his tongue over his teeth, the gears running his speed in his head. “Is it taxable?”

Jester and Fjord shared a long long look, Fjord looking more and more worried as the pieces fell in his head.

“…No.” He admitted.

“Captain!” Kingsley shrugged his shoulder, causing the creature to fall off his shoulder, but caught itself by wrapping its tail around Kingsley’s elbow crook. “While this invasive species conundrum is quite the tragedy, look at the bright side.“ Kingsley opened his arms wide. “I have just helped the economy, I created new jobs!”

Fun fact, the title and the ending are a reference to Terry Pratchett.

You can find this on Ao3 too, here.

#creative writing #art #my art #writerblr #writing #critical role #the mighty nein #kingsley tealeaf #fjord stone #fjord cr #jester lavorre #crack #drabble #flash fiction #it came to me in a dream #my writing

[helloimsoverybored]

A Pretty Long Rant on RPF shippers in the context of David Tennant and Michael Sheen

the entire georgia/anna discourse is so. bullshit. because those are actual, real people, with real lives and real relationships with those around them

Regarding dt and gt, just saying, no one has five children together as part of a pr stunt. Same with Michael and Anna.

And the fact that rpf people fail to realise this is concerning- taking the "my wife" jokes quite literally. News flash, it's a fucking joke. It's not something gt and al are making up to cover up for the fact that their respective partners fell in love with each other (yes, this is an actual take i've seen on this matter)

And idk if the rpf people are just dumb or are fully aware of what they're doing, despite the fact that they're completely tearing apart the lives of real people.

Another retort I've often seen is that fans have the right to criticize celebrities. Yes, yes they do. But breaking down a marriage spanning over a decade isn't criticism! You're creating fake problems out of thin air and for what? Genuinely, for what?

Rpf shippers just automatically assume the worst in both Georgia and Anna, and you know what? God forbid women do anything. Because that's exactly what this is.

They're completely vilifying gt and al because... they're in a relationship with their "blorbo actors?" They're acting like gt/dt and al/ms are fictional characters that you can play around with like dolls but you can't play around with real people's lives! Simply put, it isn't ethical.

I feel like the rpf people just fail to understand the meaning of “real”, because I don’t even know how one can feel so alright and happy by tearing apart the lives of real people. The fact that people are finding every possible way to find problems in their current relationships to suit their fantasies is so fucking disgusting.

Okay now if you're with me so far, I'm impressed. Stay with me because I'm not done yet.

Regarding Georgia, don't rpf blogs just love to criticize her and her parenting methods? That Georgia's just lazy and only wants to drink wine, but omfg. wtf. She has fucking 5 children. I don't care what you think, managing those many kids is NOT an easy task. But also... posts I've seen on this matter never seem to bring up David? Why? Isn't he a parent? Shouldn't he also have a role in parenting? Whatever Georgia does surely won't be against what David believes, right? Wake up, rpf shippers, wake the fuck up.

David almost definitely does have a role in the parenting (anyone willing to fight me on this, come off, I'll give you the reasons) but since he’s all over London at the moment, he probably doesn’t have much time. Which means that gt has to manage 4-5 kids all by herself. So she does actually deserve a break, more than anyone else. But she doesn’t because wahoo god forbid women do anything.

And putting all that aside, what the hell gives rpf people the right to hate on her as if they know her irl. Their default behavioral status is set to mean and bitchy and that’s just. concerning. rpf people need to understand the difference between real life and fiction istfg.

Okay, i swear I'm nearing the end of this rant, please don't go yet.

Sometimes fans do have the right to speak up against an UNHEALTHY relationship. There are multiple examples all over the place where one person has expressed dissatisfaction but no one took them seriously. Except… neither gt/dt nor ms/al have expressed dissatisfaction. At all. It’s actually the exact opposite where they keep fawning for each other. There’s 0 suggestions of any of them being unhappy in their respective relationships apparent from yall overanalyzing their body language to the point where it becomes false.

Do Georgia and Anna ship themselves with each other and ship David with Michael? Yes. But that's a fucking joke. Learn to take a joke, yalls, it will get you a long way. And even if they are the ones doing the shipping, so what? That doesn’t give you the right to. It’s their lives. You’re just a person viewing their lives from a small peep hole known as Instagram.

#david tennant #michael sheen #anna lundberg #georgia tennant #good omens #staged #bbc staged #rpf #anti rpf #rant

[scifigeneration]

Westworld at 50: Michael Crichton’s AI dystopia was ahead of its time

by Keith McDonald, Senior Lecturer Film Studies and Media at York St John University

Westworld turned 50 on November 21. Director Michael Crichton’s cautionary tale showed that high-concept feature films could act as a vehicle for social commentary. Westworld blended cinematic genres, taking into account the audience’s existing knowledge of well-worn narrative conventions and playfully subverting them as the fantasy turns to nightmare.

The film centres on a theme park where visitors, in this case the protagonists Peter (Richard Benjamin) and John (James Brolin), can enter a simulated fantasy world – Pompeii, Medieval Europe, or the Old West. Once there, they can live out their wildest fantasies. They can even have sex with the synthetic playthings that populate the worlds.

This sinister idea went on to be explored further in later films such as The Stepford Wives (1975 & 2004), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Ex Machina (2014).

Of course, it all goes terribly wrong when a computer virus overruns the park and the androids become unbound from the safety protocols that have been encoded into them. The resultant horror climaxes with Peter being stalked through the park by the menacing gunslinger (Yul Brynner).

The film isn’t perfect. Westworld was Michael Crichton’s feature directorial debut, and it shows – as does the tight shooting schedule and frugal budget imposed by MGM. The studio was notorious at the time for mishandling projects and their directors.

Compared to some of the other notable films released that year, such as William Friedkin’s masterful The Exorcist, Nicolas Roeg’s terrifying Don’t Look Now and Clint Eastwood’s assured High Plains Drifter, Westworld has a B-movie aesthetic.

This is, though, elevated by a towering performance from Brynner, and the high-concept approach that later came to dominate the Hollywood system. The film also provided fruitful inspiration for an ambitious HBO adaptation in 2016.

Genre blending and bending

Westworld successfully blended science fiction with other genres. In this sense, it was a pioneering film, which made the most of its limitations due to the hugely influential imagination of Crichton and a postmodern masterstroke of the casting and performance of Brynner.

Today’s cinema is saturated with meta-textual references – moments when a film makes a critical commentary on itself or another movie. This was typified by Michael Keaton’s recent reprisal of his role as Batman in The Flash. But when Westworld was released, such creative choices were novel and fresh.

Bynner’s android gunslinger wears a costume almost identical to the one he donned for his role in The Magnificent Seven (1961). The choice adds dramatically to the thematic concerns of the film – the saturation of consumer culture and the postmodern bent towards repetition, simulation and cliche.

The simulated scenes in the theme park itself are built around cliched movie moments. The three settings which high-paying customers can enter represent film genres: The Medieval simulation, the “swords and sandals” recreation of the Roman Empire and the titular western.

When Westworld was released, each of these genres (the Medieval history, the Roman epic and the western) were already past their heyday, both in terms of popularity and reliability at the box office. Using them furthered the film’s comment on contemporary Hollywood – that it had run out of original ideas and was simply cashing in on nostalgia.

Westworld and AI

Though other films, like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), were exploring the concept of nascent AI around this time, Westworld arguably did so in the most accessible style. And its legacy in doing so is clear in subsequent films, such as The Terminator (1984), The Matrix (1999) and recently in M3GAN (2023).

Crichton later revisited the notion of a theme park turning perilous due to the Promethean human instinct in his novel, Jurassic Park in 1990. Steven Spielberg’s adaptation remains one of the high points in American action-adventure cinema.

The fascinating scenarios Michael Crichton explored in his work successfully embodied the societal anxieties and technophobia of the 1970s. And in Westworld, he demonstrated a flair for capturing such fears in visual set pieces. This is no more evident than in the iconic, uncanny image of Yul Brynner’s deadly, sentient killer cowboy. Fifty years on, it remains one of the most memorable images in science fiction cinematic history.

#artificial intelligence #technology #movies #science fiction #science fiction and fantasy #futuristic #Westworld #Sci Fi Time Capsule #Youtube #featured

[frostironfudge]

Silhouettes In the Spotlight - Bucky Barnes - Seven

Summary: Bucky Barnes has worked immensely hard to have a filmography expanding across genres and garnering accolades from critics, peers and fans. Y/N Y/L/N, with her debut novel (fan-fiction turned New York Times Bestseller) has two other best sellers under her belt. Next is her highly anticipated fourth book lined up for release. SHEILD Productions has acquired the film rights to her debut novel and they want Bucky Barnes to play the lead (aka himself) by any means necessary. This story is about angst, lust, heartbreak, and love. After all fairytales only exist in books and movies right?

