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certified-bi · 8 days

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Okay all my thoughts because some people have been saying that not supporting this change is not supporting artist and creators and as an artist fuck that.

1. Audiences owe you nothing. You have to convince them to engage with your creation not the other way around. This is something both the nonprofit theatre I work with recognizes and huge companies realize. It's just part of life. There are so many talented people in the world making amazing art, videos, music, writings, and on and on, and there's only so much time in the day. I'm not saying you shouldn't know your worth, just that being flippant about how little you care about those who can't pay isn't a good move. On that note...

2. PR is everything. If you haven't made a visible effort to push patreon, channel memberships or other avenues of making money, don't be suprised that your creation that was previously accessible to those without extra cash and to those who can't support foreign subscriptions due either to conversions or because it simply doesn't work, being made private isn't popular. There's a big leap from "We want to have more artistic control" to "We can't afford to make our content accessible to most of our audience," and people are smart enough to see this. You either have to make budget cuts or give into sponsors. This isn't unique to Watcher, it's part of literally every production from broadway, to Hollywood, to YouTube. Unless you can fund it yourself or get viewers to pay(which given how many are already strapped for cash...) that's life.

Not to mention they simply do not have enough followers to make the switch to a paid only site(dropping the first epsiode only on YouTube isn't going to draw people in, they're just going to say "oh why start if I'm not going to see the rest" and not watch) especially not one that is buggy and a security risk. Even if the switch had been supported its not going to end well. The only reason services like nebula and dropout work is because of the large amount of series and creators and the fact those creators still are partly on YouTube so new people are drawn in.

3. As for the price, 6 dollars a month is a not a good starting price for only their content and that's as someone who pays for nebula. I'd be paying the same amount for a fraction of the access to others work. Actually it'd be twice as much. And before someone says "it's only a coffee-" that's for you. Not everyone has your lifestyle. And with every other patreon and subscription service that says the same thing, it all adds up and I simply don't think 60 dollars for 48 videos a year on a subscription basis where you don't get to keep the videos if your situation changes, some of which don't appeal to every viewer is a good move. If you were able to buy physical copies of your favorite series they've made that'd be different, but that's not what this is.

4. I do believe that the employees deserve a livable wage. I also did not hire them. It is not on the viewers that they hired more people than they could afford to. They can charge that much if they want to to try and balance this out. They also shouldn't be suprised if not many can or will sign up. They also don't have to be based in L.A. L.A has ridiculous costs associated with it, and quite honestly it doesn't really add much to the content. I'm not saying they need to move to the middle of nowhere Kansas. Simply that living and basing your studio in a super expensive city and then being suprised money is tight is just weird.

5. Something that occurs to me is that they might get more views if their playlists were better set up. Only some series are given playlists. It'd be easier to find all of the series and binge them if they didn't just show off their more popular shows. Honestly the only draw the streaming site has to me is that the series are actually labeled well.

Do I think the weird ass energy towards Steven is necessary? No. He's not the only one at the company and they're all adults. I actually liked grocery run and homemade, and like to see them back. The parascoial attachment to Ryan and Shane is annoying in people's criticisms, but that doesn't make them completely wrong. If you're going to brand yourself as the anti capalist underdogs you can't get away with being dismissive of your poorer fans. The dissonance is what is causing this backlash and makes you look like hypocrites. I definitely think Steven is turning into the fall guy which is fucked up, his statement and the fact dish granted is one of those shows that make people uncomfortable about wealth flexs doesn't help matters.

#watcher #they really need a CEO who has business experience first and foremost or at the very least a consultant they actually listen to #they also should put more focus on other personalities and actual give them a chance to stick. none of them got famous or a fanbase in a day #give some of the others time to grab attention

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cryptidghostgirl · 2 months

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Make You Wish Chapter Five -- The Conversation

Pairing: Alastor x Reader

Warnings: None that I can think of but please correct me if I am wrong.

Word Count: 1,324

Previous Part: Chapter Four -- Vox

Master Lists:

Master Lists

Hazbin Hotel Master List

Make You Wish Master List

A/N I promise I will get to the rest of the requests soon, I've just had a lot of people asking for part five of this series.

The shadows released Alastor and Y/n in his old studio. They melted into the ground around them as Y/n smiled brightly, her eyes traversing the familiar space.

"Happy to be back?" Alastor asked, watching her excitment fondly and Y/n nodded.

"I most certainly am. This is the most fun I've had in ages."

"More fun than murder?"

"Fucking with Vox like that? Definitely more fun than murder. That was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time."

"That's why you're lucky to have me around."

"Hey, you're the one who left, not me. You don't need to convince me I like spending time with you. Rather, you are in a need to be proving your care for me I should think."

"Am I, my dear?" Alastor crooned, leaning in slightly with his hands behind his back.

"Yes, you are."

He laughed.

"Well, I will have to get on that."

As Alastor approached the desk, his horns sprouting in shadows from his head, she made her way over to the corner of the space covered in of pillows and blankets. Hitting the pillows, they released a cloud of dust. Y/n shrugged slightly, waving the dust away from her nose before sitting down.

Alastor held his microphone to his mouth, recommencing his recording.

"Lets begin." Alastor announced as he sat down in his chair and began fiddling with the knobs on the table, "I'm gonna make you wish that I'd stayed gone, tune on in."

Y/n spotted her old crocheting project she'd started seven years before and smiled. Taking it in her hands, she began to continue her previous work.

"When I'm done, your status quo will know its race is run." Alastor continued, his demon form becoming even wilder and sharp at its edges.

"This will be fun." Y/n mused, watching him carefully.

Alastor turned to her, his smile sickeningly wide.

"Yes, it will be."

It was just like the old days. Alastor broadcasted his show while Y/n watched, working on whatever craft project was nearest to keep her hands busy. There was a deep seated comfort rising in her soul, a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in years.

Every once in a while over the course of his show, Alastor would turn his head back towards her. Y/n wasn't sure if he was checking in or making sure she hadn't left. Either way, she didn't care. After about three hours, Alastor at last signed off.

As soon as he hit the button that stopped his broadcast, Y/n placed her crocheting to the side. Getting to her feet, she walked over to him and took a seat on the desk, smiling brightly.

"What did you think, my dear?" Alastor asked, leaning back in his chair as he looked up at her.

"Amazing as always, Al. I swear, your voice was made for the air waves."

Alastor laughed lightly at this comment.

"I missed it. I missed you."

"I found myself missing you too, my dear. I had become so used to your constant presence, it was an odd thing to suddenly be alone."

"You like me!" Y/n teased in a singsong voice and Alastor smiled back at her, "Admit it!"

"Perchance. So, seven years." Alastor sighed.

"Seven years." Y/n confirmed.

"You work for an imp now? Seems an odd turn of events."

Y/n shrugged, turning her head to look out the window at the street far below.

"Blitzo is a friend. He helped me out a lot when you first left."

"So you joined his little team? How sinful, breaking the law and going to the living world to reap souls for paying customers."

Y/n turned back to him.

"I didn't realize you knew that much about what we did."

"I have my sources."

"Husk? Are your sources Husk? He's the only one that knows what it is I do now from the old crowd."

Alastor didn't reply.

"It's for sure Husk. How is he doing?"

"Y/n." Alastor warned, "Answer the question."

She sighed, kicking her legs slightly.

"I mean, nothing we do is technically legal." she admitted, "None of them have human disguises and our way to the human world is a book Blitzo stole from a fucking Goetia."

"You don't say." Alastor mused, "That would happen to have anything to do with this contract you're under."

Y/n's eyes locked with Alastor in silence. They glared sharply at one another in a battle of will. At last, Y/n relented.

"Yeah. It does."

"So, what is it? Why does a member of the Goetia family own your soul. Why is it that you have fallen so far."

"You really aren't gonna let this one go."

Alastor shook his head.

"Blitzo... well he was friends with the guy. Stolas, one of the Goetia princes in charge of the heavens or some shit. It's... Basically, I made a deal that if Stolas stays away from Blitzo and let us use the book, I would give him my soul."

"How altruistic. Though not unexpected from you, I suppose."

"It was only a few months after you left, Al. I couldn't take him on. Hell, you can't even take him on. He's a fucking Goetia. I did... I couldn't think of anything else. I did what I had to do to keep my friend safe."

"And why did he deserve your protection? He dug his grave and instead of lying in it, put you in."

"It's not his fault. Stolas got all weird with stuff and Blitzo was uncomfortable. There's this big threat of him tattling on us he hangs over our heads at all times. I... Blitzo did so much for me, Al. He helped me pick up the pieces of my life when it was clear you weren't coming back. I've become better now, stronger but back then, it was all I could do for him."

Alastor opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Y/n's phone buzzing.

"Sorry, gimme a second."

Alastor eyed the device in irritation as she pulled it from her pocket. Whatever was on the screen dampened her mood even further than their conversation had. She jumped down off the table, hurriedly typing something out on her phone.

"Shit, Al. I have to go, I'm sorry."

"Work?"

"Sorta."

"Ah. Your deal. Why does he not just pull you to him like a normal demon would."

"Well," Y/n began, sliding her phone back into the pocket of her dress, "first off, he's a hellborn not a demon. And second off he has this weird thing about being wanted? Well, not weird. Everyone wants to be wanted just like, he doesn't want to force me to come. At the same time, he knows if he asks for me, I have to. It's... he's complicated, Alastor. It's complicated."

"I could kill him for you. Make it a whole lot less complicated."

Y/n laughed.

"Thanks hun but I don't think even you could manage that one."

"You could make a deal with me, that would most likley cancel it out."

"And have you own my soul? No, I've seen how that pans out for people. I think I'll pass."

"Just a suggestion, my dear."

"Is it? You've been trying to make a deal with me since I first met you, Al. I feel like you shoulda caught the hint by now."

"It was worth a try." he shrugged.

"Uh-huh. Sure. Why is it you want my soul so badly anyways?"

"No reason. No reason at all."

"Yeah. I totally believe that."

Y/n's phone dinged again and she pulled it once more from her pocket. At the sight of the words on the screen she sighed, her brow furrowing in irritation.

"Pushy pushy." she hummed, "Look, I gotta go. I'll be back later."

And with those parting words, Y/n disappeared through the studio's door.

----

Next Part -> Chapter Six -- Stolas

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olive-fics · 2 months

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can we reverse uno your loser abby and see some loser reader. i always think about what modern abby and i would be like in the stories here and honestly lmfao, i'd be hiding in my college dorm playing botw ft'ing ellie and she would be the concerned RA that wonders why i never leave my room and sit in the dark all day. on a good day i think we'd parallel percy and annabeth

Oh my gosh YES. I'm not much of a BOTW player so I cannot make any references. (sorry.) not proof read and not very thought out..

LoserReader!: who gets taken to the mall by Abby knowing you would try to stop at every video game store, pop culture, or figurine store to find something related to your favorite show or videogame just to end up not buying it. Abby spoils you anyway.

Abby:"I'll just buy it for you. . It's only like..$50."

Y/N:"$50..??"

Abby: "I'll spend $50 on you, it's your favorite game so.. why not? Plus, you're my girlfriend."

Gf!Abby: who notices you replaying your favorite game over and over again even though she just bought you a new video game you BEGGED for last week.

Abby: "Breath of the Wild..? Again.? What about that one game I jus- Nevermind."

Gf!Abby: Who isn't much of a gamer but still wants to support you, comes back from stores and stops by after work to get you something related to your interest.

Abby:"It's just a little figure, I saw it on the display and thought you'd like it."

Y/N:"LEMME SEE!"

Gf!Abby: Who leaves for work at 9am, coming back from work at 5pm seeing you in the same place she saw you in before she left. Either in your bed or on the couch playing your video games on call with Ellie Williams.

Ellie:"Dude Holy shitt! You didn't tell me this part would be so difficult..! Y/n!"

Gf!Abby:Who takes you to anime/Gaming conventions to be a nerd and watch you fangirl over your interests.

