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lovely-boxer · 11 months

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Angelica Velma An Old Friend

Background

This is taking place 5 years after the movie. Maria is currently 7 months pregnant, and since she’s quite skinny with a big belly, Manolo is more diligent and protective of her. Joaquin is still getting used to pain and is currently on break due to his recent major injury. Recently, Maria has been talking about an old friend coming over, a friend she met when she was younger and sent away. Manolo is going because he knows he won’t be able to change her mind. Maria invites Joaquin as well because she thinks her friend and Joaquin will get along very well. So now they’re waiting by the train.

The day was bright and calming, the three amigos sitting next to one another. Maris was leaning her left shoulder against Manolos right shoulder, Manolo holding her close to keep her warm. Joaquin was on her right, his arms crossed and his posture relaxed, awaiting for Maria’s friend. Manolo was wearing a black suit, but it was more casual than formal. It had skull, music notes, and rose designs on it. Maria was wearing a long dress and her hair was in a braid. Finally, Joaquin was wearing his normal uniform attire, he just didn’t have a cape with him and he had an eyepatch with a skull design on it. There was a few minutes of silence before Manolo spoke, not looking at Maria, just looking ahead.

MN -“…Amor, is there anything we should know about this amiga of yours?

Joaquin raised his head, he didn’t know he’d be meeting a girl, he just knew he’d be meeting someone. Maria thought for a moment before glancing and Joaquin then back at Manolo.

MR -“Yes. She’s a warrior. Not only is she the first woman warrior, but she’s the first transgender warrior.”

Both men were shocked, neither of them have ever heard of a female warrior, let alone a trans warrior. Joaquin soon spoke.

JQ -“How come I’ve never heard of her before? She sounds like she’s quite popular, more popular than me even, and that’s saying a lot.”

He stated. Maria giggled at Joaquins shock and even excitement while Manolo rolled his eyes at the popular comment. He then grasped Marias face and made her look at him, his expression looking a bit worried.

MN -“Mi amor, I know you’re excited to see your friend, I really do. But can you at least promise me you’ll stay seated and let your friend walk over to us? I don’t want you walking too much with your belly.”

MR -“Hm, si mi amor, I promise.”

Manolo smiled at her response, soon leaning in and kissing her lips softly, Maria kissing him back. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but Manolo couldn’t help but smile warmly and blush softly, allowing Maria to rest against him once more. Joaquin looked around, his left leg now bouncing, somewhat showing his excitement, now knowing that he’d be meeting a fellow warrior, and a transfemale one for that matter.

. . .

It was about 20 minutes later when the train finally arrived. Joaquin stood up and waiting while Manolo and Maria stayed seating, both of them looking at the train. Joaquin fixed his sombrero and adjusted his shoulder pieces, wanting to look a bit formal for the female warrior. Maria smiled and even giggled at Joaquin wanting to look pleasing while Manolo thought about how she’d look. Was she skinny with muscular legs? Or muscular arms? He was excited, it just didn’t show like Marias and Joaquins did. People swarmed out of the train, making it difficult for Maria to find her friend. After the crowd cleared, there was one person that stood out from the rest. She was big and buff, had dark tanned skin, her entire consisted of greens and aquas, and she had long yet messy blonde hair. She had a few bags too, as if she was going somewhere.

MR -“VEL!! OVER HERE!!!”

Maria yelled, catching both men off guard, even making Manolo jump. Both men looked at Maria before looking to where she was looking, soon seeing the buff woman come their way with a soft smile. Joaquin stood tall, realizing this was the female warrior while Manolos jaw threatened to drop, not expecting such a buff and tall woman. The woman’s comes over, walking past Joaquin and knelt down to Maria, soon kissing each side of her face, making Maria giggle. Manolo seemed a bit skeptical, but that was overtaken with intimidation when Vel stood onto her feet and faced Manolo, making his shiver a bit.

AL -“Hola señor. You must be Manolo Sanchez, yes?”

MN -“Uh…S-Si! Your name is-?”

AL -“Angelica Velma, but please, call me Vel.”

She said before she gently held onto Manolos neck, making him blush a bit before he chuckled, feeling Angelica kiss each side of his face as well. She quickly let him go, not wanting to make him uncomfortable or more tense. She then walked over to Joaquin, who is still as stiff as wood. She walked in front of him, almost looming over him due to how tall she was, though she was only a few inches taller than Joaquin. When he looked up at her, he was able to get a good glimpse of what she was wearing. Her sombrero was dark aqua and pointy, almost looking like a witches hat. The bristles on her sombrero looked like alligator teeth. She also had a scarred eye just like Joaquin, though it was on the right and her patch had a dinosaur tooth design instead of a skull. Joaquin was about to salute before she gently grasped both of his hands, preventing him from doing so while also catching him off guard and making him blush slightly.

AL -“No need for formality Señor Mondragon, lets just be amigos eh?”

She said, her expression soft and caring, making Joaquin blush a bit deeper. Seeing her soft expression and feeling her gentle hands, it’s something he wasn’t really used to (after 5 years), but he quickly welcomed it. He smiled a bit sheepishly before caressing her hands back.

JQ -“Please, Joaquin is less formal.”

He teased, causing Angelica to giggle a bit, shaking her head slightly. Joaquin felt his heart race a bit, yet he didn’t know why.

AL -“It feels good meeting one of your biggest inspirations, it almost doesn’t feel real.”

Angelica chuckled once more, smiling warmly. Joaquins warm smile faded into shock. She…saw him as an inspiration? And one of her biggest ones? His hands started to fiddle with hers, soon shrinking into himself a bit. Meanwhile Maria and Manolo watched it all, Manolo shocked as all hell, seeing Joaquin act so nervous compared to his cocky and confident attitude. Maria on the other hand smiled softly, enjoying Joaquins nervous nature. Angelica raised a brow, but her calming nature was still there. Joaquin soon shook it off a bit before responding.

JQ -“I-I’m glad I could be an inspiration t-to a…b-beautiful..woman…”

He slowly shrunk into himself while saying that, his face becoming a deeper red. She looked a bit shocked, blushing softly. Maria only continued to chuckle before she buried her face into Manolos shoulder, seeing his expression becoming even more shocked, his eyes widening and his jaw dropping. Angelicas eye fluttered a bit before breaking the awkward tension.

AL -“So, you got some tricks and tips you can show me?”

JQ -“Oh! How about stretching before and after you fight?”

AL -“I have tried that, my back is the worst though, it’s a specific part of it too. It’s frustrating and even hurts at times.”

JQ -“I mean, I know a few stretches that could help, if that doesn’t work though, i can just stretch your back.”

AL -“Sounds good!”

The two warriors seemed to get along pretty well already, talking about stretching techniques and how to properly do them. Manolo was still in shock, not comprehending what was happening. Maria was able to compose herself before she slowly tried to get up front the bench, this making Manolo act quickly and help her onto her feet. She soon called for both of the warriors and asked them to follow her and Manolo. Soon, all of them walked out of the train station to their city, Son Angel. (Finally was able to upload it! Goddamn-)

#the book of life #tboloc #tbol au #tbolau #Oc x canon #Angelica x Joaquin #asks open #Tbol fanfic

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ragingstillness · 3 years

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Ted Lasso Criminal AU drabble (lord help me)

When Rebecca first met Ted:

Knowing what she knew now it would have been nice to meet him at least after a shower. But no, she was snatched from police hands along with Bex before she could even finish cleaning Rupert’s blood from her Manolo Blahniks. Their rescuer? A strange, nervous little man with greying hair, muttering under his breath about how he was never going to do this again, that this was the last time he did a favor for a name she couldn’t hear. They were ushered into a car when they turned the corner and brought deep into the heart of the city, pulling up outside of a quaint little pub with a closed sign and boarded up windows.

But the inside was anything but quaint or dilapidated. The front doors opened into a pitch black hallway. The man leading the group, a thin Welshman, pressed several keys on an unseen keypad, scanned his fingerprint, and tapped a card against a reader. A red light blinked and a door opened at the end of the hall. They were frogmarched in.

The room beyond looked more like a high class lounge than the inside of a pub. Men were willing around, drinking and talking in low voices. They all wore casual clothing. The more Rebecca looked the more she realized how their outfits were tailored to avoid her eyes. In a crowd she would have been hard pressed to pick out any of these men or remember their features.

A petit woman stood from an armchair angled away from them. She stood out as much as the men blended in, high heels, a thin leopard-print crop top, and some of the shortest shorts Rebecca had ever seen. She squealed at the sight of them, clapping her hands. She rushed forward and ran her hands over the outline of Rebecca’s body, not touched, just tracing the curves. She licked her lips.

Rebecca shifted on her feet. It’d been a while since she had been regarded with such blatant desire, longer still that the pursuer had been a woman. “Oh he is going to love you.” She snapped her fingers at the Welshman. “The little one knows nothing. Make arrangements and send her on her way. You,” she locked eyes with Rebecca. “You are coming with me.”

The Welshman took Bex by the arm and led her away. Rebecca was frozen to the spot, unable to think or take action. She was afraid for Bex, but they were horribly outnumbered. There was nothing to do but stick the situation out and hope they both came out alive.

Rebecca followed the woman through a series of doors and down a flight of steps. The route was designed to confuse and took them far underground. Rebecca couldn’t tell if they had simply descended into a sub-basement or if they were far away from the pub’s facade now and underneath different structures.

The woman knocked on a door. She received no response Rebecca could see but she opened the door anyway, shoving Rebecca inside. She peeked her head through the door and winked at someone behind where Rebecca was picking herself up off the floor. “Don’t say I never do anything for you.” Then she was gone.

A hand appeared in Rebecca’s peripheral vision. It was callused, thick-fingered, and oddly welcoming. Immediately Rebecca felt put at ease and this only made her more terrified. She took the hand. A sudden and unexpected strength pulled her to her feet, drawing her up against a well-built chest. She squinted in the low light to see...a surprisingly normal looking man. He was an inch or so taller than her without her heels, sporting a well-groomed mustache and dancing eyes. He looked like someone’s father; he looked like he didn’t belong where he was. But when he pressed closer to her she felt something against her thigh much too sharp to be a sign of arousal. A gun, or a knife.

The man chuckled, low and disconcertingly cheerful. “Well well well look at what my little pussycat dragged in.”

#criminal au #ted lasso #rebecca welton #keeley jones #colin hughes #god I'm in too deep guys #bex

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starkerintheparker · 4 years

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starker reclist - AUs

Hey guys! Welcome to the second part of my personal Starker reclist, dedicated to AUs. Last week I posted my canon-based recs, you can find them here.

I tried to incorporate as many tropes as I could, hoping everyone will find something special within their interests. There are a few a/b/o and underage fics, all properly tagged in case anyone wishes to avoid them. I also tried to highlight soulmate AUs because I reckon it’s a somewhat popular trope. Enjoy! ❤️

Last updated: April 25th, 2020. All new fics added will be marked with ***

• 007 AU by @darker-soft-starker (T, 4k, completed)

Summary: Undercover and bored at an art auction, Tony finds entertainment in Peter Parker.

Review: Look, I’m a simple woman. Daniel Craig has owned my ass ever since Casino Royale and I was reading 00Q and Hartwin before I even shipped Starker. Point is, I like spy movies, ok?! So naturally I couldn’t leave this fic out of my reclist. I you need further incentive, consider this quote: “What, a little late night espionage not romantic enough for you?” Peter retorts, whipping a pistol out from his jacket and aiming it at Tony’s chest.

• 3 Times I Told You I Loved You & 1 Time You Said It Back by @starkeristheendgame (E) background Peter/Steve, Peter/Bucky, Peter/Scott

Summary: Peter Parker confesses his love to Tony Stark three times. Once at ten, once at fifteen and once at twenty. Finally convinced that Tony will never love him back, Peter ventures out into a different path, desperate to find the love he seeks from someone else. But you know what they say about star-crossed lovers.

Review: This lovely fic holds a very special place in my heart. I’m so invested I decided to wait until it’s finished so I can read it all in one sitting. Peter’s longing and heartbreak hurt my poor soul but I trust Jensen to give me that promised Starker endgame - I know it will be glorious when it finally comes.

• A Night on the Town by @scarletmanuka1 (G, 2.3k, completed)

Summary: Nightclub AU. Years after the events of Endgame, Tony has hit rock bottom. The Snap left him crippled, Pepper has abandoned him and has taken Morgan with her, and he's feeling old and lonely. Peter arranges a night out at the nightclub that he works at to try and cheer Tony up.

Review: I love get together fics, especially if it involves oblivious!Tony getting his shit together and going after his man. Seeing him bitter and broken after Thanos was hard, but special kudos to IronBros moments because that friendship is true goals!

• Age of Adeline by @starkerforlife6969 (completed) background Harley/Peter, Bucky/Peter, Wade/Peter

Review: I’d never in a million years think about this movie as a Starker AU but gosh, this is everything I needed in my life and it completely devastated me but I loved every minute of it. As a devoted monoshipper, I was surprised to realize that I got emotionally involved with all pairings, even more so with Starker, which totally paid off. Gorgeous, powerful and heartfelt. God bless SFL.

• assume makes ass for u and me by @pretty-well-funded (M, 1.6k, completed) tw underage

Summary: In Tony’s defense, he was sure the kid was a rent boy.

Review: This 1.6k fic caught me completely off guard and now I’m crying because I need MORE. I love the premise, the dialogue is criminally good, their voices are amazing and I can’t get enough of cheeky!Peter charming Tony with his wit and filthy mind.

• Bamf!secretary Peter by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed)

Review: Who could ever resist some corporate espionage drama with bamf!Peter leaving Tony speechless and horny? Not me. I’d read more 30k of this verse because competent, sassy Peter Parker is such a kink, omg.

• Biker!Tony by @starkerforlife6969 (T, completed) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Review: Same age AUs are not usually my thing but I can’t resist cute high school sweethearts written by this fandom goddess. Plus, protective!Tony calling Peter “doll” does things to my heart - and Peter’s.

• Breaking Character by @cagestark (E, 8.3k, completed)

Summary: Tony Stark, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and spy for SHIELD. Working with another SHIELD spy, the infamous Spider, he will take down an infamous human trafficking ring in New York. But the act they have to put on will demand more from Tony than he ever thought he'd have to give. Not that he minds.

Review: The spy trope seriously needs more fic like this one, because I’ll have bamf!Peter lying back to save his country while Tony freaks out any day. Cage hits the perfect balance between plot building, fantastic sexual tension, clever dialogue and the hottest smut sequence. What a ride! (Pun intended).

• Curiosity Killed the Cat by @areluctantsblog (T, 1.5k, completed)

Summary: Peter has been modelling in an art school for years. He's used to strangers' eyes roaming his body - clothed or naked - and he knows that it's not him they are looking at. Not him who they are interested in. He's just a model, a tool for their work. And for a long time he doesn't notice the one pair of eyes that, despite seeing him but rarely, is looking right at him.

Review: Very soft and atmospheric, this fic left me in a bit of a daze and it took me a while to realize it was over. Great writing will do that to you.

• Detective!Tony, Graffiti Artist!Peter by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed)

Review: Oh don’t mind me, just appreciating this author’s talent at writing from the filthiest smut to the softest “Tony saves Peter in all ways that matter” like this ficlet. We stan.

• Eat at Pete’s by feyrelay + glorious art by @peachbabypie (E)

Summary: Peter gives him an unimpressed look, “If you didn’t do your work, then you wouldn’t be able to earn my time though, would you?” Pfft. “Kid, I have more money than god. I can splurge on your delicious pancakes and attention, trust me,” Tony informs him loftily. Peter smiles that wicked, crooked little smile that's just for him. It's not even and perfect like his the-customer-is-always-right one that's more frequently on offer. “I didn’t say you couldn’t afford it. I said you wouldn’t have earned it.”

Review: How can we ever say no to dom!Peter putting Tony in his place and hopefully on his dick + Tony loving every second of it?? Their dynamics are fantastic and that TASTY COUNTER DIALOGUE KILLS ME. EVERY TIME. Check it out and come scream with me: sub!Tony rights :D

• Fire and Ice by LeafyGreenQueen773 (M, 3k, completed) Soulmate AU

Summary: AU where when someone writes on his or her skin, the same thing shows up on their soulmate in the same place as a Mark that fades away in a few hours.

Review: This was the first Starker soulmate fic I’ve read and it made my heart ache so soft and good. Lovely and bittersweet, quiet and painfully honest.

• Genius, Acrobat, Playboy, Philanthropist by @scarletmanuka1 (E, 28k, completed)

Summary: After Peter's aeriel acrobatics partner, Adrian Toomes is fired from The Avengers Circus Troupe for theft, he is shocked to discover that his replacement is non other than legendary performer, Tony Stark - the man that Peter had hero worshipped since he first learned how to tumble.

Review: After reading this fic I realized I need more Circus AUs in my life. I could read jealous idiots falling in love while doing beautiful acrobatics for the rest of my days. Original plot, nice character development and I really appreciated how the author inserted little canon things here and there.

• Happy to Disappoint by @deaded-blush (M, 60k, completed) tw underage, domestic violence

Summary: Adrian Toomes is in quite deep with notorious mob boss Tony Stark. But when Tony comes to collect the debt owed, he's surprised to discover Toomes has an adoptive son. The chance meeting changes the direction of both their lives...

Review: Hands down one of the best Mafia!AUs I’ve ever seen. Read it all in one sitting and by the end I was SHOOKETH and utterly obsessed with this story. Nothing about it is okay so brace yourself for whump!Peter and lots of h/c. Bonus points for an incredibly satisfying ending that will make you gasp out loud.

• Hey Baby, Slip between my Beta-Pleats and get to know my Alpha-Helix? by @starkerforlife6969 and @darker-soft-starker (E, 37k, completed) A/B/O

Summary: Even though Tony can't tell the difference between Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, Peter really has no other choice. His heat is around the corner, so even though he loathes the party-going, booze drinking, smug playboy know-it-all that is Tony Stark. He'll just have to do.

Review: I can’t believe life went on as we know it (or did it??) after these two geniuses wrote together. This is the Starker version of “enemies to lovers” we all wanted and deserve, where spoiled-bratty-posh princess Peter finds the perfect balance for his chaotic energy in goofy-unapologetic-charming playboy Tony. Their falling in love is just so tender, so genuine and so good, it’s impossible not to cheer for these two sweethearts through this delightful, carefully crafted story.

• If you let me by @css1992 (E, 12k, completed)

Summary: Peter had tried dating younger guys, but it just didn’t do it for him. They were often too eager, too fast, too rough. Just too young, in general. Not that older men couldn’t be too much, too, Peter learned it the hard way. The man looking back at him from across the room seemed like a good one. He knew he shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but he was gorgeous. Possibly the most handsome man Peter had ever seen in his short life.