Warnings: angst, fluff, swearing, ptsd scene described, alexander pierce is a creep, steve is an ass, bucky is well being bucky, dolores is a bitch so is sharon, hollywood drama, hollywood tropes

Pairing: Actor!Bucky Barnes x Plus Size!Fem!Reader

Word Count: 7.2k || Dividers: @firefly-graphics

Main Masterlist || Fic Masterlist || AO3

Chapter Six || Chapter Eight

HEADLINES:

Cast and Crew Of ITIMYIMDO Enter and Leave With Different People, Did You Expect These Pairings?

Inside Scoop Major Script Rewrite Occurring For Y/N Y/L/N’s Book Adaptation, Is She Being A “Little” Too Demanding With The Script?

Loki and Ace Spotted Chatting Away On Rooftop Of SHEILD While Sharing A Smoke.

Uh-Oh! Dolores Served With DUI, After Being Caught Driving While Under Influence We Have Pictures From Her Alleged Arrest. Brands May Reconsider Her Partnerships. SHEILD Yet To Comment!

Bucky Barnes Opens Up About His Ideal Partner, His Sweet Cat and Body Dysmorphia in candid podcast.

Bucky Barnes Texts Mystery Person During Interview, Blink and Miss Text Messages Flashed As He Dropped His Phone.

The earlier joke Bucky made about starting another song association earned the two of you a pointed glare each, from Sam and a threat to call Yelena. Which resulted in Bucky and you only laughing more as you entered the production house. 

“She’s scarier than him.” Bucky whispers, you giggle nodding along.

“Him can get scarier if ya’ll continue.” Sam warns walking ahead.

“You ready for the day?” Bucky questions as you three wait for the elevator.

“I suppose, I mean it’s just a read through right?” Your stomach twists, you wince internally. That feeling was never a good sign.

“It is a different process at SHEILD.” Bucky’s brows furrow as he catches your troubled expression.

The elevator dings, doors opening, Sam and Bucky wait for you to move in first.

“SHEILD Productions has a meticulous process,” Sam begins to explain as the doors close,  “The core team — made up of the actors, director, executive producers read through the script. Which is occurring today.” 

You look towards Bucky, he nods. 

“The director and executive producers then select certain scenes from the script. The actors would then enact these selected scenes. If something is amiss a live rewrite and immediate reenactment occurs plus if the actors feel better to do a scene a certain way then those edits are made and then again an enactment done.” Sam’s gaze shifts to Bucky, both knew they were hoping a certain scene isn’t selected.

Bucky clears his throat, “Then fine tuning is done, for flow, as many or as little. The updated scripts are sent in sealed envelopes, depending on the director’s instructions we are given anywhere between a month or three to prepare for the role, which means the next few months you will get busier.” he smiles encouragingly, as you absorb the information.

“So basically what you asked me over the past week or two was much lesser?” You wonder, it seemed work would be cut out for you.

“I’m afraid so, I really get into the mindset and role, I even purchased an additional copy for more constructive character building and making notes.” He grins.

“Oh and he keeps me awake to also take these notes incase his book is forgotten some place.” Sam complains, you chuckle.

“I’d do the same, ugh, I think I should buy those multiple subject notebooks depending on the number of actors.” You begin to wonder what would be a better option, digital notes or handwritten.

The last few floors are remaining, “James, do you like this process?” You wonder.

Bucky purses his lips in contemplation. When he was roped in by SHEILD the movie led him into his more commercial success, bringing him into the mainstream. He found this read then re-read process daunting at first, but slowly acclimated towards it, it was something that only occurred at SHEILD where the actors could also give their two cents instead of only an improvisation as the camera rolled. 

“It is daunting but it feels good to be a part of the development process more, other movies only if improvs occur during a scene and are accepted is my contribution beyond my carved out role.” He answers, then the doors open to the conference room floor.

Sam pulls Bucky to the side handing his own phone to the latter.

There were two worries on your mind as your eyes move across the room. 

One, what was done to the story to condense it into a script and the second, how Bucky would face the scene of Rhys’ arm loss. It was one thing to read it, but you hoped it would not have a negative impact having to act it out. 

You prayed, prayed it would not be the scene he has to act out.

The tables are arranged in a semi circle. Name plaques and character names written to indicate where everyone would be sitting. There was a stage set up at the far end, a table labelled props and another carried refreshments beyond the bottles of water placed near everyone’s plaques.

You feel Yelena’s absence, wishing she was there to speak to you, but she said there was an unavoidable thing she needed to take care.

Your eyes move to the opposite side, Dolores grins while eyeing the plaque next to hers. 

“Hey, there.” Loki greets, you smile and wave at him.

“Ready for the day?” He wonders, “Also I’m upset I don’t get to send the internet into a meltdown with you, I thought we were becoming best friends.” Loki pouts.

“I only give one meltdown a month, next month you can have meltdown rights.” You chuckle, Loki raises his pinky towards you.

“Pinky promise?” he requests, you intertwine your pinky,

“Pinky promise.” you affirm.

“Grand, I’ll tell my best friend the news.” Loki grins with mischief as Bucky and Sam return. 

You trace your plaque, taking a picture to send to your mom.

Y/N Y/LN, Author, Executive Producer.

The nights you spent crying over the plot and nursing migraines flash by your eyes. Pride warms your chest.

Loki and Bucky are off to the side taking pictures with their plaques, you smile at their antics. Ace takes a picture of their plaque as well.

Steve walks into the room, looking up from his phone, he walks right up to you where you stand, “Hello.” He murmurs quietly.

“Hello.” You greet back. When look up at him, his eyes are hidden behind a pair of sunglasses. Your brows furrow.

Steve smiles, swiftly it turns into a smirk, “Missing my baby blues?” 

You roll your eyes in response looking back at Bucky and Loki.

“Aw don’t be like that sweetheart.” He chastises, hand moving to your chin. You shift back. Backing into the table. 

Bucky turns at that very moment, he clenches his jaw, stepping towards the two of you. Loki follows. Steve hums, looking towards Bucky with a cheshire cat grin.

“It’s so easy to rile him up.” Steve leans in to whisper in your ear, gooseflesh erupt at the proximity.

“Steve.” You warn shifting further to the side. 

Bucky’s intense gaze takes you back to the night of the dinner. He taps Steve’s shoulder. 

“What is it, Buck?” Steve scoffs spotting Loki behind Bucky.

“Shut up.” Bucky glares at Steve then offers his hand to you. You grasp it, he gives a slight tug and you slip past Steve. 

“Loki and I want to take pictures with you and the plaques. SHEILD tradition we’ve established.” He explains. You smile,

“I’d like that, James.” 

Bucky grins, the little crinkles by his eyes show.

Steve rolls his eyes, sauntering to his place next to Dolores. He shoots a look to his manager who is perched on a table behind his, typing away on her phone. She looks up indifference colours her features at Dolores approaching.

“Hey Stevie.” Dolores sits on the table, hand placed on his.

“Hello Dot.” His tone is clipped, she pouts. Glossed lips gleaming in the light, Steve tries to not have her pry. It was enough to tolerate her over the weekend.

“Now, now, what has you grumpy? Maybe I can help.” She then scoffs when instinctually his gaze moves to the three of you taking pictures,

“I don’t know what she thinks of herself.” Dot grumbles, “So what if she wrote the book? It’s my movie now.”

Steve gazes to the ceiling sending a silent prayer as Dolores launches in a ramble about her importance to the movie. The remaining actors trickle in, taking their designated places. 

Loki takes a bunch of pictures, even pulling out his instant camera and having Sam take three pictures so each of you could keep one. Sam was all smiles taking the pictures and pulling funny faces to make the three of you laugh.

“I’m keeping this one.” Bucky takes his pick, grabbing the photograph and tucking it into his pocket.

“Hey, at least let me see it!” Loki grumbles trying to grab the picture. 

You chuckle, moving with your plaque to where Ace was sitting.

“I called dibs!” Bucky makes a run for it.

“What are you, four?” Loki grumbles out but still running behind him,

“I’m a child at heart.”

“You’re a child per se.”

Sam chuckles but whips his own phone out to get videos, this is what he liked to post on behalf of his clients, genuine moments not orchestrated crap. Though sometimes orchestrated crap was required. 

Drowning out their sounds, you stand in front of Ace. 

“Would you be okay with us taking a picture together with the plaques?” You ask them, they smile at you. 

“I’d love that,” they stand, the two of you set up your phones, using the timer to take pictures. 

“I wanted to tell you, I finished the book in one night.” They grin as you both approve the pictures.

“Really?” You blink several times, not recalling the last reading binge you yourself did.

“I could not put it down, TMI I took it into my bathroom.” Ace laughs, you chuckle.

“I take my phone with me to carry on writing if I have to pee and it’s a really good scene.” You giggle. They laugh. 

The double doors open and Maria Hill and Nick Fury walk in, you’re relieved to see Alexander is not present. 

Not present yet, a voice in your head warns. 

It takes you back to James’ warning in his car. 

Behind them Sharon rolls in a trolley with iPads. Placing it near the table with Nick and Maria’s placement plaques. 