Y/N:"Abby! Abs! Look! This is the limited edition collector's Figure from 2006 that has the-" You get the point.

Gf!Abby:Who cosplays your favorite character's and plays video games with you to make it more fun.

I feel like Abby would be the type to make you do the same with her interests in a way? Like we all know she likes to work out, I feel like she'd drag you to the gym or into the studio to lift some weights and do yoga or something.

Sorry if these sucked, I took a long break now I'm brain dead lol

#wlw #lesbian #fanfic #tlou fic #abby the last of us #abby tlou #abby anderson #abby anderson x reader #abby anderson fluff #tlou fanfiction #abby anderson fic #abby headcanons #headcanons #nerd

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lily-orchard · 2 months

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Iris and Kiera - Home

Iris trudged through the door of her and Kiera's small apartment about ready to pass out. Up since midnight making sure Kiera's wedding went off without a hitch, covertly covering for every single miserable staffer that either came in late or didn't show up. By the end, Iris was ready to collapse.

And that's exactly what she did. She wriggled out of her Maid of Honour gown and collapsed onto the sofa.

Sleep didn't come to her, however. Instead only a palpable dread. Kiera was married now. When she got back from her honeymoon, she and Larisa were going to move in together.

She lifted her head and looked around the living room. The apartment was small and tightly packed, but without Kiera it felt... empty. Dark. She and Kiera had been attached at the hip since Kiera was born. They did almost everything together. When Iris moved out of their parents' place, Kiera went with her.

Now Kiera was gone. Not completely, but farther out of reach than she had ever been before. It was a jarring shift, and Iris wasn't certain she could get used to it. Kiera was the only one who really understood her. Going it alone...

More dread overcame Iris as she sat up and pulled her knees up to her chest. She didn't like how quiet it was.

She knew this day was coming. She had known for a while. She didn't say anything to Kiera about it, however. One fear she always held was being a burden on her sister. That her clinginess was a problem Kiera had to grin and bear. It had certainly been the cause of more therapy appointments and nasty rumors than either of them could shake a stick at. Doctors called her overly attached. Called Kiera an enabler. Tried separating them as a way to get Iris to speak. Even her own fathers gave her the side-eye.

Iris wasn't stupid. She knew what they thought. She wasn't like that, though. She had a best friend, and her best friend was the only one she wanted to allow into her life. But the thought of doing anything that might put pressure on Kiera, especially on her wedding day, was profane to Iris.

She was snapped out of the beginning of a mental spiral by her phone buzzing on the table. She picked it up and looked at the screen.

Video Call from Kiera.

She hit the button and was met with Kiera's sleepy face, snuggled up in a hotel bed.

"Hey!" Kiera said. "Morning! What time is it over there?"

Iris smiled and blinked.

"Oh damn, only three hours? I'm jet-lagged as hell!" Kiera laughed. "Listen, I called because I wanted to talk to you about something."

Iris tilted her head.

"So I was talking to Larisa, and we've decided instead of moving into her studio, she's just gonna come live with us," Kiera said.

Iris' eyes widened and she sat up straight.

"I know, it's just the one. But it's a big bedroom. Three people can fit in there," Kiera laughed. "We'll get like... that double bed with a bunk over it. Or a Cal King. We'll make it work."

Iris tilted her head.

"Well I was talking about it with Lari and... honestly, I don't want to move out," Kiera smiled. "I'd miss you. I'd miss you a lot."

Iris went completely still.

"...Iris?" Kiera said.

Iris' eyes started to sting and well up with tears.

"Iris? C'mon, say something."

Iris sniffled as tears slipped down her cheek. To reassure Kiera she was okay she put on the biggest smile she could muster.

"Oh Iris... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you think I was just leaving," Kiera said.

Iris shook her head.

"You sure?"

Iris nodded emphatically.

"Okay," Kiera said. "No matter what happens, I want you to be a part of my life."

"You talking to Iris?!" came Larisa's voice in the distance.

"Yes, babe! I'm talking to Iris!" Kiera said, looking past the camera.

"You tell her about-"

"I told her about moving in!"

"Ask her if she prefers bunks or a Cal!"

"I already did! She's having a moment!"

"Sap!"

Kiera laughed and turned her attention back to her sister. "So you're good with Larisa moving in?"

Iris nodded emphatically.

"Great! I gotta go, I'll iron out the details later," Kiera said. "Tomorrow we're going to decide on sleeping arrangements. Once we do, can you order new beds and put them together?"

Iris nodded, lifting a hand and making devil horns with her fingers.

"I love you too, Iris," Kiera smiled. "Get some rest, you look exhausted."

Iris arched a brow.

"I'm jet lagged, you bitch!" Kiera laughed. "I'm allowed to be sleeby!"

"Love you Iris!" came Larisa's voice in the distance.

Iris made the horns with her fingers again.

"She said she loves you too!" Kiera called out. "Okay I gotta go! I'll talk to you tomorrow!" She blew Iris a kiss, and then the call cut out.

Iris set her phone down on the coffee table and stared at it. In one short call, all the dread and anxiety had been wiped away. Not only was Kiera not moving out, but she preferred it this way. Iris hadn't been the burden she thought she was being.

It had been easy to think she was after an entire lifetime of snide remarks and doctors' coercive attempts to get words out of her mouth. In a single conversation, that idea of herself had been shattered. Not just by Kiera, but by Larisa as well.

She smiled and stood up. With a renewed sense of peace, a nap sounded really good about now.

#vignette #Iris Morgan #Kiera Morgan #Iris and Kiera

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dotster001 · 1 year

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On my Way to Somewhere

Summary:Epel x gn!reader. After a nasty breakup with Vil, your bestie takes you on a road trip to finally explore this new world.

A/N: I've never done a songfic before, but I thought I'd practice, since I got a request for one. You can listen to the song here if you want.

CW: Vil slandering (but it kind of seems like he deserves it) Drunk kissing, Epel switches in and out of his accent (this isn't a mistake, I just think he would go back and forth after all the work he did with Vil)

I've been waking up in the city for so long.

"Hey Y/N," Epel stepped out of his car and wrapped you in a hug.

"How ya feeling?" He whispered in your ear.

"Well, I'm alive," you laughed drily.

A month ago, you'd ended things with Vil. As if that wasn't hard enough, his fans did not take too kindly to you breaking their Queen's heart. You'd now pretty much abandoned social media, and were prepared to begin your life as a hermit, if it weren't for your best friend's most recent idea.

Keep my growing bangs cause I'm starting to move on

"I only packed one suitcase, just like you said. But that seems a little dumb, considering how long we'll-"

"Look, for an authentic road trip, you gotta live off your surroundings! Besides," he looked at you sympathetically, "the less you have to remind you, the better."

"Sevens, fine," you tossed your suitcase in the back of his car, stubbornly ignoring his triumphant grin.

You settled yourself in the passenger seat, and he put on a pair of sunglasses, and gave you a roguish grin.

"Ready to see what this world really has to offer?"

Take a little time to admire the view

You'd gone on plenty of trips and excursions with Vil, but it still felt like you'd seen so little. Maybe because you'd spent such excursions in hotel rooms, studios, and parties.

Epel had reached out to you, and offered to show you everything.

You looked over at him as he drove. He was humming to himself, seeming to be holding his excitement back as much as possible. He'd started to freckle under the summer sun. He'd let his hair grow a little since the last time you'd seen him.

You'd be lying if you'd said you'd never thought about how different things would have been if you'd turned down Vil, and asked Epel to the dance instead.

His eyes flickered over to you, and you quickly pretended you hadn't been staring.

"Somethin' wrong?"

"Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am to have a friend like you."

He grinned. "Never forget it."

There's nothing I would change about the time I spend with you.

"So. How deep is it?"

"Seven's Y/N! Why the fuck would I know how deep an ocean is?"

"You're the one who insisted we didn't need a tour guide."

"Are you implying you would have asked how deep this ocean is? Fine," he tapped his chin thoughtfully, then, with a click of his tongue, "At least 5 inches. Probably more."

"Wow."

"What? I'm technically not wrong," he said, giving you a nasty look.

"You're not exactly right either," you said with a grin.

Your grin faltered when he had a grin of his own.

"Imma show you how deep this ocean is," and with that he shoved you into the water.

You retaliated by splashing as big of a splash as you could.

On my way to somewhere

"This is the best burger I've ever had," you groaned, barely able to continue eating the monstrosity in front of you, but desperately longing too.

"Told you," Epel smirked. "Oh you got a little something on your face."

He licked his napkin and leaned over the table with it, attempting to wipe your face.

"Dude gross!" You squirmed away, causing him to pout.

"You're gonna have barbecue sauce on your face all day, just because you're scared of a little spit? Just let me help you!"

"No!" You cried as he pounced and reached your face to wipe it, both of you ignoring the food he spilled from your table in the process.

Lookin back around like I need your permission

You heard rustling in the sleeping bag next to yours.

"What are you lookin at?" Epel groaned sleepily.

"Nothing," you said hastily, shifting your phone screen away from him.

"No, it's not nothing. You're making that face again."

He snatched the phone out of your hands and looked at Vil's most recent photo, a single mug of tea, captioned "When I see you with him, I wonder if I ever really stood a chance by your side."

"What a load of rubbish," Epel snarled, blocking and unfollowing Vil.

"Why'd you do that!"

"Y/N, this trip is about getting you over him, right? You can't do that when he's guilt trippin ya like this."

"I broke up with him, remember? What if he's really that sad?"

"Sevens, Y/N! It's not about being sad, fer Vil! It's a matter of pride! He wants you to come crawling back so he can turn to his followers and tell them how he coldly rejected you, cause no one breaks up with Vil Schoenheit!"

Know it's always hard when you know what your missin

"Besides, I'm pretty sure he was cheating on you," he mumbled under his breath.

"What? Why did you never tell me this?" You shouted, making him wince.

"I never had proof! And despite 'how much work he put into me'" he indicated his distaste at the last part through finger quotes, "he didn't like having me around, so I didn't have the time to get the proof I needed. He thought I'd steal you from him, or somethin."

"Would you have?"

He inhaled sharply, then exhaled a heavy breath.

"I'd be lyin if I didn't fantasize about scooping you up from under his wing… But my ma didn't raise a homewrecker."

Both of you sat in silence for a moment.

"I guess what I'm trying to say," Epel broke the silence, "is I've known Vil for a long time. I'm not trying to say he's not sad, but it's probably more of a 'end to a six year relationship' kind of way, and less of a 'I desperately need this person because I'm mad for them' kinda way."

You sat in silence again for a moment, before Epel layed back down.

"I'm going to sleep. Don't unblock him while I'm out."

You stared at his sleeping form for a little while, before laying down yourself.

Walk a little further to the unfamiliar

"This is supposedly the sight where the fairest queen kept her apple orchard," Epel gestured proudly at a plaque in the middle of the sidewalk.

"I call bullshit. Why would they build a city where her apple orchard was? Aren't they like, saints or gods to you guys?"

"You doubt? If I tasted the dirt right now, I bet I could taste the apple orchard nutrients."

"If you tasted the dirt? You're gonna eat dirt?"

"No, but if I tasted the dirt-"

"How often do you eat dirt?"

"I don't-"

"Go ahead. Eat some dirt. Taste the nutrients."

"I'm not eating dirt!"

You picked up a handful of dirt off the side of the sidewalk, and moved to hold it to his mouth. And now he's running.

Rippin out the pages it won't kill ya

"Don't you dare answer that," Epel said as a call from Fairest 💜 flashed across your screen.

You stared at the picture of you and Vil together, then hit decline.

"Good. Now you get a treat."

"I'm not a pet!"

"No, but positive reinforcement works just as well on humans. Right this way."

He directed you towards a stand in the street market that was selling colorful hats. He picked out two matching lilac fedora's and shoved it on your head so your eyes were covered.

"There you go! A treat."

"Thanks, if only I could see it."

"Dork," he laughed, pushing it up and out of your eyes.