Review: I remember the first time I read this fic it hit me in such a powerful way I cried a bit and was too overwhelmed to do words and tell the author just how much I loved it. But I never forgot this fic or the way it made me feel. It’s so evocative, so sexy, so raw, so heartbreaking, so sweet and so gentle. Great atmosphere, even greater characterization and some of the hottest smut I’ve ever read. Treat yourself and check this out right now.

• I’ll be Home by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed) A/B/O

Summary: The story starts when Soldier Tony comes home for a few days, and is introduced to the love of his life.

Review: Will I ever stop reccing SFL’s works? Maybe, but today is not the day. This gorgeous, breathtaking fic attacked me in my own house during Christmas day and made me cry like a baby. I’m a sucker for reunion stories - the longing, the heartbreak, the power of endurance. This fic reminded me that no matter how long or difficult the journey, love will always find a way.

• Little Spider by @stfustucky (iwillpaintasongforlou) (E, 5k, completed)

Summary: Peter Parker is one of the country's best hitmen, known in the underworld as the Little Spider. He spends his days in the lap of luxury with his billionaire fiance Tony Stark, and his nights doing dirty work for various shady characters. Life is good, right up until someone puts out a hit on Tony and wants Peter to pull the trigger. It... might be time for them to have a talk.

Review: Omg this fic was so deliciously good in a totally surprising and sexy way. Bamf!Peter took my breath away with the perfect balance between his two personas. Tony getting off on that sheer power and confidence is a BIG MOOD and my second favorite thing in this fic. The first being the badass power couple they make.

• love somebody like you (E) by @intoxicatelou

Summary: five times Tony was Peter’s roommate and one time he was his soulmate instead.

Review: Who doesn’t love some forced proximity mixed with the unbeatable soulmate trope? This plot is the hottest take and my heart cannot handle young!Tony with his brilliant mind and sassy charm protecting and flirting with Peter, unfff feels everywhere *cries in Starker*

• Love Thy Neighbour by @darker-soft-starker (T, 2.3k, completed)

Summary: Tony's new neighbour is kinda weird.

Review: I know I keep saying that same age!AUs are not really my thing but I’m the softest bitch for feel-good, cozy domesticity, and I love how this charming story shows that ordinary life become magical when shared with someone special. I could babble all night about how eccentric and confident Peter seduces our man of science that for once has absolutely no idea of what’s going on - but you really should see it for yourself right now :)

• Mafia Boss!Tony Break Up Make Up by @starkerforlife6969 (E, completed)

Review: Man, this fic was so rude to my heart. The heartbreak, the rough sex, the guilt, the hopeful make up, the gorgeous ending. My body literally cannot take the stress, why are Mafia AUs so doomed and beautiful and more importantly, why is SFL so good at writing them???

• Microcosm Series by @bloomblood (M, 32k) tw underage

Summary: Tony and Peter become each other’s heroes after the Snap, saving themselves before they offer aid back to the world.

Review: I haven’t read many post-apocalyptic fics but this series’s raw atmosphere sucked me in. I adore the quiet intimacy, the slow and tentative healing, and all the silent and complex emotions underneath apparent simplicity. Big aesthetic mood, just as its lovely author.

• Musechaser by @nightskygardenia (M, 10.5k, completed)

Summary: Eighteen year old art student Peter Parker is desperately searching for his muse, someone who can bring his creative skills to the next level through inspiration. Lucky for him, his next class just so happens to feature a gorgeous model by the name of Tony Stark, a man Peter's convinced is his muse, to the point of staying after class to ask for private modeling sessions.

Review: Another big aesthetic mood, this fic paints a gorgeous imagery. I love the setting, the slow pace and the building anticipation until the sexual tension finally breaks. Peter is adorable and Tony exudes confidence; their voices are spot on and their chemistry is palpable and intense.

• My Best Friend’s Dad by @darker-soft-starker (M, 17.6k, completed)

Summary: Peter is home for the summer, back from his first year away at college. Having stayed over at Harley's house every weekend since they were fourteen, he never used to think much of his friend’s dad. A few years worth of college experience has Peter noticing Tony in a different way. This time, Tony notices him back.

Review: Turns out that Tony Stark being a dad and a daddy is too much for my body. I worship this fic. I wanna get married to it and have its babies. No words will ever make it justice *sobs* no but seriously, secret relationship is a perfect Starker trope and this one will take you to the edge of your seat until the very end. A+ characterization, lovely build up, infuriating cliffhangers and the wholesome happy ending we all deserve. This is the kind of fic that leaves you a bit depressed once it’s over, because you suddenly realize you’ll never read it for the first time ever again. So get to it and make sure to enjoy every second!

• One Call Away by @readysetstarker (E)

Summary: Tony didn’t need the phone sex gig. He was more than well off, his own sex life was in great shape, but damn, there was just something about listening to someone else get off to his voice.

Review: Omg who could ever resist sex hotline + daddy kink + identity porn? Dev is coming after our own hearts and bodies with this hot combo. I love the balance between their cute chemistry and the hot phone sex, plus the identity porn is deliciously fun. I was so happy to know this fic is getting longer than the author had previously anticipated because I’m definitely not ready to let it go.

• Open Road by @starkerflowers (E, 2.5k, completed)

Summary: It’s not love, but it’s good. TW: implied abuse (not between Tony/Peter); bruises/violence; panic attack.

Review: This refreshing not-quite-a-love-story will capture your heart, make it hurt, make it ache, make it hope and finally, make it heal. This fic is so gorgeously written I honestly cannot rec it enough. Yes, it’s dark and angsty, but it’s also gentle, hopeful and deeply evocative.

• Panty Raid by @starkerforlife6969 (M, completed) A/B/O

Summary: Imagine Tony being forced to do a panty raid as an initiation for his fraternity. So Tony, keeping up his playboy appearances, sneaks into the omega dorms. And he sees sweet innocent Peter who is so alarmed by the alphas raiding their dorm Tony can’t help but comfort him.

Review: Unf this fic is just too charming and cute, my heart cannot take it. Frat stories are so fun they make me forget my preference for age gaps and realize I could read more 50k of protective young!Tony any day, please and thank

• Pete’s Eats by @darker-soft-starker (T, 9.3k, completed)

Summary: Peter has a YouTube channel where he just drinks wine and teaches people how to cook things if they live in a mediocre apartment. While cooking and drinking he just talks about stuff like memes and school and, most importantly, his undying thirst for Tony Stark.

Review: This is legit the funniest shit I’ve ever read, everybody else can go home. I was already sold on Peter being a relatable thirsty dork, but Tony’s A+++ characterization (for a moment I thought it was RDJ on the big screen) and the identity porn side trope killed me for good. And what a way to go. I’m an angst hoe but I could read this forever and would be okay with it.

• pondus, pondera by spqr (M, 9.3k, completed) underage prostitution but not between P/T

Summary: Peter sells his virginity for $5,000 when he’s fifteen.

Review: Ugh I’m so weak for the angsty hooker trope, I just love the potential to simultaneously explore whump, mutual pining and gentle recovery. Trust spqr to deliver it all with a carefully crafted slow burn, god-tier characterization and a heartfelt and satisfying get together. This fic is a gem.

• Powerful by @cagestark (E, 4.6k, completed) SIM!Tony

Summary: After finding out about Peter's abusive ex, Tony privately vows revenge.

Review: This fic took my breath away and made me realize that dark!Tony with a soft spot for Peter is everything I need in my life. Precious Peter being empowered by a viciously protective Tony is now my absolute jam, and it was fascinating to see see their dynamics mutually feeding each other’s nature. This fic is gorgeous, sexy and liberating.

***Red Light District series by @starker-stories (17k, ongoing)

Summary: Everyone knows that Tony Stark is a playboy who has dozens of women passing through his life and through his bed. What everyone doesn't know is that Tony Stark is deeply closeted, longing for something he can't ever have -- a life and a love with another man.

Review: I’m completely in love with this series and not only because it explores the good old hooker trope which I’m very partial to. It’s so well written and atmospheric, if a tad bittersweet and heart-wrenching. Great narrative tension, Tony and Peter’s chemistry is insane, their voices and dialogue are amazing and the smut is looong and scorching hot *chef’s kiss*

• Samadhi by @starkercrossedlovers (E, completed)

Summay: Tony goes to yoga to try and deal with his anxiety and ends up falling for the instructor, one Peter Parker.

Review: Okay so yoga fics are among my guilty pleasures and I can’t get enough of feel-good fics like this one. Peter’s such a sweetheart, so thoughtful and amazing with Tony. I love it when they take care of each other and find solace together, this fic made me soft :’)

• Single dad baker!Peter and lawyer!Tony by @starkerforlife6969 (G, completed)

Review: I’m not usually a fluff girl but this fic is just too wholesome to go by unnoticed. Nothing hits my soft side harder than a cynical character reaching that turning point that makes them start to believe in love. Fuck yes, YOU SHOW THAT MAN SOME HAPPILY EVER AFTER PETE

• Soft Kitty by @ko-fiandfanfiction (E, 33k, completed)

Summary: Peter wasn’t wearing something Tony would call normal, not that there was anything inherently wrong with what he was wearing or anything. It just struck him as…different. To put it plainly. Tony is not sure what to make of this new development.

Review: For those of you who love some occasional feminization, this is the perfect treat. Soft, sexy and sweet, it combines top guilty, pining Tony with oblivious idiots in love, two of my favorite tropes. Amazing slow burn with glorious sexual tension, infuriating dancing around each other and a very satisfying get together. Bonus points for including the “Avengers living together in the Tower” trope, this is the 2012 team building fic we deserved.

• Solitaire by @darker-soft-starker (M, 29k, completed)

Summary: After a traumatic experience, Tony loses his marriage and his business empire in one fell swoop. At rock bottom, it takes real change to pick up the pieces, to dig himself out of the funk he's been living in. It's not pretty. Along the path of healing Tony meets a bright young man, Peter Parker, who makes the entire journey worth it.

Review: Oh man, this was a tough ride on the soul. Few things hurt me like reading whump!Tony but his healing journey is so beautiful it’s all worth it. Top notch characterization, amazing dialogue, FEELS EVERYWHERE, and a gorgeous portrayal of loneliness, friendship, hope and love.

• Someone Who Makes you Happy by tuesday (T, 6k, completed) Soulmate AU

Summary: Peter was born with several marks already marring his skin, including an interlocking AES over his heart. A scar-sharing soulmate AU.

Review: This fic is absolutely stunning and it makes my heart ache in all the right places. Great worldbuilding (I LOVE the scarring concept, so unique and fitting to these characters), A+++ Tony characterization (the wit and the self-hate are so spot on I could weep) and a journey full of longing, until they finally get to be on the same page.

• Splice by Mezzymet (E, 35k, completed) A/B/O

Summary: "He's not...." The doctors polite nature and disposition hadn't been able to mask the odd tone of his voice, like he had been reading someone's death certificate. Only Peter hadn't been on his death bed. "Peter isn't like the other kids.

Review: I keep coming back to this story because it’s such a fascinating and unique take on this trope. Very well thought and put together - the world building is fantastic, the sex sequences are breathtaking, and Tony’s gentle thoughtfulness makes me wanna cry.

• Stopover by @cagestark (E, 10k, completed)

Summary: A stopover is just a break in a journey. Tony is on the run from the organization he used to kill for, and when he stopped for gas and coffee in the small town of Stopover, IL, he had no plans to leave with anything more.

Review: *sigh* this is the mob boss!Tony fic I’ve waited for all my life. Even more impressive than the delicious smut checking all my kink boxes was the phenomenal build up, the overall urgent atmosphere that surrounds those “on the run”, combined with the gentle wonder of stealing a moment in time to find solace in the most unlikely place. Breathtakingly moving.

• Student Body President Election by @starkerforlife6969 (T, completed)

Summary: Tony and Peter are competing for Student Body President and a smear campaign takes things a little too far.

Review: GIMME ENEMIES TO LOVERS AND ALL THE HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA. This ficlet is so fun and adorable it will make your heart smile. Great plot idea and the usual bonus points for protective!Tony being a sweetheart. Will have more 30k, pls and thank.

• Such a Softer Sin by @css1992 (E, 18k, completed) background Peter/Norman

Summary: Tony is a self-made man. Peter is a sugar baby – someone else’s sugar baby.

Review: Another fantastic slow burn that hit me hard in the feels. I love it when fics explore the characters’ personal struggles before they get together, and while the Peter!whump destroyed my heart, Tony’s parallel journey of growth took my breath away. css1992’s talent took the good old sugar baby trope to a whole new epic level.

• Summer Daze by @darker-soft-starker (NR, 4.3k, completed)

Summary: Starker no-powers au where Peter watches construction worker Tony from his bedroom window as the older man works across the street.

Review: Ahh yes, the classic “food as metaphor for love” trope, my absolute jam. This fic is so adorable and endearing, pining!Peter in his wooing mission makes my heart ache and the sweet anticipation is so good. There’s something about this fic that gives me nostalgia; it’s as soft and warm as a summer breeze.

• Tamed by @cagestark (E, 8.3k, completed)

Review: It’s no wonder this is Cage’s most beloved fic. Bad boy!Tony being all soft for Peter is everything we deserve, not to mention a mesmerizing (and HOT AF) first time together. This fic shows how rich and captivating Cage’s writing is - she’s able to transform that old basic trope into something unique and heartfelt. If you need one more reason to read this, please consider: best first bj ever :)

• Teacher!Tony wrong number by @areluctantsblog (T) tw underage

Summary: Peter’s using a replacement phone and mistypes Ned’s number asking for help on a physics problem.

Review: I have such a soft spot for this fic! It was one of the first AUs I’ve ever read and I’m completely in love with their dynamics. Peter’s underage but this fic is carefully written and pretty tame, so I’d rec it to anyone looking for the good old “they probably shouldn’t, but then again nothing’s happening” trope.

• The Bleedover Effect by tuesday (T, 11k, completed) Soulmate AU

Summary: The first time Tony got punched in the face by nobody there, he had a lot of very complicated feelings about it that mostly boiled down to, "I deserve this." A pain-sharing soulmate AU.

Review: Tuesday truly is the queen of soulmate AUs, we have no other choice but STAN. First of all, I adore the concept here - being such a sucker for whump, this could easily become my favorite soulmate trope. As usual, her Tony voice is perfect and his devotion to Peter hits my fragile heart every time. Kudos for the soft and hopeful ending. The series has been discontinued but the sequels are very much worth the read, if you’re up for it :)

• The Catfish Chronicles by @stfustucky (iwillpaintasongforlou) (E, 32k, completed)

Summary: Peter creates a fake profile under the name “Benjamin” trying to catch his scumbag boyfriend cheating. Tony creates a Tinder profile for "Anthony" looking for love late in life. Funny how two geniuses who fight side by side every day can only manage to fall in love after they've accidentally catfished each other. This is... gonna get awkward.

Review: My identity porn thirst might be showing but who cares, I want these two idiots pining after each other in every possible way. This was such a fun and exciting ride! The suspense had me legit freaking out and their get together was lovely and wholesome. I particularly adored how thoughtful and sweet Tony was dealing with Peter’s insecurities, that was handled really well. A treat!

• The Concept of Domesticity by @peters-tofu (E) mpreg

Summary: Tony has accomplished nearly everything he's set out to do, now he wants something different. A family of his own? Sounds easy enough. But he's far too impatient for a relationship, so surrogacy it is. Meanwhile, twenty-two year old college student Peter Parker has just volunteered to be a bearer at an agency.

Review: Can’t say I’m a big fan of this trope but since every rule has its exception, here it is! The only Starker mpreg I’ve ever read is so so good and adorable I can’t help smiling every time I think about it. I just love their dynamics, the soft domesticity, the cute bantering, and the fact that Peter has one baby daddy all wrapped around his little finger but what else is new ;)

***The Date by Neuropsyche (E, 33k, completed)

Summary: Tony has a high society gala and he needs a date.

Review: My favorite fake dating AU so far, this fic is so sweet and wholesome. Confident!Peter is my jam and it was amazing to see their sassy bantering evolving into genuine affection towards each other, not to mention the delicious hot smut with dom!Tony :D

• The Final Heist by @starkerforlife6969 (G, 10k, completed)

Summary: Tony’s only got one more heist. He does this, he can be retired on an island in the Mediterranean in a month. All he needs is a world-class art forger. (White Collar inspired)

Review: Honestly, the amount of times I’ve mentioned SFL in this list is getting embarrassing. I must have done something really good in another life to get such a talented author writing something inspired by one of my favorite TV shows. I feel like this fic was personally crafted for me; it’s original, romantic, sexy, fun, clever and so very atmospheric. I’m a lucky hoe.

• The Heart Benefits of Exercise by @areluctantsblog (E, 14k, completed)

Summary: Personal Trainer Tony and Gym Newbie Peter. Peter can hardly keep it together watching Tony demonstrate different exercises and lift weights. Tony is very much aware of the effect he has on his trainee, and after a session, Peter begs to be shown a whole different array of exercises.

Review: This fic was a lovely surprise, very relatable and entertaining. Love myself an adorable Peter thirsting over Tony (can’t really judge lol), especially if it comes with a good amount of pining and hot, kinky smut :D

• Tipping the Scale by JayPendragon (E, 119k, completed)

Summary: Peter has a rhythm. A system. All runs like a well-oiled machine, engineering pun intended. Every wheel of his life is churning perfectly. He doesn’t expect Tony Stark of all people to throw a wrench in it.

Review: Hooker!AUs are my kryptonite, I’m so here for the “fuck first, talk later” and the general pining + misunderstandings + h/c combo this trope provides. This amazing longfic delivers it all with a well-paced, delicious slow burn told from Peter’s POV, which is always a delight to read and makes you fall even more in love with him. If you also enjoy this trope you’re in for a treat!

• To Catch a Spider by Thekeyandquill (E)

Summary: After the war, Peter Parker left his career as a spy behind to live a simple life in the south of France. But when someone frames him for the theft of plans for a new weapon, he must re-enter his old life and get close to the real thief's likely next target - one Tony Stark. A To Catch a Thief AU.

Review: TKAQ is so skilled their writing should be experienced like fine wine. Amazing research, top notch world building and characterization, and the loveliest atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re inside a movie. Clever, organic dialogue and a sexual tension so palpable you can almost taste it. This is a gem. Make sure to check their other works.

• Two White, Two Black, One Pink by @starkerforlife6969 (E) poly fic: Peter/Tony, Peter/Steve, Peter/Bucky, Peter/Strange Summary: Peter has three (maybe one day: four) men in his life who mean the world to him. Review: Ugh, this fic is pure bliss. It has legit ruined me for any and all other poly fics. Words just cannot describe how gorgeous, poetic and unique SFL’s writing is, or how deeply it has affected me. So if you enjoy Mafia AUs, poly fics and soft-but-also-bamf!Peter taking care of Tony AND being taken care of by the men he loves, give this a chance and experience transcending storytelling.