Nick checks the time and the people present, a non verbal look is shared and Loki takes his place beside Ace. 

Bucky sits next to Loki and your place is next to him. 

The actors playing Doll’s father, then Steve’s father, Doll’s mother is played by Hope Van Dyne, next to her is Dolores and then Steve who smiles at you given that you’re directly opposite him and Dolores opposite to Bucky. 

You wonder who would play Rhys’ boss secretly you hoped it would be Tony Stark because there was no one else in your mind who could replace him. Your mom introduced you to his work and then you absolutely adored him as Sherlock Holmes. 

Steve pulls you out of your thoughts about Tony when his gaze meets your own and he takes off the sunglasses and winks at you. You look down at your hands, Bucky only glares at Steve. The man then winks at him too. 

“Don’t break the iPad.” Loki warns in a whisper, “You can’t unbend it like a fork.” 

Sam snorts but pipes down when Nick Fury throws him a warning look. 

Your gaze shifts behind you, towards Yelena’s empty seat. Taking a quick picture you add the message of missing her to text her. 

“The iPad contains the script loaded onto good notes, we are forgoing paper as part of our new green initiative. The iPads are locked so essentially you are toddlers with access to one app only not allowed to send or receive messages, emails the works.” Maria explains, Sharon begins distributing the iPads to everyone. 

You look up at her as she hands you the iPad, “Thank you.” You whisper. 

She rolls her eyes then plasters a smile handing Bucky his iPad. 

“Thanks.” He begins to unlock it and load the app. 

“You’re very welcome.” Sharon bats her eyelashes, “Anything you need tell me.” 

“Uh,” Bucky shifts in his seat, your eyes shift to his face. 

“Anything.” Sharon emphasises. 

“Sharon some of us are waiting could you not try and flirt?” Ace calls out. 

“Ms. Carter, please get on with the work.” Maria Hill shakes her head disappointed. 

“We have an hour to read the script.” Nick announces and everyone gazes down at the devices. 

The scriptwriters anxiously gaze at everyone especially you. All of your notes on what scenes are important, your annotations everything was laid out for them. They were on your side wanting to preserve everything possible but fit it into the screenplay time. 

Bucky catches it first, the shake of your hands and the nervous fiddling. You’re gnawing at your bottom lip as you read through the script your the furrow in your brow lets him know you’re worried as each line you read has you further descent into nervousness. This was a new take on your work. 

He takes a peek around the room, everyone is invested in the script. He’s almost halfway though given his reading speed. 

Dolores toys with the digital pages but pays attention more to her phone. Loki reads in concentration and Steve rolls his eyes every few lines. 

Ace has a notebook out as they jot down notes of the emotions expected in the scenes. 

The remaining actors diligently read.

Bucky stares at his left palm, it is the only option given you sit to that side. Slowly he reaches out, offering his hand. You look up at him, but he gazes into his own iPad, pretending to read the page but all his attention is on you. 

You take his hand, thumb tapping against his palm and the gloves feel the same as they did in his car. Bucky squeezes your palm, reassurance woven into the action. 

Using your free hands both of you continue to read, each time your anxiety picks up at a scene, he allows you to squeeze, tap, play with his fingers. Squeezing back ever so often to remind you he’s there. 

Your face pales, Bucky’s hand tightens around yours, you take a glance at the page he’s on. You  bring your left hand on his, its the scene of the loss of Rhys’ arm. You both are at the same page. 

You rub circles on the back of his palm. Bucky meets your gaze, blinking back tears. 

“I’m sorry.” Is all you can muster to say in a low tone, he takes deep breaths. 

“Not on you.” He whispers. 

Steve looks across the room, he wonders who did the placement, Bucky and you tucked away in a corner. Loki by Bucky’s side, Ace next to him. Dolores seat next to Steve and the remaining producers in line with them. 

Steve’s gaze follows Bucky’s arm he tilts his head wondering if he’s picturing it but then you look up at Bucky he whispers something to you and you respond making him smile.  

Your eyes move across the room, Steve gives you a smile as you meet his gaze. You return the gesture then look back down at the script. You do catch Dolores’ hand moving towards him.  

Bucky squeezes your hand again as he reads the lines, it’s almost verbatim, they’ve converted the entire scene into a dream sequence that ultimately leads to a PTSD episode which Loki’s character would step in to help him through. 

“Have you both noted the amount of sex scenes?” Loki whispers and then his eyes fall to your hands but he looks back up and you don’t have to wonder about what comes next, Bucky releases your hand. It feels reminiscent of the ‘almost event, some how hurts more. 

“How many are there?” Bucky clenches his fist, he can’t tell you the minuscule space before he completely parted from your hand ached more than letting your hand go. 

Loki’s brows furrow in question, Bucky clenches his jaw. 

“I think eight are there.” He says quietly, Bucky purses his lips closing his eyes. 

He should be mad at the scenes, he should protest but all his mind brings forth is you. You’re next to him and he aches for you. 

You turn your attention back to the script, quickly skimming through it again, there are several sex scenes— the video chat, the immediately post meeting, the rain, the post all the chaos, the car they even threw in a mile high club scene. As well as Loki and Ace have a scene together. 

You internally groan. Why were so many required? The tender moments were there but it felt less intimate in the script. Your mind replays his hand leaving yours, you shake your head as if to physically dismiss the thought. 

You meet the gaze of the scriptwriters and they wait for your approval, you give a slight nod they did surprisingly well though the scenes where Rhys helps Doll see herself, where he talks her down from her own demons, where they slowly go from friends to more is now basically instant attraction. 

You aren’t happy, but you aren’t upset either. It has to be a love story shown within three hours. It has to be fast paced. 

Then your eyes fall to the scene, you pause, your breath halting. Doll’s father and mother, with her observing from far off the abuse. Your hand trembles, flashes of a familiar scene play in front of your eyes. Your throat tightens as his roaring distant voice gets louder to the point where it hurts your ears more than your heart. 

Bucky turns his attention back to you, you’re staring at the iPad, the screen is dimming but you make no attempt to prevent the auto lock. He reaches out tapping the screen the second his hand enters your peripheral you flinch, chair scraping back as you stand. 

The eyes were going to move to you but the doors fly open — Natasha Romanoff enters followed by Yelena. You’re so grateful for the attention being diverted. 

Bucky looks back at you, his had wants to reach out to yours, run his thumb along the edge of your index finger but your curious gaze is fixated on the sisters who’ve walked into the room. Yelena gives you a beaming grin. 

“Everyone please meet your director, the talented, decorated with accolades Natasha Romanoff.” Maria Hill announces, applause greet Natasha as she gives a shy smile walking yo the place at Maria’s side. 

Before she settles in, she turns to you, walking the three foot distance, “I spoke with Yelena before I did with you,” her voice is low so you know this is a conversation that will delve further later, “I will try to do this story justice in the themes that it represents, beyond the love story of two people.” 

“Thank you. I trust you.” You tell her, your words hold a weight and she smiles reaching out to touch your arm give it a small squeeze. 

You sit back down as she returns to her place. 

“Are you alright?” Bucky whispers, you give him a curt nod. You failed to realise this would open the pandora’s box you kept locked away. 

Bucky gnaws at the inside of his cheek, he catches the page number on your iPad opening it on his then it clicks. 

When he looks up at you, you’re nodding his gaze sweeps across to Steve’s side catching him mouthing ‘Are you sure?’ with his brows twisted into that look of feigned concern that Bucky is familiar with a little too well. 

Yelena taps your shoulder motioning to the corner of the room near the refreshments, you gladly leave your place to join her. 

“A little more emotion, Dolores.” Natasha orders not even yelling cut this time, she is fed up.

Nicky Fury has a perpetual look of indifference, Maria Hill could be hiding a migraine and you try to keep a neutral expression. 

“The scene isn’t—,” Dolores begins,

“The scene is fine, you’re not bringing the emotion of seeing the love of your life finally after ages of being separated.” Natasha cuts her off, taking a sip of her water. 

“Again from the beginning, Ace please from the moment of pretending on Nia’s part forgetting the phone, Bucky move off stage then come on once Ace leaves.” She instructs and Bucky scurries off stage, thankful he didn’t have to take off his bionic arm, yet. 

He tries catching your gaze but you seem adamant on avoiding it, he doesn’t understand what changed within moments. 

You look towards Bucky only when his back is towards you, when he turns you look down at the iPad. You aren’t mad at him for dropping your hand, you don’t want to read into anything. Given the articles Yelena showed you.

You’re still in over your head at what Yelena told you. It’s taking everything to focus and Bucky would muddle everything going on in your mind. 

“Do you have any notes?” Natasha leans towards you as the actors take their places. 

“Um,” you look down at the observations you’ve jotted. 

“Hmm, I didn’t think switching their placements would work, she bumped into him walking backwards in the original scene, let’s work with that instead of Doll seeing Rhys instantly.” Natasha reads over the notes, her gaze lifts to Yelena whole gives her look of ‘told you’. 