For a moment the world stood still as you two stared at eachother.

"Better?" He whispered.

You nodded.

On my way

"Guys it's so great to see you!" Deuce crushed you in a hug as Ace rolled his eyes in the background.

"If you kill Y/N then they won't get to try that recipe you won't shut up about."

"Speaking of killing," Deuce held you at arms length, "Do you need us to kill Vil? I know how to get away with it."

"Sometimes I forget the man I married is a psycho," Ace laughed as he wrapped you in a hug of his own.

"No need to kill him, it was just time," you said, leaving out painful details that would set every one of your friends off on a frenzy.

"At least Epel has been looking out for you," Deuce laughed.

"Yeah," you looked over at Epel with a soft smile, pretending you didn't see his cheeks burning.

I'm gonna cross state lines in my first car

"You definitely undersold your driving skills," Epel called over the sound of the wind.

You hadn't driven since you'd been ripped from your world. And Vil never saw the point of you getting your license. But Epel had twisted his ankle the night before, so you'd offered to drive.

And it was exhilarating! The freedom you felt as you took the wheel in your hand for the first time in over six years…

And the view didn't hurt.

The wind swept through Epel's unkempt long hair as he sang loudly to a newly released song, giving basic directions when they came up.

Over and overheal my broken heart

Epel turned you out, then into his arms in time with the pub's musicians.

"I appreciate you letting me lead," he said as you swayed back and forth. "I mean, I obviously should anyway since I'm the manlier of the two of us.."

"Debatable," you said, squealing when he pinched your side.

"Serves you right!" He smirked, twirling you again before asking a nearby waiter for a refill on your empty drinks.

I'm gonna reach new heights with every fall

You were straddled over Epel's lap, both of you sitting in the driver's seat, kissing one another deeply. The alcohol on each other's breath was mixing delightfully, adding a heightened sense of excitement.

Epel turned his head away, and wiped off his mouth.

"We should stop," he said softly.

"Epel," you whined, leaning back in until he covered your mouth with his hand.

"I don't know if you're ready for this."

You wanted to say, "I am ready! I've always been ready!" But your drunk brain couldn't put the words together, so you said nothing.

"We can talk about it when we're less plastered if ya want. Besides," he gently caressed your cheek, "You deserve better than to start a new relationship with a drunk night."

He gently pushed you back to the passenger seat, before leaning his chair back and dozing off. You stared at him for a while, before tilting your own seat down, and turning on your side.

I'm gonna be all talk but do it all

You'd been driving in tense silence for a couple of hours. Epel had his eyes steadily peeled on the road, and his directions.

"We're not plastered now," you muttered.

"Duh," he said, clearly not understanding what you were talking about, despite it being heavy on both your minds.

"Pull over."

"What?"

"Pull over."

He pulled over, then looked at you concerned.

"Are ya car sick or somethin?"

"You said we could talk about it when we were less plastered."

He stared at you wide eyed for a moment, before banging his head on the steering wheel.

"Sevens, I thought you had to throw up, or somethin. Ya coulda jus said that!"

"What am I going to do with you, Epel?" You groaned.

"Never leave me," he grinned, before realizing what he said. "I mean-"

"No that sounds right," you hummed. "I think you desperately need me."

"Oh?"

"Or at least I hope you do, cause I need you."

"In what way? Ya gotta be specific. Cause I'm totally fine if you need me as a friend or a family member-"

"I need you as my boyfriend. And maybe husband, unless me thinking that far ahead freaks you out, then-"

He leaned across the seat and kissed you. This was much better than a drunk kiss. Not that you'd ever tell him he was right. He didn't need the ego boost.

"We should definitely try this again outside of a car sometime," he laughed.

"Kissing in a car isn't as sexy as it looks," you agreed.

On my way

"I can't believe my name is fucking apple farmer in your phone," Epel sipped his Queen of Hearts inspired strawberry tart smoothie as he looked over your shoulder with distaste.

"I'm changing it now!" You retorted as you clicked the edit contact button.

"Why was it ever apple farmer?"

"Because Epel Felmier sounds like apple farmer!"

He stared at you. "Are you five years old?"

"That's it, you're buttface now."

"Then you're shithead."

He pulled out his phone, and you quickly backspaced.

"I changed my mind! Your Epel L/N-Felmier."

"Cringy. I love it."

On my way

"You're certain the twins are meeting us here?"

"They said they would be here right about now."

You both stood at the edge of the coral sea. The plan was to get "picked up" by the twins, then have them escort you to Azul's newest undersea restaurant. Unsurprisingly to you, they were nowhere to be seen.

"Well, I'm walking into the water to see if I can see them when they get here" Epel said, marching his way into the sea.

A part of you thought you should tell your boyfriend that it was definitely a trap. But it was significantly funnier that you didn't when he was abruptly pulled under.

"Hey shrimpy!" Floyd called, when he resurfaced with your struggling lover.

"Hi Floyd!"

On my way to somewhere

"Look, jus cause our last stop is my parents doesn't mean we have to tell them we're together yet. We can wait. I can pretend you're just a friend as long as it's only a couple nights."

You grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I have a good feeling about this guy," you smiled, making him blush darkly.

"If you insist."

Epel knocked on the door as he squeezed your hand back.

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #epel x reader #twst epel #epel felmier #epel felmier x reader

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mrsnancywheeler · 6 days

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can’t help but wonder what daisy has to say about billy and his muse… hmm. i feel like she’d have some words about muse’s age, how young she is, and since she’s always starting fights with billy to begin with i can’t imagine it would do poor muse any good. i think daisy would feel some sort of kinship with her because of their shared experiences with absent parents and getting into bad situations with people older than them, i just don’t believe she would handle it responsibly 💀 wanting to help muse develop her own sound and come into herself musically outside of billy dunne and the rest of the band turns into holing up at daisy’s place for days on end and getting ridiculously high together. and i doubt billy would be too happy with his girl showing up completely strung out after vanishing off the face of the earth for a week either. hanging out with daisy feels good but frequently makes things worse instead of better. they’re so interesting i love thinking about them

I'm literally sat for this, I've been thinking about this since it was sent it and need to doscuss with y'all

okay so timeline wise I imagine muse met billy when they were still just the six but like after they'd gained some fame. obviously in this universe there's no camilla, I'd never hurt my girl more, and so billy is just a ticking time bomb of fame and ego and all of his dreams. and he's good but not as good as he thinks he is so when teddy has the idea to give an edge to the six by a collaboration with daisy jones he's still obviously very pissed but now muse is there too, there relationship is probably like 6 months old or so.

and daisy is changing lyrics, she brings so much energy into the studio, she's fun, and muse is young and I think instantly drawn to the magnetic field of daisy jones. kind of in awe of daisy which billy can't fathom because he's too busy being miffed about the whole ordeal. and in this version look at us now is about muse and billy, and daisy see's right through the original lyrics and her changes make muse feel more seen. so she listens to billy bitch and moan but secretly agrees.

and muse definitely pushes for daisy to be in the band, "billy's an ass, but everyone thinks you should join. he'll get over it eventually and realize."

and daisy is just open and honest about her thoughts right off the bat, "why do you stay with him? if he's an ass, then why?"

and muse is taken aback but also honest back because it feels right, "I don't want anyone else. not the way I want him."

daisy does get to join the band and with that she learns a lot more about muse and billy, more to dislike about the arrangement. muse is so young and attached, the only other person she turns to is eddie who obviously also wants to be with her, and daisy feels like any spark that muse has is quelled to play cheerleader for billy. and she respects that muse doesn't want to be a star but she tells her to write, or to talk and daisy will cultivate the ideas.

daisy definitely gets involved in a couple of fights that muse and billy have. "plenty of groupies to go around, don't need one wasting my goddamn time"

"don't fucking talk to her like that!"

"daisy-" you're trying to deescalate because you knows daisy and billy just make the fight worse.

"she's a person, a child, not something you get to call whatever you want when you're pissed off." daisy's turning to you, "c'mon let's go get some air, away from this asshole."

"you can't just walk out of rehearsal, daisy!" billy's calling after but you let daisy guide you.

"watch me!" and you and daisy are sitting outside, she's handing you some pill that you barely question before taking.

"you know, it's okay, it's just the way it is. no reason to fight more because of it."

"no, it's not okay. you know just because he's older and gives you what you crave doesn't mean you need him, right?"

you pause, "I know." you sigh, "daisy, I'm not a baby. I can take care of myself, I know what's going on."

"sure you do, chickadee." and suddenly it's like something lights within her and she's searching her pockets for a paper of napkin, "do you have something to write with?" and she ends up scribbling something you're not allowed to see on a napkin with your lipstick. eventually she makes it a song about you. and then your though and frustrations eventually become many many more songs.

and once during one of the breaks where they've got some time rather than muse spending time with billy she goes to hang out with daisy, which ends up being the whole of the break. she's with daisy, screaming out every frustration into metaphors daisy is scribbling out as they dance around to records taking every pill daisy can get hands on, lines off every surface, so many bottles completely empty. and whenever you just want to call billy or sometimes eddie, daisy totally encourages against it because, "you don't need them!" and when it's finally time to go back to the studio daisy has started to realize she handles highs terribly but better than you, who's not used to taking nearly as much as daisy does.

once they're stepping out of that taxi, billy's first words quickly form from a, "where the hell were you?" to a , "what is she on?" hands softly gripping your face, looking into her eyes, knowing you're gonna feels like crap later. and he's gonna end up nursing you out of a bender, daisy's kind of scared that you were so out of it by the end. so it creates another conflict when she's saying billy is horrible to you and billy brings up how she usually gets you too high to function.

let me know y'all's thoughts bc I'm definitely already cooking up more

#wanda 💋#billy dunne x reader #billy dunne #djats x reader #anon

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noirvette · 11 months

Text

WE NEVER EXISTED

[band smau]

[SEVENTEEN]

masterlist.

prev. | next.

cw: talk about depression but no in depth detail.

Heidi sighed, nervous. Nichole had asked her to meet up and she had no clue about what. Well, she had an inkling but she hoped it wasn't about the podcast episode that went up yesterday.

She was surprised to hear of Cartman hosting ANOTHER podcast episode today. Normally they only did one episode a week, sometimes two if it was a particular exciting week but even so that had at least a few days in between.

"Heidi."

Heidi looks up and sees Nichole, "Oh! Nichole hey!"

"Cut that shit out, did you know?" Nichole asks and crosses her arms.

A look of shock runs over Heidi's face briefly, "Wh? What are you talking about?" Heidi stutters.

"Y/n. And Kenny? Hello? The podcast last night? Did. You. Fucking. Know?" Nichole grits out.

"No! NO! Oh my god I swear I had NO clue whatsoever!" Heidi exclaims, "I wouldn't EVER have participated in that podcast if I knew what Cartman was planning, I swear!"

Nichole stares down at Heidi with a hard stare, "Heidi. Be straight with me here."

"I am! I am! Nichole oh my god please believe me." Heidi pleads.

Nichole clicks her tongue, "You do the logistics behind that podcast Heidi. Sorry I'm a bit apprehensive to believe you, there's no way Cartman orchestrated that entire episode ON his own."

"Okay.. okay look, I don't know how Cartman had this whole thing planned, I didn't even expect Red to show up at the stupid podcast either and share her piece. If I had known ANYTHING I would've shut that down so quickly, Nicky you have to believe me." Heidi speaks quickly, voice softening a bit at the end, cracking.

Nichole sighs and sits besides Heidi, "Then how did Cartman of all people, get this information.. and HOW did he do this."

Heidi racks her brain, "There..there was a mystery caller, uhhh.. a while ago, said they had some world shattering news or something stupid like that to Cartman. Asked if... if uhh.. if friends or fame was more important? As like, like a test of sorts," Heidi plays with her hands unsure of how to continue, "Do.. do you think whoever that was.. may have had the information?"

"Well.. we could assume that caller was Red?"

Heidi ponders that for a second, "The caller sounded male.. I mean there was a voice changer on it but it didn't sound like Red on a voice changer.."

