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straighttohellbuddy · 3 years

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📓 !!

Okay im so excited please know I think about How The Light Gets In's world every day still, and so anyways here is a side story I want to write but there's a lot of set up regarding the reader and eef becoming friends again. For context, they were incredibly close around 2014-2017, but people were getting creepy and invasive and demanding about their friendship (think 2012 toxic side of the Phandom, if that makes sense), and a lot of the reader's relationships were strained at that time because while they had been successful before, they were absolutely blowing up after their first album released and they became far more mainstream. They felt like they were bothering the people they had become closest to, both because they're worried that they're a bother, and because gossip rags and paps would harrass their friends looking for a scoop, and so they ended up just completely cutting off contact without warning one day right before they went on their first tour. the start of HTLGI is about 3 years since they'd been in proper contact with any of the creators they were close to at that time.

DON'T LOOK AT ME on their 2017 ep Hyperfocus was a more general song in response to everything that had been happening in their life around that time, with a focus on how they stop associating with anyone for a while, without outright addressing it, but on their latest album n o s t a l g i a, read at 5am ft. Troye was specifically written at the start of quarantine, when the reader was getting back into YouTube, about their feelings regarding how their friendship with ethan ended, as they spent a lot of this time looking back of their YouTube career, and he was the person they were closest to for a very long time, before they iced everyone out.

OKAY SO THERES MORE OF THE BACKGROUND OF THE WHOLE FIC AND THE READER BUT

Werewolf Ethan & Mark. I'm sorry I don't make the rules. They have golden retriever energy you cannot change my mind. But also because this is the HTLGI you know that supernatural characteristics are able to be activated rather than just triggered by the full moon. What I'm trying to say is since this is set in the year of Unus Annus, they film a video together that's like, you know that show where a person has to try and outwit a professional tracker? Except its the reader being tracked by two werewolves at night in a national park. Reader is wearing some sort of night vision camera on themselves so whenever it cuts to them the audience can't actually see how they're using their powers, if that makes sense.

Also the reader agreed to this knowing it would probably be when they ended up telling Mark and Ethan about them being a demon.

Video is titled Hunting Down An Old Friend

A few Moments that the boys edit out:

The reader using their stupidly sharp prehensile tail to swing from tree branches, though they leave in shots where the reader's tail can't be seen.

Knowing that with the werewolves having advanced hearing, the reader would give themselves away by talking to the camera, they take a few minutes having flown up to a high tree branch, to pull out a notebook and do a little sketch of how Mark and Ethan appear in their Demon True Sight, and holding it up to their camera.

Werewolves being one of the animals who can kind of sense demons without being able to identify them, essentially like dogs can sense natural disasters and are often good judges of character, this can be heightened on command for werewolves. There's about 15 minutes of footage cut out of the boys discussing or mentioning how this place has awful vibes and that they should have done this during the day. It gets worse as they get closer to the reader, who didn't realise that the boys hadn't thought to ever use that particular power around them before.

("I say this with so much love and appreciation for you, dude," Ethan yells, looking up at you from the base of the tree they'd finally found you in, "but I- this is making me anxious I feel like something terrible's gonna happen, and we should probably get out of here and film the rest of the video back at Mark's." And behind him, Mark's nodding, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, eyes scanning the trees for whatever was most likely the cause of this terrible impending doom.

Oh. It's you. And they don't know its you.

Now or never, you suppose.

"Can you cut the cameras for a second? You're going to be fine I promise," you called back, and though they obligingly did, they both seemed antsy. You cleared your throat awkwardly, "that... that terrible feeling, that's not the park or anything in it- well I mean, it is, but it's just- it's me."

and later

"Dude your wings smell like rotten eggs."

"To YOU Ethan! And no they don't!"

"If it makes you feel better they smell like burning and rotten eggs."

"It does not."

(for reference, when enhancing their sense of smell werewolves can kind of distinguish various supernatural creatures, or parts of supernatural creatures. Some creatures have an inherent scent, but some, like angels and demons, only have distinct scents when they've activated certain attributesor abilities; demon wings smell like fire and brimstone, which unfortunately means burning and rotten eggs. I like to think angels wings are like the love potion in Harry Potter that smells like the things you love the most. Mark and Ethan usually don't enhance it around each other because they smell like wet dog to the other)

This gets about 2k notes on tumblr. The reader likes it:

Ethan finally finding Y/N at the end of Hunting Down An Old Friend (2020) Colourised.

Other things to note regarding all this:

It takes a while to rebuild their friendship to the point where they're comfortable enough to be on camera together (eef and reader specifically).

However, the Unus Annus video is the first thing they properly do together, and the reader, in an effort to connect more and make up for the past, will join in multiplayer gaming streams if asked.

Impromptu duet in proximity Among Us of Young Volcanoes by Fall Out Boy, which has their respective chats and fandoms losing their minds, except it stops abruptly after the first chorus as they both remember the opening lines of the second verse (make it easy, say I never mattered -- those lyrics hit a little too close to home)

But also the reader convinces him to join him for a proper cover in like, February of 2021, and it's something deeply sappy (I'm thinking Bon Iver by mxmtoon because I think its sweet and fits them well)

Also Ethan being reminded that the reader is kind of a much bigger deal than when they'd been friends before.

designed to hurt (touch me) from their ep Working On It is nominated for a Grammy for Track of the Year, and n o s t a l g i a wins Best Pop Album (because it's my fic and I said so)

FIRST OF ALL designed to hurt (touch me) is a beautifully produced song about Corpse (which people do not know) and the title itself is literally making fun of something he said IMAGINE his reaction to it being Grammy Nominated 😂😂😂 God he'd be proud but lowkey fuming, meanwhile the moment the nominations are announced the reader tweets:

me: here is an album where I processed my entire world view including heartfelt explorations of the trauma of existing and oversharing in the public eye from a young age without the traditional barrier between audience and entertainer

the grammys: that's cute BUT you know the song you wrote to bully your boyfriend and also be horny on main for him before you guys were even dating? THAT deserves its own recognition.

meanwhile Ethan's like..... this is the same person who I filmed a video with playing cards against humanity, and you laughed so hard you almost threw up. I am very proud but deeply confused.

The Hot Meme of Late April 2021 is "2 time Grammy Award Winning Artist Y/N" with a gif, still, or quote from the reader where they're just being an absolute chaos gremlin.

Of course we have "If I bleached my asshole for charity I'd do it tastefully."

2 Time Grammy Award Winning Artist Y/N speaking to their actual boyfriend in the year of our lord 2020: You are being executed for Clown Crimes.

ethan posts a short video to twitter simply of his screen where he's renaming a folder from "Never Before Seen Images of Grammy Award Winning Artist Y/N" simply changing it to 2 time Artist. The reader responds specifically to his tweet with a video of themselves asking Google how to hard reset someone else's computer.

So many screenshots from old videos surface that week.

I miss this world. Sorry this is rambly!!

#shut ur pretty mouth #how the light gets in #corpse husband x reader #your local homosexual with no chill #htlgi

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quarantineandchillthings · 4 years

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THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

AHHHH the Vampire Diaries. This show has made my quarantine period so much better. This show took me by surprise. Seeing as TVD finished in 2017, I’m a little late to the party watching it in 2020, but honestly I didn’t think a vampire show was for me seeing as though I wasn’t the biggest fan of Twilight and I honestly thought it would be a little cringey. Well I was wrong, because this show quickly became one of my favourite teen dramas I have ever watched and all the hype around it made sense. I don’t know if it was the INSANELY hot cast or the storylines that had the ability of making me feel absolutely broken.

The Vampire Diaries starts off as a show about a normal teenager (or so we thought) Elena Gilbert, who meets a boy Stefan that she instantly has a connection with and his brother Damon, who happen to be Vampires. The thing I love about this show is that it evolves so much from that, even just in the first season. Now I can't possibly go through every storyline that was told in the 8 seasons of the show but I can say that most of them were so brilliant and always kept me watching. Stefan and Damon were two of my absolute favourite characters of course (as I assume they are most peoples) as you got to see their characters go through such a journey with not only Elena but with each other. Although the show focused so much on the love triangle, I enjoyed the storylines so much more when the brothers were working together. One of my favourite scenes has to be in season 6 when Damon comes back from the prison world, and Stefan unexpectedly reunites with his brother. I also absolutely LOVE the other main characters of the show, Caroline and Bonnie (of course there's so many more, but these two were consistently part of the main cast). Caroline is hands down my favourite character, and I think a lot of fans can agree. Although she started out to be an annoying, whiny character, when she turned into a vampire she became the most loveable. Now, Bonnie honestly carried the whole show if you think about it. Through every problem Bonnie always found a solution or at least had a huge part of the solution, not to mention bringing back so many of the “dead” characters. The Mikaelson family were also such a great addition to the show as well and really making season 2,3 and 4 so entertaining, but I will get into that more in my Originals post!

Some of my favourite episodes are:

Season 1 Episode 22: Founders Day - The episode that Kathrine arrives in mystic falls, with the epic scene where she cuts off John's fingers. “Hello John, Goodbye John” has got to be my favourite Kathrine quote ever.

Season 3 Episode 14: Dangerous Liaisons - This is the episode that the Mikaelson Ball occurs in, which is very iconic.

Season 6 Episode 21: I’ll Wed You in the Golden Summertime - Jo and Alaric’s wedding is one of the most hectic scenes in the whole series.

Season 8 Episode 16: I Was Feeling Epic - I’ve never cried so much at a series finale episode like I have with this one.