• Uranium Heart by spqr (M, 11k, completed) Soulmate AU Summary: It’s probably better, Peter thinks, that he doesn’t know who his soulmate is. He wouldn’t want to lie to them about Spider-Man, but he doesn’t think he’d be able to tell them the truth, either.

Review: Be still my heart. This is such a gorgeous fic! Not only it combines two major tropes in a coherent 11k story, but I also appreciate how spqr explores these characters and their dynamics in a very unique and realistic way. I strongly recommend checking their other works, especially Landslide.

• Waiting Game by @cagestark (E, 6k, completed)

Summary: Peter hasn't seen Tony in fifteen years. Not since he had their hasty marriage annulled, graduated college, and moved across the country. Their twenty year high school reunion will find them reunited. They've both changed, but one thing hasn’t. Hint: it's their feelings for each other.

Review: This fic literally made my heart BURST WITH FEELS: the whole build up and anticipation, the slow disclosure of their past, the first uncertain moments of their reunion. I also appreciate the powerful and moving message underneath it all, that true healing comes after we overcome our demons at our own pace. A masterpiece.

• Wooing Peter Parker by Neuropsyche (E, 62.5k, completed)

Summary: Tony and Rhodey dodge the press and sneak into the library where they meet Peter Parker - who immediately catches Tony's eye. But Peter isn't a one and done kind of guy and Tony's going to have to work for what he wants this time.

Review: This is the kind of fic that warms you all over and makes you smile non stop. It has so many elements I love in fic: cute flirting, clever banter, hot sex, soft domesticity, boys being reasonable and talking their problems out for a change. If you’re looking for something light, sweet and honest, this series is a must read!

#starker #reclist #peter parker x tony stark

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ourrightside · 4 years

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10 Reasons Why Carrie Bradshaw Wasn’t THAT Bad...

Sex and the City is the most elite series I’ve ever watched - and I was so excited to purchase the first season when I turned 18.

I would listen to my mom and my sister gossip about the show when I was younger and feel so left out. But, my mom would refuse to let me watch it until I became an adult. Thank god.

Being an avid fan now, I sometimes scan through Sex and the City articles on the net, and can’t help but notice dozens of articles filled with ‘Carrie’ slander - which kind of makes me nervous.

Although it was true that years ago girls were labeling themselves as the ‘Carrie’, ‘Samantha’ and ‘Charlotte’ of the group - the serious and less glamorous friend got stuck with being a ‘Miranda’; it is kind of an insult now to be deemed as a Carrie.

As we all matured, we realized that being a Miranda is amazing and we should all strive to be just as successful - but Carrie Bradshaw is still a valid character and I’m here to prove why the “sexual anthropologist” is not all that bad.

Now before I dive into why I totally get Carrie Bradshaw, I would just like to point out before hand that I am aware that she is just a fictional character and hopefully you are too. If you are not informed, then I apologize for this harsh revelation. However, let’s continue.

1. She was average looking

While we can all agree that her physique only gets stronger and leaner throughout the series, she was still not exactly perfect looking. Despite her fit body, she was not model like or necessarily tall. She did not have a perfect nose. She did not have the biggest ‘lady parts’. She did not have the plumiest lips. She did not have perfect facial symmetry.

But, she was okay with it. And has mentioned that by the age of 30, she was over being uncomfortable with her looks and decided to move on.

Despite constantly bumping into models and having to accept that men can be total “modelizers” - especially in the capital of the world aka manhattan, she chose to embrace her natural beauty, which in turn has allowed her to walk the runway in her underwear.

2. She was selfish

Yes, the new trend is to be selfish and say no - because that is ‘self love’.

If that truly is the case, then there was no denying then that Carrie was selfish throughout the series.

As human beings, we are selfish by nature. But since we now identify ourselves in societies with expected norms and values, being selfish disqualifies you sometimes from your environment. To avoid being lonely, we try to let go of being selfish or at least hide our selfish traits.

Unfruitfully so, our selfish instincts at times fail us - exposing our true colors. And whenever that happens, people aren’t too afraid of pointing out what you did wrong. It doesn’t make us necessarily evil, just makes us human.

To avoid being Freudian in this post, let’s just sum up that Carrie is harmlessly selfish at times - that includes being late to every event, asking her friend Susan Sharon if she could trade in her cashmere sweater birthday gift for cash, accepting a pair of 600$ shoes from her other super rich friend, and cutting off Charlotte’s possible infertility problem discussion to talk about her Manolos.

The list goes on, I mean - this is just classic Bradshaw behavior. However, this character cannot be deemed as bad. She was just under the spotlight, and if we were under it too, we would find out that we do have these moments as well without realizing it. We are not perfect. However, Carrie does reflect on her mistakes often, which is something we should be doing more.

Sometimes, her selfish tendencies can really get out of hand.

It was not okay when she got angry at Charlotte who did not offer to lend her money after she blew it all off on Manolo Blahnik shoes instead of rent. It was not okay when she threw away Aiden down the drain. It was not okay when she slept with a married man, even if it was ‘Mr. Big’.

We cannot shame her though because we all have hidden skeletons in our closets...it’s up to you however to peak in and see which faults make it or break it for you.

3. She was a working woman

No offense to chastity ball princess Charlotte, who wanted to be a housewife to any rich man who crossed path with her, Carrie Bradshaw was by all means an ‘all star’ business woman. Despite being unconventional unlike Samantha Jones (PR executive) and Miranda Hobbes (Harvard-graduate Lawyer), Carrie Bradshaw was a restless woman that worked in multiple fields all at once despite being so undermined.

She had so many tasks to tackle all at once while juggling multiple projects. She ran around between the fields of Journalism, Content Marketing and Public Relations. She was able to get invited into all the ‘fabulous’ events and meetings because of the hard work she invested in all by herself as a freelancer who lived in a huge place like New York. Carrie finally reached her goal at the age of 40, which was working at Vogue. She even wrote multiple books as well.

4. She was unconventional

Despite the show running in the early 90s, Carrie Bradshaw decided to be a sex columnist. She never gave up on her weird unconventional job and was proud of her career despite the looks or comments people would make. She had a weird exterior in addition to how upfront she was about the physical makings of life.

In addition, Carrie did not believe in marriage until she became a fiancée at the age of 40. She traded in a ring for a pair of shoes and a walk-in closet, unlike most women, who would rather get married in their mid 20 to early 30s with a huge rock on their finger.

5. She was struggling at adulting

Carrie Bradshaw had a deluded concept of adulting that at least most of us had or still struggle with. She was not a healthy adult with financial stability and a well thought out regime. However, she still managed to be fabulous.

She had poor dieting habits, which made her sometimes skip dinner to buy Vogue instead. She believed that shopping and gossiping were the best types of cardio. She was not the cleanest and had a messy apartment at most times. She did not care about the way her living space looked like, which she later on freaked out about in fear of being judged as an imperfect adult according to Mr Big. She paid so much on shoes that she could no longer afford her rent. She believed that investments must be seen in her closet. She drank at least six dollars worth of coffee per day. She would smoke and drink way too much for a thirty year old woman.

6. She was a good friend

Carrie Bradshaw had so many friends that it almost put her PR bestie Samantha to shame. To be honest, Carrie may have not been a perfect friend, but she was as good as it gets realistically.

What made her so realistic in her friendships was her ability to be there for most of her friends’ hardships. She had her ups and downs with her empowered female group because sometimes they would feel like she was too problematic and vice versa. For the most part, it is impossible to be as passionate to your friends as you once were the first time you guys met. But what makes a friend a good one is that they never voluntarily try to find excuses to leave you behind.

Carrie’s love towards her friends in her good and bad times showed that she valued them like family.

7. She was lost

Carrie was probably more lost than she would have liked to be. She had a tendency to dwell on what should have been and could have been. We all have regrets and sometimes she voiced hers out more than other characters within the show. She would sometimes yearn over the years that passed by her. She even went to extremes such as dating a college boy just to remember what it was like to ‘just kiss’. Rookie Mistake, Carrie.

Just like Carrie, as time goes by at any age, we look back at the spur of events that created our timeline and take note sometimes of which events we deem as either life-changing, traumatizing or both.

8. She was experimental

She may not have been as promiscuous as her friend Samantha, but she was unarguably adventurous in all aspects of her life. Although the most obvious aspect may have been her outfits, her wild colors and funny textural accessories were just a preview on how eccentric Carrie Bradshaw truly was. She mentioned that her younger years were a genuine pursuit of fun in every shape or form, which most twenty-something-year-olds cannot deny.

She emphasized that she fears living life as a cautious person because of the hurt she has endured. However, she truly defined throughout the show what it means to be eccentric, empowering the ones who fail the experiments of life to get back on their feet.

9. She was flawed

Carrie Bradshaw believed in the glass half full rather than half empty throughout the series. Despite being unbearably flawed to the point where her friends no longer wanted to listen to her problems, she decided to see a shrink which is something that would have been especially socially-unacceptable in the 90s. Carrie still overcame her mental issues and found other remedies which in turn has led her into accepting the way things played out.

As we grow up, we, like Carrie, need a little bit of help in order to realize that temporary issues will fade away into lessons and the permanent ones that are out of our control can be accessorized into our lives accordingly to the way that we want it to look like.

10. She was in love

Her love towards Mr Big was illogical - almost completely insane. But what made her character so special was the fact that she never continued her relationship with Aiden because she knew deep down that it was Mr Big all along and never gave up on it; despite all the signs that kept telling her that he was bad for her. He was at the time indeed bad news, which made her feelings towards him fluctuate between love and hate.

Now, the psychology behind her and Mr Big does not justify why you should call your ex right now so put your phone down, but it is something to think about.

Carrie took the road not taken for most women, especially during the 90s where gender roles in love where still a bit rigid. While it is true that it is always easier to date lovers who make the effort to chase you rather than pursuing it yourself, the easiness does not create the ‘fairytale love’ that most of us strive for.

Carrie once described her love towards him as a crash rather than a crush. But if something deep down is telling you that someone is your person, shouldn’t that account for something? Shouldn’t we all just go for ‘ ridiculous, inconvenient, time-consuming can’t-live-without-each-other love’, and get it right just like she did?

- Nina xx (yasminasayyid)

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tifarobles · 6 years

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Most Inspirational Characters for My Life

Writing about Disney princesses and video games has made me take a look at what characters (specifically women) are the most inspirational to me personally. This includes not only the primary characters I related to as a child but ones I am glad the next generation has to look up to now.

Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII):

There are actually a number of Final Fantasy heroines that influenced me - Rinoa, Daggar (Princess Garnet), Aeris, and Terra to name some of the others - but I feel like it’s obvious who inspired me the most.

Let’s start from the beginning. You meet Tifa as a hardcore member of the resistance group, AVALANCHE, and the owner of Seventh Heaven bar in the slums of Midgar. She clearly has her life figured out as an independent woman with strong convictions. Tifa is from the small town of Nibelheim and is seen as wearing a cowgirl hat in flashbacks. She moved to the big city with honorable motivations of changing the world for the better.

She is beautiful and her flirtatious behavior with her childhood friend, Cloud, was relatable to me as a hopeless romantic. They grew up together, but it wasn’t until he was leaving for the war that she started to follow his story and realized that he was more complicated than she’d thought as a child. This is a realistic depiction of young love and wondering “what if” about a developmental time in your life.

Tifa is compassionate towards others, always willing to put their needs before her own. In flashbacks, you learn that she wasn’t always this selfless, dealing with tragedy in childhood and learning to cope with her own issues before being able to help others. This past strengthens the complexity and empathy of her character. During a crucial thematic section of the game, you play as Tifa and see her be the primary influence in Cloud’s journey of finding himself during an episode of chronic depression.

Tifa has a reputation on the internet due solely on her looks. To be honest, I appreciated that she wasn’t defined by her looks in the story at all. Yeah, she’s hot, but she is so much more than that. She proves that looks do not define you. She is an incredibly powerful fighter and often the smart and optimistic voice of the group. Throughout the plot of the game, Tifa’s ability to be a good friend and leader comes to the rescue. She was a fantastic friend to Aeris, despite their competing affections for Cloud, and she is the first person Barret trusts to take care of his daughter, Marlene.

I hoped that I would grow up to be just like her.

Belle (Beauty & The Beast):

I just wrote about my feelings for Belle as a feminist, but I couldn’t complete this list without her. Belle is an outspoken outcast in a small-minded community, something I can relate to. Often lost in her own imagination, she cares more about reading than socializing and would rather talk to animals than humans. Belle was definitely the smartest Princess for her time. She was also incredibly brave, making decisions for the good of her father and her strong sense of adventure. She wanted more from life and found just that with her own decisions and actions.

Belle never lets others make her chooses for her and follows her curiosity wherever it takes her, unafraid of the unknown. This is an admirable quality. She is also in touch with her own emotions, crying when she is sad but quickly wiping her tears away to plan her next steps. Belle doesn’t let the Beast’s temper control her and she doesn’t allow Gaston’s forced advances to make her do anything she doesn’t want to do.

For my generation of Princess movies, this was the one that moved me the most and inspired me to be a strong feminist, choosing my own love story and fate.

Maria Posada (Book of Life):

Maria embodies all of the characteristics I hope to achieve in my own life.

We first meet Maria as a rebellious young girl who decides to release a pin full of pigs, believing that slaughtering them is wrong. She cares deeply for animals, putting their safety above her expectations as a “lady”. Her father sends her away to boarding school, hoping to crush her tenacious spirit. She leaves her childhood friends behind, giving Manolo the advice to always play from his heart. This is a motto we should all consider more in our lives.

Returning from school years later, it’s obvious that her schooling only blossomed her rejection of society’s expected role for her. She has a reputation for reading books for fun (gasp!) and displays her intelligence in many ways. Watching Manolo in his first bullfight, she is the only audience member to applaud when he proclaims that killing the bull is wrong. It was clear to me that she was falling for this sensitive musician.

Standing up to her father, Manolo, and Jauquin, Maria continuously shows that she doesn’t need a man in order to be fulfilled in her life, making Manolo take time and effort to win her affection. She calls out sexism whenever she sees it and ensures to explain it in ways that they will understand. When the boys fight over her, she fights for herself, winning the battle with her own sword fighting techniques. She calls them out for their childish behaviors, refusing Jauquin’s engagement and Manolo’s attempt to kiss her. Her father’s attempts at arranging her marriage only work when her true love is thought to be dead and the town’s safety is at risk, and even then she isn’t happy about the situation.

In the end, Maria helps to save the town, inspiring them to fight back against the villain. Luckily, once the town is rescued she gets to marry for love.

Harley Quinn:

Harley Quinn is a complicated, important character. Her story explores the depths of abusive relationships, mental health issues, bisexuality, and overcoming a troubled past to live for oneself.

Being a professional psychiatrist, she is obviously intelligent and obsessed with the complexities of mental health. It’s no wonder that someone as deeply manipulative as the Joker was able to take advantage of her interest in this area. Their relationship is a very real depiction of abusive relationships, with the power struggle, controlling nature of the relationship, constant attempts to tear her down with insults and win her back with grand gestures., The Joker perpetually tries to tell Harley that she is nothing without him and even attempts to kill her to show his dominance over her and display a lack of a need for her in his life. She proves him wrong, saving him many times and eventually becoming an anti-hero on her own, free from his control. This is a powerful representation for a real issue for women in our society and an inspiration for breaking out of bad habits for a better self and life.

Joining the Gotham Girls, Harley oozes of woman empowerment. The friendship and the love interest between Ivy and Harley is a relationship worth exploring deeper. Yay for bisexual representation!

Harley was originally a very modestly dressed character in her first appearance (in a children’s show, I’d like to point out). I have very mixed feelings about her becoming a sex symbol over the years. I feel like there are many depictions that took this too far, focusing more on her appearance as a source of sex appeal instead of using her appearance to bolster her inner strength.

I totally understand why there was an explosion of Harley Quinn cosplayers and fanart during this movement of a more inclusive industry.

Rey (Star Wars):

Rey is the sci-fi hero that young girls have needed for generations. Rey consistently fights for what she feels is right, following her instincts regardless of how terrifying they might be. She works hard to channel the force and proves to be very powerful.

Living independently and always making decisions for herself, Rey proves that women can lead without the aid of men, but she gladly helps anyone in need (men, droids, or Wookiee) while on her own path. She is skilled at fixing and piloting ships and I get the feeling she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Rey’s empathy is so strong, that she does all she can to try to help her own nemesis. This empathy is a powerful trait that I wish we all had more of and seeing that on the big screen is important.

Rey made me care more about the Star Wars universe because I could finally see myself in that world.

What characters influenced your life? What characters do you hope influence the next generation of nerds and geeks?

#feminism #geekdom #nerdom #video games #Disney #star wars #comics

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iishipallthethings · 6 years

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The Wager Chapter 8

Story Summary: Another Day of the Dead is finally here. La Muerte goes to the land of the living and is shocked to see Maria, the jewel of the town, unsatisfied with her marriage with Manolo. Another wager is struck and La Muerte finds herself falling hard for a human. 1 year after movie! Main ship: Maria X La Muerte (kind of slow burn) but there is another :)

Chapter Title: Come away with me

Coffee?

La Muerte looked at herself through a mirror. The frame was completely made of gold with rubies and emeralds adorning the sides of the looking glass. Each rock was connected with extravagant swirls that were etched into the material. But the frame did not hold La Muerte's attention in the least bit, if anything thing it only made her more irritated with its everlasting beauty. She continued to frown at herself, her eyes roaming over her red dress and sombrero.

"This won't do at all." She waved a hand and Mary was now the one frowning in the mirror. She eyed her white skirt and blue shirt with a grimace, she could not wear this to the dinner! She wore the outfit all the time and Maria may think her cheap for wearing it at a formal dinner. Mary snapped her fingers and saw that she was now wearing a sleeveless red dress that ended at her knees. She wondered if she should fix the dress so the plummeting neck line did not show so much cleavage but after a moment she left the dress as it was. The color complimented her hair and she brushed her hand against the left side of the silky strands. When her fingers pulled away, a marigold was now woven into her hair.

She felt excitement curl in her belly as she snapped her fingers once again. A cloud of marigold petals danced around her being and she had to hold back the laughter that threatened to escape. When they disappeared, she was back at San Angel's cemetery. She looked around herself and saw that Chuy was not there to lead her to Maria's mansion. She did not pay this any attention, Chuy was probably taking a nap somewhere.