“Are you sure?” You whisper, worried about over-stepping. 

“I’m 101% sure.” Natasha smiles then turns to the actors explaining what she requires. 

Nick turns to you, his poker face not allowing you to place what his mind is going over. 

You turn back as Ace and Dolores take centre stage. 

“Action!” Natasha calls out. 

Ace laughs, “Okay so what? It doesn’t mean you scream at everyone—oh shit I left my phone, wait for me?” 

Dolores shakes her head, turning to face Ace as they walk to the classroom, “I’m going to wait by the car, you go find that device, and for the record I don’t call you out,”

Bucky steps onto the stage, a soft smile on his face as he gazes at Dolores. You’re almost reminded of how it was in your head when it was a fanfic. 

Dolores takes a few steps more, bumping into Bucky, “Oh I’m so sorry,” she looks up at him, “Rhys.” Dolores looks back towards Ace who whips out their phone a grin on their face as if to say ‘Ta da!!’

Dolores furrows her brows then realisation dawns on her features. 

“Rhys?” She questions turning to face him. 

“Hi Doll.” Bucky smiles, you notice him blinking several times, eyes glazing over, your hands grip the iPad tightly. 

“Rhys you’re—, you’re here?” Dolores looks as if surprised but her voice lacks conviction,

“I think I met you in my dreams once,” Bucky smiles, “But now I’m here.” He sniffles. 

Dolores laughs, leaning up to kiss him. Bucky smiles, meeting her halfway. Flesh arm wrapping around her waist pulling her to him, not using his vibranium arm. 

You don’t pay attention to the twinge in your chest.

“Cut!” Natasha yells, “Much better.” She denotes when they part. Dolores gleams. 

“Though Dolores I want you to work on emoting better.” Natasha tsks, then smiles at Bucky“Bucky a little more awe when you see her in person, a little more wonder, otherwise the remainder of your emotions were good.” 

“Thank you.” Bucky says, his eyes shift to you when you wipe the corner of your eyes. 

Dolores rolls her eyes, Natasha ignores her. 

“Ace I loved it every bit happy scheming best friend.” Natasha praises and Ace grins. 

“Thank you.” They grin. 

You look up, Bucky’s eyes are on you curiosity and worry evident. You always admired how expressive he was in his craft with just his eyes. Just, right now being at the receiving end of his intense gaze, you felt as if the first night you met him, being tugged into the eye of the storm.  

‘I’m okay.’ You mouth, when Natasha touches your arm you break your gaze with him. Bucky swallows, trying to find Loki but his eyes settle on Steve instead who has a knowing grin on his face. 

“Fuck.” Bucky mutters, Steve only grins more, standing as Natasha calls on the scene for Dolores and himself. 

“Now, I know just how important she is to you. You have that look on your face.” Steve pats Bucky’s shoulder as if complementing him.  

“She’s just an asset.” Bucky replies, he tries to keep up an air of nonchalance. 

“Is she, Barnes?” Steve shakes his head in disbelief, moving onto stage. 

Dolores hugs him, chatting away about the scene. Steve allows Bucky to stew in his thoughts. 

“What did he say?” Loki pulls Bucky out of his mind.

“He believes there is something going on… between Y/N and I.” Bucky answers, they are to the side so no one can hear them. 

Loki’s eyes lift to where you were sat, watching Steve and Dolores enact out their scene. 

“Is there? Something?” He gazes back to Bucky. 

“No.” Bucky answers too quickly. 

“Do you hope for there to be something?” He changes the question. 

“I—, I don’t know, Loki.” Bucky sighs. 

“Bucky and Loki, could we have you both on stage? I want you to enact the PTSD episode scene, is that comfortable right now?” Natasha looks towards them, Bucky’s gaze falls to you, you’re gnawing your bottom lip with worry. 

“I’m okay as long as Bucky is fine with it.” Loki answers. 

“Yeah we can do it.” Bucky swallows nodding. It doesn’t ease your worry for him. 

Bucky stands staring off into space, blinking several times to return to the present, flesh hand tracing over his shoulder that used to harbour his left arm. 

He groans, the pang of phantom pain hitting him. He turns, there is an echo of bullets and blasts resounding. His chest rises and falls rapidly. Breath unable to be kept even. 

He steps towards the side table with the water jug, but his step falters, “Please, please, please, save it, save it.” He pleas with someone who isn’t present.

Bucky lands on his knees, hunched over, clawing at his shoulder to feel, “What good is a dead armed soldier? Doc do something!” He wheezes, blue eyes lost. 

“Hey Rhys—, fucking hell.” Loki moves in front of Bucky, “Rhys can you hear me?” 

“The arm, the pain, I can’t—, I can’t feel—,” Bucky hiccups, tears fully falling from his eyes, “I can’t feel anything.”

“Rhys, Rhys its me Levi, you aren’t on the battlefield anymore, try to listen to my voice.” Loki’s own eyes brim with tears. 

“Levi?” Bucky breaks the syllables, eyes in and out of focus,

“Yeah your friend; I’m here. Can you find your way back to here?” Loki questions, gently prying his flesh arm away from his shoulder and holding it. 

Bucky gazes down at the intertwined hands, Loki squeezes in reassurance, “I’ve got you man, I know it hurts, you gotta come out of it, you’re home.” 

Bucky’s breathing evens out slowly, 

“You’re doing good man, that is some good breathing right there.” Loki encourages. 

“Levi?” Bucky looks up locking his eyes with Loki. Finally present after being lost.

“Right here Rhys.” Loki lets go of his breath with relief. Tears streaming down his own face.  

“What the fuck is, ‘that is some good breathing right there?’” Bucky blinks away the tears, bewildered. 

“Fuck you.” Loki rolls his eyes and Bucky laughs, Loki joins him, the former pulling him into a hug. 

“Cut.” Natasha’s voice is thick with emotion, you can’t find your own voice beyond the tears, a clap resounds next to you. 

Loki and Bucky remain kneeling, smiles on their faces at the praise pouring in the small room. 

Maria stands, clapping you join in as does Natasha followed by the rest of the cast. Nick Fury stands when the claps die down. 

“I think we made the right choice with the two of you. Thirty minute break.” He declares walking to the doors. 

Loki helps Bucky up, they move to the side Bucky unbuttons his shirt to fix his arm back into the mounting plate. It does a full circumduction before his shrugs his shoulder. Flexing his elbow and fingers putting his shirt back on and buttoned up.

Then Loki walks towards you, you engulf him in a hug. He appreciates it. Bucky walks towards the two of you slowly, observing.

“That was breathtaking.” You say to the both of them when Loki parts from you from the hug. 

“Thank you.” they speak in unison. 

Ace walks up, “That was brilliant.” 

Loki gives them a tight-lipped smile, you shift towards Bucky’s side to allow Ace space, your shoulder brushes against his, you don’t allow yourself to stop the next movement.

Your pinky finger reaches out to trace the outer border of his left palm. Bucky smiles, it was an innocent way to give a nod towards the hand-holding both of you had begun. He does the same to your palm. You smile.

“Did you think about undergoing military level training to prepare?” Ace questions Bucky,

“I’ve spoken to a few veterans, and my old physical therapist will be re training to balance around without the bionic arm.” He explains, as they nod.

“Y/N, may I steal you away for a bit?” Natasha enquires. 

“By all means.” Ace answers beaming. 

You look back at Bucky, he only smiles at you, your gaze drops to his hand. His opposite thumb traces over the spot where you touched him. 

His gaze falls to your hand as you repeat the same gesture upon your own hands. 

Bucky diverts his attention towards Loki and Ace. He still doesn’t understand why the latter gets on his best friend’s nerves.

You follow Natasha to the corner where Yelena stands as well. She smiles at you, you smile back.

“Alright, let me get down to business, I think you may have seen the articles for Yelena and I meeting, the only reason I agreed to direct is you.” Natasha explains, your jaw drops.

“Me?” You manage to squeak out, she’s an Oscar, Emmy, Everything nominated and won director.

“I read the book, Yelena being your agent was a surprise but I know she sees potential better than the best.” Natasha smiles at her sister.

“Flattery Natalia.” Yelena rolls her eyes.

“Can’t a big sister be proud?” Natasha chuckles when Yelena grumbles in Russain.

“I love you too.” The elder sister only laughs.

You chuckle, emotional displays weren’t Yelena’s forte so you knew her actions speak much clearer for how she feels.

“Now, as executive producer and author your body of work needs to be honoured, I know your hesitancies, even I disagree with some of the cast choices. However I wanted to speak to you about a sort of cameo in the movie? Just as a nod to you?” She seems so hopeful, you look at Yelena.

“Please say yes, small moment, maybe giving Rhys directions to the university or something else.” Yelena adds you chuckle.

Your nod has both sisters squeal and hug you.

Natasha moves away to speak to Nick as he returns, Yelena tugs at your hand.

“Your blue eyed boy is looking here.” She teases, you slowly meet Bucky’s gaze from across the room. The he frowns, his eyes begin to harbour disdain.