Although this show is one of my favourite shows to ever exist there are some things that I would’ve liked to have changed. First and foremost I wish that Enzo had never been killed (especially by Stefan) 😭😭. Bonnie deserved her happily ever after more than anyone else in the show and it sucked to not see her be happy in the end. Although I absolutely loved ‘The Originals’ show, I do wish there were more crossover episodes between the two shows because I loved how the dynamics changed when the Mikealsons joined the Salvatores and company. I also would’ve loved Elena to stay part of the show after season 6. I know this was because of Nina Dobrev's choice to leave the series however her character became less annoying just before she left it, I would've loved to see what would’ve happened if she stayed since she was the main character for the first 6 seasons. A minor change I would’ve enjoyed was to see closure between Jeremy and Bonnie's relationship. I also would’ve loved to see more of Lexi while she was alive, I know we did get a lot of flashbacks, however it would’ve been great to have seen more of her and Stefans friendship before Damon killed her. 😭

My post about ‘Friends’ discussed diversity in casting, this show could have also featured a bit more diversity. Now, of course Bonnie is of African American descent, however she was the only main cast member who was not caucasion. There were many guest stars, or minor roles who were people of colour, however I believe they could’ve added a bit more diversity to the cast. In saying this, the two spin off series that have come from The Vampire Diaries, ‘The Originals’ and ‘Legacies’, both have a very diverse cast, which is GREAT. A great article I found by Shannon Jeanna (check out her tumblr https://shannon-jeanna.tumblr.com/) goes into more detail about this matter: https://shannonjeanna.wordpress.com/2015/07/17/the-problematic-treatment-of-people-of-color-on-the-vampire-diaries/

FUN FACTS:

- Steven McQueen who plays Jeremy, Elena's YOUNGER brother, is actually older than Nina Dobrev, who plays Elena

- All the episode titles of Season 6 were dedicated to 90’s songs, because Bonnie and Damon were trapped in the prison world in the 90s

- In the book version of The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith and J. L. Miller, there were many more supernatural beings, such as angels

- Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder both directed multiple episodes of the later seasons of The Vampire Diaries

For more fun facts go to this article, written by Angela Stephanou - https://www.telltalesonline.com/14731/20-facts-the-vampire-diaries-sink-teeth-into/

Other projects that the cast of Vampire Diaries are involved in:

Nina Dobrev: ‘Lucky Day’ - Thriller Film

Ian Somerhalder - ‘V Wars’ - Netflix Series

Paul Wesley - ‘Tell Me A Story’ - CW Series

Candice King - Directionally Challenged Podcast with Kayla Ewell

Kat Graham - ‘Cut Throat City’ - Crime, Drama Film

Matthew Davis - ‘Legacies’ - CW Series

Michael Trevino - ‘Rosewell, New Mexico’ - CW Series

Michael Malarkey - ‘Project Blue Book’ - Sci Fi Series

Zach Roerig - ‘Dare Me’ - Netflix Series

How to keep up the actors and actresses of The Vampire Diaries:

Nina Dobrev -

https://www.instagram.com/nina/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/ninadobrev?lang=en

Ian Somerhalder -

https://www.instagram.com/iansomerhalder/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/iansomerhalder?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Paul Wesley -

https://www.instagram.com/paulwesley/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/paulwesley?lang=en

Candice King -

https://www.instagram.com/candiceking/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/CandiceAccola

Kat Graham -

https://www.instagram.com/katgraham/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/KatGraham

Matthew Davis -

https://www.instagram.com/immatthewdavis/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/ImMatthew_Davis

Michael Trevino -

https://www.instagram.com/michaeltrevino/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/Michael_Trevino

Michael Malarkey -

https://www.instagram.com/mkmalarkey/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/mkmalarkey

Zach Roerig -

https://www.instagram.com/zach_roerig/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/zach_roerig?lang=en

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gstqaobc · 4 years

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Hello, royal watchers and all those intrigued by what’s going on inside the House of Windsor. This is your biweekly dose of royal news and analysis.Reading this online?

Janet Davison

Royal Expert

Was it really another 'annus horribilis' for the Queen?

(Richard Pohle/Getty Images)

As 2019 draws to a close, there has been much chatter about whether the year has been another “annus horribilis” for Queen Elizabeth.

Along with the sordid, ongoing saga around Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the House of Windsor was buffeted by talk of potential rifts between Princes William and Harry and their wives.

Controversy also followed Harry and his wife, Meghan, over everything from privacy and secrecy to suggestions of hypocrisy when it comes to how environmentally friendly they might be. The Queen also found herself much closer to politics than usual as Brexit continued to convulse the U.K.

But does all that really rival 1992, when the Queen famously told a gathering marking her 40 years on the throne that it was an "annus horribilis?"

Maybe not.

“This past year has been challenging for the Royal Family, but on balance, its events haven't threatened the monarchy in the same way,” biographer Sally Bedell Smith, author of Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch, said via email.

In 1992, there was a litany of troubles. Andrew Morton’s book Diana: Her True Story “was devastating for Prince Charles — and by extension, his fitness as a future king,” said Smith, and Charles's separation from Diana was an “inevitable consequence.”

The marriages of his brother Andrew and sister Anne also imploded. And in November, fire devastated Windsor Castle, for which Elizabeth has a particular fondness.

That’s not to say, however, that 2019 didn’t have its troubles.

“The only parallel between 1992 and 2019 is Prince Andrew as a source of serious concern,” said Smith, with his involvement in the Epstein scandal staining his reputation.

“The Queen, backed by Prince Charles and Prince William, did the right thing by removing him from his public duties. He is now a ‘minor royal,’ well down the line of succession, so his departure from public life won't have as much impact as it would have in 1992, when he was preceded only by Charles, and his two young sons.”

The problems Andrew faces ”are pretty horrendous,” Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said via email.

“It is very sad for the Queen to see her favourite son being ridiculed and in such an unsavoury mess. But he is 60 in February and there is not much the Queen can do about it. He has to get himself out of the mess with as little damage to the [institution] of the monarchy as possible.”

And then there is the controversy that swirled throughout the year around Harry and Meghan.

“The bumps in their life as a royal couple — their antagonism toward the press, the resentment of their tendency to act more like celebrities than members of the Royal Family, the accusations of hypocrisy when they failed to practise what they were preaching — will presumably smooth out in 2020,” said Smith.

As much as there was controversy this year, there were also moments of hope and optimism.

Seward sees several “high notes” to 2019, including the arrival of Harry and Meghan’s first child, Archie; the wedding of the Queen’s “favourite great niece” Gabriella Windsor; and several “successful” high-profile royal tours. “William and Kate proved over and over again how suitable they are to lead the monarchy into the future.”

Smith expects that “to the degree that William and Harry have had a rift in their relationship over the past year, it seems likely that, too, will smooth out in 2020.”

Smith said the Queen continues “to be fit mentally and physically and can be expected to carry out her duties as long as she is able.”

Looking further down the road, Smith considers what might come in 2022, when the Queen will have been on the throne for 70 years.

“If she continues as she is now, there could be an unprecedented Platinum Jubilee celebration in the offing.”

Prince Philip in hospital

(Steve Parsons/The Associated Press)

Prince Philip was taken to hospital in London today for treatment of a pre-existing condition.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen’s 98-year-old husband was taken from her Sandringham estate, where he spends much of his time, to King Edward VII Hospital as a “precautionary measure.”

It’s the second time Philip, who retired from public duties in 2017, has been in hospital around Christmas. In 2011, he missed the Royal Family’s festive celebrations as he recovered from a successful coronary stent procedure.

The Telegraph reported today that it was understood Philip had been under the weather

“for some time”

and had developed a cold recently. He was not taken to hospital by ambulance, and the admission Friday had been planned.

Philip has been in hospital a few times in recent years, including in 2018 for hip replacement surgery. In 2013, he had exploratory abdominal surgery. The previous year, he missed portions of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations while he was treated for a bladder infection.

Philip was last seen in public in May, at the wedding of Gabriella Windsor.

While Philip was in hospital in London on Friday, the Queen was travelling in the other direction, taking the train to Norfolk to begin her Christmas break at Sandringham.

Keeping an eye on Christmas

(Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s a simple walk to church, but one that draws significant attention as observers look for who’s there — and who isn’t.

This year, the countryside stroll to St. Mary Magdalene church at the Sandringham estate on Christmas Day won’t feature two of the more high-profile members of the Royal Family.

Harry and Meghan have been taking a break from royal duties, and are celebrating Christmas with Meghan’s mother elsewhere. Last year, amid ongoing reports of potential strife between Kate and Meghan, as well as between William and Harry, their walk together to church drew more attention than other years.

Curiosity will also surround whether Prince Philip will be seen. He was taken to hospital in London on Friday morning, Buckingham Palace said.

There may also be two additions to the Christmas morning stroll. Some reports suggest William and Kate’s two elder children, Prince George, six, and Princess Charlotte, four, will join the annual walk for the first time.

Royally quotable

"Why can’t they go home?"

— Prince William recounts what George and Charlotte have said when they have seen homeless people. William made the comments

during a BBC Christmas specia

l, where he said he makes a point of discussing the struggles other people face as he drives the children to school.

Royals in Canada

(St. Felix Centre)

Brian Harris readily admits he “wasn’t really aware” of who Meghan Markle was when he met her about four years ago.

In her pre-royal days living in Toronto while working as an actor on the TV drama Suits, Meghan was dropping off turkeys for the Thanksgiving meal at the St. Felix Centre, a charity that offers support for homeless and vulnerable people.

But when Harris, the centre’s executive director, now sees a photo from her time volunteering at the centre, he remembers meeting her and recalls someone who was “very humble about the whole thing.”

“She tried to keep a pretty low profile because she wasn’t really trying to make it about herself.”

Things have gone very high-profile for the centre after Meghan and Harry featured it among 12 charities they highlighted on Instagram this month.

“She was just trying to do a good thing,” Harris said of Meghan’s time at the centre, “and so we were very impressed by that, and very appreciative of the fact that now that she has this much bigger platform, she’s still continuing to do good things.”

Harris said the royal recognition has enabled the organization to “reach a much wider audience” and it is “very flattered” to be included in the group of charities highlighted by Harry and Meghan.

“Their influence can’t be understated,” Harris said.

“They have such an enormous platform and such an enormous reach … depending on how deeply involved they get with a particular charity, it can be immensely life-altering for that organization.”

He said the centre’s next challenge, early in the new year, is seeing if Meghan might consider a return visit in 2020.

“We’ve been trying to plant that seed that if her and Harry, or even just her … happen to be back on this side of the pond any time soon, that we would love to have them pop by for a visit and see the impact of their activities over the last few months.”

Royal reads

1. Emily Maitlis, the BBC journalist who conducted the interview with Prince Andrew over his friendship with Epstein,

shares secrets

regarding that “hour of surreal television.” [The Guardian]

2. Camilla

shared the holiday spirit

with a group of seriously ill children as they helped decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House. [The Telegraph]

3. The latest season of The Crown has Queen Elizabeth hearing rumours that the prime minister of the day — Harold Wilson — was secretly a Soviet spy. Did MI5

really think that was the case

? [BBC]

4. Police surveillance files gathered

about a goddaughter of Queen Victoria

will go on display next year as part of a display looking at the history of the fight for women’s rights. [The Guardian]

A festive note: The Royal Fascinator will take a break over Christmas and return to your inboxes on Jan. 10. Have a happy holiday.