"So there's someone else out there that KNEW Red and Kenny had a thing going on..but why tell Cartman? Why not gather the evidence and go straight to Y/n?" Nichole wondered aloud.

Heidi shrugs, "I wish I knew.. listen if I knew that Cartman had that information I would've started unplugging everything. I literally walked into the studio and Cartman was already hosting the episode and there sat Red.. and before I knew it, Cartman and Red were already talking about Kenny."

"I saw the podcast episode, I thought it was somewhat scripted that you were coming in shocked, listen I'm sorry.. Y/n is in a state of despair and I just.. I know coming to you accusatory wasn't right of me but.." Nichole sighs, "I want to figure out who is trying to hurt Y/n and for a second there I thought maybe you were the one or at least knew more information.. I'm sorry for the doubt Heidi."

"It's okay Nichole! I'd be the same way, I've been trying to figure out who the caller was but Cartman won't let up with the information."

Heidi pauses, "Oh my god! He's going live right now!"

"He's.. what." Nichole slowly raises her head to look at Heidi.

"Yes! He's got an episode planned right now! A live one? I think. I told him I was busy today and couldn't attend and he just waved me off and let me go."

"Can you guys BELIEVE, Reify? Canceling the rest of their state tours! Have you guys even gotten your money back?" Cartman asks the group in his chat.

Cartman loves this section of his live podcasts, the part of it where he turns to fans to ask them questions. People asking him HIS thoughts on matters and in turn him asking questions (and only choosing answers that fulfill his hateful agenda) has always validated his need for fame, for status.

"Oh thank you mm_panles for your answer; you say you HAVEN'T gotten your money back?" Cartman hums, "Well that's a shame! Seems like Reify are a bunch of greedy money hungry bastards huh? Well.. I'm certain we can see why."

Cartman continues reading the chat of the current, ignoring any comments that allude to how Reify has returned the money for those who are returning tickets.

"Yo, chat look at the user connor_conned, look at what he said haha, fuckin loser." Cartman snickers, munching on a small bag of popcorn as he continues reading.

"Right well," Cartman clears his throat, "Reify certainly has let down a lot of people. Speaking of letting down people, let's all give a shoutout to Kenny McCormick for possibly being the BIGGEST let down of the centuryyyyyy, bro does not know how to keep a woman."

Cartman munches on popcorn before continuing, "Speaking of, you gotta hand it to him, he managed to get not only Y/n L/n, a BASSIST for a band, albeit it being Reify, but also Red McArthur, a MODEL, everyone give him a round of applause real quick."

Cartman stifled a laugh as the chat split in two; people actually giving applause emojis and people going "bro that wasn't funny".

Rolling his eyes at those who claimed he wasn't being funny he sighed, "If you guys are gonna be lame this time you're free to leave. No one wants you hear anyway, chat boo the ones being lame as hell right now."

Cartman's phone started ringing, "Oh jesus christ, sorry everyone call ale.." Cartman trails off, before chuckling, "You guys are never going to believe who this is.." and the chat goes insane trying to guess who the caller is.

Cartman pauses for dramatic affect before continuing, "Stanley fucking Marsh."

Stan and Clyde couldn't help but sit in silence trying to figure out the mess that is going on. The friend group was in rough shambles, with many people blocking Kenny, Stan not being one of them, not that anyone but Kenny probably knew that.

"Dude.. has Y/n said anything to you? Anything at all?" Clyde asks.

Stan shakes his head, "No bro, nothing. Kyle and Nichole both said their attempts haven't worked. I just.." Stan sighs.

Stan is in a state of complete chaos. He has no clue how you're feeling right now, you've gone through so much in the past few weeks.. too much for one person to handle. Stan had no clue how he'd react if all of this happened to him like how it has for you.

Stan thinks back to the stalker, in all honesty it'd been on his mind ever since it happened and he's been slowly trying to figure out who the stalker could be in his mind... and with the bulletin board in his room.

He knows for sure it couldn't be Kyle, Clyde, Nichole, Bebe, or Wendy. He knows for sure it's not Kenny anymore nor would it be Red considering recent events. He knows Craig and Tweek are out of the picture for that, considering they had no reason too stalk you NOR would they ever, plus their alibi was tight.

Everyone else was up for debate..but Stan was so tired of the mess, of the drama that he hasn't given the stalker much of a thought.

"..ude? Yo! Stanley Marshhhhh." Clyde drawls on.

Stan perks up, "Hu..? Oh Clyde sorry man what's up?" He scratches his neck awkwardly.

"Nice dream huh?" Clyde jokes, "Listen to this shit, Cartman's going live."

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me.. let me see that." Stan reaches over to grab Clyde's phone and checks the tweet, "Oh my god. That little bitch weasel."

Clyde takes his phone back and opens the link for the podcast and starts watching it. Stan moves himself closer to Clyde and they listen in on Cartman's ramblings as he talks about the disappoint that Reify is for their actions of canceling the rest of the tours.

Clyde scoffs, "Classic Cartman... bank on everyone's misfortune. Like always."

Stan feels anger bubbling underneath his skin. How dare he. How fucking dare he. This was all Cartman's fault.. well Kenny's for cheating in the first place but Cartman's out here airing everyone's dirty laundry like he doesn't have a mountain of horrendous shit underneath him.

How dare he drag Reify through the mud? Stan's pride and joy? This band is his family and Cartman just comes through knocking down everything Stan has done to help build Reify? Everything Kyle has done? Clyde? Nichole? Y/n?

Y/n...

Stan feels his anger dissipate, he can hear Clyde continuing to rant about how awful Cartman is but his mind is on you again. What if you saw this? How would you feel? None of this was your fault but he was sure you had heavy guilt that you're the reason for this.

He texts you quickly, another "Please tell me if you're doing okay, I'm here for you Y/n, I need to know you're doing okay." and sighs. There was no way you'd respond and he knew that. He just was hoping.

Unfortunately he lacked a key to go over to your house and a part of him assumed that if he went over there, there's no guarantee you'd let him in even. He knows the feeling too well of self wallowing pity, of being self deprecating, of depression.

He sighs and looks back up at Clyde, who is still on a rant about Cartman, Kenny now included and he can't help but feel a twinge of guilt for not blocking Kenny like everyone else.. but he can't bring himself to end years of a friendship.. not quite yet.

"Let's call Cartman." Stan pipes up.

Clyde looks at him confused, "The fuck? Why would we waste our energy on that bozo?"

Stan shrugs, "Cuz, I need to tell him how much of a bitch he is."

TAGLIST: @captivq @kimiesstuff @bwljules @the-cooler-kira @1one1person1 @kenny-the-ken @neenieweenie @n0tangeliccc @frogindisguise @revzxn @mirophobic @gonefiishiing @musiclovebot @bootsieboo @ryenwritess @bonez4brainz @s0l4riss @1996kj @sweetadonisbutbetter @scinclaitnoir @okarigold

#we never existed series #south park x reader #kyle broflovski x reader #kenny mccormick x reader

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steppingonyourshadow · 3 months

Text

Selected excerpts from GQ February 2024

His is a face that's constantly under a microscope. A few months ago, his studio posted a series of photos for his birthday. Sharp-eyed netizens noted immediately that his face had "become rounder". In order to play Guo Jing of Tsui Hark's Legend of Condor Heroes, Xiao Zhan put on weight before filming began. His face was no longer so narrow, and he had obviously bulked up. The photos showed him with a scattering of stubble, a little rough.

Strictly speaking, Legend of Condor Heroes is Xiao Zhan's second movie. There have already been many iconic portrayals of Guo Jing, so the pressure was obviously on.

The day of the GQ cover shoot, Xiao Zhan got up early to go for a run. He couldn't help but worry that he'd lose muscle mass from sweating so much, and hesitated over whether to continue. Finally he decided to do a full 30 minutes. After that, it occurred to him that he wouldn't start burning fat until 30 minutes in, so he did another 10.

It's all for the sake of the job. "Actually, I'd rather not be running - it decreases muscle mass. But I have to, to get rid of bloating." After the shoot, no matter how late it got, he plans to go do more weight training. The discipline of an actor is the constant process of creating their character's look, all the while strictly controlling their diet and maintaining their figure. Xiao Zhan sees both as standard and imposes this standard on himself.

I was curious how he felt having been under constant scrutiny these past few years. I wasn't expecting him to say that it was barely on his mind most of the time, and hadn't brought much disruption to his life either, that the "cruelest" thing was "not being able to eat whatever I want".

"I still sneak out for a bike ride, or a walk. I've been spotted just the once, within five minutes of walking around a Hutong. I've also snuck into cinemas to watch movies, no one cares that you're there, really. Once you're away from the internet, a lot of problems just solve themselves. Sometimes we think what's in front of us is the whole world, that's a mistake, but one that can't be avoided. Nothing to be done about it."

There are lots of things he wants to do, like ride the subway, go shopping. "I really will use the subway, maybe tomorrow, nothing extraordinary about that. I used to do it every day."

For Xiao Zhan, this is real life. He's no longer bothered by social media comments.

"If I still let it get to me after all this time, what kind of life would I live?" He laughs. "Really, it's fine."

Right now, Xiao Zhan is very satisfied with his life. "I have my work, my own life, and an audience that appreciates me. Nothing to be dissatisfied about."

To an extent, Xiao Zhan's relaxed state stems from increasing clarity about his goals. Outside voices no longer bother him, he knows what he wants and what he doesn't want. Right now, more and more he's trying to simplify. In the past two years, he hasn't done much variety, choosing to focus on acting as his most important goal.

Three shows in which Xiao Zhan played the main character aired in 2023. Each character was a challenge in different ways. During the interview, Xiao Zhan said "it was a lot of pressure" many times, in relation to each of these stages, but his tone was always light, nothing of the heaviness of someone bemoaning difficulties, and more like an analytical mindset after the event, with concrete and objective reasoning: this show was the first time he did green screen, that one was his first solo lead role, first contemporary drama...

Where Dreams Begin was a script Xiao Zhan loved. He really likes stories from that era. When he was a kid he watched Bloom of Youth and Happiness As Flowers. In his mind the 70s and 80s shine brightly, in vivid colour.

Many say that the character of Xiao Chunsheng is perfect, but Xiao Zhan saw this as his greatest flaw. He found the character very interesting and wanted to give it a go. Xiao Chunsheng is a Beijing kid. How to convey his demeanor and speak in authentic Beijing dialect was no small challenge to Xiao Zhan who grew up in Chongqing.

The Longest Promise's Shi Ying is cold and aloof. Because he didn't want to disappoint everyone who had high expectations of his guzhuang look, Xiao Zhan pushed himself above and beyond to lose weight before filming began. "The Longest Promise was a script I got in 2020. Among the ones I had to choose from, it was the one with the most well-rounded characters, and the most nuanced relationships. Plus, it had a strong sense of internal logic and coherence. So it was my best choice."

Sunshine By My Side is the one Xiao Zhan had been considering the longest. He was given the script in 2019. Sheng Yang may be in the same line of work Xiao Zhan had been doing before debuting, but he wasn't certain he could recreate the life of a designer for the screen in a natural, believable way.

Recently, Xiao Zhan found an old book at home - Danshari [book about decluttering and optimization of the home by Hideko Yamashita]. It had been recommended to him by his boss when he was a designer. What the book said about organising one's life made him rethink what he wanted, and what he ought to leave behind.

"Contemporary and slice of life dramas were a totally foreign territory for me." At the start he was to eager to finish his lines, having them memorised back to front. But no one in real life speaks like that. Later, he realised that there was a particular logic in where to pause and where to place the emphasis in a line in a contemporary drama.

For example, when he decided to be an actor, and that he didn't want to do anything else other than acting. "If you try and force me, then let's have the debate. There's no such thing as right and wrong, my people are only looking out for me, isn't it positive to have so much work? But for me, I need to simplify my life. Because there are some things I definitely don't want."