The hand is on your lower back before you can react to Bucky. Yelena can’t pull you away quick enough.

“How is my stellar author?” Alexander’s voice has a chill creep up your spine, you turn immediately moving away.

“Mr. Pierce,” You smile.

He gives you a lazy grin, “I hope my absence didn’t cause much trouble.”

“Oh um, I wouldn’t be the best judge of that, I’m sure someone of your caliber can contribute even better so everyone here can learn.” You hope the answer is diplomatic enough.

“Oh you do have a way with your words.” Alexander gleams, you trace the spot Bucky traced his fingers over. 

“Mr. Pierce.” Bucky speaks up, “Missed you here today.” He walks towards the three of you. You take the moment to shift but Alexander looks at you the minute you try to shift.

“How is your mother?” He enquires.

“Getting by… some days are good.” You swallow.

“And your father I hope you spoke to him about the absurd commentary. Defamation suits are very costly.” Alexander only smiles.

“I’ve spoken to him as well.” Yelena adds.

“I hope you have made him acquainted with my legal team.” He questions, she nods. Your brows furrow, when did this occur?

Bucky finally makes his way over, a smile plastered on his face, he gives you a once over. You don’t meet his gaze.

“It is good to see you both well acquainted.” Alexander observes, Bucky chuckles.

“I take time to open up Alexander, you know that. It was a matter of time before I got along.” He says easily, “You know I have to, you of all people know how it is?” 

“If I didn’t i wouldn’t be here, as your boss.” Alexander laughs, Bucky joins him.

Yelena grabs your hand, “Its from the hospital.” she hands you your phone.

“Excuse me.” You whisper, before hastily exiting the room. 

“Absolutely not.” Bucky seethes, this close to upturning the damn table.

“Oh come on Bucky.” Dolores rolls her eyes, “It’s just for PR.” 

“No.” Bucky presses on, Loki rolls his eyes at the absurd notion. This is not required.

“As the best interest is seemed of SHEILD you will do this PR relationship.” Nick presses on, looking at Sam to talk sense into Bucky.

“Why not have Steve and Dolores be PR.” Bucky offers, he doesn’t want this, he has, well, no one at the moment but he does not want the whole thing with the same woman who cheated on him. 

His mind strays to you, still gone, NDAs were already brought out and signed. Yelena, Natasha both are missing as well. 

“I already did my bit of PR under SHEILD’s contracts, face it, it’s your turn.” Steve glares at him.

“Your agent loves throwing you on front pages, also don’t think I don’t know this is because of her instability and recent DUI—,”

“Gentlemen.” Alexander intervenes, “Do as you’re told Bucky or we can bring up all of your contractual binding obligations.”

Bucky knows what that is code for, he grips the table. Sam places a hand on his shoulder.

“When do we need to start?” He mutters through gritted teeth.

“Today, go sneak off to make out, make sure you’re caught by the paps outside.” Alexander waves them off.

Pushing his chair back Bucky moves to the door with an all too excited Dolores on his trail. They take the elevator down. He ignores every attempt she makes to speak. His heart is screaming at him to fight. His brain brings forth the bullshit of Alexander.

The doors open, he inhales then exhales and they make their way as if sneaking away.

Steve hides his grin as you’re right where he wanted you, pacing the parking lot on the phone. It was easy to produce scheduling conflicts when the right connections were known to the private nursing facility you had hired for your mother. 

Your call ends and you catch laughter, you turn towards the sound, curiosity getting the best of you.

Something in your chest breaks when Bucky grasps Dolores’ cheek with his vibranium palm. She smiles up at him, grasping his wrist. Your breath hitches at how eerily similar it is, limbs locked. Bucky’s lips brush over Dolores’ once, twice, he smiles before their lips meet.

Dolores wraps her arm around his neck, kissing Bucky back with equal fervour. 

You look down then, shaking your head and steadying your breath that seems to be moving towards panting. This is not supposed to affect you.

“Heartbreaking isn’t it?” Steve murmurs from behind you, leaning against a car.

“I don’t understand—,” 

“He says and does things that might hold significance only to not reciprocate what might be in your own heart.” Steve cuts you off, eyes moving towards Bucky and Dolores as they laugh. 

“I think you’re reading too much into things, Steve.” You keep your voice even, jaw clenched. 

“I think I’m reading it just right, sweetheart.” Steve steps closer to you, “Is everything alright? I overheard Yelena say it’s the hospital that was getting in touch.” 

You furrow your brows, “The nurse has to leave from home, I need to get back, my dad isn’t going to return till later. If I’m not there its going to be a whole thing,” your palm touches your forehead, ten things swirling in your head. 

Steve pulls you into his embrace cutting off your words. 

“I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you. How about I take you home and stay there with you and your mom?” He pulls away cupping your cheek with his right hand. 

“Steve I appreciate the offer but you need to be here for—,”

“Sweetheart, if I leave it makes more sense, if an actor isn’t there they have to pause, they’ll go on without you.” Steve plants the seed in your mind. 

You contemplate, then call Yelena. 

“Hey where are you?” She questions, standing near the window. 

“In the parking lot, listen the nurse has to leave so I need to get home do you think they would you know hold off?” You wince when she clicks her tongue. 

“Why is Steve with you? Actually don’t answer, I’m going to go home on your account. Your mom loves me and your dad can’t say shit to me.” She nods knowing it would work. 

“Are you sure?” You wonder again, Steve’s expression carries worry and you give him a reassuring smile. 

“Positive, come back up I’ll get the keys from you, her medicine schedule is on the counter right?” 

“Yeah, thank you so much Yelena.” You grin. 

“Anytime.”

The call disconnects and you recount everything to Steve and he seems genuinely relieved. 

“That is good now you can stay.” He smiles offering his arm to guide you back. You hesitate so he drops his arm. 

“I’ll settle for walking side by side.” He chuckles. 

“Really, you aren’t going to make scathing comments?” You deadpan. 

“I’m hurt.” He clutches his chest then grins. Reaching up to cup your chin then he tilts your head and picks at a small leaf stuck on your head.  

Bucky looks up when the clearance from Sam comes in the form of a text, to find Steve cupping your cheek. His left palm forms a fist.

“Oh come on, Bucky, she’s still going to be your shiny toy.” Dolores giggles, he shoots her a glare.

Steve and you make your way inside, Bucky’s mind whirls as he walks reluctantly in step with Dolores.

They reach the elevators just as you and Steve enter them. 

“Hi Stevie.” Dolores gleams, “Hey Y/N.” 

You have to do a double take, “Hey Dolores.” 

She leans into Bucky’s side you shift, to the side taking support of the wall, eyes downcast.

Bucky’s eyes are on you, then he looks to Steve who smirks and raises a brow in question. Needing to rile Bucky up.

The doors open none of you make a move to exit. The air feels different.

“Come on Bucky—,” “You go on I dropped my wallet.” Bucky tells her and Dolores huffs before moving out.

Your phone begins to ring again and you send a text that you will call back in two minutes.

“I have to take call so I’m heading down again.” You look at Steve he nods, brushing his hand over your arm before leaving.

The doors close again, Bucky turns to face you, “You and Steve?” 

“You and Dolores?” You look up at him, locking your eyes with his, Bucky’s jaw tightens.

“Y/N.”

“James.”

Bucky bites his tongue.

“Please don’t, not with him.” Bucky closes his eyes, then meets your gaze.

“Why do you even care, James? You clearly held back because of Dolores.” You don’t want him to think there is anything between Steve and you, but you can’t fathom his behaviour either.

He takes the two steps to you, your back pressed up against the cold metal of the elevator, Bucky in front of you, his hand on either side of you on the railing. Your hands on his biceps. 

“James…” You breathe, his cologne engulfing you. You close your eyes. You feel his forehead against yours, his own eyes closed.

Bucky can feel your heart hammering, he needs to tell you but he knows eyes and ears are present. Even in the damn elevator.

“Fuck.” He mutters, then moves away to the opposite end. He knows what you will presume. He hates himself for doing this to you. You don’t deserve it, you don’t deserve the heartbreak that follows him. 

The elevator dings, your eyes open, you bite the inside of your cheek.

“You can’t do things like that anymore.” You warn him, he moves toward you yet again. Defiance in his demeanour. 

“I know.” He says, hand reaching out towards your own.

“James.” You say in warning again.

“Feather.” His fingers trace the outer border of your right index finger that harbours the white inked tattoo of a quill.

“I know it’s a quill.” He explains, 

“I know I should keep my distance from you, Feather. You, you deserve much better.”

You swallow, the nickname a raft in the midst of the blue storm.

“Go.” He says, you don’t move,

“Please.” His voice breaks for some reason, your brows furrow.

“James what happened—,” you reach towards his hand. 

“Go, Y/N.” He moves away holding the door open button down.

You step out, before you can turn the doors close and the nurse calls you yet again.

Bucky rests his head against the floor panel. Trying to compose himself. 