Cheers!

I’m always happy to hear from you. Send your ideas, comments, feedback and notes to

[email protected]

. Problems with the newsletter? Please let me know about any typos, errors or glitches.

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lostsummerdayz · 4 years

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Death Note One-Shot Chapter Review

“AH! SHINIGAMI!” But in 2020!

By: Nay Holland

Death Note started off as a manga and anime series that joined others in its ilk during the 2000s renaissance. This was the time period that brought us many herald classics such as Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Inuyasha, Full Metal Alchemist, and Gurren Lagann. I can spend the entire time naming at least ten other series that would either go on to have devoted fans over a decade later or continue in some form. Of course Naruto lives on through Boruto, rumors of a Bleach revival are on the way, and One Piece is, well, never ending at this point.

However, among the “Roaring 00s” of anime, Death Note always stood out to me. While I was invested in Naruto since middle school, I hadn’t touched Death Note until my high school years. During this time, the series was still popular, yet it always seemed overshadowed by the other bigger names. Despite this, it remains a huge hit in Japan with several live action movies, a prequel light novel, several dramas, and a TV series.

Of course, there was also the Netflix Original film which was an attempt to “Americanize” the series, for whatever reason. Back in 2017 it was a talking point, mostly how it didn’t live up to the source material presented. Nowadays, no one really talks about it and it is probably for the best.

While Death Note is considered a cult classic in both the East and the West, it is no surprise that content is still being created to this day. The surprise factor stems from the unexpectant delivery of said content. On February 3rd 2020, the creators behind Death Note, author Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata, revisited the world that Kira left behind in a one-shot published by Viz Media.

While you don’t need to read the original manga to read the one-shot, the one-shot will assume you know the original source as many existing characters, themes, and events from the original manga are all featured within the chapter. That said, it will greatly enhance the experience if you know the source material. Past this point there will be spoilers on the original manga and the one-shot chapter as I’ll be referring to both.

This isn’t the first “one-shot” within the Death Note universe. The first official one-shot dates as far back as 2008, two years after the original series was completed. Set three years after Kira’s death, this one-shot focused on a new “Kira.” This “Kira” has access to the Death Note via a shinigami (who wasn’t Ryuk) and used it to murder those who had a low life expectancy. However, the new “L,” formerly known as Near, quickly shuts his antics down. The new “Kira” then uses the Death Note to kill himself and the shinigami retrieve the book.

Before we can discuss the latest one-shot, we first have to discuss Takeshi Obata’s art exhibit that was held in the Summer of 2019; Never Complete.

Never Complete was an art exhibit celebrating Obata’s thirty-years as a manga artist. Within the exhibit, many of his previous works from Hikaru no Go, Bakuman, Death Note, and the latest ongoing series, Platinum End were all on display.

Bonus content which included first drafts of illustrations, were also featured. Among the bonus content, the most peculiar one was a storyboard draft of the 87-page one-shot. The storyboard draft can be seen and read in almost its entirety on the official Shonen Jump Plus website. Six months later, we have an official release in both Japanese and English. The official English translation can be viewed here.

Our story begins right where the previous one-shot left off. The shinigami who wasn’t Ryuk, gives Ryuk back the Death Note, claiming he was unsuccessful while also giving him an apple as an offering. Being bored of the shinigami world as well as a craving for more apples, Ryuk sets off to see who could be the successor of the Death Note. If it entails free apples, Ryuk ain’t complaining.

We then get to meet a young Minoru Tanaka, a middle schooler who is known for having the highest test grades in the region. When Ryuk introduces himself to Tanaka, the only thing Ryuk knows is that Tanaka is smart in school, comparing Minoru Tanaka to Light Yagami’s aptitude in school.

However, his actual grades are mediocre at best. This already contrasts Light who was a certified genius both in tests as well as grades. As Tanaka explains that his ability to score high on tests are dependent on his knowledge of IQ tests and quizzes, he bemoans that adults who see grades yet fail to see the bigger picture are no better.

As Tanaka holds the Death Note in his hand, all he knows is that it was once Kira’s. It is during this scene that we learn the state of Tokyo after Kira’s death, ten years later. Yagami’s legacy lives on as he is taught in schools around Tokyo. Tanaka exclaims that he was taught about him in Ethics class and in World History class, both of whom consider him to be an evil mass-murdering sociopath that placed Tokyo on the brink of destruction.

There’s just one problem with holding the single most powerful and dangerous weapon in the world. What good is a Death Note if you can’t even read its instructions?

While this wasn’t a problem for Light as he was a genius who understood fluent English and Japanese, here was a middle schooler who struggled with English. He asks Ryuk to translate the English into Japanese, just so that he can understand how to use it.

However, while not as academically bright as Light, Minoru is more logical with his approach. He understands how the Death Note was used in the past. The major difference between the past and the present are the increase in security measures to ensure a repeat of what happened doesn’t transpire again. When Ryuk asks if Minoru can use the Death Note the same way that Kira did, Minoru hesitates.

Knowing the state of Tokyo right now as well as knowing the history of Kira and the Death Note, he has no interest or intentions of using the Death Note for similar deeds. Here lies a normal child who excels at critical thinking who has the opportunity of a lifetime.

Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. He also can’t risk the book falling into the hands of someone else who would use the book for the same reasons Kira did, or worse. So he does the one thing that he could do in this situation. He buys himself two years of time. He tells Ryuk to come back to him in two years, while asking him two critical questions.

The first question he asks is if it was possible for those who touched the notebook to still see Ryuk. This would involve the former Investigation Team and Near, who brought Kira to justice.

The second question was how far can Ryuk move around without being close to Minoru. This comes into play two years later when Minoru decides to ultimately sell the Death Note.

That’s right. He sells the Death Note.

But not just to anyone, especially not via Craigslist either.

Conveniently, the TV broadcast station is close by Tanaka’s house. With a pen and paper he tells Ryuk to write a message that will incur interest without actually having to directly contact Tanaka himself. Since the net and all of its usage can be easily tracked, using the TV to broadcast the message provides a safe approach for Tanaka to cover his trail. Rather, you can’t cover a trail you never create.

Conversely, those who had seen Ryuk from ten years ago, were able to see Ryuk on television. This introduces several key characters from the original series into the one-shot. The first is Matsuda, who is every bit as hot headed and foolishly passionate in the present as he was in the past.

The second, is L.

Not the L we know, but, the current L. Near.

Fragments of the iconic “L vs Kira” fight start to show over the next few pages as the bids for the Death Note reaches into the trillions and L continuously wondering how things are playing out. He understands that the “Auction Kira” or “A-Kira” is playing a very cautious game, but fails to see the endgame.

As the bid for the Death Note reaches record highs, it is revealed that the two nations bidding for the Death Note are none other than…

...The United States of America…

...And China….

Despite two of the largest world leaders in the hot seat bidding on the Death Note, Minoru is unphased. In the end, the USA wins the auction. At this point, Near awaits to figure out just how “A-Kira” is going to attain the money. Thinking this through, Minoru demands payment in such a way that it is almost impossible to be tracked down.

Within this time period, it is enough for Tanaka to relinquish ownership of the Death Note, forget he had it, and live a peaceful life along with millions of others in Japan. Given the circumstances and how millions will have access to such money, as well as the owner of the Death Note forgetting he had the Death Note, Near backs off, admitting defeat.

There is one fatal flaw to Tanaka’s entire plan and it was a flaw that would lead to his death.

Turns out Tanaka was so smart that not only did he outsmart the smartest human alive, but he also outsmarted the Shinigami King himself. Shortly before the Death Note was relinquished, the King ordered Ryuk to write a new rule within the Death Note. The rule being this.

With even the Shinigami King being upset that the Death Note was allowed to be sold to another, this new rule ensured that Tanaka was going to die a month from now. The president, however, chose to relinquish ownership, but declares that he has the power of Kira to herald his power over everyone else.

So, as stated in the new ruling of the Death Note, Tanaka’s name was written in Ryuk’s Death Note as soon as he received the money and the chapter ends on that note.

The first thing I want to mention is that Tanaka was too smart for his own good. Kira’s downfall was that his God complex forced him to become disillusioned. Tanaka’s downfall was the complete opposite. He felt his plan was entirely foolproof without taking into the variable of the shinigami lowballing him.

This reminded me of the time when Rem declared that she would kill Light if he ever caused the death or harm of Misa. At this point this was Light’s first interaction with another shinigami. Knowing who Rem was and the type of person she was, he was able to manipulate her to his livelihood by sacrificing herself. Tanaka never got to see the Shinigami King himself, and the King made sure of it.

Tanaka not only never met another shinigami so he could understand how they would behave, but he also never met Near---I mean L. I gotta stop calling him Near.

He never got to meet L, he never got to meet the investigation team. All of Tanaka’s actions were met through the safety of his room. This was beneficial as he was able to cover his tracks, but it proved his downfall as he followed a plan from start to finish without thinking of the variables.

The moment Tanaka relinquished ownership, his fate was sealed. Tanaka wouldn’t have known about the rule change and it wouldn’t be up to Ryuk to remind him. Ryuk is many things, but Ryuk is a shinigami of his words.

It’s because of Ryuk being a shinigami of his word that proved to be fatal to Light as well. From the beginning of Light’s reign into Kira, Ryuk promised that if Light were to ever put himself in a situation where Light would die, Ryuk would write his name in the Death Note.

Ryuk never had the chance to warn Tanaka about the rule change as he was told never to show his face again. Thus, Tanaka died oblivious to anything that he had done, unlike Light who died knowing all of the things he’d done.

The final thing I want to reflect upon is the concept of legacy. Throughout the chapter we’re told about the lasting impression Kira had on not just Japan, but the entire world. It was this legacy that spurred the interest of ownership of the Death Note to begin with. Even if the Death Note was never used, the fact that it could be used to incite fear and dominance among one’s nation and the world is enough for anyone in a position of power.

The caveat of covering your path is that no one knows your name. This was the entire point of Tanaka’s ownership of the Death Note. He wanted to get rid of it while also making a profit off of it. If all of Japan would reap the benefits of the Death Note, then it was just a bonus.