Mary strolled out of the cemetery and into the main markets. She ignored the stares that some men were giving her, knowing by the way they were leaning out of the bars to get a better look at her that they were simply a little intoxicated. However, one of them whistled at her and called out slurred catcalls at her. The man promptly lost balance and fell into the mud below by a gust of wind.

Sooner than she had expected, she was standing in front of Maria's home. The butterflies in her stomach did not go away, rather they only grew in number as she raised a fist to knock. Just as her knuckles were about to brush the wood, the door opened. She smiled, expecting it to be Maria, but was confused when there was no one on the other side.

A soft baying sound brought her eyes down to the floor. Chuy looked expectantly at Mary with something that looked suspiciously like a smug grin. Mary did not question how the pig had managed to open the door, she simply accepted it and walked into the foyer.

"Where is Maria?" Mary asked, feeling a slight disappointment at the fact that Maria was not there to greet her.

Chuy just gave a small grunt and padded away, going off to do whatever the pig did in his free time. Mary watched him go, wondering if she should have followed him.

"Who's there? Maria, is that you?"

Mary turned her head to where the voice came from. She was shocked to see Joaquin stumble through the right door, fixing his belt with a flushed and slightly dazed look on his face. He looked at her for a moment before his eye widened in horror. He gave a shriek that sounded almost like a girl's, giving Mary a slight start.

Manolo charged into the foyer from the door Joaquin just entered, searching the room for whatever danger caused Joaquin to scream. His appearance surprised Mary but his attire made her continue to stare at him. Or rather, the lack of attire. The man was only wearing boxers that had little bulls and hearts on them. They would have made Mary giggle if it weren't for the fact that tears were in the man's eyes as he finally noticed who had entered his home. With a glance at Joaquin, she saw the same tears in his eyes, along with fear.

"We weren't doing anything wrong!" Manolo yelled out, holding up his hands as if he expected to be attacked.

Mary had no idea what to say, or even what to think about the situation she found herself in. She was spared from any more oddities when the door behind her opened. She looked to see Maria letting herself in, the younger woman halting when she saw the two men and Mary in her foyer.

Maria glanced at the two men and then Mary, the same shock and fear on her face. "Mary, you weren't supposed to be here until another hour," she said lamely.

The older woman only shrugged and replied. "I thought I would come here earlier to surprise you. And perhaps help them with cooking," she added with a glance to the men.

Maria walked further into the foyer and stood between Mary and the two men. She looked back at them and noticed the tears in their eyes. She grimaced and her face turned stoic as she looked back at Mary. "You cannot tell anyone about them," she said, her voice faltering in the end.

"I – tell anyone what?" Slowly the mechanics in her head started to turn. She glanced at Manolo in his boxers back to Joaquin, who had not managed to fix his belt successfully. She finally looked back at Maria who met her gaze steadily. "Wait, Manolo, are you and Joaquin-" The tears that finally slipped from the matadors eyes confirmed her theory.

"Please," Manolo pleaded, Joaquin taking a step towards him, a hand raised above his arm like he wanted to comfort Manolo before realizing that he could not do so without making the situation worse. The hand fell back to his side as Manolo finished, "please don't tell anyone."

Mary saw the desperation in all three faces and quickly shook her head. "Don't be scared! I won't tell anyone." Everything finally clicked into place from Manolo's strange behavior to Maria's reluctance to talk about her marriage. Deep in the darkest parts of her mind, she celebrated but did not know why. She shook her head to get rid of the weird feeling, deciding to ponder on it later when she was back in the Land of the Forgotten.

Manolo's and Maria's faces showed their immense relief, Maria might have been a little more relieved, but Joaquin still looked doubtful. "How can we know that we can trust you with our secret?" he asked, his hand now firmly resting on Manolo's arm.

"Do you love Manolo?" Mary asked back.

Joaquin's chest swelled with pride as he answered. "Of course I do. Who wouldn't?" he added with a glance at Manolo.

Mary nodded in approval and turned her attention to Manolo. "Do you love Joaquin?"

Manolo could only nod.

"Then I don't see why you two shouldn't be together."

Joaquin took a step forward, pointing at Mary with an angry look on his face. Mary could still see the fear that resided in his eye and knew not to take whatever the hero was about to say to heart. "If you tell anyone about us," Joaquin jerked his head towards Manolo to indicate who 'us' was, "I will find you and arrest you for telling blatant lies about a decorated hero. And believe me, no one will come looking for you once I'm through with you."

"Joaquin!" Maria yelled, stepping in between Mary and the man. She pointed a finger in Joaquin's face and Mary was impressed by the immediate effect. Joaquin took a step back and did not meet Maria's eyes as the woman said evenly, "I told you that we can trust Mary and we can. So don't you dare threaten my friend like that."

"I just want to make sure that she won't out us," Joaquin said in defense.

"She said she won't and she won't." Maria crossed her arms and even though Joaquin was quite a bit taller and stronger than her, Maria still scolded him as if he were one of her students.

"I swear I won't say anything," Mary interjected. She knew that she had to defuse the tension and fast, before Maria and Joaquin started to fight. She honestly did not want to explain to the authorities why the town's hero was beaten to a pulp. "If it makes you feel any more comfortable, I know what it feels like to be with someone and have people judge you for it."

Her words seem to have done the trick. Joaquin's shoulders relaxed and he no longer looked at Mary with fear in his eye. "Okay," he said slowly, "I'm sorry for assuming the worst of you."

Mary saw that Joaquin genuinely felt guilty for his accusations. She rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly at him. "Don't worry about it. I understand why you are so protective of Manolo and Maria. They're good people."

She looked at Maria and saw that the other woman was watching the conversation with a small smile and the tiniest glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Is this the tight position that you were talking about?" Mary asked.

Maria nodded, the smile growing. "Yes." She looked at the two men. "I told you that we could trust Mary."

Manolo looked grateful, wiping his tears away as he grinned. Joaquin nodded and rubbed small circles in Manolo's back to comfort the man. "Now that, um, that is out of the way, we'll uh," a small blush covered the hero's cheeks, "go find Manolo's clothes." The two left the room.

Maria sighed in relief when the two men left their sight. "Even though I told them you wouldn't judge them, I was still a little scared that you would think that their love was disgusting. No offense," she added quickly.

Mary nodded in understanding. "A lot of people disapprove of homosexuals but there's nothing wrong with their love. They just happen to like the people of the same sex, that's all."

The younger woman smiled at Mary's choice of words. "That's exactly what I think."

"I can't possibly imagine what it would be like to be in love with someone who I can't be with openly." Mary looked at the door where the two men had left and felt pity for them but pushed the emotion away. They did not deserve pity, they deserve support.

Mary could have sworn that Maria had glanced away in shame but before she could say anything, Maria looked at Mary's dress with a small smile. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," Mary said. "How long do you think it would take for Manolo to – um find his clothes."

Maria shrugged with a blush. "Maybe we should go to the dinner room table as we wait for them."

"That sounds good." Mary followed Maria as she walked through the door on the left.

Maria glanced back at Mary and smiled and gave a little shrug. "Sorry that you got dressed up for nothing."

"I wouldn't say that," Mary said. She looked down at herself and brushed away imaginary wrinkles. "I like looking beautiful."

The younger woman gazed at Mary's dress with an approving hum. She opened a door to the right and slipped inside. Mary saw a long table dressed in a pristine white sheet, the edges frilled. There were four seats situated around the table, one placed at the front of table. Plates with silverware were in front of each seat and on each of the dinner plate was a small bowl with a napkin shaped like a crane.

Already there were steaming plates filled of food placed randomly on the cloth. Mary could tell that there were enchiladas, a big bowl of cioppino, and a plate of tamales. There was a bottle of wine right next to a pair of old fashioned candleholders whose red candles set a relaxing mood in the room. All in all, the dinner spoke of untold hours of effort and Mary felt a little overwhelmed at the amount of the awe and appreciation that bloomed in her belly.

"Say what you will about Joaquin, but he can cook," Maria said as she eyed the cioppino with a look that spoke volumes of how good the dish must taste. "He wouldn't let anyone near the kitchen for half the day."

"Joaquin made all of this?" Mary giggled at the sudden image of Joaquin wearing a pink frilly apron shaking his whisk at Manolo as the matador tried to sneak inside the kitchen.

Maria nodded, still looking hungrily at the bowl of soup. "Yep, he said that towns that could not pay him money gave him food and shelter instead. After a while Joaquin started to cook some of the recipes the townspeople had given him and found he was really good in the kitchen." Maria patted her slim stomach, "I swear that I never had better churros than his."

"And you never will," Joaquin said as he walked in to the dining room. Manolo followed him, his face still slightly flushed, but he was wearing all of his clothes. "I spent days trying to perfect the recipe!" Maria looked like she was about to ask something but the hero interrupted her. "And don't bother asking what I put in it, Senora Garzel trusted me with her family secret and I am not about to dishonor myself so you could eat a dessert."

"I was just going to ask if we could eat now," Maria muttered as she took a seat next to Mary.

The older woman saw that the two were smiling and guessed that their banter was how they simply interacted with one another. It did not go amiss from Mary that Manolo sighed at the display as he sat in an empty seat.

Joaquin poured each of them a glass of wine and Mary hummed as she recognized the taste, it was the first wine she had shared with Maria. She glanced at Maria who grinned sheepishly and shrugged before taking a sip from her own glass.

A soft clinking sound brought her attention to Manolo who had his glass in one hand and a fork in his other. He set down the fork and stood, raising his glass to give a salute to Mary. "Before I begin, I should say that even though we have not talked much, I do know a lot about you from Maria." Mary glanced at the younger woman and giggled when she saw the vibrant blush that covered Maria's cheeks. "And," Manolo said with a chuckle, "from what I have gathered, your donation should not have come as much of a shock. Maria says that you are one of the most generous people she has ever met and after the actions of today" he said with an embarrassed cough and a glance at Joaquin, "I would also dare to say that you are one of the most kind and understanding person we have ever met. We hope that you stay in our quaint little town for a very long time and get to know you more." It was Mary's turn to blush. Manolo raised his glass higher and Maria and Joaquin followed his example with grins on their faces. "To Mary Beth!"

"To Mary Beth!" Maria and Joaquin repeated.

Mary smiled with a blush, she had not expected a speech but she could not deny the little curl of honor in her stomach. She took one of the enchiladas and her mouth began to water at the smell that came off of the food. She took a bite and her mouth exploded with different flavors that went together so exquisitely. She did not miss the smug look on Joaquin's face as she reached out for another enchilada and some of the cioppino. Mary knew it was wrong, but she knew that once Joaquin passed on to the Land of the Remembered, she would try to get him to teach her how to cook these dishes.

The entire dinner went very smoothly. Joaquin and Manolo asked Mary about the town she used to live in and she answered as truthfully as she could. Mary felt the guilt at lying so easily but she knew it would not be a good idea to let her guard down with Manolo here. One little slip up and Manolo would recognize her for who she really was. Mary started to question her decision in weaving the marigold flower in her hair but when she caught Maria looking at it, she shoved the concern to the back of her head.

Soon, the food was gone and Joaquin left to get the dessert. Manolo watched as the hero leave the room with undisguised love in his eyes. Maria rolled her eyes good naturally at the love struck expression and whispered low enough so Mary could only hear. "Do you mind if I spend the night over your apartment. I think that Manolo wants more alone time with Joaquin."

Mary nearly choked on her wine as she laughed. Manolo looked at her in concern as she coughed. She waved away Maria's hand as she rubbed the older woman's back with an apologetic smile. "I'm fine," she said, frowning at the hoarseness of her voice. "And sorry, but I don't have a spare bed or couch for you to sleep on."

"Why would Maria need to sleep over your apartment?" Manolo asked as he regarded the two women with a confused expression.

Maria only laughed and schooled her expression to be one of innocence. "I was just trying to be considerate." When Manolo looked only more confused, Maria explained with an impish grin, "I just thought that you would want peace and quiet before you romance Joaquin."

Manolo only responded with flushed cheeks. He glanced at Mary, "Joaquin and I aren't always like that, I swear. You just caught us in a – uh"

"a good time?" Mary offered with a grin. "You two were just making love, there's nothing to be ashamed of."

Maria smiled triumphantly at Manolo. "Told you we could trust her," she said, not bothering to hide the smugness in her voice.

"You never know though Maria," Manolo said in warning. Mary got the strange sense that the man was not just talking about his relationship with Joaquin. Confused, Mary looked at Maria and saw that the younger woman glanced away from Manolo's gazed with something that looked like doubt in her eyes.

Mary was about to ask Maria what was wrong but Joaquin stumbled into the room, struggling to keep the plate of churros out of reach of the jumping Chuy. "Maria, call him off!"

"Chuy, come here." Chuy looked between the dessert and Maria and decided that eating the entire plate of desserts was no longer his priority. He padded over to Maria and sat on his haunches, however he continued to eye the churros.

Joaquin placed the plate in the middle of the table, keeping an eye on the pig in case he suddenly charged the dessert. Everyone took a churro, Mary seeing in the corner of her eye that Maria had given one to Chuy. Mary took a bite and she quickly took another, it was so good! Once again she saw Joaquin's chest swell with pride. It was settled, she would ask Joaquin to be her personal guard and cook once he passed on.

Manolo chuckled and elbowed his boyfriend lightly in the side. "So Mary, I don't recall you telling us where you are from. What town did you live in before coming here?"

Mary stopped eating her dessert as she started, schooling her features into indifference. "I didn't say?" All three shook their heads. "Well, I was born in a small town near the capital. I doubt you would have heard of it."

Manolo rubbed at his chin with a thoughtful expression. "I could have sworn I heard your voice from somewhere."

"Are you sure?" Mary felt dread in deep in her belly. She glanced worriedly at Maria and saw the woman look skeptical, her eyes trained on Manolo waiting for him to finish his thought.

"Yes. I don't think we've ever met before but your voice," Manolo scratched his head, "I can't really explain it but I swear I've heard it before. You sound a lot like … like – CHUY!"

Mary was confused until she saw that Chuy had come to her rescue. The pig had noticed where the conversation was turning and ran up to Manolo and grabbed the man's dessert when he wasn't looking. Chuy ran to the other side of the table and sat next to Mary, chewing his churro happily. Mary patted his head, whispering, "Thank you," before looking back at Manolo.

Luckily, Manolo seemed more worried about his lost dessert than where he knew Mary's voice from. He plucked another churro from the plate and began to eat it, eyeing Chuy in case the pig decided one churro was not enough.

The conversation became more lively and away from Mary's birthplace. They talked about the food and how good it was, Joaquin beaming with pride all the while. They finished the dessert and Mary chuckled when Manolo leaned against Joaquin and yawned into his hand. Joaquin got the hint and bowed to Mary, "If you will all excuse me, my boyfriend wishes to continue our lovemaking."

Manolo sat straight up, blushing hard and glaring at Joaquin who only chuckled. Nonetheless, Manolo bid the two women goodbye and followed Joaquin out of the dining room.

"Are they always like that?" Mary asked.

Maria finished her glass of wine and gave a so-so motion. "Joaquin's being a little more open with the uh – intimate aspect of their relationship than usual, but I think he just likes having the opportunity to embarrass Manolo in front of a new person." Maria stood up and offered Mary a hand. "Come on, let's go to the library."

Mary finished her own glass and took the hand, allowing Maria to lead her to the library. A new thought occurred to Mary; the library was practically their place. The realization made her grin as they slipped inside the room. Maria took her seat on the loveseat and Mary the chair facing it. Chuy jumped up next to Maria and rested his head on her lap, licking his snout free of any sugar from the churros.

"Can I ask a question?" Maria asked, feeling that what she about to ask could lead to a very dangerous path.

"Anything," Mary said immediately. She knew that she should have chose her words more carefully but right now she found that she would answer Maria's question honestly, even if it meant revealing she was La Muerte. Perhaps she had too much wine to drink.

"Are you really okay with Joaquin and Manolo being together?" Maria was playing with her wedding ring again and Mary now noticed that the band was unpolished.

Mary thought about the words she could say very carefully. "Yes, I don't believe that it should matter that they are both men, as long as they are in love. If Joaquin and Manolo want to give their hearts to one another, then I wish them luck. It is hard enough to find true love without worrying about something as trivial as a person's gender."

Maria nodded as she considered Mary's words. She bowed her head as she scratched Chuy's chin, laughing softly as the pig's hind leg scratched the air. She looked up from behind her bangs as she asked, "And if Joaquin and Manolo were women?"

The amount of hesitation in Maria's voice confused Mary and she berated herself for drinking so much wine that she couldn't figure out what Maria meant. "I wouldn't care if they were women either. Like I said, if they love each other then they love each other. No ifs, ands, or buts."

Maria smiled at the answer. Her hand stilled and Chuy grunted in disapproval.

"Can I ask my own question?"

It took Maria a few seconds to nod. Mary could see the uncertainty and a little fear in Maria's eyes.

"When did you find out that Joaquin and Manolo were together?"

Maria let out a giggle, relief flooding her face. She shook her head with a smile, brushing her fingers through her hair. "Our honeymoon. Manolo accidentally called me Joaquin."

Mary stared at Maria slack mouthed, which only served to make the younger woman laugh harder. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But you look so funny right now!" Maria clutched at her sides as she struggled to breathe.

"How can you make fun of that? I-I understand that you've accept that Manolo and Joaquin are in love but on your honeymoon-"

Maria lifted a hand to silence Mary's speech. "You asked me when I found out, not how long I was wondering how far their relationship went. I had some hints long before the honeymoon."

"Like what?"

The younger woman hummed at the memory. "The first indication that Joaquin and Manolo felt more than platonic love is when I first came back to San Angel. Manolo threw a bullfight in my honor but there was one moment that made me doubt whether the bullfight was really dedicated to me. The audience tossed roses at Manolo and he picked one up while the bull was distracted. He held it out as if presenting it to me, but his eyes were not on me."

"They were on Joaquin," Mary concluded.

Maria nodded with a grin. "Looking back on it now, I should have known that those two were destined for one another." She looked down at her ring with a small frown. "Joaquin should be wearing this, not me."

Mary made a noise of agreement but she said gently, "But you wearing that ring makes it easier for them to stay hidden."

Maria's eyes snapped up from the ring to rest on Mary's face. "They shouldn't have to hide though! If they're in love, they should be able to be in love openly, not hide it like it's something to be ashamed of!"

Mary did not know what she was doing until she already did it. She got up from her seat and hurried to Maria's side that Chuy was not occupying. A hand rested on Maria's as she looked her in the eye. "Life can be very hard for the living but you must remember that there is a brighter future. Even in death," she added softly.

She knew that she said the wrong thing when Maria looked at her with an unreadable expression. "La Muerte," she murmured.