HEADLINES:

Rekindled Romance Dolores and Bucky Spotted Out At Romantic Dinner Date In The City.

Uh Oh Dolores Yells at Fans While Bucky Agrees To Pose For Pictures. 

Dolores Shares Snap In The Same Hoodie Fans Love On Bucky Barnes.

Steve Rogers Spotted Outside Y/N Y/L/N’s Home Multiple Times.

Starlet Ace Visits Y/N Y/L/N’s Home Along With Yelena Belova, Spotted By A Neighbour!

Natasha Romanoff and Y/N Y/L/N Meet For Private Lunch At Posh Restaurant In Manhattan.

Shooting To Commence Next Month For ITIMYIMDO, Director Natasha Romanoff Is Excited and Eager To Work With Talented Cast and Crew.

Two Weeks After Almost Losing All Her Contracts Dolores Secures Brand Deal With LVMH And Cover Of Vogue!

Tensions Rise At Hydrangeas Publications As Deal With SHEILD Productions comes to an Impasse, all author works are put on hold for Acquiring/Publication/Selling Media Rights.

Y/N Y/L/N’s first Three Chapters Of New Book Leaked Onto The Internet Amid Publication House Tensions, Fans Divided If They Should Or Should Not Read The Chapters.

A.N.: should i hide? *hides behind chair* do i get brownie points for the nickname moment? *hides further under a blanket*

Taglist is Open comment or DM to be added!

Taglist: @stevesmewmew @elle14-blog1 @crazyunsexycool @sebsgirl71479 @pandaxnienke @slutforsexyseabass @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer @pandaxnienke @vampire7595

#bucky barnes au #bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #bucky x plus size reader #bucky x female reader #buck barnes fic #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes fluff #james barnes x you #bucky barnes x reader #bucky fluff #sebastian stan #bucky x yn #the winter soldier x you #frostironfudge #bucky barnes x plus size reader #james buchanan barnes x you #white wolf #bucky barnes angst #bucky is the best #bucky x reader #Bucky barnes smut #james bucky barnes #bucky fanfic #modern bucky barnes #modern au #marvel #bucky x y/n #bucky fic #hollywood au

[thiefbracket]

SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN COUNTED

Thanks again for everyone's submissions! some of you were very passionate and it was great to learn about all these characters, I received 92 characters over 119 submissions and from that there was only 4 that I couldn't justify as thieves so apologies to those who didn't get in, with some from me and friends we have a final roster of 96. And so without further ado here are your competitors!

Raphael/ Phantom R: Rhythm thief and the Emperors Treasure

Daroach: Kirby Squeak Squad

Bilbo Baggins: The Hobbit

The Hamburglar: McDonalds Cinematic Universe

Ron DeLite/Mask☆DeMasque: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations

Kaitou Kid: Detective Conan

Swiper: Dora the Explorer

Chilli Pepper Cookie: Cookie Run

Carmen Sandiego: Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego

Vriska Serket: Homestuck

Sly Cooper: Sly Cooper

Garrett: Thief

The Phantom Thieves: Persona 5

Ms. Mows: Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door

Ms. Fortune: SKullgirls

Scipio Fortunato (Piscio): The Thief Lord

Therion: Octopath Traveller

Roguefort Cookie: Cookie Run

Kaz Brekker: Shadow and Bones/ Six of Crows

Catwoman: Batman

Gru: Despicable Me

Jeets Shimis: Dungeons & Dragons Online

Parker: Leverage

Artemis Fowl: Artemis Fowl

Nött the Brave/Veth Brenatto: Critical Role

The Beagle Boys: Ducktales

Rosé: Drawtectives

Dorapin: Doraemon

Wario: Super Mario Bros

Magalor: Kirby's Return to Dreamland

Loba Andrade: Apex Legends

Nami: One Piece

“Thief King” Bakura: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Sal Leon: Mask of Shadows

The Collector: Hollow Knight

Astotheles: Bug Fables

Gaius: Fire Emblem Awakening

Burglar: The Sims 

Kokichi Oma: Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony

Lifty and Shifty: Happy Tree Friends

Long John Silver: Black Sails

The Brickster: Lego Island

Some Sneaky Sim: The Sims

Danny Ocean: Ocean’s 11

Indiana Jones: Indiana Jones

Magpie: Real Life

Dean Domino: Fall out New Vegas

Cassian Andor: rogue one

Luke Castellan: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Popple: Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga

Mulch Diggums: Artemis Fowl

RJ Racoon: Over The Hedge

Beni Gabor: The Mummy

Sonny Wortzik: Dog Day Afternoon

A.J. Raffles: A.J. Raffles Short Stories

Team Rocket: Pokémon

Locke Cole: Final Fantasy 6

Yuffie Kisaragi: Final Fantasy 7

Edmund "Ned" Kelly Fuckin' Danger Discretion Aloysius Superstar Butterfly Nimbly Ninja Pacifist Black Diamond Friendly Trustworthy Pissed Off [Redacted] Vamoose Su-Sussudio Middle Name Chicane Jr.: Taz Amnesty

The Beachcomber: Cultist Simulator

Erin: Thief

Delilah Bard: Shades of Magic Series

Herbert Percival Bear, Esquire: Club Penguin

Arsène Lupin: Arsène Lupin

Rouge The Bat: Sonic The Hedgehog

Grovyle: PMD Explorers of Time/Darknes/Sky

Camicazi: How to Train Your Dragon Books

Mick Rory/ Heatwave: The Flash/DC Legends of Tomorrow

Hermes: Greek Mythology

Zidane Tribal: Final Fantasy IX

Duster: Mother 3

Glendale: Centaurworld

Ada Wong: Resident Evil

Nickit: Pokemon Sword and Shield

Purrloin: Pokemon Black and White

Gokaigers: Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

Zox Goldtsuiker / Twokaiser: Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger

Kitty Softpaws: Puss in Boots

Deep Cut: Splatoon 3

Meenah Peixes: Homestuck

D.J. Octavio: Splatoon

Ratbeard: Pirate 101

Gen AKA Eugenides: The Queen's Thief

Lupinrangers (and Noel): Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger

Chester "Snake" Turley AKA Snake Jailbird AKA Albert Knickerbocker Aloysius Snake AKA Professor Jailbird AKA Detention Bird: The Simpsons

Cain: the Binding of Isaac

Robin hood: English Mythology

Erik: Dragon quest 11

The Artful Dodger: Oliver Twist

Kamen Rider Lupin: Kamen Rider Drive

Lupin III: Lupin The Third

Pumpkin and Honey Bunny: Pulp Fiction

Niles: Fire Emblem Fates

Daiki Kaito/ Kamen rider Diend: Kamen Rider Decade

Doug Judy (The Pontiac Bandit): Brooklyn 99

Prometheus: Greek Mythology

Seeding will begin tomorrow and the first part of round 1 will hopefully be posted in the next few days. Thanks again for all your patience!

#thief poll #pokemon #kirby #persona #fire emblem #cookie run #homestuck #paper mario #mario #tumblr poll #batman #one piece #final fantasy #splatoontu #tumblr bracket #tumblr tournament

[lutawolf]

I need to address this because it bothers me that much. I'm not going to call out anyone. I'm just going to give my opinion.

"If you see someone justifying THOSE shows that claim to be part of the BDSM community, I call BS. The BDSM community knows consent, they have to.... torture/kidnappings/etc. From my experience, most in that community are FIERCELY against SA" We'll give them credit for at least not using triggering words.

I am part of the kink community. If you doubt me. That's fine, that's your right. So, for those with an open mind here is some info on me. I joined the community when I was 19, my mentor is a mutual on here. To which people have seen her collaborate my story. I've been in a lifestyle D/s relationship for over 17 years. I'm not only into D/s but S&M.

Kinksters motto is absolutely Safe, Sane, And Consensual. As an SA myself, you bet your ass I'm against it. I am not against Kinnporsche, LITA, or others. Why? Because it's fucking fiction. It's art and I can recognize that. People have the right to express their feelings through art or live vicariously through art. You can not like it. That's fine but you don't get to dictate because you don't like something. Let me ask you, who is it harming? Don't tell me the queer community because this same type of art is shown in straight media all the time. If you are going to hold queer media to a higher standard, than you are part of the problem. You are perpetuating a system that would have us treated differently.

Now, it would be an issue if any of this was not recognized as problematic behavior. That's not what is going on here. We all know that we wouldn't want to meet Vegas in real life and what he did was fucked up. We all admit that Pai slides into unacceptable in real life. No one is denying the problems. In some cases we don't give a fuck and maybe some are living vicariously through art. In others maybe it's stimulating critical thinking skills in order for us to see the grey outside of black and white.