His mother wouldn’t struggle, his family wouldn’t struggle, everyone would be set for life. This one child single-handedly caused an entire economic bubble and yet his legacy would be left behind with no one knowing who he was.

If you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend giving this a read. In fact it makes me want to revisit the series one more time. It was nice seeing how my old favorites were doing ten years later, both literally and within universe. It was also a good read that, much like the original Death Note, left a lot to think about as far as current events.

The timing of the release of this chapter, the realistic physical details of the world leaders for USA and China, and the themes shared within the chapter are non-coincidental I believe. While a Death Note is obviously fantasy, it reads itself like a parody of modern-day politics. A caricature of the lengths those in power would go to obtain a destructive instrument used for intimidation purposes.

Unfortunately, even if you do everything in your power to just live a peaceful life, in the words of Ryuk…

#death note #death note one shot #ryuk #kira #light yagami #minoru tanaka #l #near #manga #anime #review

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imaginationlane · 6 years

Text

The Assistant [Part 4 of ? // Bill Skarsgard x Reader Imagine]

Warnings: Adult Language, Adult Themes, Sexual Situations / Smut

Need to catch up on previous chapters? Click here.

[As always, please ignore any typos, errors and so forth as I generally catch any that I miss -- after publication. Therefore I’ll fix them as time progresses.]

Musical Inspiration: Delicate by: T. Swift [I’m trying to avoid getting this site flagged because she is way too serious about streaming sites right now lol.]

Another song that ended up becoming a good inspiration for this chapter is Lonely Together (Acoustic Version) by: Avicil & Rita Ora.

Original Chapter Posted On: December 10, 2017 Newly Edited & Revised Chapter Posted On: September 10, 2020

Summary:

A night out on the town for a few drinks, was all I had signed up for. But in reality… I got way more than I had ever bargained for when my boss and close personal friend, Bill Skarsgard, asked me to join him during a wrap party that the crew was hosting that night. In hindsight, I should have seen this coming. After all, we were both having issues in our own respective relationships and for some reason, we had found it easier to just confide in each other – rather than in our own significant others. Yet in the end, do the reasons ever truly matter when you begin an affair with your friend who also happens to be your boss? I often ask myself just how selfish could we be; he and I? The answer is: we’re completely selfish and neither of us really cares if this secret burns us alive – because it’s within each other, that we have finally found the things we had been looking for the whole time…

September 15, 2013 --

Champagne flowed freely and classical piano music played in the background as people happily mingled amongst one another. Well, everyone except for me that is. Instead, I sat at the bar and continued to play with my drinking glass. My father was proudly hosting a party for one of our models, Olivia Moore, who had just gotten signed to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this year.

When I considered the astounding implications of my surroundings, I was forced to admit that I was in vastly strange and unforgiving territory. I had went to school for four years to earn my degree in Communications, while this chick had nothing more than a high school diploma and was excelling further in life than I could ever hope to. The thought alone was depressing as hell.

Upon graduating earlier this year from NYU, my folks had gifted me with a 1.8 million dollar condo in the city in hopes that I would be the sibling that stayed behind and came into the family business. After all, when your parents run one of the most sought-after modeling and talent agencies on the east coast of the United States, The Frankford Talent Institute, they clearly had high hopes that I would eventually want to join in the family business at some point. It was only natural really. However, I wanted to build a life for myself and find my own success, which was why I informed them that I had dreams and aspirations of being able to take my degree into the media industry. Or perhaps even work my way up as a Director of Communications for a well-known company that was doing some good in the world. Of course, I could tell they were slightly let down by the revelation, but they decided to support me regardless.

After three months of endless application processes, I was soon faced with the reality that not one single office in the city I had applied to had even called me back for an interview. With the economy trying to recover, I quickly discovered that trying to get in with one of these companies was going to be next to impossible unless I knew someone who worked in any of these places. As my savings started to dwindle into the red, I came to grips with the fact that I had to shelve that dream and ultimately take my parents up on their employment offer. They were ecstatic with my change of heart while I, on the other hand, had to gently remind them that me coming on-board was only temporary, as I did want to build my own life and career at some point.

Now here I was, sipping on pink champagne at the bar and watching my new boss, Olivia, mingle around and put herself out there with other talent scouts that had been invited to the party. Upon arriving within the company, my dad immediately placed me as Olivia's assistant. My job? Keep her on time for all of her appointments, handle her scheduling needs, and most importantly of all, keep her happy. I soon found out, however, that Olivia was almost next to impossible to please. In fact, I was sitting here feeling like a cheap prostitute, thanks to her insisting that I wear this incredibly short black dress, because in her words, "my assistant has to look at least halfway decent if she's going to appear with me in public."

Fuck my life.

This dress was so short, I texted my father prior to us arriving tonight simply to apologize for how I would look and inform him that Olivia was making me wear it. Luckily, my dad was a patient person who understood that sometimes the talent we acquired had outlandish requests for us once in a while.

It was enough to make me feel like jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, to be honest.

"You look ready to throw yourself off the balcony and give everyone the finger while you do it," a voice suddenly spoke out from behind me, startling me out of my daze.

I swiveled my seat around in hopes of figuring out who had exposed my master plan so carelessly in public. Yet when I finally looked up and into his eyes, I wasn't exactly prepared for how insanely gorgeous this stranger was.

Oh, holy shit... Hello, handsome.

"How rude. Don't you know it's terrible manners to expose people's plans so publicly? Now I have to come up with a new idea. I smiled back at him, watching as a smirk lit up the features on his handsome face.

His hand extended outwards, waiting for me to take it. After a brief moment, I set my glass back down on the bar and grasped his larger hand within my own.

“I’m Bill, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Y/N, and it’s nice to meet you too.”

Bill's head tilted towards the side slightly, almost as if he were trying to put a puzzle together inside of his mind. "Y/N? You wouldn't happen to be related to the guy whose company is throwing this get together, would you?"

Momentarily, I closed my eyes and bit my lip nervously as I allowed my hand to slip away from his.

"Mister Julius Y/L/N happens to be my father, and our new Victoria's Secret model, Miss Olivia Moore, just so happens to be my boss. I'm her assistant, I explained whilst slowly reaching for my glass on top of the bar.

After I finished taking a sip of the bubbly liquid, I set my glass back down once again before I refocused my attention back to him.

"If you're looking to network with someone truly important, you might want to try my dad. Otherwise, you're barking up the wrong tree as I can't help you with much of anything else," I warned him playfully, hoping he would get the hint that I wasn't anyone he should waste his time with.

A chuckle escaped his lips, and his delightfully green eyes landed solely upon mine. "It's a good thing I wasn't looking to mingle with anyone truly important then," he replied with a wink.

My laughter bubbled to the surface, as I shook my head at his poor attempt at possible flirting.

“That was terrible!”

His smile grew into larger than life proportions as he took in my reaction.

“Was it?”

“Absolutely.”

August 25, 2016 -- Present:

My eyelids fluttered open, bringing me back to reality. It had been a while since I had dreamt about that fateful meeting between Bill and I. It also left me wondering how the hell I had missed some of the most obvious signs from our past.

Gray clouds rolled in, darkening the morning sky. Thunder rolled in the distance, and the last thing I wanted to do was crawl out of this bed, especially since Bill was snuggling against my back and I could feel his soft breathing gently ghosting across my neck and shoulder. It was our last official day here and he hadn't left my side all night, refusing to leave me to my own devices after what had previously transpired between us. Instead, after we had collected ourselves off the floor, he ran a bath for me and insisted that I get in it and relax, while he stayed behind in the kitchen and cleaned up the remnants of our ruined dinner. I guess after what had happened between us, he wanted to handle me more tenderly, almost delicately. I didn't think I would even need that kind of affectionate attention, but it felt nice to receive it nevertheless.

My eyes slipped shut, as the events of last night flashed through my mind: his fire and passion, all-consuming and never-ending.

What an intricate web we weave.

Surprisingly, I had always thought that if a man were to treat me as roughly as I had been treated last night during sex, that I wouldn't enjoy it. But the truth was... I highly enjoyed it. And I think it was because it was with him. For some reason, it was just easy with Bill. Perhaps it was because I knew him better than most others did, and therefore I was more comfortable to fall back and allow him to take the lead. Ultimately, I had deduced that it was solely because I trusted him to lead the way.

It's a rare and fickle thing, trust. It's not easily attainable and can be shattered with just the tiniest infraction. Yet, given our remarkable circumstances, I trusted Bill immeasurably. He had seen me through several high and low points over the few precious years we had known each other, and never once had he judged me. I could say the same for my interactions with him as well, because of working so closely together. He had sometimes just needed a friend to vent to and be there with him, and that’s what I provided without fail. He did a lot of growing up alone over the years, basically only seeing friends and family back home whenever the opportunities had managed to present themselves outside of his work schedules. But underneath it all, I knew how difficult it was to live and grow on your own, and he did it all in a different country because his goals and aspirations in his life had demanded it from him. Underneath the growing affection I so obviously began developing for him, was a deep layer of profound respect for him as well.

Before we had met each other, we were simply a couple of young adults just stumbling through life. In a lot of ways, we still were even today. Bill has had a few discrete liaisons over the years before getting with his current girlfriend, while I was just a city girl with a dream of a bigger life who normally played things safe in the romance department. I didn't sleep around, particularly in my past, nor did I just jump into everything with my now ex-boyfriend John either. The fact of the matter was, this illicit little affair is probably the most risque thing I've ever done in my entire life. Alas, here we were, and I was enjoying what little time we had left together before reality was due to set back in tomorrow.

My ever-increasing thoughts were interrupted as I felt his arm tighten around my midsection and a pair of pillow-soft lips land perfectly in the crook of my neck.

“Good morning,” I whispered with a smile.

Damn, I could get used to this.

He simply hummed against my neck, allowing his hands to begin gently wandering up towards my breasts. Upon giving my left breast a tender squeeze, I breathed out an airy giggle, hoping he would continue his subtly sweet exploration of my body.

"God, you have no idea how long I've wanted to do this," he grumbled quietly. His lips started drifting towards my exposed ear while he licked and nipped at my exposed skin.

He says that to me a lot now, but deep down I'm still wondering how long it's been like this for him. Has it truly been from the very beginning, since our very first meeting? It couldn't be. Yet, with the way this is currently playing out, I can't automatically discredit that possibility either.