All Mary knew was that she had stopped breathing, her entire body tensing up. She stared at Maria, waiting for the younger woman to yell at her for lying about her identity. Even Chuy lifted his head to glance between the two women in concern.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Mary asked. She knew that she was in huge trouble but Maria did not seem angry at all. The younger woman was just looking at her with a confused face, obviously she had sensed a change in the older woman's demeanor.

"La Muerte said that."

"Oh, well the museum that I worked at had a section dedicated to La Muerte in the legends exhibit." Mary almost breathed a sigh of relief when understanding spread on Maria's face. She did not like lying to the younger woman but Maria could not find out the truth. Ever.

The realization almost took the breath out of Mary's lungs. Maria trusted her, even vouched for her to keep Manolo and Joaquin's secret, and throughout it all Mary had been lying to Maria's face. Maria believed that Mary was the most generous person she ever met.

But in reality, I'm nothing but a liar, Mary thought.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Mary must have shown some of her self-loathing because now Maria was looking at her in concern. Brown eyes stared intently into blue and Mary had to break the eye contact lest Maria saw the treachery in them.

"Nothing," Mary lied once more. "I was just wondering where you went for your honeymoon."

Maria did not look convinced but she answered nevertheless. "Manolo took me to Arroba." She looked down at her lap. "It was fun but after, well, you know, Arroba lost some of its magical atmosphere." Maria glanced at Mary before darting her eyes back to her lap. "Does that make me a bad person?"

Mary shook her head with a comforting grin. "No it doesn't." A sudden thought bloomed in her head and she smiled as excitement rushed through her veins. "Come with me," she said breathlessly.

"Where?"

Mary grasped both of Maria's hands. "Arroba," she answered. "You can show me that school you went to as a child and the museums!"

Maria still looked apprehensive. "Why?" she asked almost shyly.

"To make new memories that will replace the old. If Arroba means to you as much as I think it does, you shouldn't remember it as you do now." Mary made a gesture to all of the books that surrounded them. "Every novel in here has characters that all have that one place where they feel at home and I truly believe that in this story, Arroba is yours, Maria. Please, let me show you that it is still your home."

Let me make up for my lies, Mary added silently in her head.

Maria's eyes welled up in tears of gratitude but she still shook her head. "I have to think of the orphanage, I just can't leave the children so suddenly."

Maria's excuse only made Mary smile widen. "Then we won't leave so suddenly. Give them a week's notice a-and we'll only be gone for two days. I'll even pay for everything, you know that I can afford to." Mary was glad that the joke earned a tiny but unmistakable chuckle from the younger woman. "Come on Maria," Mary pleaded, beaming when she saw the weak resistance crumble in Maria's eyes. "Come away with me."

"Okay." Maria finally smiled as she gave Mary's hands a light squeeze. "I'll go with you."

#book of life #la muerte #maria posada #Manolo Sanchez #joaquin desantos #thewager

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solemnveloci · 6 years

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COCO & BOOK OF LIFE Joint Review

Alright, lemme just get this out of the way.

I know that I’m gonna get some people saying “Hey, don’t compare them! They did a good job conveying two different stories, don’t be spiteful to one over the other!” and that’s a good point. I didn’t even intend on watching them back to back at first.

However, I needed a cleanser after the three straight Open Season movies I’d watched, and it made more sense to me to rewatch TBoL and to… first-watch Coco since they were both about the same holiday. So, worry not. I’ll get it over with quick in the beginning.

Let’s start! (obvious spoilers for both movies)

The Book of Life was practically strangled to death before its time by the multiple years in production until it was finally accepted by ReelFX. The creative minds behind the project were native Mexicans Jorge Gutierrez and Sandra Gutierrez, famous for such projects as El Tigre, Carmen Got Expelled, and with resident fish-kisser Guillermo Del Toro working as producer, they could finally bring their idea to fruition.

Then Lee Unkrich went to Mexico on holiday, mentioned sugar skulls to his higher-ups, and Pixar immediately grabbed him by the throat and said, “DUDE MAKE A MOVIE.” DisNepotism at its finest.

Of course, Disney proceeded to screw themselves over so hard they practically ripped their metaphorical cocks off when they tried to trademark DIA LOS MUERTOS so that no icky DreamWorks producer could get their paws on it. The blatancy of this dick movie rightfully pissed off about a million Latino people (Mexican or otherwise) and Disney realized that maybe they had the wrong priorities. In order to assuage the backlash, they threw about six Mexican creators at the script and creative departments and begged them to sew up the Austria-sized fuckup.

Coco now sits as the highest animated film of all time in Mexico. I’d say they helped a lot.

PROS

The Book of Life:

God, the voice acting is amazing. How the hell they got Channing Tatum in this, I’ll never know, but he nails his lines like he’s not even trying. Kate Del Castillo and Diego Luna are my two favorites, though, considering they dual-dubbed La Muerte and Manolo in both English and Latin American Spanish. This line in particular always gets me.

I adore the puppets as a framing device. There’s just something so cool about it, especially with how characters like Xibalba and the Candlemaker interact with them.

Joaquin shouting his own name like a Pokémon every time he does something.

The Mariachi brothers physically roll around sometimes instead of walking.

Both versions of Manolo’s love song are gorgeous and sweet. They’re a welcome addition to the jukebox musical style of the rest.

Placido Domingo as Manolo’s disabled, opera-singing, bullfighter great-grandpa.

*chuckles* “They crushed our dreams!”

Manolo’s mom is so darling, you guys.

“Being bullfighters, we often flirt with death.” “And that’s why there’s so many of you down here.”

Xibalba, the god of evil, pigging out on a giant table of food and causally telling Manolo that’s he’s been completely screwed over.

Something’s oddly funny about the fact that Chakal’s got a giant, untouched drawing of the medal in his Cave O’ Death.

“Hey! My arthritis is gone!”

“Hello… puddle.”

Manolo’s mom bitchslapping Chakal.

The scene where Manolo apologizes to all the bulls his family killed, and the way the bull just clams down and dissolves into marigolds, like its soul was just put to rest.

Luchadore Priest. Hell, just the whole fight scene.

The kiss between Manolo and Maria, not helped by the fact I though he was flipping Chakal off during it instead of raising a finger.

“Men! Typical.” I love that delivery. “WELP, SAW THIS SHIT COMIN’.”

The little goth kid passing out when La Muerte undisguises herself.

Coco:

Again, the voice acting, fucking astounding. Props goes to Gael Garcia Benal, he pulls off his character so well! Disney/Pixar movies have sort of been lackluster with their voice acting (with a few exceptions) but this one was perfect.

*flashback to Ernesto getting flattened under a bell* “I wanna be just like him!”

“Miguel, vitamins are real.” “Well, now I’m thinking they might be!”

Hector’s facial expressions are so good, you guys.

Actually, I want to talk more about this. Not just him, but all the physical comedy with the skeletons. Like, they way they detach their limbs or heads, it’s so animated and weird. Reminds me of old cartoons.

If someone told me they watched this movie for Hector, I’d support them.

“Those aren’t the words!” “There are children present.”

I don’t care if all the acts were meant to be bad on purpose, I thought they were cute.

“Bring back the singing dogs!”

Seriously, the body language is incredible. Gael must have been having the time of his life recording this.

“HAVE YOU MET MY GRANDSON?”

“I hope you die very soon!”

Ernesto’s twist villainy is better than Big Hero Six and Frozen combined, fight me.

In fact, it’s the only way the villainy would have worked. Dammit, Disney! You made it look lazy!

Holy fuck, he just fell over. That’s… jarring.

Art theft is bad, you guys.

*sobbing*

*LOUDER SOBBING*

Awww! She’s dead! Wait, that sounds bad.

CONS

You scrolled down here for the negativity, didn’t you?

Book of Life: This movie gets shorter every time I watch it. Not kidding. Maybe it’s because I’m used to all the plot beats and twists. But… why is it soooo short?! Even like, two more scenes could have helped it along. I NEED MORE.

Coco: The inclusion of Frida Kahlo. This one kinda doesn’t count, but it does annoy me that she was used as just a quirky side-character, which is a huge slap in the face for all that she’d done as an artist and an activist. The gag at the beginning with Hector wasn’t that bad, but if I could’ve changed it, I’d put the guy who invented Alebrijes in her place, Pedro Linares. You’d only have to do a little bit of tweaking, the Rivera family would dress as a giant Alebrije puppet to get backstage instead, Hector could disguise himself as one to sneak past Ernesto’s guards, and we could have this scene.

Ernesto: Ah, excuse me, sir! The stage is that way.

Hector: *takes off mask*

Ernesto: Hector. You’ve gotten back into performing, I see.

And now, for some rapid-fire nitpicks if that wasn’t enough negativity for you.

Why does the museum have a trick wall? Is it always there, or just there when La Muerte needs it? Is this their day job, or did they shapeshift into actual museum workers? Where’s Joaquin’s Mom? If she’s alive, why is she neglecting a child to live out in the streets? If she’s dead, who the hell raised him before Maria’s dad? Where’s Maria’s mom? Is nobody going to point out that Manolo is the only living member of his family left?!

Why didn’t Imelda just ban people seeking out musical careers and not all music? Are they not allowed to go to church? What do they do for parties? Quincenaras? Did nobody that Hector knew talk about the movie where his own death was ripped off? Did he never even overhear it? If you do something evil, do you only go to the Land of the Remembered if you never get caught? What if you’re a serial killer who never got caught? Does that mean there’s a hell? DID CHICH GO TO HELL BECAUSE HE WAS FORGOTTEN? WHAT KIND OF FUCKED UP GHOST CAPITALISM DOES THE PIXAR-VERSE AFTERLIFE RUN ON

#review #reviews #reelfx #disney #pixar

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angeltriestoblog · 4 years

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I watched a couple of movies! (Part 1)

Back when I regularly had the luxury of long breaks, I spent my days binge-watching films, as you can see from my extensive knowledge of 80s chick flicks and all the cheesy tropes and disgustingly adorable, predominantly white leading men that come with them. Sadly, a side effect of growing older in the digital age seemed to be the diminishment of my attention span: the only things I could focus on were academic requirements, simply because I had to. But, thanks to several factors—the suspension of online classes, the sudden annoyance I developed towards Barney Stinson that prompted me to discontinue How I Met Your Mother, etc.—I decided it was high time to rekindle this lost love. So, here is an unsolicited review of the 17 films I managed to finish in a little over a week! Rest assured, I tried my best to venture out of familiar territory and brush up on some of the more cultured picks, according to Letterboxd, at least.

Bar Boys (2017, dir. Kip Oebanda) ★★★

The film that kickstarted everything, which I never would have seen if the director had not uploaded the full version on YouTube. This well-meaning tale of four best friends (Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano) and the challenges they face in law school—terror professors, fraternities, and financial difficulties included—does have a lot of heart, and is sensitive enough to show how the effect of this experience differs depending on a student's background. But, what it lacked for me was a certain degree of specificity: I think the same premise would have been applicable in med school, or any other post-graduate degree for that matter. So, why did the characters choose law? I also would have appreciated some commentary on the shortcomings of the country’s justice system, and further fleshing out of the characters so the audience could have seen why we could count on them to fill in the gaps.

Legally Blonde (2001, dir. Robert Luketic) ★★★½

The rating might be surprising, considering that the courtroom scene was responsible for the short law school phase I had in Grade 5. As if I could ever make use of the rules of haircare in an actual cross-examination. Of course, I am compelled to admire Elle (Reese Witherspoon) and how her motivations for going to Harvard shift from winning back a boy to discovering what she never knew she had and using these gifts to help those around her (especially the manicurist, who I feel was given way more exposure than what was due to her). Ultimately, though it was inspirational at some points, it felt too good to be true and impossible to relate to. (But then again, shouldn’t there be a willing suspension of disbelief when consuming forms of media such as this?)

Lady Bird (2017, dir. Greta Gerwig) ★★★★★

I’ll probably end up making a separate post dedicated to this movie and how it singlehandedly called me out, as a sensitive, occasionally self-important product of an all-girls Catholic high school. For now, I am forced to condense my overflowing feelings into a couple of sentences. Lady Bird takes place over the course of the titular character's senior year, a pivotal moment in the lives of all teenagers. But, instead of focusing solely on the formulaic firsts like the normal coming-of-age film would, it shines a light on her dwindling relationship with her equally strong-willed mother. Saoirse Ronan’s colorful performance as the human embodiment of my pre-teen self's conscience, and Greta Gerwig’s tremendous ability to make even oddly specific scenes speak to any viewer shine through and speak to me the most, and easily make this gem something I will be recommending this to anyone who bothers to ask for as long as I live.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018, dir. Bryan Singer) ★★★

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding Bo Rhap, particularly its failure to portray Freddie Mercury in a manner that does him justice. While I understand that it is a valid concern for fans of the band, I admit I don’t know enough about who he was as a person to criticize the film in this aspect. Regardless of its factuality, this still was just average for me, the typical rise-and-fall type of biopic that is indicative of a rockstar’s legacy, but with laughably faulty editing. The redeeming factors were Rami Malek’s brilliant portrayal of the legend himself—his Live Aid performance gave me chills that lasted the entire 20 minutes, how alarming—and, obviously, the soundtrack that I kept on loop for several days.

About Time (2013, dir. Richard Curtis) ★

Apparently, this movie focuses on Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), who discovers at age 21 that the men in his family have the power to time-travel and thus revise and repair certain parts of their lives. He uses this to address the fact that he’s never had a girlfriend, and effectively so as he ends up bagging Mary (Rachel McAdams), a charming American who is the settler in this relationship by default. But, of course, this gift is not without its dire consequences—or at least, that’s what it says on Wikipedia. It’s hard to trash on this and admit that I bailed halfway because so many of my friends swear by this. But, I just couldn’t stomach the lack of chemistry between the two leads; the surprisingly boring dialogue for a screenplay crafted by Richard Curtis of Notting Hill fame; and the story that, although bore enough of a resemblance to “The Time Traveler’s Wife” to be interesting, was still not powerful enough to sustain my attention.

Your Name (2016, dir. Makoto Shinkai) ★★★★★

I’m a huge fan of plots that are sure to make my eyes swell and heart hurt—I can’t explain the psychology behind this either. So when this was recommended to me and I had made it through an hour without shedding a single tear, I was prepared to be disappointed. But, the events leading up to the conclusion proceeded to rip me into shreds, as if to taunt me and say, “You asked for it.” Mitsuha (Mone Kamishiraishi) and Taki (Ryunosuke Kamiki), teenagers living on opposite sides of the country, suddenly start switching bodies following the appearance of a comet. This unexplainable phenomenon causes them to forge an unbreakable bond that transcends the very limits of time and space. I know the description is not much, but it’s best to experience this unique plot for yourself. Besides its storyline, its charm lies in its excruciating attention to detail in depicting life in urban and rural Japan, both in the realistic animation of one picturesque scene after another, and the use of cultural elements to arrive at a twist viewers will not see coming.

Booksmart (2019, dir. Olivia Wilde) ★★★★½

I can't summarize what I imagine Booksmart to be for teenagers in the future, so here's an entire scenario: It's the year 2070. Two young girls of around 16 are sprawled on their bedroom floor, watching this on whatever device they use for streaming. (Maybe it's from an LCD projector embedded in their foreheads, who knows.) The credits roll, and they instantly think to themselves, "Man, we were born in the wrong generation!" (They simultaneously think of doing a high-five, and without raising their hands themselves, it happens because that's technology.) Anyway, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) are best friends who played by the rules all throughout high school and realized too late that they could’ve afforded to have a little more fun. On the eve of their graduation, they decide to cram four years’ worth of adventure in a single unpredictable and outrageous night, getting to grips with everything that comes their way in an exceedingly comedic yet refreshing fashion. Also, the protagonists have such a genuine and wholesome relationship: the way they hyped up their most ridiculous looking outfits, or overshared borderline uncomfortable stories is honestly my personal definition of an ideal friendship.

When Harry Met Sally (1989, dir. Rob Reiner) ★★★★½

Despite this film’s constant presence in every “chick flicks you must watch” list I’ve bothered searching up, I spent a huge chunk of my teen years in constant protest against the decision to cast Billy Crystal as the male lead instead of, I don’t know, literally any other actor on the planet. But, once I finished it, I realized that he’s a much better fit than I thought. The laidback Harry to Meg Ryan’s finicky Sally, both of them spare no effort exploring and debunking truths and misconceptions about modern relationships: examples of which are the idea of being high maintenance, and the quintessential question of whether a guy and girl can ever be just friends. Although their dynamic is the definition of slow burn, audiences can’t help but earnestly root for the pair—the frustration brought by the several almosts pay off in the end, as they lead to one of, if not, the most romantic love confession scene.

Hintayan ng Langit (2018, dir. Dan Villegas) ★★★★½

This tale adapted from a play by no less than Juan Miguel Severo is set in purgatory—a grandiose art museum-four star hotel hybrid of sorts—where souls can stop and rest while their papers for entry to heaven are being processed. It is here we meet Manolo (Eddie Garcia) and Lisang (Gina Pareno), ex-lovers with unfinished business. Things admittedly start off a bit slow, but it's understandable since there needs to be ample provision of context regarding the standard operating procedures of this unique waiting area. Once that’s done, the focus stays on the main actors, who drive audiences to tears with their powerful performances, and thought-provoking questions on matters of betrayal, forgiveness, and the afterlife. The ending had me rocking back and forth like a baby, my shirt soaked with tears, so do take heed and stock up on tissues!

The Social Network (2010, dir. David Fincher) ★★★★★

Within its packed first 15 minutes alone, you can easily see what makes The Social Network an example of cinema at its finest: an intoxicated Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) hacks into the websites of all Harvard dorms to create Facebook’s oldest ancestor from scratch, in an attempt to get back at his ex-girlfriend. The atmosphere is tense, the dialogue is loaded with witty one-liners and powerful insight, and the actors are so in touch with their characters they practically fuse into a single person. This remains consistent for the next two hours or so, making for an enjoyable and fast-paced, yet still informative glimpse into the human side of what is arguable the most powerful company of this era. I also heard that it’s much more fun if seen with the cast commentary on, so I’m gonna have to find a copy of that for myself!

Pretty in Pink (1986, dir. Howard Deutch) ★★★★★

I’m cheating here, I know: this has been a long-time favorite, but I guess I can still give a review if I was still 15 when I last saw this. Andie (Molly Ringwald) and Blane (Andrew McCarthy)’s classic “poor girl + rich boy = happily ever after” story is masterfully tackled by John Hughes, who manages to inject equal amounts of swoon-worthy romance and biting criticism of the inherent class divide in society. Others would argue that Duckie (Jon Cryer), Andie’s devoted best friend, is the true star of the show, and while I do agree that he has his shining moments (if you listen closely, you can hear Try A Little Tenderness playing softly in the background), I sadly inherited my mother’s adoration for Andrew, which I will pass on to my child and so on—truly the defining characteristic of our lineage.