"They've dealt with the stereotypes of wanting to abduct some stranger to sexually torture them"

That's actually a kink dude. There are kinksters who are into role play of non-consent or abduction and even torture. I personally don't cause that isn't for me and wow would I flash back. However, I know individuals who have them. They don't hurt people. Some have a difficult time explaining why they have them and they feel guilty enough without someone saying they're a problem. True people of the community and allies don't put down other kinksters. Even if it's not our flavor, we strive to understand. BDSM isn't where you work out your problems but no one can deny that there is a psychological connection to what we do. I say bravo to the individuals who do this in the SAFEST, SANE, AND CONSENSUAL manner in which they can. Which is to live vicariously through fantasy.

"No, those individuals probably just enjoy fluffy handcuffs and think THAT'S kinky"

I know that I personally made comments about fluffy handcuffs and I'm sorry. I apologize to anyone offended by my comments. I was up in my feels because it felt this person was saying I wasn't community that I let it blind me. It's unacceptable to judge another kinkster. Light play is still kink. I know plenty of people who have fluffy handcuffs and a paddle. You are still kinkster and I'm truly sorry for being inconsiderate.

Okay, so there is my opinion. Take it or leave it.

#love in the air the series #lita #love in the air kink #kinnporsche #kinnporsche kink #big dragon the series #big dragon kink #coconuts mafia

[onenettvchannel]

FLASH REPORT: Independent Texan Production Company and Animation 'Rooster Teeth' permanently closes down for bankruptcy after 2 decades, RWBY's future in Limbo as 'DillonGoo Studios' steps in

FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- Warner Bros.-Discovery (WBD) sadly announces to close down the established independent animation studio 'Rooster Teeth' after two (2) decades of digital operation. This moves might be a bitter pill for many to swallow that marks the end of an era for the studio behind a beloved web series 'RWBY'.

Entertainment news outlet ‘Deadline’ revealed that the Texan animation studio shuts its doors, but the popular audio-only podcast known as the ‘Rooster Teeth Podcast’ (RTP) won't be impacted there too soon.

The unprecedented closure for online bankruptcy of 'Rooster Teeth' leaves fans of RWBY in a state of much uncertainty, as the fate of the web streaming series hangs in the balance, following after the old video-sharing platform YouTube in several volumes. However, a glimmer of hope emerges as the torch passed on to a different independent studio, DillonGoo Studios, based in Austin, Texas, United States of America (U.S.A.).

'DillonGoo Studios', led by its Chief Executive Officer, independent self-animator and founder named 'Dillon W. Gu', has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in the animation community. With strong connections to the RWBY fandom, the studio has garnered significant attention. The potential partnership production between 'DillonGoo Studios' and 'RWBY' opens exciting prospects for the series' future to a new heights. With 'Mr. Gu' stepping into the role as a new show creator, apart from the late original series creator (Monty Oum), fans eagerly anticipate the direction that Volume 10, potentially its final season as 'volumes' may take under a new leadership.

People are speculating about 'Rooster Teeth' (RT) considers to be shutting down, filing for bankruptcy, and selling RWBY to acquire a new IP (intellectual property) to DillonGoo Studios. Some have mentioned that RT encountered financial difficulties and a decrease in the appeal of their animations, possibly influenced by controversial anti-LGBT sentiments, extremist criticism, fouling behavior on social media, and disruptions caused by boycotts against CRWBY members, voice actors and fictional personalities, resulting to delay and secure a new volume. But now, with 'DillonGoo Studios' stepping in, there's hope for the future of the web-streaming series.

If DillonGoo Studios takes the helm for Volume 10 of RWBY and securing a partnership with streaming networks like Crunchyroll or somewhat others (which is our internet media affiliate for 'OneNETtv Channel'), it could signify a revitalization for the beloved franchise. The legal greenlighting of Volume 10 under the banner of DillonGoo Studios opens up avenues for a fresh approach to storytelling, while retaining the essence and spirit of the series that has captivated audiences worldwide.

As RWBY-nian fans eagerly await the future of the show, the partnership between DillonGoo Studios and a streaming platform holds the promise of a bright new chapter for the iconic series. With 'Dillon Gu' at the helm, RWBY may embark on a journey filled with innovation, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose, ensuring its enduring legacy in the annals of animation history.

CONTRIBUTED LOGO and ART PHOTO COURTESY: AyRigatory via Reddit PHOTO & Google Images BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://deadline.com/2024/03/rooster-teeth-shut-down-warner-bros-discovery-roost-podcast-continue-1235847264/ [Referenced News Article via Deadline Hollywood] *https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2024-03-06/rooster-teeth-shutting-down/ [Referenced News Article via The Austin Chronicle] *https://epicstream.com/article/rwby-volume-10-release-date-where-to-watch-trailer-all-details [Referenced News Article via Epic Stream] *https://roosterteeth.com/g/post/af39b172-be74-4398-94f8-908c3f4c5d6e [Referenced PR Post via Rooster Teeth News Bureau] *https://twitter.com/DillonGoo/status/1765562185990762798 [Referenced X Network Status Post via DillonGoo] *https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6O1yWopCP/ [Referenced IG News Article via The RWBY Style News Bureau] *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcpQK9Qzf3g [Referenced YT VIDEO via Vexed Viewer] *https://rwby.fandom.com/wiki/Dillon_Gu *https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillon-gu-52b1b489 *https://www.dillongoostudios.com/about and *https://old.reddit.com/r/roosterteeth/comments/123ar0f/i_made_legit_adjustments_to_rooster_teeths_new/ [Referenced Fan-Made Logo via Reddit User - AyRigatony]

-- OneNETnews Team

#flash report #entertainment news #fort worth #texas #RWBY #rooster teeth #shutting down #bankrupt #animation #dillon goo studios #fyp #awareness #OneNETnews

[goopyratdaughter]

flash fiction time to break the hiatus (god knows if it'll last)

#cr #cr spoilers #imogen temult #laudna #imodna #southern gothic #cr fanfiction #imodna fanfiction #critical role #critical role spoilers

[conditionaljewel]

Imogen stirs with a chill in the middle of the night. The window was left wide open when they went to bed and now a stiff breeze is blowing in. Laudna, meanwhile, has been bundled up in the blankets this whole time nice and warm, seemingly having stolen them off Imogen during the night.

Imogen sneaks out of bed and closes the window most of the way, leaving a small crack just to keep it cool inside. As she crawls back into bed, she reaches over to Laudna’s side and starts to peel away some of the blankets.

However, this causes Laudna to stir, as she reaches up and grabs Imogen’s hand, thinking she’s intending on cuddling.

“No, give me some blanket,” Imogen says as she pulls her hand away from Laudna’s and quickly moves to the top of the blanket. Immediately, Laudna moves onto the defensive in her half-wakened state, and playfully responds with a mumbled “no, mine.”

Imogen tugs at the blankets - gently, playfully - as she tries to get her girlfriend to let her underneath. “But it’s coooooold,” Imogen whines.

“I know and you’ll let all the warm out!” Laudna pulls her head under the blankets like a turtle, as Imogen puts up more of an effort.

“What warm, you’re all bone, babe!” Imogen’s now tugging as the back of Laudna where the blanket had been tucked underneath her. She pulls a corner free and starts to work it out from under her wiry frame with very little struggle, though Laudna continues to resist as best she can.

Finally, after a moment of play fighting, Imogen has pulled the cover over both Laudna and herself, both huddled underneath from head to toe like children hiding in a tent, giggling as Imogen continued her playful assault on Laudna. She now tickled and teased her beloved, as Laudna curled up in defense before ultimately trying to reach for and grab Imogen’s wrists. Managing to do exactly that, Laudna with all of her bone strength manages to get Imogen off guard and rolls her over, pinning Imogen down, and gives her a kiss. Laudna has successfully quelled the “attack.” For now.

Imogen returns the kiss and relaxes, allowing Laudna to remain on top of her, both of them still under the blankets somewhat comfortably.

Laudna buries her head into the crook of Imogen’s neck as she wraps her arms around her, holding Laudna’s bone-thin frame tight.

After a moment, Laudna slinks off to her side of the bed once more and redistributes the blankets evenly back amongst the two of them. As the two of them settle back into a comfortable position, now holding one another’s hand between their resting bodies, Imogen gives Laudna one last playful nudge with her foot under the blankets.

“If you need more, you know you can always take it,” she teased Laudna.

Laudna snuggles closer to Imogen, practically clinging to her now. “Darling, you’re all the warmth I need.”

Imogen kisses Laudna’s forehead and says “good night.” They both close their eyes and drift back to sleep.

#Imogen x laudna #flash fiction #fan fic #short story #flash fic #cr ff #cr fan fic #critical role fan fic #critical role fan fiction #Imogen #Laudna #southern gothic #imodna

[divinekangaroo]

gonna lose it all anyway - pettiot - Peaky Blinders (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

Shortly after the S4-S6 election, there's both a marriage and a swearing in to get through.

Tommy has some vowing and renouncing and that sort of thing to get through. Simple. Just words. Just process. That's all.

.