"You should have just told me, you know. We could have possibly been doing this a hell of a lot sooner," I mused softly, taking in his tender affections and closing my eyes. I wanted to fall into the moment and submerge myself in his touch.

He halted his task at hand and sat up, pulling me back so I could turn and face him, causing the sheet that was covering me to slip down my body and expose my chest to him.

At that moment, it didn't matter that I probably had an insane case of bedhead or that I felt like I needed to get up and make myself look more presentable. None of those trivial things mattered presently. All that mattered right now was that we had each other all to ourselves, and the only thing I could do was burn this moment into my memory, praying that it never fades away.

How is this even my life right now? What the hell did I manage to do right?

Bill's eyes locked me in under his intense gaze and all I could do was bite my lip as I watched him observe me.

"You're right, I should have done this a hell of a lot sooner," he whispered to me before his lips came to rest on top of my own in a delicately tender kiss.

It never ceased to amaze me just how much his kisses always seemed to make me halt in my tracks and have me come to a complete mental standstill. With him, it felt as if time stopped and it was only just the two of us. The world outside of these four walls ceased to exist, and the only thing that made any sense anymore was his skin pressed so close to mine.

"I need you," I pleaded quietly whilst he pulled back and peered into my eyes.

“I know, I need you too.”

I could hear the thunder coming closer while a flash of lightning briefly illuminated the room for a second, and the rain started to gently tap against the window behind my bed.

I pressed my lips to his, drinking in his intoxicating kiss as his hands began to drift down the side of my body, bringing me even closer to him. Wrapping my leg around his hip, he shifted his body atop of my own and settled deep between my thighs. My hands wandered aimlessly across his body As his left hand cupped my face, he pulled back and closed his eyes, resting his forehead against my own. His breath fanned across my face effortlessly, while my hands drifted into his feathery brown hair.

“Are you okay?” I asked him, suddenly worried that he may be second-guessing this whole thing after all.

“With you, I’m perfect.”

Pulling his head back up, he stared down at me once more, almost as if he were committing this moment into his memory too. I began to feel slightly exposed and shy under his intense scrutiny. Bill's piercing gaze made my breath catch in my throat, which caused me to momentarily avert my eyes away from his. His eyes were so intense that it suddenly made me feel bashful.

"Please... Please don't do that. Look at me," he paused, causing me to shift my attention back to him. "You're so beautiful."

There’s my head, my heart, and I’m so caught in the middle.

As I pulled his lips back down to my own, I poured my feelings into the kiss, hoping that whatever I couldn't articulately verbalize to him, he would possibly understand through my actions instead. I knew better than to hope that he would be just mine, but that didn't mean that I didn't wish for it either. And if I could only have him during these few fleeting moments, then so be it. I would selfishly take it all.

Our bodies molded together in a perfect rhythm of forbidden ecstasy as I felt him slip inside of me with ease. His thrusts were tortuously slow, burning me alive with want and need. Bill temporarily broke our kiss, causing our eyes to lock as his right hand drifted outwards, splaying itself across my arm and interlocking with my left one. His gentle thrusts never stopped as I kept my eyes solely upon his. The intimacy of this act wasn't lost upon me. If anything, I openly welcomed this unique change of pace.

Leaning his head towards mine, he leisurely kissed me once again. His tongue darted against my lips, silently begging for entrance, which I readily granted him. Deliberately, his tongue slowly intertwined with mine. This kiss felt lazy and beautiful all at the same time. I could feel myself getting even wetter as he sensuously thrust himself inside of me. Bill was stimulating me not just on a physical level, but perhaps even more so on an emotional one as well -- and I wasn’t entirely prepared for it.

Maybe that was why my orgasm snuck up on me and blindsided me, causing me to pull back from our kiss and gasp. My brows furrowed as I felt myself free-fall over the edge and my blood caught fire within my veins. Bill realized what was transpiring the second it happened, as my muscles had clamped down onto him.

"Eyes on me, darling, keep them on me," he reminded me breathlessly, all while he continued to watch me in sheer amazement, tortuously grinding himself further into my body and working himself through my orgasm.

The second I came back down from my high, his head came to rest against my own while I finally allowed my eyes to slip closed for a moment. The sound of thunder, along with our heavy breathing filled the room while he continued pushing himself further inside. My hands came to rest on his scalp, threading themselves within his luscious chocolate-colored locks as he dipped his head to take my nipple into his fiery hot mouth. Sparks ignited within me once again the second his wet tongue swirled around the perky bud, and I felt myself losing grip once more.

It was maddening, just how easily he could make me come undone. It was almost as if my body spoke a certain language that only he knew fluently. I felt the passion, desire, and heat building between us whilst he gingerly thrust his hips against my own. I had never experienced something as tender or as sensual as this before, not with anyone. Not even John. It felt as if time was suspended and reality no longer existed. I had completely forgotten where Bill ended and I began. It was beautiful, all-encompassing, and was only eclipsed by the fact that I felt my fortified walls beginning to crumble down around me.

It was only then that it finally dawned on me about what was truly transpiring here: we weren't just having sex. He was making love to me.

A moan fell from my lips as I tossed my head back against the soft pillows. My vision began to blur and I felt another wave of release rip straight out of me -- causing me to feel as if I were going to explode. Bill's lips sought mine while his thrusts grew slightly more erratic. His hand clasped mine as he pulled back so he could watch me free-fall into the abyss all over again. His heavy breath fanned against my face as lightning flashed across the room once again. The thunder rolled overhead in the dark and foreboding skies outside, but inside -- we had never felt safer, cocooned, or more alive.

Our interlocked hands gripped each other tightly, neither one of us willing to stop the undeniable inevitability of what was happening. The rain pounded relentlessly against the glass, letting us know that the storm had picked up momentum outside, just as we did right here in this bed. It was a beautiful symphony of emotion and physicality that never ceased to amaze me every time we came together.

"Oh God," he moaned aloud, gripping my hand even tighter than before, allowing his release to pull him into a world of sheer euphoria. Bill's green eyes stared hard into mine as he let go of my hand, cupped the side of my face, and brought my lips to his for a searing kiss that almost left me completely breathless. I could feel him twitching and spasming deep within my body, while I just stared up at him in wonder-filled amazement.

After he finished, he breathlessly collapsed atop of me, unable to move while he caught his breath. I laid there silently, softly running my fingers through his partially sweaty hair and kissed the side of his head, giving him the few moments he so desperately needed to collect himself.

“What have you done to me?” He groaned weakly from beside me.

The truth was, I didn't have an answer to that question, because I was wondering just what the hell he had done to me as well.

August 26, 2016 -- 6:24 A.M.

The storm from yesterday refused to yield while the rain continued to pour down endlessly, as I stood behind the glass storm door, waiting for our taxi to arrive. Bill and I had decided several days ago to catch a car to the airport together. We would both catch a flight to New York's JFK International Airport and from there, he would catch his next flight into Sweden. I should be happy to be heading home, but the truth was... I wasn't. I was feeling slightly depressed knowing that tomorrow morning, I wouldn't be waking up by his side.

He has clearly spoiled me...

My heart began to race, as I felt a pair of lean muscular arms slip around my waist and pull me closer towards his body.

"Are you trying to get seen by the neighbors?" I kept my tone light, as I humorously tried to point out the obvious to him.

"Fuck 'em," he mumbled, placing his lips against the crook of my neck. I was beginning to wonder if that was his favorite spot to kiss on my body. Not that I was complaining though.

His response caused me to laugh and finally relax into his embrace. This vacation house had turned into our own private little sanctuary over the past few days. Leaving it all behind to return to our normal lives seemed like a very depressing idea indeed.

"This really sucks," I whispered on bated breath, hoping I hadn't just fucked up and made him think I couldn't handle this.

“I know,” he nudged me gently, working his way towards my ear.

"Time away should do us both a world of good, to be honest. We're not sure of what this is, so maybe we both need time to figure it out, and for you to decide what you want." My suggestion came out as a pleading whisper, hopeful that he would understand that both of us needed time to think about where we stood.

At the moment, he and I were dancing around something. What though, I couldn't be sure. But he needed to get things on his end together. The truth was, I didn't know if I felt comfortable continuing this if he decided to keep his current relationship going. I felt bad enough already, I knew my conscience wouldn’t be able to handle carrying this on for much longer.

Bill pulled back slightly, releasing his hold on me enough to simply turn me around to face him.

“I know that I like who I am when I'm with you, and I know I can trust you more than anyone else in my life. I also know that I can't get enough of you, and you drive me fucking insane with need." He paused as he growled out that last part and pecked my lips once again. "I just need some time to get things straightened out on my end, but I swear... I will. And when I do, you’ll know."

A small and meek smile graced my lips as I glanced away from his intense gaze.

Only time would tell if he still felt this way in a few weeks, especially after seeing her again.

"I like who I am when I'm with you too," I answered back quietly. Bill lifted my chin towards him and laid a gentle kiss upon my lips.

It never failed to amaze me just how much his lips could hypnotize me. His kisses were intoxicating, and all I wanted in that second was to shut the door and miss our flights.

"Why did you have to book our flights so early?" He whined as he pulled back from our kiss. It felt nice to know that I wasn't the only one who had similar thoughts racing through their mind.

I gave him a small giggle, turning my attention back to him. "I would think after practically all day yesterday, you would be good to go and begging for a break by now," I surmised breathlessly, my hand gently brushing against his right cheek.

"I can never get enough of you, and I don't want to," he told me, capturing my lips with his own once more.

I'm an actual idiot for this, I know I am, but I'm a willing idiot because right now, I don't care how badly this will hurt me when this whole thing crashes and burns.

Gathering a fist full of his black leather jacket in my hands, I sunk deeper into his kiss without a care in the world.

It was only when a car horn blared outside that we were brought back into the real world, and faced with the grim reality that once we stepped outside of this door, we could no longer be this affectionate with one another.

As I pulled back from his grasp, I released my hold on him and leaned down to grab the handle on my rolling suitcase.

"Are you ready?" I asked him sadly, while I prepared myself to make the best of this time apart.

"Unfortunately, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let's go," he suggested as he opened the door and popped open the umbrella so we could make our way out towards the cab.

There you go, Part 4 is done!