St. Elmo’s Fire (1985, dir. Joel Schumacher) ½

I understand that being an adult in the Real World is bound to come with some grave mistakes and lapses in judgment. But, not a single character in this friend group redeems themselves by the end. While Ally Sheedy’s Leslie and Mare Winningham’s Wendy were just borderline forgettable (why did the latter even end up here with the Brat Pack?), Judd Nelson’s Alec cheats on his girlfriend and believes that marriage is what will make him change his ways; Rob Lowe’s Billy neglects the family he didn’t plan on having by fooling around with other women and making a home out of his favorite bar; Demi Moore’s Jules relies on cocaine and extramarital affairs to hide trauma she refuses to process, and Andrew McCarthy’s pretentiously cynical Kevin suddenly claims he knows what love is when Leslie pays attention to him for 10 minutes. But, none of them compare to Emilio Estevez’ Kirby, the sociopath obsessed with a girl he barely knows. It honestly resembles some sick contest of how many problems this gang can cause before they end up behind bars, with the last scene being a lazy and rushed attempt to wrap everything up, in the name of this surface-level “friendship”.

Before Sunrise, Sunset, and Midnight (1995, 2004, 2013; dir. Richard Linklater) ★★★★★

Guess it’s better to admit it now, but I made this post as an excuse to rave about how beautiful this trilogy is, the most authentic depiction of love in its purest form. Sunrise has been recommended to me by both friends and the Netflix algorithm, but I put off watching it again and again and again. I mean, what could I possibly get out of looking at two strangers roam around Vienna? Well, to answer that question: quite a lot. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy)’s relationship spans an entire trilogy, and throughout that period, they manage to define then destroy the idea of having a soulmate to call your own in approximately six hours. But certain constancies are present in each movie: the emotion intense even in the smallest of gestures (you don't understand the anguish I feel when the scene at the listening booth randomly pops in my head), the dialogue truly thought-provoking and natural, the settings so picturesque, and the chemistry of the actors so electric I have trouble believing that the director didn’t actually invade the personal space of a real couple and eventually get issued a restraining order.

High Fidelity (2000, dir. Stephen Frears) ★★

I’d like to think of this as an essay: I'm confident that the introduction is the protagonist Rob's soliloquy on his five biggest breakups to understand why he’s so flawed that everyone always leaves him, and the conclusion his attempt to win his ex Laura (Iben Hjejle) back. But as for the body, I’m not entirely sure. Interspersed between these moments are thoughtful top five lists of anything that can be enumerated, and occasional banter with the employees at his record store that may be charming, but do not enhance the film in any way, shape, or form for me. Also, I normally enjoy seeing John Cusack onscreen, but more often than not, he was nagging in front of the camera instead of talking to the people around him; no wonder his relationships failed!

Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010, dir. Edgar Wright) ★★★

I wanted to enjoy this so bad, I swear! Sadly, the one thing I gained after seeing this is knowledge of where the “I’m So Sad, So Very Very Sad” meme came from. I get that it’s supposed to resemble a comic book or video game, and maybe the reason why I failed to appreciate this as much is because I was never a fan of either. I found the prolonged action scenes surprisingly boring, the storyline too fantastic, and the whole quest of having to defeat seven monstrous exes for the hand of a manic pixie dream girl not worth it in the end. Although I can’t give it less than three stars given its impressive visual effects, and appeal to the entire Tumblr community (gamers on one end, millennial film connoisseurs on the other), it’s definitely not something I would watch a second time.

There will surely be more where that came from! (I mean it. Since completing this post, I’ve finished another five films.) If you wanna keep tabs on what I’m watching without having to wait on another post, you can give my Letterboxd a follow. Wishing you love and light always, and don’t forget to wash your hands and pray for our frontliners!

#recs #angeltriestoblog #life dump #movies #movies to watch during quarantine #or at least movies I'VE watched over quarantine #so far #17 films are u CRAZY!!!!#i have carpal tunnel #quarantingz

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vintagemichelle91 · 7 years

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A Chance Encounter

For @yourtropegirl and @rauliskafan (Thank you my dear for helping me and making sure it was worthy of posting!)

Author’s note: @yourtropegirl you inspired a great idea and thank you for giving it to me. I took some liberties with it, but I really hope you like it!!!

(gif from @all-things-raul-esparza)

“You’re up early.” Amanda Rollins, your neighbor from across the hall, greeted as you both locked your apartment doors. “I hope Jesse wasn’t your morning wake up call.”

You smiled with a shake of your head. “It was more like my boss with her own wake-up call…fashion never sleeps,” you said as you rolled your eyes and waved your hand. A strong cup of coffee was going to be a definite necessity this morning.

Amanda chuckled and walked alongside you towards the elevator. You’ve known Amanda for about three months now, and it was a relief to have a friend outside your job. The move from Georgia hadn’t been easy, especially to New York. Everything in the fast-paced Big Apple seemed so different from the semi tranquil life to which you were accustomed. But when an old colleague of yours contacted you with an opportunity to work as an Art Director for Crimson Magazine, you jumped at the chance immediately.

The change was necessary and very much welcomed.

“Well if that is the case let me just say you look lovely this morning,” Amanda complimented. Your outfit consisted of a simple grey wrap dress and a pair black knee-high boots. Yet the off-white coat and the right accessories topped off your outfit just perfectly.

“Even if I haven’t had my morning cup this morning?” you questioned, your voice edged with amusement.

Amanda sighed and playfully squeezed your shoulder. “Of course, even then.”

“You are sweet.”

“When you catch me on my good days, honey.” You both laughed as you reached the lobby.

“I hope you have a good day,” you continued. “Wish me luck… it’s Fashion week and I have to attend two shows before lunch.” You mentally flicked through your schedule for the day and realized that you would not be home at a decent hour tonight.

Amanda gave you a pained, sympathetic expression. Although your careers were worlds apart, you had things in common with the pretty blonde detective. And it was such a comfort to you to know that you lived right across the hall from a cop. Your first encountered one another when her daughter ended up spilling her sippy cup filled with apple juice on your suede Manolo Blahnik pumps. To say that you were internally screaming would be an understatement. However, the baby girl’s sweet giggle led to your own laughter. Amanda was horrified and offered to find some way to pay you for the damages, but you said that keeping an eye out on your humble abode from time to time would suffice.

“Sounds fun nevertheless,” Amanda said.

“It’s a labor of love,” you said as you scrolled through your messages. As clichéd as it might sound, fashion was your passion. Your career was everything to you, no matter how stressful or exhausting it could be.

Ding!

Your neighbor took notice of the small smirk that spread across your lips as a message came through your phone.

Sorry about canceling on you last night… work held me back. Hope your morning is running more smoothly than mine and if it’s not… tell me how to make it better for you.

“Oh that secret man of yours has you wrapped around his finger.” Amanda poked fun, but she had admitted from time to time that it was nice to see that you were taking the time to at least date. It had been her idea to sign you up for an Internet dating service, which you were entirely against at first. But after a few drinks with Amanda and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness, you decided to give it a try.

You sighed and clutched your phone stepping out into the cold New York street. “Figuratively, honey. He ended up canceling our date last night because of work.”

“It’s been two weeks,” Amanda said in disbelief.

“I know and I don’t even know what he looks like!” The rational part of yourself was at odds about the whole thing because this site was a little different. No pictures; this was more of a private website for people with solid careers. You went through the whole background check and everything, but you were still wary about it.

“Maybe I gave you the wrong idea about this, but from the look on your face you are already in deep,” Amanda pointed out as she dug her hands further into her coat pockets.

“He says the nicest things, Amanda. He doesn’t give me the vibe of having an agenda like most men,” you tried to reason with some ounce of hope that you were right. “This one is different.”

“Mmm… as soon as you get a name let me know to run him through the system.” Amanda smiled before heading off in the opposite direction to head to her precinct.

“Sure thing, momma.” You waved back with a laugh and hailed a cab to whisk you off to the nearest coffee shop.

As you stood in line, you debated on how to answer him back. You didn’t want to seem desperate and answer right away; he had to work for it now that he had canceled on you last night. Heck, you even blew off the dinner with an upcoming brand and sent your colleague to the event.

But Amanda was right; this man, whoever he was, had bewitched you with his digitized words.

“Carmen, hold all my calls. Also, can you double check when I am supposed to meet with Judge Barth and can you please get me the Kemp brief from one of the interns… thank you.”

You were never one to eavesdrop, but the man in front of you seemed to have a lot on his mind as you heard him sigh in annoyance and the line in the coffee shop was not moving any faster.

“Tough morning?” you mused out loud.

The man glanced up from his phone and subtle green eyes stared back at you in confusion. Your small smile made him realize you were talking to him.

“More like week,” he replied in an annoyed voice.

“Sorry to hear that. I don’t suppose saying it will get better will make much of a difference?”

“In my line of work not in the slightest,” he answered with a sad smirk.

Before you had a chance to say anything, your phone beat you to the punch.

“No… I’ll be there in a few... make sure you get a picture of Vera Wang. We’re going to need it for the spread. Also, make sure you confirm my meeting with Barneys this afternoon. Send me the draft for that accessory article Tamara wrote, you know the one that JJ approved so I know how to lay it out. And please don’t forget to get my dress from Gucci for tonight’s dinner.” You hadn’t realized you said it all in one breath and the man behind you was completely amused by the time you ended the call.

“It seems that your morning is busy too,” he pointed out.

“Fashion week is incredibly notorious for that in my line of work,” you replied as the line finally began to move up and you counted your blessings. You were not sure how much longer they would hold your seat at the show.

“Are you an editor?” he asked

“An art director. But just as busy as the editor I suppose.” For the first time, you focused on his gray three-piece suit. It was tailored to perfection and that was an A+ in your fashion book, especially when it came to a man. Your eyes flickered down to his left hand and you didn’t see any sign that he was already taken. Another tick off your list. He was handsome and you felt the blood rush to your cheeks.

And yet you held back on introducing yourself. There was no chance you could handle talking to two men as the same time and the one in front of you did not give you any indication that he was in the market for a date. Best to just give him one more smile and go your separate ways.

You did just that as he reached the front of the line to finally order his coffee and left with another smirk. Just as you were about to pay for yours, the barista informed you that the stranger had paid for your coffee as well.

Pulling out your phone, feeling generous with the nice gesture that was just bestowed upon you…why not make one yourself and reach out to your mystery man.

You can make it up to me by meeting me tonight for drinks.

When you finally took your seat and the models were ready to strut the catwalk in Vera Wang’s spring/summer collection, a message appeared on your phone.

Just tell me where to meet you and I’ll be waiting- R

So now you knew his first initial.

Your head was miles away and nowhere near the dinner the magazine was hosting in honor of fashion week. On the outside, you dazzled your colleagues with your smile and your quick wit, but on the inside, you were a muddled, nervous mess. Was meeting your mystery man tonight the right choice? Would he cancel on you again? Were you just too damn brazen to be doing this in the first place?

“Pull yourself together!” You mentally screamed at yourself as you took a small sip of white wine. Initially, you didn’t want to drink but you needed all the liquid courage you could get. Then again, you did not want to be drunk when you finally met him.

R…

There was a range of possibilities as to what his name could be. Amanda was less than forgiving about the entire ordeal when you called her during lunch to give her the news. But she was the one that actually knew about your dilemma and you needed to vent. You were starting to think that maybe this was just not right.

Your eyes kept gazing over at the bar, hoping to notice any possible stranger with a phone in hand… but then again everyone these days clutched onto their phones for dear life. Opting to meet him after your work dinner, you told R to meet you at Bar Fiori which was conveniently located in the same vicinity of the restaurant. He happily agreed and said that he would be waiting at 9pm.

According to your watch, you were due to meet him in ten minutes, and your heart raced at the prospect. Dessert plates were being pulled away as everyone said their goodbyes for the night and made plans to head out to after parties. You kindly declined the invitations and ducked into the powder room to make sure you were put together.

“I figured you would be in here.” Amanda burst into the ladies’ room with a sigh of relief.

“Amanda, what are you---?”

“Honey,” Amanda said with her palm in the air. “You think I was going to let you meet him alone without back-up? No chance in hell.”

You were touched at how protective Amanda was. Then again, did you really want to show up for your blind date with an SVU detective as a wing woman?

“Thank you but---”

“No, no buts. It’s not like I’m going to walk you over to him. I’ll be in the shadows watching,” Amanda reassured you before you could ask her to leave. “Once I make sure everything is okay, I’ll leave you to it.”

You shook your head in awe. “Jesse’s dates will have to watch out for Momma Rollins.”

Amanda laughed. “You know it. I thank my lucky stars that won’t be happening for quite awhile.”

“Agreed!” You laughed as you touched up your lipstick. Everything seemed to be in place. Your hair was loose, falling in perfect waves and the deep plum knee length dress hugged you in all the right places. The black satin Christian Louboutins completed your look and just happened to be your good luck heels.

“You look amazing. Honestly, I hope this guy turns out to be everything you hoped for. Because you deserve it,” Amanda said sincerely and you felt as if you were about to cry.

“You are so sweet. But you’re going to make me ruin my make-up.” You gently wiped the corners of your eyes and fanned away the tears threatening to fall.

Ding!

Your heart practically leapt out of your chest as your phone signaled a new message. You took a small breath and checked.

I’m here and very much ready to meet you- R

“He’s here,” you said almost breathless…

Amanda took hold of your shoulders. “You got this. And remember, I’ll be nearby if you need me.”

You nodded, shaking your head as you set out meet your mystery man. Amanda stayed behind you as you made your way towards the bar. It seemed to have filled up even more so as the minutes ticked by and you glanced around. There were about three men who seemed to be alone.

You turned back to Amanda and gave her a slight panicked look because you just weren’t sure. She looked just as distressed as you and narrowed her eyes looking at the men hoping to notice something that would give him away.

Until her eyes widened and she shook her head in disbelief.

“Counselor?” she called out rather loudly. You froze in the place you were standing.

It was the handsome man from the coffee shop.

“Rollins? What are you doing here?” the man said in disbelief as he set his glass of scotch down. Scotch? R had mentioned his love for the drink and your heart fluttered at the sight of it. You had no idea if it was the tall glass of wine you had at dinner or the hopeful prospect that he was indeed R that pulled you forward.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but… are you R?” You still had to ask just to make sure you were not about to make a fool of yourself.

His gorgeous green eyes narrowed slightly in recognition. “I am. You’re the woman from the coffee shop.”

“Yes,” you replied sheepishly.

Forgetting that Amanda was standing close by, you let out a small breath of relief to discover that this was your mystery man. To top it off, Amanda seemed to know him quite well.

“Well isn’t this something?” Amanda seemed beyond amused. “What a small world.”

“You know her?” He pointed toward Amanda.

“She’s my friend and neighbor,” your smile confirmed.

“So treat her well, counselor.” Amanda firmly grasped his shoulder and gave you a wink. “I should head off to relieve my babysitter,” she said, checking the time.

“Thanks again, Amanda,” you said as you hugged her goodbye.

“Tell me everything when you get home,” she whispered and left with a wave.

“So….” you began, not knowing where to begin.

“I think its time I properly introduce myself.” He stood up and offered his hand. “ADA Rafael Barba. I work with your friend.”

“I guess her background check won’t be necessary after all,” you laughed and he quickly caught on as to what you meant.

“I would hope not,” he said as he pulled out a seat for you and called for the bartender.

You couldn’t help feel his eyes on you. Not a lustful stare; it was more of an appreciation of the way you looked. You weren’t uncomfortable in the slightest. Yet, his smirk still sent your knees buckling.

After introducing yourself, any and all doubts faded. It was replaced by light laughs, subtle smirks, and a hand on the back of your chair close to your skin. The conversation carried on as effortlessly as it had when you messaged back and forth.

By your third drink, you realized it was getting late and remembered you had a meeting in the morning.

“I should get going.” You weren’t keen to leave as you lingered closer to him.

“It is getting late. I wouldn’t want to answer to Rollins tomorrow for keeping you out to long.” He chuckled as he traced the rim of his glass while keeping his eyes on you. It was as if he was trying to take in every single feature of your face, like he was painting a picture with his gaze.

“I’ll make sure to tell her to be nice to you,” you replied.

“Does that mean you’ll accept a proper dinner invitation?” he asked with a sparkling stare. Oh, those green eyes were going to be the end of you…

“That depends… are you asking?” It didn’t hurt a little to tease him just a little. Better still to keep him on his toes and he played along flawlessly as he leaned in closer. The subtle hint of his cologne wafted between the both of you and you couldn’t help but sigh.

“Yes.” His voice was low and a tingle ran up your spine. His fingers slowly caressed your bare arm and your eyes closed. “I would very much like to see you again.”

You melted at the sound of his voice and your eyes fluttered open. “I’d like that, too.” He was just as irresistible as his written messages. More so.

With an agreed date and time for your next encounter, this time not by chance, he hailed a cab for you to make sure you would get home safely.

“Guess we have to say goodnight now,” he said as he grasped your hand and gazed into your eyes.

You looked at him from beneath your long lashes and felt your heartbeat quicken. Secretly you hoped that he would kiss you, but you weren’t sure it that was proper for a first meeting. But he was just so damn irresistible that you found yourself moving closer to him until his lips were inches away from yours.

“Until next time,” you whispered back in time to feel his kiss. Gentle and sweet and once he let you go, he left you swaying with longing for more.

With the blaring of the cabbie’s horn, you two were pulled out of your trance and he ushered you into the back seat. He still lingered by the curb with the door still open, seemingly not wanting to see you go.

“See you soon, Rafael,” you promised as you waved goodbye. The taxi had barely turned the corner when your phone dinged.

Dinner’s too long to wait. Coffee tomorrow?

You grinned like a schoolgirl as you fired back a response.

You’re on. But this time I’m buying.

Sweet dreams, fashionista.

With his kiss on your lips, how could they be anything but?

#rafael barba #law and order svu #raul esparza #rafael barba x reader #svu imagine #amanda rollins #rafael barba/you

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germainetrittle86 · 4 years

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A Glimpse of Bukidnon

2017 was the last busy year I had for travelling on an assortment of speaking engagements. The downside of my new position at work was that I no longer had much official trips and was compelled to remain in the office as “taong-bahay”. Add to that the fact that I had also reduced my hours spent on advocacy work to focus on family time. Fortunately, by God’s grace and the goodwill of a few close friends, I managed to land a few rackets here and there to keep me sane.