Tommy Shelby/Lizzie Stark, Arthur Shelby/Linda Shelby, Polly Gray, Finn Shelby, Charles Shelby, Billy Shelby, Ruby Shelby | Internal Conflict, Moral Conflict, The Lasting Legacy of Catholicism, Unreliable Narrator, Dysfunctional Family, Class Issues, Imperialism, English-Led Eurocentricism, Allusions to European-Wide Ethnic Marriage Traditions, Ghost in the Narrative, Traditional Gender Roles, 1300 Word Flash Fiction

.

In the interests of a micro-meta, given ppl were interested:

The theory behind this one is of those attacks on a sense of self (in other words, Tommy's choices continue to lead to an ongoing and intensifying moral trauma). This ficlet tries to bridge between Tommy's sharp traumatic breakdown at the end of S4, his apparent pulling himself together, and the S5 self destruction. The particular moral traumas I was considering here:

- swearing into parliament as a rejection of class of origin, and (by its essential absence) a forced renunciation of his Romani origin, which has been critical to his surviving and thriving to date

- swearing into parliament even though he knows it's full of hypocrites and how much he doesn't want to think of himself as a hypocrite

- saying marriage vows even though he still feels (irrationally, he knows) married to Grace

- attempting to apply various marriage traditions to overcome that (bride-gifts, blue/borrowed/old/new, wear all your wealth) because he's all about action and symbol, not words, but in that state of conflict, not being able to bring himself to do more like actually have a celebration

- Lizzie purposely picking and memorising a marriage vow which involved the word cherish, ie, cherish him??, striking at him hard because of this self-perception he's not worth that, and he'll let her down - he's off to see Jessie and the Communists that late that night, and while Jessie has no intention of sleeping with him again he doesn't know that yet, so he's almost immediately prepared to break his vows

- family (mostly Polly's) mockery/criticism/misreading of his signalling as scorning the things which are important to family (to Polly) because he's better than that

- his undercurrent ongoing hurt at Polly bringing up anything to do with religion because he's internalised everything about knowing it was her confession that nearly got him killed in S3

- this conflicted lapsed/non practicing/renounced Catholic issue of having grown up with every single milestone and marker carried by a Church ceremony, which, as a rhythm and a familiarity, does carry a sense of community connection and comfort and acknowledgment even if the whole sense of Church and God is one tainted with pain, and now he's consciously going through those milestones and markers with an outright lack of that traditional ceremony and lack of community / connection

- by now, he's acknowledged if not articulated that when he tries to do good things, bad things happen, so even Arthur's naive commentary is cutting him deep

- Polly's engrossed in Michael's issues and never really got over S3's imprisonment and the consequence, is only pushing it all down in a similar way to Tommy is; she is using every opportunity she can to slice at him (if in socially acceptable ways)

- and Linda felt important to include here, in this space between S4 and S5, because she's well into her own downward slide, and let's not forget Linda's mother was "a Catholic slut" and Linda's gone on about her mum's hypocrisy before, and will again (by allusion regarding her own sexual desire) in S5. Tommy feels Linda calling him out for hypocrisy (hypocrisy such a marker of Catholic practice, too) very deeply, because Linda's in the middle of her own hypocrite's crisis. Her insult is basically: you're a bloody Catholic even if you're not swearing under God because everyone knows Catholics say vows they don't mean. It's this thing that sometimes you don't realise someone is drunk unless you're drunk too - Linda and Tommy are broadly in the same space right now regarding collapse of self and weird resurgences of Catholic scars.

- The Bible quote from Tommy is one line of many, many lines in Matthew about the badness of hypocrisy. The allusion being that he threw that quote at his father while his dad was sitting back drinking and telling them they were lazy and slow in unloading, and now that quote's recoiling back at him even though he feels like he's working insanely hard, that work is getting him dirtier not cleaner.

#my writing #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders #tommy x lizzie #polly gray #arthur x linda #as much as i like the little metas #i can't bring myself to spend longer writing an explanation for my fic than i spent on the fic itself XD #the guts: i thought getting through two such significant formal vowing events would hit tommy very hard and unexpectedly #arthur loves his little brother

[itskobold]

The first decade or so of my roleplaying experiences were a meandering set of largely abortive (but still wonderful and meaningful!) dives into indie rpgs. An over-and-over pattern of “let’s play this”, with a half dozen sessions and an abrupt, anti-climatic ending. It was roleplaying as like... exploration, the investigation of different conceptual storytelling spaces.

When I first considered playing 5th edition D&D, in oh... 2018 or so, it was in that context. I wasn’t expecting much, honestly. Because, let’s be real, D&D is shit. But I was in a new city and people are always down to play D&D, it has a kind of potato chips appeal. But I wasn’t aware of the social context of D&D that had been fomenting away in the background without me noticing, all those Critical Role inspired newbies bringing this strange sensibility to the table: these sort of loosely storygamer mindsets combined with a fandom-like attachment to the game of D&D specifically. A legion of earnest theater kids who are kind of legitimately a blast to play with and have a level of investment that provided the social context for games that went on-and-on-and-on. 20 sessions?! 30?! Fucking blew my mind. I’d always heard of people playing those kinds of games, but I’d never experienced it.

The wonderful thing about long games is that the characters get to sparkle. There’s all kinds of space for them to be deranged and wretched and miserable that shorter games can only grasp at. Burning Wheel had forced me to make characters like that, but when their arc ended after 10 weeks - after whatever group broke apart or we got interested in something else - I was still just getting comfortable with them. All the best RPG technology in the world paled in comparison to having more time to write a character. I finally learned about the kinds of characters I wanted to play, the kinds of games I wanted to play, because I had time - over a decade into playing these fucking games.

And for me, that’s the beautiful thing about 5th edition D&D. The flash in the pan passion that a particular moment in time - produced largely by a series of podcasts that I cannot bring myself to listen to - brought to the space. The gift of 5th edition is patience, its sitting with something for a long time and letting it simmer. It’s the mindset that comes born of absurdly longform narrative fiction. I know other people in the space had that already, but I didn’t. It’s wonderful and I’m glad it happened.

But, of course, that has nothing to do with D&D, not really. And so the more Wizards of the Coast get smarmy and conceited about what was, in essence, good marketing on the back of a series of extremely lucky breaks, people seizing on a under-exploited media space or whatever, the more I find the game noxious and loathsome. This isn’t because of you, you stupid dickheads. It’s because of the community that you accidentally acquired, and pretending that your Weekend At Bernies ass bedraggled corpse of an RPG is an endlessly exploitable lifestyle brand just makes it all the more apparent how rancid it is.

I’m still playing, still having fun, more because of the weight of what’s already happened than where the game is now. In time, when our 5th edition game ends, I’m looking forward to putting the game away, and I hope other people do likewise. Don’t let them make this an endlessly monetizable subscription based lifestyle whatever, please.

Right now I’m also playing Pathfinder 2e, and while I’m not going to claim that’s the solution (because lol), at least it’s a more honest version of the same basic thing. I also feel very lucky to have been able to take that Gamin’ energy and put it into some of those indie games! Burning Wheel was never supposed to be a 10 session game, after all. Got an extremely awesome Chuubo’s Marvellous Wish Granting Engine game going, and it’s one of the best roleplaying experiences I’ve ever had.

The real peril of fandom is the way it can be commercialized, I think. Given my timeline I feel like I’m very much preaching to the choir here but you don’t need D&D, you don’t need to be a fan of D&D. Just be a fan of your own games, or those podcast games if you must. That’s what you were anyway. They’re trying to trick you into thinking that means that you want horse armor for your character sheet and you gotta know how fucking stupid that is. So yeah, in conclusion “play another game”, I guess.

#D&D #5e

[astriiformes]

What is your account name on A03?

It's azhdarchidaen!

The most recent story I posted to Ao3 was actually a quick little LotR piece for an aspec flash fiction challenge (Which was very fun! Just also very different from what I usually write these days, haha. Usually I am.... wordier), but I'm hoping to get back to posting bigger and more ambitious projects soon-ish? We shall see, I guess. I've got some Owl House and Locked Tomb ones in progress, as well as a couple older ones I'd still really love to dig up again at some point (LotR, BttF, and Critical Role, mostly).

Also this is everyone's invitation to please talk to me about any and all of my stories, I love talking about the fics I've written and am full of so much weird trivia about why I made some of the writing choices I did. Just saying.

#my writing

[ink-flavored]

✅📖✏️

Thank you!

✅ What is a fanfic you’d recommend to a friend?

I think I've recommended Keep The Light Shining to everyone with ears. It's so good, if you read puzzleshipping at all you MUST give it a shot.

📖 What fandom(s) do you write for?

Most recently, it's been Yu-Gi-Oh! DM. But I've written for a lot of other fandoms, posted and unposted. Critical Role, Undertale, The Property of Hate, Overwatch, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and more!

✏️ Do you write anything other than fanfic?

I write a LOT more things than fanfiction, this blog is a testament to it! I write original prose in the form of novels, short stories, and flash fiction, as well as poetry. My writeblr intro has links to all my stuff.

[send me a fanfic writers' ask!]

#annika talks #answered #mystery flavor #ask game