Xiao Zhan's acting career began with an "ordinary overage guy pursues his dream into the entertainment industry" story. He went into a survival show at the age of 24, learned to dance as a total novice, debuted in a boy group, acted in internet dramas, played bit parts in movies, until he hit it big in 2019 and became an attention-grabbing star.

If you choose to do something, then give it your best. That's what Xiao Zhan was taught from a young age. When he was in junior high, his parents bought him a cellphone. Initially when he sent text messages he'd use spaces in place of punctuation. But his father said to him very severely, "where's the punctuation, why isn't there a question mark at the end of your sentence?" So now Xiao Zhan always pays attention to punctuation.

Xiao Zhan has had a competitive spirit since he was a child. So long as it's something he can control, he'd rather not miss a single opportunity. He used to take the bus to school and get anxious on behalf of the people who fell asleep and missed their stops. For the things he can't control, he'd remind himself not to get too caught up and learn to accept the outcome. And before that, do everything he can the best he can.

When asked which of his projects had come about following a lot of effort on his part to land it, Xiao Zhan's response is surprising. He says, "all of them". Before he made it big, he auditioned a lot. Once he'd passed the interview stage, gotten into the final round, even did trial shots with full makeup, and was still replaced. Now of course people pass him scripts, but Xiao Zhan always tells himself, that's just an expression of interest which can be given to many people at once. If he encounters a script he really likes, he'll set up a meeting with the director and talk to them about his understanding of the character. He feels it's important to display the right attitude.

Xiao Zhan grew up just like any other 90s kid - his parents worked, his grandma did all the cooking, he went to school every day, came home, and if he did poorly in an exam he'd get a beating. They ate dinner at 6:30 every night, and then his friends would call for him to come down and play Hide and Seek, Red Light, Green Light, or Hopscotch.

His face shines when he speaks of this time. These ordinary little things all seem rare and precious now. Xiao Zhan says he's grateful for those first 23 years before his dream-like brave foray into the entertainment industry. "I really value those times, I think it was great."

He thinks that if he hadn't entered the industry, he'd probably be living like his classmates and friends, taking clients out for dinner only to come home and do more overtime to finish his design work overnight, day after day.

"Being seen" makes him happy. No matter how busy he gets, Xiao Zhan never complains. "If there's work to be done, then do it properly." While filming The Oath of Love he was also recording the variety show Our Song. Whenever he had a moment between scenes, he'd put on headphones and sing along softly. When his costars came over out of curiosity, he'd give a sheepish grin and explain that he was practicing the song he had to sing that night. "There's no time, really none." Back then, work took up pretty much his entire life.

Xiao Zhan will almost never give himself a holiday. "Unrealistic," he says firmly. When he's exhausted enough, he can fall asleep sitting upright on set.

This year, Xiao Zhan felt a sense of urgency stemming from "not enough works". "Compared to some of my seniors, when they were in their thirties they already had many credits." He clearly understands that a huge breakthrough in his acting skills from just a single piece of work is unlikely. "That probably won't happen for me."

He's considered whether he wants to be an actor with a unique individual style or a crowd-pleaser. His answer is the latter. "They might not be fans of yours, or even feel very positive toward you, but when they know you have a show on, they think, maybe I should check it out, his shows are all pretty good. That's what I want, that's my current goal. Whether I can reach the level of the actors I admire, that's a long road, I'm going to take my time."

"Make more shows, work with more good people, that's the current goal. I'm not thinking about the rest right now," Xiao Zhan says.

[I'll translate and post the Q&A segment later.]

#Xiao Zhan #text translations

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9leaguesofmirrors · 8 days

Text

Just Can't Stand It (A Legz Akimbo fic)

So, I mentioned before that I wanted to write a fic about the scene where Legz Akimbo split, but from the perspectives of Dave and Phil. I touched on it in my first Dave and Phil fic, but I wanted to expand on that idea a little

CONTENT WARNING: Verbal abuse

"Phil?"

After looking through every studio in their tiny rehearsal space, Dave finally found his mate in the empty audience of a barren, black-box theatre. Clearly in a bad mood, and Dave understood exactly why

"Sorry, did you need the space?

"No, no it's alright. Just wondered where you'd gone off to."

"Just needed to get away for a bit."

Dave didn't blame him at all. It was been a pretty intense day at rehearsals, somehow even moreso than usual, what with Ollie throwing some pretty harsh accusations at Phil

"Need me to receive a very important phone call and leave you alone?"

That got a small chuckle from Phil. Not much, it didn't meet his eyes, but it was something

"You're alright, was getting a bit dull anyway."

"Well, if you're waiting for a show," he goes as sits in a seat next to him "you'll be waiting for a while."

"Better than being out there with him..." muttered Phil

Silence fell around them. Both of them knew what Phil's comment meant. Ollie was harsh on them both, but the abuse he delivered to him was far more blatant. Maybe because he knew that Dave was easier to mess with subtly, he never did understand sarcasm. Besides, he always thought Phil was the actor Ollie always thought he was, not that he'd ever say that out loud. He quite enjoyed not being dead or severely concussed

"What he said wasn't true, I know." Dave assured him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder "I mean, you're way to talented to have to rely on spreading your legs for a role-"

"Why don't you get accused of it?"

That was not what he was expecting to hear

"I never-"

I know," Phil sighed "I just... why is it always me? It's like he can't seem to fathom that I'm actually good at what I do. He doesn't see that I'm way better than he gives me credit for."

"I think he does." Dave looked at his mate's incredulous expression and nodded "Yeah! I think he does! I mean, you're a versatile performer with charisma and integrity. Ollie wishes he could be like you, and that's why he hates you. Because you're a real actor."

"Don't feel like it." Phil muttered

Sighing, Dave looked out at the empty performance space. Then there was a moment. A flickering light, as if a flame whipped across the stage in his mind

"If you could play any character in the world, who would it be?"

He watched as Phil pondered his question for a moment, either that or he was asking himself why it was being sprung on him. Regardless, he answered

"I want someone complex. maybe a good man that does bad things." That same light now started to glisten in Phil's eyes "I'd be a character with charisma, intelligence. Maybe someone in the British government. One that's lonely, but cares deeply for his family." He starts to smile sadly "But, knowing Ollie, he'd cast himself in that role."

"I wouldn't."

Phil's face became confused

"I'll write something, for us."

Then, Phil laughed

"Ollie will never let you."

"Worth a try, right?" Dave stood up, bounding to the performance area "And, if he doesn't like it, I'll make it myself!" He looked out at the empty rows and, for a fleeting moment, saw a full house. But something was missing "C'mon Phil, come join me!"

Rolling his eyes fondly, he did. And Dave put a hand round his shoulder again, looking out at the seats

"I'm gonna make a play," he said "that we'll both be great in. A serious, troubled character for you-"

"And a warm, comedic one for you?" Phil suggested "One that shows off your physical comedy."

"You know me well, you do!"

"It could be about two friends breaking into the entertainment industry-"

"-but one of them passes away-"

"-and they grieve the life they left behind-"

"-while also coming to terms with their friend's death!"

They looked out in silence again, but this time it felt buzzy and warm, like something was opening in front of them, ready for them to bask in

"This," Dave said, hugging his mate tightly "is gonna be our big break. I can feel it."

"A two-hander, just for us."

"Well, yeah. That's what a two-hander is!"

"Oh, piss off!" Phil laughed

Their laughter soon melted the frost that once clouded the air

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

"Ollie, you got a minute?"

It was finally time for a break, and Dave managed to catch their director before he scurried off

"If you're going to ask for a bigger part-"

"No, not at all! I just..." he started pressing the pads of his fingers together "well, I wanted to get a second opinion from our very own writer. See, I've-"

"I'm more than a writer, Dave." Ollie heaved an exasperated sigh "I'm a director, a producer, an actor and a-"

"Yes, yes, I know. But I'm coming to you in the hopes you could offer me some help... writer to writer."

That made Ollie do a double take, looking at him with sheer disbelief

"How can you call yourself a writer? You've never written a play in your life!"

"Well, actually," Dave ran to his bag, returning with a script that he slapped against the desk with great enthusiasm "I've been writing in secret for a while, and I came up with something recently that I want you to read."

Wordlessly, Ollie picked up the document and flicked through

Dave couldn't stop fiddling with his hands. This was the first time he'd shown anyone, other than Phil, his writing. And even he hadn't seen all of his scripts. Sharing something like that was deeply personal, a huge

"It's, um, it's not finished or anything. But I'd really appreciate the feedback and-"

"I'll read it," he waved his hand dismissively "I've got nothing better to do. Not unless Phil suddenly decides his lines are worth learning."

"To be fair to him, he's doing alright considering we only got the script last week..."

Realising that Ollie wasn't actually listening by this point, Dave simply left the room

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

"I read it."

By now, it was after rehearsals and Phil had been dismissed. It was just Ollie and Dave, with the former sat at his little table and the latter sat down on the edge of the stage

"And?"

"And what?"

"What did you think?"

Instead of responding, Ollie started to sift through and took out a few pages

"For starters, this scene has to go." He ripped the pages, much to the shock of Dave "It just doesn't work."

"OK, but could you at least ask me before destroying my-"

"And this scene."

Rip

"And this one."

Rip

"And this entire section. And, honestly, this whole character. While we're at it, let's just get rid of THIS ONE TOO!"

Rip. Rip. Rip. Rip. Rip. Rip

Dave wanted to storm over and yank the script right out of his hands, but the sheer shock of the situation had caused him to freeze. And he just watched. Watched as his pride and joy, his ticket out, his art, was destroyed with horrible ease

"What RIGHT?!" Ollie screeched as he threw the remains onto the floor, leaping from his seat and waving his arms wildly "What RIGHT DO YOU HAVE to COME IN HERE and show me this RUBBISH! I did not become Legz Akimbo's writer to be UNDERMINED like this!"

Dave opened his mouth to say something, but he suddenly became more focused on scampering backward upstage to avoid the madman coming towards him with a chair. As he saw it leave Ollie's hands, he cowered on the floor, hearing it slam against the back wall. He didn't dare lift his head, unprepared to face another potential attack

"I SLAVE AWAY at that desk for HOURS creating the BEST ISSUE-BASED PLAYS in Royston Vasey but NO. APPARENTLY IT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH. JUST like how it wasn't good enough for Linda, NOBODY APPRECIATES THEATRE ANYMORE

Dave wasn't sure how events transpired between the tirade and Ollie leaving the ruined script on the floor as he stormed out, but one moment he was face-to-face with an angry director, and the next he was alone. He went over and picked up some of the paper, unable to cry. Just staring at the rubble of his imagination. Of what could've been a future. Maybe not a long future, but a future nonetheless. Something he could be proud of. Something he was proud of

"Are you just gonna stand there then?"

His eyes darted to the doorway, where Ollie stood with an irritated glare

"Come on, it's just paper. Surely you have another copy, no use crying over it!"

Dave opened his mouth to explain that no, he wasn't crying, but nothing came out. All he could do was shake his head

"I don't know why I bother sometimes." Ollie muttered, loud enough for Dave to hear, before walking off

The room felt like it had gone colder. The evening glow outside darkened as the walls closed in. Dave just stood there, motionless. Paper crumpled in his hand. His whole body was frozen until he heard a familiar ringtone come from his pocket. Putting his phone to his ear, he accepted the call

"Dave?"

Again, he opened his mouth to speak, fingertips pressing together. And, once again, nothing escaped his throat

"Dave, are you there?"

Nothing

"Look, if you're busy, I can wait."

Dave shook his head, as if Phil was somehow able to see it

"I just didn't hear back, wanted to know what Ollie thought about the script-"

That was interrupted by the rapid sound of Dave's fist being slammed against the table. Then his throat caught as he tried to choke back his tears

"He hated it."

"Seriously? Did he even read it?"

"It's on the floor. He ripped it."

"He ripped it up?" The shock was evident in Phil's voice "Do you... have a copy somewhere?"

"Yes."