Towards the latter part of the year, I had back-to-back trips to the South to facilitate several workshop-dialogues towards developing a stakeholder’s manual for an elderly program. The audience were from really depressed and remote areas, so we had a great deal of coordinating to do to bring them all to a safe and convenient place. Most of the chosen locations were in urbanized centers of the province with enough facilities, but there were a few times when the best the host-organizers could do was to put us up in seedy pensionne houses and hold our sessions at the available LGU building.

One of our pilot areas was in Region X, specifically Bukidnon province. And while I had the opportunity to go around Southern Mindanao before, particularly the Davao provinces when I was working for the National Amnesty Commission, this was going to be my first time to really see Northern Mindanao. Admittedly, a few years back, I had the occasion of going to Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin island several times. At one point, I was able to make a sidetrip to Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon to try their zipline. But I had always been curious about Bukidnon and its famed abundance.

My UP Los Banos classmate, Sen. Migs Zubiri used to boast about the rich farmlands of his home province - the sweetest pineapples and horseback riding amongst the cattle on the hills. He proudly portrayed it as the “land of milk and honey”, and perhaps with good reason. Not only were they blessed with fertile agricultural land and sufficient water sources from the rivers and waterfalls from the mountains, high elevation and the passage of very few typhoons granted them good weather all year round.

However, because of Bukidnon’s land-locked and mountainous location, the closest commercial airline entry point was the new Lagunduingan airport by way of Cagayan de Oro. So there we were, coming in by plane and driving through El Salvador in the outskirts of CDO where the airport was actually located. Heavy traffic usually plagues this area but at least the view of the blue sea was a refreshing sight, albeit in between the numerous seafood restaurants which line the road.

Upon reaching the city proper, we headed directly for the bus terminal to catch the earliest trip to take us to Bukidnon. Like Victory and Dagupan buses heading up Northern Luzon, buses here leave within regular intervals, not waiting for the bus to fill up. So besides getting seated comfortably, the aircon bus itself was clean and well-maintained, with its own CR, on-board movies and wifi. Since it was going to be a long 4-hour trip, I managed to buy some food to snack on. Lo and behold, I found the biggest and juiciest grapes this side of the world!

Exiting CDO once more, my eyes were again treated to the beautiful sight of the blue sea. Cagayan de Oro has one of the busiest ports in Mindanao next to Davao. From a distance, we can see that both passenger and cargo shipping lines congest the CDO pier. Leaving the coastline, we suddenly ascend a zig-zagging route and the air changes from hot, humid sea air to a cool, mountain breeze. I am reminded of our summer route from La Union’s beaches going up to Baguio every Holy Week in my youth and the childhood memory made me smile. Soon, pine trees and fog are what I see through my window, and I realize these highlands are a perfect holiday destination because of its cool weather.

In about an hour, we entered Manolo Fortich, best known as the location of Asia’s largest pineapple farm - Del Monte Pineapple Plantation in Camp Philips. Because of its elevation, Manolo Fortich also gives one an idea of the wide expanse of the Mt. Kitanglad mountain range which characterizes Bukidnon. Manolo Fortich is also where the famous Dahilayan Adventure Park is situated. Once touted as having the longest zipline in Asia, it is still a favorite holiday destination of families and tourists.

Along the way, we traversed various croplands planted to rice, corn, sugarcane, and coconut. I am told smaller farms also cultivate bananas and other fruits and vegetables. We crossed some rivers with rampaging waters from the mountains and I can only imagine the power generated by these bodies of water.

After two hours on the road, we reached Malaybalay City, the provincial capital of Bukidnon and its center of political and economic activity. With its government buildings, various transport terminals for buses, inter-municipality jeepneys, and tricycles, it is what would pass as “urbanized” in these parts. The only other “urbanized” place in Bukidnon would be an hour away - Valencia City with the same aura of economic hustle and bustle with its assortment of shops, stores, and restaurants for people passing through. After token stopovers at these main hubs to unload and pick-up passengers, our bus once again traversed the tree-lined mountain roads. At times it opened up into rolling, green hills dotted with free-range horses and cattle gorging on the lush and verdant grass.

Worth mentioning is the fact that we passed through checkpoints where every one was asked to disembark. My legal background has taught me that at checkpoints, one should never to get down from your vehicle, and never let them open your glove or baggage compartment, because anything the authorities wish to confiscate from you should only be in plain sight.

Lining up outside, we were told to show our IDs while the military men boarded our bus to check inside. Only senior citizens were exempted from disembarking, so they stayed inside the bus. There would be a few more of these checkpoints as we continued our travel because Bukidnon and its mountainous areas are also havens for the NPA rebels. It just shows that because the wealth in natural resources doesn’t necessarily translate into reduced poverty for all people, this kind of peace and security situation results.

Nonetheless, I appreciated the times we were stopped and asked to get down for agricultural quarantine issues. We had to dip our shoes in some disinfecting solution placed on mats or rugs so that contamination from Foot and Mouth disease in pigs and avian flu in chicken is prevented. Apparently, the province was afraid of a repeat of an animal epidemic a few years back which gravely depleted their poultry and livestock. These had dire consequences for an agricultural-based province like theirs, so they also impose similar restrictions to protect their crops.

Finally, we reached Maramag and got off at the highway for our provided lodgings. We were staying at the newer building of the only hotel in town because it had a swimming pool and they had a restaurant there. While our accommodations had free breakfast everyday, lunch and dinner were not included. Sadly, there are no fast food restaurants around, so the best thing was to eat at the carinderia stalls at their local wet market. To be honest, I was never a fan of Northern Mindanao cuisine after my bad experience in Camiguin island during my first visit. Except for the famous CDO lechon and occasional seafood buffet sans shrimps, crab, and squid because of my allergies, I was hardly impressed. So I steered clear of the viands I wasn’t accustomed to because even the longganisa and sisig were kinda weird tasting.

Note that Maramag is famous for having the cleanest wet market in the Philippines and has been featured in media often. There are no flies buzzing around, no blood and guts stinking up open canals, no muddy footprints going up and down the stalls. Instead, the beige-brown tiled floors are frequently mopped with disinfectant by designated cleaners. You can smell the Zonrox emanating from their mops as they went about, up and down the whole stretch of the meat section. Truly, it is even cleaner than some fast food restaurants’ floors!

The next day, we headed for the famous RR spring resort near the mighty Pulangi river. This great river has many tributaries and runs through several municipalities of Bukidnon before emptying out to sea. Probably because of its elevation, this river looks more like a mountain lake surrounded by pine trees with its clear, still waters reflecting the sky above.

The whole day workshop-dialogue went well, but since it wasn’t really safe to be going around a place where you are an unfamiliar face, we were told to stay close to our hotel. Not being one of those highly-populated municipal centers, nothing really happens after dinner and at around 7PM, the roads are seemingly abandoned. I opted to take a swim in the hotel pool while my companion took advantage of the cable TV in his room. The next day, we left early to be able to catch our respective flights back to Manila from Cagayan de Oro.

All in all, Bukidnon is a nice place to visit and experience its beauty if only momentarily; perchance to quickly pass through but never to tarry.

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citizenscreen · 7 years

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I’m thrilled to present another enjoyable entry by Susu and to announce that she’ll be regular, monthly contributor to Once Upon a Screen. No further introduction necessary…ENJOY!

To New York City: Movies that Remind Me of Home

Years ago, a dear friend and I had a deep discussion about the places, songs, and images that have crossed the barriers of our senses and become a part of us. We imagined the things that “would come tumbling out of our hearts if broken open.” During that conversation back then, I was at a bit of a loss. Isn’t everything we experience alive in us in some way? Today, though, as this Manhattan ex-pat sits in her home in the Jersey ‘burbs reaching for just the right intro to this post, it’s that conversation of open hearts that comes to mind. Maybe it’s because I realize only now that if my heart were broken open, New York City would come tumbling out.

I say it often: I am a city rat. Born, raised, and honed to caffeinating, strap-hanging, pavement-pounding perfection by The City. I announced my arrival to my parents and experienced 36 years of firsts in a first-floor apartment in Washington Heights. And if The Heights – made glorious by the son of Inwood, Mr. Lin-Manuel Miranda – doesn’t sound familiar, I submit to you a map of Manhattan’s northernmost tip. There, in that sliver of bedrock between the Hudson and Harlem rivers, where the island connects to mainland America via George Washington Bridge, is Home.

I’ve been craving Home lately. Home as I knew it and Home as I wanted it to be. I miss the grit and the stardust of it, made eternal by some of the movies I dig most and have decided to watch again.

It’s been hard to choose the first film, but after a powerful car-karaoke performance of “That’s Amore” with Dean Martin, I found a starting point. The rest – and a few of their reasons – came tumbling out:

Moonstruck (1987), directed by Norman Jewison, written by John Patrick Shanley: Because the old country is only a generation or two away, because its ways stay alive in modern-day Brooklyn, because of the view of a still-innocent lower Manhattan, and because I know how Loretta Castorini (Cher) feels when she walks into Lincoln Center for the first time.

The Goodbye Girl (1977) directed by Herbert Ross, written by Neil Simon: Because of emotional corner phone booth conversations, because Elliot Garfield’s (Richard Dreyfuss) wit and cadence are Sexist Men Alive-material, and because of the small peek into the actual work of theater actors and dancers in New York City.

The Fisher King (1991) directed by Terry Gilliam, written by Richard LaGravanese: Because like the City itself, Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) is not as heartless as he appears to be, because all the main characters – Jack, Parry, Anne, and Lydia (Bridges, Robin Williams, Mercedes Ruehl, and Amanda Plummer) – are people I know, and because the singing telegram scene performed by a homeless cabaret singer (Michael Jeter) is EVERYTHING.

When Harry Met Sally (1989), directed by Rob Reiner, written by Nora Ephron: Because the opening scene of elderly married couples telling their stories are spoken in a United Nations of accents, because Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and their neuroses can thrive only in New York City, because Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher) hop into a cab together, and because man-oh-man, to live in one of those brownstones.

Barefoot in the Park (1967), directed by Gene Saks, written by Neil Simon: Because of fifth floor of walk-ups and tiny bedrooms, because of the surprise of wonderful neighbors, because of Washington Square Park before I got to know it, and because I’ve stepped on the same ground as Robert Redford’s bare feet.

25th Hour (2002), directed by Spike Lee, written by David Benioff: Because it touches our 9/11 wound without exploiting it, because Irish-white Monty Brogan (Edward Norton) is married to Puerto Rican-brown Naturelle Riviera (Rosario Dawson), and because I recognize the stunning stretch of Henry Hudson Parkway right below Washington Heights in a powerful sequence between Monty and his father, James (Brian Cox).

Kiss Me, Guido (1997), written and directed by Tony Vitale: Because of the Bronx, a part of the whole that is New York City but a world unto itself, because Frankie (Nick Scotti) knows that he’s got to move to “The City” in order to make it as an artist, because of the actor he later meets who introduces himself as the “#” sign (David Deblinger), and because of Meryl (Molly Price), the perfectly furious, foul-mouthed single white female.

The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984), directed by Stuart Rosenberg, written by Vincent Patrick: Because of the way Charlie (Mickey Rourke) primps before he steps out the front door, because he crosses the street where and when he feel like it, and because of the stick-ball scene featuring Charlie, cousin Paulie (Eric Roberts), and a team of grown men in polyester suits swaying to Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind,” the kids they just kicked out of the park watching from behind the fence.

Sex and the City (2008), directed by written by Michael Patrick King, written by Michael Patrick King and Candace Bushnell: Because yeah, I’ll take a fun and insanely lucrative writing career, a pair of Manolo Blahniks or five, a penthouse apartment on the edge of Central Park, a fancy occasion at the breathtaking New York Public Library, and a steady stream of love and laughter in the company of my closest friends.

Saturday Night Fever (1977), directed by John Badham, written by Norman Wexler: Because there is a place just outside of the everyday drudgery where Tony Manero (John Travolta) is king, because of perfect city struts, disco, and the Verrazano Bridge, and because that subway sequence near the end of the film is one that I feel in my bones, which might make it one of my all-time favorite New York City scenes.

Hear, hear to my beloved City and the bridges, tunnels, and daydreams that keep me connected to it.

25th Hour

Saturday Night Fever

The Fisher King

The Goodbye Girl

The Pope of Greenwich Village

When Harry Met Sally

◊

Susu is getting her movie fix here and I couldn’t be happier about it, but she writes regularly at Sin Zapato, a barefoot blog wherein she shares insights on being. Take a look at it here or via the newly-created link on this blog’s home page.

To New York City: Movies that Remind Me of Home I'm thrilled to present another enjoyable entry by Susu and to announce that she'll be regular, monthly contributor to Once Upon a Screen.

#New York City #New York in the Movies

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iishipallthethings · 6 years

Text

The Wager Chapter 3

Chapter Name: An Afternoon with Friends

Donate to Kofi?

Mary rounded a corner as she headed towards the fountain that she had been resting on while waiting for Maria at their previous meeting. She was humming a random tune softly to herself as she walked in a brisk pace. She found that she had been looking forward to lunch with Maria ever since she returned to the Land of the Remembered. Maybe now she could get some answers to the questions that buzzed around her head for a day now.

The fountain was in her sight and she grinned when she saw that Maria was already there sitting on the ledge, reading a book with a thoughtful frown. She walked over and almost chuckled at how Maria did not even know of her presence, too engrossed in her novel.

"Buenos tardes Maria," Mary said warmly. She could not hide the bubble of laughter that escaped her when Maria jumped in surprise and almost fell into the fountain's water. When she succeeded in staying upright and completely dry, Maria glared at Mary. However, upon further inspection Mary noticed that Maria's eyes were alight with humor.

"Give me a warning before you scare ten years out of me!" Maria scolded Mary as if she were her teacher and Mary one of the orphan students, her book still clenched in her hands. Now that Mary was closer, she could see that it was a very worn copy.

"I will consider it," Mary said with a laugh. She sat down next to Maria and took a peek at what she was reading. She giggled when she read the cover which earned her another half-hearted glare. "The Complete Works of Shakespeare?" she asked, astonished.

"Yeah, so what? I like Shakespeare." Maria made a move to hide the book from Mary's eyes when the older woman shook her head.

"I'm not making fun of you, I swear! I like Shakespeare too." Mary nodded towards the hidden book. "What play are you reading?"

Maria looked much calmer, even a little hopeful, and brought the book back into view. Her fingers played with the bookmark that she still had in her hand as she answered. "I'm reading King Leer. It's my fifth time, I think."

Mary sat down next to Maria and laughed a little. "I have to admit that King Leer is one of my favorite plays of all time. Every time you read it, you learn something new about humanity."

"Like how creepy old men can get?" Maria asked with a shudder of disgust. She marked the page with a simple white bookmark and carefully sat the book down next to her, well away from the water's edge.

Mary laughed and shook her head. "Well yes that, but also how temptation can so easily steal a person's heart and make it black." She looked sadden for a moment but recovered with a small smile. "There's always a chance for redemption though. People just have to grasp it. King Leer unfortunately, didn't see it until it was far too late."

Maria considered the other woman's words for a minute. She nodded in agreement as she glanced back down at the copy, making sure that it did not grow legs and leap into the waters below it. "I never thought of it like that before." She looked back at Mary with a slight frown. "What if a person believes that he must be redeemed but in reality he does not?"

Mary's eyebrows furrowed as she adopted a small pout, trying to understand what Maria was asking her. In the end, she gave up. "I'm sorry but can you explain a bit further?"

Maria looked down at her lap where her hands rested for a moment and then back at Mary. The older woman noticed out of the corner of her eye that Maria had begun playing with her wedding ring. "What if someone believes that they have done something wrong and seeks to be redeemed, but what they were doing wasn't wrong after all?"

Mary nodded to show that she understood Maria's question. She mulled over the possible answers in her head before she found the right one. She held it in the back of her mind as she asked, "Have you told this person that you think whatever it is they are doing is not wrong?"

"Yes but he won't listen to me," Maria said, her fingers stilling on the tenth turn of her wedding ring. She looked down sadly at it. Realizing what she was doing, Maria looked back up, a small blush covering her cheeks.

The sudden change made Mary grin with sympathy. "Then maybe you should just be there for that person," Mary said gently. "One day, he will realize that you are right and that he had nothing to fear. Until then, give them your support."

Maria seemed relieved at the answer. She got up and plucked the book from the fountain's ledge and tucked it under her arm. She held out a hand that Mary accepted with a smile. "Come on," Maria said. "Let's go have the best food you ever tasted."

Mary lifted an eyebrow. "Didn't anyone warn you not to make a promise that you cannot keep?"

The unspoken challenge brought a smirk to Maria's lips. "As a matter of fact, several people have. Now let's have the best food you ever tasted," she repeated as she started to walk away still holding Mary's hand.

Mary responded with a light laugh and the two women set off. Mary noticed that Maria seemed to have a little bounce in her step that was absent the day before. She wondered for a moment whether she had anything to do with it but quickly dismissed the thought. Maria probably had talked to Manolo and smoothed over an argument they surely had.

Maria stopped walking and waited for Mary to catch up with her. They were looking at a house-turned-restaurant that had bright red walls with a blue sign that read, "La Comida." Mary rolled her eyes at the unoriginal name although she was smiling a bit at its simplicity. There were circular tables of various sizes set up outside and most were filled with families or couples. Mary and Maria sat down at one of the smaller tables that had a good view of the market place next to the restaurant. They watched people bustle about buying this and that until a waiter came and brought them water.

"So Mary," Maria said as the waiter left to tend to a family a few tables away. "What did you do before coming San Angel?"

Mary smiled as she took a sip from her glass. "It wasn't anything really extravagant. I would probably bore you to death if I said anything," she added with a little laugh. She was buying time and she almost kicked herself for not thinking about the answer sooner. It should have been obvious that Maria would question what she did for a living.

"Oh come on, I'm sure you wouldn't bore me that much." A slim eyebrow was raised as Maria adopted a small pout. "You weren't doing anything bad were you?"

"Of course not." Mary let out an exaggerated sigh that caused Maria to giggle. "Okay fine, I was a museum guide." Not a total lie, she added in her head. Her stomach tightened with guilt and she took another sip of water to cool the feeling.

Maria's eyes lit up as if Mary had just told her she was a secret treasure hunter in search of the Medal of Everlasting Life. Although, she doubted that Maria would approve of that certain quest. "You were a museum guide!? Where? What was the museum's specialty? Did you display any art there?"

Mary did not expect the sudden rush of energy from the other woman. She suddenly realized that she should have picked another occupation as she scrambled to think up plausible answers. She took another sip of her water to buy herself some more time as she shrugged. "I worked for the museum in the town I lived in before moving here. Please don't ask me where, I rather not think about it," she said hastily when Maria looked like she was just about to ask that exact question. Mary shrugged again and ran her finger across the glass's rim. "We didn't really have a specialty, we had a little this and a little of that," she answered lamely.