Tagging: @kikilikes, @readsalot73, @diianawonka, @goswedish, @rougxlips @ffixation, @shadowpriestess6, @vladsgirl, @mrsbillskarsgard, @billgardskars, @adoresfandoms, @mightbelindsey, @we-are-like-a-timebomb, @fandomimcurrentlyobsessedabout, @negan5589, @decayingdeathh, @unicorn-glitter-princess, @voidpaintings, @the-fandom-phantom-fanfics, @mishdennise

#bill skarsgård imagine #bill skarsgard fan fiction #bill skarsgard x reader #bill skarsgard #bill skarsgard imagine #bill skarsgård x reader #the assistant series

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newstfionline · 3 years

Text

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Presidential election: Race to 270 electoral votes still on (USA Today) By early Thursday, Joe Biden led with 264 electoral votes to 214 for President Trump, both short of the 270 necessary to win the presidency. Biden also had an edge in the popular vote. The Trump campaign announced Wednesday it is pursuing court actions to stop ballot counting in Michigan and Pennsylvania, and to prevent the counting of absentee ballots in Georgia that it claims arrived after an Election Day deadline. Launching a multi-state legal battle to secure a second White House term over Biden, the campaign also made plans to seek a recount in Wisconsin.

World waits nervously, impatiently for US vote count (AP) From Ford Model T cars that popped off the assembly line in just 90 minutes to 60-second service for burgers, the United States has had a major hand in making the world a frenetic and impatient place, primed and hungry for instant gratification. So waking up to the news Wednesday that the winner of the U.S. election might not be known for hours, days or weeks—pundits filled global airwaves with their best guesses—came as a shock to a planet weaned on that most American of exports: speed. But as world leaders generally refrained from commenting on the outcome until it was clear, the particularly fractious and contested nature of the vote was already sparking concerns overseas that the superpower’s sharp divisions and internal conflicts exposed by the election might endure long after the winner is declared. “The battle over the legitimacy of the result—whatever it will look like—has now begun,” said the German defense minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. “This is a very explosive situation. It is a situation of which experts rightly say it could lead to a constitutional crisis in the U.S.,” she said on ZDF television. “That is something that must certainly worry us very much.” Overall, uncertainty ruled. In the vacuum of no immediate winner, there was some gloating from Russia, Africa and other parts of the world that have repeatedly been on the receiving end of U.S. criticism, with claims that the election and the vote count were exposing the imperfections of American democracy. “Africa used to learn American democracy, America is now learning African democracy,” tweeted Nigerian Sen. Shehu Sani, reflecting a common view from some on a continent long used to troubled elections and U.S. criticism of them.

Fighting words (NYT) The disputed election was a “sham” and a blow to democratic traditions. The country was in “a crisis,” as rival electoral candidates had both declared victory. There were “convincing reports of serious irregularities with ballot counting and reporting of election results.” For four years, the U.S. government has offered stern words on disputed elections around the world. The condemnations fit into an American tradition of promoting democracy that dates to World War II and using pressure to fight autocratic rivals. The U.S. presidential election, which pits President Trump against Democratic challenger Joe Biden, looks to be as tense as any U.S. vote in living memory. Trump has previously refused to commit to a “peaceful transition of power.” With disputes over mail-in ballots and the electoral college likely to dominate the post-election discussion, U.S. democracy is already being called into question by election observers from groups such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Experts like Sarah Repucci, vice president of research and analysis at Freedom House, warn that other nations will be watching closely. “There’s an issue where people will say: ‘Well, who are you to tell us what to do?’ “ Repucci said. “ ‘You’re not doing it right yourself.’”

Some Americans say they want to leave if Trump wins again (USA Today) Some Americans have threatened to move to another country depending on the election outcome Tuesday, reminiscent of the dismay they felt after the 2016 presidential contest results. But not everyone ditched the USA as they claimed they would, including actor Samuel L. Jackson and comedian Jon Stewart. One sheriff in Ohio, Richard K. Jones, is already mocking celebrities who said they’d leave four years ago but didn’t. Now he’s offering a one-way ticket for them out of the country. Still, record numbers of Americans have wanted to flee in the U.S. in recent years during President Donald Trump’s administration, according to Gallup’s World Poll in 2019. The 16% of Americans who said in 2017 and again in 2018 that they would like to permanently move to another country is higher than the average levels during either the George W. Bush (11%) or Barack Obama administrations (10%). The number of Americans, particularly young women, who say they desire to leave the U.S. permanently is on the rise. In fact, 40% of women younger than 30 say they would like to leave, the study showed. An estimated 9 million U.S. citizens live overseas as of 2019, according to the State Department.

Hurricane Eta weakens to a tropical storm as it sets course toward US Gulf Coast after slamming Nicaragua (CNN) Tropical Storm Eta still has days of devastation in store for Central America, and after lingering there the storm is set to move on to the US coast. Reports of Eta’s catastrophic damage from rains, winds and flooding in Nicaragua and Honduras have begun to roll in, but it could be days until residents there are able to survey the totality of the impact. The slow-moving storm made landfall along the coast of Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane Tuesday afternoon. Eta had maximum sustained winds near 140 mph at landfall, but by Wednesday morning had dropped to tropical storm status with 70 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. Though it has weakened, the storm will linger over the region for the coming days, bringing “catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding, river flooding and mudslides,” according to the NHC.

Pints poured, retail therapy: England readies for lockdown (AP) Thirsty drinkers in England will be enjoying their final freshly poured pints in a pub for a month Wednesday while shoppers will get one last dose of retail therapy as the country prepares to join large swathes of Europe in lockdown as part of intensified efforts to contain the resurgent coronavirus. Pubs, along with restaurants, hairdressers and other retailing outlets deemed to be selling non-essential items, such as books and sneakers, will have to close their doors Thursday until at least Dec. 2 following a sudden change of course last weekend by the British government. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had for weeks argued in favor of more regional strategies to contain the virus, but said he had to be “humble in the face of nature.” England’s lockdown follows similar restrictions elsewhere in the U.K. and across Europe, as nations grapple with mounting new COVID-19 infections and clear signals that the number of people being hospitalized—and subsequently dying—from the virus are increasing,

Austrian attacker named (Foreign Policy) Austrian police have arrested at least 14 people in connection with Monday’s terrorist attacks in Vienna, which left four dead and 22 wounded. The arrests came as authorities identified the man they believe to be the sole assailant, Kujtim Fejzulai, a 20-year-old Austrian who had served time in prison for attempts to join the Islamic State in Syria. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, although it is not yet known to what extent Fejzulai was affiliated with the group.

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos faces new corruption allegations (Guardian) Spain’s attorney general has instructed supreme court prosecutors to investigate new corruption allegations against the country’s disgraced former king. Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, is already under investigation over his alleged role in a deal under which a Spanish consortium won a €6.7bn (£5.9bn) contract to build a high-speed rail line in Saudi Arabia. Reports emerged in March suggesting Juan Carlos had received a $100m (€88m) payment from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah in 2008, three years before the contract was awarded. The king was covered by constitutional immunity while on the throne, but lost the protection when he stepped down to make way for his son, King Felipe. The attorney general’s office did not give details of the new investigation. Juan Carlos announced in August that he was going into exile to protect his son from further embarrassment. In a letter sent to Felipe and released by the royal house, Juan Carlos said he would move from Spain because of the “public repercussions that certain past events in my private life are causing”.

Facing pandemic economic woes, Nepal reopens to adventurers (AP) Adventurers looking to scale Nepal’s Himalayan peaks and trek its mountain trails can finally do so for the first time in seven months, as the country reopens to foreigners even as the coronavirus pandemic has left it short of hospital beds. Foreign visitors are a major source of income for Nepal and the closure has impacted the estimated 800,000 people who work in the tourism industry. For now the reopening will come with restrictions and mainly be limited to those seeking to climb or trek its famous peaks. Nepal is home to the eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world, including the tallest, Mount Everest.

China punishes Australia, again (Foreign Policy) The relationship between Canberra and Beijing hit another new low this week, after China effectively imposed tens of billions of dollars in trade curbs on wine, barley, sugar, and other goods—but wouldn’t admit to them. Imposing unofficial boycotts and increased costs is part of Beijing’s playbook, such as the harassment of South Korean firms after the decision to install a U.S. missile-defense system there. Such use of state power violates trade rules, but complaints aren’t likely to move the Chinese government.

As Japan moves to revive its countryside, pandemic chases many from cities (Reuters) When the coronavirus outbreak caused rice and instant noodles to disappear from supermarket shelves in Tokyo this year, Kaoru Okada, 36, decided to leave the capital because he was worried about food security. Okada settled in the central Japanese city of Saku, Nagano prefecture, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo, maintaining his online retail and export business while growing vegetables in shared farms and threshing rice. “Living close to a food-producing centre and connections with farmers give me a sense of security,” Okada said. As the pandemic has pushed many companies to allow telecommuting, it has also caused population to flow out of Tokyo—the first time that has happened in years, the latest government data showed. The shift could boost Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who made revitalising Japan’s decaying rural regions a core plank of his socioeconomic platform. Despite a lack of jobs and infrastructure to support them, local governments and businesses have been trying for years—largely in vain—to draw more people to rural areas.

Ethiopia sends army into Tigray region, heavy fighting reported (Reuters) Heavy fighting broke out in Ethiopia’s Tigray region on Wednesday, diplomatic sources said, after the prime minister launched military operations in response to what he said was an attack on federal troops. In September, Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government, which called the vote “illegal”. The row has escalated in recent days with both sides accusing each other of plotting a military conflict. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office said that early on Wednesday, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) tried to steal artillery and other equipment from federal forces stationed there. “The last red line has been crossed with this morning’s attacks and the federal government is therefore forced into a military confrontation,” it said, adding that the aim was to prevent instability engulfing the country and region. Tigrayans ruled Ethiopian politics since guerrilla fighters ousted a Marxist dictator in 1991, but their influence has waned under Abiy. Last year, the TPLF quit his ruling coalition. Since Abiy came to power in 2018, many senior Tigrayan officials have been detained, fired or sidelined, in what the federal government describes as a clamp-down on corruption but Tigrayans see as a means to quell dissent.

Ivory Coast police surround opposition leaders’ houses (Reuters) Police in Ivory Coast surrounded the houses of two of President Alassane Ouattara’s main rivals on Tuesday after the government accused them of sedition for creating a parallel administration in defiance of Ouattara’s landslide win in Saturday’s election. It was not immediately clear if anyone had been arrested. But the moves deepened a bitter standoff over the president’s bid for a third term that has cost more than 35 lives since August, including at least five during election day on Saturday. The dispute followed a campaign marred by violent clashes between Ouattara’s supporters and opponents that spurred fears of longer term unrest. More than 3,000 people were killed in a brief civil war that followed a 2010 election that brought Ouattara to power.