For a moment, nothing was said. In the silence, Dave felt acutely aware of his surroundings. Of the slight buzzing of the lights, the fabric of his shirt sleeves over his arms, the shouting outside, the sweat on his brow. It was so much. So much. So much-

"Dave," came the quiet voice of his friend "I can pick you up if you want. Save you walking."

"... Alright."

"OK, I'm on my way."

"Right. See you then."

Dave hung up, sitting down on the stage with his head on his palms. He stayed there until Phil came back

Even then, he didn't turn his head when he heard his mate come in. It was like his whole body had fused together, rendering movement impossible. But he could tell Phil was looking around at the scattered remains of his work.

He watched as Phil went around, picking up each piece and putting it in the nearest bin. Then he went and sat beside him, looking at him with eyes full of apologies - as if he was the one that caused it

"I'm gonna miss you," Dave said quietly "when you leave for your big project."

"Hardly a big project." Phil chuckled

"Bigger than this. Not sure how Legz Akimbo's gonna go ahead without you."

"You're not staying, are you?"

"Can't leave. Where else can I go?"

When Phil didn't respond, Dave finally looked at him

"What else do I have?"

"You have your scripts."

Laughing hollowly, Dave looked at the bin

He then feels something familiar on his back, something warm. That simple touch probably wouldn't have meant much in any other context, but it said a lot here. It was comforting, unifying and gentle. They'd both spent so much time with Ollie that they'd forgotten what it felt like to be handled with care. Handled like they mattered. And, even if it was for a fleeting moment, it was nice to be reminded that they were important to someone

"If you're going, I'm going."

That surprised Phil slightly

"What, you're leaving?"

"If you are."

"Where are you gonna go?"

"Dunno. Not here. You're the only reason I stayed, I liked doing stuff with my best mate. No point sticking around if you're going."

Instead of speaking, Phil slowly moved his arm around Dave's shoulders, holding him without completely invading his personal space

"Ollie's gonna kill us." He laughed "He'll go red."

"Purple, more like." Dave couldn't help but join in "He'll probably burst!"

It was strange, in that moment, to find some kind of joy in their situation. But, in the end, it got them through. The laughter, the warmth of it: it kept them alive

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

All through the performance, Dave wasn't present. He knew that. And Ollie probably did as well. His mind was split between two outcomes, leave Legz Akimbo and risk not finding steady work for years, or stay in a job that will slowly crush him? He needed his sanity, but he also needed money

He was so in his head, he hadn't realised Ollie had clambered off his shoulders and was now starting on Phil until he managed to catch the end of his rant

"Not because he's talented, it's not! But because he bums the director."

Dave saw Phil's face, that look of anguish and disgust, as he walked offstage. It was a low blow, they all knew that. Phil was a talented actor, yet always so unsure. That's what people in the industry, people like Ollie Plimsolls have always done: break people apart until they question their ability. He'd done that to Phil, that good-hearted, determined man with such a gift, and was intent on destroying him until there was nothing left

It wasn't fair. Not on someone as dedicated and talented as Phil Proctor

"Other people like me and Dave, we plod on, working-"

"Don't Ollie."

"WHAT? I'm telling everyone how DEDICATED we are-"

"I'm leaving Legz Akimbo."

"... WHAT!"

It felt odd, to say it out loud

He should've been nervous about Ollie lashing out again

Should've

But he wasn't

In that moment, looking at him now, Dave realised how small he truly was. Not just in height, but in significance. To him. For the first time, he saw Ollie for what he was. A lonely, bitter man that couldn't reach his own dreams, so took it out on anyone he deemed as a rival. A man that pretended to care about issues he didn't know a thing about, just because it made him look more important than he actually was

And Dave realised something in that very moment: he owed that man nothing

Not his time

Not his dedication

Not his work

Not his life

"Why are you doing this, Dave?"

His whole body felt light, but his head was heavy. As if all the pain and torment he'd absorbed over the years had finally been squeezed out of him, as if he'd finally been wringed like a sponge, leaving only exhaustion. Were it any other moment, he would've floated. But now he was oddly grounded, as if this was nothing more than a job he should've done a long time ago

"I just can't stand you, Ollie."

Mumbling an apology to their audience, he left. The adrenaline carrying him, in a steady pace, out of the auditorium and into the corridor, his eyes fixed on the exit

His hand met the handle, felt the coolness under his palm, and pushed it open. A familiar face greeted him in the front seat of a car

"Figured I'd save you walking."

Dave smiled softly and got in beside Phil, strapping in his seatbelt before they drove away, leaving that man behind them and advancing into whatever was waiting for them

#dave parkes #phil proctor #ollie plimsolls #legz akimbo #legz akimbo theatre company

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labyrinthofsphinx · 1 month

Text

Statistical Outliers

Working on my next little comic, so I figured I'd post a short drabble in the meantime.

Time is everything. It was everything when he was alive, and it’s been everything since he died. The only thing that’s changed is now he was the one that determined time. The citizenship of hell held only two real concepts of time, which is probably why there’s plenty of old badgers still holed up in their ways. First was, of course, the need to keep track on the way to doomsday. The yearly extermination was held on the same day, every year, so it became a timepiece as a consequence rather than by any actual effort. On the other hand, the second was very much an invention of his own.

TV had a way of warping time. When he was alive and doing something similar, people would work their days around the TV because it was only on for a certain amount of time, and there were only a few things worth watching. But, for that hour basis, it was the most drawing thing in the world. Things have changed obviously, now TV shows play all day. People still checked their clocks for the start of their favorite program. The internet and cellphones constantly show the time, even if as more of a background piece to the dramas that play out behind the screen. People are absorbed by media now. They couldn’t escape it entirely. Their time was his plaything and the more time they spent obsessing over his empire, the more control he had.

Of course, with Heaven’s little hunting safari out of the way, his became the only time relevant to the cesspool down here. And most of his own time was spent cultivating that: talks shows, game shows, news, commercials, streaming platforms, you name it.

Time may be something he stole from others, but perhaps only because he had so precious little of it himself.

So, time was important to him. And when someone or something wastes his time, well…

He glanced across his screen, the blue light from the aquarium getting lost in the blue light of the devices. They glared off his face, itself a screen, and reflected off too bright to see much of anything. And Val wonders why this room is always so dark. He turned down the brightness again.

The leftmost screens were devoted to Val, his studio, and his workers. Not that he liked staring at those while shooting, mind you. There was only so much of that that anyone could watch and still be productive. Still, he noted, he really needed to get an electrician over there. You’d think spending all this time literally surrounded by devices, Val would’ve learned something about electrical outlet safety. But, he supposed Val wouldn’t bother. Just like he never had to worry about how he was going to get his films distributed, or edited, or formatted. He had Vox for that, after all.

Because Valentino’s problems were ultimately Vox’s problems.

Right next to Val’s studio on his surveillance was Velvette’s designer pad. He enjoyed watching her in the background of his day, barking orders and snapping people in line. You’d think she’d been the top of fashion when she was alive too, the way she acted. He had to remind himself that she wasn’t actually as old as him or Val sometimes. Other times though, well, her age showed. She played the game of likes and shares. She didn’t play the game of politics. Why in hell did he ask her to attend the overlord meeting again? She hadn’t even had the courtesy of explaining just what went wrong, only that the meeting was full of outdated morons, half of which should be wearing adult diapers. So, yeah, that hadn’t panned out well. And, no, he didn’t try to correct her either. She wouldn’t listen on a good day. And why should she? She was the one whose opinions mattered. Everyone else can shove it. Or, rather, Vox was in charge of making sure other people shoved it, or themselves, off a cliff.

Because Velvette’s problems were Vox’s problems too.

His own office and set were up there as well. It was a little redundant, sure, but he’s always insisted on the extra security. Or maybe it was his own obsession with having to have eyes on everything at all times. Hard to tell, really.

It all seemed so sterile compared to the messes that were Val and Vel’s setups. Even in the midst of a show, it was mostly just him, either plugged in and projecting or sitting behind a chair talking. Any other people in his space were either there for a short segment, or part of the backstage cronies he employs to keep things running smoothly. Sometimes he’d have one of the others up there as well, usually for promotional work: ‘Voxtec presents Valentino’s newest project’ or ‘Velvette’s new perfume line’. Something of that ilk. He wasn’t just the face of the Vees, he was the one advertising them, keeping time set to them.

But if it was a Voxtec product that didn’t involve them? Nope, wasn’t their problem.

Because Vox’s problems were Vox’s problems only.

So, he wasn’t at all surprised that his newest problem, the most recent waste of time, was shown to him sitting on his couch watching re-runs.

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel ficlet #my writing #hazbin hotel vox #hazbin hotel velvette #hazbin hotel valentino #hazbin hotel fanfic #hazbin hotel oc #Sorta background to my comic and headcanons #Might post more if people seem to like it

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thebroccolination · 1 year

Note

Is it bad to ship couples irl?! As I reallly ship boun and prem even though they’re most likely not together but the things they do for each other is perfect!!

Hi, Anon! You're gonna get a long answer to this, because I think the subject of shipping real people is one that deserves more nuance than just "it's bad" or "it's fine"! This is something I've wanted to write about for a long time, so I apologize for using your ask as a jumping-off point!

So, okay, I think there are two main conversations to have: 1) whether shipping real people itself is moral, and 2) how one should publicly conduct oneself when engaging in shipping culture in Thai fandom.

Is It Moral?

I think the most important thing to consider when shipping real people is what those people themselves feel about it. If they've expressed or showed discomfort with being shipped, then at that point, I'd scale back completely. Part of the fun of shipping for most people is the "oooh" mystery factor, and if someone straight-up goes, "Knowing that people are envisioning me engaging romantically with another person makes my skin crawl," then I simply wouldn't enjoy it anymore. Shipping people who don't want to be shipped just isn't my thing.

Now, if they seem cool with it, then the five main things I'd consider are: how old they are, how experienced they are in their industry, whether their place of work (agency/studio/etc.) has a history of exploiting its artists, whether one person looks less comfortable than the other, and whether or not they seem to fully understand and consent to the implications of shipping culture.

For BounPrem specifically, they're both in their mid-late twenties. They've been in the industry for over five years at this point, so they're adults who are well-versed in the industry and know full well what shipping culture is and its implications. They're also both regularly and demonstrably comfortable with fans shipping them. (For example: Prem in this entire video, Boun asking fans to write BounPrem fic for Valentine's Day, taking part in the joke about people "asking for" Prem, etc.)

On the structural side of things, Prem left his agency last autumn (on amicable terms) and has been independent since, so he's very much operating on his own terms right now. Boun is under Wabi Sabi, which is a small agency whose CEO, New Siwaj, is openly queer and fiercely protective of his artists' boundaries and reputations. New has gone on record multiple times saying he doesn't require or prod anyone working for him to do fanservice if they don't want to. New has also hired legal representation to combat the consistent homophobic hate speech against his artists (including Boun, who is far and away their artist with the largest following). New and his company have repeatedly proved they prioritize and respect their artists.

However! BounPrem do have boundaries, and they've been clear about them. When asked if they're dating, their most common answer is that if they do date, they'll neither confirm nor deny. ("We won't make it public, but we won't hide it either.") They're not the only ones to say this, and I think it's the smart route to take as far as marketing and protecting their privacy if they ever do date.

Certain interviewers seem to have crossed BounPrem's boundaries in the past, and fans have teased Boun for being possessive or jealous because he won't let anyone touch Prem. However, and this is purely speculation on my part, Boun recently commented that Prem hasn't always spoken up when he encounters problems, so he's been taken advantage of, so I think Boun has often taken it upon himself to stand up for Prem. Especially if he senses that someone is using Prem's quiet nature to their benefit and touching him in a way he knows Prem wouldn't consent to.

Essentially, Prem might not say something, but Boun absolutely will. He has a sharp tongue when he needs to use it, and he's not shy about reasserting boundaries where he himself or Prem is involved.