She saw that Maria was slightly disappointed in the answers she got so she quickly added, "Although, we did have a lot of sculptures and other works of art."

Maria's attitude instantly changed. Excitement was bright in her eyes as she smiled. "Really?"

It looked like she was about to ask another series of questions when the waiter came back to their table. Maria seemed even a little sulky at being delayed asking Mary's questions. She nodded when the nervous-looking man asked if they were ready to order. "We'll have the steak fajitas with your famous salsa on the side, thank you," she said briskly to the man.

Mary raised her eyebrows at Maria's behavior towards the waiter. She attempted to revive the easy-going atmosphere they had before. "Ordering food for me now? Are you sure this is not a date?"

Maria sputtered and choked on the water she was drinking. She coughed for a minute as she flushed in embarrassment when people turned around in their seats to see what the commotion was about. They quickly went back to their meals. "What!?" she asked Mary hoarsely.

Mary passed her some napkins as she helped clean up the mess Maria had made. "Sorry, bad joke." She looked at Maria in concern. "Why were you so cold to that man?"

Maria frowned and glanced at the direction the waiter had taken when he left them. "He was watching us from across the room."

Mary gave a laugh. "Is that all?"

Maria shook her head and glared at her now half empty cup. "He looked as if this was his first time ever seeing a woman. And I have no doubt that the thoughts forming in his head are not appropriate at all"

"And the fact that he interrupted your little interrogation had nothing to do with it?" Mary rested her chin on her palm and laughed when Maria's face was once again flushed with embarrassment.

"I wasn't interrogating you!" A slowly raised eyebrow caused the blush to spread further on Maria's cheeks as she pouted. "I was just curious." She took a drink of water and managed not to choke on it. "I've been to museums in Arroba and I was wondering if yours was any different," she explained.

Mary nodded in understanding. "Well I doubt we had anything that could compare with the museums of Arroba. We do have a rather interesting looking bull sculpture. The children love it but I have to remind some from time to time not to touch it."

"Really? Did your museum focus a lot on matadors?" Maria's eyes darkened just enough for Mary to notice.

"Not specifically. We do have a section for Mexican heritage. It's very beautiful and colorful. We even have a wall made up entirely of skulls."

Maria looked entirely engrossed with the conversation. Her eyes widened on the last statement. "Were they real?" she whispered, as if asking too loud would cause the owners of the skulls to rise up and complain about their headlessness.

Mary shrugged. "I don't know, I never asked."

Before either woman could make another comment, the waiter returned with their food. Now that she was aware of it, Mary could see the young man did indeed stare at them from across the restaurant, making the irritated looking woman snap her fingers twice so he could resume taking her order.

They ate some of the food in silence. Mary made an appreciative sound. "This really is good."

"I told you I kept my promises," Maria grinned as she ate some of her own fajita. "This is the best food you can get anywhere."

"I wouldn't say that."

Maria looked genuinely surprised. "You've had better food somewhere else?"

Mary grinned and took a sip of her water to wash down the food. "You can say that. So, what are the museums like in Arroba?"

Maria grinned as she looked out into the streets with a far away expression on her face. "Wonderful. They were so full of art and sculptures. They even had an exhibit for aspiring artists to display their artwork and have the public critique it." Her grin grew. "I once displayed a painting I did and the museum paid me so they could keep it."

"Wow. You must be really gifted."

Maria shrugged at the comment, but her eyes lit up at the praise. "I draw on my free time but my real passion is in books. Especially fantasy and folklore."

"What's your favorite lore?" Mary was enjoying herself immensely and was a bit shocked at how easy it was to talk to Maria.

Maria thought for a few moments, her fingernails tapping on the table as she rattled off folklore tales in her head. "I guess I will have to say how Xibalba and La Muerte came to rule their respective realms."

And just like that, Mary was regretting ever agreeing to allow Maria to take her to the restaurant. She took another bite from her fajita and noticed that it was far less appetizing than a minute ago. "Oh really," she said in a hopefully interested tone. "What do you know about the myth?"

Maria seemed to notice the sudden shift in Mary's voice. Her eyebrows came together in concern as she studied the other woman but nevertheless answered the question. "Xibalba and La Muerte used to rule both realms together but Xibalba had grown tired of the shared crowns. He wanted to rule the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten by himself. Realizing that her husband meant to upset the balance, La Muerte banished Xibalba to the Land of the Forgotten for all of eternity."

Mary hummed noncommittally and stabbed at her steak fajita with a little too much pressure than necessary. "Actually, Xibalba had made a wager with La Muerte and he cheated. As punishment, La Muerte banished Xibalba from her side." She released a sigh as she looked out into the streets and away from Maria.

Maria frowned and looked down at her half eaten food. Like Mary, it was far less appetizing than a moment ago. She had no idea why Mary was acting like this so suddenly. She glanced back up as her brain scrambled for a topic for them to talk about. "Do you know what the wager was about?"

Mary jumped, seemingly forgetting where she was. She looked back at the other woman with a half-hearted smile. "Probably something so stupid that both gods forgot what it was." It was a downright lie, but she could never reveal that secret to Maria.

The younger woman frowned at that. "If it was so stupid why didn't La Muerte ask Xibalba to be with her and end the banishment?"

"She was still angry with him, although" Mary added with a soft laugh that had a tinge of sadness entwined with it. She played with her food absentmindedly as she continued, "she has thought about it quite a lot. Every time she thought about of asking him, she got scared of the idea that he might try to upset the balance again." She glanced at Maria. "I guess her fears were well founded after all."

Maria was taken aback by the honesty that rang in Mary's words. After a while she said in a quiet voice. "You talk about them as if they were normal people instead of gods."

Mary gave a genuine laugh at that. For very good reason Maria, she said in her head. "They are gods but I like to think that they feel the same as us. That they feel joy and anger and pain and fear… and even betrayal. For a god to feel no emotions whatsoever would be quite dangerous, don't you think?"

Maria nodded after a moment. "True. I guess nobody really took the time to get to know them, huh?"

"Not a lot of people do." Mary stopped trying to pretend to be interested in her food and pushed the plate away from her. "Let's stop talking about unpleasant things. Tell me what your painting was about."

Maria offered a small smile. "It was a landscape piece of San Angel at sunset."

"Is that all?" Mary teased.

"It was very good! Good enough the museum's Art Department wanted it."

"Did the Art Department buy any other works of art from you?"

Maria shook her head. "No, but they did pay one of my classmates a lot of money for her sculpture." A light blush covered her cheeks. "It was a nude statue of herself."

Mary burst out laughing and a few seconds Maria joined her. The conversation of La Muerte and Xibalba was completely forgotten as Maria told her how the classmate had to draw pictures of her nude body in front of a mirror before even starting on the statue.

"Wait, wait," Mary got out as she wiped away tears of mirth from her eyes. "How long did it take her for finish her project?"

"Almost a year! One of the nuns caught her making the statue and had her destroy it and her drawings. She had to start over from scratch and hide the statue in her closet before it was done. I have no idea how she got it out of the dormitory without any nuns catching her."

Mary giggled and sobered a bit. "Well with that kind of dedication, she deserved the money she was paid." She grinned and once again rested her chin against her palm. "You seem a lot happier than yesterday."

Maria chuckled as she took a sip of her water. "Something good happened last night. My friend asked for my help about something he should have a long time ago."

"Is this the same friend you mentioned at the fountain today?"

Maria hesitated for a moment to nod. "Yeah, he is."

Mary studied Maria closely as she asked, "Is it Manolo?"

The other woman's eyes widened in shock for but a second, but Mary caught it. "No, it was another friend of mine." She looked out towards the town hall and read the time. "Oh no, it's getting late. I should probably go. No, I got it" she pulled out some money and placed it on the table when Mary was reaching into her pocket.

Both Maria and Mary stood up, the former much more quickly. "Maria, if it was something I said-"

"No, no. I just forgot that I'm needed at the orphanage."

"On a Saturday?" If there was a single doubt in Mary's mind that Maria was trying to get away from her, it was now gone.

Maria glanced away as she tuck a stray lock of brown hair behind her ear. "Yes, one of the children is having trouble with grammar and I promised that I would tutor him today." The lie was so terrible that Maria waited for Mary to call her out on it.

Instead, Mary nodded. "I understand," she said with a soft smile. "Have a good day Maria."

The other woman returned the smile hesitantly. "You too." She quickly walked away from the restaurant in the direction of the orphanage.

Mary watched as Maria went, a frown tugging at her lips. "What are you hiding from me?" she wondered aloud. Something strange was happening between Manolo and Maria, and if Mary had any hope of helping their marriage, she had to find out what it was.

#thewager #book of life #la muerte #maria #maria posada

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iishipallthethings · 6 years

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The Wager Chapter 17

Chapter Title: Repercussions

Coffee?

Maria turned over on her bed, a hand reaching out to pull Mary closer. When her fingers brushed against cold sheets, reality crashed over her. Maria swallowed down a sound of disappointment and grief as she sat up on her lonely bed. Why did she still search for the other woman as she woke every morning?

It’s been a month since she learned that Mary had been lying to her.

“Fuck her,” Maria muttered to noone in particular. Chuy grumbled, still asleep but somehow sensing that Maria was disturbed by her thoughts. She got out of bed and went through the motions of getting ready for the day. Maria did her best to avoid looking into a mirror, knowing that she’ll see the deep bags under her eyes if she did.

Once she was presentable again, Maria made her way downstairs. She waved halfheartedly at Manolo and Joaquin just as they were leaving the mansion. They gave her sympathetic looks and smiles that didn’t reach their eyes.

Maria still remembered the night they found her drunk with perfect clarity. She was in the library, chucking Moby Dick at a nearby wall. They expressed concern for her of course. But then Manolo asked where Mary was. At that, Maria stumbled up on her feet and staggered out of the library without answering Manolo’s question. She didn’t make it to her room, she knew, but she woke up in her bed. Even the morning after their breakup, her fingers sought after Mary.

“Fuck her,” Maria said again, eating a simple breakfast. She left the mansion and kept her eyes lowered so she wouldn't have to meet anyone’s eyes.

Before Maria had awoken, Joaquin had made the trip to the orphanage to inform the nuns that Maria would not be available that day. The nuns had nodded but it was clear they were curious, it was the first time Maria had ever missed a day so suddenly.

Maria stopped in front of the orphanage. The reconstruction had been completed a week earlier and if Maria had not been there since the beginning, she would have said that the building in front of her was brand new.

They dogged her with questions throughout the day in between giving her water and food to nibble on. Finally sometime in the afternoon, Maria broke. She told them everything. At first there was only silence once Maria had stopped talking. Then Manolo, with a puzzled look on his face, said that La Muerte would never do something so cold. Even as the words left his mouth, his eyes were doubtful and disbelieving to his words. Maria still snapped back that he shouldn’t trust the gods and reminded him of La Muerte’s and Xibalba’s first wager. That had stopped any listless attempts to defend La Muerte’s actions.

Maria shook her head to get rid of irrelevant thoughts as she entered the orphanage. The children gave her polite greetings, slowing from running to a fast walk. The children noticed the change in Maria’s attitude before the nuns did. They were on their best behavior for her class and not one commented on how it would take Maria a little longer to grade their homework.

She took a deep breath and put on a smile before she entered her classroom. Maria asked the children how their day was and listened to their answers said all at once. She saw all their familiar faces, each one eager to learn and be praised by their teacher. They sat in new desks and held new pencils, ready to write down on new paper. Even their clothes were new. The sight of them always brought a genuine smile on Maria’s face. She turned and began to write the day’s math problems. It was here that everything else melted away, even Mary and her wager. As the day wore on and they moved from math to grammar to history and finally to science, Maria noticed that her previous assumption was wrong.

There was a boy, about seven or eight, seated in the back right corner. It was the darkest part of the classroom so Maria had not seen him right away. He was the only one that wasn’t participating. He had his arms crossed and scowled at Maria. Each time she glanced over to him, he met her eyes and glared, hatred engulfing them. When she turned her back to erase something or write, she could still feel those eyes.

Maria did not recognized him so she assumed he was new. It tore at her that a child that age was sent to the orphanage. He was at the age where he knew his parents, or maybe a distant relative, so they must have died or given him up for whatever reason. Maria shuddered at the last thought. It was a rare occurrence but it did happen. And when it did, the child would usually lash out at those around him or try to run away. Maria made a mental note to get to know him and try to offer whatever support she could.

The class ended without incident and Maria found herself glancing more and more at the child as she gave her lessons. He must have noticed, he mood seemed to sour each time she looked at him. The other children ran out laughing happily when Maria dismissed them. She realized she forgot to give them homework but by the time she recognized her mistake, ten children had already rush out of the room. Maria let them go and decided that they deserved some rest from homework. She moved to erase the science lesson when the hairs on the back of her neck and arms rose.

The child from the back corner was still there. Maria knew it by the way she felt the hatred roll off him. She let the eraser fall back to the holder and turned to face him. She had opened her mouth to greet him and ask him his name with a friendly tone but the words died on her tongue.

He was standing right in front of her. “Don’t say a fucking word,” he growled. The voice was what stilled Maria’s voice. It was so full of malice that no child should achieve. His eyes pierced deep into her soul, ripping it apart with its gaze. His eyes still bearing into Maria’s, he walked to the door and shut it without a sound.

Seeing the door shut was what snapped Maria out of whatever trance the child seemed to put on her. “Who, who are you?” A small bit of fear leaked into her voice. Every fiber in her being roared at her to get away from the child.

“You don’t know me?” The words were softly spoken and the rage dripped into his words. He took a step forward and the room darkened slightly. At first Maria thought a cloud had obscured the sun but the child took another step towards her. The room darkened again and Maria felt a chill.

Three more steps and the child stood in front of her. One could have mistaken it to be nighttime by how dark the room had become. Maria could see her breath puff out and goosebumps appeared across her skin.

“Do you know me now?” As he said the words, the child sprouted. He grew a disheveled white beard and his pupils became red skulls. Black wings made of tar unfurled from his back. The pencil clenched in his right hand became a staff, each end carved into the likeness of a striking snake. “I asked you a question. Do you know me?” Xibalba repeated.

“How,” Maria could only say as she watched the boy transform into a god. She couldn’t take a step backward, it was like his gaze petrified the muscles in her legs. The words finally registered in her head. “You, you’re the ruler of the, the Land of the Forgot, Forgotten,” she stammered out.

Xibalba nodded, his expression unchanging. “Do you know why I’m here?”

Maria did not need any time to answer the question. “La Muerte.” Saying the name squeezed her heart in a painful way.

The god must have seen the flash of pain on her face because his face somehow darkened. “Correct.” Xibalba’s voice was smooth but it was too smooth. It was like the edge of a newly forged blade. It was so fine, so smooth, that it could end a person’s life easily. “I have played with the lives of men and I thrive in the chaos I sow.” He bent down so he was eye level to Maria. “I could never have accomplished what you have done, however.” The skull pupils turned in his eyes so that their empty sockets bore into Maria’s eyes. “Do you know what you’ve done?”

“I’m sorry,” Maria said, still unable to run away and now her eyes were trained on the skulls. “I didn’t know, I swear!” She could feel Xibalba dissecting her with those skull pupils, pulling away every layer of Maria until only her heart was left. “I didn’t know Mary was lying.”

The last sentence was ill spoken. Xibalba looked as if he was about to yell his anger but he took a swift glance at the closed door. Maria took the opportunity to look away but her legs still would not move. Xibalba glared back at the woman and brought up his staff off the floor and slammed it back down.

Maria felt a horrible sensation of vertigo and almost doubled over. Just as the feeling started, it ended. She looked around and saw that Xibalba had taken them to the tree outside of San Angel. Maria stared at the tree, horrified.

For as long as the town existed, the tree had thrived. Some of the elders even claimed that it was the first tree that ever sprouted from the earth. Maria did not know if that was true, but she did remember first looking up at the reaching branches as a child and thinking that it was something that had always existed, like the gods and their realms. Now though, the tree was dying. The tree seemed bloated and there was a crack here and there on the trunk where too sweet smelling sap leaked out. The branches slumped downwards with few sickly looking leaves clinging to them. Most of the ground was covered with the decaying leaves that had already fallen. Maria knew that if she dug down, the roots would be in the same poor state.

“Do you understand now?” Xibalba asked after Maria studied the tree for a few silent minutes. He laid a clammy and cold hand on her shoulder, his fingers curling and allowing the sharp fingernails to dig into her skin. Xibalba bent down to whisper angrily into her ear. “You caused this.”

The accusation stung Maria. She turned her head to look at the god. “I don’t understand. What did I do?” Her gut told her it had to do with her relationship with Mary but that was all.

The fact that Maria still did not know what she did pushed Xibalba over the edge. He pushed his staff down and disgustingly, the ground parted like it had rotted. Xibalba released Maria’s shoulder only to grab her neck and slam her against the deceased tree’s trunk.

Maria tried to scream out for help but the hand tightened momentarily, warning her.

“You broke her heart!” he roared. Xibalba’s candles relit and the green flames soared up with his wrath. There was something else in his eyes though. Maria recognized the wild desperation in them. “You broke her heart and now I’ll break yours.”

The hand tightened once again and Maria tried to scratch at the hand to no avail. Her eyes bulged out as she realized she could not breathe. Maria opened her mouth and closed it again as she stared into Xibalba’s eyes. She expected to see some sick satisfaction in them but instead they were sad and disgusted. With a start Maria realized Xibalba didn’t want to do this. As if he heard her thoughts, his grip loosened and he seemed unsure of himself. She took those precious seconds to gulp in some air.

“La Muerte!” she cried out.

Everything afterwards happened so fast. Maria fell to the ground with a groan. She looked up to see the back of La Muerte. Xibalba was slowly rising to his feet, rubbing his jaw with a pained grimace. He spared Maria a glance and she could have sworn she saw relief in those eyes. Xibalba then looked at La Muerte and his expression became indifferent but they could see the wings twitching behind him.

“Leave.”

Maria had never heard such coldness from anyone’s voice, least of all La Muerte’s. A part of her expected to see frost spreading on the ground when she glanced down at the commanding power of the goddess’s voice. Xibalba did as he was told.

Fifteen seconds passed before Maria looked up. La Muerte had turned around to face the younger woman. Maria gazed at her in confusion until it hit her. La Muerte had shrunk. She should be towering over Maria like Xibalba had but instead she was only a head taller. Her eyes that should be glowing bright were so dull that Maria could spy some blue in them.

La Muerte lifted a hand to help Maria on her feet but just as it started to rise it fell back down. The goddess glanced sadly but unsurprisingly at the tree before focusing on Maria. She could already see the bruise forming on the woman’s slim neck. La Muerte met Maria’s eyes and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Maria was alone.

#thewager #book of life #la muerte #maria posada #xibalba

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