#headlines #news

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2020laxteentour · 4 years

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Returning Home…

The 2020 WECCAN Tour was truly one to remember and tops the charts for me, just following behind 2017’s Miami trip, but I think that’s because it happened to be my first. This tour allowed me to embrace in the culture and lifestyle of those who live in California while also continuing to allow us to help a community other than our own. As being people from the east coast this experience gave us the opportunity to see and be a part of things that you could only dream of or see on TV. While on this tour we were also shown just how close those who are less fortunate are to those who bask in wealth. Almost as if they lay right within the shadows of the big city. Finally, this tour to California, for me, was in memory of the late great Toby Mekhail Wanye Holt, who also happens to be my big brother. California was always something that he loved and truly admired from a far. With that one of his dreams was to travel to, and possibly live in, California, and with that trip I feel I made a part of that happen. Thank you Dr. Mike for this opportunity, until next time. -Bobby H.

This service learning installment to Los Angeles and San Diego was definitely one to remember and is now one of my favorites. No one should take anything they saw or heard lightly. Many people take things for granted and don’t realize what they have until it’s gone. I am glad someone took a chance with me and saw the best in me even when I still have a hard time seeing the best in myself. I honestly believe in my heart that WeCCAAN helped shape the person I am today and the person I still strive to be. I am very grateful to have been a part of this tour and hope to be a part of another one sooner than later! -Kristen L.

The Final Day! This trip was truly inspiring, the work that we had done that helped a community in LA DURING A PANDEMIC is something that I will always remember and use to motivate me in the future. It will make me think of strength and resilience and push me to strive harder. I was able to see Wealth and Poverty stricken areas in neighboring communities. The difference between the two was astonishing but I was not surprised by the difference of care and attention each one had gotten. The people on this trip have made this trip one of the best parts. Since coming out of quarantine for the past few months it’s was exciting to be able to be around others for a chance and just catch up with everyone since last seeing them in Chicago. I truly have made new friends that having meaningful connections through our shared experiences in different cities thanks to WECCAAN. -Marcus R.

Another successful WeCCAAN experience in the books. I don’t have words for it... just a feeling. A feeling that I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. These tours are always the highlight of my year and this one didn’t fail me. I’m so blessed and grateful for the opportunity. -TeShania B.

Arriving on Crenshaw Blvd. was epic. We didn't just view we made an impact, by clearing away garbage around the alley where "The Marathon" was located. The legacy of Nipsey Hussle shows on several different structures in the surrounding area. As we took our journeys up and down Slouson the community embraced the service we were giving, and that's wonderful because it's the community whom we serve. Being a part of change is a pride for me, the thrill of being able to see and make a difference brings joy within. Exploring California was so exciting from San Diego to Venice Beach and the Hollywood Walk of Fame the sight was great to see. Seeing the different structures of architecture and taking bites into the different dishes they had to offer, I can say I left Cali full. Full of life, knowledge, love and connections. -Tia J.

The overall trip was very impactful. Every place we visited.....the college campuses, skid row, the beaches, etc. left an lasting impression on my heart. I have shared pictures and stories with my daughter and close friends because I honestly feel like this trip has grown me and stretched me in a way that will help me be a better a person for myself and my community. Knowing that we were able to sow back into Nipsey Hussle’s neighborhood was heart warming, a lot of people come for the pictures, but we left an impression on the people there. The college campus tours sparked an interest in me to get back into school to finish pursuing my degree in Social Work. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve and be a part of this amazing experience. -Patrice C.

This morning on the beach we had time for reflections. Spent time with the ocean and God. It was beautiful. Dr. Mike’s words reminded me, you’re not promised tomorrow. Do what God has for you every day you wake up. Live with purpose, honor the lords ordered steps for your life. Serve. Be kind. Travel. And take it all in. Every experience. Create memories. Ultimately LOVE HARD. Grateful for each and every soul I’ve met in this trip. It was magical. Thanks a Bunch. -Toquetta C.

I really liked coming to California. It was fun. I don't like how California has Skid Row, their own street for homeless people. And how so much people are homeless but some were nice. Cleaning up the streets was fun and people were thanking us. I'll remember feeling the cold water of the Pacific and seeing a lot of Porsches and only a little bit of Ferraris. -Jamil B.

My overall experience with WECCAAN in California was great. On TV they only show the pretty and nice side of California and that’s what I somewhat expected but when I came here I realized it wasn’t what it was to be. For example it’s not always warm, skid road and the large amount of homeless people which would be expected since the cost of living is expensive. Another thing that I realized that the water in the ocean here is much colder than the water in Miami. I can’t wait for the next trip. -Jordan B.

SECOND VISIT--AUGUST 21ST-23RD

The WeCCAAN tours are always a pleasure to go on with the coordinator, Dr. Mike. I was a bit upset when I was not able to with him to L.A. for the first tour, but someone donated the funds needed for a part two of the tour. I am very grateful for the donor who decided to fund the part two of the trip. I always wanted to visit L.A. and when Dr. Mike said that there would be a part two, I jumped on the opportunity to go with them. This was my first time being on a plane and I was a bit nervous flying on one, especially by myself, but once the plane took off and we were in the air, it was like we left the nervousness and all the small troubles on the ground. When I finally got to L.A., we hit the ground running just like we always do. From start to finish, the entire tour was an experience and a pleasure to be a part of. My favorite part of these tours is always the community service parts because it lets me give back to the people and allows me to be a part of something bigger than myself. I always enjoy my time with WeCCAAN and I look forward to the next tour! -Javon B. (PART II)

The overall weekend was absolutely amazing! From the lessons from Dr. Mike to the various sights we were able to see. It was a blessing to be able to come on this trip and meet some very amazing young professionals and/or students. Bonding and getting to hear everyone’s story was also a highlight because we were able to learn so so much from each other in just a few short days! Skid Row, Watts Towers and evening Manhattan Beach after some research were all such eye openers. The things that somehow got left out of our history books unfortunately. Nonetheless I am forever grateful for this tour and the constant drive to educate and open doors for young people all over the world! Thank you! -Sierra W. (PART II)

My overall experience this weekend was great. It was nice getting to meet new people and reconnecting with returners. Skid Row was the most touching part to me. A lot of times people talk about poor countries but in reality, the United States of America has its own poverty-filled sections that continue to be overlooked. I am glad I was able to join WeCCAAN for part two of the Los Angeles tour! -Kristen L. (PART II)

This weekend was kind of surreal. Being able to travel during corona was a big feat in itself. I didn't really allow myself to be tired until it was time to go to bed so I took in so much of the city while we were just driving. I honestly had the best time that I've had in while. Going to see how Hollywood looks in real life, seeing the Staples Center, seeing a bit of Crenshaw, and especially seeing Skid Row demystified a lot of what I expected Los Angeles to be. I just feel so blessed that this second trip happened and that I was able to go this time around. My favorite part of the trip was probably Venice Beach. Seeing all of the creativity and freeness of the people there reminded me a lot of a larger scale Little Five Points. Although, I do have to admit that the amount of people there was a little bit alarming given that we are in the middle of a pandemic but nevertheless I enjoyed people watching and just taking and breathing in the fact that I was in California and not Georgia like I've been pretty much all year. Seeing historical places like Watts Towers and being able to walk Rodeo Dr almost took me aback at how blessed I've been to be able to do what not even my parents have done made the trip even better. I really enjoyed my time here and I can't wait til I have the means and opportunity to come again. -Kasamba A. (PART II)

Wrapping up LA and reflecting on the beach thinking about everything I did over the weekend makes me feel like I was able to carry on a piece of token. Several tokens to be exact... I’m glad I was able to join in on another service trip! Of course every service tour is different but this trip was very different for me. Being able to help clean up Skid Row and communicating with them filled my heart with extra care for them. The tour of the beaches was very beautiful and also learning the history behind Manhattan Beach. Looking forward to help and serve another community and learn their importance. -Joy F. (PART II)

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jennielim · 4 years

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cathygeha · 4 years

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REVIEW

Endless Silent Scream by Tony J. Forder

D.I. Bliss #6

The intense opening scene grabbed my attention and didn’t let go till the end of the book, if then. I had to find out what out what would happen to Molly. Why? Well, a rooftop rescue from potential suicide was just the beginning for Molly and it was a roller coaster ride of live or die for her from beginning to end!

Coming into a series on book six was not a mistake – nope – I had no trouble at all following this story! I might have wondered about some of the cases and people mentioned from previous books but this police procedural was complete in and of itself with more than one case solved by Bliss’s team before the end of the book.

What I liked:

* Molly: smart, street savvy, vulnerable and yet hopeful. I would love to see how she turns out in the future

* Bliss: good man, great leader, loner but not lonely – or so he says. He gets the job done when others might give up. A bit unorthodox in his methods. Do hope he rethinks his choices about staying alone.

* The team: all seemed to be good people, focused on their job and caring about one another.

* The way the cases were solved - police procedural aspects

* The twists and turns in solving the murder of a body that had been buried for awhile.

* The dialogue between Chandler and Bliss – do wonder if there is more than friendship in the making there

What I did not like:

* Realizing just how little value is put on life by some elements of society

Thank you to the author who gifted me an ARC of this book through BOTBS Publicity ~ This is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

From the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime series comes another gripping police procedural thriller that will have readers hooked from the stunning first page to the very last.

He saved her once. Can he do it again?

When DI Bliss prevents fifteen-year-old Molly from jumping from a hotel roof, he has no idea their paths will cross again. A county lines mule, Molly is questioned by the drugs squad, but Bliss becomes convinced she is in danger and attempts to have her relocated. A local drug dealer and a London-based enforcer have other ideas.

Meanwhile, the remains of a freelance journalist are discovered alongside an archaeological find, which brings an old flame back into Bliss’s life. It’s only a matter of time before reports emerge linking the murdered journalist with the police, putting pressure on the Major Crimes team to find the killer.

Bliss is torn between the two investigations. Desperate to move Molly to safety before she can be reached by those who want her silenced, he is blinded to other dangers.