All that aside, we're human, and humans are curious. People like love, and they like people they care about to find love. So, y'know, shipping culture, when done respectfully, can be fun and doesn't have to be invasive.

Okay, So How to Not Be Invasive About It?

I'm not actually very useful here because I prefer to employ generous use of the fourth wall. It's just more fun for me to enjoy shipping among friends, so I don't really engage publicly.

However! For conduct in Thai BL fandom, I'd defer to the advice of Southeast Asian fans. It's their fandom, and shipping is part of their fandom culture. From what I've seen and heard, shipping is meant to be lighthearted fun, and using the worst examples of stalking and poor behavior isn't especially cool of anyone. Basically, Western fans swinging in on an Indiana Jones rope to lecture Asian fans for engaging in shipping culture are disrespecting a fandom in which they're guests and detracting from the overall experience for others.

Now, of course, if one's brand of shipping involves digging into the artists' personal lives, stalking their families or loved ones, feeling entitled in any way to literally anything other than what they're freely offering up, making the pair such a part of your personality that finding out one of them is dating someone else or just flat-out uninterested in their partner will ruin your mental health, then that's a hard no. In those cases, I'd sincerely examine what Missing Aspect of one's life shipping has become a toxic substitute for. There's absolutely no shame in self-reflection, mitigating the harm that can be mitigated, and moving forward with more respect.

So, like:

• "o no, @.bb0un hasn't seen @.prem_space in two hours, someone better send him photos to remind him what prem looks like" O

(Obvious teasing tones are common both among fans and the artists themselves. BounPrem are famous for being ridiculous, so it fits the mood they themselves have established.)

• "Giant*, do you miss your parents? #bb0un #prem_space #bounprem" O *Boun's dog

(Again, BounPrem themselves have played into the co-parenting-our-pets thing, so playing along is fine.)

• "@.bb0un @.prem_space are you gay" X

(Asking anyone their sexuality is not okay, not even when they're famous. It's none of your business, full stop. Don't. Do not. Stop. Desist.)

• "i spotted bounprem together outside work in their private time and took this very creepy video of them from underneath a parked car using a telescope lens that i bought specifically for my recreational stalking hobby dm me for higher resolution videos!" X

(I feel like I could have made this a little heavier-handed for fun but you get the gist.)

In conclusion, it's my firm belief that if shipping hurts any real people, not just the pair at the center, then it's an immediate cease and desist for me. But if it's mutual and respectful fun in which everyone knows it's nothing more than a wink-wink game to spice up promotional activities, go (reasonably) wild (within reason)!

Whether BounPrem are actually dating is their business, but they've regularly and enthusiastically embraced shipping culture done on their own terms, so as long as people keep it light and fun and respect their privacy and the privacy of their loved ones, I think you're good!

Have (respectful) fun!

(I just like this photo of them. They got matching Pride nails last year! They're Very Good and regularly politically active in protecting and promoting the rights of queer people. Deep respect. <3)

#kiranokira answers #bounprem #premboun #real person shipping #rpf #fandom talk

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dxrkenedheights · 17 days

Text

where: bemelmans

with: safiye alkan and felix ranstrom @manybcdthings

★・・・・・・★

Obviously Felix is late, but Safiye doesn't care considering she almost forgot entirely they agreed to meet up. It's different from their usual plans, normally seeing one another in fleeing chaos thanks to Seraphina but Safiye has been patiently and impatiently waiting for the moment Felix figured out he can just ask for help. But while she waits for him, her mind is prone to wandering. Maybe this lunch isn't about wolf things at all. It's about something else. Something more scandalous? So, by the time Felix does show his face, Safiye's squinting at him in expectation. "I mean, I think there's a better way to do this but I'll help." she says, offering no context as she's convinced she's understood the situation. "People forget about my little studio place, so yeah. It could be perfect. She could stay there for nine months and we do it like the old days. I think I'd even be really good at not telling anyone either." Safiye adds, helping herself to her drink. "Because your parents are like...gotta be married first, right? Maybe we could just spin it as Owen's? Especially if the kid is a...you know." she hushes her voice. "A wolf. Easy."

#safiyealkan.talk #c: safiye alkan w. felix ranstrom 001 #This is weak to start with but I made myself laugh #HAHAHA

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thestoriesyetuntold · 1 year

Note

Hi! Hope you're having a good day/night! I'd like to ask for HCs (or whatever format you're cool with!) for Casimir, maybe something just like how he would spend the day with MC when they're not working on the House?

Romantic is fine! I hope that's not too vague of a request! Thanks! :)

A/N - Hey, I’m so sorry for the wait I finished this weeks ago but forgot about it I’m sorry ;-; hope you enjoy! (Also thank you really much for being my first Tumblr request)

(I’ll fix the format of this post when I have my laptop later today)

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

Fandom: Fictif, Monster Manor

Format: headcanons

Type: Fluff, a bit comedy

Warnings: none I can think of

Summary: spending time with Casimir

Relationship: Casimir x Reader (Written as romantic but save for like one all work platonically)

Characters featured: Casimir, briefly Mimi and the house, Rainier mentioned

Note: maybe OOC, some of these are kind of far fetched (Also I didn't read any of the paid scenes so I’m sorry if I got something canon wrong)

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

Renovating is pretty exhausting so of course a lot of work means a lot of rest. There's many ways to do so such as sitting down with some tea and snacks, reading together or to each other, cuddling or watching movies; either way you spend this time together quite often

speaking of movies, movie and show nights! At first at least there might be more of Casimir nerding over the technology than watching though /hj. Someone just please show this man the Beauty and the Beast. Or Transformers. First one is self explanatory, second one I just think would be funny. Also maybe Howls moving castle. That might be super far fetched but I think he'd like studio Ghibli.

Bonding with Mimi! Casimir really wants to gain back her trust and having you be there calms him Mimi. Though it's better than it used to be already there's still some tension between them and you're definitely helping. You also get to spend time with both of them so that's definitely a win!

You cannot convince me this man doesn't go into hour long rants and rambles about his interests after you asked one simple question. He can get pretty lost in it once he started and tends to get a little embarrassed about it once he realises. Cmon, he was all by himself for multiple centuries, he's not used to people being around. You encouraging him to go on, asking questions or referencing things he told you later on means a lot to him.

Of course it goes both ways, he absolutely loves listening to you talk, especially about things you're passionate about and will try to bring it up again later or engage in your hobbies with you together. He genuinely wants to know about you and your interests, for one he hasn't really heard from/about anyone else for a very long time (not counting cats and buildings) and also you're, of course he wants to hear everything you have to say

Okay okay okay this one's my personal favourite: hide and seek. I actually might write a whole own thing about that at some point soon because it'd just be so much fun! The house is quite big with super many hiding spaces. Now it's not something he'd suggest and yeah it might take some force persuasion to convince him but if you ask him really really nicely hell probably say yes, or just annoy him till he agrees (even more effective if Rainier joins). Alternatively just hide somewhere so he has no choice but to search (you definitely gave him a heart attack the first time you did that)

Casimir is old fashioned (I mean- how wouldn't he be) so your regular date nights are pretty classic. Usually it's a romantic dinner (brought to you by The House TM), sometimes it's dancing (like that one paid scene(? Is there one? Or am I mixing something up? Idk); he was taught to be a gentleman and he's gonna use that /hj

Bringing him modern things from shopping trips. It started off by you bringing him something he was curious about after you mentioned it and quickly developed into a habit of you bringing him trinkets whenever you're out. His curiosity makes you much more aware of how interesting even little thins can be and soon turned to you coming back from trips out the house with a bag of things like toys, gadgets and other fun things from the dollar store or similar. You then spend the day looking at what you brought, how it works and so on. Imagine spending the day with Casimir trying out a bunch of toys you bought or found with your old stuff (the type for children, don't think wrong here)

adding onto this because I love the idea of doing fun childish things with him (you'd have to be the one to initiate them though, potentially ‘force’ him, but he secretly enjoys it). Silly sleepovers with pillow forts, movies, teeny magazines (I want to just hand this guy a stack of these teen magazines and see what happens so bad), and snacks!

related a bit to the one above but spa days! He definitely needs some more self care. I do kinda think he likes stuff as skincare and and used to have a routine (nobility and stuff) he likely had to cut short or even drop it completely with the house's hostility. But now you're there and not only are there so many products your world has for this, it's also much more fun together, leading to entire days planned only for spa and wellness activities (like doing each other's nails, I have a little theory connected to Casimir and acrylic nails but that's all I'm saying on that)

I feel like I have to say something to end this smoothly sooo Casimir supremacy!!

(Requests open)

#monster manor #monster manor casimir #monster manor casimir x reader #monster manor x reader #fictif monster manor #monster manor fictif #fictif casimir #fictif casimir x reader #ficif #fictif x reader

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meggannn · 10 months

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Three Houses/Hopes x Taskmaster

AKA here's how I think the kids would do in a school-wide Taskmaster competition.

notes/explanations/ramblings under the cut

GARREG MACH STAFF

My thinking is that this is a lighthearted team-building game across houses, like a school sports day, so that’s why it’s students-only. If the staff participated, here's how I'd categorize them:

Rhea: I do not see a universe in which she participates lol. like I try to envision it and it does not compute

Seteth: just does the task

I included Cyril above just cause of his age and his likelihood to become a Garreg Mach student post-canon. He's only in “asks for help” because he needs someone to read the tasks out. After he hears it he’d be “just does the task.” But I wanted to put someone else in the bottom category with Hilda lol

Hanneman: would fall under the “distinguished older gentleman who completely loses his marbles over something small” category if there was one. Otherwise, loophole user or overly competitive

Manuela: I didn’t make an “older woman who makes every task as horny as possible” category, but if she was involved I’d make one just for her

Gilbert: gets distracted by something small, like categorizing all the rubber ducks by color or cleaning up after himself, and forgets to do the task. In this tier, “doesn’t give a fuck”

Catherine: overly competitive

Shamir: just does the task

Alois: does his best with mixed results

Jeralt: doesn’t give a fuck

PLACEMENT NOTES

Alois as Taskmaster was something I came around to after the subreddit recommended it. He'd award a bonus point randomly to whoever genuinely laughs at his puns.

I considered Seteth as Little Alex Horne, because he does have a sense of humor, but I think he's too genuine of a “straight man” to join in the spirit of the game. I do think he'd do well in the studio portion, reciting the stats and calling out mistakes/quipping back when the conversation gets rowdy.

But I like the thought of Byleth as the assistant for the recorded on-site tasks as someone who: 1. would get their hands dirty, and 2. doesn't mind the students making fun of them. Either way, I think a hard-working assistant (Seteth/Byleth) carefully planning all of these tasks only for the results to be judged by Alois who decides winners on his whims would be a funny inverse of the Davies/Horne dynamic, and very on brand with the show.

I thought about putting Ingrid in the “just does it” category but I think she’d get competitive if it were a game of BL vs other houses. If it’s just her house, she’d just want to have a good time. If it’s vs the other houses, she wants to represent her country well.

Annette is in the competitive category because she reads the task and immediately gets to work once the timer starts. Too concerned with Doing a Good Job and doesn’t read over the task and think it over, much less check under the table or look for any hints.

Claude also could have been in “overly competitive” but I think he’d have too much fun trying to find loopholes that he wouldn’t care about winning, he’d just try to have a good time bending the rules as much as possible or getting a rise out of the TM+assistant. Like Rhod Gilbert but with less antagonism.

Petra is in the loophole-user category because she is smart, and I think her second-language skills would help her here. She’d read instructions and interpret them as the Rules as Written, not Rules as Intended, which comes in handy in this game.

I haven't played Scarlet Blaze yet, so admittedly I had to make an educated guess on Monica based on content I've seen at a glance and fandom reactions to her.

Lysithea is ambitious in schoolwork and stuff that matters, but I think for something this nonsensical, she’d just do the task to get it over with. That is assuming she shows up at all.

I was torn with Sylvain because he is the type to show off, but since this is something that ultimately does not matter, he doesn’t want to try hard, fail, and look like an idiot doing something stupid like Felix or His Highness, so I think he’d just be in it for a good time. He occasionally wins without even trying, which absolutely infuriates Felix, who says he does not care (he does care).

For Felix himself I swung between “overly competitive,” “just does the task,” and “doesn't give a fuck.” But I think he's competitive only in certain things (he wouldn't get bent out of shape if he can't draw a horse with his feet), and I think he is too passionate a person to put in no effort at all. For most tasks I think he'd fall somewhere in the middle in terms of effort, thinking this is all stupid but still privately kind of wanting to do well.

SUBCATEGORIES

Subcategory 1: “Does the tasks while wearing a unique/weird Taskmaster outfit” includes Sylvain, Caspar, Hilda, Flayn (Seteth helped her make it), and all the house leaders. Dimitri and Edelgard got convinced into wearing one by their class. Claude was down to wear one immediately.

Subcategory 2: “Does good on the art tasks and nothing else” includes Ignatz, Flayn, and Bernadetta

PRIZE TASK IDEAS

I see Claude making a running gag out of his prize tasks, like something that embarrasses Edelgard or Dimitri every single round but it's always a tossup who it'll be. Like for "bring in the thing someone will miss the most," he'd bring in all of Dimitri's left shoes. Claude would also bring in the Sword of the Creator for "most high-octane item" and it's unclear whether he stole it or Byleth lent it to him because she thought it'd be funny.

Caspar would get a tattoo of the Taskmaster.

Raphael brings in the grilled cheese/cheese toastie box for "best subscription."

Hilda would be a big-time bullshitter like Judi Love trying to talk up all of her prize tasks.

Petra would bring in a reindeer skull for "most unusual item."

Hubert would find some way to bring in human blood in every task.

In a shocking turn of events, Ashe would steal the Spear of Assal for his "best stolen item."

Leonie is responsible for the "And I haggled for it" running joke, but it's unintentional.

Someone like Edelgard, Dedue, or maybe Ignatz would bring in the puzzle box, I'm not entirely sure who, but what I DO know is that Sylvain is responsible for "Just open the box, you p***y" and Byleth calmly stands, motions him over, and pulls him outside to chastise him while the entire class watches in disbelief/horror.

Ingrid brings in the laminator. It's by far her proudest moment in the competition.

MISC NOTES

Edelgard would be like Victoria Coren Mitchell: She'd keep trying to apply reason to the tasks, with mixed results, but on certain things (that may or may not even help her in the competition) I think she'd shine. Like when Victoria calculated everyone's scores in her head before Alex and Greg did, or when she taught herself how to ride a bike on camera just to complete the task.

Dimitri would just try to have a good time, but the assistant would need so many extra props because he'd end up breaking a lot of the materials. He would do excellent on all the food tasks though. In "Eat this egg the fastest" he'd just break it on the counter and swallow it raw.

Claude would get caught out by the two-part tasks every time because he'd try to be so clever working on Part 1 that it'd end up fucking him over. He'd make the obscenely tall chocolate sandwich for "make the most exotic sandwich" only for the second task to say he now has to eat all of it as fast as possible.

Felix mockingly saying "All the information is on the task" becomes a meme. Most of his tasks are crumpled from all the times he's clenched his fist in anger.

Leonie + Hilda on a team = Ed Gamble + David Baddiel. "Can I just check, have I been put on a team with Hilda Valentine Goneril?"

Solo tasks: The TM would probably want to give all the house leaders unique tasks, e.g. making Edelgard count all the beans in a can or Dimitri send him 500 cheeky texts. But I think Felix, Ferdinand, Hilda, Sylvain, or Lorenz getting extra tasks would be best for entertainment value. I think Felix is the only one who might be a sore loser about it, but god it'd be funny (even Lorenz might laugh it off if he sees it ~endears him to the public~ or something).

#fire emblem #fe3h #few3h #taskmaster #idk what to tag this #i can't believe i spent so much time on it

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kylesvariouslistsandstuff · 8 months

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7 to 7: The Scrapped Pixar Originals of the '10s

The other day, I was revisiting the concept art of the cancelled Pixar picture NEWT.

NEWT, as many would know, was going to be an adventure story about newts. Little amphibians that kinda look like lizards. Two blue-footed newts, the last of their endangered species, a guy and a gal. They have to mate to save their species. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? The Blue Sky film RIO did this story, but with blue macaws.

NEWT was announced by Disney Pictures and Pixar in April 2008, then penciled in for a summer 2011 debut. This would've been the feature to succeed TOY STORY 3 on the release schedule, and coincidentally, this was the year RIO opened. It was pushed back months after its unveiling, as it played musical chairs with CARS 2, formerly a summer 2012 release. And then as time passed, NEWT was without a release date...

If you frequented the corners I did in the early 2010s, you would've known NEWT was dead before Pixar said so. Floyd Norman, who needs no introduction, casually let it slip in a reply section in early 2010... And then a few months later, Pixar officially announced that NEWT was cancelled... Unprecedented, in a way... An original movie, previously announced, was no longer moving forward. They then proceeded to dump a ton of concept art for the movie... The other remnants of the movie are merely small Easter eggs seen in TOY STORY 3 and BRAVE.

Many seem to believe that NEWT was scrapped by Pixar brass because of its similarities to RIO, and that they wanted to avoid another ANTZ vs. A BUG'S LIFE situation... But given how many other similar animated movies have opened near each other, I never bought that. ANTZ vs. A BUG'S LIFE was its own unique case, while almost every other similar-movie situation was really just coincidence. NEWT and RIO were no different. (This of course applies to big studio movies, *not* cash-in mockbuster shovelware like those Video Brinquedo movies.)

The real reason is more fascinating. Former Pixar president Ed Catmull stated in 2014 that they had first removed director Gary Rydstrom from NEWT, and then gave it to Pete Docter (current CCO), fresh off of directing Oscar winner UP. Docter showed them an idea he had been working on the previous summer, and they decided to go with that movie instead, leaving NEWT to collect dust. What was that idea? INSIDE OUT...

A rare instance where an animated movie outright replaced another one in development, because most of the time in these big studios... That never actually happens. For example: Sony Animation did not jettison Genndy Tartakovsky's POPEYE movie in favor of THE EMOJI MOVIE. Tartakovsky's take on the classic sailor was openly disliked by top Sony brass at the time, such as Amy Pascal, and he was off the movie by the end of 2014. The studio wanted to make a POPEYE movie, but under another director, as Genndy went and focused on HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2. THE EMOJI MOVIE was thought up by animation vet Tony Leondis on his own, and three studios got in a bidding war over his concept, Sony being the winner... And that was some time in mid-2015. So, no correlation. I think a lot of animation fans were simply upset that they cancelled Genndy's POPEYE, but saw EMOJI MOVIE through to completion. That's not the same as putting two separate movies on a table, and voting on which one to go through with.

Anyways, back on track. NEWT. Not cancelled because of similarities to RIO, cancelled because it seemed like no one wanted to make this picture. I found it kind of bizarre that Pixar, which was being run by John Lasseter at the time, didn't hand it to someone else after Docter pitched INSIDE OUT. I get the sense that he hated it, and just wanted it off the runway. Either that, or it was perceived as a standard talking animals adventure and not the usual "what-if" stuff that Lasseter's Pixar tended to favor. For whatever reason, it's a shame, because this is a movie I'd like to see happen. Who knows, maybe Docter - given that he doesn't run Pixar like Lasseter - could let either Rydstrom return or give someone else a fair shot with the concept. Maybe it can be turned into a short film or a Disney+ special/featurette... Who the heck knows!

Pixar released only four original features in the 2010s, which were BRAVE, INSIDE OUT, THE GOOD DINOSAUR, and COCO. Four original movies, against seven sequels. NEWT being made would've definitely brought things a little closer... But that wasn't the only picture that got put on ice during this tumultuous decade under a Lasseter who was letting all that leadership (not just Pixar, but also Disney Animation, Disneytoon, and various parks positions) get to his head...

Around 2010, Henry Selick and his CinderBiter Studio struck an ambitious collaboration with Pixar to bring out the studio's first stop-motion film, and their first feature co-production at that. First known as SHADEMAKER, THE SHADOW KING got very far in production. Lasseter, however, aggressively micromanaged the picture and imposed all of these changes on Selick, ballooning the budget. The picture was aiming for an October 2013 release, but after a change in leadership for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (this is when we went from the inexperienced Rich Ross to former Warner exec Alan Horn), and no faith in Tim Burton's then-upcoming stop-motion pic FRANKENWEENIE, THE SHADOW KING was cancelled and all the props and hard work done on the film were destroyed. Workprint footage still exists, and Selick was allowed to shop the concept/script to other studios.

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So that would've been 6 original films. Heck, Selick could've even adapted Neil Gaiman's THE GRAVEYARD BOOK for Pixar, so we could've had 7 non-sequel movies *and* Pixar's first feature film to be an adaptation of pre-existing source material. (Prior to this, two stories by William Joyce - THE LEAF MEN AND THE BRAVE GOOD BUGS, and DINOSAUR BOB - were in consideration for the Pixar feature treatment. The former was eventually made at Blue Sky and titled EPIC.)

Lastly, to my knowledge, there's an eighth film... A film we know little about, that was to be directed by Pixar long-timer and Brad Bird collaborator Teddy Newton and written by Derek Connelly (a regular collaborator w/ Colin Trevorrow), a film some news sites talked about in late 2012... But not Pixar themselves. Something that was said to be a little edgier than the usual Pixar fare. Someone I know, who attended an event where Newton was present, learned that this was the case... And that it ultimately didn't make it because of how edgy it was. With the way they made it sound, that could've possibly been Pixar's first PG-13 film.

Speaking of PG-13, one of BRAVE's directors wanted to be the one to make Pixar's first "adult" movie. That was Mark Andrews, the person who essentially "finished" the movie that originator Brenda Chapman had started and had been kicked off of. Andrews had an original sci-fi film lined up at Pixar as far back as early 2012, when BRAVE was in the final lap of production... But eventually, it fell to the wayside and Andrews apparently left Pixar. That film likely would've been an early 2020s release, I reckon.

With all that, there is an alternate history where Pixar balanced out the flood of sequels that dominated their 2010s. Of course, those particular sequels existing is rooted in some *very* convoluted and sometimes legal stuff, which explains why we got at least three of those movies. That's another story for another day, and I've talked about that extensively in the past... But, it's interesting to note that a lot of originals were in some form of development during that decade, but sadly didn't make the cut... This all coincided in a decade where the sequels all flooded out, leading some people to think "Has Pixar sold out? Are they just a sequel factory now? Did Disney gut them of their soul?"

The reality of the situation is usually boring-er than that. Lasseter didn't greenlight some originals and outright pulled the plug on other ones, and Pixar's original contract with Disney didn't allow for sequels...

However, under its current leadership, Pixar could very well dust off an idea that may not have made it in the past, and could try again with it... That's not the first time that's happened. WALL-E is a great example of this, it was born out of an unmade movie called TRASH PLANET that was in development during the mid-to-late 1990s. It even went back and forth between Pete Docter and its eventual director, Andrew Stanton. By 2000, Stanton ended up pitching another idea he had been kicking around for some time, FINDING NEMO... but by the time NEMO was nearing completion in early 2003, Stanton revisited the robot... And WALL-E was his next picture...

Sometimes these things can be saved...

Wouldn't it be kinda mindblowing if we had heard that NEWT was back and was going to be one of the studio's 2025-2026 releases? I'd be delightfully surprised.

Anyways, that's some fun facts stuff I wanted to share.

Here's a list of a Pixar 2010s that could've been:

TOY STORY 3

NEWT

BRAVE

CARS 2

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

THE SHADOW KING

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

INSIDE OUT

FINDING DORY

UNTITLED TEDDY NEWTON FILM

UNTITLED MARK ANDREWS FILM

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

CARS 3

INCREDIBLES 2

TOY STORY 4

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