The stunning DI Bliss series of fast-paced police thrillers will appeal to fans of authors like Michael Connelly, Joy Ellis, Peter James, Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons. Tony J Forder is also the bestselling author of Degrees of Darkness, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun.

AUTHOR BIO

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling crime thriller series featuring detectives Jimmy Bliss and Penny Chandler. The first four books, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, and The Reach of Shadows, were joined by The Death of Justice, on 9 September 2019. Book number six, Endless Silent Scream, will be published on 9 March 2020.

Tony’s dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, featuring ex-detective Frank Rogers, was also published by Bloodhound Books. This is a stand-alone serial-killer novel. Scream Blue Murder, an action-adventure thriller, was published in November 2017, and received praise from many, including fellow authors Mason Cross, Matt Hilton and Anita Waller. The sequel, Cold Winter Sun, was published in November 2018. Tony lives with his wife in Peterborough, UK, and is now a full-time author. He is currently editing a new novel, and has also started on Bliss #7, Slow Slicing.

Links

Website: https://www.tonyjforder.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyjforder/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyJForder @TonyJForder

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B01N4BPT65

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16166122.Tony_J_Forder

Fantastic Fiction: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/f/tony-j-forder/

Tony can also be found on Instagram.

#Tony J. Forder #D.I. Bliss 6 #BOTBS Publicity #Police Procedural #Crime #Murder #Drugs #Suicide

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thegrumpypenguin · 4 years

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Mama and her girls

Philip (front) and Tisa

This is a love story, albeit one that did not exactly begin “at first sight.” I’m not sure when Philip (full name: “Sir Philip Pigglesworth III”) arrived at the Toronto Zoo; I believe he was already on site when I started Volunteer training in the fall of 2012 and the first record I can find of him in our semi-regular issues of the daily Keeper Notes is on May 17, 2014 when he is being trained to step on the scale. From those same notes, I can tell you that Tisa’s first day in exhibit holding after being released from quarantine was August 7, 2015. (Quarantine of at least 30 days is mandatory for any animal that has been transferred in from any other facility.) She was given access to the outdoor enclosure (alone) for the first time on the 31st of that same month. (Fun fact: Tisa was born exactly one day before Philip, on April 1, 2011!)

Philip in a moment of calm

In mid-September, they were introduced to each other on exhibit and it all went well… at first. A couple of weeks later, at the beginning of October, Philip suddenly began to show aggression toward Tisa and she sustained a couple of minor cuts. They were separated for s short time and then reintroduced, but every time they looked to be getting along, Philip would become aggressive and charge at Tisa. After a few more attempts at putting them together, the Keepers reluctantly shelved the plans for the short term and let them go out on exhibit alone for a few months. The next summer, in August of 2016, they were put back in the outdoor exhibit together again. This time, it was Tisa’s turn to show displeasure: Philip had no aggression towards her but she would snort at him and move away every time he got close. This quickly escalated into Tisa regularly jumping through or over the hotwire at the back of the exhibit, having to be coaxed back onto the “right” side over and over again. Eventually, the two were separated again and I can’t tell from the notes if they were put back together at any point for the rest of 2016 or all of 2017.

Dinner time!

But then it was 2018 and a lot of water had passed under the bridge. Each had been assertive in their own way; time was passing by quickly and Tisa’s biological clock was ticking. So the incredibly patient Keepers tried, once again, to put them together. And that’s when the magic happened. At the very end of May, Philip and Tisa were “re-re-re-introduced” to each other and they began to breed the very same day. They bred again the next day, too; and when they went out on exhibit together on Day Three Tisa had had enough of Philip’s advances, but no problem: they just lay down a few feet apart, rooting and nibbling on whatever they dug up. To the best of my knowledge, they never again needed to be split up for any length of time, and I can remember quite clearly seeing them together outside that summer and marvelling at just how cuddly they seemed with each other, especially after all the angst of previous years. They bred a few more times unsuccessfully – although there was some suspicion in the fall that Tisa was pregnant, which was unfounded – until (apparently) sometime around Thanksgiving (Canadian) or so. They were probably spending their days on the inside exhibit by this time; perhaps that was just more comfortable for them. But for whatever reason, something finally “clicked” for them.

Hazel (R) and Ginger

On February 17, 2019 (which I had no trouble remembering as it was the third birthday for Nandu), Tisa gave birth to her first litter of l̶i̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ ̶s̶t̶r̶i̶p̶e̶d̶ ̶b̶a̶k̶e̶d̶ ̶p̶o̶t̶a̶t̶o̶e̶s̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶l̶e̶g̶s̶ two tiny female hoglets. They made their first public appearance just under three weeks later, on March 8; incredibly. even though I have taken, quite literally, thousands of photos of them since then, the one I used for this month’s calendar feature was taken in the very first moments that I ever set eyes on these gorgeous little creatures. I returned to see them once or twice (Narrator: every second day, approximately) for the rest of March and early April; I saw them myriad more times throughout the summer, too. Those adorable stripes fade away very quickly, and there weren’t a lot of other babies to visit until the wolf cubs arrived in May. I’ll post a collage of shots at the end, and I already know trying to keep that gallery reasonably small in size is going to be the single most difficult thing about this month’s post. Seriously, hoglets are just about the most adorable babies in the animal kingdom, and I will fight you on that opinion!

Papa Philip and Hazel

When the babies first came out to play with us, they had only Tisa to accompany them. Within a week, however, Philip joined his new family and quickly showed that he was an amazing and patient daddy (check out the photo at left). Then, on March 29, after a brief naming contest, the Zoo settled on “Hazel” and “Ginger” as the names for the two little girls. This contest was notable in that it was the very first time a name or names that I had voted for had ever been chosen by the Zoo, so naturally I was very excited. I learned very quickly from the Keepers that Ginger was the name given to the lighter-coloured of the two; as they lost their stripes and became much closer in hue I kept a close eye on the ridge of fur on their backs and, to this point, at least, Ginger has the more-pronounced tuft of white fur along her spine. When they reach full size, I imagine it will be a lot tougher to tell them apart from each other – and from their mom – so we’ll see how long I can manage it. For now, coming up on their first birthday, it’s still relatively easy to know which is which.

Here are a couple of YouTube videos I uploaded of the girls: one from the first day I saw them and one from the outside exhibit in the summer, when they had a case of the zoomies.

youtube

But wait. There’s more.

Two boys join the family!

On November 4, 2019 – before Hazel and Ginger were ever nine months old – Tisa gave birth to another litter of two babies. Red river hogs have a gestation of ~ 4 months, meaning Tisa was already halfway there in the second video above! I had watched them cuddle and snuggle away from the girls quite often during the summer, especially as Tisa weaned them off the teats, but I had no idea they had also been “canoodling!” In any event, the announcement came as quite a surprise to me and I was very excited to once again see a couple of l̶i̶t̶t̶l̶e̶ ̶s̶t̶r̶i̶p̶e̶d̶ ̶b̶a̶k̶e̶d̶ ̶p̶o̶t̶a̶t̶o̶e̶s̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶l̶e̶g̶s̶ tiny hoglets in the exhibit. The first week or so that they were out of the back room, the area around the exhibit was off-limits to the public so I had to stand patiently at the top of the stairs beside the pygmy hippos and grab a couple of long shots when they popped briefly into view. The photo here was taken on the first day they were out; when I went home to look at it enlarged on the computer, I immediately noticed something different about these two babies from the shots I had taken of Hazel and Ginger when they were brand-new. Can you spot it? Look closely just below their eyes at the top of their muzzles. (You might have to click on the photo and zoom in.) See the tiny bumps there on each of them? Their two sisters didn’t (and won’t) have those bumps, but Philip does. That’s right: these two are boys! it was pretty exciting to work that out from just the first picture I took.

I saw them from a distance a couple of times and then it was time for me to get up close and personal. At a day shy of five weeks old, the boys came out into an exhibit that no longer had barriers around the walkways leading up to it, and I made sure to be there. The very first hog I saw was this proud parent:

Sir Philip Pigglesworth the III, proud Papa

Shortly after that, Tisa led out her newest brood:

Mama and the boys

The latest developments among the river hogs

I stood and watched them for a while, happily snapping away, when all of a sudden I spied something out of the corner of my eye:

Papa about to be joined by Ginger

What’s this? Another red river hog arriving on the scene? All six of the family members were going to be living together?? Well, apparently yes: these animals live in large family groups and it was not unusual at all to see the children of different ages getting along with each other, helping the family find cohesion:

Not my best shot of all six together, but my first shot.

Here is one last video of the whole family together, taken that first day (the first scene you see is Ginger playing with her two brothers):

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Tisa (L), Ginger (R), and the bros

They’ve been getting along famously ever since. Sometimes the boys play together; sometimes they play with their mom or dad; sometimes they play with their sister(s) with no ill effects. And don’t forget their sisters are not exactly adults yet; sometimes they like to approach mom or dad for some extra nuzzles of their own. And in case all of this isn’t adorable enough already: I’ve heard that Tisa and Philip have been breeding again. The way things have been going the past couple of weeks, this could turn out to be a very interesting spring at the Toronto Zoo – and that’s not even including the arrival of the walruses, whenever that turns out to be.

Oh, there’s just one more thing:

Mama and the boys meet Kindia

The “Howdy Door” between their exhibit and the pygmy hippos next door has been open most (if not all) of the time, so all six of them have gotten to know Kindia and Penelope quite well. Which is just heart-meltingly cute to watch.

Ok, that’s it for this month – unless the boys get names very early in February, in which case I will edit this post and let everyone know. Next month: a long-time resident of the Toronto Zoo who, while not exactly reclusive, is rather hard to spot unless you are specifically looking for him. Please come on back for that, one day later than normal… because 2020 is a Leap Year! And, as always, thanks for reading. Here are the promised shots of the hog family.

2020 “HANGING OUT WITH ANIMALS” Calendar – February Story This is a love story, albeit one that did not exactly begin "at first sight." I'm not sure when Philip (full name: "Sir Philip Pigglesworth III") arrived at the Toronto Zoo; I believe he was already on site when I started Volunteer training in the fall of 2012 and the first record I can find of him in our semi-regular issues of the daily Keeper Notes is on May 17, 2014 when he is being trained to step on the scale.

#Africa #African Rainforest Pavilion #Animals #Baby #February #Ginger #Hazel #Hogs #Philip #Rainforest #Red River Hogs #Tisa #Toronto #Toronto Zoo #Zoo

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